...d.w.t.s.2...

It's official. I might be a dancing with the stars convert. Especially after last night.

Did anyone else watch? Because it was AWESOME.

They had a 46 piece live orchestra, along with rock violinist David Garrett, (whom I had never heard of, but I really liked his pony-tail. He rocked it), AND opera singer Katherine Jenkins.

The dancers this week had to preform classical dances to classical musical pieces. The live band was sensational, and at the risk of sounding cheesey balls, I truly LOVED watching every minute of this program.

The best part of it was that all the musical pieces were recognizable, and regardless of how well the dancers performed, the sheer beauty of the music was enough for me. At the end of every dance, I realized that I was psuedo-moving around on my seat to the beat of the music. Ha. Does that happen to anyone else?

Some of the music that was played:

Karl Jenkins : Palladio Allegretto

Bizet: Carmen Overture

And my all-time favorite, The Flower Duet

And I'm totally not kidding when I say that is my favorite. For some reason, I've always loved that song. It got me through many a study sesh in college. One Anna Storvick may recall how I would have this song on repeat whilst homeworking.

And of course, the new dwts leaders twirled to the Harry Potter theme, which I am obviously obsessed with. Counting down the days until the next movie comes out in July! Booyah!!

the little things

Yesterday my husband left on a jet plane, heading East to thriving Langeloth, Pennsylvania. Before last week, I had never even heard of this city. Obviously I did some googling. Wikipedia has some GREAT information on this American treasure. Some choice lines include,

"Langeloth has three businesses; Valina's Market, All American, and the Metallurgical Company."

"Langeloth is home to the regionally renowned Langeloth Softball League. Games are played at the Gus Barbush Memorial Park, where hundreds of locals gather to drink beer outside the outfield fence. The league slogan is, "We play fastpitch.""

Is anyone jealous that Timmers gets to spend five whole days here?! I digress.

Being all alone on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I went on a quest for a pleasant atmosphere and warm drink. I found both about two blocks away from our little apartment. The Tattered Cover Book Store, a Denver classic. Walking into the Tattered Cover is like walking into a best friend's house; a best friend who has a wonderful and extensive book collection. They have unique wooden desks, tables, and chairs strewn throughout the whole store; and not a two of them alike. LOVE IT.

I found my place among the furniture and booky goodness, and settled in with the best chai I have ever had in my entire life. I did some research and found out it was made by a fresh-pressed ginger, microbrew chai company; Bhakti Chai. Who knew chai could be microbrewed?! "Fresh pressed organic ginger and fiery spices in a brew of antioxidant rich organic fair trade black tea." Their words, not mine. The chai had just the right amount of spicy, kicking my taste buddies into gear. Maddie, you might want to order some of this goodness from the website. (Either that, or wait all the way until your half-birthday.)

I went to the store with really no intentions in mind other than to simply bask in company of literature. However, I happened to start listening to the most recent Sara Bareilles CD. I have never been a HUGE fan of hers; but after going to her concert a few months ago I've started listening to her music with new ears. She has a beautiful voice. Give a listen to these songs; you might just fall in love with them like I did.

Basket Case

Breathe Again

I could sit for hours and hours listening to music, which is a lot to say for someone with (self-diagnosed) ADD. I left the Tattered Cover after having done nothing but listen to Sara (many songs on repeat...and then repeat again). It was a lovely afternoon.

Christmas Lights

Thanks to Maddie and Amanda for their appetizer ideas. They both sound awwwwesome. I might even be brave enough to try the gorgonzola; which is a big step for me. If anyone else has ideas, keep them coming! In the meantime, have a listen to one of my new favorite Christmas songs.

Can I really call this a Christmas song? I don't know. But I'm pretty much a sucker with it comes to anything Coldplay...