An apsara is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Apsaras are a common motif on temples and other buildings throughout Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Often translated as nymph or muse, the depiction of apsaras differ in each culture. Dancing apsara in bas-relief decorate the walls of Angkor Wat, the largest temple (AD 1116–1150) in Angkor Archaeological Park, and the largest religious monument in the world .
This week Hugh’s challenge is to present a song that we like to work out to or that would make a good workout song. Back in the day when I was still going to the gym, I used this song by Anastacia as a warm-up on the treadmill. The beat starts slow but the tempo picks up and gets the feet moving. I love Anastacia. Even though she’s from the United States, many Americans aren’t familiar with her. Her greatest success has come in Europe and Australia. I discovered her in the early 2000’s when listening to Italian radio over the Internet. I hadn’t seen this video before, and it is a bit strange. But it’s the music that counts. From her second album, Freak of Nature, “One Day in Your Life” was released in 2002. It reached number eleven in the UK and the top ten in many European countries.
And if you can’t get enough Anastacia, add “Left Outside Alone” to your treadmill playlist. Released in 2004 from her self-titled album, it topped the charts across Europe and Australia. It remained at number one on the European Billboard singles chart for 15 weeks.
Send in the Clowns, a street performer in Barcelona, Spain
Both Sides Now
Joni Mitchell
Bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere, I’ve looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun they rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way
I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It’s cloud’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels the dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real, I’ve looked at love that way
But now it’s just another show, you leave ’em laughin’ when you go
And if you care don’t let them know, don’t give yourself away
I’ve looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It’s love’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud, to say, “I love you” right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I’ve looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange they shake their heads, they say
I’ve changed
But something’s lost but something’s gained in living every day
I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all
