ARRRR!

I love Pirates of the Caribbean. 
I especially love Captain Jack Sparrow's wit and charm.

And now I've totally taken notice of the movie's theme song. 

Came across this video the other day; my jaw dropped and my heart stopped. Mind-blowingly amazing. My favourite comment on the video - "his ass plays better than me". You'll see ...



I was so amazed by this that I couldn't wait to try it out myself. So I put this video on loop for ages, then paused and played it repeatedly in order to learn it by ear. I also found the option to play it in slow mo. Total godsend. Seriously, why have I never learned songs this way? The visual really sped up the learning process. Fully recommend it.

I managed to get to the 1 minute mark and I really don't have the energy to go any further without piano scores. So here is my attempt at half the song...obviously I didn't hit as many notes as Radnich did, but I enjoyed playing it at speed. Mum always said that I play the piano as if I'm chasing a train :D




There are a few sticking keys, very frustrating. The paddle also makes a clicking sound so I sprayed it with WD-40, which in hindsight, I shouldn't have done. hmm.

I'd gladly offer piano notes to those wanting to try my version of the song, but this is all I got. *ahem* *sideway glance*

I was never a fan of music theory, the stave, notations and such.

So if anyone knows anyone who knows anyone who might have the piano scores, may I please have a copy?

: )

♥

Fine & dandy

Woke up today to find two artworks from my Dandelion series have sold, these are off to Alabama, USA :) Just yesterday I was standing in my backyard, in despair about my dandelion jungle. Not for long though, I then had a good ol' time blowing at all the seeds and sending them into the air; was very ethereal and woodsprite-ish. 

Oriental Dandy

Simply Dandy

I had my coffee hit at The Imp with super thick cut fruit toast and a generous supply of spread-friendly butter. 

I sat at the bar, looking out onto the cappuccino strip. This spot is excellent for people watching but no, I brought a magazine with me...I've always craved reading material when I eat. 

On my left was a fresh-faced girl in her early twenties and on my right, an equally gorgeous older lady, kinda Helen Mirren-like. I was sporting a china doll fringe and bright red lips, I was thinking we made that breakfast bar look quirky cool :)

The young girl is from Mauritius and is studying nutrition. She said that I looked familiar and asked if I hung out at My Place. Err....no...but I'm thinking I could check that place out next time I feel like a lychee martini.

When Helen Mirren's breaky arrived, OMG order envy! Wild mushrooms and goats cheese feta on turkish bread, with avocado on the side. She was very happy with her order and said that she particularly likes the feta. I said I particularly like that the turkish bread is served in the shape of a love heart. Her face lit up even more and I felt like I totally made a difference in her life. Ha.

In the afternoon, an experimental jam session with Moona. I like what we came up with, considering it's our first go with the song and we didn't have to try too hard.



Oh and helloooo there. What have we here. Another food pic. Curry laksa. Hit the spot. Like totally.

Another darn good Sunday

♥

Jar of Hearts

There have been a handful of purchases from my Etsy shop and I'm incredibly thankful and grateful for the love. This duo is heading to Victoria tomorrow :)

Gentle Blossoms @ Etsy.com

I haven't painted since returning to full time work in June and am feeling quite guilty about that. I have however been getting back to playing the piano, so technically, I'm still being creative. And when I'm being creative, I'm happy *beam*

For most, a car would be their first big purchase. I always knew that I wanted to spend my first pay cheque on a piano, a baby grand, to be specific. When the time came, I couldn't justify spending big on a baby grand, and it wouldn't fit in the tiny unit I was renting anyway. I came across an Alex Steinbach, loved its sound, its shape, the glossy black; signed up for a 5-year repayment plan... and yes, I spent those years without a car :)

I've been hearing plenty of Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri on the radio and wanted do a cover of it. I love the energy, strength and raw emotion in the song, it's the kind of song that grabs at my heart and soul when I play it on the piano. Oh and I totally love the desaturated music video. 

I use piano notes and guitar tabs as a guide only, as I'm too impatient to read piano scores and play them exactly as they're written. No two songs I play are ever exactly the same as I make the notes up as I go along. I let my fingers do the talking and I get to surprise myself every time! So here's my take on the song, complete with slip ups.
Because there is nothing wrong with imperfection. 

♥

Sunday morning

Rain, please don't stop, I want to lie in bed, be drenched in your embrace and drown in your singing...

How glorious it is to have the luxury to sleep in on a rainy Sunday morning. 

Reminds me of being in the most comfortable bed ever, when I was housesitting not too long ago. I'll always remember being engulfed by layers of warmth as I listen to raindrops and the quiet breathing of the best little dog I've ever met.

And here's a little song for this gorgeous Sunday morning. My first piano recording, bearing in mind that I haven't played the piano in about a year and I'm not a singer!

♥