Saturday, February 23, 2008

Hope Between the Dreams

New York City Public school children and teachers enjoyed a Midwinter Recess this past week and I can tell you that it has been wonderful. This has been the first time in six years that I have enjoyed this particular break without any other educational obligations. College schedules do not mesh with the public school calendar so in the past I found myself trekking into NYC to attend class while also trying to write such and such paper and catch up on my readings.

This year I did a whole lot of nothing. I finally cracked open Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier about William Blake and the writing of Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience (which I adore) and have also become somewhat obsessed with Jack Johnson's new CD Sleep Through the Static.

This is the opening track and it is one that I listen to over and over again. It seems to fit my perspective on life these past few months.



Jack Johnson is the laid back, barefoot, musician who gave a voice to Curious George in the feature film. He is also an environmentally minded, earth loving father doing what he can to repair the damage we have heaped upon our little planet. What's not to love?

11 comments:

lettuce said...

Damn! i'd promised to stop myself buying any more downloads till after payday.....
i was saying to someone only yesterday how its almost impossible to imagine Jack Johnson being mean or unpleasant, don't you think?

the book sounds like one to add to my list - she's a writer i like and what a great subject.

lettuce said...

PS i've been sulking all week as all the schools here have had half-term too, but not us

:o[

R.L. Bourges said...

fabulous lyrics. Thanks for the intro to Jack Johnson.

mouse (aka kimy) said...

so glad you were able to kick back and do 'a whole lot of nothing' - it's amazing how much there is inside nothing!! and yeah you finally got to start burning bright - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

thanks for the head's up on jack johnson - wonderful voice and lyrics.

xxx

Steve Reed said...

I've heard great things about this guy, and I think I heard his songs somewhere...but not sure where. Anyway, thanks for the reminder to check him out a little more!

Bobby D. said...

Hey, thanks for the music! Very nice mellow singer!

I posted about Coty for you today.

WAT said...

R U KIDDING ME?!

I LURVE JACK JOHNSON! LOVE HIM! He happens to be kinda studly too! WOOHOO! He used to be a surfer in Hawaii and now he's become quite the music star. His new album is at the top of the charts this week as well.

LOVE HIM! LOVE HIM!

Joy Keaton said...

oh dear. You know, the mellow stuff... um. Well. Now you give me a little Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and I'm all over that! ;)

mouse (aka kimy) said...

hey bringing in my neighbor's mail and she gets rolling stone - and guess who is on the cover? yeah, jack johnson!! gary, you are cutting edge!!!

MarmiteToasty said...

I love Jack Jacksons music :) and have for quite a while now.... Im glad you have now discovered the bloke...

Glad you had a work free school break.... thats how it should be, so you can recharge :)

x

Gary said...

Kimy - Thanks for the heads up on the Rolling Stone cover. I'll have to pick this up. I already read the snippet they have on their website. Great photos, great music. And me cutting edge? LOL. You should see my clothes ;)

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