My Free Spirit by Sandra Hammel

My Free Spirit
If you want listen to my song.
Written and performed by Sandra Hammel
Written July 7, 2010 on Roland FP-4 keyboard, Strings 4
I can't decide what title to give this. Originally, I named it My Free Spirit. Other titles, I have considered are
Sacred Space
Come Inside
Inner Sanctuary
Where I'm Free
Safe Place

LET MY SPIRIT SING

Every time I am going to sing and play piano in public, I go through this "dialogue" with myself. I don't know why I do it so relaxed at home with my spirit doing the singing, not so much my voice....the voice is the vehicle, but the spirit does the "driving". So tomorrow I am singing. I would like just once - to get this right - to sing and be able to relax into the music's soul. Serve the sound.

For inspiration
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Uploaded by PinkVEVO

"Glitter In The Air"

Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?
Closed your eyes and trusted, just trusted?
Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?
Have you ever looked fear in the face and said, "I just don't care"?

It's only half past the point of no return
The tip of the iceberg
The sun before the burn
The thunder before the lightning
The breath before the phrase
Have you ever felt this way?

Have you ever hated yourself for staring at the phone?
You're whole life waiting on the ring to prove you're not alone
Have you ever been touched so gently you had to cry?
Have you ever invited a stranger to come inside?

It's only half past the point of oblivion
The hourglass on the table
The walk before the run
The breath before the kiss
And the fear before the flames
Have you ever felt this way?

La La La La La La La La

There you are, sitting in the garden
Clutching my coffee,
Calling me sugar
You called me sugar

Have you ever wished for an endless night?
Lassoed the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight?
Have you ever held your breath and asked yourself will it ever get better than tonight?
Tonight

TRUE CONNECTION NEVER DIES OR IS ROUTINE - I FEEL IT WITH HEATH AND MY DAD

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A Force of Nature from Mariago

At the heathledgerplanet.com forum there is a thread to freely talk about anything really and here is a shortened comment from one of the posters:

I sometimes wonder what I would have said to Heath had I met him...

I'd like to think it would be like that with Heath and I. Just shooting the breeze. I keep thinking what I'd say to him. I think I would have asked him ..

Then I would have wanted to know...
I'd talk about his ... but I'd think of something to ask him that wasn't typically...

I think of Heath as a friend now, but it would have been awesome to know him in person too.

And my response:

I like this. How you imagine how it would be - being with Heath and just being yourself. Sort of your own Heath Imaginarium - going past those sheets of a curtain - beyond the threshold of real to the "other real" on the other side of the tangible, now that, that is what we are left with. Heath being away from his body.

I seem to easily pass the threshold of being too concerned of appearing "off the deep end".... you know, a little different, a little atypical....on and on. So let me venture out there... I talked to Heath the last couple of days because I needed some grounding and some courage to do something that frightens me and at the same time creative. I also talked to my dad. They are both in that same universe of the spiritual world without their bodies. I go to light a candle for each of them and talk to them there "as if" ...like you imagine in your thoughts Linda. As I write this, my heart beats with more depth, more intensity, more realness. It is comforting, grounding and feels so right to love someone in a spiritual way and for that - those who have graced the planet earth for awhile and left indelible impressions on our souls will forever be . I tend to believe we don't die, but move in and out of the physical. It is just hard on us when we get attached to someone who touches our souls...how to explain what I feel....I want them here. Where I am. It just makes the world a healthier, more comforting place to have them here, with a beating heart. But it still helps me to talk to them...and maybe they like that I talk to them.

Sandra

I found this picture of Heath and thought it fits

At the heathledgerplanet.com forum there is a thread of Heath quotes started by Dynasty of Dublin, Ireland

Here are some of Heath's quotes:

I guess I’d like to think I’m indescribable. Particularly to myself. I don’t ever really want to settle on one way…um I guess I would describe myself as just, you know, like everyone else. I like to think that everyone really…we’re all built, cut from the same cloth. And I do feel connected to life. Torgen interview '06-

I always like to try and bare my soul a little bit.

Miscellaneous Brokeback Mountain quotes:

I always like to try and bare my soul a little bit.. I think it’s umm.. it’s therapeutic. (laughter)

We had to choreograph, it was definitely like walking on the moon for the first time. But it wasn't... the butt of a mule: I was kissing a human being with a soul. And part of the magic of acting is, you harness the infinite power of belief.

I hope it sticks to them. I hope it gets them thinking. I hope it presents more questions than answers.

I don't really like conventional love stories. Can you tell?

I still find it personally disappointing that people kind of go out of their way to voice their disgust or their opinions against the ways in which two people choose to love one another. I think that's really unfortunate.

UNLIKE MY CHARACTER, I'M A HUGE FAN OF LOVE, AND I'M IN LOVE WITH LOVE. AND I'VE INVESTIGATED LOVE. AND, UM, YOU KNOW, I'M VERY EXPRESSIVE. SO I KNOW HOW TO FEEL LOVE. WHETHER IT'S LOVE THAT'S TRAPPED. I KNOW HOW TO KISS SOMEONE. I KNOW HOW TO MAKE LOVE TO SOMEONE. YOU JUST KIND OF DO THE SAME THING BUT IT'S WITH A DIFFERENT PERSON. IT'S WITH A MAN.

Other miscellaneous quotes

I don't have a technique. I've never been a believer in having one set technique on how to act. There are no rules and there is no rulebook. At the end of the day, it all comes down to my instincts. That's the one thing that guides me through every decision professionally. Socially, also. That's my technique. Yeah, you read through the script 100 times. I guess I have little characteristics about myself. Sometimes, most often than not, once we start shooting I won't look at the script at all until we finished shooting. It's kind of like it's been imprinted in my head during rehearsals. You just let it go.

On his brat behavior: I can admit it's a little out of line to pull the finger out and I'm trying not to do that any more. I'm trying to bite my finger these days.

On being nominated for an Oscar for BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN: "It's funny when you have a beautiful new child and your life takes on such a different meaning. Those sort of things don't matter so much.

I love the vibrant cities and the enthusiasm Americans have.....for America. I like to hang out in Manhattan where it's an easy walk to great theatre, cinema, or a Starbuck's Coffee House. I could easily make this my base.

I don't celebrate love and friendship by giving stuff to people. That's why I don't believe in marriage. I don't believe you should have to prove your love by giving someone a gold ring with a diamond on it.

I'm still a six-year-old kid and I always will be.

I was ok with it (My Parents being divorced), because it made me realize that my parents were human.

Maybe I'm not too typical, or maybe I'm just a daft. I don’t know- I tend to analyze things a lot. I think too much.

It's weird, you know? You don’t wake up every morning and think 'Okay, I'm hot.' That doesn’t concern me.

I didn’t want to do more teen flicks because its so easy to get trapped there. I think Australians have this independent streak. I want to always have the control to say no when I don’t think something is right for me. I want to be able to walk away.

On how he found his second home on stage as a kid: "I just loved it and kept doing it. I blinked and I was getting paid. Doors kept opening and I kept walking through them.

No amount of money changes what I do between 'action' and 'cut.'

I'm a home bug. When I get home from a shoot, the number one thing I want to do is sit in the house, do my laundry, do dishes, cook -- do all that [stuff] that you just usually don't do.

I'm shy. People get confused. They think, as an actor you can get up and be confident on the screen. ‘Why aren't you like this in normal life? Why can't you act in your social life?' Because I can't!

I always have bed head. I don't do anything with my hair. I don't know what to do with it.

Honesty always gets my attention. Not particularly someone who is honest to me, but someone who is honest with themselves. That is a quality I really enjoy, admire and love.

On being romantic: "I love sitting around holding hands. Just spending time with someone, doing nothing, can be romantic.

When anything is blocking my head or there's worry in my life, I just go sit on Mars or something and look back here at Earth. All you can see is this tiny speck. You don't see the fear. You don't see the pain. You don't see thought. It's just one solid speck. Then nothing really matters. It just doesn't.

All of this is so insignificant. In the grand scale of things, there have been so many before who have been in this position. I'm just another one. Life is so short. It's like we're already gone, really, in retrospect.

It's like anything in life, visualizing the old man you're going to become: As long as you have a clear picture of that — the life you want to lead — eventually you'll probably get there.

Offered by Kerenb on the thread - Heath's acceptance speech at the Santa Barbara film festival:

I guess I'd like to take the shine away from myself for a minute and acknowledge the directors who have helped and continue to help me understand what it means to be an actor: Gregor Jordan, Brian Helgeland, Shekhar Kapur, Terry Gilliam, Catherine Hardwicke, Ang Lee, Lasse Hallstrom and Neil Armfield. I trully feel that frankly I should be honoring them tonight. I'm greatful that these directors have given me the opportunity to discover that to be an actor has nothing to do with the way you live your life and the choices you make while living, but rather the way you live and the choices you make in between "action" and "cut". And these directors gave me the opportunity to be bad, to make mistakes, and to study and learn from my mistakes. Fortunately or unfortunately I was never exposed to the safe environment of an acting school and a black pair of pyjamas, and I didn't have a black room to experiment in, to privately dance within. My dance is on film. And these directors trusted me and offered me their film set and their friendship as the safe environment for me to study and make discoveries on. So I apologize for the bad discoveries made along the way, but I do stand by the theory that in order to evolve and further yourself as an actor, you have to be fearless enough to allow yourself room for error. Sometimes you must scream out loud in order to discover a whisper. So I thank all these beautiful minds and the wonderful crews around them over the past years for putting up with my screams, and I thank everyone for their patience in waiting for me to find the whisper within the words. And here's to making more mistakes.

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Candy - Tribute to Heath
By mimccd of Portugal

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Thank You
By mimccd of Portugal
Obrigado! Thank you, Carla

Click the post's title for a special tribute to Heath from Johanna - jopicca

My favorite interview with Heath took place December 3, 2007
It's the radio interview Beyond the Subtitles with Stephen Schaefer. Below, I put the links to all three parts of the interview uploaded by http://www.youtube.com/user/springrose147

I posted my transcriptions at my blog post:
poetry-by-sandra-hammel-beauty-can-be...

Beyond the Subtitles - PART 1
Beyond the Subtitles - PART 2
Beyond the Subtitles - PART 3

SOME OF MY OWN FAVORITE POSTS - MEANING MY OWN POSTS:

Choosing-to-live-vulnerable

Raw Places Where I feel the most- Where I live most of the time
My-internal-world-of-grace

My dad died May 10, 2007. I wrote about the day
Though My Dad Died He Lives On
More about my dad
I Sang for My Father Precious Memories
Because of My Dad Know I Have Known What Love Feels Like
Death-does-not-end-relationship

DESTINY UNFOLDS WHEN A HEART EMBRACES IT

Sunset at Sachuest September 2009
Middletown, Rhode Island

meditate

Photo credit: Sandra Hammel

I love to write in my journals. I only have 3 blank pages left, so journal number 21 is about to begin. I write a lot to gain clarity, process personal pain, write about social injustice, the needs of children. And my son. Many books from past years are full of relationships that now as I read those pages, I realize I tried too hard to make something work that wasn't destined to work.

Today I wrote to my son in my journal...

September 20, 2009

1:45 p.m.

A stray sentence once in a while in the times we have been together over the years, I have heard you say or merely mention your saxophone, your clarinet, heard you recently read your own poetry that you obviously felt drawn to do –

Please bear with me so I can say to you – it seems to me to be apparent that your playing music, your writing, is a way for you to feel more yourself, lets you feel your soul in a way that is uniquely you.

Be aware of this specialness. Always be aware, the gift of doing these things, where art can be a “home” for your spirit, your heart, your soul. Don’t let the busyness of life cheat you out of being in your art, whatever it is – music, writing, drawing, creating. “Being” in these art moments will bring you more joy, peace, depth of feeling than the business of life can ever mimic.

You are your destiny. The universe is unfolding you and for you. Be mindful of it. It will be a source of joy, contentment, sustenance and freedom from anxiety.

Always be listening for the destiny’s voices. The destiny happens when we let it.

In a way, it is our job to be happy, to be kind. All else is a form of waiting for these moments.

End of Journal entry

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The Four Feathers - DVD Special Feature segment 4 - 8:15

At 4:13 " Eastern philosophies fundamentally say that ... human beings are stronger if they embrace their destinies. They believe that destiny is given. And therefore, your strength, your honor, your dignity, your purpose in life lies in your embracing your destiny." Shekhar Kapur, Director of The Four Feathers

Uploaded by springrose147

I encourage my son to follow his dreams. I hope that he will.

I haven't always followed mine front and center. But I have always been nearby the dreams. Never completely off the track. I have followed my heart, confused as it has been, at times. I have been honest with myself.

Recently, I had a "SoulProfile" done. A Soul Profile lists lifetimes lived before, where my soul originated and other places I have visited and the gifts that I have gained from those places. Whether others believe in such things, is a personal thing, like other beliefs. When I was in my early twenties and taking a required course in philosophy at an extremely conservative fundamentalist Christian college, it came to me that believing is a personal thing, in that, where we choose to draw the line of what to live by is arbitrary for the most part. As someone who was raised to be a fundamental Christian, including the dos and don'ts of my parents' beliefs - I was searching for my own principles of what to live my life by.

I threw out the don'ts of don't: dance, wear make-up of any kind, go to movies, wear jewelry, conservative everything... and the limitations of what a female should and shouldn't do. The don'ts of what is acceptable got a major overhaul by me. In my family, I am the odd one out. I am okay with that because I have no other choice. I have followed my destiny. I am at "home" with my music, my writing, my creating. I am most alive at times that I am in touch with my rawest and deepest parts of my spirit. It is a time of communion with my destiny, my universe.

We are breathing energy and the fact that the universe is like a big complex energy field, makes it acceptable for me - to believe we are part of the universe of energy. And just because we are life forms as human beings, that doesn't mean that there aren't other life forms that manifest differently from our physical forms.

The centering thought for me

I think the most important thing is to be kind. Kind to ourselves and kind to others. Kindness is always welcome.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

I have found pretentious people repelling. Always.

People who are closest to being themselves are the ones I want to be in the presence of.

I like this story...

"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

"I suppose you are real?" said the Rabbit. And then he wished he had not said it, for he thought the Skin Horse might be sensitive. But the Skin Horse only smiled.

"The Boy's Uncle made me Real," he said. "That was a great many years ago; but once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always."

Excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Read the full story: http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/williams/rabbit/rabbit.html

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The Four Feathers is probably my favorite movie with Heath Ledger. And that is saying a lot. Although he lived a short life, he played his roles with such realness. Such authenticity. He let the characters come through him as he was their vessel. This movie's story has such depth. It is about destiny and finding yourself with the willingness to do what it takes to do so.

I highly recommend The Four Feathers and watching its special features. Below are some of the special features uploaded by springrose147.

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The Four Feathers - DVD Special Feature segment 1 - 7:50

Uploaded by springrose147

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The Four Feathers - DVD Special Feature segment 2 - 8:03

Uploaded by springrose147

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The Four Feathers - DVD Special Feature segment 3- 7:58

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Embracing more than western religion

Click on post title to go to Joseph Campbell talking with Bill Moyers talking of Faith and Religion - Perspectives. Included there, is text as well as audio.

RAW PLACES - WHERE I FEEL THE MOST - WHERE I LIVE MOST OF THE TIME

Every once in awhile I listen and watch this video.
It never fails to bring some balance to the present moment.

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Be As You Are - Frederick Perls
Uploaded by davidtheharper

An excerpt from my current journal:

August 15, 2009
1:46 p.m.

RAW PLACES

I'm one of those
who goes to the raw places,
To no destination on someone else's map,
But a place where I feel the most.
I feel the most me.
Nearer to a time-free place,
It's not a place you can see with your eyes,
Yet my eyes show when I'm there.
But only to those who can read eyes.

Raw places, where the hurt is always fresh,
pain is ageless.
Raw places where the moments of wholeness
are as alive as the moment it showed up.

Raw places where being real is not only okay,
but welcome.

You can't come to the raw places,
if you don't show up real.

I only want to be with those
who come to their raw place.

Otherwise, you might as well be dead,
You're just living dead anyway.

Why live dead
when you can live alive?

You can show up whole there and not fear rejection.

You can bring everything and feel free to open it up.
You can feel,
hold it,
be comforted with it.
You can let it unfold,
you can let it envelop you.
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The raw place is the altar of your soul.
It's where I go
when I need to feel alive.
It's where I live most of the time.
It's where I want to be
because it's where I feel real.

It's where the universe integrates with my spirit,
my soul.
It's where I find refuge in myself.

All those who try so hard
to never go to their raw place,
live with a soul that's always hungry,
starving 'til mortal death moves them through.

Those who want to go there
but don't know the way,
find people like me
and get their soul nourished
by living off my willingness to live raw.

I am pulled toward other souls
who want to be fearless,
who are willing to open up to all that is.

Sandra Hammel

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"Just You and I"

Sung by Melissa Manchester

Lyrics

When your heroes go up in a puff,
There's not enough to hang on to
And the ones you would count on to call
They all fall down all around you

Then you've got to believe there's more
It is the reason, we're put here for
There's just you and I

When the legends over

And we have just begun

We can look to each other

To see us through

Just you and I

When a miracle's long overdue
And there's no one who's gonna come to guide you
So you keep looking up to the sky - wondering why
The clouds won't hide you

At the times when you're most afraid
That is the reason why dreams are made
There’s just you and I

When legends all over

And we have just begun

We can look to each other

To see us through

Just you and I.

At the times when you’re most afraid

That is the reason dreams are made

There’s just you and I

When the legends over

And we have just begun
We can look to each other

To see us through

Just you and I

Just you and I

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"Friend, don't be a perfectionist. Perfectionism is a curse and a strain. For you tremble lest you miss the bulls-eye. You are perfect if you let be. Friend don't be afraid of mistakes. Mistakes are not sins. Mistakes are ways of doing something different, perhaps creatively new. Friend don't be sorry for your mistakes. be glad for them. You had the courage to give something of yourself. It takes years to be centered; it takes more years to understand and be now."
Frederick Perls

Youtube video above, inserted in Raw Places is uploaded by ilovemylifesblog
I wanted to put a portion of the video below in it, but my MAC and imovie wasn't cooperating. So this is the best I could do. I also wanted to put Heath Ledger in it, but it just didn't work out with the length of the song, as well as not blending well with the other two actors that I did use. Well, he would have blended for my way of thinking, but others probably would have been confused.

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Mrs. Carrie Watts gets to finally go back home for a visit.
"The Trip to Bountiful"
Part 9 of 11 Geraldine Page Oscar Performance
Uploaded by tlcarpenter

If you click on this post's title
it will take you to my youtube
of my favorite scene in "The Trip to Bountiful"

Each of us really just wants to be "home". "Home" can mean many things. This is dedicated to my dad - who just wanted to live at home in his last year and a half of life, but he didn't.

I'll love you to the end, Dad.

ACTOR HEATH LEDGER WAS ABOVE THE REST HERE ON EARTH

I AM IN AWE OF THE DARING AND SEEMINGLY FEARLESS EMOTIONAL VESSEL THAT HEATH ALLOWED HIMSELF TO BE in the choice of the diversity of the roles he chose to play.

I love Heath Ledger in The Four Feathers. A movie that apparently is accepted as a failure to many. How that can be is beyond any understanding I can summon. It is one of my favorite movies. I recommend it to everyone I know.

I have seen the collection of movies and TV roles that Heath Ledger has played, introduced to the library of his work on Youtube. Candy wasn't a movie I wanted to see because it was about drug addiction...a sad subject. But, then things changed...

Heath and his co-star Abbie Cornish are exceptional in Candy. Heath received his Oscar posthumously for The Dark Knight, but I feel both The Four Feathers and Candy show Heath's acting ability that certainly deserved an Oscar as Harry and Dan in these two roles. Oscar performances all. Simply above all the rest - Heath - in these two other movies with Heath. And I just saw Monsters Ball because of what I heard Daniel Day-Lewis said of Heath (a small role, timewise) in Monsters Ball on Youtube. And the movie that the general public does know - Brokeback Mountain - Heath got attention for his role of Ennis Del Mar. Deservedly so, but not so welcome by Heath. Another Oscar performance of Heath's.

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Candy ~ Tribute to Heath Ledger
Uploaded by the gifted jopicca

This video by a Heath beloved fan - jopicca - is wonderful. Just exceptional. I love the overlapping of the videos as she did within this Youtube.

Candy is a 2005 Australian romantic drama film, adapted from Luke Davies' novel entitled Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction. Candy was directed by debut film-maker Neil Armfield and stars Heath Ledger, Abbie Cornish and Geoffrey Rush.

The song Song to the Siren that is used first in this tribute stood out to me the most from Candy. All music used is from the movie.

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Because of Simheona's tribute to Candy and Heath, I knew I had to see Candy and I just saw it Sunday. I continue to learn of Heath's work late.

Music: A Brave New World by The Verve and Richard Ashcroft.

I love this song with this Candy tribute. It is a great companion to the story.

Lyrics

Brave New World

Into the brave new world
I hope I see you on the other side
Of this changing world

Baby when my ship pulls in
I try to believe in anyone
Look at the state I'm in.

But for now I'm just sitting at the table
Hearing songs
Wishing I was able, stable
nah nah nah nah nah nah
I hope I see you on the other side

Brother don't try to find
Don't try to believe in anyone
For I would change your mind

Baby when my ship pulls in
I try to believe in anyone
Look at the state I'm in, I'm fine

But for now I'm just sitting at the table
Hearing songs
Wishing I was able, stable
nah nah nah nah nah nah
I hope I see you on the other side

But for now I'm just sitting at the table
Hearing songs
Wishing I was able, stable
Brave new world
nah nah nah nah nah nah
I hope I see you on the other side

Amazon - Candy DVD:
http://www.amazon.com/Candy-Abbie-Cornish/dp/B000LAZDPG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1249950185&sr=8-1

Heath touched and continues to touch - many all over the world. I have only recently learned of Heath's work. And that was by accident, as I bought earlier this year - A Knights Tale - because Rufus Sewell was in it, then I fell in love with Heath's work. I have been quickly catching up with all of the movies available in the USA. First I see them by checking them out from the library. I have bought several so far. The diversity of roles he chose to play is overwhelming and stunning.

Have you seen Heath's latest work with The Masses? ...An animation against illegal whale hunting directed by Heath and finished by those who love him.
The video at We Are The Masses
http://www.wearethemasses.com/videos/modest-mouse-king-rat
Written tribute at We Are The Masses
http://www.wearethemasses.com/

I paid no attention to Heath Ledger or his movies out of ignorance, when he was alive. So it is quite remarkable that I am having such a difficult time having him gone. Something so genuine about him, about his emotions, his vulnerability and strength within his roles that he puts in his face, his eyes, movements, timing, delivery of words.

I think Heath must know from wherever he is that the connection so many of us feel with his soul and spirit is strong and genuine.

Song to the Siren

Lyrics

Performed by Paula Arundell and Paul Charlier

On the floating, shapeless oceans
I did all my best to smile
til your singing eyes and fingers
drew me loving into your eyes.

And you sang "Sail to me, sail to me;
Let me enfold you."

Here I am, here I am waiting to hold you.
Did I dream you dreamed about me?
Were you here when I was full sail?

Now my foolish boat is leaning, broken love lost on your rocks.
For you sang, "Touch me not, touch me not, come back tomorrow."
Oh my heart, oh my heart shies from the sorrow.
I'm as puzzled as a newborn child.
I'm as riddled as the tide.
Should I stand amid the breakers?
Or shall I lie with death my bride?

Hear me sing: "Swim to me, swim to me, let me enfold you."
"Here I am. Here I am, waiting to hold you."

I downloaded this song for free
http://www.airmp3.net/download/paula_arundell_song_to_the_siren/mp3/dla4_c5976_0

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The song of the Sirens by Homer

Source: http://deoxy.org/alephnull/sirens.htm

In the Odyssey, the Sirens sing a song so irresistible that none can hear it and escape. Circe warns Odysseus of the danger and tells him how to avoid it. He must plug up his mens' ears with beeswax, and have himself tied to the mast, if he wishes to hear it:

Square in your ship's path are Sirens, crying
beauty to bewitch men coasting by;
woe to the innocent who hears that sound!
He will not see his lady nor his children
in joy, crowding about him, home from sea;
the Sirens will sing his mind away
on their sweet meadow lolling. There are bones
of dead men rotting in a pile beside them
and flayed skins shrivel around the spot.
Steer wide;
keep well to seaward; plug your oarsmen's ears
with beeswax kneaded soft; none of the rest
should hear that song.
But if you wish to listen,
let the men tie you in the lugger, hand
and foot, back to the mast, lashed to the mast,
so you may hear those harpies' thrilling voices;
shout as you will, begging to be untied,
your crew must only twist more line around you
and keep their stroke up, till the singers fade. (Book 12, 41-58)

TENNIS SPANISH HEROES MADE IT THEIR DAVIS CUP 2008

Verdasco Seals Spanish Davis Cup Victory After Nervy 5-Set Win

by Sean Randall

Source: www.tennis-x.com

No Rafael Nadal. No problem for Spain who still captured the Davis Cup title over home favorite Argentina without the services of their World No. 1. Spanish lefty Fernando Versdasco sealed the victory today after rallying to beat Jose Acasuso 6-3, 6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the Davis Cup final played in Mar Del Plata, Argentina.

Verdasco was penciled in for the subpar David Ferrer while Acasuso replaced the injured Juan Martin Del Potro. And with the score 2-1 in Spain’s favor and David Nalbandian and Feliciano Lopez scheduled for the fifth rubber, it really was a winner take all kind of match (I think Nalbandian would have won that fifth) and the nerves and pressure showed.

In the biggest career match for either player, both Verdasco and Acasuso were understandably tight, tense and nervy. At times it was even tough to watch on TV (I can’t imagine the tension in the arena!). Witnessing a match like that really makes you appreciate the greats like Roger Federer and Nadal who keep together so easily under the most extreme pressures.

With Acasuso up 2-1 in sets, it looked like Argentina was going to get it to Nalbandian, but Jose all but caved in. By the fifth set Acasuso looked like a guy who didn’t want to even be out there. That’s too bad.

Full credit to Verdasco, though. He’s gotten his fair share of ribbing from many folks – myself included - for being an underachiever, but despite some early choking and double digits double faults, he came up huge today and yesterday in the doubles with buddy Feliciano Lopez.

And Spanish coach Emilio Sanchez deserves a nod for passing on Ferrer in favor of Verdasco, who really had never proven himself in a big pressure match situation. Great move by Sanchez.

As for Argentina, they absolutely had to have this title but the moment and maybe some bad luck got to them in the end.

Their rising star Del Potro gets injured in a singles loss to Lopez on Friday. That’s bad luck. But you could make the case it evens out with Spain’s Nadal loss. And without Nadal it was almost a catch-22 for Argentina having to play Lopez and Verdsaco on a fast hard court surface. Had it been known well in advanced that Spain would be without Nadal, Argentina would have surely chosen clay.

For me though the tie really swung in the Saturday doubles. After splitting the first two sets, Spain led 5-1 in the third but before jumping on the choke button allowing Argentina to roar back and force a tiebreak

But just when momentum seemed to have firmly shifted to the home nation, Argentina collapsed. Serving up 5-1 in the breaker a Spanish fan yelled out in mid-toss leading to a Nalbandian double fault. And that did it. Argentina was unable to win another point in that breaker subsequently falling 2-1 in sets. Argentina ultimately lost the match setting up today’s must-win fourth rubber. But that’s just part of the allure of Davis Cup.

Back to today, you have to really feel for Acasuso, who suffered his second 5-set defeat in a clinching rubber of a Davis Cup final, and the Nalbandian who I’m sure wanted this one badly.

Again, though, congrats to Spain. Without Nadal, playing in a hostile environment they could have easily rolled over but they didn’t. They kept their head and now they have three Davis Cup titles while Argentina remains stuck at zero. And who would have guessed that Lopez and Verdasco would figure in all three points leading to Spain’s triumph. I guess in some ways it’s a fitting conclusion to a very wacky season.

Viva Espana.

Source: www.tennis-x.com

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Spain crushes Argentine hopes to win Davis Cup

Source: www.daviscup.com/news

Spain has caused the biggest upset on Argentine soil and won the 2008 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas, after Fernando Verdasco pulled through a five-set thriller of a fourth rubber against Jose Acasuso to hand the visitors their third Davis Cup title and first on away soil.

It was a fitting end to the 2008 season for the Spaniards, who have not only been the leading nation all year on the tennis tour, but proved this weekend that even without Rafael Nadal, they are a winning combination.



Verdasco ended Argentina's 13 home tie unbeaten record in Davis Cup, defeating Acasuso 63 67(3) 46 63 61 in the first of the reverse singles on Sunday, having been substituted in for Spain's No. 1 player David Ferrer that morning to play his first ever live decisive rubber.

"This is the most beautiful day of my life," said Verdasco, after he emerged from the surge of red bodies that had piled onto the court to embrace their hero. "This is the most important match and win of my life. I will always remember this. Its like winning a Grand Slam."

With Spain leading Argentina 2-1 overnight, predictions were flying around all over the place as to who the captains would choose to keep their nation's hopes alive in this enthralling Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final. But when the changed line-up for Sunday's opening singles match was confirmed over the airwaves at 11:00hrs, indications as to who would leave Mar del Plata as 2008 Davis Cup champions weren't any the clearer. This was always going to be a tight match.

"When Ferrer found out he was not playing, he took it well," said victorious captain Emilio Sanchez. "He immediately offered his support to Fernando which helped him come out on court."

It was only until three and a half hours into this momentum-swinging and error-strewn match that Spain's hold on the Davis Cup became first apparent. In the fifth set, Verdasco broke in the opening game and raced to a 5-1 lead and from then on, there was no coming back for Acasuso who simply flagged under the deficit.

"I was more relaxed after the fourth set," said Verdasco. "I understood we needed tactics to win the match and I realised that he was tired so I took advantage of making him run."

The Argentine, in devastated tears after the match, unfortunately becomes the first man to lose two decisive fifth rubbers in a Davis Cup final, having also succumbed to Marat Safin in five sets in 2006. He had the mental tenacity during this match, and had saved a match point at 1-5 30-40 down, but he simply ran out of gas and at one point after losing the fourth set, had the trainer out on court to fix an abdominal strain.

"There was a lot of sadness in the locker room after the loss," said Acasuso after the match,"and the fact that three of the four of us lost to Russia two years ago means that the pain was double."

It's a devastating blow for the Argentines who came into this final as the firm favourites following the withdrawal of the injured Nadal. What the defeat has left is an unbeaten record in tatters and a shell-shocked team who will need a long time to reform and recuperate as a unit, ready to start all over again in the first round ties in March. But this time it will be without Alberto Mancini, who announced he will now step down as Argentine captain.

Sanchez finished off the weekend's victory by thanking Nadal for his commitment during the year in helping his nation reach its sixth Davis Cup final, also adding that this was the sweetest victory of his career. "Alot of people in Spain criticise me for not having a plan B, but I proved that I had a pretty good plan B. This is the biggest win for me, even as a player."

Spain will return to home soil to defend its title next year when it takes on Serbia in the first round of the 2009 competition. And what an encounter that will be.


Source: www.daviscup.com/news

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Nadal-less Spain upsets Argentina in Davis Cup

Source:
www.miamiherald.com

• Photos

By TALES AZZONI

Associated Press Writer

MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina -- Who needs Rafael Nadal?

Even without the top-ranked player, Spain won its third Davis Cup by beating Argentina on Sunday, thanks to Fernando Verdasco's five-set victory over Jose Acasuso.

Verdasco outlasted Acasuso 6-3, 6-7 (3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 before a boisterous Argentine crowd at Islas Malvinas Stadium. The fans went quiet as Argentina lost at home for the first time in 10 years in Davis Cup competition.

"It's the most exciting victory of my life," Verdasco said. "Playing for my country, against the best players, it's a dream."

Spain won its first Davis Cup title on the road, adding to victories against Australia in 2000 and the United States in 2004.

Verdasco, replacing David Ferrer in the reverse singles, overcame nine double-faults to beat a shaky Acasuso in 3 hours, 56 minutes. The 48th-ranked Acasuso was a late replacement for the injured Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina's top-ranked player at No. 9.

Argentina entered the heavy favorite after Nadal withdrew last week because of a knee injury.

"Nadal gave us several victories, and thanks to him we are here," Spain captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario said. "But the players who are here are the ones who deserve all the credit now."

After winning match point, Verdasco dropped to the court in celebration and was embraced by his teammates.

"Spectacular," Nadal said on Spanish state television. "Sincerely, this is history."

Nadal said he would've loved to have been in Argentina to celebrate with his teammates.

"Moments like these, sharing them with your teammates are unforgettable," Nadal said. "They played a tremendous tie - it's time for them to enjoy it."

Verdasco recognized the efforts of other players who helped Spain reach the final, including Nadal, Tommy Robredo and Nicolas Almagro.

"We have to thank Rafa, Tommy, Almagro," Verdasco said. "It is thanks to them we are here."

Despite the support of nearly 10,000 fans, Acasuso was not able to keep up with Verdasco, who played well in the doubles win alongside Feliciano Lopez on Saturday. Acasuso served 14 aces, but had 47 unforced errors.

"I was prepared for the match, but Verdasco played very well in the fourth and fifth sets," Acasuso said. "He started serving better and deserves a lot of credit for this win."

Both players struggled on serve, with Verdasco broken five times and Acasuso on nine occasions.

Verdasco broke Acasuso's service in the sixth game, going up 4-2 to easily win the first set.

That silenced the crowd, but Acasuso lifted the fans by winning the second-set tiebreaker after each player broke twice. One of the breaks came when Acasuso served for the set at 5-4.

The Argentine kept pressing in the third set, breaking Verdasco in the first game and twice more. Verdasco stayed in the match with a solid fourth set, breaking Acasuso to lead 4-2 and winning four of the last five games.

The Spaniard dominated the fifth set, winning the first four games and cruising to victory. Argentina last lost at home during Davis Cup competition in 1998 to Slovakia.

Argentina had reached the final twice, losing to the U.S. in 1981 and Russia in 2006.

Acasuso had won his only other match against Verdasco, whose Davis Cup singles record improved to 4-3. Acasuso is 5-3.

The 20-year-old Del Potro, one of the hottest players on tour this year, injured his right thigh in a four-set loss to Lopez on Friday. Verdasco came in for Ferrer after he lost his singles match in three sets to David Nalbandian on Friday.

"When you lose such an important player like Juan Martin, it opens a big hole in the team," Argentina captain Alberto Mancini said. "After that, things got complicated for us."

The title moved Spain from fourth to second in Davis Cup rankings, behind Russia. Argentina would have reached No. 1 with a victory.

The United States won last year's final, beating Russia.

Associated Press Sports Writer Paul Logothetis contributed to this report from Madrid.

Source:
www.miamiherald.com

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Verdasco victory seals Davis Cup for Spain

Source: www.tennis.com/news

MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina (AP)Spain won its third Davis Cup title without the services of top-ranked Rafael Nadal, upsetting Argentina 3-1 in the final on Sunday.

Fernando Verdasco defeated Jose Acasuso 6-3, 6-7 (3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in front of a boisterous Argentine crowd at Islas Malvinas Stadium. Argentina lost at home for the first time in 10 years in Davis Cup competition.

Verdasco, replacing David Ferrer in the reverse singles, overcame nine double-faults to beat a shaky Acasuso in 3 hours, 56 minutes. The 48th-ranked Acasuso was a late replacement for the injured Juan Martin del Potro, Argentinas top-ranked player at No. 9.

Spain won its first Davis Cup title win on the road, adding to home victories against Australia in the 2000 final and the United States in 2004.

Argentina had reached the final twice, losing to the U.S. in 1981 and Russia in 2006.

After winning match point, Verdasco dropped to the ground in celebration and was embraced by his teammates. Argentina entered the heavy favorite after Nadal withdrew last week because of a knee injury.

Despite the support of nearly 10,000 fans, Acasuso was not able to keep up with Verdasco, who had played well in the doubles victory alongside Feliciano Lopez on Saturday. Acasuso served 14 aces, but had 47 unforced errors.

Verdasco broke Acasusos service in the sixth game, going up 4-2 to easily win the first set.

That silenced the crowd, but Acasuso lifted the fans by winning the second-set tiebreaker after each player broke twice. One of the breaks came when Acasuso was serving for the set at 5-4.

The Argentine kept pressing in the third set, breaking Verdasco in the first game and twice more. Verdasco stayed in the match with a solid fourth set, breaking Acasuso to lead 4-2 and winning four of the last five games.

The Spaniard then dominated the fifth set, winning the first four games and cruising to victory. Argentina last lost at home during Davis Cup competition in 1998 to Slovakia.

Acasuso had won his only other match against Verdasco, whose Davis Cup singles record improved to 4-3. Acasuso is 5-3.

The 20-year-old Del Potro, one of the hottest players on tour this year, injured his right thigh in a four-set loss to Lopez on Friday. Verdasco came in for Ferrer after he lost his singles match in three sets to David Nalbandian on Friday.

Spains doubles win Saturday ensured it needed just one victory on the final day to clinch the title, while the Argentines were left with the difficult task of having to win both matches on Sunday.

The title moved Spain from fourth to second in Davis Cup rankings, behind Russia. Argentina would have reached No. 1 with a victory.

Source: www.tennis.com/news