If you like the look of braids, but not how skinny your own braids turn out, here's a tip I learned from braiding expert Lilith Moon.
I know it looks like I've got a full head of hair, but actually I don't. My hair is very fine, but in its fluffy or curly state it looks bulky because of the volume created by the various waves and curls (so far I've counted three types of curl on my head). If I braided my hair firmly, the volume of the delicate curls would disappear under the pressure and the result would be skinny braids.
Lilith's braiding tutorials (sample here) showed me how to braid to below my chin, then holding the ends loosely and working from base to top, tug gently upward on each loop of the braid to spread out the bulk a little. Repeat as necessary until you've got the bulk you want without the ends pulling free, then secure the tail with a band. Voila! Plump braids!
Creating "Farm Alarm" for Groundswell NZ's "Howl of a Protest"
A wee farm doggie started this song project. I saw her standing on the wheel of a tractor, snowy mountains in the background, howling at one end of her and wagging at the other. Her master had encouraged her to practice in preparation for a special town visit to protest unworkable legislation pressed upon farmers, growers, and trades service providers.
I thought, "I could do that. With a little coaching from her, I reckon I could howl like that."
I had less than three days before the event. I decided to test my system and see if I could write a song and upload a video of it within that short time.
I can't say I'll willingly put that kind of pressure on myself again, but my system handled it, I did what I set out to do, I had a lot of fun doing it, and it's been a great confidence booster.
As always, the costuming aspect was great fun. The Kiwi Stockman oilskin coat with comfortable brushed cotton lining is a treasure from my youth, the first expensive clothing item I bought for myself, age 16. On wet days, winter and summer, it kept my upper half dry on my paper delivery route. I recall the only alternative at that time was the thick and prickly Swanddri pullover wool bushshirt.
A few years later, my globetrotting sister brought the Australian Akubra hat home across the Tasman Sea for me. In those days before the internet, I would see Kiwis wearing this type of hat but didn't know where they bought them. Having a personal shopper offer to stuff her suitcase for me was a fabulous opportunity.
Thus kitted out in my retro outdoor gear, with many happy memories of living on these beautiful islands, I sung my song for everyone who needs the land in order to survive and flourish. Which is everyone, right?
Old MacDonald had a farm, But it's been stolen. We're alarmed. Thieves are locking up our land. Regulations out of hand. Growing food is being banned. Howl a protest -- save our land.
[Howl]
Young MacDonald grew some fruit, But pickers cannot pick the loot. Ma MacDonald cannot shoot Pigs and rabbits not so cute. Rules of reason have been canned. Howl a protest -- save our land.
[Howl]
Baa baa black sheep can't have wool 'Cause farming isn't workable. Tradies cannot drive a ute -- Charge disaster down that route. For our country we all stand. Howl a protest -- save our land.
Today I met with the owner of Newsong Studios in Hastings, and he showed me around his domain. I'd just completed writing a new song a couple of hours earlier, and was invited to give a demo complete with unusual sound effects, which we all enjoyed. While it's great that technology enables me to create quick music videos and share them with my audience online, this was a reminder that live music connecting music giver and receiver in the same moment contains a dynamo that I've missed. Something needs to be done about that...
During voice training this morning as I prepare for studio work, I took a break for a flight of fancy. A lilting rhythm, an impromptu melody... I always feel uplifted after I do this. I hope you do too.
Two random loves...costuming "dress-ups", and writing songs about special places... I'm currently exploring how these can help me define my music niche.#whaddyacallit #writersblock #inventaword
