Lisa Mitchell - Coin Laundry

A word of advice, try not to let the creeptastic beginning of this video deter you from watching.  I'm positive that seeing an illuminated face in a public, front-loading washer would be one of the creepiest things imaginable.  Thankfully, when I first moved into my apartment I was able to travel home on the weekends to do laundry rather than visiting the laundry matt.  It's doubtful I'll ever use one now.  Moving on, this music video is so delightfully quirky.  The phrase "Do you have a dollar?" will be stuck in my head for days I'm sure.  Lisa Mitchell is quite adorable, in her own strange way.  Overall, I love the simplicity and creativity of the song. Happy Friday morning. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90DflEOXi9E&NR=1
This is my brain on Lortab pills.

Rosi Golan - Think of Me

My head's in the clouds today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jl9z9-dFz4
This song kind of makes me want to fall in love.

Perfect for a rainy afternoon: Greg Laswell

This man's voice is one of the most soothing voices I've ever heard.  It's been raining most of the day here and I've been humming this particular tune all morning.  There is just something entirely mesmerizing about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEFxfVyz4Uc&feature=related

Your Ghost - Greg Laswell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DejH3qnhQrA&feature=related
I found this song last fall and immediately fell in love.  I listen to it when things get a bit stressful and I need a creative outlet.  One of my favorite songs to draw inspiration from when I write.

Currently Reading

With a full schedule of summer classes, I've been in desperate need of a good book and extra time to read said book.  This week, despite having errands to run and cooking to do before family arrives on Friday, I've set aside 30 minutes each day for reading.  As someone who typically reads a book in one sitting, it's been an exercise in self-control.  Currently, I'm reading a book called Stay by Allie Larkin that is perfect for sunny summer afternoons.  It revolves around a woman who, after drinking entirely too much vodka, orders a German Shepherd "puppy" on the internet.  What she receives is a beast of a dog from Slovakia, who only responds to commands in slovak.  This story has been heartwarming and quirky, with cringe-worthy moments that make you blush for the heroine Savannah, a completely lovable and relatable main character.  As a dog owner, this books offers a great place to share in the laughter and frustration of owning a dog.  I can't help glancing at Sophie and sending up a prayer for her presence in my life as I read Stay.

I'm also re-reading I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley.  From the first story titled The Pony Problem, I was completely hooked on her strange and sarcastic humor.  Definitely worth reading.   She has a new book of essays out called How Did You Get This Number that I can't wait to dive into....when it's released in paperback.

On a related side note: I've begun searching for new bookshelves.  My tiny three tier bookshelf from Target just isn't big enough to hold my growing, but still modest, home library.  Currently, I have several haphazard stacks of books strewn around the apartment.  I suppose I could just return to Target and buy two of the five tier shelves.  I think I'm hoping, against all practical reasoning, that I'll stumble upon two reasonably priced wooden bookshelves with a little more character.  Then I remember I'm still a college student who needs grocery money more than shelves.

Monday Mini-Obsessions

These are a few things I've been obsessing over this week:

1. Egyptian Pendant - I've decided I absolutely have to have one of these when I have my own place one day.  The intricate detailing is amazing.  The designs are done by drilling into metal, dot by dot, and create wonderful patterns on the walls when lit.  They remind me of christmas ornaments.

2. Origami Teapot - Lately, I've been really influenced by crisp, geometric patterns.  One of my six month goals is to learn origami.  I'm also obsessed with tea.  This teapot would blend both loves.

3. 'Elise' Coverlet - I can admit this is a new home decorating line from Cindy Crawford, featured in JCPenney stores.  Affordable and lovely.  The design resembles the woodgrain of a tree, which is probably why I like it so much.  My bedroom centers around nature and of course, this would be the perfect addition to my growing comforter collection.

4. Home Libraries - I hope to design a modest cottage in the future, complete with a cozy reading room.  I love seeing what others have created in the way of home libraries.  These were two that I really admired for their small size.  Both looked incredibly inviting rather than pristine and unapproachable.

5. Bat for Lashes - After listening to a remix of Daniel that one of my friends posted, my appreciation for Bat for Lashes has returned in full force.  More specifically, the remix below is a song I'm oddly drawn to.  It has been on repeat since Saturday night.

6. Feathers - I seem to have an eye for feather designs lately. Originally, I considered getting a feather tattoo, but decided to quench this particular thirst by admiring things like the jewelry dish above, feather earrings, stamps, etc.  My current project is designing a dream catcher to match the colors of my bedroom that I will display behind a shadow-box.  Instead of a tacky childhood talisman, I'd like to create a more modern, sophisticated one that will serve as wall art.  & Maybe I am a bit superstitious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGp4D4uQp54

Daniel Dubstep Remix - Mt Eden

(Thanks for the introduction, Cody!)

Shadows - Au Revoir Simone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yrBOtjmr5k

The first time I heard this song I wasn't quite sure if I liked it.  So I listened again. and again. and again.  In fact, I'm still listening to it.  It took me some time to warm up to it, but now I'm hooked....like that repeating beat on her keyboard starting halfway into the song, which may be its only downfall.  This has a certain "I'm an indie girl, hear me roar" feel to it. 

On a side note- I'm trying to decide where this song fits into my life, a quirk I seem to have with music.  I have to file each song into a category like: unassuming reading music, doing the dishes and having a great time, driving with the windows down, motivation to complete a project, walking through the woods, walking to get the mail, rainy days, etc."  Otherwise, it gets lost somewhere between the multiple playlists that I seem to create as prescriptions for daily life... with suggestions attached for consumption.  Seriously, I just suggested someone put away a song until winter for it to be appreciated properly.

Anyway, this song is perfectly good for listening to in the present.  Perhaps I'll listen when I'm feeling like I have something to say without wanting to give the impression that I really care.  Nonchalant is a fitting description.  Certainly, Au Revior Simone's Shadows doesn't allow anyone to dwell on a rough day.  Rather, it's a polite way of saying "I'm better than whatever you're putting me through right now, but I still believe in what we have despite you being a temporary disappointment."  :)

"Hey, My House Had One of Those!"

This article was such a lovely reminder of my grandparents' home in Kentucky.

http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=24073256>1=35000

My Papaw passed years ago and I haven't driven up to visit my Nanny Sue since highschool. I have my reasons and excuses. However, the memories I have of their house near the river are wonderful; the grand homemade breakfasts and those black and yellow hummingbirds I've never seen anywhere else, the basement full of antique hidden treasures, an old CB radio we used to direct imaginary airplanes, the sleds we navigated down the carpet stairs repeatedly, our grandfather’s brown leather recliner, big enough to fit myself and two cousins in. My favorite memory involves the nights we were allowed to pile into the bed on the sleeping porch. After hearing stories of the farm and the river pirates, we’d be tucked in under layers of quilts and blankets. In the morning we’d wake up to the sounds of birds right near the screens and be called in for breakfast. It was magical –the child equivalent to peaceful.
 
I have to say, I haven't thought about this side of my family (my father's side) in such a long time that these memories came as a pleasant surprise.  Like finding an old photograph or object you weren't aware that you'd been missing.  This article, although it was about literal houses, reminded me that memories can be left intact if you're willing to keep your emotions and unfortunate discoveries about people from ruining those special moments.  Every family has its secrets.  Perhaps I should learn to accept the past for what it is and remember the good times without interference.  Perhaps I'll be able to take these memories and these cherished pieces of old houses and bring them through life with me; a walking tribute to perserverance.

The House That Built Me - Miranda Lambert
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQYNM6SjD_o

Samson - Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor is a genius. Each song she creates seems uniqely handcrafted, shaped lovingly and with great care. The musical equivalent to hand blown glass. The melodies are most often delicate and smooth, falling in on themselves and stretching outward as she commands.  The lyrics are not predictable. Instead, they seem to shift and take on new meaning each time you listen and hold them up to the light.


Samson is, quite possibly, my favorite song of hers. There is something so melancholy yet beautiful about it.  Like that dark blue color I sometimes see that is so difficult to replicate, but is such a pleasant surprise when it does reveal itself in a sunset, painting, or handcrafted vase.
 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p62rfWxs6a8
"You are my sweetest downfall."

I've been so full of creative energy today and have been struggling to keep up with all of these new ideas.  Prioritizing, documenting, exploring...which has all been wonderful and unexpected.  However, it's already late and before I put this on repeat, I was still really keyed up.   Needless to say, I'm now on a much needed downhill slope toward sleep.

Hardcover vs Paperback

      I just don't see the appeal with hardcover books. They are more expensive and significantly less versatile...I can't just tuck one into my purse on my way out the door. No, I have to carry a hardcover book separately as if I'm presenting to the world: THIS is what I'm reading. Be impressed by my literary choices! (Unless of course I’m re-reading one from the Twilight Saga…In which case, I’d avoid bringing that book into public anyway.)
    
      I especially can't stand when the paperback version of a book you really want hasn't been released. It’s not the waiting that’s unbearable, although it is frustrating. It’s the looks you’re given by bookstore associate snobs when you politely inquire if the paperback version is available yet. You know they’re thinking: She’s too cheap to pay the extra $12. In fact, I am. That’s an entire other book! I want to say “No thanks. I’ll read something already in paperback AND buy an overpriced Frappuccino from your wannabe coffee shop for what you’re trying to charge me for the SAME STORY that will be available in three weeks.” (Again, unless it’s related to the Twilight Saga which is apparently like literary cocaine for females these days.)

Sia Marathon

I am having a Sia marathon today while studying. Honestly, it has proved to be quite distracting. However, I haven't really written anything in so long and her music has inspired some new ideas so I am thankful for that distraction.

I can't say that I'm sold on her entire new album. There are only a select handful of songs that I can say I truly enjoy. I do love that she has expanded her art though and is trying new things musically. Whatever new direction this album takes her, there is a common thread in everything she does...She doesn't hold back. I'm posting two songs today. The first, my favorite track, is from her new album We Are Born and is called Bring Night.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z0XwRmhrEos

The second song is called My Love and is featured on ...I'm reluctant to say... the Eclipse soundtrack. This fact should not take away from such a beautiful song. I will say this music absolutely enhanced the scene it was used in. The way it crescendos at the perfect moments nearly brought me to tears. If there is one thing that the Twilight Saga has provided the world, it is the gathering of talented artists to introduce new and wonderful music.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8kJfTzj76Hg

4th of july memory (2003)

I found the picture above on stumbleupon.com and it reminded me of one of my favorite 4th of July memories in Orlando...7 years ago. Our family went to the top of one of the buildings downtown to see the fireworks. It wasn't just any fireworks show. We had a 360 degree view of the shows from ALL of the major parks...local...disney...universal...etc. It was amazing and signficantly more peaceful because we were so far away. Shortly after we started watching, the lightning began thus combining two of my favorite things. The contrast between the fireworks and the lightning remains one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever witnessed. God bless America.