With Autumn fast approaching (if it's not already here) and conker collections taking place in readiness for those all important duels, it is a time to take stock and bring in close all those thoughts and dreams that will sustain me through the winter and the challenges that lie ahead...
OK - panic over, it seems that there is (as ever!) a mountain to climb in terms of what I hope to achieve this term at Uni. I know it's not truly Mont Blanc in terms of what some people have to deal with in their lives, but it's a fairly large mole hill by my understanding, which would be slightly reduced if the IT part of Uni life was working efficiently.
Music today will be a really mixed bag as I start prep for the Creative Music Technologies element of the course - I was thinking Jean Michelle Jarr type of thing but it appears that there will be some Steve Reich, Pierre Schaffer (OK I've heard of both of them) and a bit of John Cage thrown in for good measure - all OKish so far - but how about Pousseur and Lansky and Luigi Nono? Let's hope that You Tube has some good things on it....I know it will certainly be different to The Bay City Rollers and Abba but this is again part of life's rich tapestry, or web that we weave....
As light relief to this strangeness there is the delightful Op.33 No.3 in C major ("The Bird") by Handel to listen to.....at least I seem to remember that it's by Handel, apologies if I've got it wrong - afterall what do I know, I'm only a mid life crisis music student who should really be out there seeking gainful employment and making a difference in the world! Sorry - tried that and didn't like it so in a huge throw all the toys out of the pram moment, will continue with this part of life's journey for the while (that is until life throws something else in the way).
Am I loving it? Yes, really and truly I love the mental stimulous this has given me, the break from a near nervous breakdown has been miraculous and has made me realise a great deal more about who I am than I knew before..... WOW!
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Monday, 27 September 2010
Opera and French Macaroons
The weekend dinner party went very well, food was good and everyone had a great time. There was only one hitch though - the French Macaroons!
The problem was that they kept coming out like British Macaroons - domed and with a cracked top, not the pretty smooth and disc shape rounds of unctiousness that they are supposed to be. However, after 5 attempts and some YouTube watching and remembering to weigh my egg whites (don't laugh this is ultra serious stuff!), we have success. Now all I have to do is get some powdered food colouring and then production (and hopefully many sales) can take place.
The music that inspired this French Macaroon frenzie was of course Opera - mainly italian it has to be said, but the drama seemed to match what was going on in the kitchen. Don Giovanni and La Boheme featured heavily with a bit of M.Butterfly thrown in for good measure.
The problem was that they kept coming out like British Macaroons - domed and with a cracked top, not the pretty smooth and disc shape rounds of unctiousness that they are supposed to be. However, after 5 attempts and some YouTube watching and remembering to weigh my egg whites (don't laugh this is ultra serious stuff!), we have success. Now all I have to do is get some powdered food colouring and then production (and hopefully many sales) can take place.
The music that inspired this French Macaroon frenzie was of course Opera - mainly italian it has to be said, but the drama seemed to match what was going on in the kitchen. Don Giovanni and La Boheme featured heavily with a bit of M.Butterfly thrown in for good measure.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Cake and Fear in Crawley
After a mixed day yesterday - of piano students, window cleaners, gardening chores and washing, I sat down to watch The Great British Bake Off and decided that I should extend my baking skills further as there is probably more money to be made there than in teaching piano! A truly sad state of affairs when music is the path for so many of life's wonderful experiences - it is there throughout, through all the good times, the bad, the Ok and the uneventful and of course the absolutely out there spectacular times and for me it is there with the baking!
So, after deciding that I could set up the CBI (Crawley Baking Institute) but that it may turn into rather a WI style affair (absolutely no offence to the WI as they are a superb organisation/institution) rather than true to its basic ingredients, the idea was given a quick boot - maybe another year.
So what of the fear - fear of failure at Uni and financial fear are the main ones - Financial fear is one big ugly demon that is lurking not on my shoulder (as he's too big for that!) but is standing well and truly behind me drooling in my shadow. So, what am I going to about this big demon? Well I'm going to see what work I can get for Christmas (as places will be limited) at say Sainsbury's, Debenhams etc etc etc and I'm going to have a bake fest......
We have some friends coming over for dinner/supper on Saturday and so instead of doing a calorie laden desert I'm going to do my version of high tea with tiny cheese scones (taking them through nicely from the main meal) filled with cream cheese and herbs, little hazelnut tartlets, little chocolate brownies (possibly with caramel), salty peanut macaroons (never made them before so should be interesting) and a small dark and white chocolate sponge.
Musically I think it will be light and frivilous - Natalie Cole, Sachmo, Glenn Miller that type of thing. Definitely NO WAGNER as he's for bread making.....as he's way too heavy for little fancies.
So, after deciding that I could set up the CBI (Crawley Baking Institute) but that it may turn into rather a WI style affair (absolutely no offence to the WI as they are a superb organisation/institution) rather than true to its basic ingredients, the idea was given a quick boot - maybe another year.
So what of the fear - fear of failure at Uni and financial fear are the main ones - Financial fear is one big ugly demon that is lurking not on my shoulder (as he's too big for that!) but is standing well and truly behind me drooling in my shadow. So, what am I going to about this big demon? Well I'm going to see what work I can get for Christmas (as places will be limited) at say Sainsbury's, Debenhams etc etc etc and I'm going to have a bake fest......
We have some friends coming over for dinner/supper on Saturday and so instead of doing a calorie laden desert I'm going to do my version of high tea with tiny cheese scones (taking them through nicely from the main meal) filled with cream cheese and herbs, little hazelnut tartlets, little chocolate brownies (possibly with caramel), salty peanut macaroons (never made them before so should be interesting) and a small dark and white chocolate sponge.
Musically I think it will be light and frivilous - Natalie Cole, Sachmo, Glenn Miller that type of thing. Definitely NO WAGNER as he's for bread making.....as he's way too heavy for little fancies.
Monday, 20 September 2010
Autumn Opera
So - 2 weeks until the start of Autumn Term. My tasks for today are many, the road ahead isn't yellow but is decidedly bumpy, full of many twists and turns and forks and junctions. I am sure there will be the occasional evil witch along the way to entice me into a secluded forest where werewolves lurk........OK enough of the drama and the scary childrens story.
Today will be an opera fest - I will be listening to The A-Z of Opera and making many notes on who is who and what is what. Then I have 100 Opera Classics to listen to and try to understand! I will also be sending my CV to The Met in NY to see if there is any work experience that I can do next summer and of course to register an interest in working for them long term. (ENO, Glyndebourne & The Royal Opera House already have my details.)
With Christmas already poking it's head over the horizon, I must also think about work during that time - retail outlets must be approached unfortunately....... yeuck!
So, with dampness in the air, leaves falling and turning into glorious copper shade, the ground too wet to work and cats curled safely up on beds and in baskets the dramatic world of opera (and large wagnerian style diva's) awaits........bring it on, it will be a perfect day!
Today will be an opera fest - I will be listening to The A-Z of Opera and making many notes on who is who and what is what. Then I have 100 Opera Classics to listen to and try to understand! I will also be sending my CV to The Met in NY to see if there is any work experience that I can do next summer and of course to register an interest in working for them long term. (ENO, Glyndebourne & The Royal Opera House already have my details.)
With Christmas already poking it's head over the horizon, I must also think about work during that time - retail outlets must be approached unfortunately....... yeuck!
So, with dampness in the air, leaves falling and turning into glorious copper shade, the ground too wet to work and cats curled safely up on beds and in baskets the dramatic world of opera (and large wagnerian style diva's) awaits........bring it on, it will be a perfect day!
Monday, 13 September 2010
Feeling daunted
Ok, so I have my book list, am still trying to figure out why our course has gone from 4 topics down to three (something which the faculty don't appear to be able to answer at the moment) when everyone else is still doing 4 topics - gulp! The amount of reading is really what overwhelms you. Although I will be putting into practice my Tony Buzan tips and the tips I got from Uni. I do have to get into the groove as they say.
My choice of music today is La Mer by Debussy - great stuff and as it's wet and grey it reallly feels appropriate.
Today's baking will consist of cookies (from what ever I have available in the cupboard) and possible quiche as my pal Helen is due to be seen. I think the afternoon will be spent with DVD's or at the flicks (thus avoiding those scary books that have just arrived courtesy of the great Amazon!).
Re the cake recipe - some of you may wish to bump this up to a 6oz recipe with 3 eggs.
Happy Tuesday :-) x
My choice of music today is La Mer by Debussy - great stuff and as it's wet and grey it reallly feels appropriate.
Today's baking will consist of cookies (from what ever I have available in the cupboard) and possible quiche as my pal Helen is due to be seen. I think the afternoon will be spent with DVD's or at the flicks (thus avoiding those scary books that have just arrived courtesy of the great Amazon!).
Re the cake recipe - some of you may wish to bump this up to a 6oz recipe with 3 eggs.
Happy Tuesday :-) x
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Cake!
Today is a Victoria Sponge type of day - not the kind with that sickly butter cream inside, just good old raspberry or strawberry jam......
4 oz of butter (unsalted) or Stork SB or similar
4 oz of caster sugar
2 eggs (large)*
4 oz Self Raising Flour (or as I prefer 4 ounces of Plain with a teaspoon and a half of baking powder)
* for those of you who really want perfection (according to the WI and other such institutes) you should weigh the eggs to get 4 oz).
Grease 2 x 7 inch tins and dust with flour.
Turn the oven on to Gas mark 4 - I think this is about 170 degrees but do check first.
Now, this is the important part.....
Put the sugar and butter in a bowl and mix till really really really pale and fluffy - If you have a Kenwood machine or similar then just let the thing do the work for you and come back in about 15 - 20 mins - or after a good girlie chat on the phone with a glass of wine.....
Once the fat and sugar are combined, crack the eggs (if you haven't already in order to weigh them) and add slowly to the sugar mix. If it curdles (looks a bit like scrambled egg) add a small amount of flour.
When combined, sift the flour (and if appropriate raising agent) into the mix and then stir gently.
Scoop out the delicious mix evenly into the two tins and bake till springy and lovely - approximately 20 to 25 mins.
This bit is really really important - Don't do anything to it for at least 10 minutes, just leave it alone. When the 20 mins is up - check the cake by pressing a finger lightly on the surface, if the cake feels springy then it should be done - also listen to it - if it's still making a noise then leave it in for another 5-10 mins and repeat the testing.
Lots of people use scewers to test cakes but once you get used to listening to it you'll never look back.
Let the cake cool for a minute or two and then turn out onto a rack and then let them cool. Once completely cool, put one on a plate or serving dish, spread with your favourite jam, put the other cake on top and then sift some icing sugar over the top. Delish! Serve with cream if you really want it, a good cuppa and some sunshine and it really is the best!
Enjoy.
4 oz of butter (unsalted) or Stork SB or similar
4 oz of caster sugar
2 eggs (large)*
4 oz Self Raising Flour (or as I prefer 4 ounces of Plain with a teaspoon and a half of baking powder)
* for those of you who really want perfection (according to the WI and other such institutes) you should weigh the eggs to get 4 oz).
Grease 2 x 7 inch tins and dust with flour.
Turn the oven on to Gas mark 4 - I think this is about 170 degrees but do check first.
Now, this is the important part.....
Put the sugar and butter in a bowl and mix till really really really pale and fluffy - If you have a Kenwood machine or similar then just let the thing do the work for you and come back in about 15 - 20 mins - or after a good girlie chat on the phone with a glass of wine.....
Once the fat and sugar are combined, crack the eggs (if you haven't already in order to weigh them) and add slowly to the sugar mix. If it curdles (looks a bit like scrambled egg) add a small amount of flour.
When combined, sift the flour (and if appropriate raising agent) into the mix and then stir gently.
Scoop out the delicious mix evenly into the two tins and bake till springy and lovely - approximately 20 to 25 mins.
This bit is really really important - Don't do anything to it for at least 10 minutes, just leave it alone. When the 20 mins is up - check the cake by pressing a finger lightly on the surface, if the cake feels springy then it should be done - also listen to it - if it's still making a noise then leave it in for another 5-10 mins and repeat the testing.
Lots of people use scewers to test cakes but once you get used to listening to it you'll never look back.
Let the cake cool for a minute or two and then turn out onto a rack and then let them cool. Once completely cool, put one on a plate or serving dish, spread with your favourite jam, put the other cake on top and then sift some icing sugar over the top. Delish! Serve with cream if you really want it, a good cuppa and some sunshine and it really is the best!
Enjoy.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Financial Crisis
Like many of us in these current uncertain times (although when has anything ever been certain? Apart from our ultimate demise that is?????) the financial reality of university life strikes again - a new list of books to get, fees to be paid etc, mortgage to pay and little summer work....... such is the life of a student. The irony being that, despite all these issues, life has never been so good in so many ways.
If you want proof that music can really cheer you up - try listening/watching the You Tube clip of Barry White and Pavarotti singing the ultimate........You're the first, the last, my everything. What a moment! Some may say thank goodness it wasn't repeated, others will just simply be in the moment and for those Ally McBeal fans out there it's the ultimate dance routine.
If you're one of those who won't be cheered by the above, then go and make a Victoria Sponge - try listening to some Nat King Cole, or some Dudley Moore - dancing while your baking is a fave past-time of mine and I really recommend it to resolve any issues of the day.
Just off to put some scones together with a coffee and Debussy "La Mer"....... I'll worry about the financial crisis later :-)
If you want proof that music can really cheer you up - try listening/watching the You Tube clip of Barry White and Pavarotti singing the ultimate........You're the first, the last, my everything. What a moment! Some may say thank goodness it wasn't repeated, others will just simply be in the moment and for those Ally McBeal fans out there it's the ultimate dance routine.
If you're one of those who won't be cheered by the above, then go and make a Victoria Sponge - try listening to some Nat King Cole, or some Dudley Moore - dancing while your baking is a fave past-time of mine and I really recommend it to resolve any issues of the day.
Just off to put some scones together with a coffee and Debussy "La Mer"....... I'll worry about the financial crisis later :-)
Monday, 6 September 2010
What's it all about?
Throughout our lives there is always something constant...... for me it's been food and music, but predominantly the latter.
This blog is about how, after a struggle with education, life, people who put you down, I've managed to do what I wanted to do from the age of 12......It's been a bumpy 35 years since then but I am now in my second year of a Music degree at Sussex University. I owe my place at Uni to the support and friendship of the music teachers in my life, who have just been fantastic and continue to inspire me.
Who know's what it will bring and where I will go, but heh I can't believe it and I'm loving it. Challenges there are a plenty, but what thrills me is how music can make a difference, it has the power to turn a bad day into a good one, to express what is beyond words and yet also say things that are so simple.
In this blog you will find my frustrations, joys, surprise and probably downs, a recommendation of stuff I currently like and probably the odd recipe or two.......
I hope you enjoy the journey with me...... as that is what it is all about.
This blog is about how, after a struggle with education, life, people who put you down, I've managed to do what I wanted to do from the age of 12......It's been a bumpy 35 years since then but I am now in my second year of a Music degree at Sussex University. I owe my place at Uni to the support and friendship of the music teachers in my life, who have just been fantastic and continue to inspire me.
Who know's what it will bring and where I will go, but heh I can't believe it and I'm loving it. Challenges there are a plenty, but what thrills me is how music can make a difference, it has the power to turn a bad day into a good one, to express what is beyond words and yet also say things that are so simple.
In this blog you will find my frustrations, joys, surprise and probably downs, a recommendation of stuff I currently like and probably the odd recipe or two.......
I hope you enjoy the journey with me...... as that is what it is all about.
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