9 Moons Ago

While I’m at home in my own little corner (my own little room), back here in my parents’ house in the U.S.A., recovering from a relapse of my bipolar disorder and some other life-changing events, I have found myself once more smitten with R.E.M., just as badly as when I first saw them on a video in 1991, and sat bolt upright at the edge of my parents’ bed, watching MTV back when MTV played music.

I have been following all the latest press (what I can without being too silly abt. it) and today I heard the whole new album on iLike, which I recommend highly. It gives you a chance to preview the tunes, see if you want to purchase them..and is up till the album release I think, on April 1. I’m going to buy the CD on April Fool’s day, because, although I use my iPod, I like the tactile nature of an album in the hand! Plus, I can listen to it in the car.

I think the album is tremendous. I’ll admit I wasn’t as thrilled about their last two albums, though I really liked the songs. This album is different…It’s got a really good energy behind it, and the messages are strong, positive and invite change, be it political, or personal.

So, though I am perpetually smitten by John Michael Stipe -as you probably already know- I am falling head over heals for this new album and ALL the musicians behind it. (Mike’s vocals are a welcome return!) Please, go have a listen and decide for yourself. My opinion? It ROCKS!

Well, just a short check-in for friends and family: I am finding my feet again. I have times of depression, but those pass. I am always finding something during the day which makes me laugh and/or smile and feel this incredible joy. It is hard to explain, this feeling after coming home from Australia. Being gone from loved ones and landscapes for over a year takes a toll. But I am easing back into the routines, the places..and will soon be calling and visiting good friends and extended family.

I have already seen my little nephew, Isaac, several times and he follows me around like a shadow. We’re fast friends already. And have held a tiny newborn cousin, Abby. Talked to some friends. It’s a nice experience. There’s even a palatable radio station here now to help me through the days of no music tv…but better than “just good enough”..it’s sooo good. Finally! Welcome to this millennium, York!

Haven’t got enough concentration to read long passages on paper (for some reason, on the computer I can read easier) and tried drawing a portrait, but again, no concentration. I must be a bit more gentle with myself I think.
The weather is grey and dreary today, but there have been crisp clear sunshine-y days too. I’ll just think of drab days as a way to fully appreciate the days which sing with life, love and joy.

I hope to have a better ratio of those though, don’t you?

I wish them for everyone. You know who you are! Catch later, mates!
xxxxxxxxxooooooooo amy

I haven’t watched the Simpsons in a while…in fact, I haven’t watched much TV in recent months. But when I turn on the tv here at home and can not find a single music video to make me feel better when I am recovering, then I know this WORLD is CRAZY.
Music Television helped me recover from my first hospitalization when I was 21, in 1995. I sat and soaked up the inspiration and healed just by listening to the music and watching the great film footage. I felt inspired and whole.

I don’t want to sit and watch the computer screen to watch videos..that takes energy. I want my MTV back. Why is there nothing but game show after game show? It’s been like this for YEARS. I used to watch 120 minutes with my Mom (cause she is cool like that) and then they killed that off.

It SUCKS and it’s pissing me off..and I can’t afford M2 in a cable package so they can sod off.
But …new bands keep requesting me on MySpace and that’s cool. At least I can find stuff without having to look for it too hard. It’s just not as relaxing.

Does anyone agree with me here? I’m not so sure I’ll get a response, but if you live in Australia, you won’t relate anyway… they actually show and play a lot of good music there. THAT is what I’ll miss: music is my “chocolate husband”. I NEED it…it sweeps me off my feet.

Today, on her lunch break, my brother’s fiance, Allison, stopped by with a bouquet of red carnations from her and Dan. And I love carnations..and red! Red roses? Not so much. Any other flower in red..yes, yes yes!

Last night was rough..night time can be a doozy sometimes, these days..but today felt pretty good, and I got to visit with good neighbours who have been friends for years.

Watched some R.E.M. footage online ..they have a piece of live footage daily check their website, R.E.M. HQ for details, or follow this link:

ninetynights

..I think it’s filmed till their album comes out. It’s called ninety nights. My fav part? Michael Stipe eye candy. Yeah..I love the music, but have already told you I will always have a crush. Please shut up already.

Actually, no one tells me this is stupid anyway…I mean my Mom calls Tom Brokaw “her boyfriend”. (Shhhh…. you didn’t hear that from me: ixnay on the omtay rokawbay)