From Here To Timbuktu

Welcome to my regular Friday song/tune day, ladies and gentlemen, where I pick a piece of music that reflects my mood or the times, to share with you.

I’ve been very conscious that my Friday song choices are far from diverse. Unfortunately my musical education is very limited, both in time and in place. However, there is a much bigger world of music out there than I can ever hope to know. Music exists everywhere, even in countries and regions where there are those that would seek to stamp it out. A world without music is a world without hope. Take Mali, for example. In some regions, music is forbidden through violence and intimidation. Armed conflict and violent extremism continues in Mali. Government in Mali is also in disarray as evidenced by a military coup that took place just over a week ago, perhaps after the ruling party failed to meet the basic needs of citizens for food, water, shelter, health and safety, let alone those needs that would see Malians thrive into the future.

Aigachatou, a single mother and her children, standing in front of their makeshift tent after fleeing violence in Timbuktu. Credit: TOGO Moise/NRC

On that depressing note, shall we hear a lament to the ancient city of Timbukto (Mali) by renowned Malian singer, Fatoumata Diawara?

Stay safe, sane and kind, everyone.

Kind Regards.
Tracy.

Header Image Description: The kora is played in Mali.
Photo Credit: KannanShanmugamstudio,Main Road,Kollam / CC BY-SA

Love You, Love You Not

Welcome to my regular Friday song/tune day, ladies and gentlemen, where I pick a piece of music that reflects my mood or the times, to share with you.

At this particular moment in time, I am indeed very fortunate. It has been over a month since a Covid-19 case was reported in Canberra, Australia’s national capital. This means that I am relatively free to go about my business provided I maintain social distancing, which for me is relatively easy. That being the case, I have been continuing my winter training, the purpose of which is to ensure that as many magpies as possible make my acquaintance before magpie swooping/breeding season kicks in.

Read more

Take A Seat

It’s that time again — time for Su’s virtual afternoon tea. Once a month, Su at Zimmerbitch hosts afternoon tea in the blogosphere and we are all invited. You can bring something to share or just go along for a chat. I am also combining my visit to Su’s with my (early) Friday song day. My Friday song day happens each Friday (except when I post on Thursday night), and is where I pick a piece of music that reflects my mood or the times, to share with you.

Read more

Love Letter to Victoria

Welcome to my regular Friday song/tune day, ladies and gentlemen, where I pick a piece of music that reflects my mood or the times, to share with you.

The Australian state of Victoria, and its capital city, Melbourne, are doing it tough at the moment. Victorians are sheltering in their homes in a herculean bid to bring down the number of Covid-19 infections. There is everything to love about Victoria. I dedicate my song selection this week, Love Letter, to all Victorians. However, I’m leaving the writing and singing of this love letter to the experts, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.

You can do it, Victoria. I have faith in you.

Can’t wait to see you again.

All my love.
Tracy.

Free Will

Welcome to my regular Friday song/tune day, ladies and gentlemen, where I pick a piece of music that reflects my mood or the times, to share with you.

“You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.”
― Sammy Davis Jr.

Some people are never required to make these choices. Others are forced to choose every day.

Kind Regards.
Tracy.

You Can Leave Your Mask On

Welcome to my regular Friday song/tune day, ladies and gentlemen, where I pick a piece of music that reflects my mood or the times, to share with you.

My brain is working overtime, but still I am so confused. I’ve got more questions than answers.

Read more

Gash in the Fabric

Welcome to my regular Friday song/tune day, ladies and gentlemen, where I pick a piece of music that reflects my mood or the times, to share with you.

Well scheiße, ladies and gentlemen, what a crappy few weeks it has been downunder. How’s that for an impressive, or pathetic, example of tautology? It has been all about the corona virus (Covid-19) these last couple of weeks. You know the old saying, “Pride goeth …” Hubris, pubis. Australians have been so self-congratulatory about how we got “on top of” the virus. Apparently and allegedly, all the time we thought our borders were closed, our borders weren’t actually closed, if you know what I mean …

Read more

The Changing Seasons – June 2020

Winter in the nation’s capital (Canberra, Australia) — A little chilly, sometimes grey, a few warming rays in the afternoon. The virus? An ominous breakout in one state to the south jerks people out of complacency. Canberra is virus-free for the moment. We wait. We take photos of birds. It keeps us sane.

Read more

Corvid 2020 Wrap-Up

The Corvid-2020 Weekly Challenge finished last week, however it would be remiss of me not to share last week’s contributions from my lovely readers. Here they are. Check them out.

A generous hand …

Goodbye black birds

Jez’s Corvid Gallery

Carol’s Corvid Challenge

Final Week of Magpies

I weep not for me

Magpie Decline

I also want to share a tune, Twa Corbies performed by Mandela Folk, which was one of my reader’s recommendations when I first started the challenge. I enjoyed it very much. I hope you do too.

Kind regards.
Tracy

Feel The Love

Welcome to my regular Friday song/tune day, ladies and gentlemen, where I pick a piece of music that reflects my mood or the times, to share with you.

How are you feeling today, ladies and gentlemen? Depressed? Stressed? Anxious? Frightened? Lonely? All of the above? These last six months have been really awful, haven’t they? I dedicate this week’s song to all those needing a bit of love, a hug, a shoulder to cry on, a kind word. For all of you, sit back, close your eyes and breathe. You are not alone. On the other hand, if you are one of the few who have your shit together and some lightness in your heart today, you are not off the hook. I want you to sit back, close your eyes and let your love flow, or if you are feeling up to it, sing it out.

Take care, everyone. Stay safe.

Kind Regards.
Tracy.