Music Hath Charms: Musicals edition

Musicals are such a fun way to lose yourself in something familiar and sing along (vocal ability not included) at the top of our lungs just for the joy of it.  There are also many musicals with an important message hiding in fun, upbeat music with profound lyrics.  I’m going to start with some fun musicals that are on my all time favourite list.  I will do another set of musical lyrics that tell a story about a family and the effects of mental illness on them all. ** All lyrics taken from https://allmusicals.com  **   

No Place Like London

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979)

[Antony]

I have sailed the world

beheld its wonders

from the Dardanelles,

to the mountains of Peru,

But there's no place like London!

I feel home again...

I could hear the city bells ring...

Whatever would I do?

No there's...

[Sweeney Todd]

No place like London

Mister Cellophane

Chicago (1975)

And even without clucking like a hen

Everyone gets noticed, now and then,

Unless, of course, that personage should be 

Invisible, inconsequential me!

Cellophane

Mister Cellophane

Shoulda been my name

Popular

Wicked  (2003)

[Galinda]

When I see depressing creatures

With unprepossesing features

I remind them on their own behalf

To think of 

Celebrated heads of state or 

Specially great communicators

Did they have brains or knowledge?

Don’t make me laugh!

They were popular! Please -

It’s all about popular!

It’s not about aptitude

It’s the way you’re viewed

So it’s very shrewed to be 

Very Very popular 

Like me!

Defying Gravity

Wicked  (2003)

[Elphaba]

Something has changed within me

Something is not the same

I’m through with playing by the rules

Of someone else’s game

Too late for second-guessing

Too late to go back to sleep

It’s time to trust my instincts

Close my eyes: and leap!

It’s time to try

Defying gravity

I think I’ll try

Defying gravity

And you can’t pull me down!

[Glinda]

Can’t I make you understand?

You’re having delusions of grandeur.

[Elphaba]

I’m through accepting limits

‘Cuz someone says they’re so

Some things I cannot change

But till I try.  I’ll never know!

Too long I’ve been afraid of 

Losing love I guess I’ve lost

Well, if that’s love

It comes at much too high a cost!

For Good

Wicked. (2003)

[Glinda]

I’ve heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true

But I know I’m who I am today

Because I knew you.   

...

[Elphaba]

It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me 

Is made of what I learned from you

You’ll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have rewritten mine

By being my friend:

Like a ship blown from its mooring

By a wind off the sea

Like a seed dropped by a skybird

In a distant wood

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?

But because I knew you:

...

[Both]

I have been changed for good

Do You Love Me

Fiddler on the Roof (1964)

[Tevye]

But do you love me?

[Golde]

Do I love you?

For twenty-five years I’ve washed your clothes

Cooked your meals, cleaned the house

Given you children, milked the cow

After twenty-five years, why talk about love right now?

[Tevye]

Golde. the first time I met you

Was on our wedding day

I was scared

[Golde]

I was shy

[Tevye]

I was nervous

[Golde]

So was I

[Tevye]

But my father and my mother

Said we’d learn to love each other

And now I’m asking.  Golde

Do you love me?

[Golde]

I’m your wife

[Tevye]

“I know...”

But do you love me

...

Then you love me?

[Golde]

I suppose I do

[Tevye]

And I suppose I love you too

[Both]

It doesn’t change a thing

But even so

After twenty-five years

It’s nice to know

Tomorrow

Annie  (1977)

The sun’ll come out 

Tomorrow

Bet your bottom dollar

That tomorrow

There’ll be sun!

Just thinkin’ about

Tomorrow

Clears away the cobwebs,

And the sorrow

‘Til there’s none!

When I’m stuck with a day

That’s gray.

And lonely,

I just stick out my chin

And grin,

And say.

Oh!

That the sun’ll come out

Tomorrow

So ya gotta hang on 

‘Til tomorrow

Come what may

Tomorrow!  Tomorrow!

You’re only

A day

Away!

There are so many musicals out there these are just a few that allow my heart and mind to perk up a little, and when safe I sing along with all my soul (sorry to those near me who have no clue what I'm singing, lol).  Musicals come in all sorts of genres and depths of message.  One of the great things about musicals is there are always new ones coming out and older ones cycle back around to develop new followers.  If these lyrics seem interesting then go out and look for the rest of the music and see if it speaks to you at all.  If you are willing to experiment I'm sure you can find the right musical for you, Good Luck!

The Season is Upon Us

     The time has flown since we landed and even though we haven't been here 3 months yet it feels like home.  My husband and I have ventured out to multiple shops to get the pieces for Christmas boxes to send to friends and family in the United States.  We will spend both Solstice and Christmas on our own, but right after Boxing Day (a British holiday that occurs the day after Christmas) our children will arrive for their Newcastle Adventure.
     I finally realised yesterday how close the holidays are when I found myself listening to Christmas Carols on YouTube and rediscovering groups and classic videos that had escaped my memory (lost to ECT).  I have since made a Solstice/X-mas playlist with favourites like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, and multiple versions of Handel's Messiah.  I have found myself transitioning from heavy metal to singing along with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge and what promises to be the full 2+ hour rendition of Messiah.

    We have yet to get a tree, unless you want to count the Brussel sprout stalk we purchased (who knew Brussel sprouts grew that way) for dinner the other night.  Our tradition has been to have a wreath instead of a tree (cats and Christmas trees don't always go well together), and we have brought along some of the most important ornaments from home but left plenty for the kids to use this year.  We will use technology to continue our traditions even when we are 4500 miles apart.  We will use video conferencing to be with the kids on the morning after Solstice, when we traditionally exchanged presents.  We will more than make up for the separation at Solstice by celebrating every minute while they are here to visit.

     Singing was always an important part of the Christmas traditions I grew up with and through until college, when I dropped out of any formal group singing (and grumpily refused to sing with the family).  Since then my singing has mostly occurred in our vehicles (children are very forgiving), singing along with favourite artists when I am alone or when my husband is around because he doesn't judge.  As I've had more alone time lately I realise how much I enjoy singing and that I miss singing with others. Handel's Messiah became a favourite in late high school when I joined the adult choir at the church I attended and participated in their yearly performance.  It was a huge commitment of time and effort but I think that is why I can sit here and sing along hardly missing a beat or lyric.  For most people the Hallelujah Chorus is what is the best known section but there is so much more to the Messiah.  I will continue singing along (practicing) until it's time to put it away for a year.
     There are many old churches and cathedrals in our new city and some of the larger ones are putting on traditional carol performances here in the next few weeks.  We will venture out to as many as possible to experience the history and traditions that go so far back here.  To sit in a location that pre-dates the establishment of the United States by many, many years and hear the very old traditional carols, many of them in Latin, will be amazing.  The beauty of the architecture and the way the music resonates through it will give a new feel to both the familiar and new music.
    This time of year is sacred to most of the religious traditions around the world.  However you celebrate I wish you Glad Tidings, and hope that the spirit of the season lifts your heart and mind to the possibility of joy even in the midst of the darkest part of the year.  If possible bring your family close to you, or celebrate from afar.  Find opportunities to share your traditions (and your bounty) with those around you who may be lonely this time of year, and above all Take Care.  Cheers.

     

     

Learning How To Speak British English

Prior to the move across the pond I had watched enough BBC videos to know that the English language as I was taught, starting back in grammar school, was very different from the English I was going to have to understand and speak upon arrival.  I did not understand the difference of accent and how much more difficult understanding speech from here in the North of England would be.  There is also a huge difference in spelling of some words to the point of making it difficult to translate. So, for those of you who are curious or even considering a visit to England, welcome to my class. Let’s start with some basic vocabulary changes translating from 🇬🇧 English to 🇺🇸 English.

Category	🇬🇧	🇺🇸
Food	Biscuits	Cookies
	Crisps	Potato Chips
	Chips	French Fries
	Egg Mayonnaise	Egg Salad (sub.Tuna, Prawn, Ham etc)
	Pudding*	General Term for Dessert
	Custard	"American" Pudding
	Cheese Toastie	Grilled Cheese
	Squash	Concentrated Fruit Juice
	Take Away	Take out or delivered food (pizza, chinese etc)
Clothing	Trainers	Sneakers
	Pants	Men’s Underwear
	Knickers	Women’s Underwear
	Trousers	Pants (over type not under type)
	Joggers	Sweat (Athletic) Pants
	Jumper	Sweater
	Braces	Suspenders
	Wellingtons	Rain Boots

*Not all Puddings are sweet, however. See: Yorkshire Pudding or Black Pudding

Category	🇬🇧	🇺🇸
Medical	GP	Primary Care Doctor
	GP Surgery	Doctor’s Office (Practice)
	Jab	Injection
	Plaster	Bandage
	Sticking (Sticky) Plaster	Band-aid
	Chemist *	Pharmacist
	Chemist	Pharmacy (Behind the Counter OTC Meds)
	Stone	Measure of Weight (1= 6.35 kg)
	A&E	Emergency Room
General	Lift	Elevator
	Z(ee)	Zed (Proper Pronunciation)
	Lorry	Truck
	Trolley	Wheeled Cart (Shopping etc)
	Loo or Toilet	Restroom
	Holiday	Vacation
	Pissed	Drunk
	Nappy	Baby Diaper

* Chemists can provide medications after consultation. They can write prescriptions to be filled locally or there are OTC medications that have to be asked for, but would be prescription medications in the USA (eg. Tylenol with Codeine, or cough syrups with Codeine)

       We will conclude our beginner course in Speaking British English.  There are many more words that could be included but these are the ones that come up in my everyday life.  Some differences are so minor but they trip me up the most often (Z ➡️ Zed).  It is a brilliant language and it is interesting seeing word origins for some American words.

      Cheers for now, more to come soon!

Music Hath Charms

     I rely on music to get through some of the most mundane situations (grocery shopping being very high on the list).  Music has the power to cover up the noise from around myself and within myself; it speaks to feelings that I cannot express (yet). With the correct playlist and the joys of singing along, time flies and it can make all chores enjoyable
      I want to share some of the lyrics that I find most profound, ones that, as I listen (and sing along), I get the freedom of opening up and acknowledging my feelings that I keep tucked so deep inside.
      Instead of trying to find and quote from all of these moving songs, I am going to do a series and focus on the groups (or individuals) that mean so much to me.  
     I’m going to start with Linkin Park, a band that has always had lyrics that spoke directly to my heart and pain, but now has an extra weight since the loss of Chester Bennington.

***All lyrics quoted from https://azlyrics.com/lyrics/linkinpark***

“Papercut”
“Hybrid Theory”  (2000)
The Sun
(It’s like I’m paranoid lookin’ over my back)
(It’s like a whirlwind inside of my head)
(It’s like I can’t stop what I’m hearing within)
(It’s like the face inside is right beneath the skin)
I feel the light betray me

“Crawling”
“Hybrid Theory”  (2000)
Crawling in my skin
These wounds they will not heal
Fear is how I fall
Confusing what is real

“Somewhere I Belong”
“Meteora”  (2003)
I wanna heal, I wanna feel what I thought was never real
I wanna let go of the pain I’ve felt so long
(Erase all the pain ’til it’s gone)
I wanna heal, I wanna feel like I’m close to something real
I wanna find something I’ve wanted all along
Somewhere I belong

“Given Up”
“Minutes to Midnight”  2007
I've given up
I'm sick of feeling
Is there nothing you can say?
Take this all away
I'm suffocating
Tell me what the fuck is wrong with me?
I don't know what to take
Thought I was focused but I'm scared
I'm not prepared
I hyperventilate
Looking for help somehow somewhere
And no one cares
I'm my own worst enemy

“Waiting For The End”
“A Thousand Suns”  (2010)
Sitting in an empty room
Trying to forget the past
This was never meant to last
I wish it wasn’t so

“Roads Untraveled”
“Living Things”  (2012)
Weep not for roads untraveled
Weep not for sights unseen
May your love never end
And if you need a friend
There’s a seat here alongside me

“Heavy”
(Feat. Kiiara)
“One More Light”  (2017)
[Chester Bennington:]
I don’t like my mind right now
Stacking up problems that are so unnecessary
Wish that I could slow things down
I wanna let go but there’s comfort in the panic
[Kiiara:]
It’s not like I make the choice
To let my mind stay so fucking messy
...
I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down
If I just let go, I’d be set free
Holding on
Why is everything so heavy?

“Sharp Edges”
“One More Light”  (2017)
Sharp edges have consequences, I
Guess that I had to find out for myself
Sharp edges have consequences, now
Every scar is a story I can tell
We all fall down
We live somehow
We learn what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger

“One More Light”
“One More Light”  (2017)
Should’ve stayed.  Were there signs I ignored?
Can I help you not to hurt anymore?
We saw brilliance when the world was asleep
There are things that we can have but can’t keep
...
Who cares is one more light goes out
In the sky of a million stars?
It flickers, flickers
Who Cares when someone’s time runs out
If a moment is all we are?
Or quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well, I do
Well, I do

     I'm done (for now), I hope if you are a Linkin Park fan my choices did not offend you in any way and if these songs are new to you I hope you've gained some insight into a group that was massively popular but who did not have typical rock star lyrics.
Take Care

Weather and it's effect on everything

I grew up in Colorado and it seemed like announcing how humid it was anytime the level reached 30-40% or God forbid a whopping 60-70% right before the sky opened up and tried to drown us (for maybe 5-10 min) or punished us with horizontal snow.  I’m cursed (blessed?) with naturally curly hair so we always had a real time indicator of the increase or decrease of the levels.  High humidity for me turns my wavy, loose curls into something Shirley Temple would have been proud to wear, lower levels of moisture mean I gain an inch or 2 of length as all the ringlets decide to take a break and let themselves down.  So I’m sure you didn’t check into this page to get a vanity report on curly hair, but I bring this all up because I knew coming here to Northern England would make those quick ebb and spike in humidity levels look like chump change in the grand scheme of things.      So what I knew prior to boarding the plane, my hair would be ridiculously curly while I tried to cheer it along to grow faster and straighten out due to gravity, the temperatures would not be as extreme but would feel much warmer and colder, there would not be a rainy season alternating with an arid season (rain is possible anytime through out the year), and that things would be greener than I have ever experienced them year round.     So on to Recent weather (and some averages):

	NE UK	NW CO
Cloud Cover	75%	100%
Humidity	82% (0% chance of rain)	78% (66% chance of rain)
Average Cloud Cover	50-60%	25-45%
Warm Season	2.9 months	3.4 months
Cold Season	4.0 months	3.3 months
Growing Season	6.5 months	3.2 months
Sun Hour Range	150-300 hours	160-360 hours
Average Low Temp Range	2* C - 22* C	-5* C - 22* C
Latitude	55* N	40* N

Data for table from weatherspark.com Growing up in Colorado I'm used to Fall meaning growing things will change into brilliant colors due off and the color green will not be seen again until Spring.  Here in the Northern realm of the UK, there are piles of beautifully colored leaves right next to plants that continue to grow in spite of it being November.  It's amazing.   Enjoy the picture and I will return.

History in everyday Life

Welcome one and all,
I’m sitting here somewhat bleary eyed after experiencing my first Major UK holiday.  Since we kicked over into November every night has had a barrage of Thumps, Pops and Explosions.  I knew enough about the calendar to know 5 November is Guy Fawkes day, and because of his misadventure it was decided (back under King James I) that the day would be commemorated by Bonfires and Fireworks, and that tradition continues even in 2018.
     See Guy Fawkes and a group of coconspirators were very unhappy that the King was forcing upon the population a conversion to Protestantism and singling out the Catholics.  The group with Guy were very much Catholic and more so Roman Catholic and saw the changes so they decided to do something.  So they stockpiled barrels of gunpowder under the Parliament building and were waiting for the perfect time to blow Parliament sky high.  Unfortunately under one of Guy’s turn at guarding and preparing to ignite the gunpowder he was discovered.  Because this was seen as high treason he wasn’t treated well and when the trial ended he was sentenced to death by hanging and then to be drawn and quartered with his limbs being sent to all the four corners of the Empire so that others could see what a bad idea it was to try to blow up a King.
   Last night was intense but amazing.  Some of the mortars they used were completely new to me and that made it all the more fun.  The closest display to our flat was 2 1/2 blocks away and we greatly underestimated the number of people that would be there.  I had with me all the things necessary to soften the blows from the explosions with music, headphones and earplugs even.  I came through on the slightly overwhelmed side but I’m pretty sure that was from the number of people crowded around us.  Next year will be even better. we know we need to leave earlier, and to bring the right kind of music to go with such an amazing display.
     Today is a day to get back into the routines.   Laundry, errands, and cooking dinner later today.  I’m hoping to stay awake through it all, but a nap is nothing to scoff at either.
More to Come, join me for the ride,
👋

The start of Somethings new

A new adventure on many fronts.  Learning how to navigate in a British environment, trying to understand the NHS, and what all it takes to write a blog.
I hope to share the good the bad and the absolutely gobsmacked moments in the process of becoming less foreign in a brand new world.
Welcome to the adventure we’ll see where it leads.!