the latchkey kid

An Update, Oh My!

It's been more than two months since I've updated this space, and I just recently started to miss it. So what I'm saying is: I needed the break. 

In my absence, good things happened. There are actually things to share, and changes were made.

But let's back up and recap on the things and stuff:

I colored my hair differenly again, as seen here. Our friends Katie (who snapped this photo of the Ginge and I in front of our place) and Dan, along with his bandmates, stayed with us for two days. We hung out with them in and around the shows they played here. Look, there they are below:

This was taken during their second performance in the area, and that night my obsession with their music was solidified. I fancy all different types of music, but prior to listening to them live, I was sort of stuck on a specific genre. Nope, not any more. For me, Paper Lights' music is something you can write to, it's a bit dreamy, and tends to make me feel thoughtful. It's definitely got a Sigur Ros vibe, if you're into them. Plus, Melanie and I ended up being fast lady friends, which is not typical for me, and I'm so happy to have met her. It's so refreshing to converse with people (Dan & Katie, Melanie, and the rest of the Paper Lights fellas and their tour mate Adam Sams) who live in a way which seems so impossible from my view, in this small town. I wasn't jealous, though. That's how I would've felt before, but I felt relieved to find humans thriving in a creative way. ANYWAYS, I implore you to listen to their music.

This next bit is straight from my instagram, where I've been sharing most of my thoughts this season, so if you follow me there you can skip this next bit:

Later in the summer, I worked at a summer camp for seven days, along with my normal gig. It taught me a lot about saying yes to things that don't necessarily strike my fancy. I met new people, found myself surrounded by ideas I don't subscribe to, and all of this was good. I was uncomfortable at times, pleasantly surprised by others, and I learned new things. What I've gathered these past few weeks, in general: be open

There are days where I rage and say I can't keep doing x,y,z, BUT a stirring has happened inside of me (cue dramatic music), and I can't ignore that. I find myself hopeful, more so than I have in the past four years. I'm writing again, I'm picking up my camera more, and to reiterate the above, I'm open. I'm saying yes to things when I can, even if some reservation wants to stop me.

It's weird and it's good. Feeling content in my heart is foreign. I'm a restless individual, who never really had the means to quell my longing for adventure or experience.

 

I've always loathed the saying "bloom where you are planted." My reaction to that was: my location is not for me, why put forth an effort if I plan to move on?!

I still maintain that this little corner of the world may not be where I can fully bloom, but there's no harm in finding enjoyment here. Starting projects, making connections with people, etc. I'm not a tree, I can get up an move. Yes, there's many quotes incorporating nature that are applicable here.

 

                              I feel like a whole new person these days ... I think her name is Garth.

Which leads me to changes - I plan on taking this blog in a new direction. Will I continue to share personal things, despite my better judgement, yes that will still happen. However, a more focused, narrow content will replace my former attempts at discussing a variety of topics. A name change might also happen, but mostly I'm just excited to start fresh. 

Summer was never my season before, but I think it was this year. I hope you found a surprise or two, as well

Sunday's Soundtrack

This photo is out of focus, rather the background is in focus (instead of me). But, I rather like it. It kind of represents what my life is about. Sometimes the right things aren't very clear, but I'm trying to have fun despite all that. My hair is weird, my eyebrows are crazy, and sometimes I don't discover things until after I've gone over it several times. I stumble upon it by chance, later on.

I've made a lot out of this photo, me thinks.

Anyways, doing this shoot brought me joy. A lot of things I plan outside of work have this very intention. I'm editing today, and I had one of my last paid gigs earlier. I've felt a lot less stress going into shoots, since I made my "announcement." I liken it to how you start enjoying sitting in class that last week of senior year. There's joy in knowing it's almost over, so you're freed up to do good work.

Oh, and it's that time of year where my ears ask to hear Dead Man's Bones. Their album is the soundtrack for this night, and in case you're unfamiliar, there's a song below.

 

My hope is that your Sunday has treated you well, and that some actual fall weather will make an appearance soon. :)

M.I.A. (Have You Missed Me?)

So ... I worked a ton of hours earlier in the week (hence my absence here), in order to accommodate my journey out of state to capture the birth of my niece or nephew, which hasn't happened quite yet. I really thought I might be in Raleigh by now, but that baby is just not ready to greet us.

Since I had the free time, I took some photos of the Blue Plum festival going on in my town. It's a weekend long event, and the Ginge is playing not once but twice! His new band is called Kick.Snare.Crash and they were pretty awesome last night, but of course I'm biased. :)

I thought I would post a little snippet of my evening, to tide anyone (who cares) over. A "Blue Plum" post will come sooner or later, because I have so many "people watching" photos to share. haha

In other news, I found this maxi skirt at a Salvation Army for $3 and I was stoked. It was as breezy as I had hoped and stood up to the humid/summer heat. I'm pretty sure this thing is going to be my new best friend, so don't get jealous. There's enough of me to go around.

Well, I will be gone come Sunday (they will induce Lauren on Monday if nothing happens sooner), so I hope you all have a killer weekend. I can't wait to meet the newest addition to my family! I'm going to be an aunt, and it's so crazy. Soon enough I will be weird Aunt Meredith.

I can't wait.

 

An Editing Playlist

 

My taste in music is all over the proverbial map, so I will admit that this playlist is just a sliver of my musical preferences.

I spent Memorial Day editing and doing things around the house, so of course a playlist was in order!

I warn you, this won't be for everyone (I have feeling some of you won't care for Motorhead or Refused), but if you're up for a varied playlist, take a listen. The last band was a local act that I really enjoyed. I'm still sad Ocoai decided to disband. 

I hope you all had a lovely Monday, and remember to always keep it real.* ;)

 

 

*I've been saying that a lot, lately. Not sure why ...?

 

The Resurgence Of My Kate Nash Obsession

Remember Myspace ... think waaay back ... Ok, are you there? Do you remember your top 10? I do. 

During this time I was certainly searching for artists via the, now defunct, social media site. Lily Allen, Cold War Kids, MIA, Midlake AND Kate Nash were all artists I discovered while browsing. Back then, Kate was "poppy," but in a satirical way a la her fellow Brit Lily Allen. Upbeat songs with sassy or sad lyrics mixed in. I liked it, I still do for nostalgia reasons.

However, I am LOVING her new stuff. A lot. A lot, a lot. 

I missed her second album "My Best Friend Is You," so I'm catching up on that as well. However, I cannot wait to get my hands on the newest release: "Girl Talk."

 

I'm a sucker for anything bass-heavy, where the rhythm drives you forward. (Would it shock you to know I always wanted to learn how to play?) Her ever-present accent from songs past is more so hidden this time around, as well as the sing-songy delivery featured on her first album. 

I explained it to the Ginge this way: she displays a 90s girl rock voice, something reminiscent to Shirley Manson from Garbage. So, sign me up right away!

The sound is a major departure, so it might not be for fans who were married to her MySpace-era songs. However, if you love an amalgam of garage rock, 90s front-woman, with a dash of rockabilly, this might be for you. 

I went ahead and taste-tested it. It's good.

I'm also gonna throw this out there: how amazing does she look, now? Hey Kate, if you feel like donating some clothes, send 'em my way. Thanks!

I also cannot believe she's a year younger than I am. I had no idea she was so, so young when she first stepped out into the music world. 

Shew, looks like we were both just young girls figuring things out for everyone on MySpace to see. Well, here's to Kate and I becoming more badass with age. ;)

Cheers!

 

(All photos and the video can be found on her website)