Monday, April 29, 2013

Time to run; or yet another Monday...

Focusing has been a challenge lately. It's hard to stare at a computer all day while your bones are literally aching to run around outside. Bah. I try so hard to sit still but it has become nearly impossible. I feel like a ten year old boy in his last week of fifth grade. 

Hashtag, just saying 

It's harder, still, when you know freedom is coming. Sooner than you thought. In less than two weeks, I will finish up my job at OCM, begin the process of moving into the city, enjoy a long awaited summer, and then starting a new a job. Less than two weeks! Which is why I just want to run. Run. To new things. Places. Adventures. I want to roll windows down* and feel the air rush past my face.

And yet underneath those dreams and longings is an undeniable and slightly inarticulable sadness. I often find it hard to embrace change; particularly when change means saying goodbye. Transition has never been a strong suit. 

But, in this moment, I am choosing to celebrate. This space coming up is a gift. One that I cannot claim as my own doing. So I am dreaming a bit, lest I waste that which has been given.
 
And if these songs make you want to take off in a beaten up car, with its manual windows rolled down and tape cassettes blaring, to head to goodness knows where... perhaps you understand what I am feeling.





*Or better yet, have no windows. Bike trip anyone? Please? 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Signs of spring and other things

Guys.

Spring is coming. 

I was getting worried there for a second when it started snowing on Friday*.  But here we are, three days later, at a balmy and sunshine filled 65 degrees. Midwest weather has never been celebrated for its consistency, I suppose. I was relieved to see tree buds starting to peep their little heads out of a long winter slumber. I wouldn't blame them if they decided to just forget it all and wait until next year. I mean, I was feeling that way too.

But only kind of.

This weekend, I celebrated (or was it defiant stubbornness?) the sunshine by braving the cold on Saturday to peruse the grand opening of the local french market. I got my laundry done, paid some bills, ordered new checks, cleaned my room. I mean, really. Who am I?

I forget, sometimes, how good sunshine is for my soul. And thus my productivity. Ah. Well.

Anywho. I do have some gems for you today. Now. I don't believe in favorites, but if number of times played indicated any such thing, Wild Belle's "Keep You" has almost been on repeat. Also, I am also slowly falling in love with electropop. Don't tell Mr. Dylan. Although, to be fair, CHVRCHES makes it really easy, and fun, to do so.

And finally. What kind of music post would this be if I didn't include some new Timberlake? Am I right? They made me do it, mom! I swear!


Keep You

Recover

Mirrors

*It also rained so hard Thursday that there was widespread flooding. But alas. I digress from the point.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Some riff raff, a lonesome brother, and a petty Justin Vernon.

There are some sure fire ways to win my heart: play the harmonica, strum a guitar*, and feed me good food.

Simultaneously accomplishing these things is certainly not required. However, it would be nice. 


Just saying.


Anywho. It's no surprise then that my morning was filled with a few of these things in some capacity. I found myself looking for some new bluegrass bands and I stumbled upon a lovely little trio from New Orleans, Hurray For the Riff Raff. They have spunk. And I like it. They, along with the Avett Bros, accompanied my excel sheets this morning. And it was glorious, as much as working with Microsoft excel... on a PC... could possibly be.


Oh. And then Justin Vernon blew my mind with his new project "The Shouting Matches", a collaboration with friends in which Justin forgoes his falsetto driven "whatever could the meaning of life be" lyrics for a pep that sounds more like it comes fresh off a Tom Petty tour than a lonesome cabin in Wisconsin. And I may have just stolen that review from NPR. But it's true. It sounds like Tom Petty. #sorryimnotsorry.


Listen to 'Seven Sisters' first. Personal fave so far.


NPR. You never fail me. One day, I will write you a song of my undying love. Perhaps.


Be blessed friends:

Hurray for the Riff Raff

Scott Avett

The Shouting Matches

 *or, even better, a banjo.

Monday, April 1, 2013

mmm. It's Monday.

...but. He is Risen! Alleluia!

And, really. That's all that matters. Friends! Let us not fail to remember the empty tomb!

Oh man, guys. Holy Week was a blur. I am not sure I remember all that actually happened. But I do remember it was good. In so many senses of that word. In many ways, it is still remarkable to me that it is over. When I was finally able to lie down yesterday in hopes of taking a nap, all I could do was curl up in my bed and cry. Cry because the week was amazing. Cry because the week was over. Cry because the week held so many unexpected, and beautiful, encounters with the Lord. I felt like my 5-year old self after Christmas: so much anticipation and excitement, and then it happens. And, just like that, it is over. Like, what? Even in my young years, I felt it only reasonable to cry*.

Hopefully, I will have time soon to process through the blur. Until then, it is back to the job and routine. And trying to wade through this little post-HolyWeek let down I am feeling.

Anywho. Enough of my ramble bamble. Here's to posting shome shongs! Enjoy, my friends.







*Yes. I routinely cried after Christmas. Also after the Olympics. My parents tried not to worry.