On Christmas.

Let's be honest, I've yet to have one of those emotional revelations of the holidays this year. The typical one that I seem to rush the words out to make me feel connected to the rest of the world. Most holidays don't seem like holidays right now. A lot of it is environment and different perspectives and I'm in a completely different country all together that doesn't have snow a only couple hours away. Fireplaces and hot cocoa filled with marshmallows aren't even close to being mumbled on someone's lips. If fact, the only reason I know it's cold other places is the amount of pictures of snow and the hundreds of snow day facebook status' running wild. 

The truth is, I went swimming yesterday and basked in the sun. Because it is summer. My mom sent me a picture of a christmas tree and maybe that helped a bit knowing she was getting in the spirit... Still, I'm far removed from most things that I associate with the holidays. It's weird. 

I didn't have thanksgiving and the now traditional tree decorating the day after christmas with the Duke/Hypes family. I didn't have my first Starbucks Peppermint Mocha commemorating the holiday season. I didn't have the typical conversation with Jessi's grandma and family trying to find the closest starbucks that is always at least 10 minutes away...but I prevail anyways. 

It's strange how we associate those things. And without those associations those feelings don't seem to surface quite like they are supposed to. I've never been a fan of Christmas. 

Let's rephrase that. I've never been a fan of what Christmas' baggage brings. I hate that I never felt up to par with other children, but now I hate the fact that I felt like that. Because I was missing the mark. But I love Christmas. I love the unity of what it is meant to represent. I love how half of the traditions really do have a deeper meaning associated with or how even in, if not in original origin, new traditions symbolically symbolize a meaning bringing rebirth or all new purpose to something that adds into the christmas story. 

It's really is beautiful. 

I've never been a tacky, cheesy person though. I find myself to like classy things. (Maybe it's my opinion.) (people that have seen otherwise, wash it from your minds. yes, even that one, funny time.) (yes, I'm talking to you)

Christmas Music. 

I don't enjoy it. 

Minus Hanson's Christmas or N'SYNC's christmas albums. You know what I'm talking about. 

But in the last couple of years I have found a few albums that I think are beautiful and not-really cheesy in the slightest and I'd love to share. 

1. A Christmas Together 

A compilation of 4 volumes of music by talented artist of all different variety bringing meaningful and some fun songs to the masses. Tyrone Wells, Tim Timmons, Evan Wickham, Pawnshop Kings, etc...

Every Christmas season they do a tour that feels like family living room sessions and after these sessions, whether you were in the spirit or not, you feel grateful for the season and the compilation brings new light on life. 

2. Sleeping at Last- Christmas Compilation 2013 

It's free and beautiful. 

"Each year I record a Christmas cover song and give it away for free. It’s my version of a Christmas card. This has been tradition for many years now… for so many years in fact that it has accumulated (like snow) into this13-song Christmas album, I call my "Christmas Collection."

This year I chose the John Lennon and Yoko Ono classic, “Happy Xmas (War is Over.)” I had so much fun working on this one! I hope you enjoy my take on it and consider it a worthy addition to my ever-growing Christmas Collection. Thanks for listening!! - Ryan (Sleeping At Last)" 

3. The Civil Wars- Oh Come, oh come Emmanuel 

ALWAYS worth a listen. 

4. A Very She + Him Christmas 

Who doesn't love the adorable Zooey Deschanel + M. Ward duo. 

5. The Branches- Songs for Christmas  

Great harmonies and good causes. 

The album is a pay what you like kind of deal. Either for free or whatever is donated goes in support of Invisible Children.

"All tips received during this Christmas season will go to support the programs of Invisible Children directed at the reconciliation of children displaced from their homes by the LRA. No child should be away from their families, especially during the holidays. Help us give to this organization working towards bringing these families back together."

The Branches are for fans who enjoy Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers and The Head and the Heart. 



With that, I hope you all have a fantastic holiday.  Drink some hot cocoa for me, tell me a fun story and take a moment to value the importance of what this season means. 

The Sam May Welcome Back Tour 2013.

I'm not really sure if you can have a welcome back tour after only being gone for 6 months but who writes the rules here?  From Mid-September to Mid-October I embarked on freaking long road trip with countless hours to myself and many more miles under my belt. I drove about 6100 miles and one day drove 20 hours straight from California to Oklahoma.  In total it was about 91 hours of drive. Crazy right? 

It was fun, I saw so much of the United States that I had never seen before. At moments I felt like I was in a National Geographic magazine. I was constantly on my toes. I think I hit every type of weather situation including a strange snowstorm. I found myself excited to be drive the flat plain lands after all my mountain driving, especially at night.  I plan on explaining more and giving some of the major spots a spotlight blog post.  A lot of this depends on what pictures I have. My memory card crashed the other day and I'm still trying to sort through the salvageable photographs over the last two months. Story of my life.

With that, I'm going to leave you with some of the songs that kept me awake. Don't worry, there is very little 90s music in this one. That might be on the next roadtrip mix. 

Wake Up: Roadtrip Mix from beautyinherveins on 8tracks Radio.

Does he know ?

Don't you know how lucky you are? 

I'm at a loss for words with this one. Beautiful and heart-wrenching all in the same moment. Listen for yourself. What do you think? 

Wednesday Anthem

In lieu of some recent events this (see bottom of post) is my Wednesday anthem. My 8tracks switched mixes on me to 90s and I heard it and laughed because it was too fitting for a comment I had just said. Something along the lines of, "And i'm sorry i am a bitch but this is why i walk away from situations...i don't intentionally try to be mean." The song added comedy to the day. I used to listen to the song in elementary school with my best friends on the playgroup. We would sit with a walkman, listening to the song praying that we wouldn't get in trouble because our Baptist school would certainly confiscate our music. We would whisper the curse words or saying "I'm a B" depending on who was feeling what level of rebellion for that given time.  After must anticipation with a few clues here and there. Here it is

Bitch- Meredith Brook

I hate the world today
You're so good to me
I know but I can't change
Tried to tell you
But you look at me like maybe
I'm an angel underneath
Innocent and sweet
Yesterday I cried
Must have been relieved to see
The softer side
I can understand how you'd be so confused
I don't envy you
I'm a little bit of everything
All rolled into one

Chorus:

I'm a bitch, I'm a lover
I'm a child, I'm a mother
I'm a sinner, I'm a saint
I do not feel ashamed
I'm your hell, I'm your dream
I'm nothing in between
You know you wouldn't want it any other way
So take me as I am
This may mean
You'll have to be a stronger man
Rest assured that
When I start to make you nervous
And I'm going to extremes
Tomorrow I will change
And today won't mean a thing

Chorus

Just when you think, you got me figured out
The season's already changing
I think it's cool, you do what you do
And don't try to save me

Chorus

I'm a bitch, I'm a tease
I'm a goddess on my knees
When you hurt, when you suffer
I'm your angel undercover
I've been numb, I'm revived
Can't say I'm not alive
You know I wouldn't want it any other way 

Please note. As my boyfriend so nicely pointed out. I am not a lover, nor am I a mother. Apparently those details are very important to note. 

extended vacation

Okay, not really a vacation anymore.  I'm trying to find some balance. Hopefully this weekend I will get back in the swing of things and actually give a worthwhile update. My brain is completely fried. In the last 7 days I've crammed so much from computer programs to publishing schedules...

In the meantime, I have been slightly productive. Trying to work on some new stuff.  I'm trying to find the balance of my nights and I'm failing. It's so strange only having a few hours to myself a day. To all the parents out there, I know you feel no remorse for my situation. I'm adjusting.

I wrote a post a while back with the lyrics from Sleeping at last. I decided to design the lyrics with some of my photography.

Rekindle and Refresh

Recently, after many conversations with 20-somethings and 30-somethings, I am sad to say that my music finding abilities is subpar. With absolute truth, (at least with my absolute truth), I was once what you would call a music-trendsetter. Yes, I was one of those who used the term, “Yeah, they’re good, I discovered them a couple of years ago and saw them playing in a venue of about 20 people. I think I enjoy their old stuff a little bit more.”

Maybe this was just because I was young and thought I was so cool in the un-cool sort of way. Like I said, I was one of those. 

I’ve recently been having a conundrum of not really being excited about new music. As in, I haven’t found anything honestly to be too excited about. Plus, I seem to have lost the ability to know how to find new music.

The magazine that I’ve been freelancing for has been making me very aware of this. They debut music that I’ve never even heard of with me thinking, “Is this the stuff, the cool kids are listening to these days.” Then I begin to question it. Why is this good?

Then I interview one of those cool bands and they start telling me who inspires them and I fake my way through most of the conversations throwing out terms that I know can buy me 30 seconds of credibility.  I break a sweat every time.

The other night, I was attempting to actually find some NEW music that I enjoyed that doesn’t keep me bored. That isn’t only the melancholy-chill sounding music.

I want something that I can put on a mix and blast while speeding down the freeway. Right now, country is all I’ve been listening to for the last 6 months. My ears are craving something more.  I want to feel excitement through the music and be able to fake-know the lyrics all the way through.  Feeling good about what I just heard.

I went to youtube and from there stayed up until about 4 AM listening to random music. I actually found some that are promising and look forward to listening more. 

Here are a couple of my finds. Both are very different types but I got excited when I heard them. Listen, Listen  

1. Dry the River- No Rest
2. Let's buy Happiness- Fast Fast 

Music Review: Something in the Wheel

Why I have never shared my love of this band? I have just been so darn lazy preoccupied with everything. (this is an understatment because I started writing this draft in 2010)

Something in the Wheel, a Texas/Oklahoma-based band delivers anything but unrealistic expectation for living a relevant life. 

Something in the Wheel is a quirky duo, Michelangelo Morreale and Daniel Pease.  Debut album The Life & Old Times of Ol' Nathaniel, musically produces raw sounds that contain honest lyrics that pull emotions by bringing sheer joy at points whilst other moments bring "a contemplating the world" mentality of what is just and unfair. 

Here I stand and Let justice roll down are among those that share a heart that beats for something more than just the standard.  There is great story telling to be told.
Something in the Wheel grasps that. 

The harmonies of the two work together like peanut  butter and jelly as well as the combination of instruments; the  banjo, guitar, harmonica and mandolin, and and a few extra players thrown in the mix, the duo captivate a rather loyal community.

Something in the Wheel should be heard. 

living in music

close your eyes, stay here for a little while and let your heart skip a few beats. 

Every so often, there is a perfectly placed song that seems to just grab you. This one, was in the new Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn pt 1. It is a beautiful song and it's from a band that deserves some recognition, Sleeping at last.

I listen to it and I just want to live in the lyrics. It's gorgeous.

///// I've waited a hundred years. but i'd wait a million more for you. nothing prepared me for what the privilege of being yours would do.

If i had only felt the warmth within your touch, if i had only seen how you smile when you blush, or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough, i would have known what I was living for all along. what i've been living for.

your love is my turning page, where only the sweetest words remain. every kiss is a cursive line, every touch is a redefining phrase. 

I surrender who i've been for who you are, for nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart. if i had only felt how it feels to be yours, well, i would have known what I've been living for all along. what i've been living for.

Though we're tethered to the story we must tell, when i saw you, well, i knew we'd tell it well. with a whisper, we will tame the vicious seas. like a feather bringing kingdoms to their knees./////

enjoy. 

Kye Kye- Walking this

walking this

 Kye Kye's- Young Love.

Lyrics:
Closest friend, i'm lost in love, (Mat.22:37)(1Jo.4:19)
to know what you've done and why it's solved (2Ptr1:3 & 3:18)(Heb.10:10&14)(2Cor.5:17&21)
this perfect love, i'm dressed in grace (Ro.5:1-2)
to hear your voice in truth displayed (Jon.17:8 & 10:27-28)

Elude myself my heart aligned (1Thes.5:23) (Gal.5:16, 25 & 2:20)
weightless steps, wind through the chimes (Mat.11:29-30)
know who I am, through you I find (Ro.6:5-6)
peace of mind

I'm a river that's meant for flowing
I'm a moon that's meant for lighting the night
I'm the wind that's loud and soaring
I'm a tree that's tall and growing
I'm a fire that lights whatever's in sight
I'm the rain that's fast and pouring.
(Ps.37:4)(Gal.2:20)(Jon.4:34)

Tamed tongue, you're the words in my head (Jas.3:3-12)(1ptr.3:10)
you're a soft drum I hear, I can't wait (1kgs.19:12-13)
i'm nourished by the steps that I take
I find it in the way that you gave ... you gave (Jon.4:34)

Where is my Joy?

"I was a little girl alone in my little world...

 who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my house guests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green. I had a dream. That I could fly from the highest swing.  I had a dream.  Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park,

I asked God who I'm supposed to be. 

The stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie. I said a prayer and fell asleep. I had a dream. That I could fly from the highest tree. I had a dream. Now I'm old and feeling grey. I don't know what's left to say about this life I'm willing to leave. I lived it full and I lived it well, there's many tales I've lived to tell. I'm ready now, I'm ready now, I'm ready now to fly from the highest wing. I had a dream."

Everytime I listen to this song, I find this gut wrenching feeling that churns deep down leaving my stomache into knots. Priscilla Ahn portrays it beautifully. I'm sure hearing the song today didn't help at all. It's strange, I've been feeling pretty down lately. In fact, not happy. 

I've been told often by people that they can see the joy in me. 

It's funny to me, in all honesty. In the moment of situations,  I'm high strung and overall, fairly negative. Looking back on most memories, I wish I could relive them and be a different me. I guess a new creation, if you will. I'm constantly having to die to self. I'm constantly having to be renewed. 

I also find that I don't really like terms "happy" and "sad." I don't enjoy temporary feelings. Except for today. 

For this first time in my life, I don't feel happy.  I can't remember the last time where someone asked me how I was and I responded with "I don't feel happy." 

When I would travel in Africa, I'd often ask some how they were and they'd response with "I'm fine." 

That's it. zilch. nada. I always hated the word "fine." 

It describes nothing but it rarely ever portrays a pleasant feeling. Maybe now I finally understand the use of the word "fine." I've been saying it a lot lately. 

With that being said, I'm glad that I can have this temporary feeling because I don't like not being "happy." 

So for today, temporary feelings you suffice.

My roommate Mallory and I have been having a lot of the same feelings. A lot of it has to do with self-dwelling and constantly not being content or satisfied with where we are at. We are both in the wrong for a lot of our feelings. 

But as I'm writing this, I'm one of the procrastinators of all things. Even things I want to do. I decided to check utmost.org. I wanted to see if Mister Chambers had any words of advice for today. 

Psh. Of course he did. 

August 31-- I'm actually a few minutes ahead but in South Africa it the 31st and that's how this whole ordeal got started. 

The title of his mini devotion is "My Joy...your Joy" 

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full —John 15:11

What was the joy that Jesus had? Joy should not be confused with happiness. In fact, it is an insult to Jesus Christ to use the word happiness in connection with Him. The joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father— the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do—

I leave you with that... how fitting. 

Adaptable music

Country Music obsession? Yes please. 

About a year ago, my best friend and I realized we love Taylor Swift. Not really sure why, but it's just something about the cuteness of her songs and the fact that you want to dance around in your underwear, put on lipstick and grab the kitchen spoons as a glamorous microphone and just belt it out.

And most likely acting out the motions while picturing the very exact thing is happening to you. 

I mean... that's just an assumption. It's not like you or I actually do those kinds of things, right? 

Good, now that we have that clear. 

Back to Taylor Swift. My best friend over the last few months has been obsessively playing T.Swift with the exception of the last month because she got some new stuff. Anyways, she was in the car with a friend and she brings up T.Swift and the person was like, "You have a crush don't you." 

She pauses. 

"I guess I do." 

And laughs and continues to play the song. 

We were discussing this the other day and giggling about it. 

Occasionally, we do have our girly moments. 

After that I had to tell her that for the last two months the only thing playing on my radio is country music and the random CDs that are in my car when there are commercials.

I wonder what the means? 

Given, I love country music and grew up listening to it but this is out of control. 

Country and Death Cab for Cutie. 

I mean it could be worse. I could bring back some Underoath and the Agony Scene. 

Oi Vey. 

A splendid evening with lovely people and good tunes

dress up attire required [unless you're Jessi Duke and I] 

Glass of wine. check. Food. Check. Music. Let's go. 

There he is. A proper man with his guitar close to his heart. In the dark room, he closes his eyes and it begins.

James Vincent McMorrow silences a room with his quiet Irish voice. He barely opens his mouth and the melodies that escape are powerful and high. Picture, Colin Hay, Bon Iver and Ray Lamontagne in one entity. No wonder, The Civil Wars asked him to be their opening act.  

He ends each song with a simple thank you and closes with a final song microphone-less.

Listen to this lovely song and see what I mean. 

Something this good calls for another glass of wine and a cheese plate.  

Then dessert happens. 

The Civil Wars,  Joy Williams with her bubbly self and huge smile, always dressed in a perfect black dress and John Paul White with a black suit, deep voice and dry sense of humor. 

You leave me speechless. I don't even know how to describe your emotional harmonies, beautiful lyrics and onstage chemistry. I never know whether to be happy or sad after every songs final note. Sad because I know you're one song closer to ending or sad because I feel like I just experienced a broken heart. Or maybe the combination leaves me with a broken heart. Either way, their music is so enticing you never want to leave. 

Can I relive it again and again and again?

 

more true than ever

It is a sad truth. 

I remember the first time I heard it. It was the Season finale of Grey's Anatomy. There she is, a lady in a wedding dress, Alone. She's crying. I'm crying. Half the world is crying. In the background, you hear it-- the song.  "All I can do is keep breathing" over and over and over." 

"Who sings this song?" 

Google tells me "Ingrid Michaelson" 

Limewire, back in the day when I pirated all my music. 

I listened to the song over and over and over again. 

I cried to the song over and over again.

It spoke to me, it drove emotion. It seems to always fit.  Not in the way of the wedding dress scene in Grey's Anatomy, but for my daily life.  My constant thought, my constant plea. 

And once again, here I am dwelling with this song. 

The storm is coming, but I don't mind. People are dying, I close my blinds.All that I know is I'm breathing now. I want to change the world, instead I sleep. I want to believe in more than you and me. But all that I know is I'm breathing. All I can do is keep breathing.All we can do is keep breathing now. All that I know is I'm breathing. All I can do is keep breathing.All we can do is keep breathing. All we can do is keep breathing now.

the simplicity in being where you are

and knowing that is precisely where you are supposed to be.

I have this thing with God. I'm not sure if it's a one-sided deal. But I would like to say Him and I are on the same page with this one.

Do you ever get that calming sense when you know at that given moment and time, you are where you're called to be.  It could even be as simple as taking a walk with a friend and you just know this conversation is supposed to happen. Or big, like the two missionaries that run the house I'm staying at. For quite sometime they were trying to get back to South Africa... one thing lead to another and they couldn't get back. But when it came time to get their flights, they were on standby and they both were on different lists. The wife was toward the beginning and the husband was far down the list. The lady told the couple that it would take a miracle for him to be on the same flight as her.  Down to the T-- they both were on the same flight, sitting next to each other in business class. I would say there is no doubt there had to have been a sense of "Okay, I'm supposed to be here."

For me, I often find it in the simplistic of acts but the simplicity makes my heart so full and this exceeding joy overcomes.

A couple of years ago, I was sitting in Zimbabwe in pitch black. Quite eerie looking to your left and right and not being able to see a thing. But then I looked up. Stars, more than I could imagine counting. Even if I tried I would be into numbers that I have no idea what they are. I had never seen such a sight and just remember feeling chills from my head all the way to my toes. I was having one of those moments with God where he had been wanting me for a while. I was out there for a couple of hours. Then I saw a shooting star and knew I was supposed to be in that place and no where else.

Shooting stars have always been my vice of where I'm supposed to be. And it may be more that when I see them, it typically  means my attention is on just one thing and not a million other things as usual. I can focus on that one thing and so it starts from there. Revelation.

On my drive to Nelspruit, I was sitting, watching the lines on the road, fighting my hair from looking like a lion. The wind won. But as I'm looking, I see something and look all around and I see beauty. I had every desire to just jump out of the car and dance and let the sun hit my face, dance in the rain and just be moved by God. I always have the desires when I can't execute them.

Oh well.

But as I'm having this vision and my heart getting so excited and my blood is pumping. Then I see it.

a rainbow. a gorgeous rainbow and I couldn't help my smile and get excited.  This is where I am.

       >>  Embrace it.  <<

As I'm having all of these thoughts, this music seems to drive me to feel most passionate about this feeling and some others. enjoy.

* on a wholly separate note, I'm beginning to wonder if all this waiting has been so I would come to the point and finish a simple email. We'll see how it all pans out. 

When music is the only thing that keeps you going

I'm actually rather embarrassed to be in a state like that.

Ever had one of those weeks where every song seems to related to your life in some way or another.

"Joni Mitchell you understand me so well..." blah, blah, blah.

I found out, I was in one of those places when I most definitely tried to convince myself that an Imogen Heap song explained my life perfectly.

Don't get me wrong Imogen, I do admire your stuff but the only truth in your song was "Things are not always as they seem."

A common theme. welcome to the story of my life; but that is another rant that has another time, and another place.

Maybe after a bottle of wine, you could get it out of me.

Either way my words would be jumbled even without the inebriated slip.

As for today, I'm just kind of feeling nothing but a lot at the same time.

I used to call myself a walking oxymoron. 

(mainly because I can never agree on the feeling that I'm experiencing)

It still tends to be true.

Once again, back to the music rant. I mentioned embarrassed because lately I have been so affected by music. That isn't the bad thing.  I love musical instruments, I love composition, the lyrics. But most of all, I have an intrigue with the emotion that people create with music. It's unnerving to me, but lovely at the same time.

Music is great, but not when that is the only way that God can get a person to listen. "Hey, Do I have your attention now-- I want you to be present with me."

Would you create in me a clean heart, oh God?

Restore in me the joy of your salvation

Would you create in me a clean heart, oh God?

Restore in me the joy of my salvation

- Jon Foreman,  White as Snow

 Music is a God send, even the angels sing. But sometimes slowing the mind down just long enough to listen in silence is where we need to be.

As I look up, I pray that I only see you as the creator of the moon and stars. Your hands are in everything and your words are true. I fall into your stillness and pray that I find the essence of your peace. 

>>> "When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them?^"

 ^{Psalm 8}  <<<

The Boy Who Trapped the Sun

I'm sorry you had to chase me, in bare feet down the street

The Boy Who Trapped the Sun's new single "Katy"

A love for Scottish Native artists is becoming an obsession starting with Dot JR (Listen to a love song for everyone and his Digital Love cover)and now The Boy Who Trapped the Sun.

I owe this tip to the lovely Scottish beauty, Kathryn Morrison, (she would probably flip for me calling her "lovely" and a "beauty," so for you, the off her rocker, most sarcastic girl around, Kathryn Morrison) but I also blame her for the information of the Los Angeles show being lost in communication. I would have never known what I was missing until this girl told me one of her friends was playing a showing near my area. It is better to have listened than to have not listened in this case.

Harboring from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, the Boy Who Trapped the Sun splits time between the Island and southeast London. The singer behind the music known as "The Boy Who Trapped the Sun" actually has a name. Colin MacLeod, he is a one man show- vocals, guitars, drums, piano. He does most, with the help of female vocals on the album and random help here and there. The Boy who Trapped the Sun will not disappoint.

With a happy new single like "Katy"to a dark and truthful song like "Dying to get on your Good Side." He has range when creating music which he is inspired through every avenue rather than the typical whine seen so frequently these days.

My girlfriend just broke up with me ballad and all I had was beer and a guitar and I'm partially crying as I'm recording new stuff.

MacLeod has talent as a lyricist and musician.

His musical influences need no explaining with inspiration such as the Lemonheads, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes and Pavement. Although, I beg to argue that there is some Snow Patrol influence within MacLeod's music.

MacLeod has discovered timely talents that deem the definition of music; they should should carry him far as he contributes timely.

The Boy who Trapped the Sun's debut album "Fireplace" is available July 12. Save your coins, mark your calendars and do yourself a favor-- buy the album.

Below is the new single "Katy." Watching feeling happy and don't be alarmed if you find your self swaying to the beat.


The Boy Who Trapped The Sun - Katy

the boy who trapped the sun | MySpace Music Videos

Copeland: love and heartbreak inclusive

Friday, early to rise, and late to bed.

Los Angeles, a understated city of trash and glamor. Yet, people love it. For some reason, maybe it is the Hollywood sign that only outsiders seem to notice. Some who grow up in the area never notice the sign and some can honestly say that never saw it until they were in college because they met some outsiders who wanted to see it. Beats me though, Los Angeles.

Spent the day with Saylors where we explored a Rembrandt Print exhibit at Hammer. The detail was insane and observing and really trying to understand the technique and take a step back into the perspective of the time period was great.

"Rembrandt van Rijn was a prolific printmaker and created about 300 etchings over the course of his long career. The exhibition includes a variety of etchings with subjects ranging from religious narratives to figure studies and landscape. Drawn from the extensive collection of the Hammer's Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, as well as other institutions, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Norton Simon Museum, the exhibition also features different impressions of the same print, allowing the visitor to closely compare the compositions and see how the artist experimented with each individual impression."

After the exhibit we went to Little Tokyo, which took us about the time it would take us to get to actual Tokyo, or at least halfway to Bakersfield. Mister Ramen greeted us with warm sake, ramen and curry rice. Satisfaction and some meandering around the area, some mochi and boba, after we realized that we did not need a mini cat or a kimono we decided to venture to a place that was more in our mood. Went to Amoeba where only in California do you have to question if you just felt an earthquake. Saylors' and I felt about five, then when no one else was curiously looking around, we came to a conclusion that it was all in our heads. After a while we settled in a coffee shop that was actually really great. I was a fan, she left me there to finish my New Moon.

Shortly after Jessi shows up. The next big adventure was about to commence. We walked to our favorite Los Angeles local spot STOUT. Some day I will do a full right up on this place. Best random discovery and best burgers. STOUT is known for their burgers and beer. If I enjoyed beer, this place would be even higher on my list. Although they do have a great ale that I'm a fan of. Jess and I shared a great burger and sweet potato crisps. After dinner, it was time for what we had been waiting for.

COPELAND

Copeland's farewell tour was bittersweet. It was a great show at the El Rey Theatre. I met some people from Tulsa, Jess and I both had Long Islands and definitely got our moneys worth for the night. The show had a satisfying mix between new and old. It was also comforting to notice that the majority were old fans who grew up with their music through Beneath the Medicine Tree all the way unto You are My Sunshine.

This is what I have discovered from the many miles I put on my Mustang at the age of 16 up until my 22 year and the many miles on my Honda. Copeland, you are dear to my heart. You relate to the masses and have some of the best lyrics around.

Copeland, you rekindle a love in my heart. thanks for the break up. it's brutal. I guess we have memories.

The Day I Lost My Voice

". . . You see love is a drink that goes straight to my head

And time is a lover and I'm caught in her stare
And the sentiment there follows me straight to my bed through the night

I've got my life in a suitcase,
I'm ready to run, run, run away..
I've got no time, 'cause I'm always trying to run, run, run away
'Cause everyday in here feels like it's only a game.
I've got my life in a suitcase, a suitcase, a suitcase..."

Photo Credit:Katie Shelton Photography