Sunday, October 21, 2007

When the truth is found to be lies

Why do people lie when the truth serves just as well? For some reason I never stop believing people are basically honest -- and then some people continue proving me wrong.

I'm assuming the divorce will, at last, be final this week. The delay has been ridiculous. But this week has been the end of a chapter in many ways. I finally met my ex's new love and we had a long conversation. I actually like this person in spite of myself. Not that I want to interact socially. And clearly my help is still needed to help my ex get back on track. I find myself in a strange situation even more so than in the past. But I will help.

I've neglected the yard too long, and I will return to that place of comfort this week and get it ready for winter.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

The Beatles "Love"

Ron gave me a CD, The Beatles "Love". He knows I love the Beatles, but neither of us knew the background of the CD. So I listened and was completely enthralled. I immediately recognized it was some sort of remix of original recordings and not simply other recordings of the Fab Four songs. Ron had listened first and he commented to me how impressed he was with the "transitions". I thought he was mocking me for an earlier statement I had made wherein I had told him how songs in albums are arranged according to key transitions. But when I then listened, I realized what he meant. Perhaps the loveliest would be Gnik Nus moving into Something. Just try not to get goosebumps.

We went to Las Vegas for a conference last weekend where Ron had to give a presentation. Our stay was so short, there was no time for shows, but I saw that my Beatles album is a Cirque de Soleil show at the Mirage hotel. One day I will see that show, though at over $100 per seat, I'd better start saving now.

Ron left a huge collection of CDs for me to listen to, but I keep going back to Love. It is amazing to hear the mix of bass from one tune with the melody of another -- so apparent to a fan like me who has dissected the Beatles' music and listens to all the individual instruments and voices. It starts out with Because in simple a cappella, showcasing the perfect pitch and harmony of the group. It continues from one tune to the next, with variations not only in the mix of two or more tunes, but adding pauses, or bringing up the volume to accentuate a certain part more.

I finally read the booklet that accompanied the album and learned the idea was conceived by George Harrison and his friend, Guy Laliberte, the founder of Cirque de Soleil and fellow racing fan with George. They selected former Beatles arranger George Martin to produce the music. He brought on board his son, Giles Martin. Apple decided from the start that the music would be only from original recordings. The one exception ended up being an arrangement for strings by George Martin for Harrison's While My Guitar Gently Weeps. And it is truly special, I miss George when I hear it.

The album was finished first and then the Cirque de Soleil acts were developed around it. It is a work of genius, taking those wonderful old Beatles songs and weaving something totally new, fresh and intriguing,

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Checking In

Busy is not the word for it. Between family events, work, the yard, and my new favorite friend, I've had no time for blogging. Right now I just want to get the yard ready for winter. I'm getting ready to tackle some indoor projects, but must finish up outside first. Still planting, hope to get more bulbs in in the coming weeks. Still waiting for the leaves to drop. I'll be back.