Crazy times

I've been gone.  At least from blog world.  Life has been a bit crazy.  It feels like everything is in flux, even though not all that much really is.  It's one of those times when you get home at night and just collapse.  Per my usual though, music is a huge comfort.  I've kept going to concerts, and despite the energy involved, I have more energy afterwards.  That's what I love.  That's where my enjoyment comes from.  I start getting excited as I get ready, I get to the venue, and then it starts.  The music flows, the conversation flows, and the energy builds.  I will gladly give up the sleep those nights to be able to experience the same every day.  Those who have been to Seven Steps Up or other small venues, you really know what I am referring to. 

So.  Since my last blog.  Where have I been?  Better question might be where haven't I been!  I saw Steve Moakler (with Bennett opening) at Pyramid Scheme, I went to North Carolina for Down the Hatch and saw more amazing bands than I can count (including Pat McGee, Keaton Simons, Emily Hearn, and more), I saw Jillette Johnson at Seven Steps Up, went to see Nickel Creek at Meijer Gardens, then I saw Tyler Hilton and Tony Lucca (with Anna Rose opening) at Seven Steps Up, Picnic Pops started up with the fireworks show with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson at Meijer Gardens, and seeing Beck at DeVos Performance Hall.

Coming next is more Picnic Pops shows. (How can that be all I have planned?!?)

Looking back.  I cannot believe how blessed I am.  To see this many amazing artists - to meet so many of my idols - to spend this time with family and friends - What more can I ask for? 

So yes, right now, things aren't the easiest they have ever been.  But that's okay.  One step at a time and I know that I will make it through.  With the help of my family, friends, faith, and music. 

I hope to be able to give you more details on many of these shows - as they truly do warrant the time.  Bear with me as I go backwards and try to catch up.

And thank you for indulging my stream of consciousness pity party that I just went through.

In the meantime - keep listening - keep reading - keep doing whatever it is that gives you the strength you need.

And here is a song for you.  "Falling from Grace" by Todd Carey.  A great guy, a wonderful musician, and someone I hope we will get to see again soon.

Days pass
and I'm waiting, waiting, waiting
for my blood to return
weeks pass
and I'm waiting, waiting, waiting
for my anger to burn

Faces change
and I'm reaching, reaching
for a hand in the dark

Still I'm numb I
feel nothing at all
days pass
I feel nothing at all
weeks pass
can't look down to the fall from grace
And I wish I could scream, or smile
something that makes me feel for a while
wanna feel the rain on my face
as long as I'm falling from grace

Months go
and the only thing I'm sure of's I just do not know

Years run
and I wonder if mistakes I made
will remain undone

Faces change
and I'm reaching, reaching
for a hand in the dark

Still Im numb I
feel nothing at all
days pass
I feel nothing at all
weeks pass
can't look down to the fall from grace

And I wish I could scream, or smile
something that makes me feel for a while
wanna feel the rain on my face
as long as I'm falling from grace
as long as I'm falling from grace

As long as Im falling
As long as Im falling
As long as I'm falling from grace
As long as I'm falling from grace

Simple Joys

So, the headliner last Monday was Todd Carey.  I have already blogged about his songs After the Morning After and Nintendo here and then, very personally, about Gotta Be Next to You here.

There is a magic in Todd's music.  I have found songs of his which work for almost any situation.  And that is pretty darn impressive when I only have 18 songs.  I have found songs that will cheer me up when I am sad, songs that will express my anger and frustration, songs that make me long for the past while hoping for the future, and most importantly, songs that make me smile.

There is a lot of really good music that I listen to (at least I think so).  And yet, a lot of it is not able to bring a true, simple, full smile to my face.  When that is what I need, Todd Carey is one of the first musicians that I turn to.

Monday night was no exception.  He is an amazing performer.  His energy and talent just flow through the room.  It was great to get to hear a lot of his new album (and waiting till Spring or Summer of next year is going to kill me!).  I am anxiously waiting for another chance to see him in concert, whether it be on the computer or in person.

New music

More new music

Curtis joined Todd on stage at the end of the show

As I said, it was an awesome show.  Afterwards we got to hang out with Todd for a while.  We gently reminded him that he was supposed to dedicate a song to Beth, but he had gotten caught up on stage and forgot about it.  So, we got two songs played while we were hanging out in the merch area.

And of course, we ended the night with pics and autographs.

Ya know, it really was a kinda perfect night.  Good friends, good people, great music, awesome venue.  What more can you ask for?

So, while thinking about that night, about Todd's music, about happiness....it brings me back to my title.  Simple joys.  I really do love the simple things in life.  I love when a day can turn around from the simplest thing.  And for this, thank you Todd.  Thank you for bringing smiles to our days - even when we don't think we have one in us.

My song of the day is one that Todd performs - and performs so well - "Ain't Got Love"

Thinking Back....

Today, I take a moment to pause from my blogs about concerts.

Today, 11/11, is Veteran’s Day.  It is a day that always leaves me tearful, happy, and mostly grateful.  While I really want to write about the myriad of reasons for my complicated emotions, I also want to protect the rights and privacy of those I love.  So bear with me while I try to explain.

Many of you know, I married a Marine.  I mean, I really married a Marine.  He deployed to Iraq 36 hours after our wedding service.  The year that included the couple of months of in country training (prior to our wedding), the seven months with him out of the country, and the months of travel for continued services upon his return, was one of the toughest years of our lives.  But here’s the thing.  It wasn’t The toughest.  That came later.  That came as we dealt with the aftermath of war.  The aftermath of a military life. 

So, when Veteran’s Day approaches, and everyone is thanking their family members, and service members at large, it brings up a lot of emotion.  I am forever grateful for everyone who has served.  I am forever grateful to their families, for I understand the sacrifice.  I am also forever remembering everything that people have gone through.  Many people like to say, well, at least he came home in one piece.  And yes, we are very lucky that my husband has no physical injuries, and he made it home alive.  Words will never express the daily fear that this wouldn’t be the case.  However, we need to remember that many (if not most), of the service members coming home – are coming home injured.  They are not the same person they were when they left.  They bear scars that we, as civilians and family members, cannot begin to understand.

So what is my point?  Simply this.  Thank you to my husband and all who have served.  Thank you to the families for making the sacrifice.  Thank you to those who recognize the commitment of these members and families.  And please, remember, some scars are invisible.

As always, I have a song.  A song that I wish I had while my husband was gone.  Because it explains a piece of how I felt.

“Gotta Be Next to You” by Todd Carey

Music in a New Era

New experiences.  To be honest, not my favorite thing in the world.  It's not that I dislike them, they just make me nervous.  Ask any of my friends or family and they will confirm that when going through a new experience, I am hyper-vigilant, super sensitive, and pretty darn anxious.  I like knowing what I am getting in to.

But - last night - that was a great new experience.  I'll back up for a second.

In three weeks, I have a concert that I am anxiously awaiting.  It is Dan Godlin/Curtis Peoples/Todd Carey at Seven Steps Up.  Should be an amazing show.  As I am very impressed by all of these artists, I follow them on Twitter.  Todd Carey has been talking about an online show that he was planning, following the release of his new song "Nintendo."  After talking with my friend Beth, I decided to check it out.

Honestly, I was always interested, but like I said - I don't get too psyched for new experiences.

So yesterday, I got my ticket for the 9pm show.

At about 8:30, I curled up with my laptop and watched tv while I waited for it to start.  Below is a screenshot of what came on at 9pm.  Pretty darn cool. 

The center of the screen was Todd, who was talking, performing, interacting with all of us.  On the right of the screen was a chat screen.  All of us watching were able to comment, ask questions, make requests, etc.  Todd made a point to say hi to as many people, by name, as he could during the show. 

I think the best description was what Todd said at one point.  It is like a concert with your biggest fans, but instead of hearing cheers, you see bubbles popping up above each person's head with their thoughts.  How cool is that - for both the musician and the fans?

The fans got to learn more about each other, about Todd, and what concerts we are all hoping to attend.  I also learned about a music festival that he puts on at the Outer Banks - maybe I can get there in 2015....

Oh, another fun note.  Todd has to be one of the happiest musicians I have ever seen perform.

During the show, there was the option to "tip" Todd - using actual money - and the top three tippers won various prizes.  Glad to say that my friend, Beth, got top tipper and will have a dedicated song at the show we are going to in three weeks.

So I'm thinking the lesson of the night is that we should try new experiences more often.  Really - what harm does it cause - at least most of the time.... :)

I regularly wake up with this song in my head....

So...I can't play Nintendo for you - so I recommend you look it up here

Due to this, I am giving you two songs of the day....Nintendo and After the Morning After.  Cause really, any song by Todd Carey is worthy of being a song of the day!