Music Monday: The Civil Wars

Heather and I are going to see The Civil Wars tonight at The Egyptian Theater in Boise! We're both really excited because we'll be in the front row! I'm hoping that we'll have some fun pics to share from the show. Here's their music video for Poison & Wine:



Check out The Civil Wars:

Youtube

Tour diary with photos by the amazing Allister Ann!

Twitter:
The Civil Wars
Joy Williams
John Paul White
Allister Ann

Facebook:
The Civil Wars
Joy Williams
Allister Ann

source

Music Monday: Katy Perry

I need to keep this super short. I was supposed to go into work today, but there were no babies. I've been spending the day playing catch-up. I feel like I haven't had a day since I got back from the trip. After I get the big stuff done today I'm hoping to get some blog posts written for the rest of the week. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this new Katy Perry music video. I think it's amazing!



Follow on Twitter
Katy Perry
Kath Beth Terry
Rebecca Black
Hanson
Kenny G

Roadtrip: Playlist

Heather and I came up with a roadtrip playlist last week when Jenny was in one of her classes. It had about 800 songs on it, about 48 hours worth of music. I checked my ipod when we got home and we listened to at least 750 of the songs on it. Here are a few of the artists that we included on it. Be sure to check them out if you haven't already!

Adele
Andrew Belle
Barcelona
Carrie Underwood
Burlesque Soundtrack
Honeyhoney
Joshua Radin
Justin Bieber
Landon Pigg
Owl City
Ray LaMontagne
Schuyler Fisk
She & Him
Taylor Swift
The Ting Tings
Vampire Weekend

source

Music Monday: Tyrone Wells

You may have already seen Heather's post HERE about when we went to see Tyrone Wells, but I couldn't NOT post about it too. I knew for a month or so that Tyrone was coming back to Boise so I sent him a tweet asking if he'd need help with merch again. He said yes and Heather and I couldn't wait! It's a great way to see a show for free, especially being very broke right now.

It was great to see Tyrone and Mark again! They're both so friendly and genuine. It's always refreshing to meet people like that. The show was great and the merch table was close to the stage! It was at a bar, so unfortunately there were the annoying drunk people that got too loud. Tyrone ended up stopping one song because no one would quiet down, which was unfortunate. Heather and I were just glad we had the merch table as a barrier from some of the crazies because I don't like dealing with crowds like that. Anyway, Tyrone played some new songs and I'm really looking forward to his new album coming out, in hopefully the near future. I look forward to attending many more of his shows!

Follow on Twitter
Tyrone Wells
Mark Chipello



Note: See my previous posts about Tyrone HERE.

Music Monday: Wicked

Yesterday afternoon Heather, my mom, a friend and I saw Wicked at the Morrison Center. The last time I saw it I had listened to the book on cd beforehand so I would have a better understanding of the story. It was so great to see it again and pick up on things I had missed the first time. I understood the story even more and also enjoyed the songs because I knew them.

It was incredible and we had great seat on the floor. I caught myself silently singing along to the songs and was brought to tears throughout (more specifically Defying Gravity and For Good). Both my mom and friend hadn't seen it before or heard the story and they really enjoyed it as well. I've included a couple videos of two songs, although it's hard for a Youtube video to do justice.

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Seasons 4-7

Heather and I finally finished watching Buffy! I think I liked how the series ended, but I'm still in mourning that it's over. I'm almost tempted to start watching it again. How silly am I?

Date Night

I had to watch this in two separate sittings because our Netflix disc was scratched and we had to get a replacement. I thought it was hilarious! My parents really enjoyed it too! I wanted to watch it again, but it got sent back before I could.

Beyond A Reasonable Doubt

This was a movie Netflix had suggested for me. I figured I'd give it a shot based on the actors and besides that, it sounded kind of interesting. I can't believe how anxious and intriguing it was! It kept me on the edge of my seat and had it's share of twists. I'd definitely recommend it. It's on instant Netflix if you want to check it out.

Morning Glory

This was a pretty well rounded movie. Not just another chick flick. It's a great story about someone who is doing their best to achieve their goals. It had a great cast! I love Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford!

Heard It

Wicked Soundtrack

Surprise! You already knew this! Some of my favorite songs include: Popular, I'm Not That Girl, Defying Gravity, No Good Deed, For Good....so basically all of them!

Ray LaMontagne Station on Pandora

I love the Pandora app on my phone. I've been listening to this station while taking wonderful hot baths & reading. It's so relaxing!

Britney Spears: Femme Fatal

I got this cd from the library a couple weeks ago. It's addicting and catchy! I listened to it on repeat in my car while driving to and from work.

Tyrone & Elina: Different As Can Be

You know how there are some couples who are just like too cute? Meet Tyrone and Elina. They made this album together and it's great! There's a good mix of funny, sweet and serious songs. Elina sang with Tyrone when at his show last fall.

Read It

Extraordinary Faith by Sheila Walsh

I bought this book a couple months ago and got around to reading it this past week. It was everything I needed to hear. Sheila is honest, insightful and funny. She did a great job of bringing in Biblical references and relating them to her different stories.

Redemption by Karen Kingsbury

I've been wanting to read all of Karen Kingsbury's books and so I asked Heather where to start. She recommended the Redemption series. I finished the first book and have the other four on hold at the library. The series follows the Baxter family through trials and triumphs and ties in the relational teachings of Gary Smalley. I can't wait to read more!

Music Monday: Tyrone Wells & Jason Reeves

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It

127 Hours

I've been waiting for a long time [see here] to see this movie. I was really impressed. It was about as hard to watch as it was to read the book. Overall it was great, but I almost like the book better because it's hard to translate some of what he went through [especially his thoughts] into the movie. If you're worried about it being graphic [like I was], it's not too bad. Obviously when he actually cuts off his arm it's pretty nasty, but please don't let it deter you from watching. You can always close your eyes.

Killers

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I thought it was a fun movie! It was funny and kept me wondering what was going to happen. Like I said on twitter, I wouldn't mind running into Ashton in France. Oh la la! Haha!

Romeo + Juliet

I don't know why I've never seen this version, but I remedied that this past week. Okay, who doesn't know the story of Romeo and Juliet? It was definitely a unique take on the story. It's kind of like whenever, I watch Titanic and hope the ship doesn't sink. If only Romeo would have gotten the letter. Sigh....

Heard It

Bruno Mars: Doo-Wop & Hooligans

I got this cd from the library last week and listened to it all weekend. I think all of the songs have merged together and gotten stuck in my head.

The Civil Wars: Barton Hollow

Heather has been DYING to get this cd, but the only place they sell it in Boise is at The Record Exchange. We were out shopping on Saturday and she was finally able to get it. I've only listened to it a couple times, but I think it's gonna be a new favorite.

Read It
I was able to read REAL BOOKS over my Spring Break last week! It was so nice!

An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin

This was one of the books that Heather read recently. It was my first Steve Martin book. Like she said, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed it.

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

I won this book from Ryan Guard's blog. I randomly entered after he tweeted about it. I was thrilled to have won something, but had no idea what I was in for. I ate this book up! It's incredible. I want to share the synopsis so you can get a glimpse of how amazing it is. Thanks again Ryan!

"Cold Tangerines is a collection of stories that celebrate the extraordinary moments hidden in our everyday lives. It is about God, and about life, and about the thousands of daily ways in which an awareness of God changes and infuses everything. It is about spiritual life, and about all the things that we have called nonspiritual life that might be spiritual after all. It is the snapshots of a young woman making peace with herself and her life, and trying to craft a life that captures the energy and exuberance we long for in the midst of the fear and regret and envy we all carry with us. It is both a voice of challenge and song of comfort, calling us upward to the best possible life, and giving us room to breathe, to rest, to break down and break through. Cold Tangerines offers bright and varied glimpses of hope and redemption, in and among the heartbreak and boredom and broken glass."

All Broken Hearts

To say I had a hard weekend is a bit of an understatement. Lots has been going on [sparing details] and I've been doing my best to deal in a positive way. Last night I was trying to relax with a hot bath & I had my Tyrone Wells Pandora station playing on my phone. This song came on and just washed over me. Thank you Tyrone for making such a beautiful song and thank you God for playing it just when I needed to hear it.

In just one moment I was gone
I always thought that I was strong
This hole inside me is the deepest canyon

I'm shattered pieces all alone
And I can't make it on my own
I hear a melody come soft and slowly

Hallelujah, a whisper in the dark
Hallelujah, it's tearing me apart
Hallelujah, all broken hearts

We hear it in a quiet song
We feel it in a mother's arms
When we can't find the words, it's hallelujah

And when I close my eyes in death
When I breathe my final breath
The last word upon my tongue is hallelujah

Hallelujah, a whisper in the dark
Hallelujah, it's tearing me apart
Hallelujah, all broken hearts

When my soul has finally flown
The moment I am welcomed home
The first song that I will sing is hallelujah

Hallelujah, a whisper in the dark
Hallelujah, it's tearing me apart
Hallelujah, all broken hearts

Hallelujah, a whisper in the dark
Hallelujah, it's tearing me apart
Hallelujah, all broken hearts

-All Broken Hearts by Tyrone Wells
photo source

Pure Drivel

You may have seen Heather's blog post last week about her books lists or this post she did of an excerpt. She's been reading Steve Martin books lately and sharing some funny things with me. I'm so very excited because my family got tickets to see Steve Martin perform in July!

Here's an excerpt from his book Pure Drivel that Heather shared with me. He's so funny!

Schrödinger’s Cat
A cat is placed in a box, together with a radioactive atom. If the atom decays, a hammer kills the cat; if the atom doesn't decay, the cat lives. As the atom is considered to be in either state before the observer opens the both, the cat must thus be considered to be simultaneously dead and alive. - Erwin Schrödinger's Cat Paradox, 1935

Wittgenstein's Banana
A banana is flying first class from New York to L.A. Two scientists, one in each city, are talking on the phone about the banana. Because it is moving in relationship to its noun, the referent of the word banana never occupies one space, and anything that does not occupy one space does not exist. Therefore, a banana will arrive at JFK with no limousine into the city, even though the reservation was confirmed in L.A.

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It

The Social Network

Heather and I saw this in theaters, but recently watched it on dvd with our parents. I absolutely love this movie and can't wait to get the soundtrack! It was so well done and the story is from my generation. I find it amazing.

Veronica Mars Series

I have NO idea why I didn't watch this when it was on tv. I must have been too busy with The O.C. or something. Anyway, I love this series! I wish it was on longer than just three seasons because I was bummed with the way they ended it.

Letters to Juliet

I watched this during my weekend away to Camp Perkins. It was the perfect chick flick. I had seen it once before, but I was busy doing other things. This time I was able to catch stuff I didn't the first time around.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Seasons 1-3

I was sad when I finished Veronica Mars and jumped head first into this show. Both were recommended by my friends Megan and Janelle. I don't even want to know the exact day Heather and I started watching this, because it would be sickening to know how fast we've watched the first three seasons, haha. We just started season four on Thursday or Friday.

Heard It

Landon Pigg: The Boy Who Never

Landon kept me company on the drive up to Camp Perkins. I haven't listened to him in a while. This cd reminds me of when I moved home from California. Heather, Jenny and I got to meet him when he played at House of Blues in Anaheim two days before we moved. See my blog post HERE. It was the most perfect evening! He is the sweetest guy!

Adele: 21

I'm a BIG fan of this album. I must admit I haven't listened to her other one that much. Chasing Pavements will forever remind me of Heather and Jenny and our time in So-Cal. So many good memories.

The Decemberists: The King is Dead

Heather has been playing this a lot lately. Last week we were both working in the office and I had this on. It's another great album to add to your playlist.

Read It

Once again, I haven't been reading much besides school. I started a book at the crafting retreat, but haven't got around to finishing it. I have a huge list of books (in my head and on my nook) that I feel like I'll never get around to reading. One day I'll learn how to better manage my time and fit reading into it. Anyway, here's the what I've gotten around to reading lately.

School Modules

I'm taking Portraiture and Location Lighting this semester. I don't have books for either of these classes, just the weekly modules. This week is the start of mid-term week. I can't wait for Spring Break next week!

Twitter favs

Like last time, besides school I've just mainly been reading my tweets. These are some of my favorites from the last couple weeks.

Music Monday

Last Thursday night Heather and I saw Joshua Radin at the Knitting Factory. See Heather's post here. It was amazing and we had a great spot front and center! His music is amazing and I'm so happy I got to see him perform. It was also great to see and MEET(!!!) Laura Jansen (FINALLY- see my first blog post) and Cary Brothers. Here's a music video by each of them.

Joshua Radin: I'd Rather Be With You


Laura Jansen: Wicked World


Cary Brothers: Ghost Town

Music Monday: Barcelona

To summarize, last Wednesday night was awesome! Heather and I got to see our friends Barcelona play a show in Boise. It's probably been a year and a half since we'd seen them last. We got the the venue early and ran into Brian and Chris. They weren't going on for a while so Heather and I headed over to The Matador. As soon as Heather and I walked through the door the owner said, "Hey! It's our two biggest fans!" We got seated and he brought us over complimentary shots. So sweet! The Barcelona guys showed up right after that and we had a great time catching up.

After some drinks, chips and guacamole we headed back over to the venue. The guys were fabulous! They played some of my favorite songs and a couple new ones. They were down in Los Angeles recently recording their new album which will come out in the next couple months. I can't wait for it!

Keep up to date with Barcelona on Twitter and Facebook.

Here are two songs from their album Absolutes that they played at the show.

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It
1. Pushing Daisies

Jenny suggested this tv series to me. I had no idea what it was about when I started it, but I ended up loving it! I'm sad that it was only two seasons, but by the end of it I found Charlotte annoying, so maybe it was just long enough, haha.

2. The Biggest Loser

I'm so excited about the newest season of The Biggest Loser! I love how inspiring this show is! This season, my favorite team is Aqua! Courtney has such a positive attitude and she just radiates!

3. Inception

This movie was intense and a little hard to follow considering I was exhausted when I watched it. I'm pretty sure I understood it, but I do want to see it again when I'm more awake. It was a great story and I thought Leo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordan-Levitt were fabulous!

4. Golden Globes

Did anyone else watch the Globes last night? I was a little disappointed by some of the wins, but loved that The Social Network walked away with so many awards! Check out Heather's post for her best dressed list! I love it!

Heard It
Barcelona Absolutes

I haven't been listening to anything new in the last couple weeks. Mostly it's been Taylor Swift and Joshua Radin, but I've also been listening to Barcelona. I was so excited to find out that they'll be playing a show in Boise at Neurolux on February 16! If you're in the Boise area, you MUST go! You can buy tickets HERE!

Read It
Wilderness Skills For Women by Marian Jordan

I started reading this book last fall and then gave it to a friend. I bought another copy and finally finished it last week. Heather wrote THIS amazing post after she read it for the second time. It's such a powerful book and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is going through a hard time in their life right now. Even if you're not, it's a powerful resource.