Music Makes My World Go Round (so here's a song of mine)

My life being in upheaval and turmoil at the moment, has made me turn to the two constants in my existence: writing (right?) and music (right!).

I don't know about you, but I can map my past 57 years exactly by listing music I listened to at the time. Certain songs bring back detailed memories of certain moments, often complete with smells.

Example? My first three years were dominated by Edith Piaf and Ella Fitzgerald. I sang "Non, je ne regrette rien" as easily as the Dutch equivalent of twinkle twinkle little star.
Another example? My pre-teens were dominated by The Beatles. First by the simple "She loves you - yeah yeah yeah" songs, and when I got a little older than 10 by the "She's so heavy" kind. That was before my massive crush on David Bowie, which lasted until my first major break up, which was accompanied by U2. The recuperation was helped by Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks and Melissa Etheridge, and so it goes on and on and on.

In the thralls of my latest break up, I have turned not only to existing music (Kate Bush is still helping out, but also Jodymoon, Selah Sue, Elbow, Jake Bugg and Muse lend a hand), but to writing and singing my own.
This is an exciting but daunting task. Is it good enough to subject other people to it? Now, there's a question for you...
One simply does not know, does one?
Only one thing for it: take the plunge.

So, it is with not a little trepidation that I'll present you with the gift of a link: Not Mine

Viggo's Blog - How To Build A Design Shelter.

Hi fans, Viggo here.
Today I will instruct you how to build a multi-purpose design shelter. So especially those of you needing a change of scenery and/or environment, pay attention! 
It could also be sent on to the High Commission for Refugees I suppose. My woman tells me I should not be disrespectful, but I am quite serious. Perhaps they should all be given a huge cardboard box.

First, you make certain you have a suitable carton box. It should be sturdy, but pliable. And (!!!) you should be able to rip it with your teeth without them breaking off.

Second, it makes a difference if it has that distinct fishy carton glue smell. I love that, makes it so much more enjoyable.

Third, try to rip it into 1 inch pieces. They should all be cut to the same size. Different sizes look sloppy. We do not want sloppy!

Fourth, scatter the pieces decoratively along the table and floor. Do not cut corners, this should be taken seriously.

Fifth, try it on for size. You should be able to sit, but also squat in it comfortably.

Sixth, adjust when necessary.

Seventh, try it on again. Well. How does it feel? Do you feel good? Are you in the zone? Could you stay there for at least an hour or so? If the answer is yes - great. If the answer is no, you will have to do better!

Next time I will teach you how to bury your pooh in the garden, shall I? Or would you prefer to know about how to wake up your woman/man effectively at 5 am? Do tell me.

Until next time, purrs, Viggo.

Viggo's Blog - Same Old Same Old

Hi fans, Viggo here.
It's been a while, mostly because nothing happened which was worth commenting on.
Sometimes I wish I could simply go walkabout.
I mean, my old dog Gina is on painkillers now, bloody expensive they are, and now she has stopped moaning but has started farting a lot. I don't know what is worse.

My woman tells me I should not be so harsh, as Gina suffers from arthritis, but frankly my own problems are so much more important.

That Maine Coon jumped me again last night, and I swear he has gained weight!

It took all my effort to shake him off, and my woman got upset with me because I shouted some choice swear words after him. She says I shouldn't do that in the middle of the night, as it sets off Gina's barking and upsets the neighbours.

As if I care about those neighbours.

They kept the entire neighbourhood awake again last night with their partying. The thing that annoys me most is their predictability. They start off with salsa (that's bearable, us cats like salsa as it reminds us of bumble bees in the garden), progress to disco and end up with shout-alongs of football songs and the Dutch André Hazes classic Bloed, Zweet en Tranen (blood, sweat and tears) which indeed brings tears to my eyes because they sing abominably and abysmally badly. 

My woman has spent the evening in the kitchen (the only place where it was bearable) with her GarageBand, and I must say she is singing much better. I sat on the counter with her and gave tips. Although she got pissed off when I tried to take over the recording button. She tends to have a short fuse these days.

Anyway. There's some new stuff coming up on her YouTube channel soon, mixed by me, but for now I'll leave you with an oldie by her. HeyHeyRenée