"Her Spirits were naturally good, and not easily depressed, and she possessed such a fund of vivacity and good humour as could only be damped by some very serious vexation.- Besides these antidotes against every disappointment, and consolations under them, she had another, which afforded her constant relief in all her misfortunes, and that was a fine shady Bower, the work of her own infantine Labours..."
~from Jane Austen's Catherine, or the Bower
Listening to Clannad's Macalla (Irish for Echo) album on my record player must be benefiting my inner chi. At least, this is what I imagine my inner chi feels like when it is being benefited. Clannad's sound has a different feel in general, but this record in particular seems to have a song for every mood. Caislean Oir (Golden Castle) is moving and sad, yet peaceful. Bauchaill On Eirne (Boy From Erne) sounds like a story, and Journeys End could be listened to every day. The experience won't be the same as the record player, but listen to the album here: http://grooveshark.com/#!/album/Macalla/286232 (copy & paste)
(Doesn't Moya favor her sister Enya?)
Clannad are a family band of siblings Moya Brennan (Irish:
Máire Ní Bhraonáin), Ciarán Brennan (Irish: Ciarán Ó Braonáin), Pól
Brennan (Irish: Pól Ó Braonáin, who left in 1990 and rejoined in 2011)
and their twin uncles Noel Duggan (Irish: Noel Ó Dúgáin) and Pádraig
Duggan (Irish: Pádraig Ó Dúgáin). Their sister/niece Enya (Irish: Eithne
Ní Bhraonáin) left the group in 1981 to pursue a solo career.
My hero and I have been enjoying the show Robin of Sherwood probably more than is respectable. I'll go ahead and say right up front that it's in all likelihood not for everyone. The 80's hair alone may prove too much for the elderly, pregnant, or those with health conditions. (Lady Marion's hair is a bit much for me at times.)
80's hair
But it's just a lot of fun! Yes. We're nerds. My hero thought it was cool when he was a youngish teen so revisiting it was inevitable.
We're both die-hard fans of Robin Hood (and Sherlock Holmes and Earl Grey tea), and if one doesn't take oneself or this show too seriously all will be well.
Not taking oneself too seriously begins here.
(L-to-R: Nasir, Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, Much, and Robin in front.)
There are 2 sets (5 DVDs each) put out by Acorn Media. Set one features Michael Praed as Robin (he's better), set two Jason Connery.
Jason Connery as Robin
The Hooded Man and companions spend most of their time fighting The Sheriff of Nottingham (Nikolas Grace) and Sir Guy of Gisburne . It's old school. So prepare for the group adventure of fighting against evil oppressors, helping the poor, endeavoring to restore truth and justice, and eating of the king's venison now and again.
