Get on and Shine with Holly Honeychurch
Watched 300 last night. Actively avoided it for a decade because of my non-violent, hippie tendencies. It always looked so brutal - I wasn’t ready. Turns out those days are over and it’s my new favourite film. Absolutely love the style. Every shot is a work of art. It’s just so beautiful. I love the premise, the power, the exoticness, the strong Queen, Gerard Butler’s scottish lead voice. And the gorgeous, buff solidiers in capes are pretty spectacular on the eye too. 😍 It’s full of strength, passion and poetry.
It’s funny. When the solidiers first meet the band of artists and potters come to help fight, the conversation that ensued really tickled me and I actively laughed out loud watching the men enjoy battle with their heavy shields. I never thought I’d laugh at something like that. It was intoxicating, glorious. I was excited by the build up of this war. I felt their spiritual honour. It was a different way to live and die.
Not sure about watching the second, though I probably won’t be able to help myself - I saw the trailer and concluded it all looked a bit more typical action-y (ie lots of big cgi boats smashing together).
If you have any recommendations of this similar, arty filmic style I’d love to hear. I’m going to rewatch Sin City again, I think I might like it - can’t remember much.
And for the record, re non-violent tendencies, I still can’t watch most violent films, especially mob related ones - they’re way too realistic.
I’ve just released Forest Kiss on my Late Nite Harp podcast : ) It’s a fruity mix of harp and nature song.
I may be asking for trouble but I can’t help but leave a few nuts on the ledge. The wood pigeon is so beautiful close up. It’s hue of colours mesmerises me. Like something from a fantasy realm. Window cleaner please come soon 😺
Absolutely loving this mini concert from Andreas Vollenweider. It’s funny that I’m not into traditional harp music - it doesn’t take me to the high places. I love alternative harp exploration like this. Andreas is such a nice man too. With a gentle heart I feel.
That’s me weeping over here watching the beauty of humanity. Man sneaks a whole lot of groceries into an old homeless man cart. Doesn’t say anything…
‘I promised Brando I would not touch his Oscar’: the secret life of Sacheen Littlefeather. In 1973, she made history at the Academy Awards, appearing in place of Marlon Brando, declining his statuette and making a speech about Native American rights. She has been speaking out ever since.
I’ve recently discovered that watching luxurious, playful cakes being made on a large production line is hypnotic, satisfying and relaxing. The finished products look rather delightful and I love the attention to detail. Rainbow Roll Cake or Original Jiggly Cake anyone?
I had a realisation during a breathe meditation this morning. I realised I spend so much time justifying myself to myself, it’s exhausting. From now on, if I don’t like something I’m simply going to say ‘I don’t like it, I don’t want it, move on’ rather than keep persuading myself of something I already know. Keeping my thoughts in check is a healthy way not to go crazy 😄
I’m in love with Weddell Seal song.
What school bag did you have? I had a hard Samsonite briefcase laden down with many books. It could get super heavy depending on the day and survived being thrown around a fair bit. It felt indestructible actually. Now I’m a soft, light backpack kinda gal 😃
The Keep Going On Song by The Bengsons is my new favourite song and seems to make me and so many others incredibly emotional. The comments section is a beautiful sharing. It’s wholesome, innocent, gentle, sensitive and poignant and I love it and I love them. What a duo. Just wonderful.
I felt vulnerable and insecure yesterday and couldn’t control my emotions. I was questioning my musical direction and feeling sorry for myself after a strange review came through to me. I was so sad that I even incorporated the experience into my dream. And the dream amplified my sorrow ten fold because I dreamt that more and more bad reviews were piling up. I felt like a ship lost at sea without her anchor. It was sad because I was loving my music one moment and then just because of someone’s opinion, all of a sudden I changed course and started questioning myself. Was I doing the right thing? Maybe I should make it like this so they’ll like it better. I was annoyed at them too - why even leave anything at all? Why not just think - this isn’t for me - and move on. Without a trace.
I felt judged. I didn’t like it. I tumbled into a big dramatic story which got me no-where, simply further into my own wallowing. I felt concerned that I could be derailed over something so small. One person’s opinion. Aarrgghh. I didn’t want to be that sensitive dammit. I wanted to be like Gandhi - “I WILL NOT LET ANYONE WALK THROUGH MY MIND WITH THEIR DITRY FEET.” and Elizabeth Gilbert - “If people don’t like what I’ve written, they can go write their own f@#king books.”
So after a long day of ups and downs I went to bed thinking - good or bad - those reviews aren’t any of my business. It made me feel peaceful knowing I was out of that game of ‘like’ desperation. I’m happy when people write lovely things about my music (“I never realized how beautiful the harp could be. Thank you.”) and it makes me feel positive to think people are getting something out of my creations but I can’t let my life be ruled by their ratings and reviews. It’s taken some time to realise this and during that time I’ve witnessed my mood shifting dangerously, according to someone else’s opinion. I wonder why I loose myself so quickly to others? I’m glad for this experience though, it’s put things into perspective and helped me evolve.
Now I see more clearly - I’m on my own journey of expansion and discovery. I’ve got to be authentic. After my harp pieces have been released - they fly away - to distant shores - and my part in their story is over. I don’t need to keep checking up on them. It makes me feel free from the burden of others.
So of course….today I’m a featured artist on the same platform I got stressed about yesterday. Here’s a song called Aurora. The universe has a funny sense of humour don’t you think?
Delightful springtime walk. Can’t believe how pink, pink flowers are. They’ve got their own level of chrome going on.
I read an interview with Leigh Bardugo. I hadn’t heard of her before and saw she’s published many books and has a new Netflix series - Shadow and Bone. I liked the sound of it as I love dark, exotic, fantasy worlds with magical female protagonists. One episode in. I’m loving it.