Gardening

Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you're there. It doesn't matter what you do, he said, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that's like you after you take your hands away. The difference between the man who just cuts lawns and a real gardener is in the touching, he said. The lawn cutter might just as well not have been there at all; the gardener will be there a lifetime. - Granger, Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

10) John Mayer

taken from here

Despite the fact that my love, the phantom, has a particular animosity towards this particular human, I still think John Mayer (JM) is awesome. (but, darling you're the best!)

I remembered when his songs arrived on our airwaves. And the tv kept on showing "No Such Thing", so I kinda knew him from the start, at least at the start of his big international break. But, I wasn't really a listener. In fact, when "Your Body is A Wonderland" came out, I had a certain dislike towards this seemingly shallow personality. I recalled riding on the bus and listening to the radio and commenting, "What the heck was this guy thinking?".

But, I have forgiven him over the years and slowly I warmed up to him. The turning point was when I heard "Daughters" in the car and thought, "Hey, isn't this that wonderland guy?" and the line that caught me was [with my heart in my hand]. Man, that's very powerful and not to mention graphic.

So I got the chance to see him while I was in Japan. (Please click here if you haven't read my account of the event plus how corny and obsessive I was.)

I like JM because his songs are the kind that I would write myself. Take "3x5", one of my favorite songs on this entire planet, about wanting to share real moments with someone who is not nearby. I like how the song has a rather hopeful feel to it [you'll be with me next time I go outside, no more 3x5s (photos), just no more 3x5s]. Another song that demonstrates this is "Back to You". I think what's very endearing about this song is that it has the simplest, honest lyrics and they just flow effortlessly with the strong melody.

What is more, I like how his latest album is musically different and more complex (even sexier). It shows how he has grown as an artist as well as a person. Apart from that, he has a pretty wicked sense of humor and is a blogger (do write more, JM!) too. Yeah, we're kindred spirits. ;p

Top 10 Favorites II

Here's an update on my ranking of males with voices I wouldn't mind climbing on a car heading to the end of the world with.

1. Daniel Johns (silverchair) - Reflections of A Sound
2. Mathieu Bauer - Again
3. Damien Rice - Cannonball
4. Ken Christianson - Pornographic Audio
5. Matthew Bellamy (MUSE) - Falling Away with You
6. JR Richards (Dishwalla) - Surrender the Crown
7. Jason Mraz - Mr. Curiosity
8. Thom Yorke (Radiohead) - All I Need
9. Jamie Scott (and the town) - When Will I See Your Face Again
   
10. John Mayer - 3x5

I'm gonna do some sort of a cover story on how my musical love affairs with the gentlemen on the above list started and perhaps share some interesting bits about them.

buses and trains

I’m on my break and I’m only one semester away from graduation, hopefully. I’m moving back in with my parents since I won’t be staying near campus anymore. My roomies are already done with their degree which means I’ll be on my own for my final semester. And honestly, I don’t feel like going through the process of finding new roommates. So, we agreed that I should commute. I kind of like riding the buses and trains to get to places. You see so many things everyday.

It kinda gets on my nerve to see inconsiderate people hogging onto seats when people more deserving are left standing uncomfortably. That’s why, at times I rather stand. Often times, I’m really vocal about it. So don’t be surprised if I ask you to give up your seat to the poor parents struggling with little kids or to the fella with the walking stick.

something grand

I once knew a man
believed his life was his
bended all the rules
he would not suffer fools.

They left him to die,
while the sun was high.

But if,
I were in his shoes,
I won't let them shoot me
I would fight
my way into the night.

I once knew a child
Believed she own the world
Fed it with her dreams
So it would grow long limbs.

They call out her name,
and put her to shame.

But if,
I were in her place,
I won't let them play me
I would tear
them so they wouldn't dare.

For all of the lies that
we have been so gently fed
For all of the dreams that
they have forced us to forget

It's so easy to bow down
get up now,
get off the ground.
It's time to take a stand for your demands.
It's time to make demands for something grand.

Words and music by Ana Raffali (anaraffali muzik ent.)

My darling

Here I am, my darling
Why did you turn away,
My throat is dry
there's nothing more to say

I'd give you anything,
as long as it would bring
water to my lips
your love on my ring

*don't say you don't need me,
I already know
you want me to leave you
but I won't let go
someday you will learn
to point out the sign
so pour me your love,
since you've drunk all of mine.

time to quench your doubt
you already know
what this is about
you and I
forget the past
ignore all the rest
they mean nothing

there's only us, my darling
my heart's better half
rid me of this thirst
love me for myself

I've given you everything
what more do you need
do not resist me
just follow my lead

*repeat

there's only us, my darling
when will you come to me?

Words and music by Ana Raffali (anaraffali muzik ent.)


Will update you on;
1) Acoustic Musings
2) Being unwell