belovedmeadow

Um. So. In a moment of weakness last week, I wrote a story. Well, more of an exercise in writing and imagery really. It's not a very good story. But I couldn't help it, I had just finished a very good book and was having Too Many Thoughts again. So. I thought I'd post it because I feel guilty about having all this lovely empty space to write on and never taking the time to do so. Nobody really should read it. And don't worry, I haven't abandoned my quest for tenure in order to pursue the page. I might add too that my historical analytical writing is much better, thank goodness.

I always did feel so sorry for Penelope. All that waiting, weaving and dealing with annoying suitors while Odysseus gallivants around with all of the eligible women in Greece. I even wrote a story when I was a teenager where Penelope doesn't take Odysseus back but instead kills him (and he spends the rest of eternity hanging out with Agamemnon in Hades, whining about their wives) and runs off with Circe and Calypso. Athena can come too. Hmm, mythological Greek lesbian foursome. Sounds entertaining.

( Penelope waits )

Wait, does any of this actually count as history? Or am I edging over into anthropology/sociology territory? No god, anything but that! I'll be good, I promise! Well....sorta good.

....better, maybe?

I think I have mental problems. I am clearly an unstable individual, a danger to myself and others. I need professional help.

....I need a hug.

Tell me, do you know anyone else who can't shut their brain off?

Or maybe I'm really interested in Irish folk music and dancing? Political, cultural, and historical implications and influences thereof? Or should we be talking about Civil War music here? Sea shanties?!!

Why am I suddenly hung up on music history?!!!

I need to stop thinking. Urgently.

Should I take the time, energy, and very painful pain to write a senior thesis? 'Cause I think I got an idea from going to the National Museum today. They have a neat exhibition on Tycho Brahe, a Renaissance astronomer, and the museum tries to give people an overall picture of the Renaissance, fashion, warfare, whatever. Well, they also have a section on music and dance, with a rather clever video of Renaissance dancers. Very interesting.

Now, do you think that I could do a thesis on the role of popular music and dance (not sacred, please!!!) in, say, medieval and Renaissance Europe? Too broad, I know, but could I work with this? Maybe show the relationship and attitude of the nobility (who, let's face it, are more interesting than the peasantry anyday) to such popular entertainment? Like, where do courtly poems and madrigals come in (was all that time I spent learning madrigals in high school actually good for something)? Polyphonic lines, anyone? The role of dance in a young woman's life (I know, I know, but I go MHC after all!)? Pavanes vs. galliards? Instrumental vs choral? French vs. English (let's work with the languages I know)? What lyrics say about the society? Courtship rituals? Does this all mean I'd have to learn to dance???!!!! (The horror!)

Or should I forget all that and try to tie in all my newfound Viking knowledge instead? Wait, what do we know about Viking era music? Not much, probably. Sagas, maybe? But I'll probably be sick of them soon.....

Help, please!

Press forward for each question.
Use the song title as the answer to the question.
No cheating!

How am I feeling today?
"Don't Tickle Me" standup by Dane Cook. Well, that pretty much speaks for itself.

Will I get far in life?
Lose My Breath- Destiny's Child. So, apparently I'll meet somebody really hot and fall in mad passionate love with them. Or else I get asthma.

How do my friends see me?:
Between the Shadows- Loreena McKennitt. I'm kinda confused about this. Do they think I'm cool and exotic? Or maybe secretive? Or maybe as someone who wallows in my own angst...

Where will I get Married?:
Jumble, Jumble- White Stripes. At a jumble sale?!! Wait now that I think about it...

What is my best friend's theme song?:
Symphony No. 5, Movement 3: Allegro- Beethoven. Really, Caitlin? I thought you hated Beethoven.

What is the story of my life?:
Ramble and Roll- Dropkick Murphys. Haha! Yes! I AM a trouble- causing, mischevious, fun-loving Irish drunk with wander-lust!

What is/was highschool like?:
White Moon- White Stripes. Oookaaay...So apparently it was really creepy and depressing. 'Course, now that I think about that one too...

How can I get ahead in life?:
Take, Take, Take- White Stripes. Well all right! Sound advice right there.

What is the best thing about me?:
Knock On Wood- Pointer Sisters. So...my funky disco grooves? My crazy singing? My superstitions?

How is today going to be?:
I Can Learn- White Stripes. I hope so, I've gotta study for my exams!

What is in store for this weekend?:
Save Yourself- Sense Field. Again, one can only hope. Maybe I can save myself from failing.

What song describes my parents?:
Green Eyes- Coldplay. Actually, they have blue eyes, thanks.

My grandparents?:
Free Bird- Lynyrd Skynyrd. I highly doubt it.

How is my life going?:
Bonny Portmore- Loreena McKennitt. This is another weird one...apparently my life has been pretty depressing, 'cause this song is about the deforestation of Ireland.

What song will they play at my funeral?:
Alabama Song- The Doors. Listen, I'm not THAT weird. Maybe it means my funeral will be at a whisky bar in Alabama. Not such a bad idea...

How does the world see me?:
Hooked On Swing- Glen Miller. Actually, that's probably pretty accurate.

Will I have a happy life?:
Now Mary- White Stripes. Ummm... maybe?

What do my friends really think of me?:
A Few Good Men- Dropkick Murphys. Once again, probably pretty accurate. I AM a drunk, fun-loving, loud Irishman (woman, whatever).

Do people secretly lust after me?:
The Walking Dead- Dropkick Murphys. So... is that a no then?

How can I make myself happy?:
Symphony No. 5, Movement 4: Allegro- Beethoven. Play the violin? Go deaf? Compose?

What should I do with my life?:
More Than Us- Travis. Help other people, I suppose. That's actually not bad advice.

Will I ever have children?:
Hopped Up On The Q- Dane Cook. Yeah, crazy ADD kids.

What is some good advice for me?:
Don't Want To Hurt You- The Sounds. Well I don't want to hurt you either. Are they saying I shouldn't beat people up or something?

What is my signature dancing song?:
Cunctipotens genitor deus- schola cantorum basiliensis. Yeah, 'cause I really rock out to the Gregorian chant.

What do I think my current theme song is?:
You Don't Own Me- Rasputina. Yes! Damn straight! You tell it like it is, crazy gothic cellists.

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?:
Horror Show- The Birthday Massacre. Hey! I resent that.

What type of men/women do you like?:
There's No Other Way- Blur. So I like British men who insult me?

Draw what conclusions you will from this. I certainly can't see anything cohesive.

words

voice
and violin strings

flash

flash

flash warm in my chest
in bursts

just like lightning

just
so