Happiness Is....

*waking up refreshed and glowing after some romantic time with My Man followed by a good nights sleep..ahhh...



*the fact that after today Beren and I are on vacation! Whoo-hoo! Although we're not planning to go anywhere, I know that plans can change in a heartbeat around here and I might find myself packing up Bettie for a little road trip, who knows? (If Tabitha will give up my luggage, that is!) Either way, I'm looking forward to a 10 days of puttering around the Castle, frolicking in the pool and just generally relaxing with my family and friends.

*the sense of accomplishment having done a good day's work yesterday. I hate leaving unfinished business before vacation so I kicked a** yesterday to tie up some loose ends. I worked late, came home tired yet satisfied. Today will probably be another long one but well worth it for peace of mind while I'm away.



*booking a beautiful hotel room for Kali & Kevin's 1st Anniversary, I can't believe it's been a year since their wedding! They've had a lot of stress over the past 12 months, they deserve a night to themselves to unwind and just celebrate each other.



*Inspired by La Belette Rouge (love her blog!), I looked up one of my favorite musical movie moments and enjoyed it all over again. My dear friend who is a phenomenal opera singer in her own right (I must introduce you to her soon!) provided me with this link for further auditory pleasure as well as translation. Swoon...what better way to start my day than with beautiful music?

Have a Beauty-Full Day,

Madeleine Peyroux - I'm All Right

I rented Madeleine's latest cd, Half the Perfect World, from the library months ago..I loved it sooooo much, renewed it for as long as the library would allow and then when my overdue fines racked up higher than the cost of the cd, I bought it. *blush* Well worth it, believe me! It hasn't left my cd player ever since, perfect music to cook to, dance to, dream to....

Now Playing at the Castle: The Big Dogs

This is the band we went to see last night, the guitarist is an old friend of Beren's. They actually do have an album out and are quite popular in the local scene! The bar last night was packed with fans, we were barely able to get a table. You know how much I love live entertainment, and it's even more fun when we know someone in the band.

Now Playing at the Castle: Evanescence

My friend Aisling inspired me to listen to this band again; I always enjoy their music but have to be in the right mood. It appears that 4:30 on a Thursday morning is the perfect time. *grin* Lily used to really like Evanescence and had a huge poster on her wall; several of her friends commented that I looked like Amy Lee. Ha! I wish!

I really like this part of the lyrics to this song, Sweet Sacrifice:

"It's true, we're all a little insane
but its so clear
now that I'm unchained

fear is only in our minds
taking over all the time
fear is only in our minds but its taking over all the time"

Now Playing at the Castle: David Arkenstone

Jan at Rosemary Cottage has done it again! She recommended some more hauntingly beautiful music for me to enjoy, this time by David Arkenstone. I found this lovely video to go along with it because, well, LOTR is one of my favorite movies and also because who can get ever enough of Aragorn? *wink*

P.S. Jan, do you have a blog yourself? If not, please drop me an e-mail, I'd love to chat some more!

Now Playing at the Castle: Blackmore's Night

Jan at Rosemary Cottage recommended this group and I am eternally grateful! She certainly knows my taste, I love this type of music. I've added their cds to my Amazon list and am hoping that I'll find one wrapped in birthday paper this coming August.

Now Playing at the Castle: Sandrine Kiberlain

My wonderful Mom surprised me with an early birthday gift from my Amazon wish list, a cd I've been coveting: Putumayo Presents: Women of the World - Acoustic. I love the Putamayo compilations and this one does not disappoint! I listened to the cd for the first time yesterday in the car, it made errand day much more pleasant! I think it would be perfect cooking music as well.

The first track called M'envoyer Des Fleurs by Sandrine Kiberlain is especially enjoyable. I couldn't find that particular song on YouTube but did locate another one called Y'a du monde. I don't speak French so I have no idea what she's saying, but it sounds beautiful! Grace, can you help translate? *smile*

Now Playing at the Castle: Nickelback

Last night Beren and I were talking about my newfound love of Nickelback (I know, they've been around forever but I'm kinda slow about such things) and how I adore his voice. I am such a sucker for a deep, grainy, growly voice..the lead singers Creed, Pearl Jam, etc. they all sound like that and they all get to me. I told Beren that I don't even know what Chad Kroeger looks like, and I don't care, all he has to do is sing to me, Beren does a very good job with all the rest.

Now Playing at the Castle

Thanks to the Daily Om Music, I am discovering some really great new-to-me artists. Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes is my latest "find," to the joy of Lily whose been listening to him forever, thinks he is absolutely "beautiful" and "her perfect boy." *grin* Looking at this picture and listening to his amazing voice, I have to agree!

Now Playing at the Castle: Elizabeth Cook

I just saw this video on tv and am loving it! I can't wait to buy this gal's album, she's awesome! Great lyrics, it sure does "take balls to be a woman!"

Now Playing at the Castle: R. Carlos Nakai

I've been listening to Carlos Nakai for years now, since the 90's when "nature music" was so popular. He simply mesmerizes me with his flute, find it both haunting and uplifting at the same time. Continuing my focus on Native American spirituality, I found this video to be particularly inspiring.

Now Playing at the Castle: Mediaeval Baebes

I just love the Baebes, had the good fortune to meet them in person at the Ren Fest a few years ago. Their music is both haunting and soothing to me, I find myself drifting away to another place, completely lost in the beauty of their voices. I had misplaced my autographed copy of their cd, was thrilled to discover it in my entertainment center the other day. Cleaning the castle pays off sometimes!

This song is called Temptasyon and is from their latest album, Mirabilis.