Week XIV

Well, I won't have much to say this besides I am about to fall over from too much dancing and fun at Prom! A lack of sleep doesn't help either. Prom was so much fun!!! If I had to live that night over and over again for...a long time, I would do it! The incessant paparazzi (aka parents) always taking pictures would get annoything though. Anyway, let's get down to business (but not to defeat the huns).

My pick of the week- Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder

I recently downloaded Stevie's greatest hits album and I don't regret it in the least! I have always liked Stevie's varying voice and immense musical talent (not to mention he's BLIND and yet can play the piano like no other), and this album sums his awesomeness up in just 20 songs. Give it a listen! You won't regret it.

Ginger time!

Well, one of my best friends Leslie fixed my hair for Prom, and it looked amazing, even if I do say so myself. Anyway, Cora was the first person to touch my hair this week (of course). I don't have much else to say this week other than I am dead tired and want to go to bed...which I will do right now. Until next week!

Week XIII

I will admit, I am glad for the thunderstorms :) Though tornadoes are scary and I hope to never have to see one again (I was a few hundred feet from one when I lived in Mississippi), the winds and rain they stir up make me happy. Spring is finally here! I hope it doesn't rain Prom weekend though...

My pick of the week- She's Always A Woman by Billy Joel

I have listened to Billy Joel ever since I can remember; he's sung me to sleep, he's woken me up, and he's got me through tumultuous times again and again. My parent's "song" at their wedding was Just the Way You Are by Billy (which is a sweet song as well), in fact. I'd like to post the lyrics for you to She's Always A Woman:

She can kill with a smile
She can wound with her eyes
She can ruin your faith with her casual lies
And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child
But she's always a woman to me

She can lead you to live
She can take you or leave you
She can ask for the truth
But she'll never believe you
And she'll take what you give her as long as it's free
She steals like a thief
But she's always a woman to me

Oh, she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants
She's ahead of her time
Oh, and she never gives out
And she never gives in
She just changes her mind

She will promise you more
Than the Garden of Eden
Then she'll carelessly cut you
And laugh while you're bleedin'
But she'll bring out the best
And the worst you can be
Blame it all on yourself
Cause she's always a woman to me

She is frequently kind
And she's suddenly cruel
She can do as she pleases
She's nobody's fool
But she can't be convicted
She's earned her degree
And the most she will do
Is throw shadows at you
But she's always a woman to me

"And she only reveals what she wants you to see, she hides like a child, but she's always a woman to me." How true of a woman! I'll admit, we can be pretty harsh at times, and Billy Joel captures the essence of what a woman is (even if she won't admit it) sometimes, for some always, and puts it into a soothing melody accompanied by a lovely flute. I suggest ALL of Billy Joel's songs, but this is one of my all-time favourites.

Gimme a "R", gimme a "E", gimme a "D"!

I'd like to share an...incident involving my hair that happened not thirty minutes ago. My mom and I were shopping (she received some gift cards to the mall for secretaries' day) at JCPenny's for some shirts for her. When we were ready to check out, the girl at the cash register seemed to be the complimenting type; the first words out of her mouth were, "That's a cute shirt". She barely had time to look at it! But her next comment shocked me. She had the nerve to tell me that she liked how my hair looked "all crimpy-like". My mom shot me a "don't say anything back, you'll regret it" look, so I kept my mouth shut, although I REALLY didn't want to. Crimpy? Of all the curly insults! I wanted to tell her, "MY HAIR IS NOT CRIMPED, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! It's naturally curly, I just have to have it chemically relaxed so it won't look like CRAP." Alas, some people just don't know when NOT to say some things they might think are compliments. She may have ment well, but...you're got to be careful what you say to a red-head about their hair. Couldn't she have said, "I like your hair" like everyone else? Oh well...Nicole was the first person to touch my hair this week, but Cora was the second! Woot. Well, I must be leaving. My video games are calling. Until next week.

Week XII

I swear, sometimes I want to change this blog's title to "Examples why they're aren't enough hours in the day,how much music is amazing, and why I love Latin." But, alas...perhaps that blog is for another time. Firstly, the song of the week.

My pick of the week- Sonata in A Minor - Allemande by J. S. Bach

Could Bach be anymore awesome? The above is purely flute, with no accompanying orchestra, or even a piano. Sonatas are always calming (in my opinion), but this one is calming, but at the same time urges you to listen deeper. The rolling crests and valleys of the dynamics and the varying articulations (sorry if this is too much band jargon for you) really makes you realize how versatile the flute is. I would love to play this piece if I could get my hands on it. Give it a listen! Or two or three...

Random Red-rugged Rants (I thought I'd have some fun with alliteration)

My hair cooperates much better now that my amazing hair stylist tamed it. The straightening lasts about 5 months. It would last longer if my hair wouldn't grow. But if my hair didn't grow, then I'd be in a awful mess. I wouldn't be able to show my true colours, shining though, my true colours, that's why I love you. WHOA! When did you decide to take over my blog, Phil? Anyway...the first person to touch my hair and the LAST person was....DUN DUN DUN....Cora. Go figure.
Laterz gatorz

Week XI

This week is just for Elizabeth because she is amazing.

My pick of the week- Cumulus by Imogen Heap

Now, I know I don't usually pick the same artist consecutively, but I make an exception this week. I recommend this song to anyone who enjoys listening to concert music (aka without words). Even if you don't normally like that kind of music, I would suggest listening to this song. You might change your mind after you hear the complexity and beauty that this song embodies. It is amazing! I, more often than not, listen to classical music while I do my homework, and though Cumulus isn't classical, I still find it soothing and a great study song.

Oh Red Fluff-ball, oh red fluff-ball, I'm really tired of you, oh red fluff-ball.

Get ready to gasp, because Cora was NOT the first person to touch my hair this week! It was Emily! The plot thickens... Ok, maybe not. Just kidding =] Anyway, as you might be able to tell, I would like my hair to stop being complicated. I'm sick of it! Although 7 people touched my hair this week, it didn't deserve even one. I can't wait for this Friday! I will finally be liberated of my obnoxious mane. By the way, if you didn't go see The Wiz this past weekend, you really missed out! I participated in the pit orchestra and had a great time! I'm glad it's over, but, then again, I'm not. I can't wait to see what we perform next year! Well, sleep beckons. Have a great four day week! Spring break next week!

Week X

Greetings from Rainy Land! Personally, I'm just glad that spring is finally here! I love winter, but enough is enough! Bring on the new life and pretty flowers! I can't wait to check the air in my bike tires and go on a ride through the countryside again. Anyway!

My pick of the week- 2-1 by Imogen Heap

Imogen is one of my favourite artists. Her music is diverse, but always chock full of talent. I'm going to include the lyrics to this song this week because I think the lyrics are very...deep (in a way). Here goes:
First the earth was flat
But it fattened up when we didn't fall off
Now we spin laps round the sun

All the gods lost 2-1
And holes to heaven pointed out to us from light years away
We're surrounded by a billion galaxies

Things are not always
Things are not always how they seem
Will you be ready?
Will you be ready?

The interim of life
Has got you tiptoed and pinning all your hopes
On the top dog of dreams

You're not alone in this
The polyfilla way looks strong in the weakness
Of the gaps

Things are not always
Things are not always how they seem
They don't turn out always
Don't quite turn out always how we think
Will we be ready?
Will we be ready?

I'm dying to know, what's in your head
I'm dying to know, how it all got in there
I'm dying to know, to help make some sense of it all
I'm dying to know
Tell me is it my fault?

And I care about you, darling

And I care about you
Course I care about you
More than anyone else

Things are not always
Things are not always how they seem
They don't turn out always
Don't quite turn out always how we think
Will we be ready?

My favourite verse is the first one. I think it shows just how much we (especially Americans) want everything to revolve around ourselves and how much we want everything to go as we want it to. I strongly suggest you listen to this song and more of Imogen's works. Her newest CD, Ellipse, is a great buy, but Speak For Yourself is still my favourite.

Dear Ginger,

....ok just kidding. I would NEVER open an advise column. That's just begging from petty drama that no one wants to hear about. I finally got an appointment for my hair to be done, so I'm pretty excited. Yes, I know I'm easily excited, but this is a big deal for me. I step in a beauty parlor about once every five months. So when I do, I always feel better when I get out =] By the way, I really hate saying "get my hair done". Hair can't be "done"...but I don't know how else to say what I want to say without using that phrase. It's so grammaitically incorrect and I hate it! Alas, I am powerless to fix it... I digress. Cora was the first to touch my hair this week. I can't see how she always remembers, but she does! Anyway...I really must go. Stephen King's Under the Dome is calling to me.

Week IX

Hope you had a good week. This is going to be a short blog this week.

My pick of the week- Telephone by Lady Gaga

This song is great, but I wouldn't tell you to watch the offical video though. It's...how can I say this nicely? Different. Very very different... But the song is great. Just go listen to it =] but seriously...don't watch the video.

Gingerness!

Cora was the first one to touch my hair this week, of course! I hate my hair sometimes...we have a love/hate relationship. I need to get my hair done. I normally have the roots of my hair chemically relaxed. My roots are a lot curlier than the rest of my hair is. They are about as curly as an old phone cord. Because of this, I get them relaxed. You probably didn't want to know any of this, but deal with it =]

Have a great week.

Week VIII

Good afternoon my fellow bloggians! What a beautiful day is it too! I currently have my window open (though it is a bit cold) to let the glorious sun shine in. These are the days that make me glad to be alive and that I live in such a lovely part of the countryside.

My pick of the week- Viola Da Gamba Sonata #2 in D, 1. Adagio by Bach

It's Bach time! A piano and a viola are the only instruments that play in this song, and the sound they make together is so very lovely. Believe it or not, I first heard this song on an old Nancy Drew video game of mine. This song is regal and thoroughly baroque with the numerous trills and dark, intense sound that would make anyone feel peaceful, yet interested in hearing the song in its entirety. As the majority of the baroque style of music, this piece ends on a happy note (haha). All Bach's works are amazing, but I love this one especially for its complexity and beauty.

Mega Ginger time!

I have not kept a close running total on the number of people who have decided to molest my hair in some way this week, but the last number I remember counting was nine. Cora, as usual, was the first to do this. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jim Walker, one of the greatest flautists of all time in my book, this past weekend at Murray Quad State Festival at Murray College. One evening, he gave a superb concert with the Murray Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. After the concert, he held a signing outside in the front lobby. Of course I jumped at this opportunity to meet such a wonderful player, so I bought one of his CD's and waited in line to get his autograph. I happened to overhear that couple in front of me were big fans of Jim Walker and so I started a conversation with the lady. I came to find out that her name was also Bethany, but she spelled it with an "e" instead of an "a". Just as I began to push the coincidence aside, it was my turn to talk to the great Jim Walker. He smiled and asked me whay my name was. I told him, and his reaction startled me. He put down his sharpie and looked me in the eyes. He asked me if I was joking. I shook my head, and he laughed. Oh how confused was I! He smiled again and explained to me that in his studio back home (somewhere in California, I believe) there was another curly, red-headed Bethany that played the flute. My jaw dropped. Another red-headed curly haired Bethany exsisted? NO WAY! This was just too weird to be true. On top of that, she plays the flute! He signed my CD and said to me, "Out of all the people here tonight, I don't think I can forget meeting another red-headed Bethany. Have a good night, Bethany!" I smiled, thanked him, and said I would never forget him either. What an awesome night that was!

Week VII

I'm going to jump right into the song this week.

My pick of the week-Strong Tower by Kutless

I recently purchased the CD Strong Tower by Kutless and this song by far is my favourite. It speaks of God's ability to be our fortress and a place of refuge when things are hard. I believe the song is based of one of David's Psalms, but I don't remember. I would strongly suggest giving Kutless a listen! I have actually met them when they visited my church and held a concert a few years ago. That was so awesome! I purchased a VIP pass and got to meet with them before the concert. I will never forget their kindess and humour.

Ginger Time!

Four people have messed up my hair this week. I'm going to go on a mini rant about something I hate very much. When people tug on my hair or purposefully mess it up (e.g. a noogie), I feel livid at them. I asbolutely hate this! I know I may just seem like I'm being a girl, but c'mon! I have to re-smooth my hair down and even after I do that it looks all frizzy. No fun!

Well, my blog is fairly short this week, but I promise I'll make it up to you this weekend.
Adios!

Week VI

Salutations! Felicitations! Congratulations! Wait...never mind. I think I've been studying too much Latin recently. Hardly a day goes by that I don't make the comment "That word is Latin" or "That word comes from the Latin word (fill in the blank here)". Latin culture and language fascinate and interest me so much. As I'm typing to you all I can think of is how I would say all this in Latin. Sometimes I think I understand Latin more than I do English. Sorry, Mrs. Gunter, but it's true.

My pick of the week- Goodbye Blue Sky by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd's music is, in one word, amazing. This songs comes from the album The Wall. Interestingly enough, Pink Floyd made a movie from these songs (which is strange, but an entertaining watch). Here are the lyrics:

(Little Boy)- "Look mummy, there's an aeroplane up in the sky"

Oooooooo ooo ooo ooo ooooh(x 3)
Did-did-did-did-you see the frightened ones?
Did-did-did-did-you hear the falling bombs?
Did-did-did-did-you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter
When the promise of a brave new world
Unfurled beneath a clear blue sky?

Oooooooo ooo ooo ooo ooooh (x 2)
Did-did-did-did-you see the frightened ones?
Did-did-did-did-you hear the falling bombs?
The flames are all long gone, but the pain lingers on.

Goodbye, blue sky
Goodbye, blue sky.
Goodbye.(x 2)

Normally I don't include the lyrics to my picks of the week, but these lyrics were short and I wanted to point out that the lyrics say "Did-did-did-did-you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter when the promise of a brave new world unfurled beneath a clear blue sky?" I find this interesting. The Wall was released in 1979, after WWII and, coincidentally, after Brave New World was published. "The flames are gone, but the pain lingers on." Ain't that the truth?

Flaming Fireball of Fury that is my hair time-

I finally found my prom dress today! It is a gorgeous color green that goes perfectly with my hair. Yet again, Cora was the first to touch my hair this week. *drum roll* Fifteen people have touched it this week! This is madness! Anyway, a friend of mine told me that my hair would look great in dreadlocks. This, quite frankly, is even more madness. My hair in dreadlocks would be as bad a mistake as Napoleon's invasion of Russia (I added that for you, Emily dear). My hair would look horrible! It gets tangled badly enough in one day that I would HATE to see if for weeks, if not months at a time! Besides, the idea is gross. Not washing your hair for that long is disgusting. Yes, I suppose it looks alright on some guys, but it looks very awkward on girls. I refuse to mistreat my hair so.

Well, that's all for this week. Ta ta!

Week V

Snow, snow, go away! Come back next year.

I love snow days as much as the next guy, but I don’t want to go to school till June! It’s just not cool! (No pun intended…) I digress.

My pick of the week- Bond on Bond by Bond

Phew! That’s a lot of Bonds. The band Bond is made up of four very talented electric string players; One girl on bass, one on cello, and two on violin. This song is the James Bond theme song as played by the group Bond. Pretty cool, is it not? The theme is very recognizable and the girls perform it very well. Check them out! (Not literally…that would just be creepy.)

Ginger Time!

Four people besides me have touched my hair this week. And, yet again, Cora was the first! Yay, Cora! I think my hair is going crazy (if that makes any sense). I haven’t had to fix it much since we haven’t been going to school and now when I do try to tame it down, it doesn’t want to be tamed! This is very frustrating. I’ve had to put it up in a clip (which I don’t normally do) many times. You probably don’t care much about my hair, but I’m going to tell you anyway! Buwhaha! I can, I am, and I will!

Well, that’s all there is to say this week. Here’s hoping for Spring!

Week IV

Greetings, mien komrades! Snow, snow, snow, and more snow descend upon us and there is more yet to come! As we prepare for the Super Bowl XLIV, don’t forget some party music for those commercial breaks!

My pick of the week- U Can’t Touch This by M.C. Hammer

I know this song maybe not be “popular” anymore, but you have to admit, it’s still played in clubs across the country. This is a great song to dance to, bop your head to, or just tap your toes too. If not, it will at least make you smile. We could all benefit from a little more Hammer!

A Tale from the Ginger Crypt-

I cannot figure out what it is with my hair, but it seems to cooperate some weeks, and then hate life other weeks. Maybe it’s bipolar. Can hair be bipolar? I believe mine is all the time. I digress. This week I’ve had four people other than myself touch my hair. Red hair can be such a pain, but especially when you have to be wary of what colour clothes you buy. You see, if you have red hair, you CANNOT buy just any red shirt and expect it to look great with your hair. I was reminded of this curse this week. Prom is approaching and I went looking for a prom dress with some of my friends. Blue and green things usually catch my eye, but one red dress that really appealed to me. I picked it off the rack to get a better look. It was gorgeous! I was wary of it though. I tried it on just to see. It fit perfectly! However, when I turned around to look at myself in the mirror, the dress looked horrible against my hair. Woe was I! I sadly hung the dress back up, never to see it again. If only it was a different colour or, perhaps, I could wear a wig! No, no false hair shall ever be worn upon this head in public. Oh well…

Week III

As last week was rainy, this week is snowy! I can't say which form of precipitation I prefer because I love them both. Winter and fall are my favourite seasons. You never know what kind of weather to expect, but it is always beautiful. I can see tracks outside my bedroom window from some animal that has passed by. It looks to be deer tracks, but I can't be certain. The strides are long, but not smeared as they would be if something were chasing it. I don't exactly know why, but this is beautiful to me. Ah, well on with the blog.

My pick of the week- Wait by Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie is one of my very favourite artists. All of their songs soothe me and I always listen to their songs as I drift off to sleep. This song is all about a man caught up in the monotonous repetition of life. The song isn't a long one, but it is a good one. I suggest you listen to it if you have the time. I will more than likely have my pick of the week from one of DCFC's songs quite often. I love them that much =]

Random Gingerness 'o the Week!

Only five people have touched my hair this week. I don't know exactly why this is, but I would just like to say that Cora was the first. I've had a busy week and haven't had much time to think about my hair. Nevertheless, I have promised a story and you shall have one! In Band, we are in the process of electing officers for the remainder of this year (and next marching season, I believe). I am running for the Librarian office. We voted for officers this past Friday and it was only then did I realize some one was running against me. My fellow ginger, Heath, was also running for Librarian. Mr. Dale informed us that whoever received the most votes would be Head Librarian, and the other person would be Assistant Librarian. Therefore, after band class, I found Heath and told him that we could rename the Librarian position and call it "Gingers Are Awesome". He smiled and said that we should do that. I also said we should make T-shirts. He shook him head and laughed. I think my new position, as Head or Assistant Librarian, will be just fine so long as I get to work with a fellow ginger. We understand stuff that no one else possibly could. For instance...nuclear psychics? No problem.

Week II

Well! What a rainy week it has been! I say this as the rain clouds drift pass my house, threatening more rain. But, enough of these trifles. I am changing the look of my blog a bit. Instead of my favourite top 40 hit and my favourite from my own collection, I am just going to tell about the latter. I also decided to add in some random comments about my gingerness and the trouble it's been giving me that week.

My pick of the week- All Shook Up by Elvis Presley

Elvis has always been one of my favourite singers. His voice is so suave and smooth, and he makes you want to get up and shake you hips! (Speaking of hips, I am having a great laugh watching Joanna play Super Hula Hoops on my new Wii Fit game...) This song is a great song to listen to anytime, but especially when with a special someone that makes you feel like dancing.

On to random gingerness of the week!

This week a total of 12 people have touched my hair. It's cooperated for the most part, but I have a story about my "glorious" red hair I must share. One of my friends ( I won't say any names) asked me what I was going to wear for Friday's all out red and white day/ white out Apollo day. Jokingly, I told her I was going to dye my hair red. I started laughing, but she just looked at me. She then asked why I was laughing. I thought to myself, "Is she kidding? My hair IS red!" I pointed to my hair to try to give her some clue to why I thought her stupity was so funny. I don't think she understood. I ran in to her later and gave her a smile, but she still looked confused... I feel like I should end this saying my life is average. So, MLIA!

Have a good week!

Week I

Salutations fellow bloggians! Well, I'll get straight to the point. Every week I will pick a song from the top 40 list that I think is the best listen. I will also pick a song from my eccentric collection of music and say why it's my favourite this week. Got it? Good.

My Top 40 pick- Half of My Heart by John Mayer ft. Taylor Swift

From my collection- Black Mamba by Jethro Tull

This is the week of the J's it seems! John Mayer is one of my all-time favourite singers. His voice is one of those that just seems to soothe your soul no matter what he is singing about. His voice is calm and he always make a great choice to listen to to relax. I recently bought his new CD, Battle Studies, and I have really enjoyed it. This song is one of the best. His voice and Taylor Swift's really blend well together. Give it a listen and find out for yourself!

If you've never heard about Jethro Tull, I suggest you Google him. He is (in my opinion) one of the BEST rock flautist ever. Not all his songs feature him playing flute, but quite a lot do. This is one such song. It starts out with a flute solo, and then is accompanied with strings. The song talks about (if you haven't guessed) an encounter with a dangerous Black Mamba snake. I absolutely love it! It has a great beat and the flute part is awesome. What more could one ask for?

Well, that all for this week! Join me next week for two more great songs =]