Lauryn Hill - Killing Me Softly

I'm about to kick it old school right here, right now.  Stand back, my Brooklyn is coming out...this song has been floating around me for the past couple of days.  I've been humming it everywhere I go. As much as I love Roberta Flack's version...Lauryn Hill's version shreds me up, tears me to pieces and makes my soul sing.  Anyway, enjoy a live performance by Lauryn Hill back in 1999. Peace~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Jack White - Love Interrupted

I know I've shared this video before but who can resist a Jack White song?  Not me, that's for sure. 

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

James Bay - Let It Go

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Kaleo - Way Down We Go

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

6:29 - 7:48 pm - Sunday night

I had a productive weekend.  Managed to pack a few more boxes. Worked on the second half of a chapter. Read two chapters of Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic. My sister Vick gave me a copy and it's tickling my funny bone. Glad my sister insisted I read it.

I've been purging those bits and pieces that have accumulated in my apartment. Letting go of odds and ends.  Especially those things that haven't seen the light of day since I moved in a year and a half ago. There are a few canvas paintings that have been rolled up and stashed away that I'd like to have stretched and framed. Just need to find a place that will do it cheaply but nicely. Someone mentioned Michael's to me ...may have to check it out and see if that's possible

The next task is to go thru the paper files and throw away all the excess. As a writer, paper and books are the things that accumulate the fastest for me. It'll be good to let go of old projects that have had their day in the sun. It's time, it's time to let go and just shred the lot (more or less).

Even now I think about my friend Tony and how during one of his purges he threw out all his journals/artists journals. He regretted that move for years. I just need to slow down and try not to throw things out in an impulsive way. * deep breath *  My plan is to pack 2 or 3 boxes every night to get it done. I was going to try to push through and break down another bookshelf but my energy is flagging and I have to be at work at 7 am tomorrow.  So instead, I thought a blog entry was in order while watching the Super Bowl...go Falcons!!

Last but certainly not least...Daily Show's Trevor Noah is making some serious commentary on Trump's nominations.  I just saw his take on Betsy DeVos Trump's pick for Secretary of Education:

I laughed, I couldn't help it but I was also really crying on the inside because this administration is going to take us all the way back to the Stone Age.  I am so glad there are a few smart souls who can ask the tough questions,  Elizabeth Warren at the DeVos Senate Hearing:

I'm scared to see what Trump is going to do next but it's also making me very aware that I need to dig in and do my creative work. No more excuses.

With love,
L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Alicia Keys - In Common

I heard Alicia Key's song, In Common, a couple of months ago and loved the flow of the music. Should have shared it back then but here it is now....enjoy.  

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2016 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Stone Cold - Demi Lovato

I gotta say this one snuck up on me.  It was making the rotations last year but tonight I really heard it. And now I kinda love it. 

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2016 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Jessie Ware - Say You Love Me

I know I'm late to the party on this artist but I can't stop listening to this song.

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2016 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Girl Crush - Halestorm (Little Big Town Cover)

Music is keeping me company tonight. I came across this cover of Girl Crush by Halestorm and who doesn't love a little rock growl in a country song.  I will admit I do love Little Big Town's understated version because it's heart-felt. But I like the pain Lzzy Hale emits in her version.  

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2016 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Take Me To Church - Sinead O'Connor

My friend T turned me onto this song and it brought tears to my eyes.  It's a fantastic song.  Enjoy!!  L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2015 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

James Bay - Hold Back the River

This is what happens when I find new music...I love his voice.  I'm sharing 3 music videos of James Bay.  I know I'm late to the party since this first video came out late last year...but better late than never. :-)  Enjoy, L~

Second one: If You Ever Want to be in Love.

Third one: Scars

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2015 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Girl Crush by Little Big Town

I gotta tell you, every once in a while I hear a country song that just really gets to me. The simplicity of the lyrics and the bluesy feel really touches me.  I found a live version of Girl Crush by Little Big Town.  Enjoy, L~  

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2015 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Charlotte OC - Colour My Heart

I heard this song for the first time tonight and it stopped me in my tracks to listen to it closer.  The beginning of the song reminded me of early Kate Bush.  This singer Charlotte OC has a wicked voice and who doesn't love a singer with emotional range.  Music seems to have calmed the savage beast within. Enjoy, L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2015 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Kodaline - All I Want

I heard this song for the first time tonight and loved it instantly. February has always been such a difficult month for me. Remnants of my past color my vision leaving me unable to move from the memories. This song just captures the emotional intensity that lies beneath the surface. Anyway, enjoy!

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2015 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Blue October - Fear

Blue October came out with a video for their song Fear last November.  How cool to be able to put the video up so others can check it out.  Enjoy!

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2015 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Halestorm - Apocalyptic

Hello Halestorm!  They just came out with a new single.  Their new album Into the Wild Life will drop April 7th in the States.  Lord have mercy have I missed her voice.  I've been listening to sweet music lately...part of the whole healing process vibe.  I let my rocker roots go by the wayside.  Lzzy Hale reminded me to take a few moments to rock on.  Hoo-Rah!  Enjoy!!  

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2015 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Leviathan

I finally went to see Leviathan. A Russian film directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, written by Oleg Negin & Andrey Zvyagintsev.  It's a film about Kolya (played by Aleksey Serebryakov) who fights against a corrupt mayor when he is told that he will lose his land and house. He recruits a lawyer friend Dmitriy (played by Vladimir Vdovichenkov) to help, who winds up bringing more misfortune for Kolya and his family.  Elena Lyadova plays his wife Lilya.  I was warned that this was a "depressing" movie.  In reviews I've read, they've compared the film to a modern-day depiction of the biblical story of Job.   Yes, the movie was difficult to watch because the things that went wrong only got worse as the film progressed.  It's a meditation on the inequality of human beings but adding another layer on how every action has a reaction and a consequence. At times, they could have curbed some of the words, it sometimes felt a bit overwrought. However, the dark humor help relieved some of the angst.  
On another note...
The cinematography in this movie is gorgeous.  Long winding roads along the stark landscape of a Russian coastal town.  Dark overcast days. Even when the sun comes out it's only to illuminate hidden truths. Then there are long slow pans of the camera over the sea-washed whale bones on a beach.  Or the skeletal remains of old boats half-hidden beneath water lines.  The teen boys drinking in the ruins of church while firelight reflects against the fading frescos.  Beautiful.  

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2015 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Lennon & Maisy covering Charli XCX's Boom Clap

I have a soft spot for the show Nashville. I'll admit it.  It showcases the songs and music of talented songwriters. Two of the show's young actors did a cover of Boom Clap....I've attached the clip below. It's fun and sweet and I like this version a whole lot better than the original. Check it out.  Enjoy!

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2015 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Echosmith - Cool Kids

Another cool pop-py song. Enjoy!

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2014 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Vance Joy - Riptide

I've been late to the dance on some of these songs but now that I've heard them...I just want to share 'cause I can't get enough of them.  Enjoy!!

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2014 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.