Well, what a year 2011 has been. Unforgettable in many ways. I hope yours has been filled with love, laughter and happiness and that 2012 holds the promise of the same.
See you on the other side…
a blog of found things: words, art, photography, disappointment & hope
![]()
To remember
is perhaps
the most painful way
to forget
and perhaps
the kindest way
to assuage
the pain
Another great track/video from the gangster Nancy Sinatra (as they’re calling her). Album’s out on 30th Jan next year, which seems very far away to me.
You can see the video for her song Video Games here.
I have always preferred the reflection of the life to life itself – Francois Truffaut
Jasmine Van den Bogaerde, known as Birdy, had a top 20 hit earlier this year with a wonderful cover version of Bon Iver’s Skinny Love. Last week she released her debut album and it’s absolutely gorgeous. All but one of the tracks are, like her earlier single, cover versions. It’s an exquisite set; her voice is incredibly evocative and, whilst it’s an overworn cliché (but there really is no other word to describe it better) deeply haunting.
There are two versions of the album (of course) and I really think you should seek out the deluxe edition. Because it has this string-drenched track of wonder that makes the extra effort in finding it well worth it. Go buy it, it’s beautiful music.

The First Lie
I’m the little toy you’ll shatter,
the garden with miraculous
hiding places. You dart in and out
just to be half-found.
I’m the wind that sings in Braille,
your own shadow getting longer,
the beautiful holes that whimper
in your brain.
–
The Second Lie
Am I flower, am I grass blade?
Am I almost, but not quite, a word?
A new island made of hush,
off the map? One thing’s sure:
I’m late for my own creation –
on the eighth day – your afterthought.
You made me and now you must watch
God eat me up bit by bit.
–
The Third Lie
I haven’t explained myself.
You close your eyes, you leap.
It’s almost a devout thing to do,
so God says. Or another trap.
Opening your eyes later
you get remorse like a joke.
Stood next to such a gorgeous lie
you’re in danger of looking fake.
–
The Fourth Lie
You say: I dreamt, and not: I lied.
When you wake up, it’s a strange bed.
you open the door, shamefaced,
on a room so devastated
you run for the lift to the ground floor.
It tings, says, ‘Doors closing.’
There are lies flying in the air
utterly grey from living upside down.
Jo Shapcott – Tender Taxes