Happy Winter Solstice! Music for Sunday

Ever since the days began getting shorter with the fall equinox, I have been looking forward to this day -- December 21st -- because this day marks the start of the sun's return back toward us.

While I enjoy any winter activity on a sunny day or bright, moonlight night, I don't like the darker days of winter. Like this morning, for example. I woke to the same gray skies that the darkness of last night had folded into. But with today's solstice date, I know that the march out of winter has begun.

Enjoy today's Sunday Solstice music and beautiful pictures. Happy Solstice, everyone! And don't forget to keep your eyes on the lights in your life.

Hello, Winter Sunday Sunshine and Music

Winter has settled in our valley with an unlikely companion this season - sunshine.

Usually our valley air gets hammered by inversions, where the cold air becomes trapped near the valley floor under a thick layer of impenetrable clouds, leading us to go through day after day without a sign of sun. Usually our valley gets highlighted in the news during these episodes as one of the worst places in the US for air quality.  Usually I spend my free time figuring out how and when I can leave this valley for brighter days. But not this year. So far, I've awoke on the weekends to glorious blue skies, leading me to make plans that actually take me outside -- here in the valley, of all places -- rather than elsewhere. I can only hope our good weather lasts, and take advantage of it while I can.

Here is a somewhat relevant photo that I found to share my experience with winter, thus far. (Since dropping my camera in orange juice a while back, it's been hard to get decent pictures, because the "new" camera I got, which was supposed to be identical to the first, basically stinks big-time. The quality of Canon's internal parts has obviously taken a nose-dive, unbeknownst to me when I thought replacing my camera would be simple, so long as I got the same model. And as far as the camera-in-orange-juice story goes, don't ask. It's complicated - but true to the luck I tend to run with.)

It's been a while since I posted Sunday music recommendations. This morning the view of the sun glinting off the snow-covered mountain peaks inspired me to search out some winter piano. Martin Herzberg's composition fit the bill.  Enjoy! I know I shall. It's filling my writing space and inspiring my muse quite nicely.

Better Pasta Salad and Music for Sunday (pre-SuperBowl Sunday)

It's Superbowl Sunday! Are you ready for all the activity? I've found some beautiful Native American Flute Music for you to enjoy this morning as you get ready for the day ahead.

Before the game I am hoping to get some snowshoeing activity in with my daughter. But first I'm sure I'll be busy prepping some sort of food for the festivities and the week ahead. One of those is a Pasta Salad. This is a great dish to share with a group of people you are hoping to impress. Better yet, you can bring any leftovers with you to work for a simple lunch. As a teacher, I am always looking for simple but satisfying (and no, a Snickers bar just doesn't cut it despite what the commercials say).

So, if you're looking for a great and easy meal, scroll down to the recipe below. It takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. It can be served fresh-made with hint of warm still lingering, or chilled after being set in the fridge.

 Enjoy!

 

Better Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
8 ounces of BowTie pasta (1/2 of a 16 ounce bag)
6-8 ounces of broccoli (frozen or fresh)
1/4 of a red onion, chopped
1/2 cup cranberry raisins (crasins)
1/2 cup slivered almonds
6 strips of cooked bacon (chopped) OR 1/4 lb deli ham (sliced for sandwiched and then chopped by you)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons sugar (I use pure raw sugar seen in the photo here, but granulated works just as well)

salt/pepper, sprinkled to taste

Instructions:
Cook the pasta until just tender, drain and set in your salad bowl.

Cook the broccoli until just tender as well (don't let it get mushy or too soft). Drain the broccoli and add to the pasta in the bowl.


If you are using bacon, cook that as desired, then cool and chop.
Or, if you are like me and prefer a less fatty, ready made meat, go for the deli ham and chop that up instead. Add the meat to the pasta bowl.
Add the remaining ingredients (onion, almonds, cheeses) add stir together.

In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar with spoon until smooth. Pour this over the ingredients in the pasta bowl and mix to distribute throughout the salad.

Top with a bit of fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste.

Chill or serve as is.

Serves about 8 generous portions.

Music for Sunday

Apparently, I need to start getting back into the habit of posting music for Sundays on a regular basis, if I want to stay in the loop of the Indie music scene. The first music video I am sharing below is a prime example of one good reason why. ... >>> I had no idea Chase Kimball could sing! He has such an amazing voice, which complements singer/songwriter Keiyana Osmond so well. You see, this young man used to be a playmate of my daughter's, and they began toddling around the neighborhood when they were 3 and 4. Plus, I love Maroon 5, so it all adds up to a perfect pleasant little surprise.


I've featured Keiyana's original music video previously, Dancin on a Wire here.

The other music video I am sharing for Sunday features a blend of classical music and loons. Yes, those beautiful, haunting melodies of one of Earth's most ancient birds. These are the sounds that I wake up to on summer mornings in New Hampshire. They also help tuck in the evening at the end of a good day. I miss hearing their songs immensely, and can not wait until I return to Lake Winnipesaukee once again. Jim Irwin's music with loons is also a nod to the latest novel I am working on, set in New Hampshire. I hope to have it done by summer's end. Enjoy!

Relaxing Music for Sunday

Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year.

Despite being busy with activities and chores, the crisp air always leads me to feeling invigorated when I step outside. Today I'm sharing a acoustic clip that is keeping me company while I spend the day going back and forth between plucking away at a few items on my to-do list and sitting down with a book I've been meaning to start for some time now: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender.

I haven't had much time lately to write or post, and I do miss it: so I've decided that the first step on getting back toward that path is through taking time to read and relax. Relax... Just thinking of this word is already putting a smile on my face.

Enjoy your day and be sure to share at least some of it with those you love.

Music for Sunday

We might not be able to touch the stars, but they are always there to guide us.

This song on Sunday is for the people who have touched my life. You are with me always, and for that I am forever blessed.

Shine Right Through by Correatown

Relaxing Music for Sunday

Beat it with some blues!

Sit back and relax, preferably with a smile on your face and a favorite beverage in your hand.

Today I'm sharing a blues rock jam that was shared between some legends. B.B. King takes center stage with some other crazy guitarists and vocalists. Would have loved to have seen this show! However, this is perfect for my week-long, have-waited-all-year-lake retreat. Woot! Enjoy!


 

Relaxing Music for Sunday, Nature Sounds with Piano

Today, I wanted some piano and found some mixed with nature sounds. Perfect, after spending much of the weekend outdoors doing this and that.

This music video is performed by pianist Tziv Erez. It is titled Tranquility, Time Solitaire.

Enjoy!

Music for Sunday

My daughter introduced me to Boyce Avenue that does acoustic covers of popular songs, some with upcoming young artists. Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" is done here with Alex Goot. I think he has a really unique, yet cool voice.

Boyce Avenue is already hugely popular. I'm not even sure if they can be called "Indie." But nevertheless, they do a lot of acoustic covers with other new artists, so it's neat to see who may be about to break out on the scene. Plus, if you like Boyce Avenue's vibe, they are going on a Pacific Coast tour this fall.

One other artist that caught my ear in one of Boyce Avenue's videos was Megan Nicole. I love her voice. So pure and crystal clear. I loved her take on Skyscraper by Demi Lavato. Both of these singers, Alex Goot and Megan Nicole, have their own channels on YouTube.

Here you go. Have a great Sunday (it's Father's Day!), and enjoy some Indie Music surfing!

Music for Sunday

Today I'm sharing "Clouds" by Zach Sobeich.




My youngest son introduced me to this song. It is one of his favorites that he has saved on his phone. The story of Zach inspired him, and I'm touched that he shared it with me.

Zach was diagnosed with cancer about four years ago. Facing this disease, he tackled a bucket list, so to speak, and lived his life to the fullest. One of the things he accomplished was to become a successful singer and song writer. Clouds is one of his songs. You can also check out more of his songs, like Sandcastles and Fix Me Up, and his story on YouTube. His story is tremendous. Be sure to bring tissues. It did make me cry.

Zach left this world about three weeks ago. Without a doubt, he and his talent will be missed.

Music for Sunday. Indie Artist Guitar Rock Ballad

Yesterday was a beautiful morning at the ball park. The combination of the warm sunshine and breeze reminded me of a day at the beach and times at the lake I've spent with my family on our trips to New Hampshire. Our annual family trip can not come soon enough!

My memories inspired me to find relaxing music for Sunday that reflects on this theme. I found a talented indie guitarist / composer named Bard Kvale to share with you today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and are inspired to start planning your own family get-aways.

Have a wonderful Sunday! Enjoy!