Music Monday - Bad Veins

My discovery of this band is sort of a long story.

There was a Frightened Rabbit show at The Showbox at the Market in Seattle. This was October of 2010. I wasn't able to go because I was broke. But I was following some of my photographer friends on Twitter that were shooting the show. Before FR came on, they started raving about this two piece band, Bad Veins. It's sometimes surprising when an opening band is actually good.

Fast forward a day or two, I was checking out their photos of the show on Flickr and noticed that the band was from Cincinnati, OH, which is where my boyfriend (now fiance) lived. I asked him if he had heard of them and he said they were a great band and I should check them out.

On first listen, I was in love.

Fast forward to December of 2010 and I was in Cincinnati to spend New Year's with Christian, the boyfriend. For a few years, Bad Veins had played a show at Northside Tavern on New Year's but we were having a giant Festivus Party and couldn't leave the apartment with it filled with people. So I wasn't able to see them play.

Fast forward to later in 2011 after I had moved to Cincinnati to start my life with Christian, now fiance. I know there was at least one free show I had missed due to schedule conflicts.

On the day Bad Veins was to open for Interpol at Bogart's, I was sitting online and noticed Ben of Bad Veins posting about a ticket giveaway. He asked for reasons why he should give away tickets. I explained, basically, the story I just told. He ended up giving a pair of tickets to everyone that responded. I still think me story is the best. :)

I ran into Ben at the show and gave him a thank you hug. I mean, free Bad Veins AND Interpol. Very generous. That was the first time I saw them and it was fantastic but when I saw them on Fountain Square later that summer, it was much more intense for some reason. So good.

I also find it a treat that I get to see him at my place of employment on a regular basis. Him and is wife, Chris, are pretty much the dynamic duo with his music and her crafty endeavors. People that I am grateful to have as acquaintances in the Queen City.

ANYWAY.

Bad Veins just released a new album on April 24th titled 'The Mess We've Made'. I was lucky to get a copy on Record Store Day and it is phenomenal. I great progression in talent.

Here is the first single:


 'Dancing on TV'

Here is also a song from their previous album:


'Gold and Warm'

xoxo

Stuck in a rut.

It's been a challenge to stay positive lately. Or feel motivated or inspired. This city has taken it's toll on me. Starting over has not been easy.

Things I need to do in order to clear my mind:

• Organize my desk. 
• Organize our bedroom.
• Exercise at least every other day.
• Drink lots of water.
• Remind myself what I am grateful for everyday. 

Things I am grateful for today:

• Our partly cloudy skies and mild temperature.
• Feeling healthier. 
• Having a better understanding of and with my neighbors. 
• Having the time to do what I want and need. 

And on that note, I need to take advantage of that time. 

xoxo

Friday Nights

During the time I worked a full time job and didn't have too many friends in Seattle yet, I would be alone most weekend nights.

My boyfriend at the time worked an overnight job so I was left in our apartment to entertain myself.

Often, on Friday Nights, I would watch the latest movie trailers.

Being without a television for the past four years or so, I have fallen a little behind on the coming attractions. I would like to get back into that habit.

Here are a couple of trailers I sampled this evening that I wanted to share.



The Descendants



The Iron Lady - With what looks like a supporting roll by Anthony Stewart Head otherwise known as Giles :)

xoxo,
Pam

Our Christmas Challenge

Last night I had to finally make the realization that we aren't going to have the most eventful holiday. Money is tight and we are both working. A situation that I suspect a lot of families are experiencing this year.

It sounds incredibly cliche but it makes you think about what the true meaning of the holiday is to you. As an individual. As a partner. As a family member.

For those that don't have a religious connection, it's just a day. But there is still meaning to it. There are still childhood memories that connect you to this time of year. Anticipation. Warm feelings. Being with family. Enjoying each other.

For me, I see lights and food and endless movies. A feeling of warmth and togetherness.

I can't allow myself to be disappointed by what we can't share with each other and be grateful for what we can. This is my first Christmas with Christian under the same roof, in the same city, in the same state, and though we are both busy and exhausted (and he sorta kinda is a bit bah humbug) .. We have to make the most of it.

Because when things are better and life is easier, we will look back on this and see our humble beginnings and be grateful and proud.

Happy Holidays!
xoxo

Wedding Wednesday

If you know me at all you know that I am obsessed with Pinterest. One of my favorite aspects of it is finding ideas for my wedding that is somewhere in the near to distant future.

My fiance, Christian, proposed in March while we were traveling across the country during my move from Seattle to Cincinnati. I knew we planned on getting married and I knew that someday he would be popping the question but the timing was a complete surprise. Next year, we plan to move to Minneapolis and he had planned it while we were passing through there, which happened to be my first time.

Anyway, my point is, we have no date set. We plan for him to finish his degree in Urban Planning and deciding when we will be moving. We don't want to be too overwhelmed with too many big life events at once.

But I am still having a blast planning all the little details while also sharing it with my niece, Rachael, who is getting married in March. AND one of my best friends, Mandi, who is getting married in June. I'll be playing a roll in each wedding, as well. For Rachael's, I'll be taking all of the photos and for Mandi's I'll be a bridesmaid! So excited.

Feel free to check out my wedding pinboard here: To Have And To Hold.

I would love to get married in the fall. It's my favorite time of year. All the colors! I'm hoping to also incorporate the season into some of the wedding decor as well. Some fall colored bouquets and place settings with acorns.

acorns

We will definitely have an eco aspect to the event as well. Re-use is a huge passion of ours. And vintage being a passion of mine :)

vintage, thrifted plates

vintage tea tins

So, just a couple of ideas. These huge life events and Pinterest has reminded me why we are so lucky to have the internet and sites like this. I am able to share ideas for my wedding and their weddings while being hundreds of miles away from these important ladies. It makes the distance seem not so far.

xoxo,
Pam

Music Monday - the bird and the bee

I came across this band on a friend's spotify page. I love their original music almost as much as their cover songs of Hall and Oates. When I hear Private Eyes and I Can't Go For That play at work while waiting tables, I can't help but hear Inara's sweet vocals in my head.



I also LOOOOOVE their Christmas song: Carol of The Bells



xoxo

Flashback Friday

A year ago today, I took this photo ..

 

 This photo is of my fiance, Christian, before we were engaged. We were both working at Victrola on 15th Ave E during his first visit to Seattle. He was working on schoolwork and I was working on a Christmas gift for my good friend, Jared. I was embroidering some Daniel Johnston artwork onto an apron. It turned out really well, unfortunetly I didn't take a photo of the finished product. Here are some more photos from that great week last December.

 

 Some bokeh Pike Place Market action.

 



Us on the ferry heading over to the Olympic Peninsula to visit my family.

 

 Meeting Hailey.

 

 Just enjoying each other.

 

 Rainy, festive market.

 

 Hanging out with my niece, Mary, on his last night in town.

 Now I am living in Ohio with Christian. Life has taken some turns for us lately but we're eternally grateful for each other.

 xoxo

Music Monday - Noddy

Getting back in the swing of things. Of course, my first edition of Music Monday has to involve a band that is very close to my heart. Thankfully, they recently released a new album.

Photo courtesy of Caitlin Henwright

If you know me at all you know I am speaking of the boys and girl of Noddy. A Seattle band that has undergone many transitions over the years but, I feel, they are at their strongest yet.

 

Here is their latest music video for Black Heart. You can find all things Noddy at getnoddy.com including some free downloads!

xoxo

p.s. They are also on Spotify!

p.s.s Three of these boys are going to be in my wedding. Bride's Gays, as I like to call them.

Flickr Faves Friday

Okay, I haven't been here in ages. I keep intending to return. Gotta start somewhere. So here we go ..


Missing this city so much.


I love these stripe tailed squirrels.


Thorp Fruit Stand & Antique Mall, Ellensburg, WA. Photo by my good friend, Lori Paulson.


I love the idea of mixing dahlias (my favorite flower) and succulents for my wedding bouquet.


Say hi to Mowgli.


I just like this. That's all.


I love this old photo of Over The Rhine in Cincinnati.


I love the concept of this poster. Also, I was at this show with Lori and Reese.

Okay. That's it for now. Going to take a nap.

xoxo

New beginnings

So, up until two weeks ago I had been unemployed since the middle of March. I made the big move from Seattle to Cincinnati and my mind has been all over the place. Adjusting to a new city, new home, new friends, new life. There are a few things I have been bad about, communication with my previous life, for one. And I have been wanting to start blogging again.

Though I do have a new job it's only part time so I still have free time. Knocking around the idea of revamping this space to fit my new life and surroundings. We'll see.

xoxo