The Balcony Bar CD

You've got to check out this new album by the soon to be opened Balcony Bar in Heeren. Actually I didn't know there is going to be a new chill out bar in town until I saw the TV commercial on this few days back and I bought it soon after because it has my favourite song "Woman in Chains" by Tears for Fears in a remixed version!

Its a greaaaatttttt album! Very electic mixture and rich blend of exotic world rhythms from the Middle East, India, China and even a hint of Africa. Though essentially ethnic in nature, the music brilliantly fuses the downtempo and sensual chill out beats of modern sounds. Imagine drum n bass mixed with indian music...sounds yucky but it is pretty awesome here!

To hear the samples for this album, go to http://www.balconybar.com/thealbum.htm Check out track nos. 1/4/6/9/10/12. No. 2 & 3 are nice too, but there's no sample.

Nope..I'm not paid by Balcony Bar for this, I'm happily advertising free of charge for them because I really love this album! So if the bar owner is seeing this now, you know what to do ya? ;)

Be Thankful

Song Spinning Now: Tears For Fears - Woman In Chains

I believe that in life, whatever "shitty" things that happen to us can be precious gifts for us to grow and develop into a better person. Instead of becoming a victims of others or victims of situations, which most people are experts at, we can graciously embrace all these "shitty" things into us life and see them as life lessons or learning experiences. (This can also be a humble or vulnerable experience, and it takes courage to acknowledge that we are all vulnerable.)

Life is never meant to be smooth sailing anyway, each of us has own issues and challenges to overcome physically, emotionally and spirtually. A rich man can be extremely lonely deep inside and is something he needs to work on or a pretty lady might be struggling with several relationship problems and she needs to work on this aspect. There is no need to be envious of others, its just that all of us have our own unique strengths and weaknesses in different ways. Envying others is beating yourself up the wall, as we will only view ourselves more negatively.

Despite the disappointment, failures, sadness and frustrations that I had, I am thankful to be alive and for everyday that I have. It is because of the cocktail of good and bad experiences that I felt I've truly lived. The 'shitty" things will happen to us whether we like it or not and that's a fact of life. The lesson here is really how to handle and integrate them into our life for the better. It is not easy for sure, but if you succeed, there is only freedom and control thats never been experienced before.

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something.

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations.

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge.

Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary.

Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are

also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles

and they can become your blessings.

~ Author Unknown ~