J. S. Bach's Complete Lute Works

I discovered this quite by accident. If you've ever used YouTube lately, you've probably noticed that a relatively new feature, an "Up Next" video option, unless you cancel it manually, automatically plays another similar video to the one you've been watching.

I had started the day off by playing Henry Purcell as I worked, and absorbed in my chores I suddenly realized that I was listening to an unfamiliar piece of music. Puzzled, I came to check what was going on, and it turned out that the "Up Next" video wasn't Henry Purcell but Bach.

His complete lute works, at that. They're beautiful, peaceful and perfect to work along to in a relaxed manner. There are almost two hours of music, so once you start playing, you should be done with your chores by the time the video is over!

"When in the Chronicles of Wasted Time"

Quan veig en documents del temps passat
Descrites criatures esplendents
i veig que en un poema afortunat
d'una alta dama es fan enaltiments,

llavors crec que els antic han desitjat
(al carmí de la galta sempre atents,
i atents als ulls i al rostre delicat)
expressar la bellesa que tu tens.

Perquè els elogis d'ells són profecies
que la teva bellesa a tots auguren;
però són versos de pretèrits dies 

i aquells mots seus tan sols et prefiguren.
I jo, que tinc la sort de contemplar-te,
no tinc paraules prous per enlairar-te.

- GERARD VERGÈS, a Shakespeare, el més gran. Versió, molt aproximada, del Sonet CVI 

The Adventure Begins

Last January my parents presented me with (one-of) their long-awaited wedding present: a brand new sewing machine all to myself! However, even though it's been a little bit more than six months I haven't officially really "used it for the first time" yet. I haven't done any big project with which I could break the champagne bottle and launch the ship!

Things have changed a little lately, though.

For starters, when my husband and I visited my parents back in April my Mum gifted me with a very cute black-and-white checkered kitchen towel (or dish towel) with a big "True love is a big deal" written on it in pink. As the writing was of some sort of plastic printed material, and it occupied a large area of the towel, therefore rendering it unpractical for drying (let's face it, plastic writing doesn't absorb water very well) she suggested I turn it into an apron. I considered it a capital idea.

Then I received some money from my parents-in-law for my birthday to spend on something nice for myself. Some days ago I finally got around to use that while browsing around eBay for general tools and supplies for sewing and specific supplies for the apron design that I have in mind.

Then I declared myself ready to start off my first real project with my new sewing machine.

I've started out by ripping out the hem seams from the towel. At first I thought I'd use the existing seams for my benefit and use a black/white/pink bias tape for the parts I had to cut out, but in the end I decided I could gain a lot by ripping that hem - it would be a good thing as the towel isn't as big as an apron usually is (I was right, I ended up gaining a good 4 cm in length and width!) and use black/white/pink bias tape (haven't decided on that one yet... any advice on that?) to finish off all the hems and have a balanced, symmetrical look.

Now, after having washed it so that the fabric could settle (there were tiny holes left by the seams) I will iron it (upside-down, of course) and impatiently wait for the supplies to arrive.

One Year Today

I fall more and more in love with him every day. I catch myself daydreaming about him and wondering when he'll be home again, all the time smiling at space like a silly school girl.

I still try to write poetry about him and what I feel for him, and can't manage it because I can't think of the right words or expressions that would say it properly.

I sigh when I think of sweet memories of moments spent together, chuckle when I remember one of his jokes, and laugh outright when a clumsy, comical occurrence comes to mind.

There is so much stored away in my memory, there is so much overflowing my heart, there is so much that has filled our time together.

And yet, only one year has gone by...

...and it has been the fullest time of my life. 

I wonder what will come next?

Wedding Pictures Pt. 2: Getting Ready (Him)

I can't believe that almost a year has passed since that happy day... it will sound cliché, but walking in the shoes of those who've said it before, now I know it's true: it seems like it was yesterday. Where has time gone? It flies by too fast...

What better time than now to get lost in memories and flash back to the past, to one joyous day I will always remember?

He, also, was getting ready for the day with a tummy full of butterflies... 

I can always trust him to choose stylish, classic, elegant shoes! (Yes, I'm a shoe fan person...)

*-*

What a dreamy suit!

Trust him to add a personal twist to his attire... he didn't wear the traditional tie, but a cravat.

I've always loved his hands... the hands of a hard-working, caring man.

Did I say dreamy before?!

He got to see a sneak-peek of our engagement pictures (they'd been taken four days before!). Not fair. :P

*Sighs*... what a man. 

My word, I can't believe this day was almost one year ago! It's still so fresh in my mind!

The Power of Prayer

   There is an eye that never sleeps
Beneath the wing of night;
There is an ear that never shuts
When sink the beams of light.

   There is an arm that never tires,
When human strength gives way;
There is a love that never fails,
When earthly loves decay.

   That eye is fixed on seraph throngs;
That arm upholds the sky;
That ear is filled with heavenly songs;
That love is throned on high.

   But there's a power which faith can wield,
When mortal aid is vain,
That eye, that arm, that love to reach,
That listening ear to gain. 

   That power is prayer, which soars on high,
Through (the Lord) Jesus to the throne,
And moves the hand which moves the world
To bring deliverance down.

- Author Unknown

Wedding Pictures Pt. 1: Getting ready (Her)

Today marks the 11th monthaversary of our wedding day... only one month to go for our first anniversary! How time flies...

Late as it is, I still have to fulfill my promise of posting some of our wedding pictures. They were taken by a school-friend of mine with whom we've had good talks and discussions and sharing on the subject. He is quite good at this business, I'm sure you'll enjoy the pictures I share.

As usual, I will follow the "no-faces" policy, so if you're interested in seeing all the pictures, let me know. [smile]

Without further ado, here's part one of the day... she's getting ready for the big occasion!

First dream come true... hair-do, check.

My all-time hair-dresser did a wonderful job with my hair!

See that ring? It looks a little lonely... will soon be joined by a second one! *-*

Finishing touches... a gift from the ladies who sewed my dress.

Surprise! Everyone's at the bride's house!

The dress also came true, thanks to a custom sewer my dad unknowingly told me about.

Check!

Lace-up back... check!

My Mum helping me dress... check!

The perfect white, not-too-high heeled, classy shoes... check!

Rhomboid net stockings... check!

My Mum placing the veil... *-*

Another dream come true... a gift from the parents of one of my bridesmaids, friends from before I was a teenager!

Next coming up... he's getting ready!

Mums and Mice

Nothing can beat my Mum's birthday wishes... she always hits the spot, every. single. year.

THO CUTE! *-* Although I keep asking myself why doesn't the piano play at the very end, when they're all happily bouncing on the keys.

What would we do without our Mums, I ask you now?

Quote For The Day

"It is the small temptations which undermine integrity unless we watch and pray and never think them too trivial to be resisted"

- Uncle Alec in Rose in Bloom by L. M. Alcott 

Random Post

It's been quite some time since I last posted. Many things have happened since - just to mention a couple, a conference in a chateau in France and a short visit to my parents over at northern Spain.

Bear with me as I settle down back to routine and to normal life... things shouldn't take long. I've many things to write and update about, but for now I am catching up in my housecleaning and baking in general.

So, in the meantime, here's a picture of the bread buns that have come right out the oven for you to enjoy!

P.S.: The weather over here is delightful, and we've come back to find our area transformed from bleak, bare and brown to alive, lush and green!

Dichter Und Bauer

Studyin' and workin' to the best music!

The Poet and Peasant is an overture by Franz von Suppé that I first heard played as an arranged piano piece. My sister put a lot of feeling into her interpretation, so I've always enjoyed listening to it. Some days ago I was humming it to myself as I studied and was curious about it, so I looked it up on the Internet to learn more about it (I like to acquaint myself with the history of the pieces and composers I listen to). I found several orchestra and solo versions of it, but the original orchestra piece is by far my favourite. Therefore, without further ado, click play and enjoy.

To learn more about Franz von Suppé, click HERE.

Spring is Here!

Perhaps this announcement is a little bit belated, but with Spring being here and gracing us with beautiful, warm, sunny weather during the first couple of days she happened along (something new around these parts, believe me...), you will understand the impossibility of me staying indoors.

The weather has gone back to its old self again - cloudy, windy, grey, rather chilly - but it would seem that the little bit of sunshine I managed to soak in during the last couple of days has been enough to have me in the best of spirits this morning!

Without further ado, I will accompany the belated announcement with a beautiful song my Mum posted along with her welcoming of Spring.

This past weekend I found out, though, that in Romania Spring starts on the 1st of March, and Summer starts on the 1st of June. It was stated, therefore, that I was married in Spring and my husband was married in Summer.

Happy week, everyone! Toodle pips!

"Little Irène" - Mlle Irene Cahen d'Anvers

Little Irene by Pierre Auguste Renoir, 1880. Impressionism.

I've had a small printed picture of this portrait of Mlle Irene Cahen d'Anvers since before I was a teenager. One day my family received a promotional pamphlet of some kind of art magazine subscription, and one of the artists featured was Renoir. I was familiar with his more known works (such as The Piano Lesson, A Girl With A Watering Can, etc.), but had never seen this one, which was one of the three paintings that accompanied the mini-article about Renoir.

The moment my eyes fell on it I was so taken by it that I begged my Mum to allow me to cut it out and keep it for myself. It is a fascinating portrait! The girl's expression, the smoothness of her skin, her incredibly beautiful hair, the detail of the bow... I could look and study this painting for hours if I had the time.

Irène's father, Louis Raphael Cahen d’Anvers, was a wealthy Jewish banker. In 1880 he commissioned Pierre Auguste Renior three portraits, one of each of his daughters. Irène's was the first to be done, but the family didn't like it, and asked Renoir to do a second portrait of the two other girls together (the result was Pink and Blue). That didn't please the parents, either, and after paying Renoir a mere 1,500 francs the portraits were hung in the servants' quarters. That obviously upset Renoir.

The history of this painting is a little complex due to WWII, and accounts differ from one another. However, it is presently exhibited at the Foundation E.G. Bührle in Zurich, and open to the public. What I'd give to see it in real life some day. [smile] For now my little version stands on my cork board and is admired every day.

Those Were The Days

They don't do these wonderful things for children anymore!

What's Our Vector, Victor?

You know that when the first lesson in Linear Algebra on your online course quotes this clip (below, in bold), it's going to be worth it.

Roger: Flight 2-0-9'er, you are cleared for take-off.
Cpt. Oveur: Roger!
Roger: Huh?
Tower voice: L.A. departure frequency, 123 point 9'er.
Cpt. Oveur: Roger!
Roger: Huh?
Victor: Request vector, over.
Cpt. Oveur: What?
T.v.: Flight 2-0-9'er cleared for vector 324.
Roger: We have clearance, Clarence.
Cpt. Oveur: Roger, Roger. What's our vector, Victor?
T.v.: Tower's radio clearance, over!
Cpt. Oveur: That's Clarence Oveur. Over.
T.v.: Over.
Cpt. Oveur: Roger.
Roger: Huh?
T.v.: Roger, over!
Roger: What?
Cpt. Oveur: Huh?
Victor: Who?

We Have This Moment Today

Today, as I hung the laundry and sung along in harmony to a song by one of my friends and her family, I have been reminded of what a gift we have in the moment of NOW!

Originally written by Bill Gaither, this song has the capacity of sending thrills down my spine and giving me goose bumps every single time I listen to it. It's a song that challenges you to appreciate the small things of life, to enjoy, live and make the most of the present, because that's what we get - now. Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come.

This is the only decent version I have found on the Internet. There are plenty of others, but they had speeches or they were live. This version does not convey the feeling to me as my friends' version, but it is still sung lovely:



We Have This Moment Today

Hold tight to the sound of the music of living,
Happy songs from the laughter of children at play;
Hold my hand as we run through the sweet fragrant meadows,
Making mem'ries of what was today.

Chorus:
We have this moment to hold in our hands
and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand;
Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come,
But we have this moment today.

Tiny voice that I hear is my little girl calling,
For Daddy to hear just what she has to say;
And my little son running there by the hillside,
May never be quite like today.

Tender words, gentle touch and a good cup of coffee,
And someone who loves me and wants me to stay;
Hold them near while they're here and don't wait for tomorrow
To look back and wish for today. 

Take the blue of the sky and the green of the forest,
And the gold and the brown of the freshly mown hay;
Add the pale shades of spring and the circus of autumn,
And weave you a lovely today.

Do we truly appreciate what we have been given? Do we recognize our happy family moments and small daily details as a gift and enjoy them in the moment?

Engagement Pictures

There aren't that many pictures that I can share from our engagement session. As you've probably noticed, or know already, I follow a no-face-pictures-on-the-Internet policy on my blog, so, as engagement pictures are mostly about the couple, there aren't that many that are face-less.

Nevertheless, allow me to share those which are. Some you may have already seen, some not. Whatever the case is, I hope you like them. :)

We went to two lovely places. The first one was an old town full of beautiful streets with cobbled ground and stone walls, benches in romantic places and ivies hanging over walls. Unfortunately, we don't have any surreptitious pictures from that place - all are of us close up or from a short distance. Sorry.

The second place gave us some opportunities for distanced or secret pictures, and although most of them were also of us, the photographers managed to take several which I can actually show to you. [happy smile]

Enjoy!

We went to a nature reserve - some sort of wetlands, a swampy area full of small lakes and ponds right
by the seashore.

Such sweet narrow wood walks in between the ponds!

I said YES!

The ring. Yep, you've already seen this one... but isn't it a beautiful ring?

I feel so bad that I can't share all of them with you... there are some that are so beautiful! However, if you are a personal acquaintance and you'd like to see more of 'em, you can always e-mail me and I'll send you my favourites!

The Unexpected

It's curious how some things come to you right when you need them.

For some time I have been considering buying a new pencil case because my very-liked old one was... well, old. It has several stains from pens that had leaked, its lining was broken and torn in several places, and the zip has started to give in. However, I was reluctant to give it up because it was so flowery and bright and pretty and me-ish.

However, these holidays my sister sent me a gift via my parents (more on their visit soon!). Guess what it was? Yep, a pencil case. A very non-regular pencil case. A very me-ish pencil case! I'm very pleased with it - it's so beautiful and classy and, at the same, bright and colourful! Just what the doctor ordered! [smile]

Here are a few snaps I took of it. To condense it and not make it boring, I made up a collage with them. Hehe.

Cross stitch design - such a capital idea! Two compartments, the top one having the cutest ducks and flowers decorations...

Does anybody have a nicer, classier, cuter, more colourful pencil case than this one, I ask?

Introduction

Things have finally relaxed. Our flat is almost completely redecorated, the kitchen is done, my parents have been here and left, and now I find myself with time in my hands - so I blog, among other things.

Today I'd like to introduce you to the newest members of our small household. For a very long time I have wished for them, although my hopes were quite modest and I never expected something like this:

My new aquarium!

I had hoped for a cute fishbowl with a couple of goldfish named Abi and Nepomuceno (Nepo, for short), perhaps a third one eventually, but that was all. Then one day my husband arrived home and asked me, "How would you like to have an aquarium?"

Apparently, some friends of ours who owned it wanted to buy a larger one and expand their fish breeding and, having heard my wish for fish, were willing to start me off with their old one and some fish. I was thrilled! Of course I said yes.

Therefore, allow me to introduce my little 'uns.

Forgive me for being biased, but he's my favourite! Meet Nepomuceno
(Nepo for short), a cardinal tetra.

Nepomuceno used to have a brother named Nemo. The day we went to pick up the aquarium and the fish, our friend had emptied it almost completely in order to be able to fish them out of the water more easily. Somehow, Nemo hid and our friend couldn't find it, and concluded he must have miscounted, or something similar.

The small amount of water and all the stones and plants remained in the aquarium and for an hour were tossed and turned during our drive back home. That evening, as I tried to put some order among them, we found Nemo! Hence the name. He was rather battered and a little bit dumb, but as soon as I put him in with the rest of the fish while I cleaned up the aquarium, he cheered up and ate with the rest.

A couple of days later he died, poor thing. Nepo is rather lonely, and because of the kind of fish he is he needs company, so when we get a chance, my husband and I hope to buy him some friends. [smile] To know more about his kind, click HERE.

Meet Gustavo and his Clan!

Gustavo and his Clan are swordtail fish. We have one male (notice the sword-shaped tail? Beautiful with black streaks) and three females. Because the only one who could be told apart from the rest was the male (the females are all alike, they don't have different physical characteristics) we decided to name him, and the rest as his clan. They reproduce very quickly so I hope to soon present you with a nursery. [smile]

To know more about the different kind of swordtail fish, click HERE.

Meet Abi, Cora and Unnamed-for-now, very orange, very dumb tiger
barbs.

They are also known as the Three Musketeers, although they used to be four. One of them was bullied to death by a swordtail female, so now they are the Three Musketeers. They are absolutely inseparable and quite funny in their dumbness.

We can name them because of their differentiating spots (or lack thereof) on their middle orange section. However, we still haven't memorized them, so for now they are Abi-Cora-Unnamed instead of being this one Cora and that one... you get the idea. We are thinking of a suitable name for the third. Any suggestions? We suspect they're all females...

To know more about tiger barbs, click HERE.

I must not forget the snails! No, the big one isn't their grandpa... it's a
shell I picked up from the shores of the Black Sea.

Included with the fish were plenty of snails. We must keep an eye on them because they reproduce with lightning speed and may become pests. However, I'm glad to see that the swordtails are keeping them at bay for now. They seem to really enjoy eating them up.

Who would know that one day I would own an aquarium and several fish, not just a fishbowl with two or three? Like I sometimes tell my husband jokingly, I have a new TV! Honestly, I have to check myself sometimes because I could sit down in front of it and watch the fish swim and play all day! My fishies are great and I really enjoy taking care of them!

Happy New Year!

To all and everyone, near and far... happy new 2015 to you and your loved ones!