Random oddness; odd randomness

[pallas_athena]

Cool random things noticed recently:

A construction worker singing the High Noon theme on the job.

A guy next to me on the Tube reading a trade paperback of Straczynski's run on Thor. Before I got off, I broke the customary Tube silence and told him I liked that run too (though Simonson's really my favourite.) As I stepped off the train I noticed him smiling to himself.

Last night on my way to a concert, the lower deck of the bus was empty, so I started quietly doing a bit of warming up. Since I was about to sing French arias, I warmed up with a simple French song, Belle qui tiens ma vie. After I'd finished, the bus driver called out "You sing beautifully!" "Thanks!" I said, after a surprised pause.

After the concert, I got on the bus back to the station, and it was the same driver. He said "Oh, it's you! With the voice!" When we got to my stop, I gave him the rest of the chocolate eggs I'd brought to share backstage.

I don't know why I'm so ridiculously grateful when someone catches me singing in public and doesn't mock me. London is an abrasive city, and I think acts of kindness are more to be celebrated here than elsewhere.

Oh, and:

Current book: Heat of Fusion, a collection of stories and poems by the late, great John M. Ford. I love his writing. He's also the author of my favourite alternate-history novel, The Dragon Waiting, which I can't recommend highly enough. Seriously, even though it has the word "dragon" in the title, it's absolutely worth reading.

Most loved book: Does the Complete Works of Shakespeare count as one book? The Alexander text, for preference. I spit upon editions that don't preserve the distinction between -'d and -ed endings, and I void my bowels in the general direction of the Oxford edition.

Last book I received as a gift: a collection of sonnets celebrating the Thames, given as a freebie by the Globe Theatre bookshop.

Last book I gave as a gift: an old Punch and Judy script

Closest book: Arias for Mezzo-Soprano, G. Schirmer edition.

Comments

[fairie-ring.livejournal.com]

You should randomly burst into song more often, they loved it in Kensington Palace, it makes the world a more magical place for the rest of us.

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

Kensington Palace!! That was a fun day out. Hope you've been well?

[fairie-ring.livejournal.com]

Not bad at all, learning to nurse is awesome! Also might be coming down to London more often soon, my dad's having to buy a flat down there, so I shall be available to harass you!

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

Marvellous! Do come soon.

[laughingmagpie.livejournal.com]

That's so lovely to have your beautiful voice appreciated :-)

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

*blush* Thanks! It did feel kind of fortunate (it was the kind of evening where if someone had yelled insults I'd have felt it unduly.)

[library-keeper.livejournal.com]

Everyone suddenly burst out singing;
And I was filled with such delight
As prisoned birds must find in freedom,
Winging wildly across the white
Orchards and dark-green fields; on--on--and out of sight.

London can be a gloomy city sometimes, and more people singing can only be a good thing. I've only once heard you spontaneously burst into song, but I felt very privileged to be there; it certainly filled me with delight, as the poet says.

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

I hope your music and your choir are doing well!

[captrenault.livejournal.com]

*two thumbs up*

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

*courtly bow*

[larissa-00.livejournal.com]

I've just looked up 'The Dragon Waiting' on Wiki, and it's going on my books-to-look-out-for list.

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

I'll be eager to hear what you think of it!