Day 4 - 90 -- Ballet Impresario

The Google doodle for the day informed me that today was the 145th birthday of Diaghilev. This man,  trained in pre-Bolshevik Russia, coordinated art shows and music extravaganzas before moving to Paris. There he became integral to the local arts scene. He began the Ballets Russes to bring Russian trained dancers, choreographers, and composers to the French people. His connections saw sets designed by Matisse and Cocteau and costumes designed by Picasso. While many ballet artists were trained in the Russian tradition, they moved into a more modernist format with Diaghilev. Pavlova and Nijinsky danced with choreography being done by many including Balanchine (Georgi Melantonovitch Balenchevadze), to the music of Igor Stravinsky. The Ballets Russes were a proving ground for many famous folk during its 20 year existence (1909-1929).

I learned to love ballet through many of the traditional Russian productions. Some of the early modern dances were introduced to me later in life, but made an impact. While not the same as many Russian fairy tale ballets in terms of story telling, many were based on aspects of the tales. The one I chose to share tonight is from a full length ballet. It is the finale -- a short piece. The video contains photos of stage productions and interesting phoenix artwork. Enjoy!

Firebird Finale -- Stravinsky 

Day 4 - 89 -- Messy Weather Day

No snow day declared for today on campus -- a good thing. The walk into the office was through falling snow with about 4-6 inches down in the yard that required a bit of wading to break trail to Main Street. It was quiet as many businesses were closed and few people were out walking. Parts of campus hadn't been cleared well, but there was enough done that let me get where I needed to be without a lot of deeper snow. All three classes were held and Student Research Day was buzzing with excitement as all students shared their experiences from the past year with the campus community. Each year I'm amazed at the caliber of research completed by undergraduate students. Many functioned at a grad student level. This year we had over 100 presentations as posters or oral papers -- a record turnout despite the weather.

Throughout the day, the wind steadily increased. On the walk home, most of which faces north, I was walking directly into the wind. It was strong. I felt a bit like a mime at times when the wind did it's best to stay my progress often assisted by the snow it had drifted across my path. The wind did manage to push me around a bit on the sidewalk, an activity that made it difficult for people behind me to be able to pass. The worst part of the walk home involved the wind driven ice pellets that stung when encountering any exposed facial skin. I did stop to pull up my scarf a bit to cover my cheeks. This was like Nature's facial dermabrasion or peel -- it felt as if several layers were being removed as I walked. I'll let you know if younger brighter skin appears suddenly in the night <smile>. The wind continues to howl into the night with gusts rattling windows. The total amount of snow is enough to make shoveling difficult as it is wet and heavy, but it seemed to be less that some forecasts noted. I left most of the removal for tomorrow, just clearing the porch and stairs and the small sidewalk in front of the house.

When I was stopped in my tracks several times or buffeted around like a leaf or small branch, one line went through my head. I share that song here, though it has been used in the past on this blog. There didn't seem to be a better lyric to fit today. Enjoy!

Against the Wind -- Bob Seger

Day 4 - 88 -- It's Falling Again

Well it has begun. Snow actually began just after lunch with sporadic waves of heavy and light snow. While the temperature hovered around 0 to +1C the accumulation was minimal. In fact, much of it melted as it hit the warmer ground, particularly the muddy patches, sidewalks and roads. Standing at the stoplight on the way home, I realized that the snow was falling at about a 45 degree angle, though there was only a very light breeze present -- not enough for the flag at that corner to fully unfurl. Watching it I thought again of a local saying, "small snow, big snow" and the corollary "big snow, small snow." I'll admit it took me some time to get the hang of this expression. In short, if the snow consists of fine flakes, the likelihood of major accumulation is strong. If it falls as large fluffy flakes, less is likely to pile up.  Again, thinking through this as I watched the teeny, tiny flakes fall and melt, I hoped for the best. At one point this evening, I thought it had stopped again, but it was so fine, it was difficult to see. When close to freezing, the snow was wet. Just now we have about 5 cm accumulated on the porch and ground, as the temp has dipped just below freezing.

Keeping all this in mind and practicing the art of positive thinking, I'm hoping for less accumulation by morning or through the day tomorrow. It was difficult to keep myself from wandering off into Panicville when realizing how much we need to have classes tomorrow and that the day was the annual day for students from across campus to present their research projects. It is a BIG deal and one unique to our smaller campus. Given that we are only one week and 2 days out from the end of term, finding an alternate date may be tricky -- not impossible, but tricky. They have all worked so hard for this day and really enjoy the less formal presentation with posters and brief verbal presentations. So -- I am doing my best to remain positive.

Upon seeing the first flakes falling, I said something akin to the title of today's selection. I did find this version to be very relaxing with two wonderful voices. The bluesy nature of the arrangement and the lyrics do reflect the need for a relationship to just end instead of torturing souls. I feel that way with the big storms. Small snow accumulations would be find, but big disruptive storms need to stop before we all go starkers. <smile>  Enjoy!

Here We Go Again -- Ray Charles & Nora Jones

Day 4 - 87 -- Not Unfamiliar or Atypical

Today was another busy day -- working to fit all topics into the ever-shrinking time to term end. I had some time today to chat with colleagues, which doesn't fit on other days, particularly at lunch time. It is nice to catch up with people and see them outside of their offices around a lunch table or away from our desks. It seems particularly necessary to check in during the final days of term when we all seem to have moments of being on the edge.

As I left the office tonight a friend told me of the coming precipitation. I had been prepared for this with the morning forecast telling us it was on the way. By supper time, the amount of expected precip had been increased. I found myself wishing that the computer models will be off on this one. From tonight to Thursday, 36 hours or so, forecasters now tell us to expect 20-30+ cm (8-12+ inches) of snow. I was fine with lesser amounts over three days, amounts that would be easily moved around and out of the way. All of it coming in quick succession becomes much more difficult to deal with  -- physically and psychologically. I had hoped that last week was the last time I'd have to call for a plow before next January. Also, after revising lectures for the third time in two weeks, I know that any further loss of teaching time due to snow closures would mean having to totally omit one entire topic area. So -- throwing the wish out into the universe that the storm will wobble and miss us this one time this season.

Walking home and pondering the impending weather brought two thoughts. First, I'm beginning to feel like one of the three weird sisters -- you know, 'by the pricking of my thumbs.' Second, I noted that this happens in this area often -- big spring storms. Due to Facebook's desire to remind me of what I posted on this date in past years, I know I've posted about big early spring  storms for the past 3 years. Next I heard myself saying something that I recognized as a song lyric when the singer's voice echoed my words. So -- I share that song here today. Enjoy!

It's Not Unusual -- Tom Jones

Day 4 - 86 -- Fighting Time

Well, I've finally come to the realization that covering the full lifecyle in five 50-minute lectures might not be fully realistic <smile>. I will need to cut back far more than I'd hoped for the one course. The other two should be OK -- one almost to the moment but it will all fit in and the other should have time for an extra lecture on an enrichment topic that I've mentioned several times throughout the term. That one course with less than I'd hope to deliver, though, is causing great angst. Due to weather, we've missed 4 lectures this term -- at 3 per week this is 1.3 weeks of 13 missed. The task is impossible to do with this lessened time. Otherwise, I believe it would have all fit.

Putting pressures on ourselves to pull a rabbit out of hat with no hat available seems silly. We want to do something to the best of our abilities and plans, but even when faced with the reality of external forces, it is difficult to let go of 'the plan.' I feel I'm disappointing or worse, short-changing the class. There are many of us on campus with this same dilemma, yet for some reason I take this personally. With some time -- which won't happen until classes end -- I'll have to sit and unpack that last sentence and all the emotions therein.

For now, I will share a folk-rock tune about needing time among other things. Enjoy!

Give me Time -- Dawes

Day 4 - 85 -- Lighten Up

Yesterday was filled with blue sky and bright sunshine. I worked on grading most of the day. My one outing was a walk to get milk. Even with sunglasses, it was very bright. I really needed to wear my ball cap to see well, but the temperature was cool, so I wanted warm ears more.  At the store, I commented to the cashier how lovely the sun was today. Her response was the she was stuck inside. I noted that she was by the windows and could see it all day. The fellow in line behind me then chimed in to say how cold it was. I still can't get past the mentality that sunny days means summer temperatures in the minds of many locals. Being from the prairies, sunny days are wonderful, though the high pressure systems of winter often mean extremely cold temperatures -- minus 30 or colder. I loved those days! The sun lifted my mood.

Yesterday I felt 'up' because of the sunshine. The temperature only meant that I needed to wear mitts and cover my ears. When others saw even that perfect sunshine to be imperfect, I felt my mood fall. Not because of the cold, but because these two people couldn't see the glory that was the day. It reminded me of a song lyric, "It's not having what you want, It's wanting what you've got."  I find it odd that people, including me, seem to have days or moments when the wonders around us seem unable to get through our heavy cloak of gloom. I know that I miss things for lack of looking, but when someone points out a positive, is it necessary to bring down everyone around us? Learning to recognize our own self-absorbed states might help, just not sure where to begin on that one <smile>.

The selection shared today contained the above lyric. I smiled with the title, as it seemed to really fit the day yesterday. Love the line -- Lighten up. <smile> and I love this acoustic version. Enjoy!

Soak Up the Sun -- Sheryl Crow

Day 4 - 84 -- Evening at the Theatre

Being Saturday, I spent time with the laundry and a pile of grading. <smile>. The highlight of the day was a visit to the theater this evening. A group of local talent mounted a production of Jesus Christ Superstar. I've known the libretto by heart since the early years of this musical, so seeing another production was exciting.

The evening began with the announcement that due to illness, the role of Judas would be played by the director, a woman. There was an audible gasp in the audience when this was  announced. She did an amazing job with the role. Staging was contemporary, so the crowd scenes had people taking selfies and filming the police brutality with their cell phones, and protesting with signs from the recent women's marches. The Pharisees were played by two women, in suits as were Caiaphas and Annas -- black suits with red ties. At the arrest, Jesus was interviewed by people with cell phones.  When taken before Pilate (also in dark suit and red tie),  Jesus was dressed in an orange jumpsuit. Herod was also played by a young woman, to great effect with choreography.  Local musicians played in the orchestra and many children, teens and adults sang and danced in the ensemble. The overall effect was mesmerizing and emotional.

Living in a small town, I always seem surprised that so many talented folks abound. I'm not sure why I'm surprised, but there seem to be more than expected per capita <smile>.  The song for today is from this musical, but from a Broadway production.

Jesus Christ Superstar - Superstar -- Broadway cast (2012 Tony Awards show)

Day 4 - 83 -- Taken by World Weariness

Guess what! The sun shone on and off for the whole day. Some of the walkway turned to slush which was a bit more difficult to move -- only about 2 inches or so down from last night. We are to get a small bit of snow overnight into tomorrow, but it won't be enough to make things messy. Work went well, but not as much finished as planned since things took longer to do -- and do well. So, grading moves to tomorrow between laundry loads <smile>.

After work, I headed to the pub to meet some friends for a beverage and a quick supper. The place was busy as is usual on Fridays. A nationally known band from the area was doing soundchecks for their sets tonight as part of a local fundraiser. The drums were hard to listen to and still carry on a conversation or even maintain a clear thought. We managed between checks to chat about many things. People looked weary, though. I'm hoping the weekend will help us all recenter and gather our wits to deal with the final two weeks of term.

The concept of ennui seems suited to what I'm feeling and what others appear to be experiencing. Whether this is the winter ennui -- the winter blahs -- or if it has to do with the pace of work at present or even a combination is unclear. The feeling, though, is very clear. Weary of the process and world around us. Lyrics from the song chosen for today outline the feelings of being ready for something different than the usual routine, no matter how much one enjoys parts of it, it can get old. It calls out for a break of some sort -- just like me and this weekend <smile>. Enjoy!

Ennui on the Mountain -- Hall and Oates

Day 4 - 82 -- More Snow!

An early call this morning from the campus emergency system noted a delayed start would occur at noon. I had two classes that should have occurred before then. I waited a bit and when things appeared to be slowing, I headed out to shovel. With lower temperatures, 6-8 inches of fluffy, light snow had fallen. Spring must be close as the ground did not freeze overnight. Shoveling was a challenge as the shovel kept catching in the mud under it all. When I returned to the house, a voice message was waiting to say the campus would remain closed until tomorrow morning due to continued snow and blowing snow causing white out conditions. The street plow and sidewalk plow did not go by until mid-afternoon, when the sun shone between clouds.

To be truthful, I have no desire to move the snow thrown up by the plows. Instead, I called my plow operator and asked him to clear out the stuff left behind when he had a moment. There isn't oodles. I could do this in an hour, but the desire has left me entirely. I am so over this big snow. Spring does have snow, but smaller amounts in a single day would be more manageable. I expect much of this will melt when the sun shines over the next few days -- shining between the other snow clouds. Temperatures are to be below normal and below freezing for the next week or so -- interesting when Ontario is expecting double digit highs -- not sure where that air mass is headed.

One song was in my mind throughout the day. It has appeared in this blog before, but it was a long time ago. My only change to the lyrics would be the month in the final stanza should be changed. <smile> Enjoy!

I Hate the Friggin' Snow -- G. Salvia

Day 4 - 81 -- Yet Another Storm

Sun began the day, but temperatures increased only after the clouds began to return. I managed to get out for groceries before the precipitation began this evening. A few raindrops fell as I returned home in late afternoon. This turned to snowflakes for a short while and then nothing. Something wicked is headed this way into the overnight and tomorrow. Forecasters call it a blizzard. Temperatures will drop so all the mud and slush will freeze solid and new snow will fall on top of the icy base. A major wind will create reduced visibility with blowing snow. After the storm, a couple of sunny days are expected.

Waiting for the storm to begin brings a degree of tension -- something that is already present in large amounts. Should there be another snow day, plans will have to be reworked again for the remaining lectures. Not an impossible task, but one that has been done a few times already. The repetition of it all has made people world and weather weary. At work today, I spoke with a number of people -- students, staff and faculty -- each of whom felt a bit overwhelmed at the enormity of work remaining to be done in 12 days, which very well could be 11 days. A few days after this time period, final exams begin bringing with them many pounds of paper to read and respond to as well as to read and grade. The need for something healing and cathartic is palpable. Whether the weather will do this for us all or only create further stresses remains to be seen. 

The song for today carries with it, melodically and lyrically, many of these feelings. The repetitive melody lines bring a feeling of deja vu as well as act as an expression of tension. Yet, this song manages to produce a degree of calm, or maybe it is just resignation. Either way, it works. The singer's voice accentuates the ups and downs of dealing with storms -- both literal and metaphorical. Enjoy! 

The Blizzard -- Judy Collins

Day 4 - 80 -- Freezing Rain

The morning brought freezing rain that coated everything. My first class wasn't early, so by the time I walked into the office, the Town and campus had gotten to the salting and sanding of walkways. The sun came out by mid-afternoon, but the northerly wind made things feel much colder that the +1 to -1 C that we experienced. It seems that the forecast is now stating that blizzard conditions will arrive overnight tomorrow and into Thursday. I hope the snowfall amounts don't get very large. I can't manage another lost day of lectures -- well, me and all the others teaching on campus <smile>. I also fervently hope that I can drive tomorrow so a major grocery run can be done before the snow falls again. Weather like this can create difficulties for little me, but there are so many people that drive into town for school or work from just outside of town to an hour or more away. Yucky weather and road conditions impede their ability to work or learn as well as put them in harms way when heading in to deal with their responsibilities. I worry about them.

It is clear that any new snow or ice will not last long, though. The sun is warmer from the tilting of the earth. Even when air temperatures are below freezing (and feel much colder from the winds), the sun shrinks snow piles and ice coverings. The soil is warming, too. Spring flowers like periwinkle, snowdrops and crocus will soon be visible. I expect to see green shoots under the latest snow pack. It is time and the plants are ready to burst forth given the chance.

The lyrics in the song shared today include seasonal changes and particular precipitation forms. Enjoy!

Come Tomorrow -- Townes Van Zandt

Day 4 - 79 -- The Transition Begins

Spring officially arrived this morning just when the snow seemed to change to misty rain. I shoveled for an hour to move the 6-8 inches of snow to form a walkway to the street and clear off the porches and stairs. The day remained gray until after 5 PM when the sun came out for a short while before setting. By then I was pushing back and removing the last piles of snow from behind the car once a kind soul with a truck and plow blade did the heavy lifting for me. This morning the sidewalk and street plows had left piles above my knees filled with chunks of ice. I'd decided it would be way to heavy to move it myself so had left it behind me.

The campus had a delayed start today, opening at noon. One of my three classes was at noon and seminar was after that, so half of the class gatherings were able to occur. The other two courses are short yet another day. When there are only 9 lectures left every minute counts. For the two this morning, one will work reasonably, while the other will be difficult to hit on all the points planned and expected. There will need to be some judicious editing of content given that 3 lectures --a full week of content time -- have been missed due to weather closings. It is like dancing a tightrope at this point in the term. Even without missing lecture days, material doesn't always fit the time as planned. Very intricate steps are involved to massage things into the remaining time. I have refused to be 'that' professor who notes that time won't allow lectures on a chapter or topic, but then tells students that they are responsible for the material for the final exam -- leaving them with readings to teach themselves -- just not where I feel anyone should go with a course. So - I try to choose the key points from that chapter and spend at least part of a lecture on it. All I can say is that for this one course that will be very challenging <smile>.

Feeling a bit anxious about the disappearing time, I felt a soothing song was in order today. This one is a wonderful instrumental with an acoustic guitar. It is one of the 'close your eyes and relax' songs sometimes featured here. Enjoy!

Late Winter Early Spring -- John Denver

Day 4 - 78 -- Time Flying By

Last evening involved a delightful dinner and program for the annual year end banquet with students and faculty. A former graduate, now a PhD candidate was the guest speaker. Several presentations and words of wisdom dominated, with everything either touching the heart or bringing a great laugh or both.

I've written about time before. Where does it go as it speeds along? It seems like we were just doing this banquet but it has been a full year since that evening. It can be difficult to believe how much time has passed when there are many times when it seems everything is staying the same day after day, but going so slowly. Other days seem to be over before the planned activities are finished or have only just begun. We say time passes or rushes along, so there must be a place where it all goes -- some black hole filled with time. Maybe this is a question for Dr. Hawking. It seems clear that we certainly can't access that time once it has passed by us, but we can try to look it in the eye more often as it moves around, over and through us. Live in the moment -- being more mindful of the world and time around us. That isn't always easy. Staring this latest winter storm in the face without feeling grumpy about seeing it moving through will take some doing. <smile>

A song lyric that speaks to this concept of fast-moving time is shared here today. Listen to the words of wisdom and try to find a way to begin to put them into practice. Enjoy!

Don't Blink -- Kenny Chesney

Day 4 - 77 -- A Loss for the Music World

Tonight I heard the news of the death of Chuck Berry at the age of 90. It is a sad loss for music. This man wrote many of the early rock and roll standards, often with a bit of rockabilly twang. He had several hits, though only one #1 for his last chart hit, My ding-a-ling. While not his greatest work, in my estimation, it did manage to catch the ear of many people at the time. Many of his songs were covered by other individuals and bands in the early rock era. This proved the worth of his songwriting abilities.

While he struggled in other aspects of his life, his music always brought adulation. He performed at the White House and with countless rock and roll revues over the later years. His works resonated with people and spoke to them of the trials of teenage life along with the sheer joy of music and dance. We all know the words to several of his songs. They just stay with you. His music influenced the development of early rock and roll, setting the structural and technical base from which this new genre exploded.

Today I am sharing three of Berry's songwriting gems. The first was recorded by Berry in 1955 and became his first song to hit the charts -- his first hit, though it didn't make it to number one. The video highlights his showmanship and the famous duckwalk (though not picked up well by early television cameras). The second and third songs shared are covers of Berry songs by early rock groups that we may recognize. Enjoy!

Maybellene -- Chuck Barry

Roll over Beethoven -- The Beatles




Rock and Roll Music -- The Beach Boys

Day 4 - 76 -- Family Histories

Today began and ended with an hour or so of sun with blue sky and white clouds. The majority of the day was overcast and greyish. Being indoors much of the day, this didn't really have a major impact on me. Seminar and meetings occurred in windowless rooms, so the greyness couldn't be seen. A few people wore subdued green today, St. Patrick's Day. I chose a Rider green neck warmer when outside in the cooler air -- something I generally wear when shoveling snow, but wore into work today. The work day saw wonderful student presentations and a productive group meeting. Several smaller tasks from the pile on my desk were completed, still leaving a couple of larger ones to be done over the weekend -- grading and writing for looming deadlines.

Being of largely Irish descent, for me this annual celebration day has been rather low key. It is a time to reflect on the ancestors who chose to emigrate to Canada, where one branch of the family has remained since the 1840s.  One brother and a widowed sister-in-law landed in Canada, while two older brothers entered the United States. Just over 20 years later, there were family members on both sides of the war between the States. We've found streets, buildings and towns named for ancestors and even found mention of a horse thief in the early Dakotas. In Canada, the family moved westward during those first few decades, with my direct branch settling in Saskatchewan and then spreading across Canada and into the US midwest and Pacific northwest. Family histories are intriguing. Often the many stories become partially lost as parts are altered or embellished with time. There is a lot to be said for oral histories or simple written family stories. It is a major undertaking, though, so isn't done as often as if could -- or maybe should -- be. I've had good intentions, but things seem not to materialize as I'd hoped. Of course, even if I were to get my part moving, it would require much time from others, which can be an imposition. It is something that I continue to ponder how best to approach. I have many ideas, just a shortage of time at present. This is on the larger long term 'to do' list <smile>

A friend shared a short video today with music for St. Patrick's Day. It seems to play on the theme "everybody is Irish on this day" -- albeit with a very humorous outcome. Enjoy!

Danny Boy -- The Muppets

Day 4 - 75 -- Parsing Questions

Have you ever heard a question that made you say, 'what'?!? I've always maintained that there are no silly questions. If you need to know, you need to ask. Be brave and go for it. Now, this might include some common sense. If the question includes the answer as the person talks or types through it, then it might not need to be asked -- at least not in the way it is phrased on the first attempt. Is the answer somewhere accessible to the questioner, or is the questioner asking simply to avoid the work of finding the answer on their own?

Questions may ask for information that is highly personal and may be intrusive. Is it base curiosity or does this bit of information really need to be extracted? Is there a power imbalance in play that makes it difficult to ask a question of or to truthfully answer from someone with greater power? We like to think that we treat people equally, but it may be that our questions are coming from a place of privilege that might not recognize the divide that actually exists.

Questions come in all sizes and types. I have felt that some might be almost silly, but it could be a miscommunication. This made me think of songs that posed questions and I found one that is truly a silly question. Enjoy!

Who Put the Bomp -- Barry Mann

Day 4 - 74 -- Revelry

Today brought a number of noteworthy times. Firstly, it is the Ides of March -- not a great day for Caesar historically. Though it is a day to 'beware'. The nor'easter that blew through this part of the continent last night, left less snow than feared as it turned to rain overnight. When I walked into work, there were great patches that looked like ice but were 2-3 inch deep slush. That had all melted when I came home this evening since it was above freezing and there had been some great, though intermittent, sunshine in the afternoon. I just had to shovel the chunks of snow left by the sidewalk plow early this morning -- they were pointy, one-foot chunks that would freeze as the temperature drops tonight. That shoveling episode lasted about 7 or 8 minutes <smile>. A bit more snow-rain mix is expected tonight -- an inch or two. Then another nor'easter is poised to arrive on the weekend. Soon, this will stop and I'll be complaining of heat and humidity <grin>.

Today is Dietitians' Day. There were snacks of fresh fruit before our department seminar this afternoon. The day falls in the middle of March, which is the middle of Nutrition Month. The theme for this month this year is "Stop the food fight" -- focusing on the need to make peace with food and learn to enjoy it again -- without feeling guilty, the need to deal with family interactions around meal times to make them less confrontational, and how we can manage food-related chronic disease or allergies and intolerances. It seems a positive approach to eating for health, satisfaction and enjoyment.

Today is also the day we celebrate the birthday of my furry companion, who is six this year. Time does go by quickly. I have a cupcake to eat with my chai this evening and he received a new toy and some extra attention and brushing. I hope there was some sun to sit in during the day.

Only one song seemed to fit the revelry of the day.  It says exactly what I have been thinking. Enjoy!

Celebrate -- Kool and the Gang

Day 4 - 73 -- Hoping

The day began much too early. I finally fell asleep at midnight and awoke at 3 AM. No matter what I tried, I did not fall back to sleep until just when the alarm was set to ring. With the grand total of 3 hours of sleep, the day was filled with brain freezes - especially when trying to lecture in two classes. I can hope that I will sleep well tonight and that further lectures don't appear to be coming from someone who hadn't prepared or knew nothing on the topic under discussion.

On the weather front, I've felt like one of the witches in 'The Scottish Play' ready to cackle "by the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes."  Meteorological insiders have been raising concerns over the next storm headed this way -- another large nor'easter expected to drop considerable piles of snow for some areas and snow and rain for other areas. Numbers and type of precipitation have been changing throughout the day today, mainly dialing back the larger numbers. Until it hits overnight, it will remain a mystery. Tomorrow should also bring warmer temperatures and sunshine, which should take care of whatever it is that falls from the sky. Again, I found myself hoping that we are left with a smaller manageable snowfall.

Thinking of songs that address the idea of wishing for something to occur led me to the selection of the day. It is one I knew as a child, though the overall message is not one that I would advocate, it does have a light feel (and you may find the hair styles a point of interest <smile>). Enjoy!

Wishin' and Hopin' -- Dusty Springfield

Day 4 - 72 -- Running Late

When the alarm went off this morning, I swear the furry one just opened one eye and gave me the look -- "are you nuts?"  I didn't feel like it was time to get up either. My head said it was too early but the clock clearly indicated that it was not. Everything took longer to do -- I felt in a bit of a fog and not able to manage the usual morning routine with any degree of efficiently. That brain fog followed me around the rest of the day accompanied by its good friend inefficiency. I should have stayed in bed. <smile>  Lectures were mediocre at best and meetings were all over the place when 'unfocused'  paid a visit by late afternoon. I ran from one event to the next and the next -- always just squeaking in on time -- even when I felt I was rushing. My goal is to get some reasonable rest. We'll see if it happens tonight or not.

A song brought a smile to me today -- when I needed one. The lyrics describe the nightmarish situation of being late. Enjoy!

I missed the bus -- Kris Kross

Day 4 - 71 -- Losing Time

Today is that annual 23 hour day -- well in most parts of the country. Only those with sense have chosen to avoid this refined form of torture. Even though time changes at 2  AM on a Sunday, I seemed to sleep restlessly and woke very early for a Sunday morning. The weekend should allow for a bit of a lie in, but that didn't work today.

The day was bright and sunny, though it was a crisp prairie type of cold. I spent about 45 minutes pushing the snow that fell in the early morning hours on Saturday. It was warmer today than yesterday, so easier to manage the work. Once that was finished, I spent the rest of the day indoors marking papers from the 4th year course. These are learning reflections that are always interesting to read. I also did some work to prepare for a makeup midterm exam for this week. Several other organizational tasks were struck off the infamous 'to do' list, as well. I plan to get to bed early and hope that helps with the early rising tomorrow -- the brain will not see what the clock says as really 6:15, but rather 5:15. I expect to have a lesser turnout to the 8:15 class, but I'd love to be proven incorrect <smile>. All in all today was not a bad day. Just short. 

The song I've chosen for today addresses the concept of less time available. The version I've chosen is a cover of the original from The Police. It does have the lyrics in the comment section, which might help a bit if not familiar with this one. In all versions the music overshadows the vocals. Enjoy! 

No Time This Time -- Anthrax

Day 4 - 70 -- Cold Day

While it has been below freezing for a few days, last night it got very cold. The big wind made for major windchills then as it will again tonight. Some snow fell overnight -- just a couple of inches. I chose to leave them until tomorrow, when both the ambient air temperature and the 'feel like' temperature would be more bearable. It won't take long to push the bit of snow off the walkway, porches and stairs. I'll likely remove what is on the car then, too. All of this work will make the early start on Monday easier to navigate -- especially after the loss of an hour tonight due to the time change.

Indoors today, weekly housework and laundry were done. Most of the day was filled with grading 138 exams and calculating and recording the grades -- a great many hours to do those processes. Even when I felt it was done, the calculation and recording steps took a couple more hours. There is more grading waiting for me tomorrow along with other household chores, but this one large piece is now completed. The many other items on the 'to do' list will take smaller bits of time to finish, though there are many there -- likely more than will fit in one day. I'll wade through as many as possible.

Reflecting on the moments of the day and the weather brought a song lyric to mind. While not actually referencing cold, it does fit with the reflective component of the day. Enjoy!

Freeze Frame -- J. Geils Band

Day 4 - 69 -- Slippery Rocks

Friday has been busy and the day marking a very long and full week. The highlight of the day was an annual lecture that we hold in honour of an amazing member of our profession. A young woman who knew the honouree was chosen to speak this year. I enjoyed the talk as she spoke to her career and the need to follow your passion. Many words of wisdom were shared, though she hesitated to call them such as she didn't feel old enough. My response is that wisdom isn't always just something that comes with being older in years, but seeing the world from a mature place. The lecture ended with her noting that there are many stepping stones we can use to move us towards our dreams.

Hearing the statement about stepping stones, made me think of the metaphor as used by Denny Doherty (from the Mamas and Papas). In his autobiographical one-man stage play, he spoke of moving through life as crossing a stream or river -- looking for the rocks that will help you walk across. He noted that the next step often turned out to be a slippery rock -- one that took a lot of effort to keep oneself upright and not fall in the drink. Others were dry safe rocks. When a choice appeared, sometimes the slippery rock would get you there faster, but with greater effort. It is something like Frost's "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I chose the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Now, we don't always know if the bother of a less traveled road or a slippery rock will be worth it, but in hindsight it often has been. Perhaps that is the faith aspect of following a dream.

A couple of songs entered my head when thinking through this metaphor. I chose one that made me giggle when I first heard it in my head today. The version shared here is from the first group to record this song in 1966, thought it is third group to record that often comes to mind first. Enjoy!

(I'm not your) Steppin' Stone -- Paul Revere and the Raiders

Day 4 - 68 -- Juxtaposed Celebrations

Yesterday was International Women's Day with the theme Be Bold for Change. Businesses around town and on campus had free coffee for women yesterday -- a nice gesture, but it seemed odd to me. It was recognition, but with a heavy overtone of marketing when I read through the notice. It might be that I am a bit sensitized to the subtleties (and less subtle aspects) of marketing, branding and advertising. It is a major part of my research interest after all <smile>.  This international day can be a focal point for the ongoing advocacy needed for equity between sexes, so I'm certainly not advocating for ignoring the day. Maybe I'm just feeling jaded due to all the fatigue of late. There definitely is room for more commitment to pay equity, reduction of gendered violence, and many other aspects of societal inequities. I've brought this up in classes when discussing equity to discover that many young people feel that the inequities were 'fixed' decades ago. Learning the facts about salary, violence, and poverty discrepancies between sexes surprises them. They understand that not all countries are as privileged as our own, but are genuinely surprised to learn of the situation in their own backyards. So this annual day to emphasize the differences that still exist and celebrate the changes that have occurred really does make sense to me.

Waking today to hear that it was the 58th anniversary of the introduction of the Barbie doll brought a major sigh. I was struck by the irony of the two days -- International Women's Day and Barbie's birthday -- falling one day after the other. Yes, I did have a related type doll as a young child, yet my dislike springs from the problematic nature of what the toy represents to the status of women. Whether the dolls come in different body types or career costumes, the underlying message is still somewhat demeaning to females and males. Expectations of women's roles in real life are limited by the nature of this and similar toys. Psychological research has shown a strong link with negative body image of girls, teens and women. The roles of women are not broadened in the minds of those playing with such toys.

The farcical aspects of the global toy birthday today made me think of a song. <smile>  This version is different from the one we may know better. It has a hint of farce along with superiority and condescension -- all attitudes encountered with the themes of celebrations yesterday and today. Enjoy!

Barbara Ann -- The Who

Day 4 - 67 -- Full Day

Another very full day behind me. Everyone on campus has that fatigued look. I find it takes twice as long as it should to do most tasks. All through the day, I've felt like I could just lay down and fall asleep. When leading group discussions or providing a coherent lecture, this fatigue is not a friend. I fought it all the way all day.

I headed home for an early supper -- as in not 8 PM <smile>. I had an online course to attend -- as a student -- at 7 PM. It was a bit late beginning due to technology problems at their end, so went a bit longer than usual. Then I had a shower, which often helps me relax. I think I was just as tightly wound after washing my hair. A friend from home had called, so I returned the call after 9 PM. We had a great chat -- so much fun to catch up on life events. It was then getting on to bedtime, so I made my chai and worked to relax. In so doing, I skipped the blog and the tribute to a birthday on the day.

My selections today are both sung by an amazing voice -- a voice that belongs to a man who celebrated his 72nd birthday yesterday. The first selection is from a recent album and the second is from one from about 50 years ago. Enjoy!

Diary -- Micky Dolenz

As We Go Along -- The Monkees

Day 4 - 66 -- Tears

Tears --such an interesting physiological response to so many things. Positive and negative emotions as well as physical irritations can trigger tear production. A cat hair caught under a contact lens. Very bright sunshine. Excessive laughing. The birth of a child. Choking on a morning cup of tea. Anger and frustration about plans going sideways. Physical pain. Losing or missing something or someone. Tears can be cathartic or add to frustrations. They are not easily controlled. Few people can cry on command and those that do generally think of a past experience to start the flow. Tears can sneak up on someone.There is rarely an announcement before tears begin. For many of us, seeing someone crying is enough to initiate the process in ourselves. I like to believe this has something to do with empathy or sympathy. Tears in others can make some people very uncomfortable. Intervening may bring a number of reactions from the crying individual, so they are often approached with caution.

Today I witnessed the tears of a brave individual who stuck with the situation causing her tears rather than running from it. Knowing it was going to cause some pain from memories, she chose to stay and face it. That was a remarkable action. She accepted that crying is a part of the process and focused on the task in front of her while wiping away tears. She just took it in stride. Amazing.

This brought the title of a song to mind. I find the lyrics, tempo and vocals relaxing and thought-provoking -- a bit of a juxtaposition. Enjoy!

Sometimes We Cry -- Van Morrison

Day 4 - 65 -- Angry Outbursts

Boy, has it been a Monday. I slept poorly with the wind noise and then the early morning plows. I was up just after 6 AM and found 1-2 inches of snow on the ground I'd shoveled yesterday. There wasn't enough time to move it this morning, so I left it for evening. It was light and fluffy and would take maybe 30 - 45 minutes to move it all from the paths made yesterday and then clear right behind the car. I did drive, though, since the end of the drive wasn't nearly as filled in by street and sidewalk plows as yesterday. I do have a 4WD with good ground clearance and today was a day to use this <smile>. I was tired all day. Monday is a day with three classes and other meetings. I got through it all, but was tired and not feeling fully coherent by the end of the afternoon. So, I headed home. I was hungry and thought I could move the snow as supper heated. When I arrived home the driveway had huge tire tracks heading all the way into the house. The fellow that has cleared my driveway after big snows, had driven over the snow and packed it solid as well as carved out a huge part of the upper bank that holds trees and the neighbours yard from sliding into my yard. I felt so angry, as I had not asked that he come to move what was only about 2 inches of snow. What he left on the pile of snow from the last big storm was not close to a full bucket. I tried to move the packed snow so it wouldn't turn to solid ice with the rain coming mid-week. I called the company and left a message to call me and then went for a walk to get some milk, take the garbage to the curb and shovel what I could around the house. That helped a bit. The company owner called and then came by to help with the shoveling -- something I did not expect, but found to be a wonderful gesture. We had a long talk about all sorts of things, as we often do. He was my gift today to help me get back on an even keel.

Anger can be damaging internally and if directed outward as it often is, it can be explosive and damaging to those around you. I've found it arriving out of nowhere recently. Very small items that should not create much frustration seem to become huge events to me. I'd like to understand where this emanates from and how to manage this. For now, I'm sitting with chai and a purring cat -- both are quite soothing. <smile>

One song came to mind that deals with anger from some injustice visited upon the songwriter. A few of the lines seem perfect for how I've felt for the past few days, just without the specific focal point that led to the lyrics. The melody and phrasing suit the anger found in the lyrics in the ebb and flow often experienced in such situations. Enjoy!

Not Ready to Make Nice -- Dixie Chicks

Day 4 - 64 -- Howling Winds

The night involved a return of the winds from yesterday, but with greater fury and far more snow. I shoveled out the snow that had fallen -- about 10 cm (4 inches) -- and how that drifted in the winds. It was light and fluffy snow, so very easy to move around. I spent over an hour doing the walkway to the street, clearing the end of the driveway from the sidewalk and street plows, and clearing off the car. I wanted to be ready to leave early tomorrow since I have first class at 8:15 AM. The wind became much louder in the gusts -- likely close to 40 km sustained and 80 km with a couple of the major gusts. Some loud noises outside but nothing visible through the windows in the dark to determine what hit the house. Will do a walk around tomorrow.

The wind reminded me of many things -- the feeling of being attacked, something untoward approaching, change encroaching. Vicious winds don't seem to sound or feel like they carry anything one might want. It is the calmer breezes that seem to bring delightful, happy things. Any change that is pushed upon a person, arriving with great force can't feel good. The sound of major wind is ominous. For winds that last for a day or even days, the noise and oppressiveness can lead to major mental distress. In short, big winds can blow people off course, literally and figuratively. A disturbance in the force, if you will <smile>.

I was reminded by a friend of a few lines from a song today. They fit the windy weather perfectly, particularly as we enter night two with the howling. The specific lines I refer to begin the second stanza. Interestingly, this song also speaks about doors, the topic of the blog yesterday. How about that <smile>. Enjoy!

The Long and Winding Road -- The Beatles

Day 4 - 63 -- Doorways

The day has had sun and some wind along with cold temperatures. It was a great day to stay indoors and do housework and some grading of assignments. These activities provided time to reflect. Dreams and thoughts of doorways have been present recently. These could represent unmade decisions. I am reminded of a photo I took years ago in a small village in rural China. It showed a series of doorways each leading to the next -- one I took thinking that it was a look into the past and the future. I must find that again. The plan had been to frame a print -- maybe now is that time.

Dreams have been odd and sometimes unsettling of late. There are some external forces in play that may be putting pressure on internal forces. Doors are interesting metaphors. Are they meant to shut out something, let something in, or let something go? Pondering this today made me realize I often take photos of doors and gates when traveling. I'm drawn to them. Often I've wondered what is on the other side -- how is the outside world different from the inside world? Sometimes the doors and walkways are just pretty.

A song from an album I listened to often years ago seemed to fit the reflection on dream imagery. The lyrics are poetic and just a bit disjointed. The singer uses some odd phrasing that  accentuates this feeling. The keyboards and the guitar solo make me smile. Enjoy!

You Can have Me Anytime -- Boz Scaggs

Day 4 - 62 -- Dancing Forward

With the wind last night came snow. The ground is again covered over in the areas where some melting had occurred last week. Now there isn't a lot of snow -- an inch at most today -- more is coming in 1-2 inch doses for a couple more days. The sun did come out this morning so even the cooler air temp and the leftover wind seemed a bit more bearable. It will be double digits below freezing tonight and that will be the high for tomorrow. With the wind it will feel much cooler. Again, sunshine is predicted for parts of the day.

It seems that the dance of spring is beginning. The transitional temperature fluctuations along with melted and frozen precipitation have begun. The sun is warmer than before and it rises and sets such that days are noticeably longer. The hope of spring seems to have awoken. I look forward to seeing the first spring bulbs bloom in a few weeks. Looking forward seems to be trying to take hold.

The changes taking place outside the window make me feel like dancing, so I found a song about just that. It is by a songwriting/performing duo. The lyrics, music and rhythms are delightful. The video begins with an explanation of the duo name and the song featured today. Enjoy!

Down -- Marian Hill

Day 4 - 61 -- Way too Busy

Today felt strange. It was Thursday and felt like a very long week, yet it also felt that it couldn't be Thursday yet. This week has been challenging with many tasks to deal with often with little time for a break. I didn't get to finish lunch any day this week and some days was eating at 3 PM or later. I've been tired when getting home and today was the worst for this. Sleep last night brought some strange and disquieting dreams, so  I'm not sure I had the best sleep. Tonight the wind is blowing loudly outside the windows, so I'm not sure if I'll sleep well tonight, either.

With the many requests directed my way since Monday, it is no wonder fatigue is part of the days. It sometimes feels like I'm being sucked into some crazy vortex and am being pulled down. Fighting to stay 'afloat' creates much mental fatigue which plays a roll in the physical tiredness.

The song for today came to mind when that drowning in  paper feeling took over today. The lyrics can be rather fun to listen too with the singer being able to get them out so quickly. One of my fave singers from childhood singing this one -- the lyrics are in the comment section, if needed. Enjoy!

Goin' Down -- The Monkees (lead by Micky Dolenz)\

Day 4 - 60 -- Marking an Anniversary

Temperatures were above freezing, but the dampness and wind made it feel considerably cooler. Events of the work day left little time to breathe or finish lunch, but what was planned was completed -- two classes and a makeup exam and a meeting. The other bits will be taken on tomorrow in hopes that day won't be quite as hectic as today.

Today marks the one year anniversary of my mother's death. I still find myself adjusting to the hole that loss left. Other smaller losses have compounded the major loss, and I'm still working at managing those bits of life, too.

The song for today is one I've always found beautiful. It was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is part of his classical music oeuvre. The full translation of the lyrics escaped me for several years. Once I began working at a Catholic institution, I encountered the words at the baccalaureate masses and funeral masses that I have attended. I've chosen an older recording of this by a very young pair of singers whose voices were exquisite. Enjoy!

Pie Jesu -- Charlotte Church (at Brixton School performance)  by Andrew Lloyd Webber (from Requiem)