So people can tell the difference between Zydeco and Cajun I've included very short videos below. You can easily tell the difference. People want to do too much blending or assimilating when both can be enjoyed as they are indeed 1st cousins musically and are routinely played interchangeably at events. People from outside Louisiana routinely use swing dancing to this music. Simply enjoy and les bon temp rouler
Aie!
Authentic Cajun Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egNCukv6pqQ&feature=related Cajun Music Roots
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkv0oStQE4I&NR=1
And Cajun dance (high level) These are very very short films.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JAebhI5yMw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es6AiyEWAnw&feature=related Roots (I just wonder why she's barefoot and he's not)
Now this is zydeco music with Buckwheat Zydeco ,the late Rockin' Dopsie & Clifton Chenier. (You can see how this is the grandaddy of Blues, R& B etc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQdPr7MQdBQ&feature=related Note here 2 of the Neville Brothers sitting in with Buckwheat!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmk95WeClCw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRD8NUyGVeU&feature=related
It's The Weigh YOU do the Thin(gs) YOU Do! It flows, shimmer & glow...spinning and dancing in the light of THIS Moon for ... as it is the weigh you do the Thin(g) YOU do!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Zydeco for cardio vascular fitness.
Much to my delight I have discovered here in Oregon there are 2 zydeco events given monthly. I stumbled on one and went and sat and just enjoyed listening to the music. It was difficult to tell if the people were having a good time or not because at home there is a lot more exuberance in the movement.
But I will keep going every month just so I can have some movement and build up my cardiovascular stamina. I will not do much however until after surgery and healing time, but I expect by spring I can be rocking away. Zydeco music is so infectious and happy even if you are sitting you will find yourself tapping your feet or doing something which means there's movement and energy burning.
So if you are looking for something fun and not staid and serious here you go. I've posted several You Tube links that will give you some idea of the music and the dance. Take your time and be mindful as in any thing of your body and your abilities in health.
Though I would love to, because of my knees I have to modify movements but I can without a doubt do a Cajun Waltz which is absolutely lovey when done in a traditional circle. You will see grandpa dancing with granddaughter or son with his mother etc. It is very easy on the knees.
This video is showing it as a line dance for a change of pace:
Cajun Waltz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRqQAaNf2rg&feature=related
Basic zydeco movement...Very basic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m_3MBn_TXs&feature=related
Much better to get the basics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDgbEOnaksE&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06DybByY3hE&feature=related
Now for a Zydeco line Dancehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iie91k_eZwk&feature=related
Another line dance though could have been with more flair. It is slow enough though for you to get the footwork.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQJWh_XX7s8&feature=related
Age nor size has to be a hold back. The steps can be modified for you own level. In the background you can see people doing a Cajun 2-step
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbzzVWVgBmI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bXCIscKBWI&feature=related
What I like about this one. They are demonstration many of the turns you can learn:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6Lk2ZpMnu8&feature=related
and here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUtC7I_XGFs&feature=related
For the record it is not uncommon to see women friends dancing together though as there are usually not enough men to go around. At a Fais do do (Fay-doh-doh) which is defined as
1. A French colloquial expression equivalent to “nighty-night”.
2. A traditional French lullaby;
3. A township gathering where the children are put to bed in the nursery while the adults party in the dance hall.
4. A Meeting place for people, music & flavor from around the corner & around the world.
For those in good shape:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87lSxFnmzwk&feature=related
Ya Ya info
The late Boozoo Chavis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3bvnRV-Zek&feature=related Now if I can only find Lynn August to download
The late Beau Jacque performing my all time favorite song of his "Cornbread"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM7EGkHoJkw&feature=related
For those who do not know the difference Zydeco a North African word translated as "snap bean" orgins are African. The grandfather of R&B, Blues & Soul. Zydeco was the music of African enslaved people who while not permitted to play music of Africa at the risk of death,took Cajun music and mixed it with African rhythms
It's Cajun music with soul & rhythm. There is a call & response between instruments.
Cajun music is indigenous to Cajun people who are the descendant from those who migrated here from Nova Scotia, Canada, originally exiled from France for religious beliefs.
The two musical forms are often interchanged many with creolized words from Africa & from France.
But I will keep going every month just so I can have some movement and build up my cardiovascular stamina. I will not do much however until after surgery and healing time, but I expect by spring I can be rocking away. Zydeco music is so infectious and happy even if you are sitting you will find yourself tapping your feet or doing something which means there's movement and energy burning.
So if you are looking for something fun and not staid and serious here you go. I've posted several You Tube links that will give you some idea of the music and the dance. Take your time and be mindful as in any thing of your body and your abilities in health.
Though I would love to, because of my knees I have to modify movements but I can without a doubt do a Cajun Waltz which is absolutely lovey when done in a traditional circle. You will see grandpa dancing with granddaughter or son with his mother etc. It is very easy on the knees.
This video is showing it as a line dance for a change of pace:
Cajun Waltz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRqQAaNf2rg&feature=related
Basic zydeco movement...Very basic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m_3MBn_TXs&feature=related
Much better to get the basics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDgbEOnaksE&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06DybByY3hE&feature=related
Now for a Zydeco line Dancehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iie91k_eZwk&feature=related
Another line dance though could have been with more flair. It is slow enough though for you to get the footwork.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQJWh_XX7s8&feature=related
Age nor size has to be a hold back. The steps can be modified for you own level. In the background you can see people doing a Cajun 2-step
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbzzVWVgBmI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bXCIscKBWI&feature=related
What I like about this one. They are demonstration many of the turns you can learn:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6Lk2ZpMnu8&feature=related
and here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUtC7I_XGFs&feature=related
For the record it is not uncommon to see women friends dancing together though as there are usually not enough men to go around. At a Fais do do (Fay-doh-doh) which is defined as
1. A French colloquial expression equivalent to “nighty-night”.
2. A traditional French lullaby;
3. A township gathering where the children are put to bed in the nursery while the adults party in the dance hall.
4. A Meeting place for people, music & flavor from around the corner & around the world.
For those in good shape:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87lSxFnmzwk&feature=related
Ya Ya info
The late Boozoo Chavis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3bvnRV-Zek&feature=related Now if I can only find Lynn August to download
The late Beau Jacque performing my all time favorite song of his "Cornbread"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM7EGkHoJkw&feature=related
For those who do not know the difference Zydeco a North African word translated as "snap bean" orgins are African. The grandfather of R&B, Blues & Soul. Zydeco was the music of African enslaved people who while not permitted to play music of Africa at the risk of death,took Cajun music and mixed it with African rhythms
It's Cajun music with soul & rhythm. There is a call & response between instruments.
Cajun music is indigenous to Cajun people who are the descendant from those who migrated here from Nova Scotia, Canada, originally exiled from France for religious beliefs.
The two musical forms are often interchanged many with creolized words from Africa & from France.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Apple and Pork Stir-fry with Ginger
Serves: 4
Serving Size: 2 oz. cooked pork per serving
INGREDIENTS 2 Tbsp. peach jam, preferably fruit sweetened 2 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce 2 Tbsp. water1/2 tsp. cornstarch1-1/2 tsp. dark toasted sesame oil1 Tbsp. finely minced fresh ginger root1/2 pound (8 ounces) pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips1-1/2 tsp. canola oil1 cup chopped red bell pepper 1 cup chopped green bell pepper1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained2 firm apples, such as Fuji or Gala, cut into one-inch pieces1/2 cup scallions, thinly slicedFreshly ground black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS1. In small bowl, combine jam, soy sauce, water and cornstarch. Set aside. 2. In large non-stick skillet, heat sesame oil over medium high heat. Add pork and ginger and stir-fry until pork is browned and just cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. 3. Transfer pork and ginger to bowl with slotted spoon. Add canola oil to skillet. Stir-fry peppers, water chestnuts, and apples until peppers are crisp tender, about 3 minutes. 4. Add pork back to skillet along with scallions. Stir-fry 30 seconds. Add jam mixture. Continue to stir-fry 30 seconds to one minute, or until sauce thickens. Season to taste with black pepper.
NUTRITION INFOCalories: 296.8 Fat: 7.5 g Carbohydrates: 41.2 g Protein: 18.6 g
www.sparkspeople.com
Serving Size: 2 oz. cooked pork per serving
INGREDIENTS 2 Tbsp. peach jam, preferably fruit sweetened 2 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce 2 Tbsp. water1/2 tsp. cornstarch1-1/2 tsp. dark toasted sesame oil1 Tbsp. finely minced fresh ginger root1/2 pound (8 ounces) pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips1-1/2 tsp. canola oil1 cup chopped red bell pepper 1 cup chopped green bell pepper1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained2 firm apples, such as Fuji or Gala, cut into one-inch pieces1/2 cup scallions, thinly slicedFreshly ground black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS1. In small bowl, combine jam, soy sauce, water and cornstarch. Set aside. 2. In large non-stick skillet, heat sesame oil over medium high heat. Add pork and ginger and stir-fry until pork is browned and just cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. 3. Transfer pork and ginger to bowl with slotted spoon. Add canola oil to skillet. Stir-fry peppers, water chestnuts, and apples until peppers are crisp tender, about 3 minutes. 4. Add pork back to skillet along with scallions. Stir-fry 30 seconds. Add jam mixture. Continue to stir-fry 30 seconds to one minute, or until sauce thickens. Season to taste with black pepper.
NUTRITION INFOCalories: 296.8 Fat: 7.5 g Carbohydrates: 41.2 g Protein: 18.6 g
www.sparkspeople.com
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Incredible Edible art
Here's a visual feast for the eyes before dining if you can bring yourself to eat one after seeing it. But watermelon is very very good for you chocked filled with potassium, vitamin C and yes water.
A very highpowered laser beams made the designs. The kaser is the kind that is used for laser surgery. Which is a second marvel on how delicate this instrument is and can assist those with vision problems.
But eat melons and help to save your sight while you are at it!
Now we're Smokin'!
Go and sign up and pass it on www.onebodyonelifetime.com andsign up for the "Fit Matters" newsletter and eat a new delicious healthy conscious recipe every week. Even if you don't cook (much) you will find the recipes not difficult, the resuls delicious and good for your body.
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
1 ½ cups mashed sweet potatoes
6 slices whole-wheat raisin bread, cut into cubes
½ brown sugar, or brown sugar Splenda blend
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
2 ½ cups fat free milk
2 whole eggs, beaten
1 egg white, beaten
Place the bread cubes in a 9” dish that’s been prepared with nonstick spray. Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Microwave butter and milk in a 1-2 quart container on HIGH for 2 minutes or until butter melts. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over. In the microwave or on the stop top spilled milk is still a nuisance. Add approximately half of the egg mixture, rapidly to the milk mixture. You want to add it rapidly so you don’t have scrambles eggs in your milk mixture.
Pour egg and milk mixture over the bread crumbs and stir so it’s combined thoroughly. Microwave on power level 7 for 15- 20 minutes. The center may still be slightly soft and jiggly but it will set up as it cools. If it’s too “jiggly” for you cook for another three minutes on the same setting. Serve warm or chilled and note that microwaves vary and so do their cook times.
-Cherry Meatballs
Did you read the name of the recipe and turn up your nose? Shame on you, tis the season to try something different. If cherries don’t suit your fancy try another fruit as long as it’s an all fruit version. We’ve been talking about substitutions so have at it.
1 ½ lbs lean ground turkey or ground chicken
½ cup rolled oats
1/3 cup minced onions
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg white
½ tsp each garlic powder and ground sage
¼ tsp each salt and black pepper
1 cup all fruit cherry spread
¼ cup Dijon style mustard
Combine ground turkey or chicken, oatmeal, onions, parsley, egg white, garlic powder, sage, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well, using your hands for best results. What also gives great results is to let the turkey or chicken sit out long enough to take the chill off. It won’t spoil and you’ll be more comfortable using your hands to mix. Form mixture into bite size meatballs about 1 inch diameter. If you keep them that size this recipe could yield a little over 3 dozen. Place meatballs on a large baking sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.
Bake at 400 ° for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Remove from oven and transfer to a large sauce pan. They’re going to smell really good, but resist the urge to sample one. In a small saucepan, stir together fruit spread, and mustard. If you like them extra saucy you can double the recipe. Cook over medium high heat for 2-3 min. Stirring often. Pour sauce over meatballs, and give it a good stir. Cover and simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
1 ½ cups mashed sweet potatoes
6 slices whole-wheat raisin bread, cut into cubes
½ brown sugar, or brown sugar Splenda blend
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
2 ½ cups fat free milk
2 whole eggs, beaten
1 egg white, beaten
Place the bread cubes in a 9” dish that’s been prepared with nonstick spray. Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Microwave butter and milk in a 1-2 quart container on HIGH for 2 minutes or until butter melts. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over. In the microwave or on the stop top spilled milk is still a nuisance. Add approximately half of the egg mixture, rapidly to the milk mixture. You want to add it rapidly so you don’t have scrambles eggs in your milk mixture.
Pour egg and milk mixture over the bread crumbs and stir so it’s combined thoroughly. Microwave on power level 7 for 15- 20 minutes. The center may still be slightly soft and jiggly but it will set up as it cools. If it’s too “jiggly” for you cook for another three minutes on the same setting. Serve warm or chilled and note that microwaves vary and so do their cook times.
-Cherry Meatballs
Did you read the name of the recipe and turn up your nose? Shame on you, tis the season to try something different. If cherries don’t suit your fancy try another fruit as long as it’s an all fruit version. We’ve been talking about substitutions so have at it.
1 ½ lbs lean ground turkey or ground chicken
½ cup rolled oats
1/3 cup minced onions
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg white
½ tsp each garlic powder and ground sage
¼ tsp each salt and black pepper
1 cup all fruit cherry spread
¼ cup Dijon style mustard
Combine ground turkey or chicken, oatmeal, onions, parsley, egg white, garlic powder, sage, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well, using your hands for best results. What also gives great results is to let the turkey or chicken sit out long enough to take the chill off. It won’t spoil and you’ll be more comfortable using your hands to mix. Form mixture into bite size meatballs about 1 inch diameter. If you keep them that size this recipe could yield a little over 3 dozen. Place meatballs on a large baking sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.
Bake at 400 ° for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Remove from oven and transfer to a large sauce pan. They’re going to smell really good, but resist the urge to sample one. In a small saucepan, stir together fruit spread, and mustard. If you like them extra saucy you can double the recipe. Cook over medium high heat for 2-3 min. Stirring often. Pour sauce over meatballs, and give it a good stir. Cover and simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Première neige~ 1st Snow
All these were shot in and around the studio in this woods. It was really a pleasure to get out inthe cld crips air and take pictures before the snow was marred with footprints, tire tracks etc...
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