Monday morning

Good morning to all of you who might be struggling like I am this morning.  It's hot in DC and the lady at the bus stop told me I was glistening.. thanks, I guess?  To get my mood pumped up, how about a little Pretty Lights to start the day out?



Photo Courtesy of http://lafamigliazine.com/site/blog/archives/1240


On a great note, college football start this week!  Go Deacs!  and Go Gamecocks!

Feliz Viernes!

So my friend, Ellie, who I met in Argentina and ended up back packing through Peru and Bolivia, left DC (and me) for Duke Law School a few weeks ago.  She sent me this inspiring poem that Duke is sharing with all the Law School students.  It really makes you think.  I sweat the small stuff ALL the time.  As part of my mid year's resolution (which included this blog..) I'm trying to chill out a little and be an all around good person.  It's tough but this poem helps me break it down and not feel to overwhelmed.  Feel free to let me know how you make it through the day letting the small stuff go...


Success
By Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people 
    and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics 
    and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
    whether by a healthy child,
    a garden patch 
    or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier 
    because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.


This island would surely help me chill out.. isn't it beautiful?
  

Bon Jour

So, I have some exciting news--with the help of my wonderful father, I've purchased Rosetta Stone French and will begin the journey to speaking French (although I promise not to cheat on Spanish, I'll keep practicing!)  I currently know how to count to ten and say my name in French thanks to a brief class in 6th grade (no idea how to spell anything...).  So, in honor of my new hobby, I'm listening to Francoise Hardy this morning.  Her voice is so clear and pure, and she's so beautiful!  I now understand the Beatles obsession with her.  



Photo courtesy http://digilander.libero.it/gipp1/pics/big-1967-francoise-hardy-sunglasses.htm

Buena Onda

One of my favorite phrases while studying Argentina was "buena onda" or "que onda?"  Onda translates directly into "wave" or "vibe"; therefore, when someone asks about a restaurant or bar (or any place) they might say "que onda?"  If you're at all like me, the atmosphere, or onda, of the area is a big deal.  That being said, last night I went to the Filene Center of Wolftrap and what buena onda it had!  I went with a few friends to see Xavier Rudd and Rodrigo y Gabriela.  We sat on the hill, had wine and cheese, and enjoyed the music.  You feel like your at a tucked away amphitheater in the woods at the Filene Center, way away from the noise of D.C.  I took a few pictures and hope to get them to you soon!


On a side note, I went because Xavier Rudd is a favorite singer.  If you don't know him, I recommend his song "Choices".  He has a light but powerful voice, plays the didgeridoo, the slide and normal guitar, the harmonica, the drums.. all at once!  He's pretty incredible.  He opened for Rodrigo y Gabriela, who OWN the stage with their jaw-dropping guitar skills.  My hands and fingers hurt just watching them move across their guitars.  I love little Gabriela--major girl crush!    WOW.  


So for this hump day of a morning, why not start the day with a little guitar session jam-- Hanuman.


Hope the onda of your day is wonderful!

Buen Dia

Music is a huge part of my life, it affects my mood and my mood affects the music I listen to.  This morning, I'm starting my music with a few new(ish) favorites:


Good Life by One Republic
Wavin' Flag by K'Naan
Stand by Me in the documentary Playing for a Change


Have a wonderful Tuesday!



Image Courtesy of Playing for a Change -- I'm really interested in seeing this documentary.  Does anyone have any feedback?

The start to something interesting..

So I moved to Washington, DC one year ago tomorrow and my life has not stopped going.  I was told not to start a blog until you really know what you want the theme of your blog to be, but I'm going to start anyways, and see where it goes, as I do with most of my things.  I'm an irrational thinker and tend to make decisions without thinking through them completely.  I found for the most part my natural instincts have been ok, so I'm ok with this decision too.


I'll first explain the title.  I love speaking Spanish, I love everything Latin and South American.  Me Gustas Tu is one of my favorite songs by Manu Chau.  As I've found, I love most everything in life.  So much makes me happy, and I can't explain why other than simply "me gustas tu".


So here's to my blog!



Argentina is to blame for my obsession with Spanish!  If you ever get a chance, you should go to Argentina!  The people, the onda (vibes), the food!  It's incredible.