KVARTFEST "THE NOTE MUG"!

To understand your friend without a word.

I am happy to say that the 3rd Kvartfest (flatfest) "The Note Mug" ( or the new version is "The Note Pizza :P ) started and finished successfully yesterday!
The theme was "Peace. Friendship. Chewing Gum". The accent was made on Friendship, of course.
We lead bustling lives and very often forget our dearest, our friends. To Unite people "The Note Mug" was created, however, the 1st and 2nd Kvartfest's topics were "The Russian archipelago" and "The crystal of traditions", where cultural questions were arisen. This winter it was decided to discuss something what is closer to our everyday reality and could be 100% helpful.
Being absolutely tired now, I will only write some facts and conclude.
0) Kvartfest was held together with Lizvet's birthday.
1) 90% of the invited people were 1-2 hours late.
2) From 22 who claimed they would come 15 came. The majority were f. ( only 3 m.), because 5 guys couldn't have come + two girls.
3) The programme

1. Lizvet greeted everyone and read a story of a famous Russian bard Bulat Okudjava "A little mouse". It describes a month when the author tries to red rid of mice in his countryside house: puts traps in every corner etc. But this year there are not plenty of mice, suprisingly only one little mouse, which comes to watch TV with the author every evening. Soon he gets used to the little mouse and even starts to love it, until one day the author finds his little mouse killed in a trap...


2. The discussion followed.


3. Lisa Vinovarova took the floor to tell the guests a hilarious story about her friend. Friendship for Lisa is a feeling which once turns into love. When she was studying in Germany, she got to know a crazy Russian girl with a really weird sense of humour... Like early in the morning that girl hears a bird singing and yells: SHUT UP, BIRD! .......... Well, that was a long story which illustrated how it can be difficult sometimes to adapt to odd people but finally you fall in love with that oddy and overcome life problems together ever after.


4. Nina and Serejia added a few words about friendship between women and men :) and this was just in time, because the 1st planned performance was prepared by Kirill and Lizvet "WHY?".

L: My dear, why are not you talking to me
My dear, why are not you talking to me
WHY, WHY, WHY are not you talk to me????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY, WHY, WHY are not you talking to me?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
K: I am not talking to you, because I admire looking at you
I am not talking to you, because I admire looking at you
WHAT, WHAT! Admire looking at you!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT, WHAT! Admire looking at you!!!!!!!!!!!!
L: You promised to go for a walk with me
You promised to go for a walk with me
So WHY, WHY don't you invite me?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY, WHY don't you invite me???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
K: I would go for a walk with you, but you are not at home
I would go for a walk with you, but you are not at home
WHY, WHY are not you at home???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY, WHY are not you at home???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!
L: You promised, but never kiss me
You promised, but never kiss me
WHY, WHY never you kiss me?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY, WHY never you kiss me????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
K: I would kiss you, but you are quite tall
I would kiss you, but you are quite tall
WHY, WHY are you so tall???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY, WHY just like a turnpike???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!
L+K: We sang for you, but you didn't applause to us
We sang for you, but you didn't applause to us
WHY, WHY, WHY didn't you applause to us??????!!!!!!
WHY, WHY, WHY didn't you applause to us??????!!!!!!

5 ) Afterwards, Marina Startchenkova represented her "friendly" paintings =)

1) Chain saw "Drujba"/ Cheese "Drujba"/ Village "Drujba"/ Pipeline "Drujba"

2)What is friendship for you?

6) Then Lizvet's little cousin Marina Kholina read the poem she wrote herself "The Dwarf and the Giant ". The Dwarf was building his house when he became ill. But his friend Makar - the giant helped him to get well and finish the works.

7) Irina Bondar': Friendship, just like love, doesn't have the past tense. Because, unfortunately, I meet Liz not so often, but everytime we meet it is not felt a lot of time has passed..

7,5) Love prepared a box with small cards and candies. Everyone had to take one card with a quotation in it and a candy. I took a candy in a golden cover as it suited my dress =) And in my card - LaroshFuko: " The one who has never done anything crazy is not as wise as he thinks!". I am not sure if Love is the Oracul, but everyone was amazed that the quatations were "right for him/her"! Everyone saved their cards.

8) Lizvet sang a Buelorussian folk song "Komarik" (the mosquito).

9) Lizvet and Serejia. The song about love to music :)

10) Serejia [I bet this song was devoted to Nina ;) ]

11) Vyatcheslav Nikolaevitch - Lizvet's neighbour, teacher and good friend.

Vyatcheslav Nikolaevitch - Two girls, one 12, the other - 14.

12- you are so old! Noone will want to make friends like you!

Actually,.. my granny was extremely energetic the whole life.. She has never been old, even at 90. So she [Lizvet] is not old. She doesn't look like a granny :)

Encore! The Russian folk song about a flea... yes, Lizvet and insects forever :)

12)...

13)... Seeing Alla off...
14)..

15)..

When two guests have already left... the rest of people enjoyed playing the traditional Kvartfest's game "The paper" :P . The most pleasant moment for me was when I forgot about this game at all, but people who were at the 1st or 2nd Kvartfest said it's a shame of me I didn't organize "The paper" =) What means they have good memories from all the previous "Mugs"... I am completely happy!!!

To play "The paper" (it must be called somehow else... but for us it's just the paper :P ), people sitting in a circle write: Who - then pass to the neighbour, then the neighbour writes: With who - then passes to the neighbour.... Finally, the story is written and it's time for a mad laughter :)

The possible questions are - who, with who, where, when, what were doing, in what were dressed, what for were doing that, what he said, what she said, how ended, in 20 years... ).

16).. Frankly speaking, I was extremely shocked when it was 23:30 and people started talking about leaving.. Not because it was time to say bye, but because it was 23:30! Not earlier! Not 21:00! Not 20:00! (No buses after 00.00). I haven't seen some guests for ages and we didn't have much to talk about, but they enjoyed [ENJOYED] the time we spent together, they enjoyed the evening... Nothing was better than realizing they were enthralled by what was happening around and....ah, I am just so glad!!!

Krolik (Rabbit), Volk (Woolf), Matroskin, Love, Triesta (all nicknames :)) ) - all stayed for a night (+ Kirill and Lizvet). They found whiskey, wine in my bar :P and were very suprised! Of course, Senatorova always offers juices and tea :))) And sang nice songs the whole night :))))

And in the morning Krolik said: I missed chatting, singing good songs in a good company so much! However, I didn't join them... I was relaxing in my room enjoying the silence... until I went to eat sushi :))

......................................

I have a good friend Dima who studies in St Petersbourg. We meet 2 times a year.

I have a good friend Dima who studies in Moscow. We meet 2 times a year.

I have a fantastic friend Love who studies with me and who I see practically every day. And whose friendship I sometimes underestimate.

Please, Think.

If you are neither Love nor Lizvet do not click, please!

Wie & Si' =) forever together!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=X63UmoHBT24
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RPsZihunJz8

тук-тук-тук-тук-тук-тук

A.R.E.A.

***
Alone you die, my Frozen Angel..
Without Love - no Aim to live
Again I cut my soul with pain
Like human feet will tear a leaf

I run from truth - but I am followed
When I come back to you - I hurt
And then I yell and anger - swallowed
And silent crying's only heard..

Isabeau Senateur
4 December, 2:13:29

Maximilien Desanti. Death, tradition and industry.

I find this painting great!

HE

-Long legs, dark (or fair?) hair, large, heavy-lidded green eyes, a mouth that seems to wear a permanent slight sneer and kind smile simultaneously, and a husky but sweet voice..
You can come from the Unknownland, but will You? What shall I do to deserve You?
-Be Yourself.

13.11.07.

SNOW SNOW REAL REAL SNOW!!!

Sunflower seeds. Grocery deficiency.

-Sorry, do you have Ritter sport?
-Yes, we do.
-Do you have Ritter sport with sunflower seeds?
-No, we do not.
-Do you know where I can buy Ritter sport with sunflower seeds?
-Now it's 11.30 pm.. But you can try in thaaat shop.
-Thanks!

-Sorry, do you have Ritter sport?
-Yes, 40 roubles.
-Do you have Ritter sport with sunflower seeds?
-No, we do not.
-Thanks!

-Sorry, do you have Ritter sport with sunflower seeds?
-No..
-Thanks!

-Sorry, do you have Ritter sport?
-No, we do.
-Thanks!

-Sorry, do you have Ritter sport?
-No, we don't..
-Thanks!

Actually, nothing was sold in that shop... Only tomato Mexican tortillas. This country follows me everywhere. And its spicy cuisine.

We have grocery deficiency like 25 years ago. Though, I am not sure tortillas were sold in soviet shops.

Stay with me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyco2Uva7hI

Adrian and Aleksandr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgsO2fsar0I

Who's the winner? (just about my day)

STRANGE day!

Slept 4 hours as Love was my guest and we chatted the whoooole night!

Overslept, of course!

This day we had the Business game (Live case) on the Uni's campus which is a short drive from Moscow, but takes about 2 hours from my house with all the traffic jams, and stress caused by public transport.

We were so much in a hurry!!!

That we were the first to appear at the games :/ STUKU!!!

Two who are always late were the first to come! Crazy, isn't it?

So that was around 10:45...

................................................

We had to be prepared for the game. Actually, a very cool, really cool organization cooperates with my Uni already the 2nd year. They arrange this game to make students create the ceremony "Director 2006/7" (held December 14th) - design, conception, prize, meeting guests, scenario.... whatever!

We get experience, they - ideas and helpers.. :/

Anyway, this year we had to be prepared in advance... And, no matter, I didn't find time to acquaint myself with the task.

So did Love :) Yes... we are alike sometimes.... :/ ??? ..... ALWAYS!

So when people gathered... we joined a team......... which also wasn't ready! And that was fantastic, as I would definetely get bored from doing nothing the whole day... if well-prepared team.

So we had no time for preparation, actually :) But I was lucky to draw the 5th number out of the envelope... and while other teams were speaking in public, we had not more than 40 minutes to

make our presentation!

amn... As I have just said, it was me who took the 5th number from the envelope... (And we called our team: Lucky ones! (in English) ).

Yes... hm.. why me..

not Love... or the others..

Because I took my seat in a room.... relaxed...... and thought: Wow! Now I can have a nap... They will work and I will help them... yes, maybe I will help them a bit... (before the game I was very sceptical about it.. for some sensible reasons, e.g. we have different tasks for the same event, so what for to have different design, scenario and so on been made with opposite conceptions...).

The first thing was to choose the leader of a team.

So while I was thinking: Wow! Now I can have a nap...

The majority voted for me to be the representative... apparently, the one who is the most responsible...

L: WHY ME!!!!

All: YOU, you!

L: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

All: oh, yeeeeeeeeeeees :D

L: WHY ME!!!!!!!!!??????????????

:/ ok....

To say I was in frustration is to say nothing... On the other hand, it was pleasant to realize people see a potential leader in you... and also after Sweden I started under-estimating myself seriously. Sounds weird, because I do not know the right word in English, but I hope you see what I mean. So overall, I agreed on becoming a leader as I wanted to try myself in the role I have practically forgotten.

And my risk was worth it! I managed to coordinate the work of "Lucky ones" so we got prepared just in 40 minutes! Our task was design!! I have no idea what design is, just a little... We had no time to brainstorm! So I thought giving concrete tasks to girls ( only one 1-course guy in the team who vanished into thin air in one hour :> ) would be the most effective way. I was trying hard to involve everyone in the process! And it was quite sucessful, except that guy... who wasn't interested at all... and one girl... who was sleeping on the desk next to me.. :)

As the presentations were over we were given time to consult some experts of the game... and we continued our work!

Now it was extremely hard to engage the 1st course in the discussion! And many of them spent the rest of the time smoking, eating, sleeping, or chatting.. I didn't have to do my best to attract them, because, though, it's a team-work, we are considered as individuals who form a team, first of all... how to explain... - if you don't participate in a team-work the team won't be "fined", but you personally will be "punished". But I was trying to persuade them to take part in the process... successfully sometimes :) However, soon it was clear not more than 4 people were needed to finish the work.

The next step was the final presentation and noone in my team wanted to speak! Everyone said they do not know how to keep people's attention on the presentation and other blabla...

That was a slap in the face... but I took it as Lizvet =))

Later Love offered her help, fortunately ))

.........................................................................

We both were trembling with fear...... argh!... But word by word and did it!

A loooooooooooooooooot of questions!!! AND......... papapapa....!!

The director of that cool-cool organization appreciated our idea to invite 4 pantomime actors ( 1 white and 3 blue ( in blue clothes, but faces - white) - like 4 humans from their logo ), who would silently show people the way to a buffet, hall and so on.. Much better than arrows in guides!..

He also liked the idea to set a huge logo from flowers on a stage...

And I was swelling with pride, I guess :))

Many more of the experts criticized our idea with pantomime and flowers.. And members of "Lucky ones" too often agreed about everything with them! I continued and continued to state pantomime was great, though not my idea at all... and eventually, I got some support )

.....................................................................

Oh, yes, we had no video been prepared (only depicted the idea of the video: stood on the stage like four pantomime actors in different poses with different emotions on the face. We had pantomime at Uni last year, so that was easy!) Without the video we couldn't win... We got about 43 points, as I was told later - I had to leave at 7 p.m. And I am not sure... but it seems to me we were the winners from the end :)

Anyway, I believe, we were "80 from 100", what is already excellent! Everything decorated with a good taste, nothing "too much".

The hall we had to decorate (I was there 99 times at concerts!): Mode`rn style (end 19-beginning 20 cent.), warm colours...

Our decision was to install an enormous screen on the stage, which could translate videos, and also - the main- regulate the colour. Bright colours could appear on the screen and bring the holiday atmosphere, instead of banal decorations ( like baloons :P ).

It all can make no sense to you, because you do not know our exact task and how the concert hall, buffet hall etc look like... So I am writing this all just as a hint for myself... To remember some ideas.

.................................................................................

Amn..........yah........................................................

:D Will never forget when in Sweden said: Ilya is the brain of our team.....

I am not that much brain!..

Or something similar to that... Doesn't matter, but my words made everyone burst in laughing!

Today as the half of our presentation had passed and I was happy nothing stuku had happened... WHEN...

The dean interrupted me: Xmas songs like - The little furtree feels cold in winter? That's a children Russian New Year song. And she nearly sang this phrase to tease me.

So I took the microphone and continued singing: From the forest you and me brought the fur tree home...

People got crazy and started applausing in the Bravo-Bravo way to make the situation even more fun..

I replied that western Xmas songs could match the event...

She asked me to give an example...

I said: Well.... Jingle Bells....

Dean: Jingle Bells? What's so special?

Me: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell, do not know.... this song excites!..

In Russian (same as in English) the word "to excite" has two meanings, one of which is very closely connected with sex. I meant that it's just so jolly that cheers people up - the 1st meaning, but, of course, it was understood as the 2nd meaning.. And - only if could you see it - everyone couldn't stop laughing for about 2 minutes! Even, the CEO of the very cool organization, and the dean, and all people were applausing....

So stuku of me! But now I know - as soon as I fall in love... I will test Jingle Bells... nevermind.

..............................................................................................................

It was an extremely stressful day for me. Each of my nerves was a string, which caused a lot of pain.

I was trying to be tolerant to everyone, and was afraid I could offend people... the atmosphere was so tense! Offend not being rude, or inattentive, but saying the time is limited - do this NOW! Or asking to calm down, or stop the panic, or butting in the dialogues, or saying something is a bad idea! I asked what Love thought after we left the Business game: and she praised me with the words it was good enough not to hurt people and only once there was a misunderstanding between one girl and me, but we managed to solve the problem without conflicts.

I, actually, want to thank everyone for this Business game, which returned me confidence, and just was very professionally organized,but specially my team, who were brilliant by all means!! Thank you!!!

.....................................................................................................................................................

And I am happy, you know? I am...

• Because our project was well-done...
• Because I have leadership skills... (No, do not think it's my great discovery =) Just so-called Swedish inferiority complex... my own termin and for me only).
• ........... And finally, because now I am gonna sleep.. YEAH! It's already morning and writing the post took about 4 hours.

But it was a special day and I wanted to write each thought it provoked.

PS: if you read this post before I'll improve mistakes tomorrow, already today, please, know not much time is left till I improve mistakes tomorrow, already today... )

PS2: one expert of the game... a man in his 40s-50s.. stylish and aristocratic a bit.Love came up to me and said: You liked him! I didn't have any conversation with him.. nothing... But she just felt I liked him. And that was more than truth ) He was charming! I find parallel with the evening in Goteborg, when Salim and I asked one man in his 40s-50s the route. And then Salim said: I think you liked him! And he was really so tasty, that man.. Aristocratic a bit and stylish... :/ Special fluids?

I am shocked that it happens the second time to me when dear people know better than me that I like a person. Love said: You became "warm" when you saw him, that's how I understood, a slight smile was on your face.. But I am sure no smile was on my face, I was too busy to smile.

And,of course, hands... those two men have beautiful hands...R.has beautiful hands, A., S., and many other my friends. And they all have a wonderful smile.

Nice smile and gentle hands - and you win my heart! Ah, yes, you also have to over 50! But better all 99! @_@

What am I?

Today I "photoshoped" myself at the design lesson..

Lulluby of birdland...Or Good Bye, Strawberry fairy-tale.

You broke my heart and I thank you for this. Someday he'll come along

The man I love
And he'll be big and strong
The man I love
And when he comes my way
I'll do my best to make him stay

He'll look at me and smile
I'll understand
And in a little while
He'll take my hand
And though it seems absurd
I know we both won't say a word

Maybe I shall meet himSunday,
maybe Monday, maybe not
Still I'm sure to meet him one day
Maybe Tuesday will be my good news day

He'll build a little home
Just meant for two
From which I'd never roam
Who would, would you?
And so all else above
I'm waiting for the man I love

Maybe I shall meet him Sunday,
maybe Monday, maybe not
Still I'm sure to meet him one day
Maybe Tuesday will be my good news day

He'll build a little home
Just meant for two
From which I'd never roam
Who would, would you?
And so all else above
I'm waiting for the man I love!..

Ira Gershvin

*Once I saw the amazing performance of this song in the old American film.. but I can't remember its name, actors or anything... All Ella's improvisations are too "cheerful", too Ella's, actually.. ) All other singers make a sappy story from this song... I heard even men singing it... Nothing, nothing like that performance! The woman, and this song is a truely womens' song (not only because words were writen by the woman), sitting on the piano with a kerchief in her hands...looking at the man she really loves, but who she can't belong to.. And her eyes are full of tears... and her voice's incredibly strong, no whisper... or Ella's intonations... Something unique and fragile... fragile feeling.

Tell me why little angels don't cry..

Winter has come

The autumn leaf

+

Saw that very fruity train in metro several days ago (read the 1st June post)!
Was sitting in front of Andrijaka's painting which depicts Moscow in winter.. Spectacular!

13.10.07

Krolik, you grow up, I love you. Good luck in everything to you!

One of the best shots I've ever seen.

Next to Lenin's mausoleum on Red Square.

3.10.07.

Day of Nostalgia for Sweden.

Effectual reasoning... - found this article and now using for Management Live Case (about Robin Hood :) ).

Also reading a book "Saga about IKEA" bought in IKEA (weird if not) for one buck. For one buck. One buck. One.

The sweetest wind..

***

If I could support you now with my hug and with my kiss,
If I could support you now with my love and with my "miss",
If I could be little closer, If I could be where you are...
All I can do now - whisper:
"Darling, why are you so far?"...

Sweetest wind tousles my hair,
Sweetest wind tousles my heart..
I do not know what it will be,
But I dream it will be love...

I do not know what it will be...
But I hope this is love...

When you are close - sing me love songs,
But when far away - don't cry...
Angel and sweet wind - in one hand,
and in other hand - Good bye.

Isabeau Senateur. 29 September, 00:29.

13.09.07

Every person has an Angel.

I love you more.

Photography: pros and cons.

Not ready yet.

So close, no matter how far.

Last Saturday... August 25th... I was walking with my dog Najya in the field nearby my house... The warm wind was touching my cheeks tenderly... it was a really warm weather, I'd even say hot, for 11 - 12 p.m.

I was whispering a lulluby... Actually, the most important song ever. The most beautiful song. The song which every person needs, especially a child. Lulluby is definetely my favourite song! I think so because I noticed when I am down in the dumps I sing lullubies to myself, when I am in a peaceful mood I sing lullubies, when I am face to face with children I am eager to sing them lullubies...

This time I was singing a lulluby I created myself. The melody was twisting in my head the whole previous week..

Lulluby is not something difficult to compose :) Especially when you are a woman. I bet many women experienced kind of an improvisation on a famous Russian lulluby about a grey little wolf who steals tots if they lie on the bed edge. "BAu-bAushki-baU, ne lojIs'a nA kraU"... Follow the stress in this phrase: it makes a circular hooked movement/ intonation. If you speak Russian, than you also know that these words are diminutive, very sweet. Lullubies are usully sung on 1 - 5 notes, quite repetetive words and melodies... A lot of prolonging Uuus and Aaas...

This all reminds me the words of my teacher, a famous Russian jazz critic Mikhail Metropolskiy that you will never find any correct diffinition for Swing. Overall, it's a movement of soul, the mood created by the special rythm ( triols or in easier words - step, step, triple step ).
So does a lulluby. It's a special soul state put into music which harmonizes the inner work of a person's organizm, calms it down and positively affects on the mood, thoughts and health ( power of words ) and prevents nightmares, of course :)

What's more, lullubies make a strong connection between a mother and a child. A mother gives her mood through a song to a child, gives her worries and smiles. And most important, an idea or a thought! Like " You have to sleep". You must have noticed, people often repeat " You have do this, you have to do this" to a child for him/her to take this information finally. In a lulluby you can endlessly repeat verses and it won't loose its attractive form.

My Mother believes children chooses parents themselves long before they are born. In this case, I had a big doubt beeing in my early teens =) However, I have always loved this version because it smells with something romantic.

And it's strange, so-so strange to write it now.. But I think my child ( hope, my first one :) ) chose me August 25th... I tried to explain this feeling to Love... But she just smiled understanding me as "girl-to-girl" and said something like: Don't try to explain, you will never manage, but it exists. It's just a feeling you will never be able to put into words. But keep it in your heart!". And I will. There has always been a connection which can't be explained between a mother and a child. With my lulluby I called the baby's soul to me and it gave me a reply, because only this summer I became mature enough to be responsible for someone. Little girls play with dolls imagining they are mothers. But ask them what are their principles of the upbringing - they won't be able to answer. Not only because of some life experience, but reading books too, I think I found my personal way. And it will differ significantly from how my Mom brought me up. That's not what I would like to discuss today, but praise children! A lot! And not only for good marks at school! I have never been praised in my childhood, I was always told I am a little devil, who'd rather shut up or will be slapped. And I was slapped a lot with a belt severely. And this is where a lot of my problems start. I will develop sometime the idea why children should hear MORE compliments from parents here and it's proved very well by the church teacher, children psychologist Shishova.

This July I got a curious sms saying the person, so-called S., whom you could read about before in the posts, felt in the centre of the Universe and found that feeling wonderful! Hm... Weird, isn't it? I don't know what that was about but the next time the same person had this feeling was meeting his lifetime best friend.

I didn't expect it would come suddenly standing on the field August 25th. A "wild" silence around, the sky dome covered with millions of sparkling white dots and only the wind continued tousling my hair... Then I found myself in a megapolis: the insane scream, car beeps... Then the silence in the field... Then the village... shallow water... hurricanes... And the field. And I stand on a field and feel the whole World. And then I sing the lulluby and then I feel the child. Again, I don't know how to put these very feelings in words, but I clearly understood that... in the centre of the World a Child stands. The beginning of a human's life, the one who continues it, the one who is in the same row with the God, the creature without sins. Then... a child's crying... more and more.... and then.....silence and a Lulluby.

Will you believe it lasted a second? The next second was a harmony. And forever.

" Oy, tzvetOchek mAlen'kiy, (Oy, the little flower)

Oy, tzvetOchek Alen'kiy.. (Oy, the scarlet flower)

Moy VanUsha mAlen'kiy, (My Vanu'sha little boy)

Da, mAlen'kiy udAlen'kiy... (But a daring little boy)

Oy, da shiOchki Alen'ki, (Oy, the cheeks are scarlet*)

Oy, da shiOchki mAmen'ki, (Oy, the cheeks are like mother's)

Oy, da rUchki glAden'ki, (Oy, the hands are gentle)

Da, glAzan'ki golUben'ki... (And the eyes are blue)

PrihodI, VAnya, domOy, (Vanya, come back home)

JdiOt na pEchke DomovOy, (Domovo'y's** waiting on a Stove***)

NOjki svEsil so pechI, (Hanging down his legs)

Da, vArit - jArit kulichI... (Boiling - frying candy cakes)

Aa...

........................................." .

* The brighter the cheeks of a child - the healthier he/she is - considered in Russia.

** Domovoy - a little God - host in every Russian house. If you leave something sweet for him, he will stay in your house and will take care of it.

*** A traditional white Russian Stove.

PS: Don't judge the translation strictly.. Better learn Russian : ) !

Thought from the past...

From the July's blackwriting.
"On Wednesday (and the day before Wednesday I thought it was Tuesday...) I found out I live on the same metro station with the Chicago college bluez guitar teacher Chris. We had a nice chat. My American friend Robert suggests Russian to be harsh, while Vlado , a brother-slav from Bulgaria, says Russian is soft comparing with his native language. I asked for Chris's opinion and he gave me a brilliant answer! He just said Russian is beautiful. He is quite experienced in singing in English, he heard German and Italian and now Russian... And any language has a connection with music for him, has a rythm, its melody etc. Every language is good for singing in it, so it's beautiful, by all means, because music is always beautiful. I can only smile... :)
Meaningful.
PS: Robert easily recognized people talking the Russian language in the American cafe after 2 weeks listening intensively to my English-Russian translations for Alina in Prague.
This night I heard the Nigerian woman devilering a speech on TED.com and before I read her biography, I strongly guessed she had an extremely similar accent to Onyesie's (Nigerian student from the Summer Programme). The other common thing is that I know them talking only about Nigeria and nothing more, but Nigeria, its problems and potential. Are they all so patriotic there? Uh? :) ".

Dear Angel,

Not ready yet.

Callosity

Woke up, watched TV, payed money for driving courses, high platform, very high platform, only men on courses, over 30, high platform, very high platform, met two classmates. One is still my friend (Krolik), the other is her good friend, but we haven't spoken for 4 (?) years. Rude, "banal" beer girls. But lovely. Just little. They must be deep. They waited till I've sent a letter to S. I love him. But I hate him. His attitude to me hurts me. I wrote him I became better. I need him to react. I want him to love me more than he does. Invited girls for tea to my house. Mostly listened to their talks. Was smiling calmly. 1,5 hour walk with Naya Dog. Poor city dogs. After 30 minutes Naya smelled each flower in the flowerbed. Lied tongue out next to the entrance for the rest of the time. She gazed at the road lazily with sad eyes. Poor city dogs.
Stressed. I am always stressed when I am in love. I am always in love when this person is far away. My hands are like his hands.
Wild cough. Already for a week. What have I done wrong, God?

***

We are repairing our new flat in the city centre. We invested a lot of money. Government decided to demolish the building. The 5* hotel will be built instead.
As it was said by Alexander Sklar: "Christmas will never come to this country".
It was said in the end of the radio programme "Master Class with Katya Gordon". I was in the studio and came up afterwards to ask him "Why?'. He had no answer: "I just don't believe...". Oh, yes... That phrase was ruining my mind for 1 month till I convinced myself: "Different people - different opinions".
3 years (I guess) have passed. And now I myself feel that Christmas will never come to this country. And I want to cry.
Russia is a pasture where rich graze poor.
And everyone is happy.
.....................................
We were driving back home from the doctor tonight. And I was nothing to say AMAZED: SWEBUS EXPRESS!! In MosCOW!!!

***

Уж сколько их упало в эту бездну,
Разверзтую вдали!
Настанет день, когда и я исчезну
С поверхности земли.

Застынет все, что пело и боролось,
Сияло и рвалось.
И зелень глаз моих, и нежный голос,
И золото волос.

И будет жизнь с ее насущным хлебом,
С забывчивостью дня.
И будет все - как будто бы под небом
И не было меня!

Изменчивой, как дети, в каждой мине,
И так недолго злой,
Любившей час, когда дрова в камине
Становятся золой.

Виолончель, и кавалькады в чаще,
И колокол в селе...
- Меня, такой живой и настоящей
На ласковой земле!

К вам всем - что мне, ни в чем не знавшей
меры,
Чужие и свои?!-
Я обращаюсь с требованьем веры
И с просьбой о любви.

И день и ночь, и письменно и устно:
За правду да и нет,
За то, что мне так часто - слишком грустно
И только двадцать лет,

За то, что мне прямая неизбежность -
Прощение обид,
За всю мою безудержную нежность
И слишком гордый вид,

За быстроту стремительных событий,
За правду, за игру...
- Послушайте!- Еще меня любите
За то, что я умру.

Marina Tsvetaeva.
8 December 1913

I wanted to die today.

Rainbow in Moscow and confussed Max... :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUUvbQa-DWs

Trading under pants

College is over...
:(
At a farewell party I found out that many people knew me as "Liza-monster!" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Because of the Little Monster Blues Song (read below).
The majority of people sang sappy love stories, starting with "uuuuuu.....Babe...".... So my story was something really different, though about love, but covering more topics like loneliness.
-Let me take your phone number... You are Liza-monster, right?
- wwwWWWHAT?! (ChtooooOOOOO?)
- You sang the song about the little monster, right?
- Right :/

Last phrases at the lessons:
Chris: I found out more about America while not beeing there...
Tiffany: Good energy, good ideas! TRY! Do it! Continue to work!.. Remember you're story-tellers... Make mistakes!

I want to thank everyone for this excellent experience! I want to say thanks to Tiffany, Bred and Chris for their fantastic ideas and the way they were representing them, for believing in every student's success. I think I became 1% wiser in music. I want to say a great thanks to Love, who was brave enough to participate in the programme and who gave me so many beautiful smiles which always cheered me up!
Big thanks to Vera, a nice woman whom I had a perfect 2-hour coffee-break with :) , a talanted painter with the interesting view of life and good knowledge of a fear phychology.
And, of course, thanks for the organizers! Please, make it a bit cheaper next time, so I'd save some money to go to the seaside! (grrr...)

So come on! Baby, don't you wanna go?!

I felt miserable all day long, but when got home read the mail from Vlado and it's just so stuku, guys! Here are two quotations: "U, stupid blue tits(from the swedish photo o.O)!! u dissapear! and u call home parties "fests":p!!fringe...";

"Jo had exams and exams and exams and i missed him 4 about 2 weeks, but on the day he got back to Varna he called me home, my father told him i was going to get back home in 30 mins and he thought i was at the bus stop than and he found me at a bus stop :p i was so happy!..".

PS: Maybe you all didn't find it funny... But I'm still giggling! It's my blog after all :) he-he...

KVARTFEST "THE NOTE MUG"!

Hooray, hOOray!!!

The second youth FlatFestival "The note mug" (KvartFest "Notnaya krujka") is over!

Here I want to tell you how it is organized, so this nice idea will spread to new flats in different countries!

Each nice idea, word, thought is a bright note, low or high, short or long... Let's try to combine all the notes in one big mug, make a delicious beverage from them! Let's make our spare time less mainstream! Let's provoke wise talks and creative ambience!

FlatFest is to unite creative and not, active and not, loud and not people together to bring up attractive topics and make life interesting!

Last year's theme was: The Russian archipelago, this year it was: A human as a crystal of traditions.

Everytime it starts with a discussion, no frames, it can concern anything, you can develop the topic however you want.

Afterwards, everyone can represent the topic through any creative action: either singing, or dancing, or telling the poem, or any other variant.

The musical band can be invited to make it more exciting!

Then you can order 6 pizzas :P -> sit on carpet around a candle, continuing your discussion -> drink tea with a cake...

This year I had 12 people in my flat, we hardly found a place. 5 people couldn't have come: it's Moscow, with its problems and rushing life. Yes... One more mission of this event is to gather different people in a megapolis, as it used to be 10 years ago, when people preferred visiting their friends to sitting at home in front of the computer screen, which has appeared in our lives recently...

Next time, and now we decided to organize KvartFest more often, not only my good friends will come as they are really keen on the idea to invite their friends as well.

My room is already a cult-place. Guys, what can I say... You are welcome!!!

PS: Your are also welcome to write your opinion or ideas here and if you organize something similar, let me know, please!!!

PS2: All photos can be found at facebook.com -> search for Elizaveta Senatorova.

Stuku evil people!

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?ei=UTF-8&vid=690017&cache=1&fr=&.fdbk=mail:v/0
Louie the pug.

Imagine you are noone but loved.

Love and dedication, or realization of your dreams, becoming who and what you want to be?
Imagine, you are a woman who is in love with a man, who lives in a little town somewhere on the other continent. And his ambition is to run his family business where he lives.
Your dream is to open... an art-gallery, for example, or to become a singer.
Moving to him, you will bear two nice monkeys, but will feel like you are noone and reached nothing in life. Life without satisfaction. Life for another person.
Many people consider living for the one you love a feat, others find it ridiculous.
Personally, one half of me would feel happy beeing a woman, a wife and a mother. But another half would say: You are dead. (So pitty, you don't hear this.)
I am lost.
What would you do? What do you think about love and career? Yes, maybe give-and-take could be found... like... you choose a dot on a map to start up a new life with a new-family business... But everything is not always so easy.
On the whole, I came up with such sad thoughts after brainstorming with A. about what would happen if we marry :)
And imagine I lived in my fluffy pink dreams... because the idea I will maybe have to give something up for love came as a shock for me.

Judging myself

I felt always cold to people, who are in a team, but not working.
When working on business plan in Sweden, I felt very much like helping and people expected me too, but it could not be implemented... (though, survey, marketing and summary were done by me and I was good at primary discussions, we all know I could do more). I wasn't lazy, but when I was supposed to start some work, someone has always started it 1 second before me and I didn't resist, because that person was definetely better.... and I was scared to ask. I don't know why. Actually, I always got lost ( something like knees turning into jelly) and indifferent to anything while talking to J. (team-member), felt shy to ask something, though behaved normally... But very uncomfortable... Inflexible... Couldn't take a leading position, felt more like hiding and building friendly relationships with team mates.
I lost "the game". (If you read 'The Master and Margarita' of Michail Bulghakov (the Russian philosopher and writer) you'll see he considers fear to be the main sin. I don't feel like explaining his position, better read it.)
More than half a month has passed, but I still suffer from this fact. I started working on my own business plan, eventhough never really wanted before. I guess, to sew up the painful gap in my heart.
It all made me think that maybe I judged people too severely for not participating instead of motivating them. I learned my lesson.

Day of today. Egotistical truth.

The brightest event of the day which started with waking at 4:45 p.m. was a tutorial with Tiffani at 6 p.m. in MCIM which is 1 hour from my house ) .

I entered the room, told Tiffani my problems, she smiled and worked magic. No, I don't sing better now. She didn't tell me something I don't know. But the way she explained everything made it one of my best vocal lessons ever, though 30 minutes only.

And the thing which made me so happy was her sincere (as she pointed out) compliment about my The little monster blues song! Yes, I didn't manage to do it perfect, but it was a great attempt, and she highly appreciates people t r y i n g. I dream myself standing in front of Salim boasting :P
And she was so suprised to know my age when she asked! And the first time in my life I felt excellent about my age. I have never thought or felt I am one of the youngest in my college, I always feel too responsible and have so much work to do! I can't say I had a 100% happy childhood, and I never felt myself a child... But that moment I felt so good! Never before I asked myself: why beeing so young you produce a band, work here and there, study in 2 Universities, get angry with yourself you are lazy to write a business plan?! I am a still a kid a bit, why don't I free my soul of having to think so much even when it doesn't want, but I make it? (I believe it's soul and heart which think rather than brain).
So Tiffani said something like: relax! when you are 5 years more, than you can say you have problems. Now you are just developing.
And it was so nice she liked my low notes, my strength of voice, that I was learning really fast... I felt like I really have great potential! And I know I do have.
I am a gifted singer. And it is my first sincere compliment from me to me. I never let myself say I am good at something in front of many people, or will be good at something, because it can always be better. So it's my first attempt ) And I want to share with all you a magnificent thought of mine: I am talanted and determined enough to become a great jazz singer. Irina Solovieva (my friend and my boss) always says: tell yourself compliments, because you deserve them, because it will motivate you. Don't be embarrassed to be honest to yourself.
But my ears have always blushed and I said it's not worth it.
... Now I am lost.. I know I am moving to Jonkoping to study.. Will I be able to practise jazz lessons there? What if I miss singing in a year for a long period of time? "If you love something give it away" - is definetely not about this story. I must find a solution, besides summer singing programmes in Chicago.

Bank. Russia.

The queue. One woman is doing too many operations at once.
Two women next to me right 50 cm behind her are telling her off.
'Sorry, it is not good what you are doing' - me. What happened next told me they didn't hear this.
My 1st time 'telephone paying'.
'Oh, young lady, you have to write here and here, and one more thing. Good!' - those women.
Willing to help. Kindness from the bottom of the heart.
WHY?!
WHY evil and kind. Both sincerely. 1 minute between each.
Me involved. I am the same. Or I will be the same. Or I won't.
People in queue talk to each other as if they are close fellows for ages. They discuss children, life problems, even money.
There was one queue to two windows, separating in the very end.
"WHY the hell one queue to two windows!" - screams one man.
Another screams back : " Do you care?! It's fine!"
-Nope! Soon, the more people will be here, the more the queue will be outside!
- Not many people are here! So do you care?
- Yes, I do. One queue and 20 people in it and you have a feeling there're a lot of people! When two queues and 10 people in each, you have a feeling not many people are in a queue and your Soul is so happy!!
- It doesn't matter!
- No, your Soul is so happy when..... Soul is happy when it's this way!
- Stop it, men! Found time!! - old lady...
Typically Russian...
I would say I hate it, if there wasn't a phrase " And your Soul is so happy! " ... There is something very important about it. And I do not know why..

PS: Right now I called the police. I hate little Russian Idiots on motorcycles driving in yards at 4 a.m.!!! I thought the dispatcher would piss me off, but the woman claimed the policemen will check it now. I had to tell her my surname. So it's good I'm changing it tomorrow =)
PS2: 20 minutes passed after my call. Here comes a peaceful morning.

The Little Monster Blues Song

The Little Monster Blues Song

( 2 verses )

A1

C7 This is a story about the little monster ( speaking, intriguing )

C He was extrEmely kind guy!

C But everyone was scared of him..

C And noone wanted to become his friend...

F He felt so miserable

F About that faaact...

C So miserable he felt

C About thaaaat...

G And he was cryyying!!! ( yelling! accent on "yyy")

F All days and nights... tshhh...

C And everyona laughted bout his

G Bout his red eeeyes...

A2

C But one day,which was sunny

F He mEt a giiirl...

C A little-little monster girl..

C A lovely monster giiiiiiiiiiirl (exaggerating bas notes)

F And she was crazily smiling

F And dancing days and nights (dolly intonations)

C She was extremely funny

C And liked to be in the spotlights!!! ( 'Legally blond' )

G And soon they two got married ( rude, distinct )

F And happily they liiived.

C Now I told you my story ( partly speaking )

C And feel reliiiiieeved... ( mouse )

Lizvet Cartwheelsun.

The Little Monster Blues Song for 16.07.07. Tiffany Monic's Seminar ( Moscow College of Improvising Music ).

PS: In brackets I put intonations and character I was trying to make. But everything depends on your mood: you can make it a sappy Shreck story, or a bright hilarious kex. The Blues is extremely playful!

Random thoughts. End of 2nd week July. Deep. Pencil, oil. If you love something give it away.

Random thoughts... End of 2nd week July. Light. Water colours. Painting Album of the 19th century.

I am in good terms with each of my ex-boyfriends. My best friends in life are my ex-boyfriends. At least, 3 for sure. People who respect me and love. Maybe the relationships weren't built on sex and desire. They were, too. But Kisses... We often point out with Love that there is a special philisophy of kisses. And sometimes you kiss a friend tenderly in lips because you show your kindness, love and respect to him. People take "french" kisses as kisses between lovers. They are not. Once I kissed S. and it was the first kiss I gave someone myself. I have never been a leader in kisses loving when men take the advantage of me. I thought for a while I fell in love. And I fell in love. But with a friend, not lover. And maybe that was one of my greatest kisses ever: so sincere and sweet.

And one more sad thought for me. Many sucessful marriages are built on friendship in past.

These are random thoughts. But they mean a thing.

Interesting, but I found these (denying all just said) lines in my July's blackwritings while preparing for this post:

"..I also was thinking that I have a lot of friends who are boys/men... And speaking about very best friends, there are more M than F in my life. I tried to analyze what makes it so...and was shocked by the idea... that it's a sexual desire between guys and me. And I think, that's it. Moral principles or a wish to leave the relationship as it's now and develop only 'friendship-side' of it prevents the relationships from sex, but the sex desire expands making people closer to each other, talks more sacramental and as a result the interest of both sides to each other continueously grows up.

I also have a special girlfriend in my life. And while discussing this all with her she... gave me an incredible (for me) idea that there's a sexual girl-to-girl desire as well... And that's true. I know some examples. And finally, curious about the guys in this case.

What's more... I raised this topic talking to Krolik and she confirmed about boyfriends' stuff... I'm gonna make a research once maybe =) ".

I think in my own simple unscientific messy way I arised a very serious question here: How relationships are built? What makes them develop? Is there more between "just friends" or ,on the contrary, friendship feelings are so strong and pure that they are realized in the easiest human actions like kissing. Take in the account, gender plays an important role here too... and you'll see the mess I have in my head. But it's the essential mess. Chaos leads to truth.

Eventually, listen to Billie Holiday's or Helen Merrill's (specially) "Just friends":

Just friends

Lovers no more

Just friends

But not like before

To think of what we've been

And not to kiss again

Seems like pretending

It isn't the ending

Two friends

Drifting apart

Two friends

But one broken heart

We loved we laughed we cried

Then suddenly love died

The story ends

And we're Just friends

We loved we laughed and we cried

Then suddenly love died

The story ends

And we're Just friends...

John Klenner / Samuel M. Lewis