Things I Love Right Now

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning and everything I encounter is making me grumpier so I thought that this would be a good time to take a look at the things that I am actually enjoying right now - the things that are making me happy.

Focus on the positive, right?

1. My New Winter Coat
I finally got a winter coat a few weeks ago. I live in Minnesota and I haven't had a winter coat in two years. It is wonderful. It's from Old Navy - so it probably won't last past this winter - but it was only $40 so that's cool. It really is super warm and exactly what I wanted/needed.

2. Mazzy Star
Oh, it's been so nice to reacquaint myself with Mazzy Star again after seeing their show last month. They opened the show with the song "Look on Down From the Bridge" off of Among My Swan, which is an album I never got around to picking up back in the day, but this song is just lovely. Also, the first track off the new album, Seasons of Your Day, is pretty much the kind of song that I want to make a whole album of. Love it.


 
3. Trailers for the Return of My Two Favorite Shows Were Released
Facing the beginning of winter and knowing that there are still 6 months of this crap to go and you already can't stand it and feel like you're going crazy is difficult for everybody. So you have to try to find things that help you get through it. For me, I am super excited that January brings the return of both Community and Sherlock. I AM SO EXCITED!!! Also, Downton Abbey returns, and I will watch that, too, but with a bit less enthusiasm.

Anyway, it's obvious that the only way for Community to continue is to do what they are doing with Jeff Winger, though I can't imagine how the rest of the gang factors in.

As for Sherlock, the first 3 weeks of January are going to be so difficult as the show returns in the UK on New Year's Day and everyone will know the answer to the big cliffhanger from the last season (that was 2 years ago!!!) and I will have to stay off the internet so as not to be spoiled. Sigh. Stupid internet.

 

4. My Husband's Awesome Cooking
My husband has taken up cooking and baking and he is very good at it and I am very lucky. He's started making banana bread and corn bread (two of my favorites) almost on a weekly basis. Last weekend he made eggplant lasagna and it was delicious! This weekend he is going to make a homemade pizza. I am excited for all of the foods to come.

Things I Love Right Now

This post is entirely inspired by my purchase yesterday of this...

1. Scout Niblett's It's Up to Emma
Holy shit this album is amazing. It's like Rid of Me era PJ Harvey come back to life. Raw, grungy electric guitar, pounding drums, brutally honest vocals, sparse arrangements. Just...wow.



2. Cooler Weather
September is the best month. This morning I got up and put on a pair of leggings and my tall boots to go to the grocery store and there was a slight chill in the air and...it's the best. And it's still nice and warm in the afternoons and everything is still green. The best.

3. Lorde "Royals"
Yeah. Totally digging this song.



4. Katy Perry "Roar" & Miley Cyrus "We Can't Stop"
These, too. Sometimes pop music is just what you want.





5. My New Couch
We were without a couch for nearly a year. Don't ever live that way.

6. Robbie's Art
We took Robbie to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Dog Days. They opened up the courtyard to dogs and had activities and Robbie painted this. He's so talented. I'm so proud.

Things I Love Right Now

I skipped this last month because I had a lot going on. But here goes for July:

1. Summer
Summer finally feels like it's here which means I get to sit and stare at this:

I never used to spend much time in my yard because my neighborhood was filled with little kids and it was just never all that peaceful...but now those kids are older and things are much more peaceful and I really find I enjoy sitting out there with a beer and just staring off into the distance.

2. Feist
 I cannot get enough of Feist these days. Each listen just burrows itself deeper in and I just want more more more! It's weird. There are some fantastic live videso on the YouTube...This is just one performance of one song (the whole show is out there, though):




3.Yeah Yeah Yeah's: Mosquito
My favorite album of the year so far (though probably my least favorite album cover ever). Still kicking myself because I got the dates wrong for their show here in Minneapolis. I thought it was the same night I had a show, but it was the night before. And I hear it was the show of the year. So whatever.

4. The White Whales
I'm probably going to talk about these guys for a while. I first stumbled upon them when they played a show with a friend's band. They immediately caught my ears and I tucked them away in the back of my mind. Then I asked them to join me for a show, which they did. And they were awesome. And then they played another show with me during my residency...and they were awesome again. And this past month they've now released 2 sneak peeks at their new album (coming out August 2nd) and both have me so giddy with excitement. I love being excited about new music.



5. Love
 I am so excited about the changes happening in the country regarding gay marriage and gay rights. I know we are nowhere near all the way there yet, but we are making steps forward and it's amazing to witness.

Things I Love Right Now

1. Solo John Lennon

I used to adore The Beatles. Now, I have somewhat of a hardtime with them. But solo John Lennon is just so well done and timeless. I love the simplicity of most of his songs. Whether he’s just strumming along and earnestly with all of his heart singing love songs to Yoko Ono or heavily pounding out big, drawn out piano chords, I just love it. His voice is chilling. I really don’t have to say anymore, do I? This is John Lennon. The guy could write a song.

2. Fast Getaways Tumblr

Full disclosure, this is my husband’s tumblr. But I love the idea and think it’s hilarious. I mean, why do people back into parking spots for no good reason? When doing so, they usually get in the way of everyone else because they have to complete readjust their vehicle to back into a spot that isn’t meant to be backed into.Check it out here: http://fastgetaways.tumblr.com/

3. Eli’s Food and Cocktails in NE Minneapolis

This is my new favorite restaurant. Great food (with a ton of vegetarian options), reasonably priced, good drinks, great atmosphere. And their Tuna Tataki appetizer is THE BEST. It’s a great place to go for a sit down meal or just for some drinks.

4. Louise Brealey

I know Lousie Brealey as Molly Hooper from Sherlock. Molly is such a wonderful character and she plays her so well. But, what I didn’t know is that acting is not her full-time job. She’s a writer. And a good one. And she’s super funny on Twitter. You should follow her. She’s totally my latest girl crush that was solidified with this tweet:
 

*slips into black fake fur gilet and books ticket to Cincinnati* guardian.co.uk/world/video/20…
— Louise Brealey (@louisebrealey) April 2, 2013

5. “The Thing About Things”

Amanda Palmer just released a live version of a new song she recorded at a show last weekend. It’s beautiful and I already spoke of it in a previous post. But the line “the thing about things is that they can start meaning things nobody actually said” is brilliant and I wish I wrote it. That’s all. Wait, no. That's not all. She also performed this song that night that I've never heard before and is equally as wonderful:

6. Rilo Kiley’s “My Name Is Not Laura”

I don’t know if this is the real name of the song as it is the hidden track (I really hate hidden tracks) on their new b-sides and rarities collection, RKives, and is only listed as “Untitled”. But I think “My Name Is Not Laura” is a good title. There’s nothing particularly special about this song, just that it is very very very old school Rilo Kiley and very cute and I really like it. I liked it enough that I edited it and cut out the 12 minutes of silence that proceeds it so I can have a normal version to listen. And I named it “My Name Is Not Laura”. Of course, it's not anywhere that I can find online, so I guess you just have to get the album.

Things I Love Right Now

1. Downton Abbey

I just started watching Downton Abbey. I love it. I am totally addicted. I am 4 episodes in to Season Two - so NO SPOILERS, PLEASE. I’m not asking the entire internet to not spoil things, just don’t post any spoilers here. I’ve done very well at avoiding them so far.

It’s a really good show. The characters are well-developed right from the start and there are so many of them! The second season has become a little soapy with some plot points that are hard to believe. I mean, it’s not like this is a zombie show or some mythical land where anything goes. It’s a show based in reality, so I do expect plot lines to lean towards the realistic. But, still, it’s highly enjoyable and utterly addicting television.

2. Cloud Cult new album Love

Cloud Cult has been a favorite band of mine for many many years now. I love most everything they do and Love is no exception. But their last album, Light Chasers, didn’t really pull me in (with the exception of a couple songs which are probably some of their best songs: “Running With the Wolves”, “There’s So Much Energy in Us”). But Love grabbed me right away. It really feels like a revisit to old school Cloud Cult. Less orchestral and more guitar based. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE their orchestral stuff. They really feel like a rock band meets Classical music. But this album feels like a different approach for them. It’s just very good and beautiful  and totally suits this station I am at in my life right now. The album’s released is perfectly timed for me.

3. My new song

The band and I are currently working on an EP to be released in June. The songs all deal with grief and loss and really wouldn’t fit on the next full-length album, but I feel like they need a place. They are much more simple and usually just me with some light additional instrumentation. But the song we just recorded last weekend titled “Blind” is a very special song to me and might be one of my favorites that I’ve ever written. The full band plays on it and they just nailed the arrangement. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.

4. My contacts

I went to the doctor for eye irritation issues Sunday morning and they told me I scratched my cornea. That means I can’t wear contacts for a week. It’s awful. I haven’t had my glass prescription updated in years. They are old and unfashionable and I can’t really see very  well with them on. I miss my contacts so much. I wore glasses for most of my life because I was too afraid to use contacts. But now, I just want them back so bad.

Things I Love Right Now

1. The Cure: Disintegration

I was big Cure fan in high school. I adored them. I wore the t-shirt I had for their Mixed Up album nearly every day. But sometimes I forget how much I love them and it’s nice to be reminded. I put Disintegration onto the iPod last week and have been very much enjoying it ever since. It’s just one of those perfect albums.

2. Dark Dark Dark: Who Needs Who

This album came out last year and I didn’t get it until late in the year and didn’t really start listening to it until December, so it didn’t quite make my Favorite Albums of 2012 list. Though now, it probably would. The album is full of beautifully stark piano driven songs with a quirky rock edge led by Nona Marie’s aching and honest voice. A must listen.

3. Republic

Republic is a bar on the West Bank of Minneapolis (they also just opened a location in Uptown).  The beer selection is plentiful, the food is fantastic, the atmosphere is perfect and they might just have the nicest staff of any bar in town. Go check it out!

And this isn’t really a thing I love…in fact, I really dislike asking people to do things for me. But I’m in a contest and I could use your vote! It’s for Vita.MN’s Are You Local? contest. And if I win, I get to perform at SXSW and it would just do wonders for my music side of life. You can vote HERE. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Things I Love Right Now

Hey, I've managed to keep this topic going for 3 months in a row!

1. Beverly Hills, 90210 (original series)

I got the first season of the original (can’t believe I even have to clarify that) Beverly Hills, 90210 for Christmas and while I’ve been sick this past week, I’ve watched the whole thing. My goodness, that’s some fine entertainment. The trip down early 90s memory lane is so much fun. The outfits are just insane. So much neon and biker shorts. I was trying to remember ever wearing anything like that. But then I remembered my first day of school in 5^th grade (which would have been 1990, the same year as the first year of 90210). I got a new outfit: Blue shiny spandex leggings, a multi-colored geometric shape filled shirt and a big cardigan which I wore with white scrunchy socks and my LA Gear high top sneakers. And I LOVED that outfit. So, yeah. The clothes on Beverly Hills, 90210 are accurate for the times.

Anyway, it’s such a fun show. And such a fun show to make fun of. Nobody looks like they are in high school, except maybe David Silver. Donna Martin could possibly pass. Steve Sanders looks like he could be everyone’s father. Dylan and his forehead creases are way too aging. And Andrea…oh, Andrea. You old, lady. These people are supposed to be Juniors in high school. 16-17 years old. That is so not the case.

And I know I grow to hate Kelly (A few years ago I spent an entire summer watching the entire series replayed on SoapNet), like really really hate Kelly. But right now she is so much more enjoyable than Brenda and her pursed lips. God her mouth must be so sore from doing that all of the time. I much prefer when Valerie takes her spot.

2. My Job

My job has changed a lot since I was laid off in November2011. This is the third job I’ve had since then. And I love it. It really is proof that things happen for a reason. I was devastated when I was laid off because I loved where I worked. But this job, this job I really really like. And I like where I work. They’ve been very good to me. It’s nice to like where you go every day.

3. Amanda Palmer’s song “Olly Olly Oxen Free”

Remember how for the past few months all I could talk about was Joanna Newsom’s “Good Intentions Paving Company”? Well, this song is my new obsession. It’s so loud and fun and makes me want to jump around and sing along and play air drums. Seriously, the drums on this track are insane. And, it has great lyrics. 99% of the time that I’m in the car, I throw this song on at top volume. Even if I’m just running to the grocery store.

4. My Husband

I know that sounds weird. Like I’m only loving him right now or something. Of course I love him all the time. But I’ve been sick for the past week and he has taken such good care of me and I just feel so incredibly lucky that he is my husband. He’s awesome.

5. The Bloggess

After reading her book, Jenny Lawson (aka The Bloggess) is my new hero. Which, if you’ve read the book, seems crazy. But sometimes it’s just nice to read that other people have the same thoughts and fears that you do.

6. Prissy Clerks

Prissy Clerks debut album, Bruise or Be Bruised, came out just one day after I wrote my Favorite Albums of 2012 post. If it would have come out the day before or if I would have held off posting, this would definitely had made my top 10. Clara Salyer’s voice is so sweet and so cool. Really, she has such a great voice. The music is reminiscent of early 90s bands like Belly, which I love. Seriously great album. Go get it.

 

 7. Soup with Ritz Crackers

While sick, I ate many bowls of Progresso Vegetable Soup with Noodles and instead of putting saltines or oyster crackers in it, I used Ritz Crackers. O My God. So. Good.

Things I Love Right Now

1. Robbie

Robbie has been in our lives now for 3 weeks (or has it been a month already?). He's incredibly sweet and too smart for his own good. I'd forgotten what it's like to have a dog - both the good and the bad of it. But he's just such a sweetheart. I can't get enough of looking at that face.

2. Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleep's New Songs

Everything I'm hearing from her lately is just outstanding. I am so excited for their new album. 

3. Home Recording

We've been working on some recordings on a 4 track player in Shawn's basement. It's been so much fun and so freeing. No financial constraints. No time constraints either. It's also a good learning experience.

4. Amanda Palmer's "Playing to Nobody" blog post.

This. This is what I've been trying to say in all of my whiney complain-y blog posts. 

5. Star Trek Trailer

I never watched Star Trek as a television show. But I highly enjoyed the movie that came out a few years ago. And this trailer looks awesome. Plus, it had bonus Benedict Cumberbatch voiceover action. 

6. Saturday Night Live Homeland Spoof

I just finished season one of Homeland and I just think the show is ridiculous - yet I was totally sucked in. This skit spoofs it perfectly. 

Things I Love Right Now

I just had this idea for a new reoccurring blog topic that will - like all of my reoccurring blog topics (see: Music Mondays, Favorite Songs Ever, Sunday Lists as examples) just die a quick death. But, whatever.

So I think - for now - I might make the first blog post of each month be about things I'm really loving at the moment. Things I'm really loving in all areas of all things.

So here goes (in no particular order)...

1. My black jeans.

I'm not saying I look super awesome in them or anything. It's just that I don't buy jeans because I don't find them all that comfortable. And the last time I tried to wear these I must have been super bloated or I've dropped a few pounds recently because they were one of the most uncomfortable things I've ever dressed my body in. But the other day I was in a pinch and needed something to wear and I put them on and they felt like sweatpants. So I've worn them pretty much every day since. So I should probably give them their props now because next week they most likely won't fit so well again and I will go back to hating them.


2. The Walking Dead

This show is quite the roller coaster, isn't it? And I don't just mean the intensity of each episode, but I mean how it can go from being a pretty good show to sucking so horribly to suddenly being ridiculously amazing. Three episodes into the third season and it seems to have finally figured itself out. But there's still a lot to go, so we'll see if it can hold up. (There I go. Always the pessimist).


3. "Good Intentions Paving Company" by Joanna Newsom



I've been in love with this song for a couple of months now. A week ago I had a show in Duluth and, driving home that night, I listened to this song 3 times in a row. I would have listened more, but I didn't want to be ridiculous. My goal is to write a song like this.


4. This dog.

The husband and I are totally ready to get a dog again. We still cry for Murray way more than is probably normal, but we are ready to have a dog in the house again. Unfortunately, the timing is just not that great right now. But I don't know. I've got it bad for this guy. If he's still available to adopt in a week...


5. Mashed Potatoes

OMG I could eat mashed potatoes for every meal and be so happy. Right now my favorite meal consists of a heaping helping of mashed potatoes, which I pick up from the Byerlys' hot dish meal deli section, fake bbq riblets, and corn. It's so good. Such comfort food.