My Own Woodstock

The experience - the famous concert of 'Woodstock' and all the rest that went with it - free spirit, love, flowers and all that - had always fascinated me. In some dark corner of my heart or, rather, imagination, I suspect that as much as it seems contrary to my character and being, I might have been one of those peace loving and carefree hippies, the flower people, with their colourful flowing gowns covered by psychedelic prints, and arms and legs adorned with beads and bangles. I would have loved all that; except for the part of their life style of living in communes, sharing mattresses, and the over-promiscuous doctrines under the banner of love. If they didn't begin that way, it certainly did so become later. As far as I know, according to news and documentaries, it was not exactly peaceful and loving either, at least not amongst some. Anyway the 'Woodstock' concert has definitely marked the major change, not just in the thinking nor attitudes, but a historical dividing line of a before and after era. Thousands and thousands (official report named half a million) of young people from all parts of the country and from all walks of life stationed themselves round the location, in 1969, where the concert took place, in front, behind and beside legendary musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Jais Joplin or Santan and many, many more. Another half a million more in the highways, roads and paths intending to get close to the spot. Ang Lee, the famous Chinese director from Taiwan, made a film centring his attention on mixing and balancing the theme of the Woodstock event into an entertaining documentary, sort of drama, musical, comedy all rolled into one, without cynicism, prejudice or judgement. Just pure entertainment. So the gentleman himself assured and opinions of some critics in the Cannes Film Festival. I have no opinion to give as I haven't seen it yet. It will certainly join the long list of my Must-See film list. Seems like one of these days, I need to make another list, a Must-See sub-list. If not, or if I go by the list from top to bottom, I need to live till I am a hundred to cover the the whole list. So I must select the must must see list from the must see list, if you know what I mean. Didn't I tell you I also have a Must-Read book list? And a Must-Visit travel list? A Must-try restaurant list? And last but not least, Must-do list? Probably the most urgent one to attend to is this last. How else can I organise all those sub-lists otherwise? I did also say one of these days, didn't I? Tomorrow or next day is soon enough. Tags:Hippies,Woodstock

Current Mood: Artistic

Guernica Of Picasso In White Chapel

It's said that imitation' is the highest form of admiration and compliment. I am defender of that in all forms especially in art. Prince William of England inaugurated officially the reopening of the gallery White Chapel in London. The grandson of Queen Elizabeth ll pronounced his speech with the huge tapiz, or rather, the reconstruction of the ' Guernica', the very famous master piece of Picasso in the background. The replica was commissioned by Picasso and made in the 50's, as the painter did not want the original to travel long distances, to avoid any likely damages. I always feel that if any replica of art work is as good as the original, many in the history had confused or even totally evaded the experts specialised in authentication, then the work, and therefore the artist, deserves the due merit and acknowledgement. Tags:Picasso,Guernica

Current Mood: Artistic

The Girl Of Yesterday - Song Poem

I found a poem in song that I quite like, by a Spanish Singer-Poet. I thought I would try to translate it from Spanish to English here, as my Blogs are also my file of any bits and pieces of whatever I wish to keep. I should try hard to retain the sentiments exactly as they are expressed in the original: - La Chica De Ayer Un día cualquiera no sabes que hora es, Te acuestas a MI lado sin saber por que. Las calles mojadas te han visto crecer Y con TU corazón estas llorando otra vez. Me asomo a la ventana, eres la chica de ayer. Jugando con Las flores en MI jardín. Demasiado tarde para comprender, Chica, vete a TU Casa, no podemos jugar. La luz de la mañana entre en la habitación, Tus cabellos dorados parecen el Sol. Luego por la noche al Penta a escuchar Canciones que consiguen que te pueda amar. Me asomo a la ventana, eres la chica de ayer. Demasiado tarde para comprender. Mi cabeza DA vueltas persiguiendote, Mi cabeza DA vueltas ..... The Girl Of Yesterday One certain day not sure at what hour, You lay by my side not knowing why. The damp streets had seen you grow, And once again you cried with your heart. I learned against the window, you are the girl of yesterday Playing with flowers in my garden. Too late girl, go home, we can't play. The morning light streaming into the room, Your golden hair seemed like the sun. Later by night, listening To songs that I could love you. I leaned against the window, you are the girl of yesterday Too late to comprehend. My head spinning following you, My head spinning ..... Tags: songpoem

Current Mood: Accomplished