I got up this morning to a notice from Rhapsody that there is an album put out by two of my favorite artists, though no one cold have predicted they would ever get together. How did I miss this???
Alison Krauss
and
Robert Plant!
And I'm listening to it right now. It's quite nice. Bayleigh and I are taking a road trip and I think this will be in my cd player all day. Him and her harmonize beautifully, and its laden with acoustic guitar and pedal steel. Refreshing!
The email also said there's a new release by Ryan Adams (not to be confused with Bryan Adams) but I've not got past this yet!
Good music day!!!
Also, a friend of mine has suggested I listen to Caedmon's Call. Sounds like something I would like.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Silas House
My husband had the chance to meet NYT bestselling appalachian writer Silas House last night at a local college. Jeff was quite inspired by listening to him, and he bought the book "The Coal Tattoo". Don't know when he'll get a chance to read it with all his school work.
So, I just now looked up this man's website, and found his list of favorite musicians and I was stunned. People know I have obscure taste in music, and this man had many of my favorites on his list. Artists like Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams, Be Good Tanyas, Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine, Patty Griffin, Darrell Scott, Abigail Washburn, and many others.
Now I can't wait to read his book too!
So, I just now looked up this man's website, and found his list of favorite musicians and I was stunned. People know I have obscure taste in music, and this man had many of my favorites on his list. Artists like Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams, Be Good Tanyas, Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine, Patty Griffin, Darrell Scott, Abigail Washburn, and many others.
Now I can't wait to read his book too!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Intriguing Idea
Today on the zenhabits.com blog there is an article about minimalism - cutting your possessions down to 100 things. Here's the link to the article: http://zenhabits.net/2007/09/minimalist-fun-the-100-things-challenge/
There are some rules that help - such as shared family items don't count, cleaning supplies, books, collections count as one item, etc. I know I couldn't complete this challengs, but I am going to challenge myself to make a list anyways, just because it's an interesting idea. I'll be completing this list over the next few days, so check back. Hmmm, I could even make a flickr blog about it... Well, here's a list of the no-brainers for now:
1. My bible. I understand books don't count but I'm including in anyway.
2. My fiddle/violin with accessories (I'm counting that as a collection). That would include case, rosin, tuner, bow.
3. Pared down selection of sheet music.
4. Laptop and accessories, with EHD.
5. PDA Phone w/ accessories
6. PDA w/ accessories. (this could possibly go off the list. I keep it because it's more powerful and has a better screen and more memory than the PDA phone. But theoretically I don't need both.)
7. Digital Camera
8. Printer
9. Photo Printer/camera charger dock.
10. A guitar. Jeff and I share them, but I'm going to count one.
11. A moleskine journal or knock-off of one.
That's what I've got so far. I'm concerned if I count clothing, make-up, and personal care items, I'm going to run out very soon.
Interesting concept though. i"m going to look at some other blogs doing this and see how they are doing it.
There are some rules that help - such as shared family items don't count, cleaning supplies, books, collections count as one item, etc. I know I couldn't complete this challengs, but I am going to challenge myself to make a list anyways, just because it's an interesting idea. I'll be completing this list over the next few days, so check back. Hmmm, I could even make a flickr blog about it... Well, here's a list of the no-brainers for now:
1. My bible. I understand books don't count but I'm including in anyway.
2. My fiddle/violin with accessories (I'm counting that as a collection). That would include case, rosin, tuner, bow.
3. Pared down selection of sheet music.
4. Laptop and accessories, with EHD.
5. PDA Phone w/ accessories
6. PDA w/ accessories. (this could possibly go off the list. I keep it because it's more powerful and has a better screen and more memory than the PDA phone. But theoretically I don't need both.)
7. Digital Camera
8. Printer
9. Photo Printer/camera charger dock.
10. A guitar. Jeff and I share them, but I'm going to count one.
11. A moleskine journal or knock-off of one.
That's what I've got so far. I'm concerned if I count clothing, make-up, and personal care items, I'm going to run out very soon.
Interesting concept though. i"m going to look at some other blogs doing this and see how they are doing it.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Puppy-Sitting
I've been puppy sitting my MIL's new puppy while she's at work. She's a cocker spaniel named Libby. She's adorable, smart, and really catching on to the whole "go OUTside" thing. Which is a huge relief...
Update
I read through my last cumulative post, and need to update. I nixed the paid gig, not up to playing with people I've never played with before, and songs I don't know. And not okay with accepting payment for what I know would be a poor job. And the church performance fell through.
But -- I was asked to be on a team for a co-ed Christian retreat for high school and college students. I will be one of the musicians. In fact I'll be the only instrumentalist on the female side (pressure!) I start practices on September 29. I hope and pray I'm experienced enough to pull this off. So I have to brush up on the guitar, since I'll be playing that a lot. The retreat will be four days straight of high-energy worship with kids with more energy than I'll ever think to have! So I figure I better start walking on the treadmill to prepare as well, lol.
I had really been wanting to work the women's version of the same retreat that Jeff is preparing for, but I was not chosen. Even if I had been chosen, I probably wouldn't have been asked to help with music. I was a little upset about not being chosen, but God showed me yet again His timing is best.
I can't wait! I've been needing focus, and this is exactly what I need. God didn't give me what I wanted, but what I needed. I had been floundering for some time, not really committed to anything, depressed, with no goals or aspirations for myself, which is not a good place for me to be. Now I'm going to have to practice several hours a day and I'm going to love it.
But -- I was asked to be on a team for a co-ed Christian retreat for high school and college students. I will be one of the musicians. In fact I'll be the only instrumentalist on the female side (pressure!) I start practices on September 29. I hope and pray I'm experienced enough to pull this off. So I have to brush up on the guitar, since I'll be playing that a lot. The retreat will be four days straight of high-energy worship with kids with more energy than I'll ever think to have! So I figure I better start walking on the treadmill to prepare as well, lol.
I had really been wanting to work the women's version of the same retreat that Jeff is preparing for, but I was not chosen. Even if I had been chosen, I probably wouldn't have been asked to help with music. I was a little upset about not being chosen, but God showed me yet again His timing is best.
I can't wait! I've been needing focus, and this is exactly what I need. God didn't give me what I wanted, but what I needed. I had been floundering for some time, not really committed to anything, depressed, with no goals or aspirations for myself, which is not a good place for me to be. Now I'm going to have to practice several hours a day and I'm going to love it.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Engagement!!!
My brother-in-law just proposed this weekend!! Her name is Erin and she's from South Carolina. They make an adorable couple.
Stuff
It's been a while.... so here goes...
1. Fiddle contest has been postponed, so I don't have that to work toward. However, I've been asked to join in on a "paid gig" and I'm still debating on going. I'm afraid I'm not at the ability level that they think I am... But the thought of my first paid gig, wow! I'm also getting ready for a church performance, but I might just be singing for that one. My accompaniment has to work that day (who's also my dh!). I have a friend who might assist me, but I still have to ask him.
2. It's been a pretty stressful couple of months here. Money has been tight, and Bayleigh had a seizure that was unusual for her on Tuesday, and it lasted so long that the bus driver called an ambulance. She's okay now. Nothing that a change in seizure meds won't fix, praise the Lord. There's been other stressors as well, but I don't want to re-hash it here.
3. We painted inside our house, three rooms, foyer and hall. We picked very bold colors - dark green for the living room - mustard yellow for the kitchen, barn red for the dining room, and a dusty teal-blue for the foyer. It turned out great!
4. We got a new kitten (see last post). She likes to bat things around on the floor. She likes to push things around on the table and watch them fall. She likes to climb my leg using her claws as grappling hooks. She likes to attack my mother-in-law's german shepherd's tail, even though he could eat her whole in one bite. She likes to play in her litter box (ew!) She stalks and attacks imaginary objects. She's a busy little thing. She is a pastel calico, meaning instead of black, orange and white, she's gray, cream, and white. In certain lights she looks blue, pink and white.
5. Is it just me or to all gray cats fart excessively? All the ones I've been around do. This one is no exception.
6. My DH started school again this week. Which means I'm sleeping with a college student again. bwaa haa haaaa ha
7. My son taught me to play chess this week. He's quite good, especially for nine years old.
8. I needed a larger table because of the large gatherings we have at our house every weekend. We have at least three couples and their kids over for a bible study/fellowship. I dealt around and got a dinette set that had some problems - the table bows with both leaves in and the chairs are broken, all but one. So DH found something to shore up the table, and we are getting rid of the chairs. I've been on a quest to find a total of 8 - 10 old farmhouse dinette chairs, the more weathered the better, none of them match, but they all similar in size and rustic-ness. I found 2 around here, one at a consignment store, and one at an antique/junk store. So now I just need 4 - 6 more. It really looks nice in my house, with all the chairs mismatched around this big table with wormholes and dings and scratches. Plus its very inviting and not at all fussy. I want everyone to feel comfortable, not like they are in a museum. Great thing is - I got the table free just for hauling it out and hauling in a couple of buffet tables.
9. There are some potential changes for us on the horizon. The not knowing is the hardest part. I don't know if the change will be positive, negative or neutral. This is another big reason for #2 above. I keep waiting for news about it, but there's just silence. It might not happen at all. (I know what you are thinking, no, I'm not pregnant.) I'm only keeping hush about it because I can't make it public yet. It's really not that big of a deal.
10. I pounded the pavement today, I need to pick up some extra work, and now that the kids are in school, I can. So I carried business cards around to local businesses. When I work I can make decent money, but I only work a few hours a week right now.
That's mainly it, and that's enough in my opinion.
1. Fiddle contest has been postponed, so I don't have that to work toward. However, I've been asked to join in on a "paid gig" and I'm still debating on going. I'm afraid I'm not at the ability level that they think I am... But the thought of my first paid gig, wow! I'm also getting ready for a church performance, but I might just be singing for that one. My accompaniment has to work that day (who's also my dh!). I have a friend who might assist me, but I still have to ask him.
2. It's been a pretty stressful couple of months here. Money has been tight, and Bayleigh had a seizure that was unusual for her on Tuesday, and it lasted so long that the bus driver called an ambulance. She's okay now. Nothing that a change in seizure meds won't fix, praise the Lord. There's been other stressors as well, but I don't want to re-hash it here.
3. We painted inside our house, three rooms, foyer and hall. We picked very bold colors - dark green for the living room - mustard yellow for the kitchen, barn red for the dining room, and a dusty teal-blue for the foyer. It turned out great!
4. We got a new kitten (see last post). She likes to bat things around on the floor. She likes to push things around on the table and watch them fall. She likes to climb my leg using her claws as grappling hooks. She likes to attack my mother-in-law's german shepherd's tail, even though he could eat her whole in one bite. She likes to play in her litter box (ew!) She stalks and attacks imaginary objects. She's a busy little thing. She is a pastel calico, meaning instead of black, orange and white, she's gray, cream, and white. In certain lights she looks blue, pink and white.
5. Is it just me or to all gray cats fart excessively? All the ones I've been around do. This one is no exception.
6. My DH started school again this week. Which means I'm sleeping with a college student again. bwaa haa haaaa ha
7. My son taught me to play chess this week. He's quite good, especially for nine years old.
8. I needed a larger table because of the large gatherings we have at our house every weekend. We have at least three couples and their kids over for a bible study/fellowship. I dealt around and got a dinette set that had some problems - the table bows with both leaves in and the chairs are broken, all but one. So DH found something to shore up the table, and we are getting rid of the chairs. I've been on a quest to find a total of 8 - 10 old farmhouse dinette chairs, the more weathered the better, none of them match, but they all similar in size and rustic-ness. I found 2 around here, one at a consignment store, and one at an antique/junk store. So now I just need 4 - 6 more. It really looks nice in my house, with all the chairs mismatched around this big table with wormholes and dings and scratches. Plus its very inviting and not at all fussy. I want everyone to feel comfortable, not like they are in a museum. Great thing is - I got the table free just for hauling it out and hauling in a couple of buffet tables.
9. There are some potential changes for us on the horizon. The not knowing is the hardest part. I don't know if the change will be positive, negative or neutral. This is another big reason for #2 above. I keep waiting for news about it, but there's just silence. It might not happen at all. (I know what you are thinking, no, I'm not pregnant.) I'm only keeping hush about it because I can't make it public yet. It's really not that big of a deal.
10. I pounded the pavement today, I need to pick up some extra work, and now that the kids are in school, I can. So I carried business cards around to local businesses. When I work I can make decent money, but I only work a few hours a week right now.
That's mainly it, and that's enough in my opinion.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Friday's Feast 152
From www.fridaysfeast.com
Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how much do enjoy watching sports on television?
Zero. If sports didn't exist I wouldn't know the difference.
Soup
If you could completely memorize any one work of fiction, which one would you pick?
I don't really know... I guess I don't see any value in memorizing fiction.... hmmm.
Salad
What is your favorite breakfast food?
Depends... Biscuits and gravy probably. I never get moving enough to cook big for breakfast, so we have stuff like this later in the day. It's still good though.
Main Course
Name something fun you can do for less than $10.00.
A town nearby has a great weekly summer concert series - you can see the main band, or a bluegrass band, or just regular people jamming on the corner. You can get something to eat from a local charity food booth, walk along the river, or walk down the street and watch another band for free as well. If we take the bike, we don't even spend much gas money.
Dessert
How long does it usually take you to fall asleep?
Sometimes it's pretty immediate, but sometimes it can take hours. I usually have to read first to wind down.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
I bet it smelled awesome...
but somebody had too much time on their hands.
http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2007/06/30000_matches_ignited.html
http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2007/06/30000_matches_ignited.html
Friday's Feast #150
from www.fridaysfeast.com
Appetizer
How many pieces of jewelry do you wear most days?
Only my earrings, they've been in for probably a year. They are very lightweight hoops, I don't even know they are there. Otherwise, jewelry bugs me. I don't ever wear a wedding ring, which says nothing about the state of my marraige, which is great!
Soup
What is your favorite instrumental song?
Jerusalem Ridge, as played by Kenny Baker or my fiddle instructor.
Salad
Who has a last name that you like?
I really like my own last name but I'm not sure if it's smart to post it publicly here.
Main Course
Name a popular movie you've never seen.
Star Wars. Nothing about it appeals to me.
Dessert
Fill in the blank: Nothing makes me ___________ like ____________.
Nothing makes me giggle like icanhascheeseburger.com.
Street Entertaining
I joined up with a group on Friday night that plays on the street corner at a local weekly festival. They played mostly country songs that I didn't know very well, but they passed me some breaks and I winged it as best as I could. I was asked to play the obligatory "Faded Love", which I turned down and played "I'll Be All Smiles Tonight" instead. "Ashokan Farewell" is another fiddle tune, and I was asked to play it and I did. We had an audience of anywhere from 10 to 25 at any given moment, but I doubt I was heard except a couple of songs where they passed me the mike. Unfortunately, a fiddle is not that loud with a group of guitars and mandolins, and a banjo, harp, and accordian. But it was fun. I was half the age and the opposite gender of all the other players so I stood out like a sore thumb.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Catchin' Up
I've not blogged in forever, sorry.... Life's been a good kind of busy lately. But I'll try to summarize what's been going on, in no particular order of time or importance:
1. I'm practicing to be in my first fiddle contest. A music teacher named Liz and I will be playing "Swallowtail Jig" and "In the Garden" with help from our wonderful teacher. The contest is in September in Newburgh - Catfish and fiddle music, my kind of time.
2. Jeff and I went to ROMP. It was awesome. We listened to lots of cool groups, went to some workshops, and picked with a bunch of other musicians. Eli and I performed with the Kentucky Bluegrass Allstars and got our Tshirts and musician laminates to prove it.
3. I'm going busking soon, probably on Friday.
4. I got a really cool new cell phone. Yep, I'm a geek like that.
4. Eli is going to swim camp this week. He didn't get Jeff's swim gene. Poor guy. But I was proud of him, he jumped off the diving board the second day! Yay Eli!
5. I'm redesigning a website for a local company.
6. Eli and I went to the children's museum in Evansville yesterday with Alicia and her two boys. It was pretty cool! We ran into Ashley and her two girls there. We run into them nearly everytime we leave the house for some strange reason. The kids climbed into a giant nose, fired a fog canon, floated balls on pipes, built a roller coaster, acted on stage, created a stop animation scene, among other things. I ran into Mandy there also, she's 16 and has Rett Syndrome like Bayleigh.
7. Bayleigh's summer program is going great.
8. I really need to shampoo the carpets this week :(. Unless you want to do it for me...
9. My yearly embarrassment is now 364 days in the future. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. but I have to go get another mammogram next week. *sigh*
10. I love nasonex. I can now breathe like a normal person.
11. I'm thoroughly enjoying Wilco's latest album. It's what you hear in the background of all the new VW commercials.
12. Jeff is working 12 hour days for a while. He's so tired and I don't see him much. I think he's going to be off next Thursday :(
13. Like zucchini? Cause we are going have about 14 gazillion of them in a week or two.
14. I started a real blog on blogger.com. But I've not kept up with it lately.
15. My New Year's resolution was to read the entire bible from cover to cover this year. So far I'm only on 1st Samuel. So, it doesn't look like I'm going to make it. But I'm not giving up. In fact I'm rather enjoying it. So I'll get there eventually, and that's the main thing.
16. Jeff's brother was "months away from a heart attack" according to his doctor. He's now recovering well from receiving two stints and says he feels better than he has in a long time. He said to tell everyone thanks for the prayers.
17. Speaking of #16, Jeff's mom is taking Chantix to help her quit smoking and its WORKING! So I told our family doctor that I want Jeff on it immediately.
18. My mom and dad are in Arkansas diamond hunting.
19. I met a man at ROMP who remembered my Papa. And he played a song for me on the guitar that Papa used to play.
And that's all I can think of for now.
1. I'm practicing to be in my first fiddle contest. A music teacher named Liz and I will be playing "Swallowtail Jig" and "In the Garden" with help from our wonderful teacher. The contest is in September in Newburgh - Catfish and fiddle music, my kind of time.
2. Jeff and I went to ROMP. It was awesome. We listened to lots of cool groups, went to some workshops, and picked with a bunch of other musicians. Eli and I performed with the Kentucky Bluegrass Allstars and got our Tshirts and musician laminates to prove it.
3. I'm going busking soon, probably on Friday.
4. I got a really cool new cell phone. Yep, I'm a geek like that.
4. Eli is going to swim camp this week. He didn't get Jeff's swim gene. Poor guy. But I was proud of him, he jumped off the diving board the second day! Yay Eli!
5. I'm redesigning a website for a local company.
6. Eli and I went to the children's museum in Evansville yesterday with Alicia and her two boys. It was pretty cool! We ran into Ashley and her two girls there. We run into them nearly everytime we leave the house for some strange reason. The kids climbed into a giant nose, fired a fog canon, floated balls on pipes, built a roller coaster, acted on stage, created a stop animation scene, among other things. I ran into Mandy there also, she's 16 and has Rett Syndrome like Bayleigh.
7. Bayleigh's summer program is going great.
8. I really need to shampoo the carpets this week :(. Unless you want to do it for me...
9. My yearly embarrassment is now 364 days in the future. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. but I have to go get another mammogram next week. *sigh*
10. I love nasonex. I can now breathe like a normal person.
11. I'm thoroughly enjoying Wilco's latest album. It's what you hear in the background of all the new VW commercials.
12. Jeff is working 12 hour days for a while. He's so tired and I don't see him much. I think he's going to be off next Thursday :(
13. Like zucchini? Cause we are going have about 14 gazillion of them in a week or two.
14. I started a real blog on blogger.com. But I've not kept up with it lately.
15. My New Year's resolution was to read the entire bible from cover to cover this year. So far I'm only on 1st Samuel. So, it doesn't look like I'm going to make it. But I'm not giving up. In fact I'm rather enjoying it. So I'll get there eventually, and that's the main thing.
16. Jeff's brother was "months away from a heart attack" according to his doctor. He's now recovering well from receiving two stints and says he feels better than he has in a long time. He said to tell everyone thanks for the prayers.
17. Speaking of #16, Jeff's mom is taking Chantix to help her quit smoking and its WORKING! So I told our family doctor that I want Jeff on it immediately.
18. My mom and dad are in Arkansas diamond hunting.
19. I met a man at ROMP who remembered my Papa. And he played a song for me on the guitar that Papa used to play.
And that's all I can think of for now.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Friday's Feast #149
from www.fridaysfeast.com
Appetizer - Name a funny habit you have.
I fidget a *lot*. I'm always moving. My best friend would get so mad at me cause I moved around so much in church. I'm already a bit heavy, but if I didn't fidget I'd probably be 350 pounds as much energy as I burn.
Soup - If you could instantly know how to play a musical instrument, which one would you pick?
I already play several instruments, but I wish I could play the fiddle a *lot* better.
Salad - How long is your hair?
Very very long. About 4 inches past my waist.
Main Course - When was the last time you forgave someone, and who was it?
Can't say. Too sensitive of a subject. But I'll say it's hard to forget. Especially for women. I envy men that they are so ready to forgive and forget. It's harder for me. I stay on guard from that point forward, expecting that person to do me wrong again.
Dessert - What is your favorite kitchen appliance?
My coffee maker. It's a Bunn and makes coffee in 3 minutes. It cost a pretty penny for what it is but it's worth it.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Friday's Feast #146 - leftovers
Wow, I'm late on this one! 
AppetizerName something you think is “the best.”
Cold Stone Creamery has the best ice cream I've ever eaten.
Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 highest), how stressed are you today?
About a 3. Not a lot going on. Tomorrow however is a different day.
Salad
What kind of cleanser do you use to wash your face?
Mary Kay 3 in 1 cleanser. I'm not attached to it particularly. Just have a friend who is a rep.
Main Course
Tonight is a blue moon! What is something that you believe only happens “once in a blue moon.”
Me being truly organized. If it ever happens, it doesn't happen for long.
Dessert
When was the last time it rained where you live?
Friday briefly. It was not enough. I've been watering all the plants in my flower beds and vegetable garden, otherwise they would have long since died off.
Digital layout
This was the first digital scrapbooking layout I've done. I used supplies from shabbyprincess.com.
My First Post
Well, I finally decided to set up a 'real' blog, after using myspace for a while as well as other blogs on forums and such.
I'll probably re-post a few entries here, when I get time to pull them in.
Some of the subjects you might find here eventually include: cool stuff I find on the web, music, fiddle playing, guitar, mandolin, digital scrapbooking, photography, books, Rett Syndrome, ADHD, techie stuff, organization, Christianity, and who knows what else.
I'll probably re-post a few entries here, when I get time to pull them in.
Some of the subjects you might find here eventually include: cool stuff I find on the web, music, fiddle playing, guitar, mandolin, digital scrapbooking, photography, books, Rett Syndrome, ADHD, techie stuff, organization, Christianity, and who knows what else.
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