12.30.2012

Habits of a Writer's Mind

Taken from notes at a lecture on creative writing, circa 2002.

+Habits of a writer's mind+

1. reading voraciously and widely--it becomes the text in your head "that's what you'll write." read a lot.

2. Observing the world--the "antennae of the race;"
                                                                                  "imaginary gardens with real toads."

3. Keep a good notebook--record everything
                       "In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts."

4. Write regularly. try a writing schedule--discipline
                       "Something almost always comes. And if it doesn't, I just lower my standard and write
                         anyway."

12.16.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 9 to go

While we are back in the 90s, let's stay awhile and warm up with . . . TLC.
I actually remember this one. It used to get stuck in my head at random times of the year. Fun times.

12.15.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 10 to go

Christmas commercials. There have to a lot of classic ones, but for some reason all I could think about were the ones from Gap and Old Navy. Particularly this one from back in the day.
What are/were your favorite Christmas commercials?

12.14.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 11 to go

It has to be done, but not without apologies. I'm sorry. But you know it has to be here.
Rob Lowe. Christmas Shoes. Rob Lowe? That's right. He was in a movie based on the infamous song. It may be the longest video in the countdown. I will say nothing much happens, which is even more reason that if you watch the whole thing, I might just send you a candy bar.
To take me up on the offer, leave a comment below with your favorite part of the video.
And answer me this: why do you love/hate Christmas shoes?

12.13.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 12 days to go

This number should do the job nicely.

12.12.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 13 to go

A friend of ours shares this video every year the day after Thanksgiving. Somehow I forget about it every year. How is that? It's so--epic. It's so--full of key changes. It's so--Jess and Ash.
Parum pa pum puuuuhm.

12.11.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 14 days to go

This isn't the most exciting video, but it's fun to watch the Beach Boys run around on the ice to this classic song.

12.10.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 15 to go

"The Muppet Christmas Carol" is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Gonzo's true narration and the music make it a wonderful version of the classic tale. And of course Michael Caine is magnificent as Scrooge. God Bless us, everyone.

12.09.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 16 to go

A lovely version of a lovely song in a lovely song. Stunning. More information about the track and the couple behind the song at Hue and Hum.


12.08.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 17 to go

This gem from an old Andy Williams Christmas special is brought to you by the color combo Mustard Yellow and Grandma's Couch Orange, which are both colors I kind of love so we're cool. I especially like the guy in the back who keeps peeking out  from behind Mr. Williams during "Sleigh Bells."

Bonus track: "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

12.07.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 18 to go

I was kind of tired of this song--until I watched the video. I love how Paul McCartney just appears. And the lazer star/keyboards.


12.06.2012

Christmas Music Video Countdown: 19 days to go

David Bowie. Bing Crosby. Here the twain meet. The small talk. The near matching blue blazer/sweater. The harmonies. This is probably the only version of this song I still like.


Of course there's also this:

12.05.2012

20 Days Until Christmas: A Music Video Countdown.

We are doing all kinds of countdowns at our house this year. The ornament advent. Chocolate advents. The candy cane advent. a scripture-a-day advent the kids brought home from Church. I decided to add another countdown to the mix. Every day until Christmas, I will share a fun/strange/delightful Christmas musical video.
Today's installment: this delightful rendition of a classic. I saw this on Jimmy Fallon last night (so really, on December 5) and so it just has to start the countdown.
Enjoy!