Susan Lily New Music


ComScore

Saturday 26 November 2011

Fashion and the Modern Man


We’ve had beards back in fashion for some time now and I must say that on some men the hirsute look absolutely rocks!  Once upon a time the goatee was the choice of facial sculpting and still is in some parts.  Every time I see one the historian in me comes to the surface cos they were TOTALLY IN during the Elizabethan times.  Goatees along with white ruffled lace collars (the bigger yours was the higher up you were in society), hosiery, pantaloons and codpieces were the fashion of the era.  Quite masculine in its own sweet way since the size of the codpiece represented how highly one thought of oneself (well that’s what this woman is gonna believe he he).

What I would like to see come back in fashion is the aforementioned codpiece.  Heck, we women have suffered enough with low cut bras, pointy ones, squish-em-together-so-you-have-a-front-bottom-on-ur-chest bras and don’t get me started on shoes lol. 
How great would it be girls, to instantly assess the attributes of the candidate by the size and decoration of his codpiece.  I mean, men never lie about “what lies beneath” and so we would gain a better idea of what we would be taking home to meet mum and dad.  Here’s the great thing guys; you wouldn’t have to utter a word.  All you would have to do is stand proud and loud with your masculinity on show for the world.

I really think this codpiece caper could really take off.  There would be specialty shops in Chadstone and Knifepoint where you could be custom fitted or purchase off the rack estimations.  There’d be the show-off glittery ones for the guy  “who has it all” and wants more.  There would also be the practical ones with room for small change, a condom, and the car keys.  Apple could make the i-codpiece and suddenly men could be talking to their groins to answer phone calls and it would make receiving and sending of a text message an absolute delight.  Heck, maybe we women would have to stand in line and wait for the i-codpiece battery to run out before we get a look in.

With a codpiece phone you would be able to highlight your best feature by talking to it and having it answer you back.  It also gives you a valid excuse for touching yourself in the groin when you hang up or call.  Ringtones for your codpiece could be “the bad touch” when you’re available for women, “asshole” when u want a night with the boys, and your footy club theme song during a game. 

A word of warning girls, if the guy you meet has the Angels “am I ever gonna see your face again?” run!  Don’t look back! 

The Grand House – Part 1


Inside the grand house a woman stood, shotgun in hand.  It was aimed carefully at the intruder’s groin. 

 “Go on,” she barked. “Just move and see how far you get.”  

“Meredith, honey.” He pleaded, extending his hands palm up. 
“ Don’t do this.”  

Her gaze, once fixed to where her gun was aimed, slowly rose up to his face.  It was a handsome one, darn it!  Not a pretty boy, more like a real man with that rawness and virility she liked.  The gun, still aimed and cocked, didn’t sway one iota.

“Why are you back?” she yelled, slight trill to her voice.

Silence.

“You told me to shoot you if you ever did.” She cried. “Heck, EVERYONE told me I should shoot you if I saw your ugly mug again.”  Oh, but it wasn’t ugly, she mused.  He was still beautiful just a whole lot sadder and tired than she remembered.


To be continued.............

Saturday 19 November 2011

Hippo Bathday to me

Getting older is one of those things we can’t change unless the big man calls us upstairs.  There’s some comfort to be had in some of the good things that change as we age.  I’m not bothered as much these days if someone doesn’t like me or my opinions.  I am grateful for my experience and the lessons I’ve learned.  The mistakes I’ve made have shown me a new path and the ability to engage with the right people rather than the wrong. 

Another thing that has changed is my attitude to how the opposite sex views us.  There was a time when I was more than a little offended when a guy spoke to my chest when all I wanted him to do was acknowledge that I had a working mind.  Nowadays I find my inner voice screaming “look at my boobs!  Talk to my chest!  For god sake, why are you looking at my face???”  I guess we secretly want to be considered desirable no matter how old we are.

The only thing about getting older I’m not sure I like is that if I want to gaze into a man’s eyes I have to hold him further away so I can focus.  It’s a tragedy of major proportions that will continue to a time when a man whispering sweet nothings in my ear will be just that... nothing.  Oh well, I don’t look my age and I don’t act it, feel it nor live it.  I am just simply proud to make it to another birthday.

Saturday 12 November 2011

The Darker Side of Fame


I can tell you from experience that when you have more than one person talking to you at the same time it’s not an easy thing to work with.  Our brains aren’t made to disseminate information coming from so many angles.  It’s easy to become stressed and anxious; want to escape from what seems like a barrage of enquiry.  When fame takes hold of an artist (e.g. music) suddenly EVERYONE believes that the artist belongs to them lock, stock, and barrel.  It seems the normal expectations of manners and space are no longer applied.  So it’s no wonder that there are sensitive souls who succumb to the darker side of this.

Do we have a responsibility to assist those of us who are less able to handle things like fame?  Amy Winehouse is not the first young person to self-destruct yet we seem to be standing on the sidelines watching it rather than becoming active.  In days gone by cultures had a protocol which was adhered to strictly.  It was for everyone’s good as it promoted consideration for others and responsibility with power.  One of the saddest things about western culture is that it feels like it’s only here for the “good times”.  When things aren’t working to our advantage we look around to lay blame elsewhere and deny any knowledge of the tragedy unfolding.

Sad really.  Of course the old saying “you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink” is true here.  If the person at the centre of this does not feel worthy, no amount of cajoling will work.  Unless the self-destructive person becomes aware of their own behaviour they will never believe another’s opinion.  They will mostly feel the person is being a killjoy to what they perceive is their happiness.

Everyday there are those who decide their life isn’t worth a jot and quietly go about removing themselves from the census form.  Why do I say “quietly”?  Very rarely is a suicide ever printed on paper, delivered on radio or part of a TV news bulletin.  It’s unbelievable that those who kill themselves and others on the road are made public whilst those who might have been helped are the truly forgotten people in death too.  

Only the famous seem to perish publicly.

The Bigger Picture

It’s not how well things go when you are spending your money; it’s the attitude you are faced with if something goes wrong.  A purchase of expensive boots saw me with an accidental size difference from foot to foot.  Somewhere along the fitting of my boots the sizes went a bit amiss.  I just thought it was my feet since my left foot is bigger than the right.  It wasn’t until I had worn them for a few days and had noticed the size difference on the tongue that I realised it wasn’t my feet at all; one boot was a size 6 and the other a 7.

To be honest with you I was predicting a “tough titties” kind of attitude when I called up the store.  Instead, I was treated like a close friend.  The store manager was aghast that this had happened.  When I arrived back there all I wanted was the right sized shoe.  What I got was a completely new pair of boots and a gracious apology from the staff.  That was 8 years ago and not only am I still wearing the boots but I can remember clearly how wonderful the staff and management were to me over that incident.

I did go back too.  I purchased a second pair of the same expensive boots in a different colour.  

I’ve also checked online and the store is still there.  Why wouldn’t it be; it’s the attitude that keeps them going.  They have seen the bigger picture and so have their loyal customers.

Friday 11 November 2011

Freedom Of Choice

The call to ban smoking from alfresco dining areas is indeed an intriguing one.  I feel sorry for smokers losing just that little bit more public space to puff in.  Playgrounds, sporting fields and other outdoor public meeting places are already mooted for bans and some councils are now on the lookout to shame those who light up near people eating outdoors.  It’s kinda cruel isn’t it.  Most of the alfresco dining is on the street front which means that carbon monoxide smoke is also coming from the automobiles rumbling down the streets as well. 
Will there one day be a panel to answer to like McCarthy had in the 1950’s?  Will known associates of smokers have to sign a declaration every time they are in the presence of an active smoker?  Perhaps there will be “dob in a smoker” campaigns whereby a resident will be able to call a number if someone strolls past their house smoking a cigarette.  Who knows, we could soon find ourselves living a sort of Elizabethan era again where smokers have to create false walls in their homes so they can have a smoking place just like the Catholics had for worship.
It all seems rather draconian to me.  Whilst councils and pressure groups are focussed on campaigns like this people are still doing MORE acute harm to each other sans a cigarette and a lighter.
Yeah sure I know that there’s nothing nice about a mouthful of food mixed with a passive waft of cigarette smoke (it’s not nice with car fumes either).  I don’t like it but I accept that we non-smokers have total control over the inside now.  If I want to eat alfresco I cop it sweet there may be an active smoker in the midst.  After all, they are people too.

Friday 16 September 2011

All that we have and all that we are

When is the search for justice worth the trauma of reliving a nightmare?  To some it might be a simple answer of “always”.  To others the thought of dragging out a nasty scenario just seems like a waste of time.  To those people, they know that somewhere along the line karma is going to do the job for them.  Time is an entity continually moving and changing.  Regardless of the fact we have the same (apparent) 24 hours in every day and we have a number of days per week etc... time is something that moves whether we are aware or not.  I would be very sad to think that I woke up one day and that time had slipped away so quickly whilst I was still hell bent on revenge over a perceived wrongdoing.    Our perception will dictate how we see something and our conditioning will tell us how to react.  Some people will simply take it on the chin and move on to bigger and better situations and opportunities whilst others will languish in court cases and fighting over something which might have been avoided if they hadn’t been so unaware in the first place.  Mistakes, as I wrote the other day, are an important part of our lives and they are made more powerful by how we learn from them.  Could it not be that we would be better off learning from the mistake of misjudging someone or a situation?  Perhaps if we did that we would then recognise when the next shyster came our way, instead of falling once again because we are still buried in the past. 
The old “be careful what you wish for” phrase rings rather loudly on this issue.  The next time someone does you wrong, take a breather and a step back.  Then when you are ready, take a look at what it really is. Think of ways to deal better with  that situation if it ever arises again.  Sometimes when we do that, the problems and hurt become insignificant to all that we have and all that we are.

Thursday 15 September 2011

Mistakes


Depending who you talk to a mistake can either be a part of learning or something devastating.  The self help gurus tell us the former; the rest of the world seems to prefer the latter.  Why is it we are judged so harshly by the mistakes we make?  How come there is no room built into business for instance where a mistake can be made and then fixed?  Why is it more of an issue when a person makes a mistake than when they have done the right thing?
When you compliment someone for doing their job and doing it properly most people react with surprise.  Some don’t take it too well and feel that once a compliment has been given that the only way for them is down.  They feel that nothing else they do will take them higher and that everyone will expect that they perform that way forever.  There are those who understand that a compliment is for what they have just done and nothing to do with the future.  Or is it?  A compliment taken in the way it was sent can actually take a person higher in emotions, health and thus work performance.  Who wouldn’t want a workforce that felt wanted appreciated and noticed?
The best part of a mistake is the personal growth you get out of it when you learn from it.  The worst part is being to afraid to do ANYTHING that might cause a mistake.  Those who wish to suppress us will not tell us the former.  They would rather keep us in the dark and walking on eggshells forever whilst they swan off to their next social “do”.
So go forth and take a chance.  You never know, it might be the turning point to a better life.
Susan

Saturday 23 July 2011

Friday night Shenanigans

I haven't been out in ages; my album has taken up most of my spare time and cash over the last 8 months.  So to be invited out for a night of birthday celebrations was just the ticket to shake off the "lack of socialising" shackles.  From the very start all the way to the end I loved every minute.

Driving to the venue meant that sobriety was paramount.  It was even better then since I was able to view nightlife from a different perspective.  How funny was it to see the drunks trying to get their kebabs and their mouths in sync?  How brilliant was it to catch up with other musicians and writers I hadn't seen in ages.  The best bit was being there to support a lovely friend who had gone to so much trouble to give EVERYONE a fabulous night out.  The birthday girl looked absolutely drop dead gorgeous, which matched her personality like a well fitting glove.  She danced, entertained and, fed us all.  Hugs and joy was the mood in the venue and to say that it was an excellent start back into socialising would have to be an understatement.

Thank you to those I caught up with and spent "silly" time with.  Thank you to the new people I met and those I hadn't seen in ages.  Most of all, thank you to the birthday girl for including me in a special night for her.

Monday 18 July 2011

B Flat and Self-Belief

Yesterday I hosted an acoustic launch for my album.  I chose my venue carefully and hoped that of the invitations sent out that some would come along to share a few moments of their precious lives with me.  It was a lovely afternoon filled with so many smiles that the power of that room alone could have solved so many problems and shown how much fun life can be when you take a chance.  It filled my heart with joy to see so many familiar and new faces in the audience and once again I was able to meet and make new friends. 

One of the most treasured moments was with a special person who gave me a chance and helped start  so much for me.  To see her there in the audience was a bit daunting at first.  We hadn’t seen each other in ages and this was the first time she had been able to see me sing my own songs. 
This beautiful soul taught me not only how to find my singing voice, but also to believe in myself.  We had a bit of a chat afterwards and laughed at how little I thought I could do that first day of lessons.  She was right, I had convinced myself that I was not able to hit a B flat (above middle C) and from my first lesson onwards I would bounce in and exclaim to her how brilliant I felt each time I sang better.  I feel it was a fantastic journey for both of us, as I could see she also gained a new insight to her own talents.  This gorgeous woman is not only a talented singer she has a gift for encouraging her students to believe in themselves.  That is half the battle with many things and singing is just that little bit more personal as most singers will testify.

I am on a buzz that will stay with me for a long time. B flat eh, the irony is that my first single release was written in B flat.  I’ve only just realised that too he he.

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Bakery Delights

I sit, each day in a bakery near work eating breakfast, and watch the world fly by.  It’s lovely and I’m glad that I get up that little bit earlier so I can indulge myself.  Some days I get to wave to people in their cars and I’m always nicely surprised when someone waves and smiles back.  A man in an executive car did so the other morning and it gave me a lovely feeling.  Here was I engaging but for a brief moment with a stranger; someone who belonged in another world who had let me in for a moment. 

How cool.

Monday 11 July 2011

My Floor-drobe

I own a floor-drobe, I’ll admit to it right here and now.  “Domestic” goddess I ain’t but I can tell you from experience it makes the whole burglary thing more interesting.  When I was broken into over Easter the great thing was that so many things didn’t go.  Yeah, I was a bit heartbroken that some of my precious 21 st presents were taken.  For the most part the invaders would have been frustrated by the time it took to dissipate some of my floor-drobe and wade through the rest to get to their prizes.  They must have been exhausted by the end and a bit pissed off too. 
Can you imagine if wars could be stopped by masses of floordrobes?   How world history would be different if Sir Isaac Newton was stuck trying to find his stocking when the apple fell from the tree.  Or if Einstein could have found his comb?  He would have looked like so many others and perhaps his image would not adorn so many tee shirts.  I know that my own history was modified when I surprised myself by finding $150 once in a pair of jeans that had been half under my bed for months.
I’m over the devastated feeling of having strangers invading my home and it’s a bit more secure than it was.  I’ve also gained a new perspective of the things I value the most too.  Anything to do with the creation of my music is vital.  You can take my telly, oh please do it’s a cumbersome cathode ray tube.  You can steal my backgammon set: yup they took that too.  Just don’t take my music away from me because I will track you down and get it back.  That, I promise.