Eagle Eyes Design: Raves about Excellence

AMTRAK TICKETS AND DISCOUNTS

2012-01-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

AMTRAK TICKETS AND DISCOUNTS

Buy Amtrak Tickets Online
Sign up for Guest Rewards to earn points.
Weekly Specials to Book in Advance and Save
RailServe Facebook page (Postings remind about Amtrak specials.)
Passenger Discounts: Children, Seniors, AAA Members, Military, NARP
Rail Passes: 15-day, 30-day and 45-day
Amtrak Guest Rewards® World MasterCard® to earn points for future travel.

Press Play! Have you seen my TRAIN VIDEO?
Such wonderful scenery!
Music: Melissa's Waiting by Violet Edge

Amtrak Tickets
Table of Contents: Train Articles

AMTRAK TRAIN SERIES -- Colorado, California, Oregon

2012-01-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

Table of Contents: Train Articles

Chapter 1
VIDEO: California Zephyr & Coast Starlight

California Zephyr #5

Coast Starlight #14

California Zephyr #6

Press Play! You'll love my TRAIN VIDEO!
Music: Melissa's Waiting by Violet Edge

Chapter 2
COLORADO -- California Zephyr #5 heading West

Chapter 3
OREGON -- Coast Starlight #14 heading North

Chapter 4
COLORADO: Heading East Back Home to Denver

Chapter 5
So why do I take the train instead of a plane?

FUNNY MEMORY: Accidentally caught on a Train

Video: Colorado National Monument, Palisade, Glenwood Springs

AMTRAK TICKETS AND DISCOUNTS

Funny Memory: Accidentally caught on a Train

2012-01-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

(From Chapter 2) Climbing up the train car stairs with my bags, I flashed back to senior year in high school when I got caught on a train. But that's another story.

And here it is.

Historic Grand Junction Station

In high school, I accompanied my visiting friend Susan to the train station in Grand Junction. Might have been the holiday season. She was a year older, had graduated from Fruita Monument High and was already living in Denver. Her Dad drove us to the station. Susan asked me to help her carry luggage up the narrow stairs of the train car.

I sat in an empty seat when she was settled and looked out the window and thought how cool it was to travel by train. It felt like a few seconds but knowing my problems with tracking time, it was no doubt quite a few minutes.

We said our goodbyes and I climbed back down the stairs. I told the porter by the closed door I was ready to get off the train. He said "You're kidding. We're already moving."

What?! Oh no! I looked outside and indeed, the ground was slowly blurring behind us and gaining speed.

The next stop was to be Glenwood Springs, a few hours away.

I'm sure I had a very panicked look on my face, mostly thinking of Susan's Dad wondering where the hell I had disappeared. (Mobile phones were not yet invented, kiddos.)

I watched the town slip by, standing by the door. I heard the radio conversation as they tried to figure out what to do with me.

Mount Garfield in Palisade, Colorado

Many imagined scenarios later, all of them ending in Glenwood or Denver, the train slowed, then stopped. The porter was really surprised since he'd not seen the engineer stop the train for anyone.

Deep, powdery soft snow of a field soon led the way to a Mom and Pop farming supply store at the edge of Palisade. They let me call Susan's father.

He drove all the way to the store to take me home on the far opposite side of the valley. Incredibly embarrassed of losing track of time yet again, I never mentioned it to my folks until last week, decades later.

Of course now I think it's absolutely funny AND a great memory. The hustle of Denver drowns out memories of growing up on the Western Slope of Colorado (Palisade, Grand Junction, Fruita). This train stow-away moment in time really captured the days of dry, cold air, the beautiful stretch of farms and orchards in the Grand Valley. Lush fruit trees in the desert during the green of spring. Thinking of that train incident makes it all rush quickly back to mind.

Especially when climbing up the turning stairs, carrying baggage on a train.

Grand Junction, Palisade, Glenwood Springs -- Western Colorado

This video recreates my unexpected train trip. No music, just a few minutes of the Colorado National Monument outside of Grand Junction, Palisade and a quick view of Glenwood Springs. The scenery looks too crumbly brown, without snow to make for a faithful re-enactment, but it still brings back quite a few moments of those years.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Train Articles

Press Play! Have you seen my TRAIN VIDEO?
Such wonderful scenery!

Music: Melissa's Waiting by Violet Edge

Amtrak Tickets

So why do I take the train instead of a plane?

2012-01-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

Chapter 5: Amtrak Train Series

So why the train instead of a plane? A commercial plane means rush-rush-rush through the airport, with experienced travelers furiously impatient at my confusion and relative slowness. The light of the sky is migraine bright through airplane windows. Can't stand not being able to move around very far. Most of all, the harsh edged sound of the jet itself simply kills me. It pierces past earplugs into the back of my neck.

For me, the train rocks the body with calming low sound frequencies; the rumbly fast Chuh-Chuh-Chuh-Chuh while building up speed. For weeks after a trip I'll hear a distant train whistle in my city and find myself already smiling. Maybe it takes a music lover to feel the differences in sound pressure but I'm surely not alone in this reaction.

There is nothing like the experience of falling hard asleep after chasing the sunset west, then waking up far ahead of the next sunrise.

And the best place of all is the Observation Car. I spend every possible waking hour there. I leave books at home to leave room for creative ideas that only occur during travel.

If you ever get the chance, experience for yourself these segments of the Amtrak line. I'm writing this to convince friends to try it at least once. [BIG hint to Jenelle from Beads and Botanicals in the Pacific NorthWest! -- since she's already there!]

Please don't assume anything this wonderful will always be around. Train lines are endangered as well as the beauty of our country.

Feeling very fortunate my family lives near such beautiful train routes. Can't wait to take another trip again.

I recommend the scenery on these trains:

California Zephyr #5 & #6

Coast Starlight #14

Amtrak Tickets

READ NEXT CHAPTER:
Amtrak Tickets and Discounts

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Train Articles

Press Play! Have you seen my TRAIN VIDEO?
Such wonderful scenery!

Music: Melissa's Waiting by Violet Edge
Amtrak Tickets

Amtrak California Zephyr Colorado Heading East Back Home to Denver

2012-01-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4: Amtrak Train Series

Heading back from California to Colorado

Sacramento Station, California

Amtrak California Zephyr #6 heading East

EAGLES IN THE CANYONS

After the train picked up passengers in Grand Junction, Colorado, I met a father and teen son who live there, heading to Denver on their yearly Amtrak ride.

After 15+ trips, they knew where to look for Bald Eagles in canyons east of Glenwood Canyon. They pointed out seven, eight or more in the next hour. Not that far away, in easy view, but I would have missed every one of them. I would have kept watching on the Glenwood Springs left side of the train, instead of the right side.

On the right side of the observation car you saw huge cliffs hanging above the top windows. For a long time we had to lean far back in the seats to see them. But the car filled up fast and saving those seats for later was well worth it.

The eagles were truly majestic. Many in trees, each keeping a solo watch, preferring tall dead trees. The largest eagle flew in heavy slow motion because of his amazing size and wingspan. We were also near the front of the observation car. It gave us time to see the eagles pass all the huge windows before the train sped by.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Hot Sulphur Springs

Glenwood Hot Springs

There is a HOT-HOT small therapy pool and a nicely-hot large swimming pool. Both are outdoors and make it so refreshing to be in the water on a cold day.

Such wonderful memories of spending entire days in these pools as a kid. Our Dad would have to call out to us hours in advance before leaving, while we pretended we couldn't hear him ...

Still, I'd forgotten all about traveling to that awesome place until a Denver friend Kathy told me about taking the train from Denver to Glenwood to stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs. What a fantastic idea for a short get-away. I must find a way to make that a tradition.

Western Colorado

Colorado Rockies

It's January! Where is all the SNOW?!

Less snow seen in mountains than when I left Colorado mid December.
In a small town after Winter Park, Colorado we passed by a large group of sweet kids dancing with hula hoops. One of them was holding up a sign toward the train which read "Snow Dance." Hey, whatever works!

Heading Home again, overlooking Denver
metro area

READ NEXT CHAPTER:
So why do I take the train instead of a plane?

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Train Articles

Press Play! Have you seen my TRAIN VIDEO?
Such wonderful scenery!

Music: Melissa's Waiting by Violet Edge

Amtrak Tickets

Amtrak Coast Starlight Oregon Heading North

2012-01-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

Chapter 3: Amtrak Train Series

Oregon

Coast Starlight #14 heading North

Banjo & Harmonica players

If you know these musicians' names, please leave a comment. I didn't ask and break the spell of the moment. When musicians become self-conscious, the magic drifts away.

I've seen other wonderful music moments in the observation cars. Best one was 5 years ago on the California Zephyr, 3 men broke into a capella song with 3 part harmony. They were all strangers from different states. I'm a singer but was entranced enough to stay quiet and simply listen.

Klamath Falls, Oregon

The Conducter on this segment was very funny. He had a captive audience, of course, but his dry, perfectly timed remarks had us all heartily chuckling. Let's just say you do not want to get caught smoking on THIS train, especially.

Mount Shasta, Oregon

The return trip from Eugene, Oregon back to Sacramento, California is scheduled mostly in the dark during winter. But I still enjoyed the peaceful time and watched the sun rise the next very early morning from the Observation Car.

READ NEXT CHAPTER:
Colorado Heading East Back Home to Denver

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Train Articles

Press Play! Have you seen my TRAIN VIDEO?
Such wonderful scenery!

Music: Melissa's Waiting by Violet Edge

Amtrak Tickets

Amtrak California Zephyr Colorado Heading West

2012-01-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

Chapter 2: Amtrak Train Series

While packing for the 3 week trip, I paused. Three days on the train to get to Eugene, Oregon from Denver, Colorado? Was this going to be crazy?

I'd taken the same Amtrak routes 5 years previously. I wondered if my memories of the journey had sweetened over time. But when the time arrived to leave Denver I was smiling and couldn't wait to get aboard.

Climbing up the train car stairs with my bags, I flashed back to senior year in high school when I got caught on a train. But that's another story.

I settled in my Coach seat knowing it was already the perfect decision. Turned out to be the best trip to date with countless highlights ...

Colorado

California Zephyr #5 heading West

Colorado Rockies

Western Colorado: Following the Colorado River

READ NEXT CHAPTER:
Amtrak Coast Starlight #14 Oregon Heading North

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Train Articles

Press Play! Have you seen my TRAIN VIDEO?
Such wonderful scenery!

Music: Melissa's Waiting by Violet Edge

Amtrak Tickets

Amtrak Train Scenic Video: California Zephyr & Coast Starlight

2012-01-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1: Amtrak Train Series

Press Play to watch my Train Scenery Video!
I had such a great time on this trip!

Colorado, California and Oregon

FEATURING: California Zephyr & Coast Starlight

California Zephyr #5

Coast Starlight #14

California Zephyr #6

Music:

Violet Edge

READ NEXT CHAPTER:
California Zephyr #5 in Colorado heading West

Amtrak Tickets

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Train Articles

Earth views from International Space Station

2012-01-01T22:46:00.000-08:00

The Highest Bar of Excellence.

Views from the International Space Station.

Killer song too. ("Miles Away" by Young Gods)

Frederic Corbin writes:
"Earth views from space. We can see night passes over Asia, europe, etc. ISS moving parts, moonrise and moonglint on the Ocean, many satellites near sunsets and sunrises and different kind of auroras. "

One Girl Trucking Blog

2011-10-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Everything about the One Girl Trucking blog is amazing. I've been reading it for a couple years now.

The latest video will catch your interest, but there is so much more to this trucker!

Bethany writes:
I love this drive between Littlefield AZ and St George UT. If you ever get the chance take a ride! Someday I would love to go explore this area. So much beauty to look at if you just slow down!

I keep coming back to this video of her ducks. It's so peaceful...

BLOG
http://onegirltrucking.com
FACEBOOK
http://facebook.com/onegirltrucking

Kataluma Chai Tea Cafe in Colorado Mills Mall

2011-10-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Kataluma Chai Co.

I used to work next door to Kataluma Chai Co. at the Colorado Mills Mall. I would count the hours until lunch to order their delicious bagel sandwiches.

During those hours, people would tour my store, sipping down the Kataluma Chai drinks and saying "YUM." There's only so much a gal can take!

My favorite Bagel Sandwich: double turkey on the Parmesan bagel with Pesto cream cheese and cucumber, sprouts and red bell pepper.

Oh yes, and make sure to get it TOASTED...

Could hardly wait long enough to take a photo before chowing down this sandwich! It had been a long time since the last time I'd visited. And the Orange Sencha Tea (Two Leaves and a Bud) hit the spot!

I visited again a few weeks later with a huge craving for a milkshake. Raspberry Truffle Milkshake, that is. [happy sigh]

The owner LaNell Sonner gets a huge RAVE Review for her attention to detail and love for her customers' experience. She makes putting together creative, artistic displays look easy.

When traffic gets slow, they hand out free samples and then shoppers decide to come in and order a drink. That tells you ALL you need to know.

They have free Wi-Fi and it's nice to sit and read or do some work. I always feel welcome.

Lovely Displays of Chai Mixes

Da Vinci and Monin syrups to make flavored drinks
at home too.

You'll end up getting Two Leaves and a Bud Teas for your Grummy or Mom. (You'll feel left out unless you get a box of tea for yourself too.)

The Kataluma Chai mixes are the ideal gift for anyone. For any occasion, not only Christmas gifts, and the packaging sure is pretty. Gift Certificates available too.

CHAI MIX FLAVORS
Bourbon Vanilla Chai - No bourbon, just a rich soothing vanilla chai, a simply delectable vanilla latte
Chocolate Comfort - creamy comforting chocolate with those wonderful chai spices
Chocolate Mint - amazing mint aroma & taste that comes alive with chocolate flavor
Cookies N Cream - think chocolate cookies with a vanilla center
Green Tea - a light green tea with chai spices
Hugs & Kisses - chocolate & white chocolate yumminess
Raspberry Blush - smooth bright raspberry flavor
Raspberries N Cream - Yep that describes it
Raspberry Truffle - think of a plate of raspberries drenched in chocolate
White Chocolate - an amazing blend of chai and white chocolate flavors
White Raspberry - that plate of raspberries only pour on the white chocolate
Traditional Spiced - the best creamy cup of wonderful you ever tasted in a chai
Decaf Spiced - that same rich creamy chai flavor only in decaf
NSA (No Sugar Added) - mmmm vanilla chai sweetened with splenda, corn syrup & honey(has about 1/4 the sugar grams as all our other chai)

You can also order them online.

Music CDs by Local Artists make the ideal gift.
You can also buy them online.

MALL SURVIVAL GUIDE
I recommend you start or end your Colorado Mills Mall shopping trip at Kataluma Chai Co. Cafe.

In fact, get all your year-round gifts there. Make life easy. Find gifts, relax with Chai, go home de-stressed.

But there are some awesome stores like Eddie Bauer Outlet and Super Target (freshly remodeled). So if you MUST shop at the mall, make sure to end up at the cafe to regather your wits!

Google Map to the Colorado Mills Mall is here.

MALL STORE MAP

BEST PARKING

Park near Sports Authority.
Enter at the Mall Entrance near Sports Authority.
Turn Left.
Kataluma Chai is 4 stores down, on the left side of hallway.

Kataluma Chai Co.
inside Colorado Mills Mall
14500 W. Colfax Ave. #555
Lakewood, CO 80401
303/590-1785
www.KatalumaColorado.com

Enjoy your Chai!

Rasputina Covering Heart's Barracuda

2011-10-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'm rediscovering all the CDs I misplaced while working 3 jobs.
Or more accurately, I wasn't around to HIDE THEM after exclaiming:
"do NOT take these CDs out of the house! I spent forever finding them at CDBABY!"

durrrrr.

I will soothe my ruffled feathers by listening to Rasputina.

Rasputina – Barracuda (Live Cover) from the Radical Recital CD. LOVE THE ENTIRE CD!

Buy CD or Download MP3s at CDBABY.

Rasputina -- Radical Recital

The entire CD contains just the perfect amount of decadence.
Especially when one is in a mood.

Click on the Preview All Songs arrow at the bottom of the CDBABY song list to hear samples of all live recorded songs.

WOW! Just noticed there are currently 40 pages of reviews from fans after the song listing!

Lampwork Beads

2011-10-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

TALK ABOUT A RAVE!!

These lampwork bead makers Jenelle and Dan of Beads & Botanicals have been blowing my mind for years.
Just when I think I've been wowed enough...another collection that I've never seen the likes of before!

Check out the slideshow below:

The Antiquities Collection, handmade glass lampwork beads for artisan jewelry design.

Ocean Moon Glass Lampwork Beads

The Ocean & Moon Collection, handmade glass lampwork beads for artisan jewelry design.

Tribal Glass Lampwork beads

The Tribal Bead Collection, handmade glass lampwork beads for artisan jewelry design.

Petite Organic Glass Lampwork Beads

The Petite Organic Bead Collection, handmade glass lampwork beads for artisan jewelry design.

Like their Facebook page so you can be amazed daily.

Continue your bead fix at their web site http://thelampworkbeads.com/

Friendly warning! TOTALLY ADDICTIVE!

Blame Sally - Bird In Hand (official video)

2011-10-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

I challenge you to listen to this song only 1 time!
The lyrics are here.

If you enjoyed Bird in Hand, try this live video of Blame Sally at Russ and Julie's (in)famous house concert series.

Blip.fm -- excellent Music and Videos

2011-09-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

You can follow all my Music Find postings at Blip.fm. Discovered so many great songs there! For free!

I love being WOWed by a song. Grabbed by the song, singer or video and not by hype. Hype actually makes me suspect something is boring (since it would appeal to the masses) and I don't want to waste my time. Being bored is NOT in my definition of Excellence. But I know hype is necessary, like Manure on a garden. heh.

Haven't listened to mainstream radio in a decade. If these are hot bands, I wouldn't know. I just LOVE 'em.

I'll post the ultra favorite videos on this blog. GREAT for inspiration.

Let's start off with:
Poets of the Fall - Dreaming Wide Awake

Find the lyrics on their beautiful website.

Protect Your Produce in a Quirky-Made Bag -- Mercado

2011-09-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Oh now THIS is a great idea. I need this produce bag.

Protect Your Produce

You've got to see the details of this bag at Quirky!

Press Play to see the bag in action.

You've got to see the details of this bag at Quirky!
I love Excellence....SO MUCH!

Remodel Project Entries

2011-09-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

STUDIO BACKGROUND SERIES
The old Recording Studio
Recording Studio Ends; Artist Studio Begins

RE-PURPOSED PINE FUTON FRAME SERIES
Project Desk
Purse & Hoodie Hanger
Ear-Friendly Pot Hanger

MORE RE-PURPOSING
Painting Center
I FINALLY GET MY OWN WINDOW SEAT!

I FINALLY GET MY OWN WINDOW SEAT!

2011-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Always wanted a window seat! LOVE THIS!
Top cushion is the couch futon extension which is only used when couch opens into a bed.

Trunk holds off-season clothes. My husband made the trunk decades ago by surrounding the frame of a coffee table with pine slats. The coffee table came with the old futon. Modifying inexpensive furniture is another smart thing to do. Pine is so pretty and has lasted beautifully. We used to keep games inside but I like having storage for clothing without having to climb ladder to a dusty attic.

And that's the end of the projects for the new Artist Studio. For now...

SEE ALL:
REMODEL PROJECT ENTRIES

Re-purposed Futon Frame: Ear-Friendly Pot Hanger

2011-09-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Best Kitchen Improvement for this Short-Attention-Span-Challenged Cook!

The Nate Show had a segment about shopping in your own garage.
Wow, did that inspire me. Because I had a budget of ZERO!

I was able to make many awesome items with an old pine futon frame that was stuck in our shed.

Best improvement I've ever done -- my ears can not take the crashing clanging of pots and pans. Yet that's what I did for 20 years here. argh!

Having a totally visual memory, the moment I turn my head, I forget what I was just doing! Therefore, clanging around with my head in a dusty oven drawer to find a matching lid is just too much.

But with this simple setup, now I just listen to "angels singing" as I grab the pan I need, pick up a lid, and make something yummy.

The open shelves started because of the cramped kitchen situation. But I've realized cabinet doors simply keep me confused what is behind them. The way my eyes work, I'll always have to keep the most commonly used pans, lids and bowls within view AND a quick hand-grab away.

And since the place looks less artistic when a pan is dirty and missing from the wall, "Ms Hates to Clean but Loves Being Artistic" quickly cleans the pretty silver aluminum and hangs it up.

There IS one big spaghetti pot left in the oven drawer, but now nothing is jammed around it. So when that pot is needed, I simply lift it UP! whoo hooo! small victories are huge indeed!

Materials
1) Pine board (from Futon Frame, already stained)
2) 3 long brass screws (left over from building porch)
3) Toggle bolts and screws to install on wall

(I was in a blurred crazed state when I installed on the wall. Don't ask how I did it. Something about holes in the back of pine board matching up with screws coming out of the wall. It's solidly attached to the wall SOMEHOW from those temporary powers of insanity!)

SEE NEXT PROJECT:
WINDOW SEAT

SEE ALL:
REMODEL PROJECT ENTRIES

Re-purposed Rolling Cart: Painting Center

2011-09-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

My husband made such incredible furniture for the old home recording studio. This rolling cart used to hold a large mixing board controller.

Not about to let these works of art sit in a shed gathering dust. Isn't this pretty used instead for my watercolor supplies!?

SEE NEXT PROJECT:
POT & PAN HANGER

SEE ALL:
REMODEL PROJECT ENTRIES

Re-purposed Futon Frame: Purse & Hoodie Hanger

2011-09-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

PURSE & HOODIE CENTRAL! Small neat black purse for
interviews; big bags carry stuff I need away from home.

This is the part of the futon frame that supported the couch seat cushion. Birch knobs (eBay finds) were simply screwed on.

Frame is resting on anchored screws, just like hanging a heavy picture on drywall. It’s hung higher on the wall so long stuff can hang down.

After using it, decided it would have been better to push the last 3 rows of knobs to outer edges.
(Otherwise, hippie bags on higher rungs cover them up.)

Backpack stays in right spot for me to keep adding stuff, like jerky and water, for my next day’s travels as I think of them.

It must be pointed out that I have limited handywoman skills. Mostly due to easily injured wrists and a seriously short attention span. Therefore, if I can do this, anyone with access to a powered drill can do it too. It took me all day. No need to hurry cuz you get to enjoy it for many years.

SEE NEXT PROJECT:
ROLLING CART FOR WATERCOLOR PAINTING

SEE ALL:
REMODEL PROJECT ENTRIES

Re-purposed Futon Frame: Project Desk

2011-09-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

The key for having time to be artistic is to get EVERYTHING OFF THE FLOOR!!!!

Project Desk:
Rolling tall workbench found for free at our old band rehearsal studio.

(Note that cookie trays make great project trays.)

Kiln used for silver clay jewelry fits nicely on top-left shelf.

Jewelry Hanger

1. Simple Birch Drawer Knobs found on eBay.

2. Knobs added to armrest from old pine futon frame.

The constant struggle is to KEEP THE SURFACE CLEAR!
Can’t focus without elbow-room, ya know.

SEE NEXT PROJECT:
PURSE & HOODIE HANGER

SEE ALL:
REMODEL PROJECT ENTRIES

Recording Studio Ends; Artist Studio Begins

2011-09-19T07:40:00.001-07:00

Goodbye recording studio: These hand-made soundproofing
panels had been hung on the ceiling, all walls & this window. We
were working like foxes in a dark den.

(ok, foxes with lava lamps, but still...)

Picture me, 5’ 4” tall, determined to finally be free, tossing them out
the window. At the time the door was essentially blocked by a
shelving unit plus 2 feet of gear.

The main piece, a recording studio patch bay shelf, had stacked black & silver strips of patch bays, attached with screws.

Attached wheels helped me get it out of the house, but was stopped by the rough slate pathway and grass.

Too overwhelmed to find someone to help me drag it to the curb, the shelf sat outside ALL WINTER. But this turned out OK!

By Spring I had more time & finally saw a possibility. And wheeled it back inside...

SEE NEXT PROJECT:
PROJECT DESK

SEE ALL:
REMODEL PROJECT ENTRIES

The old Recording Studio

2011-09-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

I'd never been more excited in my life when my husband built this recording studio many years ago.

He was into gear. I was into recording without time limits.

Even if there had been no stress about the cost of commercial Recording Studios, just driving there, setting up and the typical band B.S. always got me too tired to give my best singing takes.

THIS home studio let me sing when I felt powerful. No curfew. No tearing down the mixer levels when we had it JUST RIGHT but -- oh, too bad -- the outside studio was booked to another band the next day.

There was a huge problem. We thought it would take a year at most. 8 years later I was still living in a 720 sq ft house with this monster studio taking up the main living space and part of the dining room.

It had already affected my sanity.

Lack of funds made the recording process take a long time. Prices skyrocketed. Layoffs happened again and again. No longer was Denver a place of working part time, living simply and playing shows like we used to do. Instead, my gig was cycling in heat or snow to reach 2 crap-pay part-time jobs. No energy left to care about anything. The studio gathered dust.

And with people telling us they love our music, but most preferring to download free files instead of paying, all my motivation went straight out the window.

Therefore, the next post shows the awesome day I shoved all the studio structures...straight out the window!

Not to worry. I feel really FREE. Free of caring if drummer #4 quits or a bass player is frittering away hours changing strings.

Husband has plenty of gear IN ANOTHER LOCATION for his live sound engineering biz. All is well. At least, now that I've got some space!

I still want to release all the songs for sound track and music library use. There are 8 left to master.

But until then I am having fun decorating by reusing stuff from our shed.

SEE THE NEXT PROJECT:
RECORDING STUDIO ENDS; ARTIST STUDIO BEGINS

SEE ALL:
REMODEL PROJECT ENTRIES

FiberOne Yogurt really does taste yummy!

2010-01-30T16:15:00.000-08:00

Fiber One Yogurt
Very Tasty. I make my own yogurt and am very picky about this stuff. I wouldn't call the Fiber One brand healthy or yogurt. but it was a surprisingly delicious SNACK.

A big radio promotion was going on in a mall and a free Key Lime Fiber One yogurt was handed to me.
I expected to take a taste and roll my eyes with the taste of disgusting over-sweetness.
Instead, the yogurt tasted smooth and creamy with a rich key lime pie-filling taste. I scraped out every corner of the container & wanted to go back for another free one!

I only shop for totally organic foods so won't be buying it.
Some of the ingredients are quite good, such as chicory root and real fruit and not high in carbs. But I don't agree with the rest of the additives.

As for fiber, only one container wasn't enough to tell a difference. I take a health food fiber supplement anyway.
It is VERY true that there is no way to taste any fiber in the yogurt. I could see it helping someone make healthier snack choices.

Vitacost online vitamins and healthy food staples

2010-01-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

VitaCost.com

My second order from Vitacost.com arrived yesterday.
It made good time (5 days as promised) & the packing of 25 items was excellent. Finding items was easy on the website and the cart saved my slowly growing order for weeks and didn't dump it.

I've ordered supplements from another company for 9 years and am still very happy with them, but they don't carry a dried goats milk staple I really need and can't find easily in town. So when I saw Vitacost carried it, I ordered 5 containers.

I looked to see what else I could order to make the flat rate shipping cost worth the expense. I was suprised to see they had just about everything on my list and for the same price as the other company.

They also had more staples that are much needed to keep my blood sugar level. I easily found cashew butter and great unflavored whey powder and yogurt starter, elderberry concentrate and oats. Also soap and deodorant. I felt pleasantly surprised.

The reviews by customers made choosing a brand easy. Now that I've tasted the food I agree with their opinions.

I only eat less than healthy when the home cupboard is bare. I can't digest wheat so being able to stock up on spelt flour products is key. Food must be on hand on a moments notice or I don't have the energy to prepare them. Ordering food staples on their website -- and really good quality ones at that -- will make my life much easier.

The Uniform Project

2010-01-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

I love this site called The Uniform Project showing it's not that hard to be creative and still live simply with one dress for a year.

A Message From The Kids from The Uniform Project on Vimeo.

The funds raised from this project go to the Akanksha Foundation for the education of underprivileged children in India.

Month of January Gallery

Month of September Gallery

This site is addictive! Follow Sheena and the crew on Twitter.

Beads & Botanicals Sugar Scrubs

2010-01-17T11:19:00.000-08:00

I'm in love! Sugar scrubs are something I've never tried before and truly thought they were just a fun novelty. Sure they looks scrumptious and smell delicious, but are they worth a spot in my tiny budget?

Absolutely!

The expectation was to love 'em but be able to leave 'em. But definitely don't want to go without these. Also, they don't melt away in seconds, which was the other expectation. One square has lasted 3 baths so far and there is more than half left. It must be noted that these are used much more than needed because they feel and smell so good. My first thought was that I wouldn't share with hubby because I couldn't afford to get more if they were used up in a week. Well, now I've offered him some because I know he'll love it too and when there feels like a long-lasting supply one doesn't feel stingy anymore.

January days are really grey here and these bright colors and fruit smells give me a lift.

The exfoliation is OUTSTANDING! The sugar scrub is gentle and really effective. Talk about squeaky clean!

Ingredients include Sugar, Grapeseed Oil and Essential Oils.

HOW TO BUY:

A new catalog is being printed! Stay tuned for more info.

Become a fan of the Beads and Botanicals Facebook fan page so you don't miss out!

Share

Sock Dreams Microfiber Chenille Arm Warmers Review

2010-01-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

Sock Dreams is an online sock store that RULES! Instead of socks being an afterthought, such as in a clothing store, socks are the main product they carry. Tons of them!

They are so successful they also have a storefront in Portland, Oregon.

Sock Dreams also carries accessories like leg warmers and gloves. I love being able to compare brands side by side. Being warm -- even in the work place -- is serious business in Colorado in the winter.

I have 4 sets of cotton blend stockings from the store and they have lasted two winters so far. Couldn't be comfy without them.

I have their Microfiber Chenille Arm Warmers in black by Foot Traffic label. They did shed the first 4 hand washings or so but stayed nicely intact for last two winters. SWEETLY SOFT!

Best part is that you can pull these gloves over your fingers when needed. (Am I the only one with frozen fingers when using a computer mouse? The blood must drain out of the hand when curved around the mouse!)

Since they are officially arm warmers and don't have fingers (except for a separate thumb section), you can pull them back up to the wrist when washing hands. I wash hands about belleventeen times a day and not getting my gloves soapy is a huge plus for me.

Just ordered the plum color arm warmers (photo above) to keep at home for home office work. Will use the black ones at day job. They look so pretty in plum! Can't wait until they arrive!

Shipping is included in the price. That lets you can buy as little or many as you like at a time.

They have a twitter account that is fun to follow and mentions rare sale promo codes for Sock Dreams.

And their online blog always has GREAT PHOTOS!
http://www.sock-dreams.com/weblog/

Photos by Sock Dreams and used by permission.

Franklin Property Lighting, Inc.

2009-12-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

This will be the first time I've recommended a company without having officially used their services.
But when the OWNER of a company is so kind to a total stranger, it's a good bet that his business is top notch.

THE STORY
I had spent two hours taping up some vinyl letters just right above a store front. Boss instructed me to do it.
Of course, this was something never before attempted by me.

It was quite a project since the letters were 72 inches across and the sign required a tall ladder to reach it.
Removing the backing was the next step but I knew I'd mess it up. Once they stuck to the sign, the letters were not removable. What to do!?

Wayne, the owner of Franklin Property Lighting, walked by on his way to another project.
He saw me taping up the vinyl. He could have easily kept walking.

He stopped to give me advice.

Do you know what you're doing? he asked.
Never, I said, truthfully.

He gave great advice of a bunch of stuff the instructions didn't mention.

I looked a bit overwhelmed at the steps. (Being chided by security guards for doing this during business hours didn't help my patience either.)

Then he said, hey I do this for a living, I can do the last steps for you.

Oh man what a godsend!

He was totally right with his advice. The letters needed all the tricks of the trade so they would fall down perfectly in place. And he had a good sense of humor. Because of course the minute anyone gets on a ladder there is an audience of customers.

And now the Black Vinyl Letters look Mah-velous!

Most of all, it was the kindest thing ever for someone to do. Something that seems no big deal for someone else is a huge deal when my living is depending on good signs and making things look nice on a strict budget.

I sent Wayne a coffee gift card as a thank you since he refused any payment or even a free coffee from next door. But I insisted on his business card to write a blog entry about his company. It was really just an excuse to get the company address to send the gift card, but hey, I'd better write the blog entry since I had mentioned it! And with so many lousy companies out there, it's great to be able to send people his way.

Franklin Property Lighting, Inc
Colorado
Signage, Neon Lights, Light Poles, Repair and Service

Testimonials

GREAT PHOTOS!

From their Website:
"Franklin Property Lighting Inc. is one of the Colorado front range's premier experts in sign installation, repair and replacement. We have done work for RTD and many major corporations such as Brakes Plus, Napa and Mattress King. Let our knowledge and experience work for you."

Meyenberg Goat Milk

2009-12-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

I just wrote this at VitaminShoppe.com as a review.

Thank you for carrying Meyenberg Goat Milk at a great price. I can't digest cow milk. I make a kefir-thin type yogurt with it. Takes 24 hours but is easier to mix up since it's already sterilized. Worth the wait. With Elderberry juice added to the yogurt it's my favorite treat and keeps my blood sugar steady throughout the day. I bring it to work for my lunch. In a pinch, the milk alone brings me up from a low blood sugar crash so I can cook something up.

I was surprised when my male cat loved it. He would never touch cow milk. He now begs for the goat milk as I mix it up. If I'm making yogurt and stirring the container he tries to put his paw in it! The milk stimulates his appetite then he eats the rest of his food. He has lymphoma and is doing well as long as he eats but he loses his appetite unless we keep trying foods he loves. So I'm grateful for his health too.

Lampwork Bead Tutorials by Radiant Mind

2009-12-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

If you've been smitten by the Lampwork glass bead bug, you will lose your mind at this next review.

Whether a fan of beads, a serious bead buyer, or a designer, you must check out at least one of these PDF tutorials. Created by the talented torch wielding artists at Radiant Mind's Etsy store. They are very affordable-- most are only $5 with fast email delivery. So you can get your beauty fix and learn a lot at the same time.

When a bead looks this delicious I truly have to resist the urge to chomp down on them with my teeth. That's why it's wise to satisfy your sweet bead tooth with these e-Books.

I have one of their Desert Moon beads like the one shown below. You will have much trouble stopping gazing at these miniature works of art!

There are currently 3 pages worth of tutorials to salivate over at Radiant Mind's Etsy store.

Review: How to Make a KodakGallery.com 5x7 Photo Book

2009-12-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

This KodakGallery.com review is only for the basic 5x7 books called Small Autofill Paperback.

For 4 years I've given KodakGallery.com Photo Books as Holiday gifts.
Every family member has raved about them and ask each year to make sure I keep sending them.
I like the print quality. In the past they weren't as glossy but THIS YEAR they look extra amazing and with a good gloss. I ran out of room for thick photo albums long ago. These take very little room and let me keep track of which year a group of photos were taken. Since most of my family uses the Kodak site, we can easily share and print all family photos.

The Kodak Gallery online site recently changed (Fall 2009). I hate changes like this usually, since I am always too busy learning new things at work to deal with learning new things for my own rare time off.

But these changes make me really happy. I am a graphic artist and website programmer so I have more experience at sites like this, but also have little patience. Please take that into consideration for this review.

The price is right too. Without a promo code my book this year for 30 photos is $16.66. They have great Kodak Gallery promo codes each year too. That's a nice price for something priceless for my family members.

Small Autofill Paperback.
This style of photobook doesn't allow for captions. There is a front cover that lets you type something like "Best of 2009." And a small photo can be added to the back cover to make it look even more professional.

EASY STEPS
1) www.kodakgallery.com
2) Click Join or Sign In
3) Click "Photo Books" on the top right menu (The choices are Photo Sharing| Prints | Photo Cards | Photo Books)
4) Click "Shop Photo Books"

--> I like the LARGE obvious photo links when you start the actual Photo Book Process
5) Click "Small AutoFill Paperback"
6) Click on a black or white Cover design box (this sets the COVER)
7) Click "Select Page Designs" (this sets the PAGES)
--> The other more expensive books have many more choices than black or white

8) Click "Get Started" button on the right
Your uploaded photos will show on the top of the book form.
If new to the site, click the top right button called "Upload Photos"'

DRAG AND DROP
The ability to drag and drop the photos on your choice of page is really fun to use.
The Adobe Flash player system is exactly right. (For Once!)
It lets you see the flipping of the pages so you can see the book take shape.
You can rotate the photos, zoom and shift the photos for each page. LOVE THAT!
All photos must fill the entire page for this particular book. (the other book choices will give you other options)
Easy to delete and add new pages.
"Save" button is handy on the top right also.
Click "Add to Cart" when you're done.

You can save the book and come back to it later.
That's a great feature. It was so easy to put together, however, that the project was done quickly on my first attempt.
With the previous system it would take at least 3 sessions and that's when I had memorized the steps.

My only wish would be a gift box. Last year I sent an 8x10 print in a frame for a birthday gift and the recipient was incredibly pleased and certainly the absence of a gift box didn't matter that much. But if they ever offer, I'd pay for that.

Note: 12/14/09 -- just got our 2009 books and we both said WOW when they came out of the mailer! My folks are going to love it!

Rating: 10

Barbara Sher Forum

2009-11-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

Denver PBS TV runs great Barbara Sher programs and totally hooked me on her attitude about life.

She runs a free online forum that has people chatting for years on creative ventures and finding their life's passions without all that goofy fluffy stuff of typical self improvement seminars.

Read the Forum.
You can also listen to her audio tips.
You can read my latest post on the forum. (It's about saving money)

Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup: Satin Petals Eyeshadow

2009-11-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

RAVE OF THE DAY

Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup
Satin Petals Eyeshadow Collection by Aromaleigh
Color: Campanula

Hi Gals, Realized it's been 4 years since I've been wearing Campanula and haven't fallen out of love since. Wear it much of the week. I wear 2L Voile Foundation; have Green eyes and auburnish hair. I use Burts Bees Milk Lotion as a base, let it dry, and it gives it a slightly wet look to the shadow as I apply it with a eyeshadow brush. This Colorado area is a very dry climate causing dry eyelids. Matte shadows sometimes create wrinkles on my dry lids if I'm not careful but never have problems with Campanula. It lasts all day with the same sheen. It draws attention to my eyes but isn't over the top.

Pros:
Shimmer is sexy but natural. Always glides on perfectly. Creates variations of the tones depending how the light hits the eyes. Eye looks naturally, softly sculpted.

Cons:
None. LOVE IT!

Vegan Lip Balm: Beads & Botanicals Lip Balms

2009-11-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

RAVE OF THE DAY

Vegan Lip Balms by the N.C. Store Beads and Botanicals
(Photo from the store) Wanted to photograph my own collection but they are all banged up from being constantly used! These lip balms are a serious obsession.

Have loved every "flavor". Let's see...Cherry Lime Margarita, Hazelnut Cappuccino, Lime Coconut, Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting...oh no, so many with exotic names I get lost in a happy flashback trying to remember them. Every one has been a winner. Thought I wouldn't like Pineapple but instead of a harsh tart smell it was smooth and fresh!

Texture is different than the waxy lip balms, even those found at the health food store. These melt into your lips. Feels amazing and is extremely moisturizing!

They contain:
Organic Evening Primrose Oil
Organic Shea Butter
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic Jojoba Oil
Candeulla Wax

I have a lovely habit of scraping my bottom lip with my teeth when concentrating. Have been going thru stressful times. Without these lip balms I'd have nothing left of my lips!

I use a old Eco Lips lip balm holder with a metal clip (a cheap copy of mountain climbing clips). The clip keeps one easily at hand on my backpack or attached to my water bottle while bike riding in the dry Colorado winter weather.

HOW TO FIND:
Beads and Botanicals sells their Lampwork Beads online but the Lip Balms sell too fast to list online. Hopefully you can visit the Fayetteville, NC area.

Their Facebook fan page is best to learn about Lip Balms and their other amazing goodies the moment they are cooked up.

Note: Flavors come in seasons. Just like going to a Farmer's Market, plan for your favorites but be prepared to come home with NEW wonderful smells.

HOW TO BUY:

A new catalog is being printed! Stay tuned for more info.

Become a fan of the Beads and Botanicals Facebook fan page so you don't miss out!

Upcoming Posts

2009-11-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

An outline of blog entries to come.
(This is to help ME stay focused! Argh! So hard to do...)

FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP:
Most stores listed have received an order from me every two months for the last 4-9 years. Customer Service and Quality is a serious issue for me. Because money has always been tight and a bad shopping experience would mean going without something much needed that month. Each store below has CONSISTENTLY done an amazing job. Excellence is also a personal quest. Since this culture doesn't reward good work, I'll try to make up for that. And if they were to close down I would be in serious trouble!

IHerb  Vitamins (use code RIS338 for $5 off your first purchase!)
Aromaleigh  Mineral Makeup GREAT COUPONS!
Beads & Botanicals  Beads, Soaps
Sock Dreams  Socks
DirectNic  Web Hosting
Vista Print  Printing
Sierra Trading Post   Discount Name Brands
Great Cosmic Happy Ass  Paper Greeting Cards
Greeting Card Universe   Paper Greeting Cards

Also highlighted will be specific grocery items for those dealing with special diets and recipes. Goats Milk and Spelt flour are an example of those types of products.

The reviews on this blog will go into specific products and why they save me time, money and gain me a few minutes each day to enjoy life. The hope is that you will find ways to do the same.

FAVORITE BLOGS & HAUNTS:
These are the people who have kept me company over the years.
Beads & Botanicals Facebook Fan Page
Whole Wheat Radio --Facebook Fan Page
Charlie the Coyote
Writer/Actor Wil Wheaton
Totally Unathorized
Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup Forum
Barbara Sher Forum
Miss K's Blog

FAVORITE BANDS AND SONGS:
Ultra picky on music. New and Old songs you probably haven't heard about.

Well then, better get writing then! Stay tuned...

Well that was a lousy two years

2009-11-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

Yeah yeah yeah, good things happened too. But just like everyone else, having to hold 2-3 jobs and ending up covering hours on behalf of every loser burned away the good things too. And frankly made me give up. There goes feeling like I might have been unique.

So forget all dreams. I'm onto enjoying precious moments. Raves like my favorite foods, chocolate, products will begin. And music. When I can find any that doesn't roll my eyes into my head from boredom.

THE EXCELLENT STUFF. ONLY THE EXCELLENT STUFF. When I say Excellent, I mean the things that make life worth living. The stuff that makes one get off the couch when totally tired of living in a senseless world. As in "God life sucks -- do I hear the sound of a chocolate package crinkling? Whoo hooo!"

That's the sound of real living. Yum.

NOT-WHAT-I-MEAN-BY-WRITING WRITING

2007-09-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

(I wrote this to a friend.)

Dear F,
Sorry that writing the fluff stuff didn't lead to more.

Non artists can't understand that writing something you don't feel passion for is DRUDGERY!
I can not even write a thank you card if I don't mean it! I get all weak and whiney like a 2 year old in need of a nap. hah ha.

If you can, find something you can feel passion for. I don't think the job around it matters, if it's fairly pleasant.

When I was a receptionist in the 80s I had Real Passion for real estate.
Cuz I wanted a house so badly! So I made a great real estate receptionist. But it would have bored me to do the same type of job for mutual fund companies or such.

Of course, you don't have to listen to me since the only work I can get lately is at a skin care cart in a mall! (very nice work, actually. you'd be surprised.)

I am uber passionate about skin care. I had HUGE passion for selling clothes but the pay was too low. But now I am working towards selling my own silver jewelry so learning cart selling is a good experience.

I just really wanted you to know that I totally understand if doing the NOT-WHAT-I-MEAN-BY-WRITING WRITING is dragging you down.

Each classroom and subject is different. You may still find a good situation like that with more fun and ooomph. A class YOU would want to attend.

Our band would play to some clubs and just fall flat!
Then later in a small coffee shop we would have people in the palm of our hands...

Location
Location
Location

Passion
Passion
Passion

Venue
Venue
Venue...

If you need a few quiet minutes to get centered, watch this video You Hide

2007-09-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

You Hide by Michael Tiernan

More about Michael

Michael Tiernan - played at Swallow Hill March 3rd.

I went to his show since I had chatted with Michael for a few weeks on Whole Wheat Radio many years ago.
Allen ran sound.
Michael is sweet to the core. And still very human. Seeing him play live - acoustic - was quite the special experience. His older stuff has more edge. But his newer stuff was a total hit with the crowd. Somehow I didn't get bored. It must have been the chemistry and the night.

Found out at the show that Michael had been very close to being ordained a priest!
But when we met his wife we understood the reason he did not go thru with it.
I'm not into religion but people with true spirituality are amazing to be around.
Anyway the show was full of people he knew thru the Colorado Seminary in Crestone Colorado.
And he invited everyone to an aftershow party and played there some more. After we left the crowd was still going strong.

If you ever run into Michael, you'll be happy all day the next day. Just cuz he passes along that kind of energy.
Dependable on the music business side too.
http://www.myspace.com/tiernantunes

The Eagles

2007-08-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

So I was earning a little cash doing a survey/video shopping thing so stores can see what brands I like.
ORGANICALLY GROWN BRANDS, people, ALL ORGANICALLY GROWN!

Pretty cool experience, actually, using a joystick that acted like a shopping cart handle.

The lady running the video said I could pay for my groceries.
But I was not to try to leave the computer generated store thru the doors.
Since that would severely crash the system.

"Ah", I said, " so you can Check Out Any Time You Like but..."

The lady didn't react, but her young, much tattooed assistant totally cracked up.

hee heee.

Hawk

2007-07-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

A small, stocky hawk was in our big cottonwood, a still finch caught in his talons. When I realized what it was, I gasped then clapped my hands on my mouth to hush up. Right/Left/then Right hand again quickly to cover my sound. Shhhhhh....

He gave me an entire show on the beauty of a hawk with a very big fan of dark brown/black tail feathers and wing feathers.

The finch was mercifully killed quickly and then the hawk forgot his prey and kept showing off and staring at me.

He kept jumping/flapping/hovering from branch to branch in the huge tree. Guessing it was a yearling really excited to catch things but not feeling hungry. The hawk finally left, the poor finchy bird still un-eaten, lying on the big branch. I had not wanted to move, thinking I would scare it away. Now I'm not sure if my continued presence made it leave.

A while back, when an eagle caught a snake from our front rock garden, it flew up to a lightpost and tore into it immediately. We were very visible, watching in awe!

I see hawks and eagles flying when I lie down on the back porch but this is the first time one has been so close.

Dear Pushy Seller

2007-07-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Pushy Seller of [company that feeds off of bands],

I adore returning emails however it has only been a day since you sent your first email. A day in which I was away. I was simply trying to catch up with a deluge of daily tasks such as laundry first.

As for Violet Edge, we're rock musicians hiding in folk musician bodies. The house concert path is best for us. Without the budget of someone like Tori Amos there is no way I can enjoy playing loud music. It's a sensitive ear issue. All venues are torture for me. With house concerts my guitarist/engineer can give me pristine perfect sound on stage AND for the audience. And I love talking to each listener after the show in a low key setting.

Thanks for your interest and I am hooked up thru myspace to stay in touch this year. I can forward your info to other musician friends who actually want that kind of life.

Three days before he appeared at the Metro station, Bell had filled the house at Boston's stately Symphony Hall

2007-04-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

Somewhere there is a place where people don't need to be told when something is beautiful.
We don't live there, apparently.

We already found out for ourselves the hard way.
We didn't realize until recently that few hearts and eyes and ears are actually connected.
But it still hurts to see it in the article and video below.
There are enough nails in the coffin of the arts that there is no more room to pound in any more.

So that's why when we find that rare, connected person, it's a special event.
- C

*****************************************
A onetime child prodigy, at 39 Joshua Bell has arrived as an internationally acclaimed virtuoso.
Three days before he appeared at the Metro station, Bell had filled the house at Boston's stately Symphony Hall,
where merely pretty good seats went for $100.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html

Heart-throb Fiddler!

2007-02-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

Heart-throb Fiddler! Alex Depue
He looks young but this guy's been playing for 25 years.
He can do ANYTHING. Classical, bluegrass, pop covers. Beautiful tone and also wicked fast chops that never stopped.

Last Saturday night we saw Alex Depue play as a duo with Michael Tiernan, a real sweetie in his own right.

Alex didn't steal the show because the musicians could read each other's mind.

This means the song and singer Michael Tiernan got the spotlight. But Alex ran in and out of that spotlight. His playfulness and sly looks to the audience at just the right moment kept us laughing.

My guy ran sound for his Swallow Hill Music Assoc. show and the reverb and sound was rich and full and everyone fell in music-love. Completely packed house-concert sized venue. 80 or more. A house concert on steroids but still an intimate feel.

Video: Alex Depue cover of a YES song some years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHC_Qyov2Xc

Website: http://www.thefiddler.org/

Classical music on his myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alexdepue

Sure would be nice for me to be able to PASS for ordinary.

2007-02-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

I don't believe anyone is ordinary.
Plenty are repressed, yes.
Ordinary, no.

Sure would be nice for me to be able to PASS for ordinary.
If you know what I mean.
Then I could get a chance at those snazzy jobs.
Make it past the interview phase, that is, and pretend to play the game.
But the people are holding out for the ordinary.
It's easier for them to keep up the act, it seems, with supporting actors.
And they see right thru me.

So...nevermind. They are defending their homeland and I don't stand a chance.

Unless I find another musician-turned-business person.
THEN, I'm good to go. Cuz we understand each other. :)

C

Who wants to be a Rock Star?

2007-01-21T14:53:00.000-08:00

If a counselor came to your school's Career Day and asked "HEY, who wants to be a Rock Star?", nearly every kid would wave their hand yelling, "YEAH! ME!"

But let's say the counselor asked: "Who wants to travel around in unsafe vans, stay in grungy motels to sell beer in creepy dive bars. Try to use the bathrooms without touching anything. And SOMETIMES YOU EVEN GET TO SLEEP IN THAT VAN! And - And - AND you get to come home in soul-crushing debt! Whoo hoo! "

How many kids would jump up and raise their hands?

Same damn thing, people.

I love MUSIC. After all that hassle, music is the last thing that gets created. Sound always sucks anyway so it's not like anyone can hear it. No point in killing myself with exhaustion. It kills the Muse quickly. Ever wonder why your favorite band's CDs start to suck after that first killer release?

Luckily I was naturally distrusting of everyone and didn't bother to ask for anything like a record contract. But the LIE still pisses me off. I greatly appreciate the musicians who tell their true stories, now that the internet lets us communicate. Otherwise convincing band mates not to "pay to play" would have been impossible.

*********************
That distrust also helped me during the Dot.Com era:
"You want me to work for less money as a web developer to receive the promise of stock options? "

"Puh... Ha ha ha ha ha. Good one. "

One guy was very impressed I was adamant about not tying myself down. He said he was glad I wasn't giving up the dream. They asked many times one year yet not even a hint of stock option greed hit my gut.

Truth was, I didn't trust either business.

Still don't.

For good reason, it turned out.

And the music is still beautiful.

Eric McFadden Trio - Heavy Rock

2006-12-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Eric McFadden Trio - Heavy Rock
Disclaimer: my younger bro, Paulo, is the drummer for this band when schedule permits.

Un-disclaimer: I'm so picky about music that if it sucked there was no way I'd recommend it, regardless of a family connection. Plus my bro kicks total arse drumming. He and Eric go back more than ten years. There is amazing chemistry between the 3 players, and the gals will love all guys, especially the stand up bass player James Whiton.

Eric McFadden Trio
ok, you won't believe a 3 piece band can sound melodic heavy metal with acoustic guitar, stand up bass, and drums.
See for yourself! This page holds a huge video file but it is soooooo worth the time. THEY ARE ON FIRE! Love this song, "Put it Down."
http://www.emtmusic.com/live.shtml

FREE MYSPACE DOWNLOADS & Tour Schedule:
http://www.myspace.com/ericmcfaddentrio

Eric McFadden's CD "Devil Moon" is my fav of his solo work.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/ericmcfadden

That reminds me, I've got to pick up the new CD "Joy of Suffering". "Put it Down" - the song on the video -is on this new CD. I was going to buy it at a show but we missed the Boulder show and then I forgot.
Eric McFadden Trio (EMT) has an amazing live show, even with the other fine drummer. Invited my jam-band loving friend to see them when Paulo toured with them. My friend now sees every band Eric is part of, including a Wally Ingram project and Stockholme Syndrome. (And every band my bro is part of, for that matter.) Those San Francisco bands really tour and deliver!

Adieu False Heart

2006-11-20T08:06:00.000-08:00

Adieu False Heart by Linda Ronstadt and Ann Savoy

I only loaded this CD into the listening center at the store because my Mom loves old Linda Ronstadt songs and we often like the same music. I was curious to hear something new by her.

I'VE GOT TO GET THIS CD!

I played it for my guy Allen with the cover hidden. His eyes went wide and he heard two songs with rapt attention. Who Is This? he asked. He was as surprised as I was.

I recall reading an interview with Linda saying she wasn't always happy with her singing. In the early days she didn't know that a song could be played in a better key for her voice.
Well, this recording has every key perfect for her voice. She creates such beautiful colors and sounds more free and light. She's completely in love with every note. And the duo of the two women's voices is perfection. The first track alone, with that passionate fiddle, was enough to melt my heart.

One more CD on the 20+ CD wish list. But it cut in line to get to the top of the list.

[Dec: Got a Christmas gift certificate so got the CD right away. It's even better than what I heard on the short samples!]

On Quality...

2006-11-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

Most web design clients come my way after bad experiences with other designers. They arrive with ugly web sites, broken pages-and-promises. And lots of time wasted.

I wish I could reach them first.
There is enough hardship in the world without wasting time just trying to get a simple web site created.

Except that web sites are never simple. They only look that way.

Quality work will always be a time saver.

My failing seems to be with Clients that come my way without web experience.
How to explain the pitfalls of shoddy work?
How to describe the endless work that will greet them if they use the many cheaper methods?
The tools must work seamlessly or nothing gets done.

Even very intelligent people have decided to stay with a lowest dollar amount provider. Even after one admitted his loved one wanted dearly to release her photos online but couldn't get that part figured out with the poorly-made system. And I couldn't find the right way to help them see further than the dollar amount.

But I'll keep trying.

Singing in Pictures

2006-11-13T17:48:00.000-08:00

PUZZLE PIECE
The book Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin helped my mind fall into place.
I realized there was an incredible tool I had never paid attention to using:
The images that flashed in my head while I struggled for words.

Without much practice I was soon flying over places I once only crawled.

WEB DESIGN
Web Design has been the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me.
To have power over images that say EXACTLY what I meant to say.
To get the information directly into the eye of the reader.

CAREFUL!
Very easy to get hurt using the Internet as a tool. Just like using a circular saw.
Be very, very careful!
So much good. So much confusion. Due to the lack of set rules.

RULES
"RULES? Them ain't no such thing as no dang Rules."

The browser makers interpret the "rules" the same way religions interpret religious text.
Each understands them to mean something a little bit - or a LOT - different.
And that means for me 12 hour work days.

SINGING
I'm also a singer, using the sounds of words to create colors and images and emotions to re-live the song. The words have meaning, but their sounds have more. At least for that I get to make my own rules.

Eagle Eyes Design: Raves about Excellence

AMTRAK TICKETS AND DISCOUNTS

AMTRAK TRAIN SERIES -- Colorado, California, Oregon

Table of Contents: Train Articles

Funny Memory: Accidentally caught on a Train

Historic Grand Junction Station

Mount Garfield in Palisade, Colorado

Grand Junction, Palisade, Glenwood Springs -- Western Colorado

So why do I take the train instead of a plane?

Amtrak California Zephyr Colorado Heading East Back Home to Denver

Heading back from California to Colorado

Sacramento Station, California

EAGLES IN THE CANYONS

Glenwood Hot Springs

Western Colorado

Colorado Rockies

It's January! Where is all the SNOW?!

Heading Home again, overlooking Denver metro area

Amtrak Coast Starlight Oregon Heading North

Oregon

Klamath Falls, Oregon

Mount Shasta, Oregon

Amtrak California Zephyr Colorado Heading West

Colorado

Colorado Rockies

Western Colorado: Following the Colorado River

Amtrak Train Scenic Video: California Zephyr & Coast Starlight

Colorado, California and Oregon

Earth views from International Space Station

One Girl Trucking Blog

Kataluma Chai Tea Cafe in Colorado Mills Mall

Kataluma Chai Co.

Rasputina Covering Heart's Barracuda

Lampwork Beads

Blame Sally - Bird In Hand (official video)

Blip.fm -- excellent Music and Videos

Protect Your Produce in a Quirky-Made Bag -- Mercado

Remodel Project Entries

I FINALLY GET MY OWN WINDOW SEAT!

Re-purposed Futon Frame: Ear-Friendly Pot Hanger

Re-purposed Rolling Cart: Painting Center

Re-purposed Futon Frame: Purse & Hoodie Hanger

Re-purposed Futon Frame: Project Desk

Recording Studio Ends; Artist Studio Begins

The old Recording Studio

FiberOne Yogurt really does taste yummy!

Vitacost online vitamins and healthy food staples

The Uniform Project

Beads & Botanicals Sugar Scrubs

Sock Dreams Microfiber Chenille Arm Warmers Review

Franklin Property Lighting, Inc.

Meyenberg Goat Milk

Lampwork Bead Tutorials by Radiant Mind

Review: How to Make a KodakGallery.com 5x7 Photo Book

Barbara Sher Forum

Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup: Satin Petals Eyeshadow

Vegan Lip Balm: Beads & Botanicals Lip Balms

Upcoming Posts

Well that was a lousy two years

NOT-WHAT-I-MEAN-BY-WRITING WRITING

If you need a few quiet minutes to get centered, watch this video You Hide

The Eagles

Hawk

Dear Pushy Seller

Three days before he appeared at the Metro station, Bell had filled the house at Boston's stately Symphony Hall

Heart-throb Fiddler!

Sure would be nice for me to be able to PASS for ordinary.

Who wants to be a Rock Star?

Eric McFadden Trio - Heavy Rock

Adieu False Heart

On Quality...

Singing in Pictures

Heading Home again, overlooking Denver
metro area