Hairstyling Tutorial - 'Peacock' Style

I would love to have the courage to style my hair any way I want to, and I really admire violinist Lindsey Stirling's 'Peacock' hairstyle.  It's fun and funky, and shows a really playful side to her personality.  She's 29 years old, which is only a few years younger than me, so I kind of figure if she can, why can't I?  It does look a little bit of effort to do, but if I were going to a party or some special occasion, then I think it would be worth it!

Here's Lindey's video where she shows you how to do it...

Hair Tutorial by Lindsey Stirling

Youtube video

#MusicMonday... Meet Violinist, Lindsey Stirling

I recently stumbled upon Lindsey Stirling's Youtube channel, and I'm so glad I did.  She is a very talented violinist, but what is most unusual about her is that she dances, whilst playing her violin, both in music videos and live on stage.  I find it captivating and absolutely beautiful.  I have seen her dance ballet as well as more funky modern stage dance style.  

I would love to be able to do what she does.  Though the violin may well be beyond me as a musical instrument (though to be honest, I've never tried it), I quite fancy trying some of the music she plays on Harmonica.  I think the sounds she makes on the violin would lend itself nicely to the sound of the Harmonica.  And I would really like to learn to play some classical music on Harmonica too.  I would no doubt struggle attempting to dance like that whilst playing Harmonica though, I very much doubt I could hold my breath steady for playing the notes whilst leaping and kicking my legs up, though it would be so much fun to try!

I think one of my favourite videos by Lindsey Stirling is the cowboy western themed Roundtable Revival, it's fun and funky, and I love Lindsey's wardrobe in this.  I would love to feel confident enough to express myself with hair, make-up and fashion choices like this.  

Lindsey Stirling - Roundtable Revival

Youtube video

I love that she is quirky and fun. and really expressive in her music videos and performances, with beautifully matched dance choreography, full of personality and sass, and beautiful costumes to suit the music.  A true inspiration.  And so full of encouragement and kindness to her fans, she wishes them the best and to truly believe in themselves, believe in their dreams, and work at making their own dreams come true.  How lovely is that?

And just because I can't get over how awesome she is, here is another music video by Lindsey Stirling, where she teams up with Lzzy Hale from the rock band Halestorm, to perform Shatter Me.  An amazing video with a beautiful story and fantastic special effects, and I love the steampunk theme.  I can fast see me wanting a Lindsey Stirling album!  Enjoy.

Lindsey Stirling featuring Lzzy Hale - Shatter me

Youtube video

#MusicMonday... David Bowie (Labyrinth)

It seems particularly appropriate to feature David Bowie in my #MusicMonday slot on my blog today.  I think the whole country, and possible the world, is in shock today.  No one knew David Bowie had cancer, that he'd been diagnosed with it 18 months ago, and knew he was going to die.  He was busy working on a broadway musical, and a brand new album, Blackstar, which appears to be a way for him to say goodbye to his fans.  So today's news of his death came as quite a shock.  I have spent most of today listening to radio specials celebrating the life and music of David Bowie, googling him, reading his Wikipedia page and exploring his website.  He's someone that's always been there throughout my life, and somehow I never thought of going.

I think the first time I really noticed David Bowie was as a child, when I first watched Labyrinth, the fantasy movie in which he played Jareth, the Goblin King.  He was charismatic and otherworldly, with a hauntingly beautiful voice.  I loved the songs and I loved the character.  I've heard a lot of David Bowie's well known, and some less well known songs on the radio today, but very little mention of Labyrinth, and the amazing soundtrack he did.  So today I'd like to share a music video from the movie, featuring one of David Bowie's songs, As The World Falls Down.  A beautiful ethereal scene, which somehow reminds me of the mythical story of Persephone and Hades, when Hades attempts to seduce Persephone into staying in his world forever, never to return to the world above.  As I think this video shows, it would be tempting to stay.  Enjoy.

David Bowie - As The World Falls Down

from Labyrinth

Photo Credit:  Image cropped from the Labyrinth Movie Poster

2015: My Year Of Adventure

So why am I choosing to embark on a Year Of Adventure?  I am so not an adventurous person by habit.  I dream of doing cool and exciting things, but often am too scared to say boo to a goose.  I am quiet, a little shy, self-conscious, and lacking in self-confidence.  And yet I dream of living an exciting and bold life.   I love watching Strictly Come Dancing, and dream of being a celebrity facing the challenge of learning to dance.  Making friends with the professional dancers, having that warmth, good humour and camaraderie that they share.  I would love that in my life.  I would love to be a famous singer, being proud of having a beautiful talent I could enjoy with others.  

I love the idea of being a hippie, spending time outdoors, gently playing musical instruments and relaxing in a beautiful field next to a camper van or gypsy caravan.  I am attracted to images of Gypsies, Hippies and Bohemians, I love watching movies featuring them, such as Wanderlust, Woodstock, and Peace, Love & Misunderstanding.  I love how at 'Peace' they are, so relaxed and confident in who they are.  Life unfolds for them in a happy fashion.  They have time to enjoy themselves, time to work on their art and they make time for each other.  

I know these are fictional ideals I love, and I cannot magically make myself like people I see on the TV and in the movies, but I'd love to incorporate some of what I love about them into my life.  I'd love to improve myself, and I'd love to live a more varied, fun-filled, joyful and adventurous life.  

So Happy New Year, and here's to the beginning of 2015:  My Year Of Adventure!