picture this...

friday phonics: v45 Metronomy

2012-01-29T00:28:00.000-08:00

synth. kick ass bass line. interesting vocals. double keyboard. chick drummer.

do you need any more info? nope? Good.

the look

.resolution.

2012-01-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not really one for new-year's resolutions; this should be apparent in that I should have been talking about resolutions 4 weeks ago. That isn't to say that I'm not into resolutions in general. I think there's something to be said for resolving to improve oneself, I just think a "forced" resolution at the beginning of every year is just a recipe for failure.

That being said, I've been in the mind-set of resolutions lately because I'm in a strange place of self-discovery and change. The past five years have been difficult and the vast majority of my mental, emotional and physical energy was wrapped up in my dad and his illness. I don't regret the time, nor am I bitter about having to put parts of my life up on a shelf. The choice was mine and I'd make it again in a heartbeat.

But that's not what this is about. This is about me trying to make some changes...

I was inspired a bit by Micah and her recent post in which she honestly and openly shared about how she is reacquainting herself with herself during a time of significant change.

In addition to that, I have just started reading a blog by Andrew Arndt and the most recent entries are dissecting the Lord's Prayer; breaking it down to it's individual parts to explore what God's intention for our prayer life is. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's been really eye-opening and supremely challenging for me; I'd recommend it highly.

One thing that really stuck out to me as something I personally struggle with as I began to read about the purpose of prayer, was selfishness. On the whole, I wouldn't consider myself a selfish person; I typically try to think of other's needs before myself and I'm happy to give anything I can to help anyone out. I think what I struggle with is self-centeredness.

It's easy to do in this age of social media. If I post something to facebook, I get excited about that little red notifier that says that someone liked what I said, or responded to what I said; I love getting responses, retweets and follows on twitter; I love getting responses to my blog. Is this awful? No. Of course it isn't, but for me, it constantly draws my attention back to myself; what I said, what I did, what people think of me... If that makes any kind of sense. I kind of find it ironic that tools that keep us socially connected mostly serve to appease our narcissism.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, we're wired to be self-serving. Maybe that sounds cynical, but it's what I see.

So, I'm making a resolution. Not to stop using social media, but to change my focus. To look outside of myself and my little universe. To listen more.

Here's to shutting up and listening.

.Qwetu Hope.

2012-01-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

I know I don't get personal on this blog very often (tho it's been known to happen), but I wanted to share something pretty fantastic that happened recently.

If you've been following my blog for a while, or if you know me at all, you know that my dad was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1988. On November 14, 2011 his 20+ year battle came to an end and he went home to heaven. I have contemplated on writing more in-depth about my dad, my family and our journey on this blog, but I'm not quite ready for that just yet.

I did want to share one thing though. After he passed, a number of people asked us where they could send donations on my dad's behalf. We really thought about what he would want; he was active in ministry and we wanted to make sure wherever the money went was a cause that he would support.

My brother's father-in-law is really involved in a ministry that supports community development in Africa called Hearts for the World International. In his life, my dad had the opportunity to visit China, Israel and Mexico, but he always regretted not being able to go to Africa. After I went to Uganda in 1997, it just made him want to go all the more. Taking that into consideration, we thought giving to Hearts for the World would be a really cool way to give a piece of my dad's heart to the people there.

One of the projects that Hearts for the World is supporting is the Qwetu Hope Community Development Group. The project was started in late 2010 with the sole purpose of transforming their community, specifically by helping those less fortunate (children and elderly). They opened a school in January 2011 (with 250+ students) and are working to help the members in the community be self-sustaining.

Recently, we received a letter from Peter Okwe, the coordinator of the project. He was explaining to us the difficulty that they had been having in getting people to support the school. This caused a lot of problems including not being able to pay their teacher's salaries. He let us know that with the donations they were able to catch up on their teachers' payments as well as buy new desks, text books, a black board and numerous other essential supplies. It also enabled them to complete one of the classroom buildings.

I wanted to share a little bit of the letter from Peter:
It should be noted here that this fund from Brother Stephen through Hearts for the World, has given Qwetu new energy, face and confidence to move on. At some point the chairman, Mr. Raphael, and I almost gave up due to a lot of challenges. In December 2011 we were under intese pressure since we had promised to start class one in 2012. Nothing was going on at the project site to indicate that class one was going to begin.

Some parents even took their children to other schools due to the rumour that was going around that we were between a hard place and a rock. And honestly speaking, that is where we were. I told the chairman to join me in prayers so that God can work a miracle to us before the end of 2011. And indeed God came in the 11th hour when our faith was almost dying off. Jan, the president for the Hearts for the World International, called me on my way to church and told me he was going to send some money for the project. I stopped and on the way told God thank you. That was a miracle that I will never forget, I was so thrilled that I did not know how to express myself to Jan.

I would like to give special thanks to everybody who contributed financially towards this project. You are real friends, friends I have not found even in Kenya; people who have not even visited gave us a surprise. May God expand the territory of those who gave, may he bless them and protect them always. To our beloved brother who God called home after a good work, let his spirit rest in peace; one day upon winning the race here on earth, I pray that I will meet him. To the family I pray that one day we shall meet and shake hands.

Peter is requesting to name the school after my dad; the plan is to call it Stephen Romine Academy Rusinga Island. My family is already talking about taking the time to visit.

**If you are interested, they are still taking donations in my dad's name. Just send checks or money orders payable to Hearts for the World International to PO Box 140728, Edgewater, CO 80214 and indicate that you are giving to the Qwetu Hope Community Development Group on behalf of Stephen Romine.**

On the day he got his new wheelchair

My favorite picture of my daddy and me (I was the Easter bunny)

friday phonics: v44 Gotye

2011-12-23T00:09:00.001-08:00

There is an earnestness and an aching in Wally De Backer's voice like nothing I've heard in a long time. The sound he creates is epic and driving. Definitely makes me wish it was summer time so I could crank this up in my car and speed down the highway with windows down singing unabashedly.

...and try not to let this tear your heart out just a little.

.breaking.

2011-12-21T21:46:00.000-08:00

some words that struck this week...

"what breaks your bones is not the load you're carryin'

what breaks you down is all in how you carry..."

friday phonics: v43 Churchill

2011-12-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

so proud of this local talent (and I'm sure miss CAK is especially proud of her girl)

Churchill is bringing it to the next level and I'm liking what I'm hearing.

Churchill // Change from Tim Twinem on Vimeo.

The Only One from Churchill on Vimeo.

.remedy.2.

2011-11-23T10:49:00.001-08:00

more music on re-play...

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness. ~Maya Angelou

1988 - The Centennial

After the Storm - Mumford and Sons

Autumn Leaves - Eva Cassidy

Beth/Rest - Bon Iver

No Rest - Dry The River

The Same Way - The Damnwells

.remedy.

2011-11-18T22:05:00.001-08:00

It's no secret that music is an integral part of my everyday life. It shouldn't be a surprise to me that it has been like salve on an open wound this week.

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. ~Aldous Huxley

Scattered Black and Whites - Elbow

Follow You Down to the Red Oak Tree - James Vincent McMorrow

When a Heart Breaks - Ben Rector

Homage for the Suffering - Matthew Perryman Jones

111411

2011-11-14T22:21:00.001-08:00

sometimes it's easier to use someone else's words.

You were once a boy in tattered jeans
With skin dark by the sun
Eyes so wide and deep with reckless dreams
To carry you along

You were always talking 'bout the sea
The brilliant mystic view
You never seemed to shrink from mystery
That was life to you

And you would find a resting place
Where stars would light the room
And trees would bend with sacred grace
Beneath the silver moon

I see you in this height so sad and sweet
Your spirit burning bright
I know He whispers still in places deep
With flaming words of light

And you would find a resting place
Where stars would light the room
And trees would bend with sacred grace
Beneath the silver moon

.the staves.

2011-11-12T23:38:00.001-08:00

love this.

The Staves - Mexico (Official Music Video) from The Staves on Vimeo.

.caleb slade.

2011-11-09T22:31:00.001-08:00

just lovely.

Caleb Slade - Always on My Mind from DuckDuck Collective on Vimeo.

friday phonics: v42 Boy & Bear

2011-10-29T22:36:00.000-07:00

This weeks friday phonics is brought to you by a recommendation from the fabulous Rod Blackhurst who likened them to Mumford & Sons and Nathaniel Rateliff; both of whom I quite love.

Boy & Bear did not disappoint. They have a wonderful sound with an emphasis on driving rhythms and their mix of traditional acoustic instruments and modern electric makes for an interesting layered mix.

I dig it.

feeding line

blood to gold

rabbit song

.ryan adams.

2011-10-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

night = made.

carolina rain

dirty rain

oh my sweet carolina

let it ride...probably my favorite.

.fire escape.

2011-10-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

some new gorgeousness from Matthew Mayfield.

friday phonics: v41 Of Monsters and Men

2011-10-21T01:21:00.000-07:00

This week's Friday phonics is brought to you by Iceland; evidently a place with incredible talent.

Of Monsters and Men have that folk-sy sound that I'm prone to love with voices that blend beautifully...throw in an accordion, and I'm sold.

how charming are they? Seriously...so lovely. A live performance of Little Talks

Untitled...

.mutemath.

2011-10-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

still one of the best live shows i've seen. ever.

happy about new music...looking forward to hearing more.

as usual...the videos are redonk.

fav

2011-09-28T23:10:00.001-07:00

82111

2011-08-22T23:06:00.001-07:00

from the road trip. Somewhere in the Appalachian mountains.

81811

2011-08-18T17:10:00.001-07:00

.MFA. Boston.

2011-08-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

During my trip to Mass, Amy surprised me with a trip to the MFA. I went insane and took a TON of pictures...surprise, surprise. Here's one I love, mostly because I love marble. and details. and fabric.

more pictures coming....obvs.

To VA Beach! ...then Boston

2011-08-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

It's the beginning of day 2 of the road trip to VA Beach with Chelsea. Yesterday was exhausting, but so much fun! Just wanted to share a couple of pictures from the road.

This first is actually at the start of the trip at Chelsea's house...I'm on a flower kick; what can I say?

this one is in Kansas, close to the Missouri border.

More fun (and probably pictures) to come.... (c:

.bright as yellow.

2011-08-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

All this crazy weather has resulted in some really lovely foliage. I've been going a bit crazy with the flower pictures.

Here are a few...

friday phonics: v40 - Haviland

2011-07-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am way stoked for this weeks phonics. It's from two dudes who I respect so much and who never fail to create music I love.

Mike Ayers and Aaron Espe are the geniuses behind Haviland. They are thousands of miles away from each other, but manage to create a sound that is so in sync and wonderful.

I might be mildly biased...but I don't think so. I first met Mike in the early 2000s when we played together on the worship team for our church. He was fantastic then, but he has grown into such a superb musician/writer...I feel blessed to say that I had the opportunity to make music with him (tho...he may not say the same of me) (c;

I never had the opportunity to play with Aaron, but I've had the opportunity to listen to him on many occasions, and I was never disappointed. The first time I heard him was with my friend Alicia at a house show. I respect her musical tastes and didn't think twice when she told me he was great. He was (and is), in point of fact, extraordinary. His voice is rich and unique and his writing manages to be simple and complex all at once. He's a story-teller, and if you know me, you know I love a story-teller.

When I heard that these two fantastic men had teamed up to make music, I was beyond excited and couldn't wait to hear what they came up with.

I was not disappointed.

Shoot for the Moon

Please check out their website. You can stream the 3 songs that they have so far and read a bit about the songs and about the formation of Haviland.

.open arms for broken hearts.

2011-07-28T20:55:00.001-07:00

I'm really loving this song right now.

The build and the break...the melody...the strings...that voice. Above all, the words.

If all music could be this extraordinary...

Open Arms - Elbow

You're a law unto yourself
And we don't suffer dreamers
But neither should you walk the earth alone
So with finger rolls and folding chairs
And a volley of streamers
We can be there for tweaks and repairs
Should you come back home
We got open arms for broken hearts
Like yours my boy, come home again
Tables are for pounding here
And when we've got you surrounded
The man you are will know the boy you were
And you're not the man who fell to earth
You're the man of La Mancha
And we've love enough to light the street
'Cause everybody's here
We got open arms for broken hearts
Like yours my boy, come home again
We got open arms for broken hearts
Like yours my boy, come home again
Everyone's here
Everyone's here
The moon is out looking for trouble
And everyone's here
Everyone's here
Everyone's here
The moon wants a scrap or a cuddle
And everyone's here
We got open arms for broken hearts
Like yours my boy, come home again
We got open arms for broken hearts
Like yours my boy, come home again
Everyone's here
Everyone's here
Everyone's here
Come home again
The moon is out looking for trouble
The moon wants a scrap or a cuddle
The moon is face down in a puddle
And everyone's here

.happiness is.

2011-07-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny that the times in our lives when we focus more on (or are at least more aware of) happiness is when we are surrounded and saturated with grief? Like the C.S. Lewis quote about faith “We regard God as an airman regards his parachute; it's there for emergencies but he hopes he'll never have to use it.” While most of us would rather be happy than depressed, don't we take it for granted most of the time?

In the past 6 months, I've never had the question "What makes you happy?" asked of me more than I have in my life.

Some of you, at least, know the grief in my life and have shared with me, supported me and picked me up. The nature of my dad's disease requires a certain level of expectancy and just two years ago I struggled with watching my father deteriorate, knowing all the while that it was just the beginning.

After months of hospice and being told more than once that he wouldn't live through the night; after saying good-bye so many times I've lost count and letting go every single day, I am exhausted. The word doesn't seem large enough, but it's all I've got. My patience has been stretched and strained, my strength has been pushed to the brink and I've come face to face more than once with the person I truly am. It's been the toughest, most meaningful learning experience I've ever had and maybe ever will have.

It's defined me and I'm still learning what that means.

In all of this, though, what brings me back from the edge is to find the little things that make me happy. Reading, writing, talking with friends, crying with friends, laughing with friends, hugs, tea, solace, promises...music, driving with my windows down, walking in the rain, smiles on strangers, tossing a frisbee, jumping jacks, singing, hair cuts...reminiscing with my dad...crying with my mom.

There is happiness in the smallest most insignificant seeming moments. There is happiness in the sad moments. There is happiness in the loud and quiet.

We just need to look for it.

“I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.” ~Martha Washington

friday phonics: v39 - Young The Giant

2011-07-07T23:47:00.000-07:00

Today I'm highlighting a band that's actually not from England...bit of a shocker considering the majority of the bands I've posted about this year have hailed from the motherland. (c; Since Independence day was earlier this week, I figured it'd be apropos to post a good 'ol American band.

Young The Giant are some young, talented dudes from California. I first heard them on Watch.Listen.Tell and let me tell you, they are ridiculously talented; you can hear it oozing from the acoustic version of "I Got". Seriously, Sameer's voice is like buttah.

But I'm going to start you off with their more mainstream work...

first up, My Body

...next is Cough Syrup

Now for some acoustic fantastic-ness...
For Watch.Listen.Tell, in Hammersmith park behind BBC studios, they're rockin' "I Got"

and filmed high on a balcony somewhere, it's "Guns Out" (project is The Open Session)

music in the middle: Ben Howard

2011-06-29T21:33:00.001-07:00

a little piece of lovely from watch.listen.tell.

voices: pure. cello: rich. guitar: left-handed. performance: raw.

love.

I will do my best to be posting on Fridays again.

friday phonics: v38 - covers

2011-06-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to do something different this week, so I thought I'd post some of my fav covers. (c: I do love it when a band can take a bad song and improve it or take an amazing song and put their own story in it. Covers can be fantastic or they can be fail...here are some of the former.

First off, how about some Elbow coving Massive Attack. Yes please.

I really love it when an artist or band can take a heavy metal song and strip it down to it's bare bones. Here's Justin McRoberts doing just that to NineInchNails' Head Like a Hole. Brilliant.
(the album version of this has some really fantastic piano on it, but I wanted to post the live version here)

I love love love love love this cover of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean by the Civil Wars. So good there aren't words.

Then you have the freaking talented Punch Brothers taking on the Strokes. Here's their mind-blowing cover of Reptilia.

Finally, I wanted to share the project that kind of prompted the idea to share covers. Peter Gabriel recently decided to do a covers album of a pretty wide range of artists, both veterans and newbies...it's pretty amazing. But he didn't stop there, the whole idea was for him to cover all of these bands on an album called "Scratch My Back..." and in turn all of the artists he covered would cover a Peter Gabriel song on a second album called "...and I'll Scratch Yours". Beautiful.

Here is his cover of Bon Iver's Flume.

...and here is Bon Iver's cover of Come Talk To Me

If you have the time, here is a little documentary on the project with thoughts from both Peter Gabriel and Justin Vernon. It's pretty great.

friday phonics: v37 - The Head and The Heart

2011-05-26T23:37:00.000-07:00

I am loving this band right now. beautiful. heart breaking. mind blowing.

Lord have mercy....

Down In The Valley

Lost In My Mind

Gone

This one is a bit longer (little interview portion at the beginning); music starts at 4:40 if you want to skip the talking.
Rivers and Roads

*sidenote: playing guitar while chilling on a table = pimp.
*sidenote #2: the drummer's tee shirt is chock full of awesome.

if i had a boat...

2011-05-25T02:32:00.000-07:00

sometimes all i need is a voice in the dark.

...and a boat.

friday phonics: v36 - Seryn

2011-05-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

I've been quite enjoying this band this week. Another recommendation from Paste.

Wonderful rhythms. Beautiful harmonies. Haunting words.

We Will All Be Changed

Beach Song

On My Knees

.naive.

2011-05-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Religion is a breeding ground
Where the Devil's work is deeply found,
With teeth as sharp as cathedral spires,
Slowly sinking in.

God knows that I've been naive
But I think it makes him proud of me.
Now it's so hard to separate
My disappointments from His name.

Because shadows stretch behind the truth,
Where stained glass offers broken clues
And fear ties knots and pulls them tight.
It leaves us paralyzed.

But in the end such tired words will rest.
The truth will reroute the narrow things they've said.
The marionette strings will lower and untie
And out of the ashes, love will be realized.

God knows that we've been naive
And a bit nearsighted to say the least.
It's broken glass at children's feet
That gets swept aside unexpectedly.

friday phonics: v35 - Doves

2011-03-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

This week's band is Doves...another from the UK.

Please enjoy the awesome.

Sky Starts Falling - the visuals in this video are awesome.

The Man Who Told Everything

Kingdom of Rust - maybe my favorite...

friday phonics: v34 - New from The Damnwells

2011-03-10T22:46:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Pledge Music? No; well it's pretty amazing. Bands can create and release albums on the support of their fans. I think it's pretty much the coolest thing to happen to the music industry in a long while. One of my favorite bands ever, The Damwells, got in early in the game and have been working on an album solely funded and supported by the fans. They just released their new album to pledgers last week and I'm a happy girl. (c;

I've been listening to the new album a lot this week and I'm psyched about the results...this is my favorite so far.

if you needed me

2011-03-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

If I needed you would you come to me, would you come to me, and ease my pain?
If you needed me I would come to you; I'd swim the seas for to ease your pain

In the night forlorn the morning's born, and the morning shines with the lights of love.
You will miss sunrise if you close your eyes; that would break my heart in two

friday phonics: v33 - Bat For Lashes

2010-12-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

Hey...sorry for being MIA lately. No good excuse. Just life, as usual.

I was going to end the run of the ladies with my last post, but I remembered another that I thouroughly enjoy and I hope you will too.

Bat for Lashes is Natasha Kahn...her music is unique, quirky and lovely; and she's yet another talent from Britain. I love to jam to her in my car...I'm not sure why the music is so conducive to driving, but I've found it to be true. She's ethereal and the sound is heartbreaking. It's electronica done in the very best way.

Daniel

What's A Girl To Do
Haunting and beautiful...and the video is awesome.

live performance of Lonely

I'm finally starting my sugar cleanse next week. No sugar for two months. Yikes. If my posts become cranky, at least you'll know why... (c;

.busy bee.

2010-11-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd share just a couple of photos from the myriad of shoots I've done this past month.

Once I have a chance to wade through it all, I'll post more.

Impromptu shoot at St. Mark's with jpb. So much fun.

The Brinkman's at Red Rocks. So cold, but they handled it like champs.

This was my second shoot with the Stocker's this year. Love these 3 so much and I'm looking forward to meeting the 4th member of the band. (c;

I love this picture of Jason and Abbey...

111310

2010-11-13T23:13:00.000-08:00

When the bold branches
Bid farewell to rainbow leaves -
Welcome wool sweaters.
~B. Cybrill

11.11. - The Big Picture

2010-11-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Veterans Day, or Armistice Day, when on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month", in 1918, the armistice was signed for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front at the end of World War I. The date is now observed by many of the allied nations from that era as Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day or Poppy Day - a day set aside to commemorate the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces and their families. Collected below are photos of Veterans and Remembrance Day from the United States and several Commonwealth nations.

Veterans Day 2010 - The Big Picture - Boston.com

friday phonics: v32 - Sara Watkins

2010-11-12T01:25:00.000-08:00

I’m going to end the run of ladies with someone who’s been a fav for a while. She is last third of Nickel Creek (I highlighted the boys’ solo works here and here) and no less talented than her counterparts.

There is something effortless in Sara’s voice. It’s unassuming, innocent and, at times, vulnerable. She is also an incredible musician…seriously, I’m envious. (c:

All This Time
Such a lovely song (Sean is backing her on this one and I love how their voices compliment each other)

Long Hot Summer Day
perfect example of her excellent musicianship.

Where Will You Be
heartbreaking and lovely.

all the time in the world

2010-11-11T00:26:00.000-08:00

this song has worked its way under my skin in the past couple of days.
and i'm okay with that.

11910

2010-11-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Do the thing you fear the most and the death of fear is certain ~ Mark Twain

friday phonics: v31 - Joy Williams

2010-11-05T01:11:00.001-07:00

Listening to Joy Williams always makes me think she has a secret that she’d like to tell, but she’s gonna keep it just under the surface. On her upbeat songs like One of Those Days and Sunny Day, her voice is sweet, teasing and playful. But she turns right around and wrenches your heart with the longing melancholy dripping from her voice in tracks like Speaking a Dead Language and Tightrope.

Her collaboration with John Paul White (The Civil Wars) is nothing short of genius. Their voices are both heart breaking-ly beautiful and the music they create together is dark and lovely.

One of Those Days

Speaking a Dead Language

And because I can’t leave without giving you some Civil Wars…
…a song about losing love.
Falling

…a song about waiting for love.
To Whom It May Concern

friday phonics: v30 - Erin McCarley

2010-10-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

This week's Friday Phonics was almost a Saturday Phonics, but I think I made it in on time. (c:

In keeping with my theme of ladies, I give you Erin McCarley. I first heard Erin on a Paste mix (yay Paste!) and I love the up-beat pop sound mixed with her smooth vocals. Her tone is low and rich and I dig it.

first song I heard of hers
Pony

love the lyrics in this one
Love Save The Empty

and if you're still not convinced...
Lovesick Mistake

awake my soul

2010-10-28T23:57:00.000-07:00

After months of anticipation, Whitney, Erin and I finally got to hear the fantastic Mumford boys live.

It. was. fantastic. I mean...ridiculous fantastic. There are no words.

However, as someone who enjoys taking pictures, I can provide you with at least 1,000 {click for larger view}

silhouette

Ben . Marcus

Ted

Winston

If you'd like to see more...

friday phonics: v29 - Laura Marling

2010-10-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

Since the inception of Friday Phonics you may have noticed that I rarely highlight female singers. This is because I dislike most female voices. It’s not that I can’t see the talent of a lot of the ladies out there, but I think my ears are sensitive to vocal tone; most female voices (tones) irritate the hell out of me. In an attempt to remedy my lack of showcasing women, I thought I’d challenge myself to only represent the ladies for the next month.

First up is Laura Marling. Laura’s style would probably be classified as folk or Americana but she has a wonderfully jazz infused voice…soulful and gorgeous. She is yet another gem to come out of Great Britain and she collaborates a lot with one of my favorite bands ever (Mumford!!). She’s a wonderful storyteller, a talented musician and just plain great to listen to.

I love this song, but this video just makes it better. The aesthetics make the photographer in me oh so very happy.; plus a little accompaniment from Marcus and the boys around the campfire. Love love love love love.
Devil's Spoke

An earlier song from her…plus another freaking awesome video. Love the simplicity and the play on shadows.
New Romantic

Another really inventive and visually stunning video…more assistance from Mumford & Sons (pretty sure Ted is rocking the electric bass…fantastic).
Cross Your Fingers

102110

2010-10-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

did i mention that i love autumn?

also...less than a week till mumford {swoon}

.what sarah said.

2010-10-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

"It’s not that we have to quit this life one day, it’s how many things we have to quit all at once: holding hands, hotel rooms, music, the physics of falling leaves, vanilla and jasmine, poppies, smiling, anthills, the color of the sky, coffee and cashmere, literature, sparks and subway trains... If only one could leave this life slowly!"
— Roman Payne

In the vein of doing things outside of one's comfort zone and taking risks, I'm going to do something I do rarely and get a bit personal. And by a bit, I mean a lot.

I saw the quote above yesterday on my google homepage (yes, I'm a nerd and I get daily literary quotes) and it produced a pretty visceral response from me. While lovely in it's prose, it struck a nerve to the point that I actually wanted to talk about it on this forum. I don't know to what extent anyone else has dealt with death and loss, but I do know that not a single one of us is immune to the harsh reality.

I think I have a unique view of loss (or losing someone) in light of my father's condition. Watching someone you love slowly deteriorate is not something I'd wish on anyone. Ever. It's not something I can talk about (or write about) with ease, but I'm beginning to understand the necessity of facing the messy reality and embracing it...pushing thru it rather than letting it control what I do and don't do.

From an outsider's perspective, I've had to watch my father lose things that were important to him slowly but surely. I had to watch the devastation when he could no longer manipulate his hands to play his guitar. I watched as his ability to walk went from short distances, to across the room, to 2 steps to non-existant. I watched him lose his ability to scratch his nose and his ability to feed himself. Most recently, I had to watch as he came to terms with losing the ability to eat at all and I watch as he struggles to keep his ability to speak.

I struggle with the selfish need to want my father around and the task of letting him go. Losing him would be difficult, but we could at least start to heal; a new wound every day is beginning to wear my resolve.

I for one would be relieved at the loss of everything all at once.

Fear is just a four letter word

2010-10-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

The lovely Emily Jane wrote a blog recently on facing your fears. She has taken a huge step in facing her fear of singing in public and has started taking lessons. She went into it with much trepidation but came out of her first lesson with unexpected confidence in her abilities (you should read the story in her own words, it's pretty awesome).

I too, have a huge fear of singing in public. In my car, in the shower, in my room...never a problem. But ask me to sing you that song that is stuck in my head and I'll just spout words. With encouragement from some of my friends, I have been participating in the choir at my church and have been enjoying it a lot, but singing in a group is safe. No one could pick my voice out of the crowd and I took comfort in that.

I had a bit of a wrench thrown at me this weekend and was challenged to confront my fears. I was scheduled to play the bass this weekend and we actually had a really low-key kind of set up planned; it was essentially an "acoustic" set with just Jason leading and playing guitar, Chelsea singing harmony and playing rhythm guitar and me on the bass. As we were practicing today our sound guy, Sean, pointed out that the particular song that we were doing would be better with 2 back ground vocalists. Jason just looked and me at said "I'm cool with it if you're cool with it." At first I wanted to cop out and try to convince them that Chelsea's voice was enough, but Emily's situation popped into my head. I'm never going to move forward or improve if I don't take the risk of doing something completely outside of my comfort zone regardless of my chances of crashing and burning.

Practice went okay despite a few fumbles trying to get used to singing and playing at the same time, and Sean, Chelsea and Jason were very encouraging...but I was still literally shaking; I felt like it was so bad that everyone would be able to see my hands shaking.

Walking out on the stage before service kind of felt like a death march and starting the first song was almost agonizing, but after we made it through the first song I started to relax a bit and I just let the music flow. The second song was easier and by the third I was feeling pretty good. It wasn't until the third song that I realized that my microphone wasn't even turned on. Nice work, Steph. It just goes to show you that sometimes we worry for nothing.

We have 3 more services tomorrow and I'm actually looking forward to tackling the nerves. If I mess up, that's just a lesson learned, right? Right.

It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, "Always do what you are afraid to do." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lions and Tigers and Tyrannosaurs, oh my.

2010-10-15T21:29:00.001-07:00

another list from McSweeney's that had me giggling like a little girl.

8 REASONS WHY A TYRANNOSAUR CAUGHT IN A TORNADO IS A FUNNY THING TO THINK ABOUT

1. The tiny flailing arms

2. The helpless "RARRRRRR!"

3. The angry, wild-eyed expression

4. That dinosaur with the sail on his back floats by and he's just crusin'

5. The landing

6. The Wizard of Oz music playing in the background. What an anachronism!

7. Tyrannosaurs inhabited the Western United States, an area of the country known for its heavy tornado activity. Statistically speaking, it is probable that the scenario in question actually happened at least once. In this, as in all enduring comedy, there is a grain of indubitable truth inside the humor.

8. "RARRRRRR!" Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! "RAAAARRRRRRRRRR!"

friday phonics: v28 - Hollerado

2010-10-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Saw this video on Sam's tumbler. Too awesome not to share.

Such a fun song and a ridiculously ingenious video...

101210

2010-10-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

I'm really brave...I had to get really close to this guy to get his picture.

101010

2010-10-10T22:52:00.001-07:00

from today's photo shoot with jill.

10910

2010-10-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment. ~ Jane Austen

friday phonics: v27 - Dog Is Dead

2010-10-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

This week's friday phonics comes courtesy of Emily Jane who recommended these lovely blokes after hearing them on the radio. More up-and-coming talent from England, Dog Is Dead have a unique mix of instruments and lovely harmonies across the board. I think the saxophone should make more appearances in bands. (c;

Young - I love the build at the end and their voices are just fantastic.

and a little live performance for you...absolutely love the drummer on this.
The Zoo

By the by, if you don't already read Emily's blog, I'd highly recommend remedying that situation.

friday phonics: v26 - The Boxer Rebellion

2010-10-01T00:36:00.000-07:00

It’s difficult to place the sound of Boxer Rebellion. At times they are ethereal, other times they’re gritty. It’s easy to hear influences from Radiohead to Editors; I’ve even heard sweeping sounds reminiscent of Sigur Ros.

While the band began in London, the founding members Nathan Nicholson and Todd Howe (guitar) are from the US and Australia, respectively; Englishmen Adam Harrison (bass) and Piers Hewitt (drums) round out the band.

The first song of theirs I heard was Evacuate. Definitely on the grittier end of the spectrum; I love the drums on this.

Misplaced – a good example of their more ethereal sound. Plus the lyrics are lovely.

Flashing Red Light Means Go – this is a good mix of both the gritty and the ethereal sound. Plus, I love this video… steampunk anyone? (c;

Pictures

2010-09-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

I had 2 portrait sessions last weekend; first, the Clair clan and I hiked around the lake near their house and had a ton of fun! The next day, I got the chance to take maternity pictures of the lovely Leah Rohwer and her husband Mark. (c:

Thought I'd share some of the moments we captured.

First, the whole Clair Family; Jed, Kaziah, Loua, Dave, Eirene and Tryphena (plus their super cute dogs)

The kids

Next up, Mark and Leah...and the baby girl (c;

We had to do the obligatory hands on tummy make a heart...

...and because I'm a nerd (and because they were willing to put up with my nerdiness)...Live Long and Prosper. (c:

friday phonics: v25 - The Damnwells

2010-09-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

I used to hate the question “who is your favorite band of all time?” because music is like a living entity that grows, changes, expands and contracts with moods and experiences; it’s difficult to say what my all time favorite is when so many artists have had an impact on me one way or another. However, the more I think about that particular question the more I think I might just have to say The Damnwells are my favorite.

I can safely say that of all the bands I know and love, they are my constant; they are my Desmond (for all you Lost fans out there). I can put my ipod on shuffle and I will guarantee you that if a song of theirs comes on (any song) I’m incapable of clicking that skip button.

For those of you not in the know, The Damnwells are a fantastic band that began in Brooklyn, NY. The constant in The Damnwells is front man Alex Dezen. While the lineup has played musical chairs over the years, Alex has been the core. I’ll let him tell you who they are…

“The Damnwells has always been about my songs with extremely talented musicians and producers collaborating. The personnel have changed, but the essence—one of this week’s vocabulary words for the 7th graders I teach—remains the same. That was always the idea Ted and I had for this band, that it would be a kind of collective, a collaborative vehicle for artists and friends. Dave, Ted, and Steve were in the shit with me for 7 years. Now they’ve got other things going on, more important things. Are we still friends? Some of us. Will we ever play together again? Does the pope wear a funny hat? Even if some of us aren’t in communication right now, I know we wish we were.”
[read the whole blog here ]

He has a way with words, and I do love that. I heard someone once say that a song tells a story while a book shows you a story. I think the wonderful thing about what Alex writes is that he is both a song-writer and a poet. He has to ability to tell a story in one song and paint a picture for you in the next.

They are, in my opinion, the greatest band you’ve never heard of; unless of course you know me…then you’ve likely heard of them. A lot. (c;

Choosing songs to share here was difficult since there are so many that I love, but I will do my best.

I think Sleepsinging is probably the first song of theirs I’d ever heard, but I can’t be sure. It is amazing though.

Down With the Ship might just be my favorite song ever.

A little live performance of Like It Is for you…and live is so much better. This song features Alex and his lovely wife, Angela. Aren’t they super cute? (c: Man, I love the tone of his voice.

It’s Okay; another vid featuring Alex and Angela…my favorite line in this song “I wish that I was in love with being so unsatisfied”

Every time I’ve been to Texas, I’ve disliked it immensely. Maybe I haven’t been to the “right places” but it has always failed to impress. This song, however, makes me like Texas just a little bit.

Okay. I’ve got to stop. But I’ve got to end this with a list of some of my favorites that I didn’t have the space to post here; Kiss Catastrophe • Everything • Graceless • Goodnight Tonight • WWXII • Death Defier • Monster's Heart • New Dehli • Sweet Wicked Ways • Constantine • Soundtrack • Electric Harmony • …and there are so many more, but that’ll give you a place to start. (c;

**For your entertainment here is a recent story from Alex. All of my friends who are teachers will be able to relate, I'm sure. (c; Plus, from that site you can check out updates on their newest project...it's gonna be good.

underneath it all

2010-09-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone else is like this, but I always struggle with the open-ended question of "How are you doing?" Mostly I just say "okay" because even if I'm having a shitty day, do they really want to know that? Even worse is when I get "How is your dad doing/feeling/coping/etc.?" I struggle internally; do they really want the details...and if they want details, how much do I/should I/am I obligated to give. It's frustrating, but at the same time, have we been bred as a culture to ask a significant question so insignificantly?

I recently read this on Nick Holmes' tumblr...(click to enlarge)
...just more proof of his awesome.

I've seen the gamut of responses when I actually do share what is going on. Anywhere from genuine concern to shock to understanding to a subject change. If you don't really want to know what is going on, should you even pose the question?

What are your thoughts?

friday phonics: v24 - Matt The Electrician

2010-09-16T23:06:00.000-07:00

This week’s artist is new to me. Though it makes me sad that I’d never heard of him before last week, I’m certainly glad I’ve found him. (c: He is Matt The Electrician a.k.a Matt Sever.

He is a straight-up story teller and I love that. I wish we had more musicians now-a-days who did the same. His stories are funny, sweet, reflective and tongue-in-cheek; and his skill on the guitar is excellent. Plus, he has a superb beard.

I feel like I could bombard you with 20 videos (all amazingly good) from him, but I’ll keep it to a manageable 4. But, really, you should go check him out for yourself too. He has a song called Army of Kittens. Honestly. You just can’t go wrong.

My dog

Keep It There

Black Blackness. Amazing. And funny.

For Angela…an open letter to Wal-Mart and a perfect example of his fantastic story telling ability.

kickin' it really old school

2010-09-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

Oh my, how I do love McSweeney's. Their random lists generally give me something to giggle at and make my day a little better, but this list I read today was so spectacular that I had to share. (c:

RAP LYRICS OF THE (17)90's
BY CHLOE FILSON

- - - -

"To an extreme degree, I have amplified my voice and thus my sentiments—much as a vandal might."

- -

"Would that I were of greater stature, and could participate in the frivolities of the future."

- -

"The music I have created resounds loudly in my ears, causing me to offer a brief prayer of gratitude for the blessings given by my Lord and Saviour."

- -

"At one time, whilst reposing at my leisure—indeed—what, ho! I beheld that which did not accord with reason."

- -

"Before you are the mechanisms of amplification, and the amplification process is underway. Let us not squander our time; I urge you to appreciate the verses, herein amplified, which in their melody and metre naturally provoke jumping. Thus, jump, as you will."

- -

"I admit to a predilection for certain female attributes—to put it precisely, yet with due regard for delicacy, the buttocks. You other fathers shan't deny it."

- -

"Birthed and reared in West Philadelphia, the days of my childhood and early youth were spent in the wildernesses just beyond our village, where my companions and I passed many an hour roaming free and frolicking, oftentimes playing ball sports in the proximity of the schoolhouse. I recall a certain occasion on which two wastrels came upon us, interrupted our pursuits, caused a general ruckus, and incited a fray. Upon my honour, had I not been bested by these mongrels, no doubt my loving mother would not have laid her heavy hand and decided my future in such an immovable manner as she then did. Her words, as I recollect, were 'Get thee to Bel Air forthwith, where you will live with your aunt and uncle in peace, and whence you will return only when you have become a man, noble as any other.' Alas! What choice had I, but to summon a cab and depart from that dear childhood home? How strange it was to see that the approaching buggy appeared to be painted with nonsensical lettering and festooned with the symbols of gambling and sin. Yet I disregarded it and considered it a rarity. 'To Bel Air, if you please' said I to the cabbie as together we heaved up my trunk. At perhaps seven or eight of the clock, after some hours of evening travel, the buggy came to a halt at the entrance of a grand house. After bidding the driver farewell, I regarded my new lodgings. Here would I be educated. Here would I learn my place in the family. Here would I reign, in a sense, as the new prince of Bel Air."

- -

"Huzzah! There it is."

friday phonics: v23 - Bon Iver

2010-09-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Since I mentioned Bon Iver last week, I kinda felt like highlighting them today. Bon Iver is the brain child of Justin Vernon and consists of extraordinary harmonies and lyrics that paint pictures...and you gotta love that falsetto.

For Emma

Re: Stacks

live performance of Flume via La Blogotheque

friday phonics: v22 - The Low Anthem

2010-09-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

This week’s band is a group from Providence, RI called The Low Anthem. At times invoking Elliott Smith or Bon Iver, but always bringing something unique to the table. The lyrics are thought provoking and image producing poetry.

Love.

I don’t know why…but “To Ohio” makes me think of jill. (c:

Great song. Fantastic Video. “Charlie Darwin”

An exceptionally beautiful live performance of “To the Ghosts Who Write History Books”

friday phonics: v21 .watch.listen.tell.

2010-08-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

Videos of some more incredible talent out of Europe via watch listen tell.

Lovely band of English boys singing in fantastic harmonies...and clapping.
Magic Touch - Golden Silvers

Gah! Conner is totally allowed to sing to me any time.
Becoming a Jackal - Villagers

Erin recommended this really great band that hails from Ireland...the studio work is fun and rhythmic and oh so wonderful. Their live work is even better; seriously, could Alex have a better voice?
Something Good Can Work - Two Door Cinema Club

The only chick to make the list...singing a beautiful introspective song. So wonderful.
Night Bus - Lucy Rose

Fantastic lyrics. Great musicians. Beautiful harmonies. Violin. Win.
Bible Belt - Dry the River

This band is the brain child of Joe (lead singer)...the EP is pretty much just him but he gets some lovely musicians in on the fun for the live performances. The chick in this video kind of annoys me, but her voice makes up for her personality and the song is so good that I don't mind that she's annoying. Plus...I kinda wanna marry Tom.
Run - Broadcast 2000

Alright...I've got to stop before I go too crazy. One more for all you lovers of the soul out there. This guy has it in spades.
It's not the Same - Liam Bailey

Well that settles it...I'm moving to London.

friday phonics: v20 in between the spaces

2010-08-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

So. If you know me (and if you read this blog, you likely do) you know that music is a huge part of my life. It is an outlet and a means to express myself. It brightens my day. It makes me want to dance (tho that rarely happens in public). It makes me want to sing (again, a rarity unless I'm in a car). It is an outlet when I'm angry and a means of expressing myself when I'm happy. It has, at times, pulled me through moments I wasn't sure I could get through. There are always those songs (for everyone, I think) that provide a soundtrack to a specific moment or time-frame in my life. Some songs I can't listen to anymore for the memories that they carry with them.

I don't often express it outwardly, but I am a deeply emotional person. I am rational in that I don't let my emotions dictate my actions, but that doesn't mean I don't feel deeply. I think that because of this, I connect very much so on an emotional level with music and I rarely like artists that I don't connect to in that way or that I don't find sincere.

Sometimes I can connect with a song without even submersing myself in the lyrics and then when I finally do listen to the lyrics, it can change my whole perspecive on a song. I feel like I should listen to lyrics more carefully, but I have the habit of being drawn into the music itself first. Am I the only one who does that?

I do appreciate songwriters who have to ability to get deep without being too cheezy or just too existential (not that there's anything wrong with existential) and I love the simplicity of a beautiful lyric.

Which brings us to this week's Friday Phonics. Instead of just sharing one band that I enjoy I thought I'd share some of my all-time favorite lyrics; hopefully you'll enjoy them as much as I do. (c:

*I had a hard time narrowing it down...so there's a lot. I was going to do vids with each, but since I went a little crazy and couldn't narrow it down more than this, I am posting just a few select videos*

-The Damnwells Down With the Ship
"If my life were a distance, what mile would you claim? If my life were a story, how I wish you would explain all this"
"We're all growing up faster than our skin"

-Mumford and Sons I Gave You All
"If only I had an enemy bigger than my apathy, I would have won"

-Death Cab for Cutie What Sarah Said
"It stung like a violent wind that our memories depend on a faulty camera in our minds"
"But I'm thinking of what Sarah said; That love is watching someone die"

-The Frames What Happens When the Heart Just Stops
"And the world, it does regret to have to leave you in this state of bereavement"

-We Are Scientists Callbacks
"I got a timebomb headache that's ticking down. I guess that everything's better when I'm not around.

-Glen Hansard Say It to Me Now
"This mystery only leads to doubt and I didn’t understand when you reached out to take my hand"

-Copeland Testing the Strong Ones
"I’ll tell you I’m sorry that I can’t take this pain away from you, and I’d put it on my own body if I knew how to"

-Andrew Belle Static Waves
"The static waves across the screen define this notion; back and forth and in between like my emotion"

-Aaron Espe Dragons
"If you could choose anyone, would you place your bet on me to slay all these dragons and cross these uncrossable seas?"

-Chasing Furies ‘Til We Have Faces
"How can God see us face to face ‘til we have faces? To say the very thing that you really mean, the whole of it"

-Counting Crows Colorblind
"I am covered in skin. No one gets to come in. Pull me out from the inside. I am folded and unfolded and unfolding"

-The Damnwells Everything
"Here's the good advice you preach without a sound"
"Somewhere between breaking and broke there's a song to sing"

-Mumford and Sons Liar
"And you lay careless your head on my chest and don't even look at me looking my best. And all these things I can't describe; you would rather I didn't try"

-Jonathan Rice Acrobat
"And if my heart should break, well I will surely die. And my blood will flow and my soul will fly"

-Nat King Cole Autumn Leaves
"I see your lips, the summer kisses. The sun-burned hands I used to hold"

-Fruit Bats When U Love Somebody
"When you love somebody it's hard to think about anything but to breathe"

-Ben Rector When a Heart Breaks
"This isn't easy, This isn't clear, and you don't need Jesus 'til you're here"

-Thrice That Hideous Strength
"But my voice is buried in an unearthly silence, like in nightmares when ghosts steal your breath. I pray that power be not in my words, but in truth that supercedes the mind of man"

-Punch Brothers I Know You Know
"I know that I was a young Dylan tossing out the perfect verse; now I'm another damn Yankee, can't toss it to first"

-The Tallest Man on Earth Burden of Tomorrow
"Oh I was sent to find the lonesome place where I was lost but left to trace by carving riddles on the lonesome vine"

-Pedro The Lion Foregone Conclusions
"I don't want to believe that all of the above is true but I could be persuaded if you were to give me proof"
"You were too busy steering the conversation toward the Lord to hear the voice of the Spirit begging you to shut the fuck up"

-Beatles Blackbird
"Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise"

-Dustin Kensrue Blanket of Ghosts
"I've got a feeling; it's hard to explain. Feels like the devil rents a room in my brain"

-Over the Rhine All I Need Is Everything
"so from now 'til Kingdom come, taste the words on the tip of my tongue. 'Cuz we can't run truth out of town, only force it underground"

-Frightened Rabbit FootShooter
Hold on to your thumbs, tighten your eyelids, lock up your ears dear, I'm verbal when I'm loaded. Duck under that desk, cover your neck, thicken your skin as I begin to shoot myself in the foot again.

-The Frames The Stars Are Underground
"Well I must have done you wrong, 'cause you always insist on telling me how it feels"

-The Civil Wars Tip of My Tongue
"You’re a red string tied to my finger; a little love letter I carry with me"

-Iron & Wine God Gave a Stone
"And God gave a stone but it rolled down the hill; it’s the shape of His breath, or Her breath if you will"

-William Fitzsimmons Body For My Bed
"My mother warned me of people that would take advantage of my money and my grace; but she forgot to tell me I'm the same and I'm the one to blame"

-We Are Scientists Chick Lit
"I wouldn't be caught dead with your kind and all the hot-shot carrying on that you do. It's your only move"

-Mumford and Sons The Banjolin Song
"She stole my heart and made me sing; she tore me limb from limb. I did not think that I could love or be loved that way again"

friday phonics: v19 - Florence and the Machine

2010-08-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

I'm going out of town this weekend to celebrate my gram's 3/4 of a century birthday. She's throwing herself the bash of the century with family coming in from all over creation. (c: This should be interesting.

Since I'll be out of town, I figured I'd get the Friday phonics in early (especially since I completely slacked last week).

This week, I'm going a bit different from the direction I've been going in as of late (i.e. folksy, bluesy, bands of boys, etc.) and I give you Florence + The Machine.

Definitely fun to blast in the car or to listen to while running, she'll probably make you want to shake your money maker; Florence is a good time. Enjoy...

Drumming Song

Howl

1940s color slides

2010-07-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

These are cool; color slides from the 1940s

Check out the real life Rosie the Riveter...image #66. That's pretty badass.

friday phonics: v18 - Fruit Bats

2010-07-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today's band is brought to you by flying nectarivores...okay, maybe it's just some really talented guys from Chicago.

They are the Fruit Bats and despite kind of a strange name, they are quite awesome. Reminescent of 1970's rock and roll but with a modern flavor. They are really incredible musicians and with the exception of one video, all of the videos I'm posting today are live performances. That's got to say something, right?

Canyon Girl

The Ruminant Band...this song, to me, has the most 70's flavor and I can dig it.

My Unusual Friend

I mean, c'mon...the drummer is chillin' in a bean bag and playing on a plastic bucket. Can we get more awesome?
Primitive Man

sorry I'm going a little crazy with the videos, but I couldn't resist posting this performance of Joy to the World. Seriously, I would not have a problem with Eric Johnson singing to me every day.

friday phonics: v17 The AV Club

2010-07-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

Today's friday phonics is not about a band...it's about a project. The AV Club decided to make a list of 25 songs that they would like to hear covered. They then cleaned out/converted a small, round storage room for the various bands to play the covers in. The first band invited had the list of 25 songs to choose from, then that song got crossed off the list and the second band had 24 songs to choose from; down to the final band who has one song they must play.

The list of songs is eclectic and varied, as are the bands (or individuals from bands) that come in to cover them. This combination makes for very interesting covers...

So far, 18 songs have been covered; here are a few of my favorites so far.

Owen Pallett of Arcade Fire covers "Game of Pricks" by Guided by Voices. I totally love that this is one dude with a violin...singing and playing violin is not an easy task, but he does it splendidly.

Owen Pallett covers Guided By Voices

Next up, Motion City Soundtrack covers "Cut Your Hair" by Pavement. Just a really fun cover.

Motion City Soundtrack covers Pavement

And from Frightened Rabbit (last weeks phonics) Scott Hutchison covers "Confetti" by The Lemonheads.

Frightened Rabbit covers The Lemonheads

I was going to stop at 3 videos, but I couldn't resist the awesomeness of Eef Barzelay of Clem Snide covering "Faithfully" by Journey. Epic.

Clem Snide covers Journey

.football.

2010-07-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Some fantastically amazing shots from the Big Picture of the World Cup...they are extraordinary whether you like soccer or not. I love love love love love the last shot in the series.

2010 World Cup comes to a close - The Big Picture - Boston.com

friday phonics: v16 - Frightened Rabbit

2010-07-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

This week's Friday (er...Saturday) phonics is brought to you by Frightened Rabbit.

Scottish dudes rocking it out. What's better? Not much.

Nothing like you

The loneliness and the scream

Swim until you can't see land.

070810

2010-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

...

there will come a time, you'll see
with no more tears
and love will not break your heart,
but dismiss your fears.
get over your hill and see
what you'll find there
with grace in your heart
and flowers in your hair.

...

M & S

friday phonics: v15 - Mumford and Sons

2010-07-01T00:37:00.000-07:00

woah. is it actually friday? i'm posting on a friday? miracle of miracles.

I cannot even begin to describe how much I love this week's band. Trust me, you'll love them too.

I give you Mumford and Sons; 4 lovely blokes from London who make music that makes me ever so happy. I haven't heard anything so epic in a while (in the way that only an electric banjo and double bass can make something epic). Their debut album Sigh No More is a perfect blend of light and shade, happiness and heartbreak...all to the tune of incredible melodies and driving rhythms.

I dare you not to fall in love.

The Cave - first song I ever heard... video makes me smile every single time.

Little Lion Man - just listen and love.

I could post so many more videos, but I'll leave you with this live performance of White Blank Page. I can't get over the awesome....

Etsy

2010-06-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

By the by...I just opened up an Etsy.com shop. There are only a few prints in there right now, but I will be adding more. (c: Link is posted on the right.. --->

Unpopular Proverbs

2010-06-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

If your sense of humor is anything like mine (or your name is jill), you'll enjoy Teddy Wayne's Unpopular Proverbs by the geniuses at McSweeny's.

Here's a little taste:

MOTION.
A rolling stone gathers no moss. Except for briefly employed 1962 Stones drummer Tony Chapman, who used to like to take long walks through the Lake District and gather moss, lichen, and algae samples. Huge moss gatherer.

RECIPROCITY.
It takes two to tango at the Tuesday-night beginning dance class at Walton Community College, unless you don't have a partner, in which case the teacher will match you up with one, but then you'll feel like a total loser who's there to meet other singles and fill up your Tuesday nights and not really because you want to learn the tango—and Tuesday's a pretty good night for TV now, so just stay home and paper over your loneliness with two straight hours of Glee.

NECESSITY.
Necessity is the mother of Invention, but the two have had a strained relationship ever since Necessity snubbed Invention's wife, Creativity, by not sending her a separate Evite to the family reunion, so when you meet Necessity, don't start off by saying, "Oh, you're Invention's mom!"

STOICISM.
There's no use crying over spilled milk, unless you're stranded in a desert and that milk was your only remaining liquid, but even then, the crying may further dehydrate you and the salty tears will find their way into your mouth and exacerbate your thirst, so, on balance, it still makes sense not to cry.

UNITY.
A house divided against itself cannot stand. Wait, I forgot about duplexes. Duplexes are the exact literal definition of bifurcated housing. God, I can be such an idiot sometimes.

DECEPTION.
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me; fool me three times, and we're probably playing the party game "Yes, Foolin'!" in which players rack up points to become "Fool of the Hill" by fooling each other shamelessly.

For more awesomeness, click here

Hu.larious.

work. write. work.

2010-05-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

My mom and I recently had a discussion about my current position in life and what I'm doing for work; I really, really, really dislike my job...really.

Working for an accounting firm is hardly stimulating to someone who tends toward the artistic. It's not that I'm not capable when it comes to a linear, black and white way of thinking, but I'm certainly not challenged nor am I motivated in this type of situation. I thrive and flourish in a creative setting.

The solution seems simple, yes? Find a job in a creative field. But for me, I don't think the answer is as simple as that.

I went to school for photography, knowing how much I love to use my creativity; why not make a carreer out of it? The problem I'm running into, however, is the more I make money with my photography, the more I loathe it.

There are plenty of photographers who make a living by using their creativity and while I'm sure some of them get burned out, I haven't heard of many who begin to hate the craft. I don't know...maybe I haven't spoken with enough photographers to get real insight.

The only conclusion that I can come to, at least personally speaking, is that I feel like I'm prostituting my emotions. Sounds severe, but let me explain; my creativity (i.e. photography and writing) is my emotional outlet. I know this is the case for most (read: all) artists, but being that I'm bad at expressing my emotions, it tends to be my only outlet.

So, I'm stepping back from photography...at least as a career. It will continue to be something that I create and share, but I can't continue doing it for a living...at least at this point in my life.

I've been writing more lately, even posting a little on my writing blog (tho it has tended toward the severely depressing lately). When my mom suggested writing as a career, it made me cringe just a little; writing is just as much (if not more) of an emotional outlet for my emotions as photography.

So, back at the drawing board, I think I'm going to go back to school. Physical therapy is what I'm continually drawn toward, but I want to be sure...I don't want to go to school yet again and have it come to naught. My personal situation has given me a unique perspective on care-giving and I know that it's something I could be good at; at least I could come home from work with a feeling of accomplishment. That's the main reason I hate my current job; I feel like I haven't contributed to the world around me.

I don't like that feeling.

Apparently, it's music week...

2010-05-26T02:37:00.001-07:00

...and I'm in the mood to share another favorite.

Maybe it's the orchestra geek in me, but I love, love, love it when a musician can take a classical instrument and bring new life to it.

It's not easy to become an accomplished musician or vocalist; practice makes perfect as the saying goes. What separates the good from the great, the great from the extraordinary, is one's ability to insert themselves into the music and express the emotion of the piece. I personally believe this is a God-given quality and not something you can learn or be taught. But this connection, this raw emotion, is fully reliant on the individual's ability to open up and let the music speak.

In my opinion, Glen Hansard (vocally) and Yo Yo Ma (instrumentally) are clear examples of this gift.

Lucia Micarelli is "new" to the game; at least from the viewpoint of fame (she's been playing since she was 3). But she is clearly someone born with the ability to let music sing through her, and the willingness to show her emotions to the world.

It's unbelievably brave and makes me wish I had more courage in my musical endeavors.

and this totally inspires me to pick up my viola and work out a little Hendrix. (c;

more music...

2010-05-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

So, my friends Jill, Alicia and Lindsay went to a Nathaniel Rateliff concert last night (if it hadn't been for previously scheduled dinner plans, I would have gone as well). I got a call from Jill around 8:30 after the opening act had finished...he was apparently so amazing that she had to call me to tell me to check his band out.

The "band" is called The Tallest Man on Earth...after mild confusion, Jill got it through my think skull that that was the band name (not a physical description of my next boyfriend), and I did a little research.

Jill thought that he was just playing sans band for this show, but what I found was that The Tallest Man on Earth is only one dude (Kristian Matsson), much like Sam Beam is Iron and Wine.

What I also found was a lot of live performances by an unassuming Swedesh bloke. Wait...let me rephrase, I found a lot of incredible live performances by said bloke.

The most common comparison seems to be Dylan, and it's prettly clear why. Vocally and lyrically it makes sense (tho I do think he's got a better voice than Dylan). His playing reminded me very much of Leo Kottke...and that's a good thing. (c;

Here's just a little taste...but I'd recommend going to you tube and listening to what you can there. It's good. So good.

friday phonics: v14 - The Temper Trap

2010-05-19T02:34:00.000-07:00

so. it's not friday. but i've been on a roll lately where posting on friday is so cliche...well, that and i haven't posted in forever, but let's just forget that, shall we?

my internet access is back. i'm a happy girl. sigh.

anyway...on to the music. i've been really digging the temper trap lately. the first song of theirs that i heard was sweet disposition. the build is incredible. if this song woke me up every morning, i think i'd be okay with that.

another song of theirs that i love is called love lost. it's sweet and sad and hopeful. i dig it.

oh...and i kind of LOVE this video.

.hello.

2010-05-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

Another fantastic photographer to follow? That'd be Alison Garnett. She is incredibly talented and she shoots with a Diana a lot...so...score. (c:

All of her other projects can be found here.

Enjoy!

.fundraiser.

2010-05-03T17:06:00.001-07:00

For those of you who weren't aware that I was doing a fundraiser for my dad, here is a nifty link to the blog that explains all. (c:

.slacker.

2010-03-30T11:25:00.001-07:00

why yes. yes i am.

hey kids, sorry for being so completely MIA for...well, i guess you could say all of 2010. this is partly due to life circumstances, partly to no internet access at home. poor excuses, i'm sure, but you'll just have to deal. (c:

sorry to say that this is not going to be a huge revelation or even a fun picture/music post. i just wanted to let you know that i hadn't forgotten about my blog and i'll be back soon...i swear.

to help you fill the void in the mean time, here is a link to a photographer who i really enjoy (and he's really good at posting daily!). his name is sam jevanrouh, he lives in canada and he has a seriously amazing eye; finding beauty in the mundane. hope you like him as much as i do.

click here!

man of steel

2010-01-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

ah, Superman. you're the best.

some great work by francis manapul

shake it.

2010-01-24T13:47:00.001-08:00

skippity do dah! i'm happy.

2010-01-20T22:07:00.001-08:00

Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.

-C.S. Lewis

11610

2010-01-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

encore.

12109

2009-12-01T16:46:00.001-08:00

so far away from where you are
i'm standing underneath the stars
and i wish you were here.

112409

2009-11-24T21:29:00.001-08:00

friday phonics: v13 - Kyle and Natalie

2009-11-17T23:06:00.001-08:00

what's that you say? it's tuesday. ha. when has that ever prevented me from pretending it was friday?

found this fun/fantastically talented band via a fellow '08 hallmark grad, mary frances (seriously, check her out; she is freaking awesome!) anyway, she did a photo shoot with them and posted an example of their skills. just the five of them chillin' on a porch, taking advantage of the lovely acoustics. so great.

so here you are; kyle and natalie

110709

2009-11-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

i never knew how to worship until I knew how to love. ~henry ward beecher

friday phonics: v12 - Punch Brothers

2009-11-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

last week i showed you what one-third of nickel creek was up to, this week i'm going to show you what another third is working on.

chris thile is a genius on the mandolin. genius.

want proof? just check out this performance prelude in e major by bach. in.credible.

chris teamed up with 4 other young bluegrass musicians to form punch brothers. chris on the mandolin, chris eldridge on the guitar, noam pikelny on the banjo, gabe witcher on violin and paul kowert on the upright.

they're not traditional bluegrass, they're not country, they're not folk, they're not pop...i think we have to come up with a new genre for them. or maybe just ignore genres all together and divide music into good music and bad music.

this would be the former. (c: (medley of "bailey" and "i know you know")

110609

2009-11-05T22:57:00.000-08:00

103109

2009-10-31T15:00:00.001-07:00

i cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. so i spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air. ~ nathaniel hawthorne

friday phonics: v11 - Fiction Family

2009-10-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

fiction family = jon foreman (switchfoot) + sean watkins (nickel creek)

fantastic combination of talents. if you're familiar with either band, i think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the combo. i would say that it's less like switchfoot's work and more like jon's solo stuff, but still great great great. i think everyone would agree that jon's voice is superior, but there is something unassuming and raw in sean's voice. love 'em both.

their album fiction family is highly recommended.

sorry, no professional recording, but this is a live recording on one of my favorites "betrayal"

and another "more for the sender" (showing off a bit o' sean this time). apparently the camera person was a bit obsessed with jon. (c; oh, well. you can still hear the fantasticness that is sean (and his sister sara on the violin)

102809

2009-10-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

102709

2009-10-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

102409

2009-10-24T20:35:00.001-07:00

102309

2009-10-23T23:08:00.001-07:00

i love this picture.

and not just because of the lovely cochenours showing everyone how it's done. (c;

friday phonics: v10 - Muse

2009-10-23T23:07:00.001-07:00

muse. ah, muse. thank you for bringing the classics back.

102209

2009-10-22T22:17:00.001-07:00

humor is the great thing, the saving thing. the minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place. ~mark twain