Nourish Santa Cruz Downtown | Yoga | Massage | Nutrition
Nourish — No comments
17
Mar 10

NOURISH’s First Friday Art Tour

NOURISH's First Friday Art our flyer You have probably noticed the recently erected art hanging up around the studio. It is the work of NOURISH member, Hilary Scardino, and is featured as part of NOURISH’s participation in the First Friday Art Tour in Santa Cruz.

For those of you not familiar with the Art Tour, it is a fantastic local event held on the first Friday of each month. Various businesses and organizations in and around downtown Santa Cruz display art by local artists and hold receptions. Locals and visitors are then encouraged to walk around Santa Cruz ,taking in the art and generally having a fun old time.

Here is what some one lovely lady said about the art tour in a local paper recently:

What an amazing experience I had last Friday night in downtown Santa Cruz. I’ve been a critic of downtown in letters to this paper and the iffy element that is effecting a change to the overall ambiance of the downtown we have known and loved. This past Friday, the First Friday Art Tour, transported, elevated Santa Cruz to urban magic, the likes of which one usually only experiences in San Francisco or the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City.

Not wanting to miss out on such a positive and inspiring movement, NOURISH participated in First Friday for the first time on Friday, March 5th. It was huge success with the studio attracting many visitors to appreciate Hilary’s brilliant art and take in the NOURISH ambiance. There was fizzy fruit wine, a delectable platter kindly donated by our friends over at Asana Tea House (they really rock and there food is awesome) and of course, lively liberal discussion.

We would like to thank Hilary for sharing her truly unique work with us. Having received a number of compliments about what her art brings to the studio space, in addition to enjoying supporting and celebrating local artists, NOURISH will certainly be participating in First Friday again.

Unfortunately we will be skipping April – as we will be focusing on the exciting task of celebrating our 1 year anniversary with our friends, family, members and clients on Friday, April 2nd – but we do look forward to bringing in some new art in May and participating in this great event again. We hope to see lots of our members and clients there and if anyone in the NOURISH community is interested in collaborating with us for First Friday then we would love to here from you! Contact us at info@nourishsantacruz.com.

Anthony

Yoga — 1 comment
03
Feb 10

Essential Yoga Practices

For the last several years I have been encouraging students learn and engage some essential yoga practices. These have been around much longer than the last several years. They are the 8 limbs of yoga, ashtanga, that Patanjali codified in the Yoga Sutras.

I have also promised over the past several weeks that I would blog the definitions for a few of these. These definitions are in no way intended to be the end of a conversation, but rather the beginning. It is my intention that students and others will not simply take what I say as gospel, but will dig deeper and come to their own conclusions about the best way to define and practice each of these.

Finally I would like to note that while some of these practices can be construed simply as philosophical concepts or as end points to be acheived, they are intended as processes of exploration and are best engaged actively.

Asana: posture; mindful physical action;
Pranayama: intentional breathing;
Pratyahara: turning the outer senses inward; inner reflection; deepened awareness;
Dharana: concentration; mental focus;
Dhyana: meditation; presence; openess to what is;

More to come next week.

Victor

Nourish / Nutrition / Yoga — No comments
01
Feb 10

The Fuzz

So, I know I tend to get on my soap box a little bit in class sometimes. It’s just that I think yoga is fascinating. It’s been a great gift to be teaching again after taking time off to have the little one. Sometimes I get a little carried away!

Speaking of my soap box, I was going on in class a few days ago about “the fuzz”. “The fuzz” are strands of cobweb-like connective tissue that develop between the muscles and between muscle groups when we fail to move our bodies around in all the magnificent ways it can move. These strands of connective tissue multiply and bind together during long periods of inactivity (like when we sleep).

As time passes the fascia thickens and hardens between those once juicy, smooth and slippery surfaces rendering them less and less able to slide and glide past one another. As the individual muscles lose their ability to move freely and independently of other muscles our movements become less multidimensional and refined. We call this ‘stiff’. If you’ve ever had an injury that left you immobilized in a joint for a number of weeks, you’ve noticed this in your process of rehabilitation. Physical therapists include deep tissue massage in their treatments as ways of recovering this loss of mobility and literally breaking up “the fuzz”. A sedentary life, or physical activities that limit motion to simple gross-motor movements can have the same effect. We notice we’re no longer able to stretch as high for the tennis serve. Turning around in the car to parallel park becomes more difficult.

I first saw the video about “the fuzz” a few years ago in a workshop I took from a dear teacher of mine, Paul Grilley. Paul teaches the most practical (and eye-opening) anatomy lessons I’ve ever had. He transformed the way I think of alignment in yoga (and in everything else too).

I had never actually mentioned the ‘fuzz’ concept in any of my classes before. I’m not sure why. Anyway, that very day…the day I (it felt like not so eloquently) introduced “the fuzz” for the first time in one of my classes, my dear friend Brendan Armm posted “the fuzz” video on Facebook. What are the chances? I snapped it right up, and am happy now to pass it onto you.

The video is by a brilliant Ph.D, Gil Hedley. Anyone interested in anatomy can take his workshops and attend a dissection of a human cadaver. For the less adventurous, you can buy a video of a dissection, and see the real world examples of what is going on inside your body. He’s a fascinating narrator, as you will see below. The unique thing about Dr. Hedley, is that he is very spiritual in his approach to understanding the human physical form; he is personal, respectful, and sensitive in his explorations.

A little warning: The following video includes some very palatable for the average person (in my opinion) video of “the fuzz” in the tissues of a real human cadaver. Enjoy!!

Valerie

Gil Hedley: Fascia and stretching: The Fuzz Speech

Nourish / Nutrition — 1 comment
27
Jan 10

A New Year Means New Food

consultationSo it’s not the most original New year’s resolution… but in 2010 I told myself I would eat healthier. I generally don’t have a terrible diet. Compared to some of my acquaintances, who live on a staple of Burger King and Taco Bell, I am positively zen. However, I do have weaknesses that bring me down. Weaknesses like bread – I could easily eat a loaf a day – and white rice and Miller HighLife (it’s the champagne of beers) and British tea with milk and sugar and, well, anything that tastes remotely sweet and candy-like. It was with these weaknesses in mind, and a desire to improve my diet, that I went to see Jocelyn.

Slightly nervous, although everyone I spoke to who had seen Jocelyn assured me of her patience and brilliance, I sat down and shared what I had eaten for the last 24 hours. After talking to me about my eating preferences and habits, she then began to make some positive suggestions; taking into account my likes and dislikes. Suggestions such as yogurt and nuts with my cereal in the morning to provide me with protein to give me more energy throughout the day, or fish once a week to make sure I get those all important Omega 3′s!

All the changes she brought up sounded very do-able. I can often be picky about foods and stubborn, I’m sure my partner would be glad to testify to that, but Jocelyn’s smile and common sense approach prevented me from ever digging my heals in. She asked about my family history and any medical issues I had and looked for foods that could help me feel good and avoid any future health problems. I really valued this approach as it helped me to try things that perhaps I would ordinarily dismiss as “not for me”… such as hummus! After trying it once a few years ago I hated hummus and decided chickpeas were for hippies. After discussing what it was that I didn’t like about hummus, Jocelyn suggested I try a particular brand and low and behold now I eat hummus on all of my sandwiches… and listen to The Grateful Dead.

At the end of the consultation she handed me a a list of everything we had discussed; complete with a grocery list of where to buy the items. And on the list there were even sweet treats! A week into my new regime I do feel better. There have been lapses, I guess that comes with the territory when your friends like Taco Bell, but on the whole I’m on a march to good health… powered by flax seed, walnuts and spinach. While many who make the resolution to eat better quickly recoil into a familiar groove of carbs and Coors come February, I think I can stick to it. Why? Well, fortunately for me, I work at NOURISH and have access to the all-knowing nutrition queen… Jocelyn Dubin!

Anthony

Nourish / Playlists / Yoga — No comments
18
Jan 10

A National Holiday For A King

martin-luther-king-jr-right

All week I have been creating music mixes for classes to honor the life of Dr. King. Today it culminates with the national holiday in his honor. Most of today’s exerpts come from the March on Washington speech, but some from the march to Birmingham and others from his later years in opposition to war in general and the U.S. participation in war specifically.

Monday 1/18/09
Beginning, 11:30-12:15 and 12:30-1:15
The Pleasure to Present Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Star Spangled Banner (Live) – Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye NBA At 50: A Musical Celebration
Beginning of a Movement Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
Now Is the Time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom Now Tracy Chapman Crossroads
How Long Not Long Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sojourner’s Battle Hymn Sweet Honey In The Rock Still On The Journey
Happy to Join With You Today
America The Beautiful Ray Charles Ray Charles Anthology
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Soul Power James Brown Crooklyn, Vol. 2
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Redemption Song Bob Marley & The Wailers Uprising
My Country Tis of Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
My Country Tis of Thee Mahalia Jackson I Wonder If I Will Ever Rest
Let Freedom Ring Through Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Someday We’ll All Be Free Without Gospel Aretha Franklin Malcolm X Soundtracck
Free At Last Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

5:45-7:00 Beginning
Free At Last Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Star Spangled Banner (Live) – Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye NBA At 50: A Musical Celebration
The Pleasure to Present Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Books & Spoken
Shed A Little LIght James Taylor New Moon Shine Music
Happy to Join With You Today
What’s Going On (Original Unreleased Detroit Mix, April 5, 1971) Marvin Gaye Unreleased: What’s Going On (Deluxe Edition)
Life Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Get Up, Stand Up Bob Marley & The Wailers Songs Of Freedom [Box Set]
Now is the Time to Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom Now Tracy Chapman Crossroads
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Soul Power James Brown Crooklyn, Vol. 2
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Redemption Song Bob Marley & The Wailers Uprising
Even Though We Face The Difficulties Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dreaming On A World Tracy Chapman Matters Of The Heart
With This Faith Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Aretha Franklin I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
My Country Tis of Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
My Country Tis of Thee Mahalia Jackson I Wonder If I Will Ever Rest
Let Freedom Ring Through Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King
Someday We’ll All Be Free Aretha Franklin Malcolm X Soundtrack
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away Stevie Wonder Fulfillingness’ First Finale
Against the War with Love Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
America The Beautiful Ray Charles Ray Charles Anthology
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
All That You Have Is Your Soul Tracy Chapman Crossroads
Mountain Top Prophecy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

All Levels, 7:15-8:45
Free At Last Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Star Spangled Banner (Live) – Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye NBA At 50: A Musical Celebration
The Pleasure to Present Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Books & Spoken
Shed A Little LIght James Taylor New Moon Shine Music
Happy to Join With You Today
What’s Going On (Original Unreleased Detroit Mix, April 5, 1971) Marvin Gaye Unreleased: What’s Going On (Deluxe Edition)
Life Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Get Up, Stand Up Bob Marley & The Wailers Songs Of Freedom [Box Set]
Now is the Time to Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom Now Tracy Chapman Crossroads
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Soul Power James Brown Crooklyn, Vol. 2
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Redemption Song Bob Marley & The Wailers Uprising
Even Though We Face The Difficulties Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dreaming On A World Tracy Chapman Matters Of The Heart
With This Faith Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Aretha Franklin I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
My Country Tis of Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
My Country Tis of Thee Mahalia Jackson I Wonder If I Will Ever Rest
Let Freedom Ring Through Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King
Someday We’ll All Be Free Aretha Franklin Malcolm X Soundtrack
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away Stevie Wonder Fulfillingness’ First Finale
Against the War with Love Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
America The Beautiful Ray Charles Ray Charles Anthology
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
All That You Have Is Your Soul Tracy Chapman Crossroads
King’s Self Eulogy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Michael McDonald This Christmas
Mountain Top Prophecy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I hope this week has been as inspirational for you as for me. Let’s keep moving together toward freedom for all.

Victor

Playlists / Yoga — 1 comment
16
Jan 10

Saturday’s MLK Celebration Playlists

Intermediate 10-11:30:
Love’s In Need Of Love Today Stevie Wonder Songs In The Key Of Life
It Tolls For Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Everybody Got Their Something Nikk Costa
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Time To Love, Stevie Wonder (with India Arie) A Time 2 Love
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Strength, Courage, and Wisdom India Arie Acoustic Soul
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Let Us Love Bill Withers
On the Move Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Move on Up Curtis Mayfield The Very Best of Curtis Mafield
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Anyway , The Black Crowes Band [unreleased LP]
Victory For Justice and Goodwill Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Are The Champions Queen, Queen’s Greatest Hits
I Have A Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Had A Dream Last Night Joss Stone
Free At Last, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free Nina Simone Anthology
Now Is the Time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If Not Now… Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Shall Overcome FreedomSingers
How Long? Not Long. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Eventually Carole King The Carnegie Hall Concert June 18, 1971
Commitment To Non-Violence Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Search Of Freedom
Love’ll Set Me Free Michael Franti, Songs From The Front Porch
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
King’s Self Eulogy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Michael McDonald This Christmas

Beginning 12:00-1:15
Love’s In Need Of Love Today Stevie Wonder Songs In The Key Of Life
It Tolls For Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Let Us Love Bill Withers
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Time To Love, Stevie Wonder (with India Arie) A Time 2 Love
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Move on Up Curtis Mayfield The Very Best of Curtis Mafield
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old Emmylou Harris
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free Nina Simone Anthology
I Have A Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Had A Dream Last Night Joss Stone
Now Is the Time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If Not Now… Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Shall Overcome FreedomSingers
How Long? Not Long. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Eventually Carole King The Carnegie Hall Concert June 18, 1971
Commitment To Non-Violence Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Search Of Freedom
Love’ll Set Me Free Michael Franti, Songs From The Front Porch
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
King’s Self Eulogy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Michael McDonald This Christmas

See you Monday!

Nourish / Playlists / Yoga — No comments
16
Jan 10

King on Thursday 1/14/09

Thursday’s Playlists
12:30-1:15 All Levels:
Shed A Little Light, James Taylor, New Moon Shine
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Let Us Love, Bill Withers, Live At Carnegie Hall
It Tolls For Thee, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Everybody Got Their Something, Nikk Costa
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old, Emmylou Harris
Unearned Suffering, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, Nina Simone, Anthology
I have a dream 1, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Had A Dream Last Night, Joss Stone
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke, Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
King’s Self Eulogy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace, Michael McDonald, This Christmas

5:30-7:00 Intermediate:
Shed A Little Light James Taylor New Moon Shine
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant, Martin Luther King Jr.
Let Us Love Bill Withers Live At Carnegie Hall
It Tolls For Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Everybody Got Their Something Nikk Costa
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
One U2 Achtung Baby
The Weapon of Love Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old Emmylou Harris
On the Move Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Move On Up Curtis Mayfield The Very Best of Curtis Mayfield
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Anyway The Black Crowes Band
Victory For Justice and Goodwill Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Are The Champions Queen Queen’s Greatest Hits
I have a dream 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Had A Dream Last Night, Joss Stone
Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free Nina Simone Anthology
Now Is the Time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If Not Now… Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman
March Ahead Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Shall Overcome FreedomSingers
How Long Not Long Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Eventually Carole King The Carnegie Hall Concert June 18, 1971
Commitment To Non-Violence Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Search Of Freeom
Love’ll Set Me Free Michael Franti Songs From The Front Porcc
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
King’s Self Eulogy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Michael McDonald This Christmas

Nourish / Playlists / Yoga — No comments
13
Jan 10

MLK Birthday Week Wednesday Playlist

As promised here is the playlist I used in classes this morning, Wed. 1/13/10, 11:30-12:15 and 12:30-1:15 Beginning Level classes:

Shed A Little LIght, James Taylor, New Moon Shine
Commitment To Non-Violence, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
Freedom Richie Havens, Resume: The Best of Richie Havens
Victory For Justice and Goodwill, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, Nina Simone, Anthology
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old, Emmylou Harris
Unearned Suffering, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke, Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
Now Is the Time, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom For My People, U2, Rattle And Hum
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Someday We’ll All Be Free, Donny Hathaway, A Donny Hathaway Collection
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
All That You Have Is Your Soul, Tracy Chapman, Crossroads
King’s Self Eulogy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace, Michael McDonald, This Christmas

Nourish / Playlists / Yoga — 2 comments
13
Jan 10

Long Requested Playlists

After many years of putting together playlists for yoga classes and having numerous requests for the list of songs/tracks, I will now begin posting the special playlists on this blog. Most of the songs are readily available for purchase at your neighborhood disc shop, or of course online.

As I said tonight in the intermediate class, single days are not nearly enough to celebrate a birthday. Seems like at least a full week is required to do anyone’s celebration of life justice. This is particularly true as we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this week. His birthday is Friday, January 15th and the national holiday to honor him is Monday, January 18th, but I’ve started celebrating today.

As promised here are the tracks from today’s classes. More tomorrow. Enjoy.

Tuesday, 1/12/09
12:30-1:15 p.m. All Levels
Shed A Little Light, James Taylor, New Moon Shine
Beginning of a Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom, Richie Havens, Resume: The Best of Richie Havens
Victory For Justice and Goodwill, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Anyway, The Black Crowes, Band [unreleased LP]
Commitment To Non-Violence, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, Nina Simone, Anthology
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old, Unknown
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke, Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love’ll Set Me Free, Michael Franti, Songs From The Front Porch
A Preacher Leading His Flock, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
Peace, Michael McDonald, This Christmas
Mountain Top, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

5:30-7:15 p.m. Intermediate
Shed A Little Light, James Taylor, New Moon Shine
Beginning of a Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
Peace Anyway, The Black Crowes, Band [unreleased LP]
Victory For Justice and Goodwill, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom Richie Havens, Resume: The Best of Richie Havens,
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love’s In Need Of Love Today, Stevie Wonder, Songs In The Key Of Life
Commitment To Non-Violence, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
Let Us Love, Bill Withers, Live At Carnegie Hall
Police Brutality Will Backfire, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
Bomb The World, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Everyone Deserves Music
Now Is the Time, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Forgive Them Father, Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
Unearned Suffering, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, Nina Simone, Anthology
On the Move, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke, Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
How Long Not Long, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Someday We’ll All Be Free, Donny Hathaway, A Donny Hathaway Collection
March Ahead, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old, Unknown
I have a dream 1, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Star Spangled Banner (Live) – Marvin Gaye
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom For My People, U2, Rattle And Hum
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
All That You Have Is Your Soul, Tracy Chapman, Crossroads
Peace On Earth, U2, All That You Can’t Leave Behind
A Preacher Leading His Flock, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
Love’ll Set Me Free, Michael Franti, Songs From The Front Porch
Peace, Michael McDonald, This Christmas
Mountain Top, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

(Sources of King Speeches: In Search of Freedom; The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.; A Knock At Midnight)

Nourish — No comments
10
Dec 09

We Just Call It Christmas

In England we don’t call it the “Holidays”… we call it Christmas. Depending on your stand point you could say this is a classic example of British traditionalism … or a lack of cultural sensitivity. Either way, it is something that has stuck out for me as the festive season picks up speed. You see, prior to moving here my understanding of the American Christmas was derived from movies like “Christmas Vacation” or “Home Alone” and television. On the flat screen the American Christmas did not seem so different to the English one. How wrong I was…

Having observed the different traditions and nuances of both countires I have to say in my humble opinion there are both positives and negatives. I like what America brings to the food and beverages department… Egg nog, Gingerbread Houses and Spiced Pumpkin Lattes. Delicious. I think it is also fair to say that you do not do decorations by half over here. Stores and homes go all out and it looks great!

That being said, I think there are is one area where you could learn from your cousins across the pond… Christmas music.

Now don’t get me wrong, Bing Crosby, Jingle Bell Rock and something about Grandma getting run over by a reindeer… they all put me in the festive mood. However, listening to the “holiday station” in the car, I have encountered for too many truly terrible songs. I don’t know the names of half of them, but there’s a Faith Hill Christmas song that almost brought me to tears… and not in a good way. I’ve heard countless versions of the drummer boy, although I’ve yet to make it through the whole song, and in between these horrendous tunes I’m forced to listen to the cheesiest DJ’s to grace a microphone.

Now, it wouldn’t be right of me to just bash your music without at least providing a British alternative so I give you The Pogues and Kirsty McCall – FairyTale of New York

Merry Christmas!

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →

130 Walnut Avenue | Santa Cruz, CA 95060 | info@nourishsantacruz.com | (831) 429-9355