Currently Browsing: Food and Drink
Are Numbers Running Your Life?
No, I’m not talking about Vinnie the Weasel and the Numbers Game. I’m talking about all those other numbers. Numbers that we often use to evaluate our self-worth, to compare ourselves to others, and to determine whether or not we’re going to have a good life or even just a good day. These can include:
Weight and Fitness: personal avoirdupois, BMI, how many reps, how much weight, often we get to the gym, how many M&Ms we went through last night, dress or pants...
I’ve been on the road quite a bit lately. When I look for places to eat, I check out the “usual suspects” – Trip Advisor, UrbanSpoon, Yelp. The range of comments on any particular restaurant is always entertaining. It’s always “love it” or “should have stayed home.” Despite the extremes, these sites do provide some insight, especially since smaller restaurants are unlikely to have websites or keep their Facebook pages up-to-date.
You, my astute readers,...
Are Numbers Running Your Life?
Make Your Opinions Known!
Lentils from Le Puy
I can't resist sharing this picture of the famous dark green lentils of Le Puy, France. Le Puy is the town from which the Sisters of St. Joseph came to St. Augustine, Florida in 1866. This picture is something I stumbled across in the process of researching a concert Cantorae St. Augustine will be performing in the sisters' honor in November of 2011. You might want to circle Sunday afternoon, November 13th at 3 p.m., so you can plan to join us. Now I'm hungry – just from...Cats with Thumbs!
Many thank to my friend, Laura! Share and Enjoy:Headline of the Day! Can Choir Singing Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Yet another reason to fund music programs! Maybe a new recruiting strategy for the choir? Read more in this article. Share and Enjoy:A most miscellaneous weekend – and most enjoyable
This weekend started off with a brief foray to the Cathedral Parish Festival – packed with eager children and excitable adolescents. Saturday evening saw me decked out in Renaissance splendor and playing in the lobby of the Lightner Museum as guests arrived for the annual Menendez Gala. Super place to play because it's nothing but hard surfaces with a gorgeous mosaic floor. After the guests hustled up to the drinks and appetizers, a move to the lower level was effected and I joined...Overcoming Chant Stereotypes
It is a common belief that people who sing Gregorian chant are stuffy and dull. Fixated on ictus and trapped in arcane debates over various manuscripts, they are unable to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. This photo from the recent Winter Chant Intensive is designed to overcome the stereotype. Wine gladdens the heart of man – and so does good music. Share and...Pet Peeve of the Week – Complementary and Complimentary
If it's free wine and snacks – just say so! Stop using the wrong word. Share and Enjoy:
Posted by Mary Jane Ballou on Jul 25th, 2010 in arts, Food and Drink, Music, Religion, Travel | 0 comments
Unfinished Business
I have more than enough to blog about, but like the salade nicoise in the picture that's unfinished business right now. I'm still thinking through my time at Solesmes, the liturgies at St. Gervais, all of the culture and beauty that I've tripped over in my before and after time in Paris. Promise to think on the way home, sort both the thoughts and the photos, and get something written. In the meantime, it's my last evening here and time for a final walk. Share and...Popcorn! – the answers to your unasked questions
Thank the serendity of cyberspace for this exhibition at the National Agricultural Library. Enjoy! this exhibition at the National Agricultural Library, how could I resist? And how could I not share it with you? Share and...
Glad you asked! I’m Mary Jane Ballou – a free-lance musician, living in St. Augustine, Florida. As an instrumentalist on the harp and salterio, I perform primarily on the lever harp. My repertoire focuses on Celtic and early music. I’m a particular fan of Renaissance Spanish music – always looking for the elusive ties between Spain and the Celts. I’ve two CDs – one of music about St. Augustine, the other about Christmas. You can hear more on my website or on CDBaby.
I am the founding director of Cantorae St. Augustine, a women’s ensemble focusing on chant and sacred music. I conduct, cajole, and arrange for a wonderful group of women. More about them at Cantorae. Because unique music is my passion, my weekly radio show on Flagler College Radio features both early music and interesting contemporary works.read more