"The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." (Maya Angelou)
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Sunday Mornings: Coffee, Reflections, Music and Dance
Spring is the most terpsichorean of seasons. The way flowers suddenly sprout from trees that were bare just a few days ago has the same magical quality of a grand jeté or one of Chango’s somersaults. This is the time of the year when daffodils crane their necks, like ballerinas, to peer upwards at the still let’s-play-hide-and-seek sun. Birds stage their own version of the X Factor and nature slowly awakens from its stupor. Like a dancer, nature stretches its cramped muscles, atrophied by what this year has been an endless cold snap.
Spring in my garden
Performers are show-offs. It’s one of the unwritten rules we all learn the minute we put on our leotards, tracksuit bottoms or shorts. We want to be seen, we want to be acknowledged and if praise is also given, then, it’s a hat-trick for us. Spring is the same. It boasts the smell of the first blossoms, the sensual, effervescent energy of animals leaping about after spending months in their winter lair and the melodic whistles of winged creatures. No wonder spring’s one of my favourite seasons together with autumn. But, whilst the latter’s beauty lies in its slow demise and the colours it uses to draw its death, the former conjures up life at the snap of its green fingers. The early morning chill is usually replaced by the welcoming warmth of the afternoon sun. And in the midst of this beautiful madness it’s not rare to come across butterflies challenging each other in a dance-off.
Yes, for one season only, nature becomes Terpsichore, choral song included.
This is “see you later” from me. As usual I will go into hibernation for a whole month. There won’t be much activity on my blog because I will be away from my computer almost totally. Thanks for your comments and support. I wish you all a happy Easter break!
Oh, you are so very right. Performers ARE show offs; and every spring I enjoy the performances anew of what nature provides in the best show of all. Ha, where I live it is still so cold I fear it will be a while. Sigh. Enjoy your month away; and I wish YOU a happy Easter break as well.
(And thanks for your comment in my blog. Yes, for sure, the Chelsea Hotel was nearby. He asked, but I turned him down. LOL. I own every CD of his music, plus books. He performed here recently, but I couldn't go...thus I indulge in my fantasies in other ways. Sigh.)
Ah I think all season are awesome (anyway my favorite is autumn) in spring is like you say all new and blossom; in summer all these wonderful fruits we wait all the year; autumn is beautiful with all these reds in trees the nature has a break; and winter with the snow; rains;winds and storms invite us to be inside at home:)
About the muffins: sucede querido Mario que cuando uno compra muffins normalmente usan una premezcla que ademas tiene muchos quimicos. Lo estan haciendo incluso las panaderias para el pan. por eso es tan differente un muffin hecho en casa anyway siempre he pensado que la reposteria en Cuba debe ser deliciosa; un abrazo:)
Beautiful writing, Cuban. Back to reading blogs after a long time, and loved the writing on spring. And your take on performers. Unfortunately in India, we don't really experience spring.. and it is now that I miss New York most.. wondering if I'd be ever back there! London is a dream as well... funny how reading about seasons can evoke such yearning to be somewhere :-)
smiles...i am happy for spring and the show that it will bring...new life bursting forth to color our world....travel well this next month sir....and look forward to your return....
I love the way you have described spring and yes,I do too marvel at the changes in nature. I feel like a little girl every time I find a blosomed tree. It's so invigorating!
Just a quick note on the dance and music. The pianist is an up-and-cloming jazz musician. The dance is rooted in the Afro-Cuban cultre known as "santeria" and originally from Yorubaland, in Nigeria. Hence the three drums called "batas" (stress on the second "a"). I love, love, love, the chemistry between the two performers and the synergy between the musicians. Everyone's on board.
Estoy muy de acuerdo contigo, pero por aquí la primavera no se nota todavía con lo cual me parece la estación del otoño más larga, tengo ganas de la primavera para poder decir lo mismo que tu. Un abrazo
I love your dance analogy to spring! I totally agree that the tree branches, flowers, and greenery show off their graceful shape during this special season. We're checking our cherry blossom tree everyday for the new "performance" We're not quite there, but soon!
En primavera todo florece amigo sobre todo el amor el enamoramiento y los pájaros que adoro,tengo un gran jardín todo el año con flores...gracias por tu comentario,abrazos y abrazos grandes.
En primavera todo florece amigo sobre todo el amor el enamoramiento y los pájaros que adoro,tengo un gran jardín todo el año con flores...gracias por tu comentario,abrazos y abrazos grandes.
I think I needed that. Spring is not so evident round here just now -- must be the few degrees extra that the city gives. Nevertheless, a moment to cherish, you have given me the needed assurance that spring is on the way. And you've given it in your usual stylish manner. Thanks for that.
Enjoy your Easter break....our spring flowers are hiding under 3" of snow this morning....ahhhh spring! Thanks for the great music and beautiful dancing :)
Enjoy your break! And what a delightful post, it really is full of feelings of Spring. Of course that is what the name "Spring" means, I think. A sort of jumping into life again. I'm looking forward to seeing lambs, which always exemplify that light hearted energy.
Many thanks for your kind comments. And spring's not here yet. I think I jumped the gun somewhat with this post! :-) What we do have instead is a beautiful full moon tonight.
Funky new template on your blog! I love your vision of the daffs as dancers and the hide and seek sun. Those human dancers were marvelously birdlike. Have a wonderful Easter break!
I love the new template...very spring-like and bright! Do have a great Easter break. I'll be looking forward to your return soon. Greetings from The New Forest :)
Many thanks for your comments. I must admit that I was due back to post yeasterday but I have just returned from Cuba (stayed there two weeks) and felt jetlagged for a few days after. Will come back on Sunday. :-)
Oh, you are so very right. Performers ARE show offs; and every spring I enjoy the performances anew of what nature provides in the best show of all. Ha, where I live it is still so cold I fear it will be a while. Sigh. Enjoy your month away; and I wish YOU a happy Easter break as well.
ReplyDelete(And thanks for your comment in my blog. Yes, for sure, the Chelsea Hotel was nearby. He asked, but I turned him down. LOL. I own every CD of his music, plus books. He performed here recently, but I couldn't go...thus I indulge in my fantasies in other ways. Sigh.)
Ah I think all season are awesome (anyway my favorite is autumn) in spring is like you say all new and blossom; in summer all these wonderful fruits we wait all the year; autumn is beautiful with all these reds in trees the nature has a break; and winter with the snow; rains;winds and storms invite us to be inside at home:)
ReplyDeleteAbout the muffins: sucede querido Mario que cuando uno compra muffins normalmente usan una premezcla que ademas tiene muchos quimicos. Lo estan haciendo incluso las panaderias para el pan. por eso es tan differente un muffin hecho en casa anyway siempre he pensado que la reposteria en Cuba debe ser deliciosa; un abrazo:)
La foto de tu jardin es super linda:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful writing, Cuban. Back to reading blogs after a long time, and loved the writing on spring. And your take on performers. Unfortunately in India, we don't really experience spring.. and it is now that I miss New York most.. wondering if I'd be ever back there! London is a dream as well... funny how reading about seasons can evoke such yearning to be somewhere :-)
ReplyDeletesmiles...enjoy the away-from-the computer time and wishing you a wonderful spring...smiles
ReplyDeleteYeah spring is sure a way to bring much into display, as new life is sprung, and all want to be seen as natures bell is rung.
ReplyDeletesmiles...i am happy for spring and the show that it will bring...new life bursting forth to color our world....travel well this next month sir....and look forward to your return....
ReplyDeleteI love the way you have described spring and yes,I do too marvel at the changes in nature. I feel like a little girl every time I find a blosomed tree. It's so invigorating!
ReplyDeleteThe choreography: the break-up is already there in the approach, I think. Avoidance in the connection. Well done, the tension.
ReplyDeletePS: There is a time to show off and strut your stuff!
ReplyDeleteI loved your ode to Spring and that is a WONDERFUL video. Thank you so much - and enjoy your hibernation.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind comments.
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note on the dance and music. The pianist is an up-and-cloming jazz musician. The dance is rooted in the Afro-Cuban cultre known as "santeria" and originally from Yorubaland, in Nigeria. Hence the three drums called "batas" (stress on the second "a"). I love, love, love, the chemistry between the two performers and the synergy between the musicians. Everyone's on board.
I hope you all have a brilliant week.
Greetings from London.
nice dance you shared today. And I see you redecorated the blog. Love the floating girl. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a good time of the blog. :) And Happy Easter to you.
I appreciated the visual nature of this. Keeping your own counsel for a month? Afterwards, share the profundity, ok?
ReplyDeletePerformers can be at once absorbed & apart. Showing off, but not showing in. ~Mary
Performers have to be show-offs! They are in a show!
ReplyDeleteAnd Spring too. This is lovely writing. Have the most pleasant break. Take care and many thanks! k.
Yes, indeed!
ReplyDeleteAnd I was transported by the video clip you shared here today. Lovely. Absolutely lovely!
'See' you in about a month!
Estoy muy de acuerdo contigo, pero por aquí la primavera no se nota todavía con lo cual me parece la estación del otoño más larga, tengo ganas de la primavera para poder decir lo mismo que tu.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo
I love your dance analogy to spring! I totally agree that the tree branches, flowers, and greenery show off their graceful shape during this special season. We're checking our cherry blossom tree everyday for the new "performance" We're not quite there, but soon!
ReplyDeleteLove the new cover image! You know I love Chango somersaults as well! Happy Hibernation!
ReplyDeleteNice post. Happy Easter and happy travels :)
ReplyDeleteEn primavera todo florece amigo sobre todo el amor el enamoramiento y los pájaros que adoro,tengo un gran jardín todo el año con flores...gracias por tu comentario,abrazos y abrazos grandes.
ReplyDeleteEn primavera todo florece amigo sobre todo el amor el enamoramiento y los pájaros que adoro,tengo un gran jardín todo el año con flores...gracias por tu comentario,abrazos y abrazos grandes.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said. I'm looking forward to when it starts here in earnest. It's being a bit of a slowpoke this year.
ReplyDeleteI think I needed that. Spring is not so evident round here just now -- must be the few degrees extra that the city gives. Nevertheless, a moment to cherish, you have given me the needed assurance that spring is on the way. And you've given it in your usual stylish manner. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteI love all the seasons in their own way. I think fall is my fav. P.S. I had to google terpsichorean LOL
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Easter break....our spring flowers are hiding under 3" of snow this morning....ahhhh spring! Thanks for the great music and beautiful dancing :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful post and I learnt a new word terpsichorean love that about your blog
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your break! And what a delightful post, it really is full of feelings of Spring. Of course that is what the name "Spring" means, I think. A sort of jumping into life again. I'm looking forward to seeing lambs, which always exemplify that light hearted energy.
ReplyDeleteSpring is such a WONDERFUL time of the year. Love the crocuses!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind comments. And spring's not here yet. I think I jumped the gun somewhat with this post! :-) What we do have instead is a beautiful full moon tonight.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Funky new template on your blog! I love your vision of the daffs as dancers and the hide and seek sun. Those human dancers were marvelously birdlike. Have a wonderful Easter break!
ReplyDeleteFeeling the performer kick in and throw the shoulders back is very much like spring popping up with its bright colors and need to energize the place.
ReplyDeleteA month off from the blogosphere! Imagine all you'll have to report upon your return. Go steal some stuff and get arrested.
For our future amusement.
I love the new template...very spring-like and bright!
ReplyDeleteDo have a great Easter break.
I'll be looking forward to your return soon.
Greetings from The New Forest :)
So spring is the supreme performer of all the seasons?
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see the crocus!
Hola amigo, un video realmente interesante, sigue asi.
ReplyDeleteSaludos desde felicidadenlavida;
Un saludo,
Francisco M
Spring is creeping rather than "springing" this year - I think we got a shy one! Hope you're enjoying your blogging break :)
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your comments. I must admit that I was due back to post yeasterday but I have just returned from Cuba (stayed there two weeks) and felt jetlagged for a few days after. Will come back on Sunday. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.