Well Moonling’s it’s finally here. Marie Keane has released her inaugural album ‘Russian Doll,’ and it is all kinds of exquisite. The lovely Lady herself has given me permission to review the album, so naturally, I had to share my thoughts with you. I will link all her
Marie Keane
details below. However, if you are so ready to purchase the album already you can get that here. You know how much I love music and supporting artists, especially Irish artists are a big deal for me.
Background
If you remember I interviewed Marie last November and that interview can be found here. She gave us some insight into what it’s like being an Irish musician, the music scene in her city and of course the creative process behind the making of ‘Russian Doll,‘ the album. I was so excited and couldn’t wait for it to come out. She has already released a music video for the song ‘Cranes,’ which is embedded below.
Marie Keane
Album, ‘Russian Doll.’
So talk about the album already Jaycee! Alright, so it’s 13 tracks of genre-hopping goodness. It kicks off with “Tree of doors,” which for me sounds like Marie is trying to connect not only with nature but the wisdom of the past.
“Where worship danced around its face, now lifeless towers takes its place.” – Tree Of Doors
“The force between us could pen a thousand tales, draw tears from many lovers.” – The Firing Line
Then taking on the story of forfeited faith which is commonplace in modern Ireland, aĀ stand out track for me was the stunning, “Stained glass windows.” We are treated to an example of her voice within its classical range. The song is a mix of classical piano and Celticism in a gothic church. She visits this theme in “Faith,”Ā while,Ā “We all can change,” incorporates both her style and a gospel motif. “Faith,” for me could easily be the next Bond theme.
“I found my way, but I lost my faith… I grieve my removal… No longer do I carry the sins… I bare all my worship to open ground.” – Stained Glass Windows
Marie Keane
The social rock/pop commentary ofĀ “Theatre of the mind,” and “Addiction,”Ā mixed with the ethereal sounds ofĀ “The Homecoming,” makes this album a success for me. I implore you to investigate. Listen to the video below. Visit her website. Tell her I sent you, she’s lovely. I’m heading to the launch party on Sunday, and I’ll do my best to get some exclusive footage. Until then, thanks for reading.
Hello Moonlings, I’ve been thinking (what Thinking Moon has been thinking? What a novel concept) about the goals we set ourselves and whether or not they are achievable. We often set ourselves arbitrary goals of losing weight, exercising more, saving money and so forth. Yet we rarely remember to set up the necessary infrastructure needed in order to fulfill this.
For me, I achieved the main goal I set out for myself at the beginning of 2018. I blogged for 1 year straight. January to January. I didn’t achieve it simply because I enjoy writing or that I had a lot to say. I achieved it because I made a plan for myself.
At the outset, I blogged once a week on a Friday with planned blogs until the end of the year. Eventually, I gathered a small audience. When I finally seen people were reading I felt they deserved more so I started my ‘Fun Tuesdays‘ category in September of last year.
This taught me that I had the ability to be consistent once I planned to be. I hope that makes sense. Now at the beginning of 2019, I was able to give myself even more goals because I planned them into my daily life. I’m learning Portuguese, meditation, and every day something new to improve my blog.
I’ve also made myself a vision board which I’ve already mentioned. Not only is this a really fun activity, but it’s also great for focusing your mind on your goals. I used canvas, watercolours, and glued pictures to it when it dried.
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Around this time until the end of January, we all start giving up on our goals and dreams. It’s too cold(shout out to Irish weather), you miss the comfort of the couch rather than having a walk, and getting up earlier isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Really though the issue is allowing time for our changes and giving ourselves at least 3 weeks of consistency to allow old habits to die allowing new habits to form.
Anyways if you’re still not convinced or unsure and looking for help here is a video by a YouTuber I’m very fond of called Madeliene Olivia. She is a lifestyle blogger who is a minimalist and a vegan. If you are looking for help with your goals she has really practical advice about how to organise them.
I wish you peace, happiness and success Moonlings.
How are you getting on? Happy Friday! Firstly I would like to thank Bereaved Single Dad. I seen this challenge on his blog and you can read his version here. Also if you aren’t following his blog, please go check it outĀ here.
I made my own version of it. Basically, I videoed myself reading the challenges for the first time so the answers would be more off the cuff. You can watch that here if you’re interested. I sing quite a bit in it but if you’re not into that then read on instead.
Also if you’re on YouTube could you follow me there. I’d really appreciate it if you could.
Day 1: A song you like with a colour in the title.
I chose “Yellow” by Coldplay and I do genuinely love Coldplay, but I’m not mad about this particular song. So after further consideration, I think that I much prefer “Paint It Black,” by The Rolling Stones. Much more of a kick to it. I love the guitar in that song.
Day 2: A song you like with a number in the title.
In the video P!nk’s “18-Wheeler” from her album ‘Mizzundastood’ was the only song with a number in it I could think of. While I do love P!nk my alternative for this would be “Edge of 17,” by Stevie Nicks. Stevie Nicks is one of those singers who makes your bones vibrate.
Day 3: A song that reminds you of summertime.
This is so funny I thought of Will Smith’s “Getting Jiggy With It.” Like no idea where that came from, but that was really a childhood summer throwback. Whereas Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” reminds me of summer while being of drinking age.
Day 4: A song that reminds you of someone you’d rather forget.
Eagle-Eye Cherry’s, “Save Tonight,” and really I couldn’t listen to that song for years so it’s pretty accurate.
Day 5: A song that needs to be played out loud.
I stand by my choice of the Foo Fighter’s “I Am A River,” and any other Foo Fighter song. This is one of those tracks that I loved from the moment I heard it. It’s off their album ‘Sonic Highways’ and has a full orchestra in it. Exquisite.
Day 6: A song that makes you want to dance.
While I choose “Aura,” by Lady Gaga, one of my favorite songs to dance to of all time is “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston. Just thought I would clarify, that Whitney Houston cannot be surpassed.
Day 7: A song to drive to.
Again I hit the nail on the head with “Double Down Under,” by The Crystal Method. If any of you played the racing game ‘Need for Speed’, The Crystal Method’s “Born Too Slow,” was on their ‘Need For Speed Underground’ soundtrack. So definitely excellent driving music.
Day 8: A song about drugs or alcohol.
I choose A Perfect Circle, “Passive,” which I discovered through the movie Constantine. I loved that movie and was sad it didn’t get a sequel, and yes I’m aware John Constantine is originally a DC comic book character. It was also off their album ‘Emotive’ not ‘Mer De Noms’, you idiot (Me not you).
Day 9: A song that makes you happy.
Foo Fighter’s “Learn To Fly,” is one of my favourites of all time. I don’t know if you guys realised my grĆ” (Love) for Dave Grohl, but he is the one man I’d leave Le’Boo for. Don’t worry Le’Boo has been previously informed of this addendum in our relationship.
Day 10: A song that makes you sad.
Sarah McLachlan’s bittersweet, “Full Of Grace.” I first heard it in Buffy like I mention in my video and it started my life long obsession with Sarah McLachlan. Honestly, her music has so much depth and intrigue to it. If you are into albums as concepts, her album ‘Fumbling Towards Ecstasy’ is perfect.
Day 11: A song you never get tired of.
“Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer,” was a staple in our house. My parents are both huge music fans, so there was always music playing. Dad has always had a great sound system and one of my earliest memories is listening to music. “Boys Of Summer,” has been part of the soundtrack of our lives throughout the ages.
Also, it didn’t come out in 1992 as I implied in the video but in 1984.
Day 12: A song from your preteen years.
Blink 182, “All The Small Things.” While this did come out when I was a preteen (I was 9 when it was released), I still love it to this day. I also remember my Dad playing “Blue,” by Eiffel 65 which coincidently came out the same year…
Day 13: A song you like from the 70s.
“When The Levee Breaks,” by Led Zeppelin. When I was in my teens a boyfriend introduced me to Led Zepplin. I was cleaning the house one day and listening to the album ‘4’ for the first time with headphones on. When this song came on I literally dropped what I was doing and sunk into the couch.
The music astounded me, it was haunting. I would always recommend listening to music with good headphones if you can because you will get so much more out of it.
Also yes it came out in 1971, as I was concerned in the video I’d been incorrect.
Day 14: A song you’d love to be played at your wedding.
Ok, I answered this quickly because I didn’t want to go into a diatribe in my video, but I can’t imagine myself and Le’Boo having a wedding. Getting married sure, but a wedding? Too much effort.
Hypothetically “Simple Song,” by The Shins. Le’Boo and I technically have a ‘song’ but it’s sad. Typical us!
Day 15: A song you like that’s a cover by another artist.
“The Ocean Breathes Salty,” by Sun Kil Moon. Hands down no competitors. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The song in itself is beautiful, there’s a line that haunts me,
“You wasted life why wouldn’t you waste death.”
It reminds me to get out and live because honestly, your time flies by.
Also, the singer is called Mark Kozelek, and the album is ‘Tiny Cities’.
Day 16: A song that’s a classic favourite.
“Highway To Hell,” AC/DC. The bagpipes in that song live on in our minds and hearts forever.
Day 17: A song you’d sing a duet with someone on karaoke.
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” by the wonderful talent Elton John with Le’Boo! Could you imagine how cute that would be?
“Drops Of Jupiter,”Ā by Train. I heard it when I was maybe only 16 and I fell in love with the lyrics. I’m a poet as you know, so when the lyrics of a song are glorious, I get obsessed. That happens to me very often with songs.
Day 20: A song that has many meanings to you.
“Take it to the limit,” by The Eagles, with Randy Meisner as the singer. I could talk about this song forever. My parents sang this to each other at their Wedding.
“You can spend all your time making money, or you can spend all your love making time. If it all fell to pieces tomorrow, would you still be mine?”
Day 21: A song you like with a person’s name in the title.
“Dear Prudence.” by The Beatles. There is a movie called Across The Universe which is a wonderful musical composed of Beatles songs. Bono is in it for a spell but don’t let that ruin it for you. It helped develop my love of the Beatles with dazzling reinventions of their songs.
Day 22: A song that moves you forward.
“Perfect,” P!nk. I will love Alica Moore forever and for always. She reminds me that perfection is not attainable, and we are all own kind of wonderful. It’s nice to have an idol in your life that makes you feel good about yourself. Also, she is a babe. Might leave Le’Boo for her (just kidding…).
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Day 23: A song you think everybody should listen to.
Janelle Monae’s, “Crazy Classic Life.” Go watch her music video right now, it’s amazing!
Day 24: A song by a band you wish were still together.
I chose Queen’s “Somebody To Love.”Ā I’m sure I’m not the only Queen fan on here, so there isn’t much point me trying to sell Queen to you. You either love them or you’re wrong (Just kidding… sort of!).
Day 25: A song you like by an artist no longer living.
Although I said Nirvana’s, “Come As You Are,” I love Jeff Buckley’s, “Hallelujah.” It’s a Leonard Cohen song that’s been covered frequently, however, this one is the superior one.
Day 26: A song that makes you want to fall in love.
“Tale As Old As Time,” by Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson. In fairness falling in love is different for everyone, and Belle’s Stockholm syndrome love isn’t probably the best example. The song is stunning though.
Le’Boo had this made for me.
Day 27: A song that breaks your heart.
“Sugar We’re Going Down,” by Fall Out Boy. Pretty self-explanatory, I relate too much because of a previous unhealthy relationship. It’s a killer song though. I thought of another song also, Placebo’s “My Sweet Prince.“
Day 28: A song by an artist whose voice you love.
Sarah McLachlan, “Fumbling Towards Esctacy.” I explained this in my video I just adore this song and the album it’s off. McLachlan’s vocals are stunning, she has a classically trained voice. Her first album ‘Touch’ is an example of her classical voice. She became more pop as she developed but ‘Fumbling Towards Ecstasy,’ is one of those remarkable albums that straddles pop and the ethereal.
Day 29: A song you remember from your childhood.
Garth Brooks, “Friends In Low Places.” Another staple in our house, and so is Garth Brooks, IĀ love him. Our family love him, we have so many of his albums.
I would like to add that myself, my parents and brother love this song. Not Le’Boo so much.
Day 30: A song that reminds you of yourself.
“Wasted Time” by The Eagles. As I said in the video there are lyrics in this song that reminds me of how I felt at the end of my previous relationship. I had a really tough time afterward, and I felt like the failure of the relationship was all my fault.
It took many years of self-reflection and self-care to realise that there are 2 people in a relationship (or more I don’t judge) and you are only responsible for your own behaviour. You cannot change others, you can only change yourself.
Phew got a bit serious there at the end. If you’re looking for levity after that I do sing quite a bit in this video. Thanks, Moonlings have a wonderful Friday and weekend.
Hello friends, I am back. My recovery took much longer than I expected but I am grateful for my family because, without them, I would have starved. This includes Le’Boo who was called my husband by one of the nurses and it made him happy! Who’d thought?
Preamble:
Anyways I’m a huge book worm, and I really enjoyed using Goodreads in 2018 to challenge myself. Plus joining groups like Emma Watson’s “Our shared shelf,” or “Books Stephen King has recommended,” makes you feel like you’re part of a community and gives you book ideas you might never have thought of yourself.
Review of 2018:
I think I was over ambitious last year with my target of 80 books, however. Although I managed 77 of those 80 it stressed me out near the end. I also exclude academic books so I probably read closer to 100 books last year. I didn’t want to include them in the books I read ‘for pleasure.’ I say it like that because all reading is pleasurable for me.
Criteria:
So this year I will be pledging 70 books and I have some criteria which ones I choose. I do not want to choose them willy nilly:
I want a 50 / 50 split down the middle of female and male authors. I did pretty good last year but I’m not sure I made the 50 / 50 mark.
Read more fiction. As a fiction writer, I need to read more fiction in order to learn and improve my own writing.
Read more indie writers, and if you are an indie writer whose struggling to get Amazon reviews, give me a shout in the comments or email me on thinkingmoonblog@gmail.com, I’d be happy to read your book!
Join me in the Goodreads challenges, and tell me about your pledges.
Hello Moonlings. I have been feeling low the last 2 days so I needed something to lift my spirits.
Creativity rarely lets me down so Le’Boo and I finally decided to make our vision boards. We have been meaning to make them for awhile now and they’ll serve us for the next 1-3 years or so.
The difference between his and mine is astounding. š
Hello Moonlings, how are you on this fine Friday? I am awake here at 4.00am local time because of residual pain and discomfort from my surgery.
While that is inconvenient, I cannot help but be happy and grateful for my blog reaching 300 followers. Even though I’m sore and grumpy this didn’t fail to make me smile.
Although I have said this before, I cannot stop thanking the lovely community on here. There are those who never fail to like my posts, leave me their thoughts and just be really supportive.
Especially as I had to take 2 weeks off which I haven’t done since January 2018. You are all still here and still wonderful.
As I have said in the past I will do something special if I reach 500 followers, but until then, all I can offer you is my heartfelt thanks.
Happy new year to all my followers that celebrate the new year at this time. If your culture celebrates it at a different time, I still wish you well during this time of winter renewal.
I’m going to have surgery today and will be off my feet for 2 weeks afterwards. I won’t be able to blog in that time and I hope you can forgive me. If I don’t reply to your comments I will get to them afterwards.
Talk to you soon my lovelies. Create in my absense!
Thinking Moon 
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