Thursday, December 20, 2012

Jeweled Bookmarks at Santa's Workshop

why am I feeling so light headed?
 The other day in my studio/Santa's workshop, I plugged a lamp in and sparks flew out of the outlet.  I have an electrician coming out in a couple of days to make sure I'm not about to burn our house down, but until then I figured I'd have to either work on jewelry projects in a different room, or just do it in the dark.  :(

But my awesome sister gave me an early Christmas gift which put a cute little band-aid on the problem until Milestone Electric makes it out here on Saturday.  I get to work in my studio after all wearing my new super cute head lamp!

jeweled bookmarks for Christmas gifts
I'm pretty sure my neighbors don't read my blog, so I think I'm safe in posting what part of their Christmas gifts will be.  I made cute little bookmarks with pretty little beads hanging from the silver bookmark.

Hopefully, my neighbors still read from books and haven't  converted to e-readers only... Otherwise my cute little gift is going to be a bust!
bookmarks for BOOKS!



Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I Am SO Selling... Soon, at Resparkable Vintage

I've been making jewelry for several years.  I started with a class at The Creative Arts Center (if you click the link, they still have a picture of me up on the banner!) where we learned how to saw and pierce sheet metals, solder, and do bezel settings and riveting. 

My friend Allyson showed me the basics of beading, which I liked even better than the class because I'm a girl who appreciates instant gratification.

For a while, she and I got really into using PMC and made lots of silver earrings and pendants.
After more classes and just learning stuff by making gobs of necklaces, bracelets and earrings, I think I've finally found my style.  I love to mix vintage components with beads and chains and make them into something new.  

I'm obsessed with the finding the vintage stuff!  Most Thursdays and Fridays I hunt at estate sales.  I have found amazing stuff and I'm always so thrilled to find something special that has a history behind it.

For a while, especially in our days of the silver PMC, Allyson and I had discussions that we should try to sell some of our creations because how much jewelry does one girl really need anyway?  And we needed money to support our new-found habit!

We'd show each other something new we had made, loving it so much that we'd say, "I'm SO not selling this."  We have continued that phrase over the years and still say it all the time. 

This past Fall, we put a few of our necklaces in Allyson's aunt's booth in Warrenton and they sold!
How cool- Stuff moved!  Which created more space, inspiration,  a little cash to make even more jewelry.

Soon, I'll be opening a Etsy shop. I had first secured the shop name, "I'm So Not Selling This", but decided it might be better karma to call it "Resparkable Vintage".  So that's it!  That's what the name of my shop will be.  As my friend Lindsey replied when I told her my final decision, "Done and done!"

I'll be using this blog to tell you about my progress with starting things up, and I'll post pictures of my finds, my creations, and of course all my other usual chit chat.  As soon as the shop is open, you can bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow... well, not tomorrow but soon I'll have the link on this website!

Please stay tuned, because in the weeks or months to come, I am SO selling!  


Friday, December 14, 2012

Before and After

I took this picture of a butterfly over the weekend with my iPhone:
I thought it was really pretty...
Until I tweaked it a bit and made this picture using PicMonkey.


Thursday, December 13, 2012

Singing Peacock

I am sort of in love with this picture.
I love the bird pin I found recently at an estate sale and I love my of "singing" pottery I got at a little shop in Fredricksburg over the weekend.  On top of that, I took the picture inside of my brand new light tent.  Love.  Love.  And love.

So I tried a little photo editing to make it even better...I stopped over at Fotoflexer goofed around with my photo for a little while.

"drawing"
"painting"     

And then, I monkeyed around over at PicMonkey and came up with this:

I think this final version if my fav... That, or the original.  How 'bout you?

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Unwrapping

Today is the last day my hand will look like this:
Tomorrow, the wrapping comes off, and the stitches come out!  yeeeeeehawwwww!!!

Two weeks ago, when I got this surgery, this wrap served a good purposes- The compression  helped with swelling, and it kept things from bending around too much.

But now, I am ready for this effer to come off.  I'm ready to bathe and shower without wrapping my hand in plastic bags!  I'm ready to really wash my hands- and I mean really! I'm ready to start playing my guitar again!  And making jewelry!  And...And....  The list goes on and on.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate my thumb.  I never take the time to say, "Thank you!" to my thumb.  I take it for granted.  But once my trigger finger got so bad that it stopped bending, I realized how awesome it really is when it works right, and without pain. 

So thank you, my dear thumb.  And all the other fingers that surround you.  High fives for all my fingers on both hands!

Friday, November 30, 2012

Close To Me

I'm going to try to make this brief, since typing these days takes me about 5 times longer than usual, and comes with a certain amount of discomfort.  But I really wanna tell this, so here goes...

Earlier this week, I had to get a little surgery on my hand.

Although it wasn't a big deal, I was nervous.

While I was in  the pre-operating "holding" room, I was around lots of other patients also waiting their turn for surgery.  Most of them had someone there with them, but I had Fermin just wait up in my room because it seemed silly to have him come down with me, and he had calls he had to make for work.

But like Tom Petty says, "The waiting is the hardest part..."- All the waiting got me really nervous.  And my face usually gives my feelings away.

There was a woman there, about the age my mom would be, waiting with her husband who was about to undergo double knee replacement surgery.  She came over and started talking with me.  Nothing really so profound.  She was just helping me pass the time and calm down a bit.  I don't even really remember what it was we talked about. But the profound part was, she tucked the covers in around me and gently patted me on the shoulder.  Just like Mom would have.  When it was time for the surgeons to roll her husband off to surgery we said our goodbyes.  I thanked her for talking to me, and told her I felt better already because of her.  And that she reminded me a little of my Mom.

Later that night, I had a dream about Mom.  It was present day, she wasn't sick like she usually is when I dream of her, and we were shopping at estate sales together.  She grabbed the basket with the things I intended to buy and said, "Here, give me that!  I'm buying that for you."  It seemed so real.  It was just like so many days Mom and I have spent together.

The next morning, (in real life) I was at an estate sale and saw this music box:
It looked similar to a few Mom had given me-- (I have a big collection of all sorts of music boxes, mostly all given to me by her.)  I wound it up and of course, it played "Close To You" by the Carpenters.  That song has huge sentimental value to me-  Mom used to sing it to me all the time when I was a little kid.  Anytime I hear it, I think of her.

all the bear music boxes given to me by Mom
I'm always looking for signs that Mom is still around me.  This wasn't just one little thing.  This was her making it very clear she's still close to me when I need her.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Healing Now

A few years ago I had trigger finger release surgery on my pinky finger..  And I figured that would be the end of that.

But I have more than one finger.  Recently I started having the same problem with my thumb.  Initially, I thought, "Well, at least it's my right thumb." (I'm left handed. )  I figured, no need to work myself into a frenzy. I don't really use it so much anyway, right?  But wait a minute.... it's a THUMB. It's actually one of the leaders when it comes to fingers. And I pick with it! (My guitar that is- don't be gross!)  And it comes in quite handy when I make jewelry.

First, I tried cortizone injections.  Then, acupuncture.  I cancelled gigs and stopped making jewelry altogether.  But it just kept getting worse and worse.  I realized I haven't bent my thumb in about a month without a staggering pain coursing through me, so I decided to go for the sugery.

The surgery is really pretty easy, and it fixes it for the long term.  And as a musician, and jewelry crafter, that's important to me!

Yesterday was the surgery.
For the next two weeks, I'll be wearing this poncho a lot-- The way my hand is dressed, its too big to fit through most sweaters and shirt sleeves.
But soon, that big puffy bandage will be coming off, the stitches will be coming out, and both music, and jewelry making will merrily resume!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Goodbye Kitty

I liked Hello Kitty back when I was a young lassie.
Me, as a young Lassie.
I then rediscovered HK as an adult and fell in love!  And when I fall in love with something, I sometimes go a little overboard.  I have lots and lots of things emblazoned with Kitty's picture and name.

Two of my favorite HK items are #1, my wallet:
and #2, my iPhone case:
I found the wallet a few years ago when I was on a vacation in San Diego.  I've used the wallet every day since buying it, and Kitty's face is starting to rub off, and it's pretty dirty.  And at this point, just a little disgusting.
The iPhone cover was for the first iPhone hand-me-down I recieved from my husband.  Now that he just got the 5, I inherited the 4s, so the HK case no longer fits my phone.

I decided, hey...I'm feeling a bit more sophisticated these days.  (Not really, just decided I was ready for a little change.)

So, I'm now using a far more mature looking- altho still super cute wallet...
that my friend, Allyson found for me when she was in Paris.  We both think it's the fancy button that makes this wallet so special!  And the pink leather feels like butter! 

And I just got my new iPhone case...
Very mature, don't you think?

I still love Hello Kitty.  But I'm taking a little break from her.  So really, it isn't "Goodbye" after all!


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Leaving On a Jet Plane

Tomorrow I'm off to visit my friend, Kelly, in Pennsylvania. 

We're going to NYC on Friday to see the Broadway musical, "Once".  And then the next morning, we get to watch her 9 year-old-daughter, Sara, in a play.  (I'm seriously at least as excited to see that as I am "Once"!)
Me, Kelly, and Sara
 Beyond that, I have no idea.  But I know there will not be a dull moment.
This is what I mean-  Fun comes out of the stupidest things when we're together!
I've known Kelly longer than any friend I have.  Even longer than I've known Fermin.  The beginning of our friendship dates back to when we were in grade school.  (About her daughter's age, which is so crazy!)

It's amazing we've kept in such good touch for so many years. She hasn't lived in Dallas since graduating from college.  But because we've known each other forever, it's always so easy to just pick right back up where we left off.

I hope everyone has a friend like that.  I am so lucky I do.

Friday, November 2, 2012

One Dollar Makes me Holler

Or should I say, one dolla makes me holla?!

Here are today's estate sale shopping finds.  The brass bell from England: $1.  The little ornate brass pill box: $1.  And my broken vintage pin: $1.
Of course, if my time is worth anything, then my finds are more valuable than the dollar spent on each one.  I was shopping from 9-12:30 to find those little treasures.  Such hard work!  ;)

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Fuzzy Memories

Just a few days before Halloween, we carved these pumpkins with our friends Lindsey and Sammy:
(There are only 3 because Fermin was too slow to get his in the shot.)
And as of today, Halloween is behind us.  So this morning, I was asking myself the question, "Should I get rid of the pumpkins now, or keep them around a little while?"

I looked at mine closely...
hmmmmm?
And then a little closer...
Eeeeeeek!!!
So I don't know....what do you think?  Should I get rid of the pumpkins, or hang on to them a little while longer?!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Meds

Neither me or Lucy like to get sick.  And we don't like taking medicine!
"bleh"
I don't know where, or how, or why- but somehow, a couple of weeks ago, Lucy had kennel cough, or as I kept accidentally referring to it- whooping cough.  Poor girl sounded like she couldn't breathe, and all the coughing seemed to be wearing her out.

As it turns out, kennel cough refers to any upper respiratory infection a dog gets.  If your dog happens to stay in a kennel with another dog with a cough, it's very likely it would catch it because it's highly contagious. And if you think the vaccine will protect them, well it won't.  There are lots of strains out there, and the vaccination is only for one strain.  Or something like that...

Fortunately, Ricky didn't catch it from Lucy.
And fortunately, Lucy is finished taking her pills!
And the cough seems to be gone now.

I have also been taking medicine.  Steroids!  First, a shot to help calm down my trigger finger.  Then, one of those packs you take for about 5 days, for poison ivy.  The poison ivy is all gone, but the trigger finger never really went away.  And over the last week or so, it's worse than ever.

Steroids are just horrible for my blood sugars (but I just take more insulin), and I know it's just not good to be on them unless it's absolutely necessary.  But the deal is, not only is my thumb getting stuck and triggering, it's very painful.  And I'm a big fan of getting to use my hands...  To play the guitar, and to make jewelry especially.

So please say a little prayer, or send some good mojo, or whatever it is that you do to help a girl who wants to be on the mend!  I have an appointment to get yet another cortisone shot next week, but I'm really hoping I have some improvement between now and then.  Enough so that I can sleep at night without my thumb waking me up.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Junkin'

I went to "AntiqueWeekend" in Warrenton, Texas this past weekend.  Although it's called Antique Weekend, it's neither just antiques nor does it last just a weekend!! And even though I said "in Warrenton", it's not just in Warrenton...  It's several other little towns around there, too.
But in a nutshell, if you're familiar with First Monday's in Canton, it's like that but on major steroids.

It just goes on and on.  And on and on.  And on and on.

I was really only there for a day.  And that was plenty for me. 
miles and miles

and miles and miles

Just a sampling of the good, the bad and the ugly...
First, something that I really never want to see unless attached to a living animal:
Next, something I considered buying for my husband who's an avid golfer (I'm kidding.  You know that, right?):
A vintage skirt I seriously loved, but didn't buy:
A bed and it's accessories that I wanted to take a little nap in:
my ferris wheel candle holder

And lastly, here's the stuff I did happen to buy and bring home as a memento for my first Antique Weekend...



vintage jewelry parts for repurposing

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

John Oates- "I'm With the Band"

Last night my brother and I went to see "Hall and Oates".  Remember them?


Well, last night, it might as well have just been the "Hall" concert.  John Oates seems like just one of the support players in the band.  Hall and Oates don't come off as a duo at all.

Daryl has a great internet show called, "Live From Daryl's House".  He invites guest bands and singer songwriters to his house, where they collaborate to perform their songs, and his.  The support band is the same guys that were playing last night at the concert. Minus John Oates.

Maybe John''s a little out of practice and that explains why the other guitarist got all the guitar solos.  Several other band members were highlighted during certain songs- The percussionist, the saxophonist, the guitarist, and oh yeah, John Oates got to sing 2 songs.  Other than that,  he just stood off to the side playing rhythm guitar all night.

Last night, I was thinking how awkward that must feel for John to be so obviously the second banana to Daryl.  He has to be a very humble man.

Daryl's got the huge talent, and the magic.  His voice is still great, and his songs still make everyone really happy. 

Daryl Hall, age 65, looking pretty cool and stylish and sounding as great as ever!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

I believe in the yin and yang of life.

I always remember to be especially grateful for my good health after I've been under the weather.

And speaking of weather...  Living in Texas keeps me in touch with the yin and yang I have learned to appreciate.  Yesterday we hit a record high temperature of 104F.  (Gross.)  This morning, we woke up to temperatures in the 60s.  And the high today is only somewhere in the mid-80s.

Because of that hot humidity of yesterday, I do not take this kind of day for granted.  How could I be anything but joyous on a day like this?

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Crack for Pups

Today was Ricky Ricardo's turn to go up to the field we love to play in.  I take either Lucy or Ricky most days.  They love it up there.

But today was even more fun than usual.  Not only did we get to see our favorite relative, Jasper (with Ashley, of course!) but we met a lady that brought 4 of her 5 Aussies to play with us!
Jasper up front, Ricky nearest him on the left, and the 4 other Aussies we met today!
What a blast.  And to top it off, Ashley gave me a little baggy of take home treats for the Ricardo's!  They loved the treats so much they could barely keep their composure!  I need to ask Ashley what in the world was in those treats--  Crack, maybe?  ;)

So I made a little video of them enjoying the treats-  And doing a few tricks as a way of saying "Thanks!"  I should've thought to set up a tripod or something, and I should've had them do a better variety of tricks so it was a bit more exciting...but hey, I learned something new for next time! 

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Turn! Turn! Turn!

I cannot stop thinking of that song- and I don't really even know that song, nor have I ever really liked it.  But lately, I am absolutely loving it!

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

It's so true, isn't it?  Everything has it's season.
I can remember when I was on an interview for my first teaching position, and I was asked where I wanted to be in 10 years.  And I remember thinking, "In a classroom!  Why would I ever want to do anything else?" But within about 7 years, the season changed.  Turn, turn, turn.

I left teaching and started playing music for a "living".  (A living that's been pretty far below poverty level, but hey!, that's made me feel like a real artist!)

And, just like before, I thought I'd want to just do performance gigs forever.

But lately, it seems the seasons are changing again.  Although I still love making music just as I always have, I don't feel much of a drive to do it outside of the confines of my own home.

Ever since I brought home Lucy and Ricky last year, and I've immersed myself in all things puppy, I just feel such a pull towards being with them.  My husband referred to me recently as a "Stay at Home Dog Mom".

So the more time I can spend at home these days with Fermin and the kids, the better.  I'm not wanting to give away many nights or weekends to gigs these days.

I keep myself busy for sure with lots of creative outlets- Still with the music.  But newer endeavors too, like jewelry making.  And teaching my dogs fun tricks and making sure they get tons of excersize every day.  And cooking yummy meals for me and my husband.

I'm a believer in stating what you want, and then noticing how the universe opens up for you- So I might as well say it here...

I still want to play gigs here and there, but I'd also like to start a little neighborhood pet care business, and sell repurposed vintage jewelry.

Summer's nearly over and I'm excited to know a change is in the air.
Turn, Turn, Turn!

Friday, August 31, 2012

The Final Installment- Day 31- YouTube Chronicles

Ladies and Gentleman!
The moment we've all been waiting for...
The final song that this little YouTube journey lead us to...

I thought we finished with such a great song... I love that it was introduced by Sissy Spacek, who played Loretta in "Coalminer's Daughter",then Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert started the song off, and then the BIG finale of when Loretta walks out in the creampuff dress and helps them finish it!  Does it ever get any better than this? No, it absolutely does not.  SUPERFANTASTIC!
That kind of old country music is just so satisfying and it's such a great way to end this thing.

I love YouTube.  I can get lost in it for hours on end.  Whether it's watching music videos like these, dog tricks, or just funny or weird stuff.  

The blog will return to it's usual randomness now that we're done with this fun little month long chronicle!  Hope you have enjoyed... Lindsey and I most certainly did.  Thanks Lindsey, for being my partner on this one... :)  Great idea.

Day 30- YouTube Chronicles

So rewind 10 hrs or so back, and check out (yesterday's YouTube pick for 8/30), Loretta Lynn's "You Ain't Woman Enough...." A pure classic....how could I not! Enjoy!
 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Day 29- YouTube Chronicles

Ahhh.... we've been led to a classic of country music.  Loretta Lynn!!!!  I actually have never heard this particular song until I found it here today, but of course I had to pick Loretta!  Love the talking part in the middle of the song.  Not too many people could pull that kind of thing off.

I'm sure Loretta will lead us to great places.  And since we've only got 2 days left, that's vital at this point!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Day 28 YouTube Chronicles

I guess it's a good thing we're nearly to the end of the month because it seems both Lindsey and I are getting behind with this YouTube Chronicles thing!  And I'm ready to write some posts about other things too...

But we've still got several more songs to go until we reach our final destination...
Here's today's pick by Lindsey!
(by the way, I hate these ads attached to videos these days, but after a few seconds, you can usually skip...)

Ok, so I dropped the ball again...this time several days....so embarrassed Kerr :( Sorry! Nonetheless, I've selected my pick. A new women's, country music group, which includes Miranda Lambert and two of her best friends. I LOVE Ashley Monroe's voice and vibe....they call her "Hippie Annie"....need I say anything else.... :) ENJOY! xoxo

Friday, August 24, 2012

Day 24- YouTube Chronicles

You have to forgive me for picking my second song penned and performed by Taylor Swift.  But my last pick wasn't even one of my favorites of hers.  This one, however, is one of her best, in my opinion.

I just LOVE the content/message of this song.  I admire the way she handles her critics.  And it seems she has many of them.  Anyone that popular always does.  I wish I had had that kind of confidence and spirit at her young age. 

Taylor Swift, when I grow up, I wanna be just like you!

Day 23- (just a little late!)

So we're going to pretend I'm posting this about 11 ours ago, when we were still on Day 23.  (I was late in checking Lindsey's facebook post, but in fairness, I think she posted it pretty late in the day!)
I'll be posting Day 24 within the day so it's actually Day 24!  ;)  Oh my gosh- We getting so close to the end of the month.  I'm dying to know what song this journey will end with.

With just a little over an hour to spare....Day #23 is up! So this selection was difficult for me....lots of Taylor Swift to choose from and not a whole lot more :( I would have liked to stay, with another upbeat song, rather than going d...own the road with these lyrics but I couldn't pass this song up when I saw it suggested! I've loved this song since the first time I heard it....while first instinct is that the lyrics are maybe upsetting....there's something beautiful with them at the same time.

Tell me what you think?


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Day 22- YouTube Chronicles

I guess the answer to the previous post's question is "Hell no! We won't go!"
Altho rather than just "Women in Pop Music of the 21st", we can now broaden the current title to "Women in Pop/Country of the 21st Century".  Not a huge stretch, I realize! But the only way out seemed to be Metallica. And no thanks to that idea.   But it begs the question, how does something like Metallica get lumped in with Avril Lavigne, Fergie, Katie Perry, and Taylor Swift on YouTube? How does it work?  REALLY?  I want to know!

Anyway, say what you will about Taylor Swift, but I for one, love her.  She can sure write a catchy hook, and she writes honestly from the perspective of a girl her age.

Day 21- YouTube Chronicles

Oh my- We're in the thick of "Women of Pop Music in the 21st Century"- Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry"...


Can we make it out?

Monday, August 20, 2012

Day 20- The YouTube Chronicles

Whew, and we're back!

Sorry I dropped the proverbial ball over the weekend, so we skipped a song or two in our journey.  But now, we're right back on it!!

Well, I sorta tossed and turned over this one.  I passed over one of my favorite Coldplay songs ("Fix You")  because it was a very boring lyric video someone made that did NOT do the song justice.  I also passed on Lady Gaga's Bad Romance, because as much as everyone else seems to LOVE her, I'm only luke warm for her.  I also passed over several other close ones...

Here's what won out: Gwen Stefani's Sweet Escape.  She's just so freakin' cute and stylish I couldn't resist choosing her for day 20!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Day 17- The YouTube Chronicles

I LOVE Lindsey's pick today!  Makes me feel slutty! :) Yay!
No, but I love this song and used to have it on one of my running playlists.  It's hard to stay still when this one's on!

Day #17 of The YouTube Chronicles is here! After scrolling through a couple vids I'd never seen, "the new stuff out there," I couldn't resist Nelly Furtado's Promiscuous ft. Timbaland (and JT's dance moves...of course). Passing over this song would just be so unnatural to me....I couldn't resist it any further....Nelly it is!!! I don't care where I am or what I'm doing....when I hear this song....totally want to dance!!! Hope you all feel me on this ;)

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Day 16- YouTube Chronicles

Well, I could've stuck with our Goth theme a little longer, but then I saw this song and couldn't resist.  Sorry, I guess I'm just a Top 40 girl at heart.  No! Really, I swear I'm not! This song is much cooler than your typical top 40, but somehow, mainstream radio caught on to it.  Every now and then, they get it right.  Yay!

 So we will probably be lead back into mainstream music, which is not necessarily a bad thing...


Day 15- YouTube Chronicles

Alright, so I'm technically posting this on day 16, but I'll have the officially day 16 up within the hour.  I was late getting around to see what Lindsey had chosen!

Our first step in to the "goth" genre, and I notice it was posted by "the666gothika".

Here's the post Lindsey made, and the video follows!
Okay, pick for Day #15 has been selected, Diablo Swing Orchestra's Pink Noise Waltz. Kerri....get ready, a Swedish avant-garde band, that's going to enter us into the land of goth, I have a feeling....

Anyway, very unexpected in my opinion. I'll admit, didn't know who they were but pleasantly surprised and happy to come upon them :)

Oh, and BTW, you're right....totally needed the tissues for 2Cellos' Field's of Gold. I love how music is capable of moving us in such a way.....

 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Day 14- The YouTube Chronicles

Sorry, but both Lindsey and I are a little stuck on the TwoCellos.  (and FYI, they do have a CD, which I just ordered off of Amazon here)

Get your Kleenex ready, because this one is so beautiful, you might cry.  I love Sting's original, I also love Eva Cassidy's cover, and now this one!!!  Just shows what a gorgeous song Sting wrote in the first place.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Lucky Number 13

Lindsey picked this for today's YouTube Chronicle installment.
Nice one!  This is what I call a COVERSONG.  A new twist, something that catches and holds your ear.  I'm in love with the 2Cellos.

Here's what Lindsay had to say on her post:
Okay, today's pick, Day #13 is up! Kerri, thank you for the previous day's pick, to these two guys...awesome! I loved their rendition of Coldplay's song! For those of you, that might not have check out the link, do yourself the favor and...
DO!!! Day #13's pick, is again, by 2Cellos. This time, check out their version, of AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long.....one of my favorite songs! I hope you all enjoy this take on an old classic...I know I did ;)

Saturday, August 11, 2012

YouTube Chronicles- Day 10 and 11

In the world we live in, rules were made to be broken!  Today is both day 10 and 11 of the chronicles... For good reason!

Day 10 was Lindsey's pick, and I quote,:
Okay, so in a perfect world, which we'll call "Day #10", I'd have had my Chronicles selection up and ready....well life happens, like good food, good bevs and good friends! Thanks guys! I'll take the latter any day ;) YESTERDAY'S selection is now up. I went from one classic to another in my opinion.....Eric Clapton's Layla! Enjoy, I know I am....! xoxo


Day 11 goes back to a pick by me.  And I think this one is so cool.  I LOVE the cello.  I think of all instruments, it's my very favorite.  Why didn't I ever learn to play it you may ask?  Well, I have no answer.  I regret that I wasn't in orchestra as a kid.  Damn.  I missed that boat. 

Anyway, these guys, "2Cellos" I think they're called, do all sorts of pop songs in duo cello arrangements.  (And some say they look like Jim Carrey and Charlie Sheen.)  I love Coldplay, and although this isn't my favorite song of theirs, it's certainly good enough to warrant recognition here, especially with this cool spin on things!  Check these 2Cello guys out!  They have loads of other songs they've covered as well...  Here's "Viva La Vida", just to get you started:

Thursday, August 9, 2012

YouTube Chronicles- Day 9

How weird that I had never even heard the Guns n Roses song Lindsey selected yesterday?!?!  What the heck was I doing in '91?

I was wondering if this was just an especially long version of the song.  But I did a little research, and found out that no, the song is just l-o-n-g!
"The original version was 25 minutes long, and the song was edited down to 8:59. It is the longest ever Top 10 hit and contains the longest guitar solo in a Top 10 single" (from Songfacts.com)

Well anyway, enough about "November Rain" already!  Let's move on, shall we?

So today, we're led to one of the most amazing songs, I think, of all time!  Only Queen could pull this one off!  Brilliant.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

YouTube Chronicles Day 8

Lindsey had me on pins and needles all day waiting for this one! 

Here's what she said, and what she picked for today's installment...

Okay, pick for Day #8 is up! Guns N' Roses' November Rain. Lot's of different memories come up when I hear this song....1) My MTV watching days, and 2) When MTV actually played music videos.....Anyway, I love when rock bands do slower softer songs. I almost feel no one can do them better :) Hope you enjoy today's selection.

Oh, and Kerr, check out his massive pinky ring in the wedding scene....love it!
Click HERE for the the video-- Sorry, for some reason I couldn't plant this one on my blog today. :(

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

YouTube Chronicles- Day 7

After Lindsey's choice yesterday of the cover of "She Will Be Loved", the thread was mostly leading to more covers- mainly by the guy and/or girl in yesterday's video.

Finally, I saw a video by Avril Lavigne and I thought, "Uh, well, I'm not really a fan, but at least she can get us off of yesterday's girl."  But Avril's song was SO cheesy and there's no way I could've selected it. Uh-oh.

Then I scrolled down a bit further and found Adele.  I think she was the ONLY other original artist in the whole thread.  I am so glad she was there.  It was like seeing an old friend at a party when you're starting to feel really uncomfortable because you don't know or really like anyone there.  "Oh my God, Adele!  I'm so happy to see you!"  For realz!

This is the Grammy performance of "Rolling in the Deep".  Her first public performance after she had her vocal surgery, which apparently was a success!  ;)

Monday, August 6, 2012

The YouTube Chronicles- Day 6

Nooooo wayyyyyy.  Lindsey chose a cover of Maroon 5's "She Will Be Loved".  I love me some Adam Levine so much that hearing anyone else sing it sort of annoys me.

Anyway, here is is:

Sunday, August 5, 2012

YouTube Chronicles- Day 5

One of the "rules" for me and Lindsey's little YouTube game, is that you can't veer too very far off the last thread-  You can use any songs listed to the right of video last selected, and you can even go to the "load more suggestions" button at the bottom.  But that's it.  No further can you stray to find the next song for the YouTube Chronicles.

The other songs listed on the "Need You Now" page were mainly more Lady Antebellum songs, artists I liked but singing songs I didn't, or older songs that weren't really moving me.
Until I tapped on this one.

Eminem always sounds and looks so angry!  And so does Rihanna!  And they both have some domestic abuse in their personal background, which makes this song especially believable and probably personal.  For me, a song has to ring true for me to like it.  And this one most certainly does.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

YouTube Chronicles Day 4

Day 4 is Lindsey's.  Here's what she had to say:

Day #4 and I think we're at the beginning of our first crossover song....let's see what genre this leads us to..... :) To me this song is beautiful and perfectly done. The lyrics have been stripped down to the bare emotions of it all....

Friday, August 3, 2012

YouTube Chronicles- Day 3

This is so fun!

Here we are on day 3!  Loved yesterday's selection chosen by Lindsey.  Fortunately, it led me to this song by Christina Perri.  It was on the last Twilight movie soundtrack.  (Which admittedly, I am a huge fan of those books!)  I read in an interview that Christina was a big fan as well and it was a real privilege to get to write a song for that story.  How lucky!!

And not just lucky of course, but talented!  Love this song-  (And altho it wasn't a direct thread of the last song so I couldn't choose it, I also LOVE her song "Distance", especially the acoustic version with Jason Mraz you can find here.)

Enjoy today's video!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

YouTube Chronicles- Day 2

The journey continues!

After my video selection of Jason Mraz's "93 Million Miles From the Sun", Lindsey continued the thread that lead us to her selection for today.  Here's the post she put on Facebook about her video:
Okay, so here I go, for day 2......Today's YouTube song is Birdy's Skinny Love! This British musician released this cover (original by Bon Iver) back in 2011. I couldn't get over, how reminiscent, her beginning vocals were of Joni Mitchell. Such wonderful memories of the day when I was introduced to her music and the thought provoking lyrics her songs evoke. Thank you, Unc, for your constant and passionate music exposure! xoxo

Kerri - I hope you enjoy!!! (Oh, and I am enjoying!  Can't wait to see where this video choice will lead us to next... Stay tuned for that post tomorrow!)

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Song #1 of the Chronicles

Ah...the first song of The YouTube Chronicles!  Like I said in yesterday's post, what an honor.

I have loved Jason Mraz from the very first single of his I ever heard, which for me was "You and I".  When I saw him live, I loved him even more.  Really light hearted and funny, and a great performer that made whatever size the audience, somehow feel as intimate as a small coffee shop. 

These days tho,  I'll admit, he's become a bit preachy and I'm not digging the stoner hippie look he's currently sporting.  After "I'm Yours" blew up and he got uber famous, he could've really fallen off the deep end.  I guess instead he chose trade in his overly copied fedora wearing short hair for a scraggly mop of curls.  And he went from funny onstage to preaching and crying.  (Did anybody else watch him on Storytellers?)

However, now that I've ragged on him a bit, I've got to give him props for this song that kicks off the chronicles.  I love these lyrics, and I love that the video is lyrical so that the words really sink in.  Just gorgeous.  

93 Million Miles From the Sun by Jason Mraz

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The Chronicles of YouTube

My friend Lindsey and I are starting a fun little game/project tomorrow that we're calling The (month long) Chronicles of YouTube.

And here's how it will be played.

I get to pick the first song for the game. Any song/video I choose.  (Whoa... That's a big responsibility and honor-- and yes, I already know what I'm choosing!)

From there, we pass the thread back and forth everyday, and we choose a song we found through that video thread.

If you ever spend any time on YouTube, you know that it tends to turn into a LOT of time.  One thing leads to the next.  And the next.  And the next thing you know, you're watching Andy Gibb and Marilyn McCoo singing hits of the 80s on Solid Gold!


Usually, I read books in the bathtub.  But on the occasion I bring my iPad instead, I inevitably get on YouTube.  Before I know it, it's way past midnight and I'm way past pruney.

So here's our attempt to be a little productive with all that YouTube browsing.  We'll have a chronicle of what led to what over a 31 day period.  Sounds fascinating, huh?

Tune in tomorrow to see what video will kick the whole thing off.  And check in each day during the month of August to read the Chronicles of YouTube.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Junkin'

(This little flower clip was a FREEBIE!)
Look at all this loot I came home with!
The jewelry,...
the random trinkets on the cute tray,...
the blingy iron,...
the glasses for my morning highballs,...
my owls to set hot pots on,...
my lamp (I plan on replacing the shade),...
the kitchen sign I bought for Mr. Arista,...   

my new favorite candle holder,...
and a coat rack...which is a little hard to see in this photo but I'm exhausted now, and too lazy to redo!  :)