tuning in...

Y'ALL. I'm like a blogging fool this week! I suppose it can be summed up by the fact that I'm quite frankly trying to do as little as possible during work hours as the Holiday Happies have taken over my body and I can only concentrate on whimsy rather than paperwork and deadlines. Oh, and the fact that you sweet dears out in cyber space have been reading! It makes my little ticker oh so happy! I hope this little burst of blogging energy keeps up, as I LOVE to write on this ol' boy!

Before I sign off for the festivities, I wanted to lay down some more tracks & a few other goodies that I completely j`adore....

1. Jesus, Etc by Wilco. I might be a smidge obsessed with this song. It's just too much for me to handle at times. Wilco is and has remained a staple in my ever growing musical education- to put it mildly, they are fucking amazing. That's all I can say about that.

2. Life is a Carnival by The Band. At the moment, I can't recall as to whether or not I have included The Band on any of my lists. If not, well then shame on me. They are without a doubt my favorite favorite (it means more if you say it twice) band of all time. I think I fell asleep to The Last Waltz every night for about 2 straight years- no lie. I adore everything they do & this is one of my favorite uppers. Gets me going. In my dreams, Richard, Garth, Levon, Rick, & Robbie are all still around, still performing, still waltzing.....

3. Let It Be by The Beatles. GOD. BLESS. THE. BEATLES. When tough times fall, this is my go to song. Magic. Poetry. So simple, yet so evocative. Try to make it through this song without at very least getting a knot in your throat, I dare you.

4. Taper Jean Girl by Kings of Leon. I know, I know, they are on almost every music list I make. Suck it, I love them. It's rock n' roll & it's just plain amazing. Put this ditty on, turn it up...& dance your damn heart out......

5. Wake Up Boo! by The Boo Radleys. I only found this song because To Kill A Mockingbird is one of my favorite books, & Boo Radley one of my favorite literary characters of always. Turns out, they play some good tunes, this being my fave. Plus- like the title says- it is the best song to start your day... wake up, turn it on & up (exceptionally good music should always be listened to at loud decibels) & go man, just go.

6. Acid Tongue by Jenny Lewis. Had to throw in a kick ass lady and Jenny totally is hands down. This is my fave solo jenny song. The whole Acid Tongue album is just bomb. She throws down, no mercy style, yet she does it with an ethereal tendency to her. It's like baby kittens telling you to fuck off. I adore it. And the fact that she was Phyllis Nefler's daughter in one of the all time greatest pieces of cinematic genius in the history of everything, Troop Beverly Hills, just makes her that much cooler. BEVERLY HILLS...WHAT A THRILL.

HAPPY & MERRY TO YOU & YOURS.
Don't forget to give yourself a present,
-j.

A lovestruck Romeo, sings the streets a serenade...

You know how when you're listening to music playing from another room? And you're singing along because it's a tune that you really love? When a door closes or a train passes so you can't hear the music anymore, but you sing along anyway... then, no matter how much time passes, when you hear the music again you're still in exact same time with it. That's what love is like.

I won't look back anymore

I left the people that do

It's not the chase that I love

It's me following you.

'tis the season....to share some love.

Boys & Girls....I'm alive!! I admit I haven't kept up my part of the bargain...you know the whole, I'm going to write and update this little gem all the time...... oops...my B...A-D. The important thing is that I'm here now and my oh my, how time does fly when we are having fun....or at least daydreaming about it.



Let's start, shall we?

First and foremost I must say, Merry Mazel Tov Christmas Kwanzaa to all. Favorite time of the year. Hands. Down. I love everything about right now....the weather (brrrrrr.)....the mood- as I am joyous and thankful all the time (or I try to be anyways) and it's nice that people try to put out those same vibes- even if it is for a few months out of the year- that deserves a drop in the snap cup.....the lighting- Big props to whomever decided that candles should be written about in holiday songs, everything/ everyone looks better with a glow around it/ them.....and what I love most about this time of the year? Simple. It's LOVE. Wherever you are & whatever you believe, you can't deny that right now it's like the grinch when he finally figures christmas out and his heart grows 3 sizes bigger.... I truly believe my old friend Hugh Grant...Love Actually IS All Around. I hope as the merriment of the season falls upon you, you hold your loves a little closer and your heart stays full of love, joy, and peace!! AMEN!

Ok, I think now that we've covered Christmakwanzukkah, we should hop, skip, & jump on into 2010!! I'm tres` excited about the new year, and all of it's possibilities. I don't really make resolutions but this year I've compiled a list of things that I want to do/ to fulfill/ to have in the big '10......

1. I want to be more BRAVE- I've always had a lot of faith, a belief in the goodness, and hope that things are going to work out, but in 2010 I want to work on building up some more gusto- to not be so afraid to go out on limbs and spread my wings and really fight for what I want. It's not easy to let go and really put your guard down but that is something I'm going to do this new year.

2. I want built in bookshelves. I've always been a lover of the written word and I want to start displaying my modest (yet growing) library. I love love love a built in bookshelf and as I begin the hunt for a new pad- they are on top of my list...right next to hardwood floors and a vintage porcelain bath tub :)

3. I will make it to every major music festival in the US this year- There aren't many things I love more than live music and this year I want to be a part of all of the great festivals...so far these are on my list: Bonnaroo, Coachella, Lollapalooza, Jazzfest, VooDoo Festival, All Points West, Langerado, Austin City Limits, SXSW, & Rothbury.....Any other great festivals I should know about??

4. I will take more pictures. and create more documented memories. The older I get, the faster it all seems to pass by. I'm convinced life is meant for LIVING. And I want to capture more of me doing so.

5. I'm going to be better to me. I'm a giver by nature (thanks Mom & Dad) but I've come to realization that I need to give a little more to myself sometimes. I've got to be the best me before I can give the best to anyone else.

So those are my resolutions. I think they are great & I can't wait to check 'em off the ol' life list for 2010!
Before I depart, let's talk tunes, shall we? Here are some current faves....

1. Wasp Nest by The National- Picture this...everything is glowing and out of focus and then suddenly you see "them", that person that makes you weak in the knees, and everything becomes clear. Now put this song in there as backround music. OH MY GOODNESS. Breathtaking. Haunting. Practically Perfect in Every Way.

2. Poison & Wine by The Civil Wars- What an amazing duo haling from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Their harmonies and lyrics are so painfully beautiful, it makes you want to cry. The basis of the song rings so true for anyone who has that person, the one that no matter what they've done and how horribly they've treated you, you can't do anything but love them, as much as it hurts you.

3. Mrs. Christmas by Jessie Baylin- I had to throw in at least a little holiday music and what better way than with this season's sweetest little ditty about newlyweds and christmastime. I just adore Jessie, I think her voice is so smooth and dreamy, listening to her music is like going somewhere warm and cozy, and I just feel like she's got a lot of sass. And I'm a big fan of sass. I like to think that one day, we will be friends, I think we would bond...but until then I will listen to Mrs. Christmas and daydream about being newly wed at christmas time and smile and just think, how lovely.

4. Hiding My Heart Away by Brandi Carlile- This song a lot a lot a lot to me and I just rediscovered it the other day. I love everything about it and Brandi Carlile's voice is kind of out of this world. Just listen to it, and ache with goodness.

I hope you enjoy the tunes & you think about what good things you want for yourself in 2010.
Until we meet again, MY CUP RUNNETH OVER....

-j.

my heart like a kick drum.

Right now, my brain is on the verge of exploding. There are so many thoughts to share that I don't even know where to start......

How about we start with The Avett Brothers...yes, that will be lovely.

So, my darling Father, surprised the fam by getting us tickets to see one of my favorite, favorite, bands- you guessed it- The Avett Brothers. This was the third time I've seen them live, and let me tell you, the true mark of an amazing band is that you find it hard to listen to their studio work because the live stuff is just too incredible to be described by words. Scott, Seth, Bob, and Joe put on one hell of a show. I have chills just thinking about the glory of it all- they killed it. They are true artists. Their melodies and lyrics hit you like a ton of bricks because of the honesty behind them. You feel like they are singing to you and about you and around you, and your heart aches because every song feels like it belongs to you, wrapped up in sparkly paper and tied with a bow, with love from The Avett Brothers.

Another thing that made this night magic- Family time. I count myself as one of the lucky ones- one of the few who can stand up and say without a doubt, that I have one of the most incredible family units ever. We are strong, and steady, and there when everything else is gone. We're not perfect by any means, but we are intrepid- we carry on through the bad, the good, and everything in between. It's hard to get together now that we are all grown ups- but being with them, this night, in Tallahassee, Florida- made the verse from "Murder in the City" which was performed acoustically to a completely silent crown, ring ever so true.

"Always remember there is nothing worth sharing like the love that lets us share our name"

p.s. Do me a favor on September 29, 2009- go pick up The Avett Brothers' new cd - I AND LOVE AND YOU. It will change you.

the trapeze swinger.

Please, remember me... Happily... By the rosebush laughing... With bruises on my chin... The time when... We counted every black car passing... Your house beneath the hill... And up until... Someone caught us in the kitchen... With maps, a mountain range, A piggy bank, A vision too removed to mention....

be good to your heart today.

she'ssss baaaccckkk.

Ok, so I've realized how truly neglectful of this sweet little blog I've been...it's sad really. It's not even legit at this point...pssshhh. Well, out with the negative- I'm back and I've made the decision to coddle and nurture this lovely little piece of Internet real estate to become the prime blog I know it can be. That being said- let's do this...

Fall is ever so quickly approaching and I have compiled a list of things that I'm jonesing for this autumn season:

1. Leather Leggings- In the words of Rachel Zoe, patron saint of all things FAB- D-I-E. I discovered these little gems at the beginning of 2009- suffice it to say, this darling little fishing village in which I currently reside- isn't the most fashion forward dot on the map, so I've had to wait until my leather leggings are popular with the masses to obtain and (ugh) afford (yeah, she's still broke- but employed- that should at least get thrown into the snap cup- no?).

2. Riding Boots- mahogany. distressed leather. lace up. knee high. STOP IT.

3. Ray-Ban RX 5121 Eyeglasses- I love thick framed glasses, good thing I really can't see for shit, or I would almost feel stupid for wearing them...almost.

4. Kings of Leon- October 15, 2009 - Birmingham, AL - I wish this day would come and then replay over and over and over every day for 6 months. I love these boys. I don't care what anyone says- their old stuff is amazing, their new stuff is amazing, and I swear one of these days, we will be pals.

5. The changing of the seasons- It's effing hot- which is another reason why #1 had to wait... I love cold weather and all the goodness it brings. It's also exciting to see what kind of changes I will go through...this past season has been one of the most difficult and eye opening times of my short little life, and I have a sneaky suspicion that I've only seen the tip of the iceberg...it's all happening...

There are so many more things that I can't wait to clutch..... but we'll save that for another time. Onto current music that I love which in turn means you should love it too.

Florence & The Machine- Cosmic Love- Holy Moses, this is goooood. It's soft and loud and the drums and the voice. Every time I listen to it, I feel like I'm in the middle of an epic love story.

Owl City- Fireflies- They sound like the Postal Service on a sugar high...it's just way too sweet but you can't help yourself....and you'll probably go back for seconds, and thirds- even when you start to get a toothache.

Ingrid Michaelson- The Chain- Ingrid does no wrong in my eyes, but this little ditty in the 3/4 time is exactly what I would say to guy who does the wrong things and says the wrong things but nothing is ever fully itself when he's not there.....

Kings of Leon- Where Nobody Knows- I love a B-side. I love Kings of Leon. Victory? I think so.

Bloc Party- SRXT - just listen to it....and wait for "that" moment. trust me, you'll know when it hits you.

Bonnie Raitt- Angel From Montgomery- one of my all time faves. one of the all time greats. Miss Bonnie in my next life, I want to be a freaking bad ass, soul singing lady just like you.

Alright, I'm done for now....

BE OPEN TO THE GREATNESS THAT AWAITS YOU.

-j.

diving in.

Another blog- blah - I get it. Stay with me for a second though. I figure if anyone can write about what they love, then damn it, so can I. Who am I kidding? I might be the only one to ever read this... At least I can look at this as an open journal- a place for thoughts to stretch.

I just want a chronicle of my life, something to look at and laugh at, because trust- in my life - hilarity always ensues....

I also want to share my love of music to whomever might stumble upon my modest little blog. Maybe one day you will find yourself searching for something and VOILA! You find this page and these songs, and maybe, just maybe...you will find exactly what you are looking for - or you will find something you never expected....

Songs for Today 4/16/2009-
1. Lovin' Arms - The Wood Brothers - From their latest CD, Loaded, comes this simple song about the uncertainty of love and the question of whether distance really does make the heart grow fonder...
2. Indian Sunset - Warren Haynes - From The Lone E.P. -Warren Haynes sure knows how to deliver. What a treat to hear an already hauntingly beautiful song covered by one of the masters. Elton John's original version is scary good but, Haynes takes it to a whole new level by stripping it down, making almost too raw to handle- almost. Play on Warren. It's so good, I ache.
3. Ragoo - Kings of Leon - From Because Of The Times. Quite possibly my favorite Kings song- but please don't make me choose. These Tennessee boys are exactly what music needs- a revival of soul rock. The kind of music that shakes you inside.In my opinion, they have brought back real music to masses of young ones who have wanted for so long to know the feeling of just listening to good rock n' roll. I hope the critics are right when they say, this band of brothers (and cousin) might just save Rock N' Roll...shit, I believe it.
4. Martha - Tom Waits - From Closing Time. What is there to say about ol' Tom? I guess you either get it or you don't. I like to think I always get it, but I also don't pretend to be as deep as Tom Waits or his truest die hard fans. That being said, I know can always go back to this song or really any song from Closing Time, and just dive in.
5. Impossible Germany - Wilco - from the CD, Sky Blue Sky. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful songs I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. This is just one of those songs that always has a memory or a story attached to it- you know the moment you first heard it, exactly what you were wearing, exactly who you were with, and exactly how you felt.

Ok, that's all for now...Stay tuned until next time. Going to Widespread Panic this weekend for a 3 day show- I'm sure I'll have a story or two to share.

CHOOSE LOVE - j.