Pretty Baby!

I could never be an album or show reviewer -- because, frankly, I will either love it or hate it, there's no in-between. Too, it's hard for me to find the words to properly express or explain myself, especially when it comes to music. Also, who cares, amirite? People like what they like.

That said, last night's show was one of the best I've been to in a long time. I absolutely adored Blood Feathers & the Parting Gifts, but Ty Segall rules them all. It was so hard for me to conceal my bliss and ecstasy.

I have a terrible crush on the entire ensemble. SOLID:

What was my favorite part? You might guess it was when they covered Black Sabbath's Paranoid, but the answer is: ALL

See what I mean? What else more is there to say? That seeing a good band live puts me in a terrific disposition? That I wished I knew how to play guitar like that? That I've never seen anyone employ the Big Muff guitar pedal so properly? Just...go see them.

Shoplift opened. I haven't seen Wes Broadstone in over a year! Big hugs there:

Wesley's drumkit w/ Victor Whitney Wiley & Morrissey. Some things, thankfully, don't change.


Night before last, I was in a circle of friends who all have Arkansas tattoos. We were all proudly showing them off to each other. I think Alan Disaster has the very best one though:

Yesterday, judge sat me down to discuss my tattoo. He thinks I should keep it as is. He said, "...no little star to show where Little Rock is, or Ft. Smith. No tiny Razorback to indicate Fayetteville. No rivers, no train tracks..." I mean, I completely agree, but HA HA! I love that old man.

For supper, we tried Nick Castleberry's get up @ WWT. Holy shit! You want to go to there! We got the grilled cheese sandwiches; ATM got ham & a fried egg added. Hot damn, it was delicious. Homemade bread, quality cheese and butter, some kind of honey/fruit preserve all grilled to perfection. On the side, there was a pickle slice, a wedge of orange & the best damn vegan pasta salad I've had. His presentation comes in a wax paper-lined basket, but do not be fooled. This is some quality "bar food", if you want to even call it that. We will be returning. The menu changes from week to week, so...I don't know how you would even keep up with that. But, I bet there'll be something you'll like.


So, the ride home from WWT was dreamy. Just me & my baby, windows down, me hugging my new record, ears buzzing, stinking of WWT & really needing to pee. This is the life!

I am forcing my mind and body to go out & have fun.

28 September:

I'm going to TWO shows this week. If you include time served at Gonerfest, my plan to readjust my circadian rhythm by one hour is off to a shit start. There's always Thursday, I suppose. Times New Viking tonight & Ty Segall tomorrow night, both @ WWT. I'm looking forward to trying Nick Castleberry's food, too.

29 September:

As I stood amongst the crowd @ WWT watching Times New Viking, I said to myself, "I don't have to stand here & watch this band." They weren't bad, but they were. It sounded hollow & as if they tried to make up for it by 'turning it up'. It did not do it for me. I went out back and hung out with Sweet Eagle & other olds.

I have faith in Ty Segall. I saw him at Gonerfest last year; Jay Reatard heckled him, but he handily dealt with him AND ripped the roof off of Hi-Tone. I stood in the very way back & nodded my approval.

Anyway. High hopes. Please please please let me get what I want this time.

KMHD & I discussed my birthday plans. There is a form taking shape. It is shaped like a dollop of truffled bearnaise.



Things I need to touch on later. When I'm not feeling like a turd from lack o' sleep:

Joyce Elliott fundraiser & mourning the state of Arkansas politics
Wedding in Austin
Thxgiving in NOLA

Goner

Gonerfest 7 was fun! It's really a sight & sound to behold, I hope all (North) Little Rockers make the trek at least once. You spend most of your time navigating the wall-to-wall human body, trying to find one spot to watch the band, breathe oxygen & hold a beer, but there will always be a band that will knock you on your ass. Notable bands: the Parting Gifts & the Strapping Fieldhands. If you get a chance to see the Parting Gifts, go go go! They are terrific live! Their drummer ruled me. She's solid & has a brilliant style. The lady singer? She actually SINGS. By that I mean she actually opens her mouth and belts it out with no holding back. Super great guitar & a REAL keyboardist, one that actually tickles the ivories. I'm smitten. I will be holding hands with this band this fall:





So, between bands, I spent a good deal of time just looking at Memphians. Whatta lot! Can't help but compare scenes, Memphis & Little Rock. So different, the two. I will give Memphis the grit edge, but Little Rock has the "I don't know what". Sounds better in French. "Je ne sais quoi." Maybe it's because I have a niche here & that makes things so safe & easy. Little Rock isn't so polarized; we all hang out together. Punkers, rockers & country, etc. In Memphis, every stereotype has it's own crowd, divided. Even so, ATM & I manage to navigate it with ease, undetected. I couldn't live there, but when I leave, I miss it. I think it's the food. I would drive to Memphis just to eat fried chicken, pho & BBQ. There's the music & the history, too, sure.

Ah, the only picture I got from Gonerfest, the Strapping Fieldhands:


On Saturday, we ate at Interstate BBQ again. That food haunts me! Their pulled pork sandwich has staying power because we didn't eat again until the next day. Damn, huh? Lordy, it is so heavenly. I spent most of the day in our hotel room watching the Razorbacks game. It wasn't my just being supportive, but an attempt to not spend all of my $$$ in Memphis. I really don't want to talk about it. O.K., just a little. What a damn disappointment! WE HAD IT! The Hogs consistently break my heart and I take them back, time and time again. It was a real 'egg on the face' moment for me, because I'm in our room, pacing, shouting and calling the Hogs. I'm certain my neighbors weren't impressed; there are more 'Bama fans in Memphis than Hog fans. But, that's what I love about Hog fans. We can be the solitary fan on foreign & unfriendly soil and even with the heartbreak & ridicule, remain true. Even so, the losses don't hurt any less.



I found myself mouthing the words "Ryan Mallett". It was weird.


From this view, you can't see the sad faces:


That night @ Goner, we got to (more hear than) see New Bomb Turks & Guitar Wolf. Eh. It was o.k. I don't know, I guess I was hoping to be killed, but I was barely knicked. NBT was amusing, they've got quite showman for a lead singer. It felt like a 90's punk show. But, Guitar Wolf? I had high hopes. It was uneventful. I think there was more sunglasses-at-night posing than rocking. I have a problem with that. Howl.

Autumn arrived while we were in Memphis.


We did check in on Jay; still no headstone, but there were visitors:


I don't know, I still can't believe he's buried right next to Isaac Hayes. The grass is just now starting to take for both:


Went to Sun Records for the first time. We didn't take the tour because we were way too tired (next time, next time), but I did pick up novelties to use as prizes for the Joyce Elliott fundraiser.





Sunday MEMPHIS:









Extras ----->

Pho Vietnam, a favorite. Better'n Little Rock, I'm afraid:


Almost healed!

I'm not talking about making it free, I'm talking about making it free-er.

Last night was Night #1 in my attempt to readjust my circadian rhythm by one hour. Early to bed, early to rise! Unlike pretty much everyone else I know, I am a morning person; I feel my best before noon. I think an extra hour of morning time will help me get that much more accomplished in a day & make me very happy. KMHD pointed out that this might be a smooth move considering that the fall/winter seasons are upon us.

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Speaking of seasons, I'd like to take back Nos. 6 & 7 (windows open, eating outside) off of the September Top 10. This heat is ridiculous! Where are the arguments against global warming now? Oh, right, only when it snows. Lordy. Replace #6 with "getting first tattoo" and #7 with "Monday evening meals with friends, even though it makes it feel like it's Thursday and makes the week looooooong". But, really, I hope that 17 September 2011 is not this warm!

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I am so irritated with the U.S. Senate for their failure to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell. ATM & I have been watching a great deal of the Kids In the Hall lately. [We own all seasons if anyone wants to watch! I'm always game!] One of the Kids, Scott Thompson, is openly gay and they have a lot of skits with homosexual tendencies -- great stuff! Anyway, it highlights the fact that the gay issues of the 90s (AIDS, marriage) and the shithead bullies/detractors (Rush Limbaugh) ARE STILL THE SAME TODAY. Sigh. Frankly, I was naive to believe that repealing DADT would be the one issue that the U.S. Senate could take care of and move on. I sit here chuckling now. How foolish am I? Why do I have such a hopeful heart? Another Senate failure. Also, Sens. Lincoln & Pryor? Well, I can't say that I'm truly shocked by their votes. Lordy. I am so sorry I can't be more eloquent about my feelings about this issue, but, then again, I'm no Buddy Cole. Moving on.

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Joyce Elliott is our only hope. Truly. The rest of 'em can kiss my grits. Our fundraiser for Joyce is going to be 14 October 2010, starting at 8:00 p.m. There will be a spelling bee, trivia, silent auction, dunking booth, snacks, free flowing beer, and guest speaker Rep. Kathy Webb. It will be so. much. fun! I really hope that our friends & family show en masse to support Ms. Elliott. The lot of us that is organizing this event? We aren't a part of any PAC, organization, or interest group. We are just regular citizens who want to take an active, progressive part in the process. Mark your calendar, save your spare change! Pretty pretty please with sugar on top!

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I've got a couple of FEAR ANTS Sh4rpies if anyone wants one!

Best of...

...friends!

Oh, Sandra Lee

I occasionally watch this trainwreck for the hilarity & the Tablescapes then someone puts out this gem:



This thread is killer if you are bored!

Rhubarb & Rye

My beautiful drink from Capital Bar & Grill



Sazerac Rye, Sous Vide Rhubarb-Honey-Vanilla Syrup, Lemon Juice, Soda. In Julep Cup with Crushed Ice.

A full, well-rounded weekend.

And we're just about half-way through!

Last night, KMHD, Matthew, ATM, Jessica & I went to Hot Springs to witness Japanther. GREAT show! I've got the bruises to prove it! There were some M0untain D3w fueled youths gettin' rowdy and we elders got caught up in it. BRUISES. It wasn't long before I took my place in the back. But, really, Japanther! Rock n roll!

Lookit!

Photo by KMHD

After watching today's emotional frakking Razorback game at the BellWood's, Leigh & I, accompanied & supported by

KMHD, went to get tattoos. My first! I'm so pleased that my first experience was so sweet. Many

thanks to Aron, my artist @ 7th St. Tattoo. He was so kind & he happily posed for this photo. So, it's true what they say,

tattoos are addictive; ATM & I discussed our Victor tribute on the way home. I'm so sorry, mum!

Top X Addendum

I should just change it to Top XI, frankly.

Top X September MMX

I. Bloodfeather's Goodness Gracious


II. Labor Day -- it is officially my favorite U.S. holiday. No decorations, no fake emotional patriotism, three-day weekend, lotsa eating & laughing.

III. The U.S. Open -- Wondering when the next wave of superstars will make their appearance. Roger Federer is amazing, though!

IV. Boss is away!

V. Playing hooky!

VI. Windows are open!

VII. Eating outside!

VIII. It's that time of year when you listen to autumnal music that makes you feel melancholy or nostalgic, but you like it.

IX. Not too old!

X. This:

Asa Anna Newell I was just walking the mail down the drive to the mailbox, when I turned around and noticed a little blurry brown dot in the distance. It was ghanoush, and she was jogging as fast as she could to catch up with me! I love my little brown dot.

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    AiLien Draheim This is so precious.

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    Asa Anna Newell Farm cat! Vrrrrr!

    2 hours ago

Tattoo You

Good golly, Miss Molly! There's been serious talk amongst us about getting tattoos. Names have been edited out, but you'll probably figure it out.

A: you guys! i've been wanting to get a tattoo lately. is this crazy yes or no?

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B: I will defer to (redacted) on that one since she actually has a tattoo (don't you?) I have no idea if people end up liking or regretting them forever since I am way too chicken to get one. I bet if you do end up getting a tattoo it'll be a good 'un. You have good taste!

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C: I have one. It's a cover up of another one. So that tells you something right there!

But, I think about getting more all the time. I kind of wish I could have two bodies (or two lives). One I could tat up with all the ideas I have (which are ALL kind of stupid) and another that's clean and safe for work.

Overall though, I'm down with tattoos. I agree that I think you would not regret it, (redacted). I'll sit with you if you want. Hell, I might get a little one too!

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C: Also, I've been trying to find a google image of the best worst tattoo I've ever seen (of course in Austin.) I can't find it and I'm afraid to keep looking for it at work so I'll describe it instead:

A shark sitting on a lazy-boy, in board short swim trunks with a bong and sunglasses on. And he has a tribal tattoo on his fin.

YES!

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A: I'll probably just get a typical outline of our lovely state. It's classic. And I do love the Arkansas. (Redacted), that would be awesome if you sat in with me!

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B: First of all, (redacted), I think you should consider incorporating the tatted shark with bong into your tattoo somehow - maybe he could mark the spot for Little Rock on your map? Nothing says Little Rock like a tatted out radical shark! If you can't hang with the shark I do think the A-state on it's own is a lovely idea. Where would you get it?

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A: You guys, the tattoo convo we've got going is so funny! I'm thinking about getting a little one (because I'm a total puss) on my left forearm. Maybe Saturday. OMG, who am I?

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C: (Redacted), would it be the dorkiest/shittiest idea ever if I got a lil' Arkansas too?

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B: I am excited about your tattoos!!

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A: OMG, (redacted), I would be honored if we got matching tats.

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A: So, y'all wanna go get tats on Saturday?

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B: You guys are gonna be so cute with matching tattoos!

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D: Um, yeah! I'll go but I'm not sure if I'll get anything. It's mostly a matter of where and not what. What do you guys think of getting the outline of a county instead of the state? You'd have a tattoo in common with (redacted) if you got the state. I want this:

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E: Arkansas would be cute!!

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A: Well, I guess (redacted) and I will have something to talk about. I don't want no damn Pulaski Co. outline! Are you going to get that clover on your neck?

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D: You might mistake him for Dad actually. He dresses like a disabled vet. I thought Dad was at WWT once. I'm going to put my hair in a ponytail, shave underneath and then get my clover right on my scalp.

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I'm actually late to the tattoo party, I know. I was a late bloomer for getting pierced ears, as well. I got them pierced for the first time at the ripe age of 28. I was also the last person to get a cell phone. I knew I was the remaining holdout because even Victor & Alan Disaster had one before me. I guess this is why I am Mild Thing.

I guess we'll see what Saturday holds!

Holiday Road

ATM & I decided to put off paid work & eating L3an Cuisin3s for a week and take a vacation, the kind where you stay at home. It was awesome even if it took us half the time to get used to the idea that we were on holiday and that it was o.k. that we were staying up that late and havin' a beer.

We figured that we could have a killler couple of days in New Orleans or use that money to complete a project in our newish home. I am pleased with our decision because we've got DRAPES! A touch of class! Later this month, we will try to make up for not leaving town by spending a weekend in Memphis attending Gonerfest.

This isn't the greatest picture & the walls are begging to be adorned, but you had to see a completed project:


Let's see...what has been happening in my little corner of the world? OH! Right! My plan for a Joyce Elliott fundraiser is taking shape! We've got a date, a venue, and a couple of mover/shakers involved. The current idea we're tossing around is having "famous" chefs, a.k.a. people we know that cook really well, to make their signature soup to serve. Too, I threw in the idea of having a spelling bee & trivia...with prizes! While I love bands & DJs, this calls for something a little different. I've been in touch with her people and they've responded positively to our ideas, so I'm feeling pretty motivated! I am looking to enlist more volunteers, so if you're interested... We are meeting this Sunday at one.

On Labor Day, we had a shrimp boil (instead of the planned fish fry) @ Victory St. I think we were all feeling pre-regretful about will-have-had-over-indulged in fried food, so we completely switched gears. I'm so glad we did. It was my first (successful) shrimp boil. It's pretty (Big) Easy! Too, I made key lime pies with meringue. Meringue is another first! I forgot cream to make a sweet whipped topping, so I used the leftover egg whites. E-Z!

Hey, I didn't say anything about them being pretty:


Preparing the bath:


You guys! LP made an appearance! ATM, Kyle, Robert, LP, Keiko, Will, Zach, Micah's hands, Donna:


"ALF, I'm glad you could make it!"

We all agreed that LP is the coolest girl in town:


I never get to see Seth or Matt W., so this is pretty special right here:


Something you won't regret:

Chew faces:

Photos by Collin:




I never get to see Alan either, so hanging out was amazing! Look at all of these cool breezes!:


Leftover 4th fireworks:



Last Friday, I went to Mena, Arkansas w/ ATM:

The "9/11 flag" was on display @ the armory. The flag travels the U.S. stopping in communities devasted by disaster -- in 2009 a tornado ripped through Mena, killing three and destroying buildings that have been there since the Civil War. So, flags salvaged from these communities are stitched on. I didn't intend on participating, but the docent really pushed me into learning how to do a backstitch & I added three stitches to the project. Why three and not one? Because people wanted to take my photo while I was doing it. It. was. weird. and. totally. forced. and. unnatural. a . photo. opportunity. for. someone. else.

Mena didn't give us that small town "Oh, I could stay here!" feeling, so after ATM interviewed the mayor and got some photos for work, we started home; we went through the Cossatot River State Park area. Oh, my. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! I am really looking forward to exploring this part of Arkansas sometime soon. The visitor center is worth stopping by if you are in the area what with their natural looking taxidermy and real live baby turtles that you can hold:

Wait, what does that car say?

Right.

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FOUR ON THE DOOR!

Buddies: