Jessi works at a mom-and-pop Internet shop. She’s addicted to music and the Internet.
Love children’s books (like I do) but are wary of carrying them in public? Ward off the ridicule:
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Westi loves springtime blossoms and I do too. Even more than the sight of pinky white clouds of cherry and plum blossoms, I love their scent. It’s one of a few flower smells that I’d love to stick my face in and breathe all day.
There’s a Japanese folksong about them. I couldn’t find one with vocals, but here’s a nice instrumental. It would sound more traditional on the koto (Japanese lute) but ukulele will do. I think of it as a quiet song, but Jake rocks out on his version:
Japan has a springtime custom called hanami, which means flower party. You picnic under the sakura. Perhaps for some, the picnic is an excuse to enjoy the flowers, and for some, the flowers are an excuse to enjoy food and socializing.
I’ve adored renaissance music for many years and I’ve wished more of my friends would join me in appreciating its charms.
If you’re unfamiliar with Western music before the Baroque era, here is a pleasing, friendly introduction to some lovely tunes. Originally sung or plucked on lute strings, they translate well to the modern classical guitar. One Jon Sayles has played, recorded and kindly made them available.
Almost 250 free mp3 downloads are just waiting for you - little ditties like Weep You No More Sad Fountains, A Shepherd in a Shade, or Soy Contento.
Just to give you a taste, here’s a catchy little German dance:
The selection on the site consists mostly of very genteel tunes. If you find them too sweet and mild, don’t write off all renaissance music. There’s wilder, more dramatic music from that time, too.
By the way, I used to sing many of the English songs with a group of SCA geeks in college. I can still do an adequate refrain of hey nonny nonny!
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