The Write Stuff, Part I

For a long time, I aspired to be a writer.  This dream was pushed to the side, ignored, and replaced by new aspirations many, many times.  Recently, I've been inspired to write again (largely based on the influence of creatives around me, for whom I am so incredibly grateful.)  To get my brain in gear, I pulled out a book of writing prompts.

Write the lyrics of a rap song.  They must include a cop, a bad drug bust, and a dog.

All throughout my neighborhood/

People know it’s never good/

To bring crime unto these streets/

Because we’ve got more than cops walking beats.

She’s my little lady, a natural cuddler/

And my friends they always try to smuggle her/

Into their homes but she stays with me/

She’s my Shih Tzu queen, my dog Riley.

Chorus:

(You bring the crime. She’ll get you, she’s got you.  You’re doin’ the time.)

Those dealers bring their drugs to the corner/

“Don’t mess with them, Riley” I try to warn her/

But there’s nothing I can do to ever restrain her/

In her mind she’s built like Schwarzenegger.

When they bring out the meth, heroin, and coke/

They see Riley heading their way and think it’s joke/

Aw look, it’s furry and girly and she wears a sweater/

It’d be wiser to run but they must stop and pet her.

Chorus:

(You bring the crime. She’ll get you, she’s got you.  You’re doin’ the time.)

Those dealers they think what they do is so cool/

But they don’t know that Riley failed puppy school/

She’s bark and she’s bite, she’s rip and she’s tear/

Watch out if she gets a mouthful of your hair.

When the police need a citizen that they can trust/

To bring on the lead in the next drug bust/

They know who to call to keep the streets clean/

My dog, Riley. She’s our Shih Tzu queen.

(Some of) The Best of 2013 Music

After a lackluster (in my opinion) 2012 in music, 2013 swooped in and brought a ton of incredible tracks and albums.  It was the year I resolved to see at least 42 bands in 365 days and exceeded that quickly because too many awesome folks came through town.

Music is very much song-driven now and sometimes it's hard to come across a completely solid album. Again, though, 2013 really stood out and here are a few of my favorite albums:

1.)  Trouble Will Find Me, The National
No surprise here.  It's my favorite band.  I have listened to this album over and over and over (and then some more.)  I love how songs come together--audio engineering is a dream job--and I hear so much of the head and the heart of this album with every listen.

This was also hands-down the best show I saw in 2013.  It's been a while since I've been that engaged with the musicians and the crowd. The National interacted with the audience so much.  I got there early enough to get to the very front, had Matt Berninger go through the crowd right by me, held his hand while he climbed the security gate, and had the best time with strangers who were momentarily friends.  Incredible memories.

2.)  MCII, Mikal Cronin

This album needs more attention.  I ran like heck in 105 degree weather to see them play an in-store and get my album signed.  Great people and addicting album.  Listen to "Piano Mantra" en route to home from a long trip or at the end of a long day. Trust me.  

3.)  Pushin' Against a Stone, Valerie June

Strong and sexy album.  Different than your "usual" kind of voice and album but give this one an honest chance.  Get to know Valerie June.  I think she'll be around for a while.

4.)  Love's Crushing Diamond, Mutual Benefit

Listen to this album in order in its entirety.  It starts with a song titled "Strong River" and ends with one titled 'Strong Swimmer".  Storytelling.  

5.)  Modern Vampires of the City, Vampire Weekend

My least favorite review intro by a music critic ever was about this album: "I didn't want to like an album by Vampire Weekend but…" What? Stop the pretentious; this is an excellent album and Vampire Weekend deserves high reviews for it. And Ezra Koenig won social media with his Twitter and Instagram feeds.  

My favorite song of the album is a love song about…music:

Honorable Mentions:

1.  From the Sea to the Land Beyond, British Sea Power

2.  Days are Gone, Haim

3.  Cerulean Salt, Waxahatchee

What were some of your favorite 2013 albums?  

Looking Back on and Forward to Books!

I've been a voracious reader all my life.  Many of my childhood memories are of happily reading anything: novels, picture books, comic books, nonfiction, magazines, you name it.

Last year, I completed the Goodreads Reading Challenge by reading 52 books…phew!  Besides "regular adult books", this included a few children's books, cookbooks, and YA novels so it wasn't entirely daunting! My favorite 2013 book is The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.

My 2014 Goodreads Reading Challenge goal is 20 books.  If it looks like I'll reach that with time to spare, then I'll raise it as the year progresses.  I'm also participating in Maria Vicente's Literary Merit Badge Challenge on I Believe in Story.  This is going to be so much fun!  If you love to read, join me in these challenges!

What did you enjoy reading in 2013?  What are you looking forward to reading in 2014?