Notes on a (short and random) theme

[olde_fashioned]

(In rereading this entry before posting, I realize it's a bit disjointed and hops all over the place...I apologize for that, but it's the way my brain seems to be functioning these days!)

A quick wrap-up of the past few weeks and days (I think I'm addicted to bullets):

• First off, I'd like to thank princessjune and winterlillies for making me smile with their adorable LJ gifts! Thank you, ladies! ♥

• Despite the bit of "negativism" that occurred a few weeks back that bade me request your prayers (and it is still on-going), things have been pretty good. I'm trying to trust that the prayers of our friends are working, and that things will right themselves (i.e., not worry/stress out).

• It's saddening to see how slow LJ has become in recent months (years?). I miss all the activity and icons! :(

• For whatever reason, I've been on a Emma kick. I'm not exactly sure what made me start fiddling with the screencaps again, but a month or so ago I started making a batch of icons, which put me in the mood to rewatch the Kate Beckinsale adaptation, which in turn led to a (yet another) reread of the book. I'd forgotten how peaceful and reassuring the world JA created there can be, and it's the perfect summer read; replete with strawberries.

• Speaking of perfect for summer, I've joined the ranks as a convert and fan of She & Him. (This one I can blame on sakka!) ;D Their two albums will be joining the ranks of my "summer playlists" beside Leigh Nash, who was my summer soundtrack for last year.

• Slow as always to the music front I may be, but does anyone else enjoy Colbie Caillat? I only discovered her because they play her a lot on the radio at work, and I found myself enjoying several of her songs. THIS song in particular is glued to the insides of my cranium. Tell me others have been beguiled by her embodiment of summer; soothing voice, romantic themes, and softly country-esque melodies?

So with summer in mind I have a couple questions for my friends and readers:

• What books represent summer to you? It could be a book you read one summer and look back fondly on the experience, or a book that summarily describes what summer means to you.

• What music embodies summer to you? Are there certain songs/albums/artists that make you feel "summer-y"?

Comments

[2theriver2pray.livejournal.com]

I like Colbie Caillat, especially during the summer since my skin reacts to negatively to the sun. It's nice to listen to her when your resting and under a shade, drinking tea (well water or juice for me XD) and reading a good back. She definitely leaves you with a smile on your face and a little more at peace.

Twitter, Facebook, and especially Tumblr took a beating on LJ. I have a tumblr but it's kind of annoying since I am still trying to understand everything how everything works, even after 4 years of having the internet! Tumblr has this detached feeling for me , while LJ is more community oriented (or at least was :( ). I love the pretty graphics on tumblr but always wonder why people can't be that creative here? To me you get even drama rama since you don't know if you can use them on LJ and it's so complicated to me. Don't get me started on Twitter, however Facebook has nice games....problem is you have to friend a bunch of strangers if you don't want to pay for the stuff in the games.

LJ rocks hands down for me. I will never leave it. It has mood themes, custom layouts, userpics. It has so much awesome that even when the LJ camp fail us, they still pawn the rest.

Plus the only time I'd ever use only 140 characters is if I'm so sick and only have enough energy to type 'pray for me during this hard time'. 140 characters is not enough to establish a human connection.

I love She & Him. I love their style and how they be themselves. I've always adored quirky artists instead of manufactured fake Barbie doll singers. I like Zooey's fashion style, it very unique. She proves you can be unique and different with out being over the top or whatever what Lady Gaga does. Leigh Nash! I love her and some of the songs she did on Matthew West's The Story of Your Life CD!

Have you heard Adele's record 21? It's own of my few non-religious/inspirational albums I listen to.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

I'm not a fan of summer's heat and sunshine, myself, so I can understand you there! But this year it's strangely attractive in the sense of the idea; rather than the actual experience, if that makes any sense.

Twitter, FB, and even Tumblr to a degree all lack what is best about LJ: customization and self expression. You can't even change the color on anything on FB!! Twitter is too short and inane, and Tumblr has no privacy or originality.

LOL re: 140 characters--I'm the person who's routinely had to split up a comment into two separate ones, because of reaching LJ's character limit!! Posting on FB or Twitter would be torturous.

Yes, exactly! I love the way she dresses, as well; so cute and vintage and feminine!

Don't even get me started on Lady Gag-me. *pukes*

I loved Leigh Nash ever since Sixpence, but her solo album "Blue on Blue" is even better. SO incredibly soothing and ethereal. (I had no idea she'd teamed up with Matthew West--thanks for the heads-up!)

I've heard a little of Adele; I still haven't made up my mind about her voice (aside from acknowledging that she's amazingly talented), but I'm not sure about buying her. Love her sense of fashion and that eye makeup she wears, especially!!