I and Love and You (mission statement) - Seth Avett

The words "I" and "Love" and "You" are the watermark of humanity. Strung together, they convey our deepest sense of humility, of power, of truth. It is our most common sentiment, even as the feeling of it is so infinitely uncommon : each to proclaim these three words with his or her very own heart and mindset of reason (or lack thereof); a proclamation completely and perfectly new each time it is offered. Uttered daily and nightly by millions, the words are said in an unending array of circumstances : whispered to a newborn in a mothers arms; shared between best friends on the playground; in the form of sympathy -said by a girl to a boy, as the respect continues but the relationship does not. It is said too loudly by parents to embarassed children in the company of their friends, and by grown children - to their fading parents in hospital beds. The words are thought in the company of the photograph and said in the company of the gravestone. It is how we end our phone calls and our letters... the words at the bottom of the page that trump all those above it, a way to gracefully finish a message, however important or trivial, with the most meaningful gifl of all : the communication of love. And yet the words themselves have been the victims of triviality, a ready replacement for lesser salutations among near strangers, burst forth casually as "love ya." Truly? To what degree? Why, how much, and for how long? These are questions befitting of the stature of love, though not the everyday banter of vague acquaintance. The words have also been twisted by the dark nature of deceit : To say "I love you" with a dramatic measure of synthetic emotion; a snare set by those who prey uponn fellow humanity, driven to whatever selfish end, to gain access to another's body, or their money, or their opportunity. In this realm, the proclamation is disgraced by one seeking to gain rather than to give. In any case, and by whatever inspiration, these words are woven deeply in to the fibers of our existence. Our longing to hear them from the right place is maddeningly and simultaneously our finest strength and our most gentle weakness.

The album "I and Love and You" is inashamedly defined by such a dynamic of duality. As living people, we are bound by this unavoidable parallel. We are powerful yet weak, capable yet temporary. Inevitably, an attempt to place honesty within an artistic avenue will follow suit. This is a piece which shows us as we are : products of love surrounded by struggle. The music herein is, in many ways, readable as both a milestone and an arrival. A chapter in the story of young men, it bridges the space between the uncertainty of youth and the reality of it's release. The record is full with the quality of the question and response. As far as questions go, there are plenty-normally residing within the tone and delivery of the lyrics themselves, which, ironically, are sung with so much confidence. Among songs and thoughts so driven and purposeful, the most basic relatable doubt comes through with a resounding clarity. Outside of the eternal theme of romantic love, the album speaks thankfully upon a landscape of light-filled rooms, word-filled pages, time machines, forgiveness, singing birds, ocean waves, art ,change, confessions of shortcomings, and reasons to continue on. Hope and a cause for smiling follow naturally. In the midst of all this, there are allusions to the less-than-ideal conditions of life : the loss of memory, the inability to control temper, insecurity, indecision, jaded indifference, and the general plague of former and current weakness. "I and Love and You" is an album of obvious human creation, chracterized by it's best and it's worst. Emotional imperfection is a reality for those who recorded the piece, just as it is for those who will hear it. The conclusion of the song from which the title is taken admits that the words "I love you" have become "hard to say". And perhaps that difficulty is as common as it's counterpart. Perhaps the inability to say these heaviest of words is as much a part of life as the lighthearted candor of those who say them without any difficulty at all. And so it ends with the phrase whispered to and by those of us most defeated and most elated... I and love and you... This is the mission statement for my favorite album of 2010, The Avett Brothers' "I and Love and You" written by Seth Avett. It got to me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

God has given me so much! I am so blessed, and am having an AMAZING time with the amazing people ( and wonderful cooks!) in my life! I love you! God bless you. He has me. :)

Inspiration

I look at how long it's been since I've written on here and cringe. 

But, oh well! Today's a new day. 

 I'm going to say something now that's not a surprise to anyone who knows me - I. Love. Winter.  I absolutely loathe cold to the depths of my being, but winter inspires me. 

Tonight, I was just going to relax by perusing Elsie's Blog, because I think she is such an amazing artist. I randomly clicked on Sufjan Stevens'  rendition of "Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabelle" (YES, for pete's sake, I'm already listening to Christmas music.) and out of nowhere- inspiration. 

I became so inspired by the combination of music (which has now moved on to Beirut), the feeling of my cozy home tonight, and the beautiful pictures on the screen of my computer. It made me think about that crazy little blessing-inspiration.  Sometimes inspiration isn't convenient.Sometimes it's inconvenient. Like when you've a "to-do" list a mile long to prepare for exams, the amazing Thanksgiving dinner coming up, and just life in general. Sometimes, it's hazy and undefined and frustrating. Once in a while it comes, easy and free and beautiful and accessible, and wonderful! But not always. It comes  from the great big things our little eyes see every day. It comes from pounding bass, wailing violins, delicate notes carefully plucked on a guitar, and from swelling symphonies. It comes from people we know like we know ourselves. It comes from people we've never met, from people whose names we don't even know. But it ALWAYS comes from God. The Creator of all things beautiful,the One who gave us every thing beautiful, every thing we see that touches us. THE One who inspired that symphony. THE ONE who gave us the ability to love deeply and dream passionately and creatively. Every thing my mind dreams, whether it is fantastically clear and I can sit right there and bring it to life, or whether it is something foggy that I just can't grasp quite yet. That's my God, my Father, showing me something to bring me joy. If it turns out beautiful and exactly how I saw it, or if it turns out just not what I wanted it to be, I need to learn to be thankful! I've been given a heart to feel loneliness and frustration and disappointment and desolation, joy and love and peace and contentment! I've been given love and life and guidance from the most amazing people. I've lost and I've gained, and I have the amazing gift of being able to say that I've lived. And my amazing Guide, THE CREATOR OF ALL has given me what it takes to turn that into something beautiful.

Paint it, write it, draw it, sing it, scream it if you have to! When inspiration hits you, don't let it go. Never say that you can't turn it into anything. Sing it at the top of your lungs, off key. Say it, stuttering all the while. Tell someone that you value them. Sit and stare, mouth hanging open, at something beautiful. Close your eyes, focus your ears, shut out the world and let music move you. Do what feels right. And when you are content and peaceful and inspired, sit back and thank God for giving you what it takes. 

 That's what went through my mind tonight. I was inspired to write, and  share, so I did. I'm happy tonight. I hope you are,too.

Golly, Lola,you've grown up really crazy..

                                      Happy birthday to the loveliest sister.Here's lookin' at you,kid.

My sister is my best friend. We have a freakishly close bond that, honestly, sometimes freaks us out. She is the funniest, sweetest,most endearing person on this earth. Everyone who knows her knows and loves her laugh.It's absolutely infectious.She is social and lovable, happy and outgoing, selfless and completely humble. She is the most genuinely good person I've ever met. She is my best friend, my confidante, my cheerleader and my inspiration. She motivates me to be better in everything. In my faith,in my art, and in my life she is always inspiring me; she brings so much beauty and love to my life, and to the lives of everyone who knows her. I've seen her go through so much in her life, and I could not ask for a better example.

"Did I say that she was beautiful? I was wrong. Beauty is too tame a notion; it evokes only faces in magazines. A lovely eloquence, a calming symmetry; none of that describes this woman’s face. So perhaps I should assume I cannot do it justice with words. Suffice it to say that it would break your heart to see her; and it would mend what was broken in the same moment; and you would be twice what you’d been before."



— Clive Barker
 
I love you, Lauren, more than I can say. Happy 20th birthday. I'm so blessed to have you.

"I can see alot of life in you. I can see alot of bright in you, and I think that dress looks nice on you."-Sufjan Stevens

Tengo un bien dia.

Forgive me if I just butchered the Spanish language.
Alas, I have no pictures today. The gods of computer have frowned upon me.

I may not have pictures of my day to share, but it was a great day!I went to the stables and worked for a while and even though I do not actually own a horse and it was 95 degrees outside, I loved every minute of it-just like I always do. Guys, I know some amazing people. I thank God for the incredible people he has put into my life and everything they teach me.

I realized as I was searching for some good stuff to supplement this really crappy blog that I never explained the blogs name. So, here goes.

"Nantes" is a city in France, but it also happens to be the name of a song by one of my favorite bands, Beirut.
I have LOVED the song since the first moment I heard it. It was striking to me, and has basically been stubbornly lodged in my noggin since our introduction. When I decided to do this, well...Guess what was on repeat in my brain? "Nantes."   For those of you who have heard it- I am sure you understand. For the many of you unluckies out there, here it is!

"Nantes"



Now, for the worthwhile things!
I have been so inspired lately by all things STEAMPUNK!  Jen's  (of Epbot.com) steampunk dining room! (She has tons of tips on how to recreate!) Here are some shots of her amazing room, and check out her blog! I haven't read one post that hasn't elicited a giggle/snort/guffaw from me.

I mean, HOW incredible is that?! In my eyes, it's absolute perfection.Mad props to Jen! ( and John, her beloved hubby!)*


Some amazing steampunk lovelies from Etsy.com

How gorgeous! Steampunk Engagement ring! Found here.

And, umm...*swoon*. Lovelovelove this necklace!


And this shirt, for the fellas!

How awesome! I love it. (His tattoo sleeves are a plus, too.)









That's really all I have for now! More tomorrow!

-Beezy




* PSSSt!- Jen and John are always the masterminds behind another favorite blog of mine- CakeWrecks!

First Swing-A-Ding.

Hello, friend. 

I don't know where to begin! My name is Elizabeth (aka Beezy), and Night in Nantes is to be my outlet. This (my first!) post promises to be so mind-numbingly dull that you will want to go watch Golden Girls just to get away from it * , but tomorrow I plan to begin giving this place what will become its flesh and blood-art and some beauty.  

Shall I tell you about my day? No. But, I will post my 10 favorite things about this day.

1) Coffee

2) Having a to-do list

3) Hearing my sister saying "Beach?" and mentally crumpling up that list and playing basketball with it and slam dunking in the trash.

4) The BEACH!

5) The SUN!

6)The manly scenery

7) Quality sistertime

8)Plans to go do one of my favorite things tomorrow (Pictures to come!)

9) The knowledge that everything on my to-do list can be done tomorrow.

10) Knowing as I write this that someone, somewhere will read it.

I hope I brightened someone's day. Hang in there with me, I'll get better at this. 

All love, 

Beezy