Choose Joy

Choose Joy.



Christmas is forever,
not just for a day,
for loving, caring, giving
are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel
on some box on a shelf.
The good you do for others
is good you do yourself.

- Norman Wesley Brooks

Many of us have had a less than stellar 2009. Between the economy, health issues, interpersonal relationships, and employment status for many times have been tough.

I would however like for you to, as you go to bed tonight, please take a moment to count your blessings. To take pleasure in the good in life. To choose joy.









Merry Christmas Everyone!

xoxo

Lisbeth

Warning:

Stopping by my house for coffee may leave you laying on the damp lawn late afternoon =D

Thank you Lisbeth, for being a good sport.

What is on your agenda this fall?

xoxo

Energizer

This week was so busy I never got around to posting more concert shots. Keep checking back; pics are in the tube.

In the meantime I have fallen in love with this shot. Luuuuv my veggie drinks and was super excited to see these readily available at various London markets.









Which is your favorite beverage(s?)


xoxo

Copper

Since the pre-teen years my favorite Danish band has been D-A-D.

Previously recording under the name D i s n e y l a n d A f t e r D a r k they had a very unique sound - rock, punk, and country was thrown in one giant mixing bowl with sarcasm, politics, and humor, and out came the most amazing sound, dubbed "CowPunk".

Anyone that ever had the (questionable?) pleasure of driving around the country side with me have undoubtedly been exposed to
- a) my dorky sense of humor that prompts me to yell "BØF" ("steak" in Danish) at the first sight of a cow, and
- b) me singing "Counting The Cattle".

The latter Ladies and Gentlemen...

full credit to this fandangtastic band =D



A couple of weeks ago they performed at Copenhagen Olympic Festival.

There are a few settings where being short and blond with a humongus smile is beneficial thus I somehow made my way to the fourth, third, second, and ultimately front row while snapping away, protecting my gear AND face against the bouncing crowds, while singing along at the top of my lungs.

It. Was. A. Blast!


I hope you enjoy this series of Copper, truly a world class guitarist.




























x

























Please stay tuned for follow-up Blogs on the rest of the band over the next couple of days.



I'll leave you with a few videos:

You Won't Change







Bad Craziness (LIVE)







Counting The Cattle (oooooold live version)








NOW tell me: What kind of dorky little rituals do YOU honor?

xoxo

AQUAlicious

Copenhagen is hosting the 2009 Olympic Congress. The city was celebrating by hosting sports events and concerts downtown. Friday was the BIG day, with delegations pitching their bids, and the IOC voting whom gets to host the 2016 Games.

Congratulations Rio de Janeiro!

I have a few Blogs of live performances coming. Managed to bag quite a few good ones, which wasn't easy, considering everyone around me were bouncing, dancing, cheering, singing. Oh yes, Copenhageners love their music.


Remember Barbie Girl? Around the World? and Turn Back Time (from the movie Sliding Doors)?



This is

AQUA

What did you do this weekend?

xoxo

In Memorium

Thomas Lind Mainz, founder and President of Hjernetumor.dk (the Danish Brain Tumor Patients' Society) lost his battle to cancer this weekend.

Thomas' symptoms began in 2006 yet it took 16 months before he was finally diagnosed with a brain tumor, a grade II Astrocyte.

After a lengthy battle with "specialists" Thomas was told the tumor was inoperable due to location - it being too close to the brain stem.

Never one to quit Thomas persuaded an American neuro-oncologist to check his patient file pro bono. The conclusion was baffling; where as Danish doctors had already given up the US oncologist replied the tumor was indeed operable. It took Thomas to name-drop before his Danish doctor would even read the foreign 2nd opinion!

Shortly thereafter, late October 2008, Thomas underwent a complicated surgery as per the US oncologists' guidelines - and I was thrilled when a few days later he called to say he was feeling pretty good!

Always a fighter Thomas' pushed himself - too hard at times - and certainly made the most of his "good days". Recovery was not as fast and straight forward as he would have liked, and he felt frustrated when determination alone was not enough to get out of bed.

When Thomas was first diagnosed he was shocked by how little information was available in Danish to brain tumor patients. A truck driver by trade he often joked about the oddity of him being the one to set up a website in Danish about brain tumors (www.hjernetumor.dk) . This has since become a registered non-profit foundation to gather information on various tumors (cancerous as well as benign) while also serving as a forum for brain tumor patients and their close ones.

I had the honor of meeting Thomas when he registered as a Fighter at Stafet For Livet a.k.a. Relay For Life 2008 in Copenhagen, Denmark - the Capitol Regions first ever! Serving on the Board I was also in charge of the Fighters and Thomas and I had some great conversations on how to make the event as easy on the Fighters as possible.

After the event, and meeting Thomas along with his family I was in awe of this one man battling the Danish socialized health care system. And while Thomas was recovering from surgery I started to assist in turning the private website into a non-profit.

My thoughts and prayers go to Thomas' family - his wife Patricia whom was an immense source of strength and happiness to Thomas, to Preben and Ulla, Thomas' amazing parents, and to Thomas' child.

Cancer knows no difference in age, race, or religious belief. Thomas was my age and newly wed when his life was cut short by this terrible disease.

Please keep Thomas and his family in your prayers.

Rest In Peace Thomas. I am honored to have known you.

Big Dog Vineyards

I try to keep this Blog photography only and post personal tales etc. elsewhere however as this Blog is public and thus accessible for friends of friends here we go:

While in NorCal this July my friend Tanya and I finally had the opportunity to meet up with Mark C. He graciously hosted a private wine tasting and dinner, and took us on a tour of his vineyard.

It was a night of exquisite wine, interesting conversation, and much laughter.



Mark welcoming us to Big Dog Vineyards





Delicious snacks





Tasting Mark's award winning Cabernets

The dog got its name from the grapes, the vineyard got its name from the dog.

Meet Cab.

Barrel tasting. I look forward to this one!





Back lit Tanya





THE. Best. Ribs.

EVER!





The food was as delicious as the wine.





Great winemaker. Great friend.





Home made ice cream, YUM!





Proof I really WAS there :)





I couldn't resist posting this one of Tanya snapped a few days later.






Mark, Tanya: Thank you both for a truly great night.



Do you like wine? Which is your favorite grape?

xoxo

HEROES

Saturday September 5 2009 Denmark finally celebrated our first ever Flag Day in honor of our Soldiers of Foreign Wars.

I defied the rain and took my camera to the plaza in front of Parliament to honor the men and women that risk their lives fighting to make this world a safer and more peaceful place.


























































































My sincere respect and gratitude to all of you that serve your country.



- A special thought to fellow A Tribe Called Joy Board Member Jeff that will soon return to Afghanistan.

Be safe.