Saturday 9 .... plus, a Give-away!

This week, Sam's classing up the joint with a well-received box-set of Beethoven's Complete Symphonies by the Danish Chamber Orchestra.

You can listen here.

(Or, not ... lol.)

Beethoven is one of classical music's best known composers.  Do you often listen to classical music?

No(t) willingly.  (*smile*)

But! If you've not seen the movie, Immortal Beloved, I'd sure recommend you do so.   Years ago I had zero interest, no intention of watching it … then wound up loving it.

It's not only a rip-your-heart-out, unrequited love story, but Gary Oldman's portrayal of Beethoven was remarkable.

Though a musical genius, Beethoven never learned to multiply or divide.  When faced with a simple arithmetic problem, do you do it in your head?  Or, do you rely on the calculator in your phone or on your computer?

I usually consult Google Girl or Alexa.

Beethoven bathed often, which was considered 'quirky' for a man of his time.  (Understandable, since you had to heat the water, haul it to the tub, and then empty the tub bucket by bucket when you were done.)  Do you bathe in the morning or in the evening?

I shower in the early evening.

Adam Fischer conducts the Danish Chamber Orchestra for this 5-disc set.  He began his musical career young, when he sang in the children's choir of Budapest's National Opera House.  Have you ever sung in a choir or chorus?

Yes. Our high-school music teacher was young and hip. Almost everyone wanted to be in his choir.  And almost all the girls wanted to be his girlfriend!

Mr. Fischer was awarded the Gold Medal of Arts from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.  Tell us about a prize or award you have received. (Yes, that ribbon you earned for penmanship in 2nd grade counts!)

While at summer camp I received (one of) the camp's 'Silver Saddle' ring for Most Improved horsemanship.  Unfortunately, I lost it a few years later (swimming).  After all these years, every now and then I'll check eBay to see if anyone put hers up for sale.

The Danish Chamber Orchestra is beloved in Denmark. When, in 2014, the Danish Broadcasting Company announced it would no longer fund the Orchestra, citizens began a crowdfunding campaign and raised more than $1,000,000 to keep the music playing.  Have you ever contributed to a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe, Kickstarter or FundRazr?  

Yes

The Orchestra's 'home' is the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen.  Where were you when you last heard music played live?

We saw the Goat Hill String Band (yeeee-doggie!) last year when they opened for Sean Dietrich.

In 2019, when this boxed set was released, China became the first nation to land a spacecraft on the far side of the moon.  Are you fascinated by stories about space?

Not even a little. I've never watched a single episode of Star Trek or any of the Star Wars movies.

Random question:

Tell us about your week. These are extraordinary times, and it might feel good to share.

Thanks so much for all the birthday love!  My actual birthday Tuesday was pretty low-key.  Rather than go out to eat, we had (more) take-out from Fat Boys BBQ.  Gosh, I behaved like I was trying to consume my own body weight in Camp Stew!

Birthday gift from gal-pal Debbie.

Tom remarked, "It looks like a Santa suit!"

I used 'mad money' from Troy and Lois to order these 'like new' shoes from Etsy.

A few years ago, after having my previous pair re-soled for like the third time, I reluctantly threw them away....  and have regretted it ever since.   If possible, they were even more comfortable than the leggings I've been raving about. The manufacturer has since gone out of business, so I was thrilled to see this pair for less than $50!

Do you think it possible to love an article of clothing too much?

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And now?

In honor of another birthday, I'm having a give-away!

Part of the ticket price to see Sean of the South was a copy of his new book (A Memoir of Learning to Believe You're Gonna Be Okay).  While they had to cancel the tour, Sean autographed copies for each ticket holder, so Tom and I each got one.  And since we don't need two ...  

….. if you'd like a chance to win, please say so in the comments.  That's all.  Easy-peasy!  I'll put everyone's names in my big red hat and have Tom draw for a winner next Friday.

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Let's chat again soon!  

Meanwhile, stay safe ... indoors!

Hugs, Myra