Loved Ones

1| You went and got me cheesy fries and played me Bon Iver when my heart was broken. You were always rooting for me and my heart. I think music connects us like string and a tin can telephone--even across states. And I call you my wench.

2| You taught me how to pound the notes with the tips of my fingers, to hold my hands up right, to sit up straight, and to give music some heart. You gave me ice cream after lessons, even when I hadn't practiced much. I hope I make you proud someday.

3| You took me fishing, blueberry picking, four-wheeling, deer watching, rock picking, wood piling, mountain driving, egg hunting, and all kinds of traveling. I'll never forget Mexico and the Pacific Ocean with you and Auntie, visiting you in Palm Springs and stealing oranges, and so much more. You always loved to stop for a burger or an ice cream. I thought you owned a famous Seattle drive-in. My favorite uncle, better than a grandpa.

Cut to the Quick

My heart tightens up whenever I hear these songs:

1| Sister Winter, Sufjan Stevens

2| Stay or Leave, Dave Matthews

3| Kingdom Come, Coldplay

4| I Have Loved You Wrong, the Swell Season

5| Say It to Me Now, Glen Hansard

6| Strange Fruit, Billie Holiday

7| The Wolves (Act 1 & 2), Bon Iver

8| A Rush of Blood to the Head, Coldplay

9| Older Chests, Damien Rice

10| Cath, Death Cab for Cutie

11| The Stone, Dave Matthews Band

12| Let It Die, Feist

13| Satisfied Mind, Jeff Buckley

14| Timshel, Mumford & Sons

15| Rain, Patty Griffin

16| The Dress Looks Nice on You, Sufjan Stevens

People Do Good

{Today I thought of 3 of the best things other people have done for me. I'll think of 3 more tomorrow, and 3 more the next day, and 3 more all the days ever.}

1.My 21st summer, my friend's friend made me a mixed CD of Patty Griffin songs. She didn't make it for me because she wanted to introduce me to some good music. She said, "Oh, that's rough. She needs Patty Griffin." She knew I had a broken heart. Patty Griffin's music, and that particular mixed collection, has been one of the most cathartic experiences of my life.

2. A kind old principal gave me a job I wasn't certified for. He felt I was qualified. I'm forever grateful to him for placing me in my element.

3. Some people affect you in a way that changes your life, or the way you live your life. One of my dearest friends challenged me to love people with my heart, to see and hope for the best in people, and to love people not because I want to be loved, but because I can love.

esp. to lack; to desire

Some things in life we are wanting are not worth the having.

Show Go Show

Tomorrow night we're playing at the Q Cafe just south of Ballard. I'm so thrilled that I get to hang out with so many wonderful people AND play music for them. We have so much to look forward to!

Crew

Graydon and I printed some band t-shirts with my hometown friends Jon & Traci this weekend. Jon is a master printer and has built some pretty cool mechanisms to speed up the printing process. He's like a screen print scientist.

The t-shirts are looking pretty nice, designed by Graydon himself. We went with some earth tones to start with: grey, black, mossy green, and a muted blue. All the tees are crew necks except for one special v-neck. This is a matter of dispute between some band members: to v-neck or not to v-neck? Please cast your vote, too!

Miss Jones

One week from today, I'll be setting aside my whip and fedora for my tie and glasses.

School's almost in session, kids. It's bittersweet, isn't it?

I don't want to grow up.