marianne leie’s blog

So four months have passed since I returned back to school in September!

The first two months were really trying both physically and psychologically. I didn’t recall encountering a return to school like this. Well, from November, things are going back to ‘normal’.

I have worked on different things besides my job and have continued my studies. I get used to my tasks at school but I had to get used to a new topic of studies!

Along my studies, I worried on and off about some subjects. Still, as I passed exams in lessons I wondered about beforehand, I felt more confident.

So why worrying in advance? It is of no help. It just stresses us more. The result is according to our work and the effort we put into something. Apply to yourself what you advise the others, I thought… so I decided to take my studies in stride. I felt far better! This is available to language learning too. I was so stressed when I had my first English discussions three years ago. I can tell it was not a good approach.

One field after the other, time passed. I worried about mathematics or English lessons and it went all fine. With some more difficulties, I went through biology but passed as well.

November, December and Physics!

I went through biology so what? Let’s go for physics. Wow, a tough time waited for me in this field though -- I can tell that I got my worse grade in this field L -- And you know what? I am relieved, really relieved, to see this lesson coming to an end! Finish, over, the end…

Next subject: literature. I welcome it with open arms. I far prefer dealing with words than numbers. I’m not a scientific.

I love books, I love all that is related with words and all that they could suggest, bring out, create. I admire those who can paint beautifully with brush as well as those who do with words.

That’s it. Yesterday, I received my booklet and a few book. Below are pics of the first two books I am going to study.

I am thrilled to study this lesson. Among the books, there is one story written by Shakespeare. oh la la…

I read a post from Suzanne regarding perfectionism. I understand her so well. Mentioning Suzanne reminds me my promise.

Two years ago, I began to create a story for the LingQ library. It was at a time when I pondered about some more contents that I could upload, what could be of interest. Suddenly, an idea came up. I didn’t know the result or even if it would be of interest, but I gave it a try. If it works, perfect. If it doesn't, well trash were created to be filled.

I was enthusiastic to work on a story. I wanted it a short one. It was not really clear in my mind; I only had a vague idea. I took a piece of paper and began to write. Once I began, I couldn’t stop and created one part after the other. The more I wrote, the more the story came alive in my mind and took shape on the paper. After the third part, only a blank was on my mind :(

I took a pause. I wasn’t inspired for what would come next. I attended to my other occupations and sadly, almost forgot about this story.

A few weeks ago, I promised to create a sequel of it. I will! I’m so sorry for setting aside this story for two long years.

01

02

My last post was written in August?? Wow! So many things have occured since then.

Not the time to say more from the time being though, sorry! But soon...

Languages...I eventually am able to work more with English as I was used to be. Even though, it is not enough according to me, if ever one day I find this enough ;) Anyway, I love working with languages. It has become my passion.

Not only English, but also my own language which is French and I have begun to learn Spanish for several day. I have many goals that I want to reach and am working toward them...slowly but surely. It is used to say that it's better not to say too much before it is reached so, when it is the time, I say more.

Here is links towards items in French that I shared on LingQ. I hope you'll appreciate them:

Apprendre avec LingQ : http://www.lingq.com/learn/fr/store/38156/

Votre aventure dans l'apprentissage du français : http://www.lingq.com/learn/fr/store/40975/

Améliorez vos écrits : http://www.lingq.com/learn/fr/store/41112/

I would appreciate to hear from you. Give me your feedback :)

Tomorrow is my last vacation day. I had several weeks, so no complaint here. Even though, I am not specifically looking forward to going back to work, I don’t really mind it.

I had not planned to go away this summer except to study; I wanted to do this and that and hope to do everything.

What I’m pleased about now that my vacation ends is that I accomplished most of what I wanted, not only what I wanted but also what I love to do. I rested for sure, but what I am the most pleased about is that I finished two courses and have begun another one :) I love studying –what a difference from the time I was at school.

I also worked with languages, which I love, and am very pleased that I could work on translations –yippee--, in addition to transcriptions, discussions and writings. I would have liked to work more on my English vocabulary and continue to work on my Russian but I did not do so much…. Sadly, to complete everything, days should have been longer….

Today is still a beautiful and warm day and no way, I had not the mind at my studies! This afternoon, I wanted more to go out, to listen to songs, to sing and dance!

I also had an English discussion but even though I had a few ideas beforehand of what to talk about, when it was the time, I only wanted small talk…a serious discussion who could dampen my mood, no thanks. If I can’t say all that I want in certain difficult topics, I am not so glad, and today is not a work day so it was a nice discussion.

Besides, to finish this day, I am looking forward to talking with friends tonight! It’ll be in English so in a way, I’ll practice :)

Have a great and lovely day!!

Thanks to Nathan, who gives me the lyrics I didn't know...here they are:

Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain

If I see you next to never
How can we say forever

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I took for granted, all the times
That I though would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can't get near you now

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' crazy

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I wonder how we can survive
This romance
But in the end if I'm with you
I'll take the chance

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' crazy

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I really admire my cousin's skill about painting. He uses oil painting, and is an artist. When I have time, I would like to learn to paint oil painting as he does...

If you love paintings, I share with you the link to his site:

http://galerie.bern-art59.perso.neuf.fr/

It is written in French. To see his work, scroll down on the page, and on the left side click on 'ma galerie'

I wish you enjoy them as I do :)

Imagine such a painting: a child is sitting at her desk, which is covered with books. This little girl is studying alone. The room is dark; only an old oil lamp placed on the desk lights up her working area. The light is bright and spreading its rays over the desk and around the girl, whose eyes are shining due to the tremendous luminosity of the lamp.

When I saw this painting, I could feel the soft atmosphere filling that room, and the kindness of the little girl, who seemed to be looking at me smiling. The effect conveyed by this painting left me speechless.

My interest in art has developed throughout the years as drawing and painting have become my passion. Have you ever thought that developing these skills enhances respect and interest in Nature in general?

My passion began when I was a child. I drew anytime and anything I could. To make my drawings come to life, I designed a comic book. One by one, I added a picture. As a result, an entire story was put into place. Later on, I enrolled in a drawing course, which soon led to a painting course. I discovered the pleasure of creating something with my own hands, watching as little by little the white paper became a landscape, an animal, a flower, or everything I wanted to draw. I have gotten more specialized in painting landscapes even though I sometimes paint portraits. I choose the models from photos I have found in magazines or from those I have taken outdoors. To paint outside requires staying a long time in the same area. Daylight can change in a moment, so I find it easier to take a photo of a scene I like. Painting is the most rewarding skill that I have learnt. Adding colors to a drawing is what makes the art of painting more fascinating, and its result adds life.

Learning about colors is important, especially by observing nature. The more observant we are, the better we can break down colours and notice the subtle differences between them. Are all trees’ leaves nothing but green during summer? On a painting, if you use from your palette a green color, which is even the closest to what appears in nature, will the result look natural? It cannot be since things are scarcely green in reality. If you take time and watch leaves, you will notice different shades of yellow, blue and brown. Furthermore, blue mixed with yellow makes up many more varieties of green. The brightness or flatness of a painting depends on the way colors are mixed. It all depends on the quantity and kind of tone used. In addition, there are hot and cold shades, even in the same tone of colors. If we utilize them badly, chances are that the painting will seem dirty. As in each field, practice is needed. Undoubtedly, observation is the core of the art of painting. Learning about colors and the shape of things have sharpened the way I observe around myself. Details are more apparent. Look at how a shrub appears sturdy or stunted according to the way its branches are curved and the abundance of its leaves. A balance in dark and light shadows in scenery yields an atmosphere of either dawn or dusk. Along the same line, a face would be seen benevolent or mean, young or old. The goal of a painter is to lead the viewers to see through his eyes and emotions. It is essential to create a feeling procured by what is painted.

Different kinds of paintings raise different emotions. I paint water colour, but I admire oil paintings, which I would like to tackle sooner or later. I am always amazed to see what kind of effects is possible to create with oil painting. The luminosity, deepness, and perspective can be accentuated as the expression and behaviour of a person can make a painting appears like a photo. Not only do you observe a picture, but also you feel a bunch of emotions spreading over yourself. It is like the painting that you are looking at is talking to you. Traditional paintings rather than contemporary ones have this impact on me.  Modern art is like a plain, fade object; it does not procure any thrill. Some of these paintings are not realistic as there is no perspective involved into them. What is the goal of creating a tableau that is often mistakenly looked at upside down? What is the pleasure of seeing a face with an eye in place of the mouth? Do you find interesting to look at an entire blue painting with only a square of yellow on the left corner? During an exposition, you often see people staring at a tableau, wondering its significance and what the painter wanted to pass on. Is wondering about the meaning of their paintings the purpose sought by these so-called artists? Not all modern paintings are like this; however, even though I recognize the talent of some modern painters, I feel no thrill and a lack of understanding toward such paintings.

When you feel like painting landscapes like I do, the critical point no one should avoid is observation. Have an interest in what you look at; observe it and be open to any feelings you get. Only then can you jot down onto your canvas what you see. Painting is closely related to emotions. When looking at any painting, we should feel the emotion the painter felt. When you observe everything that covers the earth from a small stone to a cloud or the moon, you can’t help admiring the diversity, the beauty, the harmony, and the ‘organisation’ of all things. You feel nothing but respect for nature and life. Painters, who can convey through their paintings any feeling they want, who bring more emotions than simply looking at or wondering about an object, are Artists with a capital A.

A tremendous surprise struck England, if only, with the discovery of a marvelous voice, Susan Boyle's voice.

No one believed in her and many people were ironical toward her in the "Britain's got talent" audience. Britain's got talent is the equivalent in France of "nouvelle star", and "American idol" in the USA.

No one wanted to laugh at her after listening to her performance! Susan Boyle has a wonderful voice, and sings marvelously. I also think she is funny and I like her enthusiasm.

What are your thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU&feature=related

Live your dreams, work in order that they become a reality. Never give up and believe in yourself. No matter the difficulties, no matter your age. It is never too late!

Wow! It has been a long time that I haven't written here!! When I noticed the date of my last entry, it surprised me. How time goes fast....

Two years ago, I began to learn Russian from scratch in addition to improving my knowledge in Spanish. All of this besides continuing English learning.
I studied the three languages for two months. Nevertheless, I finally stopped both Spanish and Russian. I couldn't handle everything; moreover, I missed time. Later on, I enrolled in a course in English to get a diploma. This was more important to me and needed that I concentrate on it.

I really enjoyed learning Russian. A few months ago, I thought to go back to learn another language than English but as I often say "each step at a time". It's better to do one or more things that we can effectively do and to do it or them well than to do too many things with a so so result. Therefore, I continued on my regular tasks and studies.

A month ago, I thought seriouly about this anew. I needed a change from English... I would learn another language at my own pace, without letting this learning taking place over English. This is the condition I allowed me ;)
I eliminated the idea to learn Spanish as I have neither fewer tasks nor more time than before. I know a little Spanish (but I can speak and write well!!!) and it would have needed more dedication than I could throw myself in.

I have liked Russian.

Since I began from scratch, it was very rewarding and enthusiastic each time I handled with a short and easy item.
I found the language difficult and the rate of the audios too fast. I had to listen many times to understand even a word but I appreciated this language.

For a month, I am back to my Russian learning!
I had forgotten every words.
I went through my first item. I resaved all of the words and relearned them. The very good surprise I had is that I did not struggle so much as two years ago and the rate of the audios was fine to me. I needed less time than before to memorize them.
I quickly go through a second item and so on. As I had forgotten all that I learnt, I never thought that I would struggle less this time. It was actually a reviewing of my old contents. It was a great! Since I have begun to study new contents, it is different but I feel more confident.

I have a lot of questions about things that I don't understand in the language...
I have decided to speak for the first time with a Russian tutor and ask a few questions (fortunately, I can use English!) I hope my first discussion will go fine though :(