September 2014: In a Nutshell.

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Despite the fact that we’ve reached the end of September, the leaves have been changing colors, and we are (officially) in the midst of Fall- it has felt more like mid-July these last few days here in New England. I briefly had to swap my boots and hoodie for comfortable flats and a t-shirt when temperatures unexpectedly soared this past weekend. Much like Winter did earlier this year when it came time for Spring to reign supreme, it seems Summer isn’t ready to go without a fight.

As excited as I am that my favorite month of the year is finally here, proper respects must be paid to September- which, when not in my office, was spent in beautiful locations like Hampton Beach, rural Vermont- and the always picturesque Western Massachusetts taking in the beginnings of Autumn. September also saw the start of what has quickly become my newest favorite tradition: bringing my six year old niece to kindergarten a couple of days per week. I love concocting bizarre pancake recipes with her for breakfast, listening to music together in the car, and talking about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles while we walk hand-in-hand to her school. She’s just such a fun little kid and I adore spending time with her.

I also ended this month on the highest of high notes:

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On Friday night, I saw one of my favorite bands, Kasabian, at The ‘Dise.  The last time I saw Kasabian live was circa 2005 at a small outdoor festival in Staten Island with my friend Sam. At the time, Sam had quite the crush on singer Tom Meighan (not that I blame her- he was, and still is- very, very handsome,) but I’ve always had a thing for Sergio Pizzorno, the guitarist. Despite my love for the band- it seems as though every time they came to the area in recent years, I was either out of town or busy with other plans.

Regardless, Friday night’s show was worth the wait. Kasabian were fantastic and the show was fun and memorable enough to climb near the top of my list of all-time favorite gig experiences. Not even getting accidentally elbowed in the face during the encore by a very enthusiastic fan could deter my good mood. I sang along to every song, fawned ridiculously (and shamelessly,) and jumped up and down with the crowd until it became physically impossible to move.

I hope they come back to Boston sooner rather than later.

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On Sunday, I headed out to West Springfield with some of my girlfriends to attend the final day of The Big E, because what better way to start the week than by stuffing ourselves with the unhealthiest of fair foods and then risking our necks on carnival rides? When we couldn’t take anymore deep fried Oreos or swinging dangerously high off of the ground- we spent the afternoon and early evening walking the fair grounds, feeding farm animals and perusing booths upon booths of goods from local vendors. It was a really lovely afternoon spent in good company.

And with October mere hours away, I’m so excited for all the things I have planned! “The Walking Dead” returns in a couple of weeks, as does “American Horror Story.” I have a pretty fun Halloween-themed giveaway coming up (the details will be announced this coming weekend!) some travel and day-trips scheduled, and I get to absolutely decimate my recommendations on my Netflix account when my “Horrors of Netflix” reviews return!

It’s been fun, September- but now it’s October’s turn to shine- and I couldn’t be more excited!

Rainy Autumn Morning – A Fall 2014 Playlist.

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Some might say it’s a little early to be rejoicing in the upcoming arrival of Autumn, and sure- it’s been hot and humid these past few days where I live- but anytime after Labor Day is fair game for Fall enthusiasm, in my opinion. I’ve already prepared my warmer, layered wardrobe. I’ve already stocked up on plenty of pumpkin-scented body products to get me through the next couple of months- and I’ve already compiled a playlist for the season- this one inspired by those gray, rainy mornings after the leaves have started to change colors and there’s a slight chill in the air. Those are the mornings I like to curl up by my window with a hot mug of tea (or cider,) and listen to slower, soothing tracks- some included in this playlist from the likes of Elliott Smith, Angus & Julia Stone, and Birdy- among others!

I hope you all enjoy it!

“It’s just a Reflektor…”

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I’m a big fan of Arcade Fire. Unfortunately, whenever they swing through town- I either have other obligations and plans- or tickets sell out by the time I grab my wallet out of my bag to try and order some. Up until recently, I’d come to terms with the fact that the only time I would ever probably see the band perform live would be on television during festival re-caps and whatnot.

The lovely folks over at Radio BDC changed all that, however. When Arcade Fire came to Mansfield last week- they hooked me up with a pair of tickets to take in the splendor of their “Reflektor” Tour live at the Xfinity Center! I had missed the memo that the band encourage folks to come to their shows in costume- so I was a little confused at all the ball gowns, pirate hats, feather boas and sparkly suits in the audience at first- but the show was absolutely brilliant- maybe one of the top ten concerts I’ve ever been to. They were incredible.

I’m just getting around to going through my photos now, but above are some of my favorites so far. I didn’t capture any video (I was too busy singing and dancing,) but I’m sure there’s footage of the sing-a-long to “Wake Up” floating around on YouTube somewhere! If you get the chance to see it, I recommend it. A few thousand people singing in perfect harmony will definitely give you goosebumps!

xx

✿ Pastels & Flower Crowns ✿ – A Spring Playlist.

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I can’t even put into words how wonderful it feels to be able to shed my jackets and sweaters and enjoy perfect temperatures (and a recent streak of sunshine!) in my floral dresses or a comfortable pair of flats instead of my usual boots. The pollen? Not nearly as enjoyable- but it hasn’t stopped me from rolling my windows down whenever and wherever I’m driving and enjoying the breeze blowing through my hair while I listen to music.

I compiled this little playlist of songs, some slow and dreamy, others more upbeat and dance-able, but each of them feel perfect for Springtime- and I hope anyone who gives it a listen enjoys it as much as I do!

✿ Tracklisting ✿ 

Fleet Foxes – ‘White Winter Hymnal’

Stephin Merritt – ‘One April Day’

Eli et Papillon – ‘Une Chanson Pour Tout Dire’

Beck – ‘Blue Moon’

Royal Teeth – ‘We Can Glow’

HAIM – ‘Forever’

Cage the Elephant – ‘Take It or Leave It’

Lucius – ‘Turn It Around’

Bombay Bicycle Club – ‘Luna’

St. Lucia – ‘Elevate’

Vampire Weekend – ‘Unbelievers’

Paul Banks – ‘Summertime Is Coming’

School of Seven Belles – ‘Half Asleep’

xx

“We’ve got the ocean, got the babes, got the sun- we’ve got the waves.”

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Hello from beautiful San Diego, California!

This little four day getaway (I arrived Wednesday) was sort of a spur of the moment decision on my part. October looks as though it’s going to be a month full of fun events- with my time split between being at home in Massachusetts and in NYC- and November and December, as is the workplace tradition- will be very, very busy as the firm wraps up cases for the end of the year and prepares for 2014. It’s a little wild to think about- that in just a few months we’ll be heading into an entirely new year.

But I digress, since talking about time going by so quickly can be awfully depressing. Seeing an opportunity to get away, if only for a few days, before I am indubitably swamped, I flew out to Southern California to do, well, nothing. This is the first time in a long time where I’ve traveled somewhere, not to see any specific sights or participate in any specific activity under any specific schedule, but to just sort of come and go as I please- eat and drink where I want, sleep as late as I’d like (although I was up and moving at 7 A.M. Pacific Standard Time yesterday and this morning, so I guess some things never change, even on vacation,) and roll with the punches as they came at me- and it’s been phenomenal, and also very, very relaxing. I’ve discovered a ton of new places in the area to add to the list of places I already frequent and enjoy.

I’ve already explained my love for San Diego, and my long-term goal to eventually make the permanent move here, so there’s no need to bore anyone reading this with the details of my love affair yet again. This place is the best- and that’s really all that needs to be said.

While Wednesday was pretty quiet, low-key, and uneventful (after a pretty long and horrific flight, the only thing I really wanted to do was grab some food and take a nap in my hotel room,) yesterday was filled with a lot of exercise and exploring. I spent the majority of the morning and afternoon in Balboa Park, stopping by the San Diego Museum of Man (an absolutely massive and gorgeous building I’ve always admired from afar whenever I’m here,) to see an exhibit of Medieval torture devices- because why not? I only got a little queasy just once while reading the description of how one of the devices was used (spoiler alert: it was a device designed specifically for women,) but overall, it was morbidly fascinating. Definitely worth checking out if you’ve got the stomach for it.

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As it turns out, my timing for this trip turned out to be perfect, especially last night when I stopped by The Griffin to grab a drink and catch a show put together by SoundDiego that featured Neighbors to the North (awesome,) the first live performance from Saint Diego (my new favorite band,) and my old pals, The Nervous Wreckords. Now, my love for the city of San Diego itself and it’s beautiful weather and lovely scenery is only surpassed by my love for the people I know here. I’ve known Brian, the frontman, since my teens- and Daniel, the keyboardist, for a while now, and I hadn’t had the pleasure of spending time with either one of them in about two years. The show was fantastic, but getting to see them and catch up afterwards was truly the highlight of my night (apart from Saint Diego covering CCR’s “Bad Moon Rising,” of course. That was the coolest thing ever.)

And major kudos to the friendly new faces I met last night who talked Boston sports with me (without ripping on my accent too much) and directed me to different things to check out in the city, either during this trip or the next time I’m in town. Those guys, and gals, made an already wonderful evening even better with their hospitality.

With only a couple of days left on the West Coast, I’m looking forward to visiting a few more friends and hitting the beach. It’s still early-ish here, however- and I think I hear breakfast calling my name.

xx

“Pumpkin Spice” – A Playlist for Autumn ’13.

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There’s no better time of year to listen to dreamy (or dreary,) relaxing songs than Autumn. Putting together a playlist for the season is one of my favorite things to do in the beginning of September. I get to re-visit old favorites and blend in some newer tracks, too. This year, I created this mix, which includes some old Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, and Wilco, as well as more recent songs from Lorde, Of Monsters and Men, and The Lumineers- among others.

I’m quite smitten with it, and I hope anyone who gives it a listen will be, too!

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xox

July 2013: In a Nutshell.

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I had the pleasure of catching an acoustic set from Frank Turner the other afternoon for Radio BDC at the Boston Globe studios. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my lunch hour. Frank was fantastic (as always) and the whole performance was such a treat. Thanks so much to the good folks over at BDC for the invitation. I really appreciate it!

Well, August has arrived! Just one more month (well, a month and a couple of weeks, if we’re getting technical,) left of Summer- and I’m determined to cram in as many warm-weather activities as I can before Autumn shows up. July was lovely, and for the first time in a long time, the month didn’t seem to fly by so quickly that it made my head spin. Whether it be because of the week-long heatwave we got slammed with here in the Northeast that seemed to briefly melt the space-time continuum, my lazy days in the picturesque White Mountains and Ipswich, or just because I made it a point to force my usually busy self to pump the brakes and really take it all in- July was slow and steady- and I enjoyed every minute of it.

On a more somber note, this past month marked one year since my father passed away, and while the actual day of the anniversary was indeed a sad one with more than a few tears shed, it wasn’t without it’s good moments. I spent most of the day reflecting on my dad’s life- my memories of the time we spent together, his unyielding humor that he carried with him up until the mere minutes before he passed- and all the lessons I learned from him in he 20-something years I was fortunate enough to have him.

It also gave me a chance to really reflect on myself, as well- how I’ve grown and changed and how much stronger I’ve become in his absence. There have been bumps along the way, of course, but I have yet to let them stop me. I do my best to keep my head up and keep moving forward, and I hope wherever my dad is, he’s proud of me and all that I’ve accomplished so far.

August, as I said at the beginning of this post, is crunch-time for end-of-the-Summer fun. I’m in the midst of planning the last days of digging my toes into the sand at the beach, and the last nights of making s’mores by a bonfire- as well as a couple of other adventures.

I’m just hoping August will take it’s time and ease on by slowly the same way July did.

xox

“With love in her eyes and flowers in her hair…”

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On Thursday night, in a last minute and unprecedented gesture of the utmost coolness, my boss invited both my co-worker and I to come see Robert Plant perform at the Bank of America Pavilion with him and some of his family after work. I’m a big Zeppelin fan, and although I’ve always been more of a Jimmy Page kind-of-girl myself, I jumped at the chance to see The Golden God up close.

My seat was incredible, and I had a wonderful view of Robert as he belted his heart out to some of his solo work, some blues songs, and a handful of Led Zeppelin favorites. He may not have been able to hit the high notes the way he used to, but it still sounded good. My only gripe, and it’s just a tiny one, was that during a few of the Zeppelin songs, Robert would sort of trail off in the middle of them and he and the Sensational Space Shifters would proceed to have a sort of jam band session while the crowd was anxiously waiting for the rest of the song. The most noticeable offense was during “Whole Lotta’ Love,” when the song seemed to have an intermission while he and the band improvised for entirely too long before finally bringing it back around and completing the classic.

Thankfully, “Going to California,” a song I treasure, was unscathed- and was probably my favorite moment of the night.

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If seeing Robert Plant wasn’t enough of a blast from the 60’s/70’s, then the “Hippie Chic” exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts definitely did the trick. I headed over today to see the collection, which is on display through November 11th. Between the music (I walked in just as The Beatles “With a Little Help from My Friends” started playing), the shag carpeting, and the wide array of vibrant colors and patterns- the exhibit was a sensory overload- in a good way, of course. I had a ball (and more than a couple of laughs) looking at the ensembles- some of which looked eerily similar to things I’d seen my parents wearing in photographs from back when they were my age.

For the most part, though, I wanted a majority of the pieces for my own closet.

I love the MFA, and strongly recommend those visiting the Boston area to check it out anyway- but this exhibit is a really nice addition.

“Let’s spend the night together…”

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On Friday night I got to experience one of my longest of long-time goals and see The Rolling Stones live, in concert, at TD Garden. When tickets initially went on sale back in April, they were obscenely expensive- and although I’m a life-long fan and Mick Jagger is still my #1 crush (even at 69 years old. Don’t judge me), I had given up on the idea of ever seeing the Stones in the flesh, and instead planned to just buy whatever tour documentary DVD was released to commemorate their 50th anniversary whenever it came out so I could at least see the show from my couch.

It was only recently that Radio BDC held a week-long contest to win a pair of tickets, and figuring I had nothing to lose, I entered every day until the deadline.

And holy shit, you guys- I WON.

The show was unbelievable- from the stage set-up to the set list. When Mick first emerged on stage and started strutting to “Get Off of My Cloud”, I’m pretty sure I screamed louder than a 13 year old girl at a Justin Bieber concert. I was absolutely floored.  Watching Mick Jagger be, well, Mick Jagger, for two hours without stopping is one of the coolest things I’ve ever witnessed. It’s amazing to think that a man pushing 70 can move better and rock harder than musicians and front men half his age. The guy is a LEGEND.

And of course I can’t forget Keith, Charlie, and Ronnie- who were just as much fun to watch and delivered one hell of a performance, even after all these years.

This was truly a dream come true for me, and I cannot thank the good folks at BDC for making it possible. It meant the world to me.

That’s just one of the short videos I took during the show. I’m still in the process of uploading the others, but for now I hope you all enjoy Mick’s coat as much as I did.

“But if ever I stray from the path I follow…”

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Last night I made the trek out to Northampton to catch a set from Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls at the Pearl Street Nightclub. I don’t spend a lot of time in Western Massachusetts, so I tend to forget what a peculiar place Northampton is. It’s like it’s completely cut off from the rest of the world. I ended up parking about a half mile away from the venue, and had to walk through the downtown area to get there. On the way, I saw so many different little shops, cafés, and restaurants- and now I have the inexplicable urge to return there some afternoon in the near future and just walk around and eat, drink, be merry- and shop.

I digress. The show was fantastic. Frank never disappoints. He was so energetic, and fun, and full of that infectious positivity that just seems to radiate through his music and his personality. I’m sure I’ve said it before, I’m certain I have, but his songs are something I truly cherish. His lyrics are so inspiring. There’s no bullshit. It’s just raw and real, whether it be about the complexities of relationships or losing your way in life, to the simple things like drinking with your friends, dancing, or listening to rock n’ roll. The message is clear, though: keep your head up, be good to one another, enjoy and appreciate life as it comes at you, and roll with the punches- because everything will be just fine.

I had a brief correspondence with Frank at the beginning of last Fall after a show he’d done at The Royale in Boston. I had thanked him for a terrific performance, and for his lyrics, which meant so much to me at the time- especially after having just lost my father a couple of months before. Frank was so unbelievably kind, compassionate, and genuine with his words, telling me to stay strong and to “keep fighting”. It resonated with me, and still does to this day. He is what more musicians should aspire to be: grounded, unabashed, approachable, and of course, talented.

Last night Frank mentioned that they’d be touring the area again in the Fall. You know I’ll be there.