babies!

Janelle Monae performs "Cold War" at the Nobel Peace Prize concernt 2011

I'm so glad we got to see her perform live. What a great voice!

Janelle Monae for Cover Girl

Janelle Monae inspires me. I love that this ad features members of her band and creative posse.

Weasel war dance vs. "la flemme"

There is a wonderful French expression: "J'ai la flemme de..." It means "I can't be bothered to..." or "I'm too bored to...". I have been busy doing lots of things, but "J'ai la flemme d'écrire dans ce blog."



On the other hand, I've been bitten by the crafter bug. I have made three pillowcases out of dishtowels, knit about ten more inches on a scarf, made about 40 pieces of jewelry, painted or upcycled a number of things around the house, cared for a new garden, and taught myself some macramé.
I know that some of these impulses are bound up with my ongoing process of attempting to negotiate some issues at work, related to improving my conditions due to health issues. So far, I haven't achieved my goal, but I'm making some tiny progress. I will now perform my weasel war dance, as recommended for Scorpios by
Rob Brezsny's in last week's Free Will Astrology:

When a domesticated weasel captures some treasure or beats out a competitor for food, it performs a celebratory dance that's referred to as the "weasel war dance." During this triumphant display, it might hiss, arch its back, fluff out its tail, and hop around madly. I encourage you to come up with your own private version of this ritual, Scorpio. It can be more dignified if you like: snapping your fingers, singing a magical phrase, or raising your arms in a V-for-victory gesture. Whatever you choose, do it after every accomplishment, no matter how small: buying groceries, arriving at an appointment on time, getting a good new idea, or any other success.

Hoy ha muerto Chavela Vargas, 93

Chavela Vargas was born in Costa Rica, but came to Mexico when she was young, and became identified with the Mexican rancheras and boleros she sang. In her eighties, she enjoyed a revival of interest in her music through the appreciation of fans, Pedro Almodóvar's promotion of her music in his films, and the support other musicians such as Joaquin Sabinas. She also came out as lesbian in her eighties, although she lived openly, and claimed that Frida Kahlo was one of her lovers. Recently she recorded a homage to García Lorca. She died peacefully at the age of 93. "Vamonos"
Que no somos iguales
dice la gente
que tu vida y mi vida
se van a perder
que yo soy la canalla
y que tú eres decente
que dos seres distintos
no se pueden querer

Pero yo ya te quise
y no te olvido
y morir en tus brazos
es mi ilusión
yo no entiendo esas cosas
de las clases sociales
solo sé que me quieres
y que te quiero yo

Y vamonos donde nadie nos juzgue
donde nadie nos diga que hacemos mal
vamonos alejados del mundo
donde no haya justicia
ni leyes ni nada
nomás nuestro amor

- Y le dije que nos fuéramos
lejos a un lugar diferente
donde fuéramos iguales
juntitos los dos ¡échele compadre! -

Si no somos iguales
qué nos importa
esta historia de amores
tendrá que seguir
Y como alguien me dijo
que la vida es muy corta
esta vez he venido
para siempre por ti

y yo quiero que sepas
que no te obligo
que si vienes conmigo
es por amor
di con todas tus fuerzas
lo que soy en tu vida
pa' que vean que me quieres
como te quiero yo