Cleaning the Clutter
A few years ago I was corresponding with a blogger who has since deleted her blogs. We were discussing the different types of blog topics and at some point she related:
When I was blogging about the stuff we were dealing with because of the clutter we had to get rid of as a result of living in hubby's parents'' home I wasn't tired of the blog posts, just tired of the clutter :)
That concept inspired my thinking to reply:
Cleaning Clutter would be a great blog theme. You could get rid of something every post and write about it.
Now, three years after that exchange, I decided to run with this theme. I may not write everyday about getting rid of various items, but I intend to record my musings about the "clutter" around my house. Don't get me wrong--I don't live in a hoarder environment like in some of those television shows you may have seen. And I am at no risk of being buried for days under toppled stacks of newspapers and boxes. Things mostly look pretty normal around here, but there is still stuff we don't need anymore.
As I grow older, I see...
But wait! Let me not get ahead of my theme. You'll have to come back on April 1st to see where I will go with this. The official title of my theme is "Cleaning the Clutter"--but it might not totally be what you think. Not always. There hopefully will be some interesting--and even helpful observations, but I will also be "tossing it out" figuratively as well as literally.
It's business as usual. Just the way I like it.
And now for another matter of regular business...
Battle of the Bands
Comfortably Numb
This Pink Floyd song comes from the album The Wall as well as the film of the same name. Like much Pink Floyd music, "Comfortably Numb" is dreamy and atmospheric, lending itself well to New Age sounding instrumental interpretations. With the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge coming soon, along with all of my other life challenges and concerns, I've been needing some laid back music to relax me. Comfortably numb sounds like a reasonable state of being when things come rushing down on us, while at the same time remaining vigilant with a sense of rational clarity in order to properly process it all.
How about we get on with the music. In this Battle I've matched two somewhat similar presentations of the same song. Each artist has his own unique approach to interpreting the song so the question for you is: Which version do you like best? Listen and tell us in the comments.
Jamie Dupuis "Comfortably Numb" (2016)
Canadian musician Jamie Dupuis displays his virtuosity on acoustic harp guitar and electric guitar with Pink Floyd's tune. You might want to just put this on a few times in the background for relaxation. I'm loving this version.
Thomas Leeb "Comfortably Numb" (2013)
Now calling L.A. his home base, Austrian guitar virtuoso Thomas Leeb has developed some nifty technique to play with a dazzling flair. Watching this video is hypnotic, but the mesmerizing effect is definitely enhanced by the music as well as the GoPro cameras on his guitar. I haven't gotten tired of this video yet. What do you think?
Time to Vote!
It's now time to snap out of your reverie and cast a vote in this contest. Please vote. What's your preference between these two choices? Which song version do you like best? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.
Please vote on your favorites by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
Angel's Bark
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Cherdo on the Flipside
Winner of this Battle Announced on Wednesday March
Don't forget to come back next Wednesday March 21st to see which song version wins this Battle. I've got to get busy preparing my posts for April. And maybe I can get rid of some stuff.
Do you have any books about getting organized? What kinds of stuff is easy for you to toss out? What are the things you'd have a difficult time getting rid of?
Though call. Those are so both so far removed from the original they are almost unrecognizable. The first sounds a bit a like elevator music, but I'd have to say it's just a tiny bit better.
ReplyDeleteAlex, okay...
DeleteFirst vote goes to Jamie.
Lee
Only only only Pink Floyd. I love how, every time I listen to this song--one of my Floyd Favorites,it feels like David's singing it in my ear, just for me.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your AtoZ theme reveal, Arlee. This is my 6th year with the AtoZ and I still maintain it is my favorite blog hop.
Love and hugs and....thanks!
Vidya, Pink Floyd's version is a hard one to beat, but they don't get a vote in this match up.
DeleteGood to see that you'll be back with us for A to Z.
Lee
It's hard to pick between the two guitarists because I love the original so much. It evokes so many great memories. But I chose Leeb. I love his sound. The harp guitar is way cool though.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I panicked a bit when I saw your reveal logo. I thought, "Oh my gosh! I screwed up the date!" haha
Elsie
Elsie, both versions are quite good. I think I've finally arrived at my favorite though.
DeleteI'm just posting my Reveal early due to my current schedule. You're fine.
A vote for Thomas.
Lee
health not up to par.... will not try this year's A to Z.... not sure we could post regularly .... Wishing you and yours the best, good sir Arlee
ReplyDeleteStacey, sorry to hear about your health issues. Do what you must.
DeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
This is a wonderful BOTB installment, LEE!
ReplyDeleteIf it were a matter of voting for the better video, Thomas Leeb would win hands down. I've never gotten that kind of look at guitar strings vibrating before -- even looking like ripples flowing out into a pond -- and it was utterly fascinating to me. I had no idea there was that kind of fluidity and beauty to guitar strings when they were in motion after having been strummed or plucked! I was mesmerized just watching their movements. Great video find, Lee! (And I literally even chuckled out loud when it ended with an "insider's" view of the guitar case closing on the guitar. Clever conclusion!)
But since BOTB is really solely about the music (unless otherwise specified by the BOTBer), I have to cast my vote for JAMIE DUPUIS.
Leeb is certainly no slouch as a guitarist. But the intricacy and gentle beauty of Jamie's playing, with all those delicate, shimmering, soul-stirring shadings was truly awesome in a quiet, peaceful way.
I am not one who thinks that unless a guitar is cranked "up to eleven" and smacking you upside the head it is just "elevator" music. Sheesh!!
Thanks for this beautiful Battle, Lee. (It's pretty much the antithesis of my own Battle this time, isn't it? Ha!)
Right now, I'm listening to Jamie's recording again for the third time, just for the pure pleasure of it.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents 'Battle Of The Bands'
STMcC, thanks for actually listening and putting some thought into your pick. This is a match where I've had to listen to both versions a number of times since there is a kind of equality between them. I think I've settled on my pick, but I'll wait until Wednesday to let it be known.
DeleteI was fascinated by the vibrating guitar strings as well. At first I thought there was some kind of camera trick or something, but it all seems to be as it is.
I kind of thought this BOTB installment would be appreciated more by those who are guitarists since both these guys are really good, but one has to pay attention to catch the nuances of each performance. Guess it takes time to do so.
Yes, this was an antithesis to your Battle. I needed some calming music to listen to. I've been listening to both these versions repeatedly over the past week or so.
A vote for Jamie.
Lee
>>>... I was fascinated by the vibrating guitar strings as well. At first I thought there was some kind of camera trick or something
DeleteYes, I too was initially thinking that it was a photoshop trick. It looked like we were seeing the strings in slow-motion, except that the sounds of the notes were totally in-sync with the images; they were consistent with each other. Very odd and very cool.
And, yip! Both guitarists are excellent. I guess subtlety and nuance just doesn't register with everyone. But I for one truly enjoyed this Battle!
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents 'Battle Of The Bands'
Gah. Vocals is what makes or breaks me on music choices, and these don't have it. Uh... I'll say the first one.
ReplyDeleteLoni, I like vocals a lot, but I can also listen to instrumental music all day--especially if it's background music to writing.
DeleteAnother vote for Jamie.
Lee
Hi Lee - well done on the A-Z organisation .. I'll see you there - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, my hat's off to the great A to Z Team. Hopefully I'll finish my posts before April 1st.
DeleteLee
No covers of PF for me, I stick with the original only. Of the two I liked Jamie better, soulful. I admire the camerawork in the second clip but it's not about the visuals but the sound, imo.
ReplyDeleteI've had to move home often so that's kept physical clutter levels low. The mental clutter is a bit harder to get rid of. Looking forward to April.
Nilanjana, it's difficult to outfloyd Floyd. But I do like to hear unique covers. I can only imagine what my parents' house would be like if we had never moved and I were still living there. It would be like a museum.
DeleteFor the music, a vote for Jamie.
Lee
I like the Canadian one better, it flows nicer and is calming while the second I didn't find calming...I found it a little irritating. Clutter is never great and I have too much. I plan on getting rid of one thing per week but i would have a very hard time getting rid of my books.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, I hear what you're saying about the music and I'll address it in my comments that will explain my choice of version.
DeleteOne thing per week could take years, even decades, depending on what was there. Books I don't like to get rid of--most of the time. That will be one of my A to Z posts.
A vote for Jamie.
Lee
I like the first one best. Deeper feeling, meaning.
ReplyDeleteSusan, that version sends me into a thoughtful reverie. Love it!
DeleteA vote for Jamie.
Lee
Wow. Great instrumentals here. I love listening to acoustic guitar, and these certainly did not disappoint.
ReplyDeleteI did feel that Thomas Leeb's version was bit choppier than the other, and for that reason alone I am casting my vote for Jamie Dupuis.
A vote for Jamie Dupuis
~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Mary, I've always appreciated good guitar playing.
DeleteI get what you are saying about the "choppy" sound, but I'll tell about my pick next Wednesday.
A vote for Jamie Dupuis.
Lee
The first was a bit smoother, so gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteMy ocd keeps me clutter free. The cats have more stuff than I do lol
Pat, seems to be a thread running here. "Smoother" playing is appealing.
DeleteThe cats probably keep you from accumulating much of your own.
A vote for Jamie.
Lee
Hi Lee!
ReplyDeleteThis was outstanding! I liked listening "from the inside" with Thomas Leeb, but I was fully captivated by Jamie Dupuis' version. For a moment I was sauntering off into the sunset, Stetson dipped to the west...
What a great idea for a theme - can't wait!
Diedre, either of these makes for good music to dream by.
DeleteAgain it's Jamie.
Lee
I have a lot of souvenirs and stuff, knick knacks, stuff going back to my childhood, that I just can't get rid of. My house is cluttered and hard to dust but to me they are treasures.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, I too have some stuff going back to childhood, but in a way I wish I had more of what I had. It is difficult indeed to get rid of our treasures.
DeleteLee
Great Battle of the Bands! I played the guitar from when I was eleven until the stroke, and I spent most of that time not realizing you could get these kinds of sounds out of a guitar. Man, if I had it to do all over again, this is the way I'd've learned to play. This type of playing wasn't even around until the mid-90's with Michael Hedges, at least not to the degree it's around now. I never even envisioned playing in alternate tunings, playing with two hands on the neck, using the guitar as a percussion instrument, false harmonics etc. when I started.
ReplyDeleteI found a lot of talented players on Instagram, which allows them to post short videos (usually under a minute) and link to the full performance on YouTube. It's how I found Jamie Dupuis, who I featured a couple of years ago for one of my Monday's Music Moves Me entries. I'm going to go with him in this battle, because he added so much to the song with the harp guitar and electric. That's in no way an insult to Thomas Leeb, who did a fantastic job with this song and who I've started to follow on Instagram was a result. He's a dynamite player, and I hope he has more videos on YouTube.
So, Jamie gets my vote.
John, I played some guitar but never could get much of a good sound out of it. It's something that takes a lot of practice which I wasn't willing to do so much. It is amazing when a guitarists applies all sorts of nifty tricks to the playing. There is a lot that can be done on a guitar.
DeleteEither one of these players is a winner.
A vote for Jamie.
Lee
Absolutely fascinating. Can't wait to see what you come up with! :D
ReplyDeleteCalensariel. coming soon!!!
DeleteLee
If I had to pick a favorite band/group, it likely Pink Floyd. And Comfortably Numb ranks as a number one song; next to Learning to Fly, Run Like Hell; everything on Pulse and The Wall CDs.
ReplyDeleteTo my ear, neither of these guitar versions comes close to the instrumentation of Comfortably Numb. Nothing solo captures the emotional beauty. That said I'm voting for Leeb because his version almost sounds like Comfortably Numb. This is a song that either needs full instrumentation, or lyrics.
Dolorah, Pink Floyd has put out some wonderful music. These acoustic versions are very different from the originals, but they display some amazing playing skills.
DeleteA vote for Thomas.
Lee
I know we can't vote for the original :) ... both are lovely and as you say could be good relaxing background music. Leeb gets my vote, maybe for the visuals.
ReplyDeleteGreat theme for A-Z Lee! Have a great weekend!
Susan, the original would usually win in most cases so I think most of BOTB participants try to avoid those. I don't know that any version would win out over the Pink Floyd version.
DeleteThomas.
Lee
Floyd is one of my favorite bands although The Wall is not the album I go to when I'm in the mood. (It just got so overplayed.)
ReplyDeleteJamie Dupuis does a beautiful job with that guitar-harp.
L.Diane, The Wall has gotten a lot of play, but I still like hearing it. Pink Floyd is just one of those groups.
DeleteA vote for Jamie.
Lee
Tough one but Jamie gets my vote
ReplyDeleteMike, it's another vote for...
DeleteJamie
Lee
I've never been a Floyd fan, but both these versions I really enjoyed. I'd vote for either over the original, but between the two, I like the first one better. Both were awesome, though.
ReplyDelete6Gun, how can you not be a Floyd fan? They've done some great music over the years by my account (in agreement with so many others), but again it all comes down to personal taste.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed both of these versions. I haven't grown tired of them yet and I've been listening quite a lot to both.
A vote for Jamie.
Lee
Let me first speak to organization: believe it or not, some people think I'm the Queen of organization because I usually have so many "balls in the air" at one time. That all went into the blender over the last three years with my son's accident, my mother's decline (and hoarding) and health issues of my own. On the other side of that, I look at things differently.
ReplyDeleteIn an effort to get back to myself, I did check out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. Not one to jump on a bandwagaon, I can say that the whole philosophy of holding on to things that you love and enrich your life, as opposed to items you are just maintaining (I refer to these as the things I am a "warden" of) brings organization into focus for me. I'm at the point of my life where, though not rich, I can buy what I want if I accidently let go of something I need. So, there's no real harm in letting go. And I do, with frequency. I actually tell some of the young couples I know to contact me FIRST before they buy things. That makes getting rid of it even better.
You shouldn't have mentioned organization...it's my favorite subject.
BOTB: I love JAMIE DUPAIS and the video itself is relaxing to watch, too. Never heard of this guy, but I will be looking him up!
Hugs,
Cherdo
Cherdo, if you like the topic of organization then I hope you'll have more to say about it when I start doing my April posts. I like the idea of having young folks contact you before buying things. Some of the things I've kept would fit into that kind of category.
DeleteA vote for Jamie.
Lee
Honestly, gotta give a toss-up on this one. Well, maybe, let's go with #2 as it got more interesting as it went on.
ReplyDeleteCW, that's where the vote is needed most...
DeleteA vote for Thomas.
Lee
Looking forward to reading your clutter clearing posts this year, Lee. Sounds interesting. Thanks for starting A-Z. I am joining the fun for a second year.
ReplyDeleteEmily, glad you'll be joining us again.
DeleteLee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for not getting over to vote before now. All I can say is...life in it's crazy busyness kept me at bay. Okay, WOW I loved both artists. Each moved me differently and the covers are excellent. Not being real familiar with Pink Floyd I did not know this song, so thanks for the introduction. My vote could go either way but I think I'll go with the one that speaks to me loudest this evening and so my vote goes to Jamie Dupuis. Great job!
I'm the last person to ask about organizing and what to toss. It's really a hard call, especially when there are strong emotions tied to most of the stuff we own. Unfortunately, I don't have any book suggestions to offer. I'll be back later to check out your theme reveal. ;)
Cathy, I can usually find some varying degree of emotion attached to most things that I've had for a year or more. Then the collection grows.
DeleteAnother vote for Jamie.
Lee
Lee,
DeleteI had to come back because I realized I didn't comment on your Theme Reveal portion here. I swear, my brain is on overdrive. Anywho, I think your theme sounds like it could be a lot of fun. I certainly can relate to having more stuff than we need but parting with things is really hard. I think it would be so much easier if I could easily get to everything. This is something I'm eager to do whenever we move someday. I will not be taking things to our new home that we absolutely do not want anymore. Thanks for checking out my THEME REVEAL yesterday. Have a good week, my friend.
What an interesting idea for a theme. I very much look forward to finding out about your "clutter" :)
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Theme Reveal
Natasha, "clutter" is something I've written about before but never as intensively as I plan to do for A to Z.
DeleteLee
Your theme definitely has me intrigued. Looking forward to seeing your posts. Cheers - Ellen
ReplyDeleteEllen, hope I have something interesting to say.
DeleteLee
The declutter A to Z sounds like a theme I wish I could get my husband to participate in! Looking forward to your ideas.
ReplyDeletehttp://findingeliza.com/archives/25051
Kristin, my wife is always encouraging me to declutter so we'll be ready to move easily when the time comes.
DeleteLee
Will come back to check out what all you are going to clear off... May be that will motivate me to declutter as well!
ReplyDeleteAnagha, I think one of the major life activities for humans is to accumulate throughout life and then declutter as we go since we can't take anything with us.
DeleteLee
I hold on to things of sentimental value--heirlooms, pictures, books...being a military family for 24 years you HAVE to get rid of stuff about every 3 years, so I recognize the value of getting rid of unnecessary baggage though! Good luck on the challenge
ReplyDeleteGail Park
Making Life an Art
Gail, we haven't had to move in the past 20 years, but we've seen all of our children move out during that time. I think we will have a move coming up so it is going to be imperative to downsize the past two decades of accumulation.
DeleteLee
Overall, I prefer the musical stylings of Jamie Dupuis.
ReplyDeleteGetting rid of anything has long been my bane! I get too emotionally attached to insignificant things I shouldn't be attached to, and feel they all have importance as pieces of my history.
Carrie-Anne, personally I'd like to have a museum or some kind of archive. We should all be entitled to our own equivalent of a Presidential Library.
DeleteA vote for Jamie.
Lee
Cleaning the clutter, perfect!
ReplyDeleteI am a member of the Facebook group "365 Items in 365 Days". There are new de-cluttering challenges all the time. Bathroom cabinet one day, cutlery drawer the next, you get the picture. Can't wait to read what you'll come up with!
Tamara, I'd like to get rid of an item a day and possibly I already do. I probably should take a step by step approach as you describe.
DeleteLee
A Facebook vote from my cousin Tom goes to...
ReplyDeleteJamie.
Lee
Wow, these are both wonderful acoustic versions of Comfortably Numb. The POV was indeed interesting in Leeb's version but I much preferred Jamie's guitar playing so please give my vote to our Canadian contender. Plus his guitar is one of the coolest I've ever seen...
ReplyDeleteRe: Clearing the Clutter theme: this sounds very intriguing! I'll look forward to your disgarded clutter. As they say, one person's garbage is another's treasure...
Have a good week,
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, I wish some people would come to my house to collect their treasures. Getting rid of some stuff can be a hassle.
DeleteA vote for Jamie.
Lee
So true. Getting rid of stuff: It's definitely not anywhere near as fun as collecting it! I wish I had all the money I've spent over the decades on stuff I for sure didn't need and so much that I bought and never even used....My retirement would be set. Hell, I could retire now if I had all that needlessly spent money back...
DeleteI think your AtoZ themes rocks Arlee - I'm a bit of a minimalist at heart, so other people's clutter always fascinates me (and freaks me out a little bit at the same time!) I'll be interested to see what you have in store (I hope there's photos!)
ReplyDeleteLeanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
Leanne, photos will be minimal, but I've already started taking some.
DeleteLee
Oh, how helpful. I have to clear the clutter... I need to put the house on the market (probably during the A2Z). It has to be tidy enough to photograph. The trouble is, I tidy one room, and my the time I do the next, the other one needs doing again. But I have got full recycling bins, bags to go to the tip - and I've put a dozen text books on Amazon! You never know...
ReplyDeleteGood luck with it all, Lee!
Jemima's writing inspirations for AtoZ2018
Jemima, I need to start listing some of the things I want to sell. I used to always have items listed on Craigslist but I slacked off a few years ago.
DeleteI wish you well with your organization project.
Lee
Hello Arlee
ReplyDeleteYou are always inspirational and awesome, I look forward to this co-learning with you.
I will be doing a flash fiction challenge based on LIfe lessons from Social Media here :
http://poojapriyamvada.blogspot.in/
Pooja, your words are very kind. Thank you.
DeleteLee
I like the way you express yourself, and come to find out... now that I see whose blog this is, I've followed you in the past. :) Intriguing topic. I'll be following.
ReplyDelete~Dana
Waiter, drink please!
http://danamartinwriting.com/2018/03/theme-reveal-a-z-blogging-challenge/
Dana, welcome back! I don't post like I used to, but April always gets me revved back up.
DeleteLee
I have been intending to start on the path of decluttering too but it always seems to take a backseat to all the other things that keep happening(as in life).. Maybe this theme will inspire me!
ReplyDeleteAnd, I loved Jamie's version.
I am experimenting with "Poetry for a Cause" this year at A-Z
NamySaysSo
Namratha, as many things we seem to get rid of it seems that more always comes to take its place. We are beings of acquisition.
DeleteLee
You may or may not remember that the 'strings' are close to my heart. I just wanna try that camera thingy on my banjo and see the strings dance like that! lol Seriously though I just learned about the Harp guitar and it definitely gives the song that special something. I know I'm too late for the vote so really just tuning in to say see you on the A to Z!
ReplyDeleteStephanie Finnell
@randallbychance from
Katy Trail Creations
Stephanie, glad you stopped by. Apparently harp guitars go back a ways--at least early 1900s from what I've read. It's a neat instrument.
DeleteLee
Can't wait to lap up your posts, Arlee. Decluttering has been top of my mind too, in the recent past and I guess your posts will be an impetus for me to something significant. Thanks for my favourite "Comfortably Numb" versions.
ReplyDeleteI'll be rooting for you this A-Z!
https://natashamusing.com/2018/03/a-to-z-challenge-2018-theme-reveal-april-anecdotes-atozchallenge/