oh, say can you Sea

I love the 4th of July holiday, it is my favorite. You just can’t beat the midsummer temperature and long nights. And the fact that we get to celebrate America with good food, playing in the sun, and burning things makes it all the more fun for me. And I had a really great 4th this year.

I did something different than the past few years and went out of town for the weekend. My friend Stacey came over from the East Coast and me, Stacey and Michelle went to the Oregon Coast. Michelle and I picked Stacey up from PDX on Friday morning and headed west. The traffic was kinda bad outside Portland but we were able to escape it eventually because a lot of people were headed to Seaside which is not where we were headed. I managed to find something 3 weeks before the holiday and I totally lucked out. I got a small rental at Tierra del Mar which was the only thing available in the entire state of Oregon. Seriously, I checked VBRO, hotels, campgrounds, cabins…even yurts. The plus side of the rental was that we could be right close to the beach and not have to make a huge effort to get to the beach when we wanted to see the ocean. For the most part it was only private access so there were fewer people than other beaches. It just worked out so well. The rental was just what we needed.

We got there mid-afternoon on Friday and went down for a walk on the beach. We ended up walking all the way to the sand dune that splits Tierra del Mar and Kiwanda Shores which is about 2 miles. You can see Haystack Rock from the beach, although Kiwanda Shores has the better view. Michelle brought her dog, Charlie, and he had a great time making friends with all the other dogs and running away from the tide as it chased him. He was quite entertaining. After our walk we drove to a grocery store in town and bought frozen pizza for dinner. After dinner we watched “It Happened to Jane” which for some reason I associate with Independence Day. “It Happened to Jane” is a Doris Day/Jack Lemon movie and it is super cute. Doris is a widow living with her two children in Cape Anne, Maine. She is trying to run a lobster business and sell to fancy restaurants in big cities in New England. George (Jack) is her bff from growing up but the other bff got to marry Jane first and George doesn’t realize he loves her. George is a small town lawyer who is always trying to be elected to the city council but loses every year because the town always elects the same person. Jane’s problems start when a railroad tycoon ruins her business because he is trying to save money and the lobsters aren’t delivered by the railroad. Jane enlists George to help her fight the tycoon and it is a cute story of small town gal versus big city money. I guess I get America from the setting, small town in Maine that has Revolutionary War heritage, and the fact that Jane and George are local scout leaders and have a number where they sing about being a “Real good Scout” after a lobster bake. My dad loves this song and we sing it to him sometimes. Anyway, super cute movie. After the movie we went to bed.

On Saturday we headed north to Rockaway Beach. Stacey had found out they had some Independence Day celebrations so we went to check them out. I had never been there before and I liked it a lot. It is a bigger town for the OC and there were a ton of people there. We caught the last half of a parade that ended with the local fire truck spraying everyone with its hose. I loved it and felt very American. We then checked out the beach which was really nice and had a cool rock structure to look at as well. Then we went to the city park and saw the wiener dog races that were billed as the “national championships”. It was hilarious. The dogs were held at one end of a grassy area and their owners were at the finish line calling them, first one across the line was the winner. They even had heats, other races for bigger dogs, and they tried a “minefield” race where they put hot dogs on the course to distract the puppies. (It didn’t really work). The whole time I was like, only in America. After that we walked back to our car; the town was so crowded and mile after mile of cars were trying to get in. I think they must do a good firework show or something. I was so glad we were going the opposite direction. Then we drove to the best place on the OC, the Tillamook Cheese Factory!!! Sadly, the production lines weren’t going because it was Saturday but the cheese sample lines and ice cream counters were still open and that’s what matters!! It was so packed but Tillamook Ice Cream is worth it. Mmmmm. Then we drove back down to Tierra Del Mar and went to hang out on the beach for awhile. It was so nice to lie down on the warm sand and listen to the ocean. The weather was perfect both days we were there, hardly any wind, sunny and only the tiniest bit of fog in the morning. I did end up jumping some waves just to play in the water but the OC is so cold!! You just kind of get numb and then you can handle being in the water. It also felt good on my sunburns that I had gotten earlier in the day. For dinner we drove into town and picked up burgers and fries, they were pretty decent. A good American dinner. Then we got ready to go watch the nightfall and see the bonfire and fireworks on the beach!

One of our neighbors had set up a giant bonfire on the beach. About 4 guys hauled in a ton of these logs that were at least 10 feet long. I’m not sure when they lit it but it burned for a long time. I couldn’t get too close or the heat would make my sunburn hurt but we had such a great night being on the beach, watching the sun go down and seeing everyone set off their fireworks. Some people had legit ones too. It was surround sound in fireworks. Of course I made my friends listen to “America” by Neil Diamond, (high five for my Neil Diamond app!). Michelle brought glow sticks which were fun. When it got really late and the fireworks were done and the smoke dissipated the stars were visible. I was so content sitting in the sand, watching the bonfire and feeling grateful for the land that I love and the liberty I enjoy.

The next morning the sky was overcast and it was a little colder (usual OC weather). We really lucked out with the weather and our accommodations. After cleaning up and packing up we got in the car for the drive home. Richland was 102 degrees when I got back and I thought I was going to melt. I had ice cream for dinner.

It was a fabulous trip and I’m grateful I was able to go out of town. The only bad things were the fact that I got really bad sunburns, I didn’t take my usual firework pictures (because I didn’t want to get sand in my camera, and I didn’t know how close I’d be to the pyrotechnics) and that I did not have my patriotic Jell-O. I’ll have to just make that one sometime just because. Happy 4th of July!!

astaire and kelly

Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly are two of the greatest American dancers. They have many great performances and some have become iconic to American dance over time. Awhile ago I wondered if they ever danced together during their career. Interestingly enough they only danced together like twice. They weren't so much rivals but they respected each other and sort of stayed out of one another's way. I looked up the dance they did together-I think it was on some kind of variety show special. Here it is:

It's pretty fun to watch the two greats dance together. And then I found a couple other fun ones.

Gene Kelly on rollerskates

And then Fred Astiaire dancing on the ceiling

Such fun combos of dancing and film technology!

eric hutchinson 11.29.14

Oh man, Eric Hutchinson. You guys, it was so good!

I went with my friend Michelle to see Eric Hutchinson in Spokane last November. I was stoked that he'd be that close and since he is Michelle's celebrity crush I splurged and got the VIP pre-show meet and greet. Worth it! I hoped that this show would be better than the last time we saw Eric. We saw him about 2.5 years earlier in Spokane with Allen Stone (what a guy, haha) and mostly it seemed like Eric was not enjoying himself and was ticked off that Allen had like twice as long a show as he did even though Eric had top billing.

We drove up to Spokane on Saturday afternoon, planning to have time for a nice dinner somewhere fun. We ended up eating in the food court at the mall...but we got to see some nuns singing Christmas carols; they were a novelty for us. We don't so much have nuns here in the TC.

I also invited my brother and sister in law to the show since they live in Spokane and thought they might enjoy the show.

Michelle and I made our way to the Knitting Factory (where I've also seen Ms. Sara Bareilles) and waited for our meet and greet. It was kind of a strange experience, to meet someone that you have this idea of in your head, and what are you supposed to say to them. Act cool! Anyway, we just kind of hung out on main floor of the venue and then Eric's tour manager came out and told us what to expect. He said Eric would come out and say "Hi" and play a few songs for us and sign our tickets, cds, poster whatever, and we could take a photo with him. Eventually Eric came out with one of his band members, and they played and he sang for us.

Then he asked if anyone had questions (which I was not prepared for!) but mostly everyone was shy. (It was also kinda weird because we were all just casually standing around in a semicircle just watching him, up close and personal!). I came up with, "What's your favorite song to perform that's not your own?" and he said he would save that answer for later when he would sing it. It turned out to be "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen. Someone asked him to sing a Christmas song and he sang the jazzy version of "White Christmas," and in my head I was like "Do you know that you are singing Bing Crosby's song in Bing Crosby's hometown?!!" He sang "Not There Yet" and "Forget about Joni" with his band member. I'm not remembering so much the other questions that were asked, there were maybe 20 of us, probably more like 15. I teased Michelle and told her that she should smell Eric and see if he smelled good. Then we got to meet Eric and get his autograph. I got a bit nervous but I told him I'd seen him before when he came to Spokane with Allen Stone and that I hoped he had a good show that night. And I got my photo taken with him.

He was pretty nice. I really enjoyed watching Michelle meet him though. It was fun! I also got an autographed poster and a free cd of his last tour, recorded live. So then he went away and they started letting all the other people in for the concert. We went back and sat down in the "bar" area because there were tables and chairs and it ended up being a good idea. There were two other opening acts so that would have been a long time to stand. My brother and sister in law came in then, but Stephen forgot his ID so they gave him grief for trying to get in the bar area, but eventually they let him in. The opening acts were ok, Nick Howard (a British guy, actually pretty good) and Tristian Prettyman, (I could have done without her).

Eric's set was so gooooood!! And a really fun time! He is great live and he talks to the crowd (which I enjoy); he seemed to enjoy Spokane a lot more than the other time I saw him there. Here is the setlist that I copied from another tour date-but this looks pretty accurate.
Tell the World
Watching You Watch Him
Oh!/Food Chain
The Basement
All Over Now
Ok, It's Alright With Me
Outside Villanova
You Don't Have to Believe Me
Breakdown More
Back to Where I Was
A Little More/Shake it Off/Hey Ya
Rock 'n' Roll
You've Got You

Encore:
Love Like You
Forever

I feel like he didn't play too many from his newest album, which I was ok with because they are my least favorite of his work. I didn't really enjoy when Tristian came out and sang "Ok, It's alright with me," it was not alright with me. I love when he plays "The Basement" at his shows because it really gets the crowd going, it's so pumped up on energy. I love the song "Breakdown More" and he also played a new song he's been working on that was really good. It's a slower song, I think it had the word "You"  in it, like "You Know" or "You think you know me." something sadder, like telling someone they are wrong or bad for you....anyway, it was good. Maybe it will make it on an album or something. LOVED the mashup of his, T-Swifts, and OutKasts songs. He is really good at mashups and they are usually really fun. By this point in the concert Michelle and I had gone out to the main floor so we could get a little closer and dance around. A great decision. The encore songs he kind of just played continuously, one right after the other and during "Forever" he went to the side, came down off the stage and made everyone do a dance circle in the middle of the floor. Then at this epic point of the music he threw confetti sticks in the air and a flurry of colored paper rained down on the mosh pit. It was magical really. It all happened so fast, I sort of got a video of it. I saw on youtube that he alternated nights with beach balls, which I thought didn't quite have the same effect. So glad we got the confetti. Michelle and I walked back to my car and pumped Eric the entire way home. It was probably one of the top three concerts I've ever been to in terms of quality, singing, entertainment and all around enjoyment. I loved the smaller venue and that we were able to meet Eric!

Video and pics to come laters!

cinco de mayo

Blog title has nothing to do with the post, except is May 5th right now. I'm home by my onsie savvy all night and you know what boredom brings...online shopping. Whoops. I got some really cute scrapbooking paper (I have a weakness for pretty paper) but I did have a gift card and used a code for cheaper shipping. Papa is out being the Bish and Mama is in AZ being a Grandma so more alone time for me it is! But here is the little princess:

She's getting so big already! She needs to stop growing till Auntie Moo sees her!!

Also, whilst online, I've been bumping Josh Groban's new album, Stages. All the songs come from Broadway shows. It is very very very good. Like, give him a Tony award for services to the Theatre or something already. Here is my initial review:

At first I was a little disappointed that he decided to sing the songs as himself versus trying to portray the character. But they turned out fabulous anyway, the only song I miss it on is "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" because in the play Marius sings with such grief and desperation. I'd describe half of the album as power ballads and the other half as a mix of fun and mellow songs. But even the "mellower" ones tend to ramp up during the song. Also, getting the Target edition with the four bonus songs is a must. Some of my favorites have been these extras: "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "Gold Can Turn to Sand," "Dulcinea," and my surprise favorite "If I Can't Love Her" from Beauty and the Beast. Oh man, Joshy just belts it on the Beauty and the Beast song. And Dulcinea is so fun! I just want to prance around and play castanets or something, and I love the mariachi band!

The main body of the album-
Pure Imagination-just gorgeous, and melodious; like a dream
What I Did for Love-oh man, the power ballad of the album, great to sing in the car with acoustics
Bring Him Home-a little high for J, but he can do it, I love the simplistic version of the solo piano
Le Temps Des Cathedrales-a French power ballad, and I kinda understand the words because this song is sung slowly, this is a perfect song for Josh
All I Ask of You-with Kelly Clarkson, it's good, it's not my favorite song in life nor on the album
Try to Remember-maybe my least favorite, he's singing a crooner song and Josh is not a crooner, really
Over the Rainbow-a sleeper power ballad, starts off like a lullaby and by the end grows to a swelling orchestra, very beautiful
Children Will Listen/Not While I'm Around-another hit, a beautiful melody and these songs go great together
You'll Never Walk Alone-wonderful power ballad, I like to listen to this song as I pull into work
Finishing the Hat-I'd never heard this song before but I just love it, has a very broadway feel
If I Loved You-Nice song, it's growing on me
Anthem-oh man, great power ballad, he's sung this song before but I love the power of this song with the choir and the organ, way to go Joshy

Ok, I guess I'll go to the gym now.

the Russian ballet, we never miss it!

I was lucky enough to go to not one but two professional ballets last year! I took ballet from age 5 through age 16 and did about 4 years of that on pointe shoes. I appreciate good ballet. Not that I was ever really good (we'll blame my body type), but I still like to watch. Before last year I have seen three other professional ballets, Swan Lake at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, a random grouping of three ballets at PNB, and La Fille Mal Gardee at the Royal Ballet in London. (That last part was pretty snooty wasn't it!)

In November, when I went to Jessica's wedding, my sister took me to see Ballet West's production of Giselle. I enjoyed it and learned about that story. Since seeing it I've read a book about the history of ballet, which was like a stinking textbook, and learned that Giselle is important because it is one of the very very first story ballets. It was first performed by a French ballet company and then imported to Russia and from there spun off many of the important classic Russian ballets we know today like Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. It's kinda simple in its choreography but I like the ghost story aspect of it. I just remember that the Ballet West production had live greyhounds come out on stage at one point (the nobility came to town and therefore brought their dogs), and I thought that was kind of crazy. 'Twas good.

In December I got to see the Nutcracker danced professionally for the first time, with my mom.  It was so much better than my local ballet academy production-they don't really dance too much, just run around. We saw the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. Their version has sets and costumes designed by Maurice Sendak (who wrote "Where the Wild Things Are") and has been around since the 80's. I used to watch the Patricia Barker (Richland Native!) version each year in ballet class the last class before Christmas. 2014 was the last year they were going to do this version because they want to be snooty and produce a Balanchine version for 2015, but they are continuing the theme of having a children's book illustrator do the costumes and sets so they have the guy who does the Olivia pig books, Ian Falconer. The old version doesn't do all the "candy" dances that the Balanchine version does, ie coffee, marzipan, grandma ginger, etc, instead they set the second act in a kind of an Arabian country with exotic animals and plants. Which I kind of didn't get because they still had rats there, and I thought the Nutcracker had just beaten them in a fierce battle...???

 I really liked this version and liked how it was different than the "candy" version. I loved the huge grandfather clock that turns into Drosselmeyer and the base splits apart into legs. The Arabian/bird dance was pretty wild and had an exotic costume.

 Instead of grandma ginger they had this "Wild Thing"-esque puppet thing that jumped around, it was cute and fun.

Instead of a sleigh that takes Clara and the Nutcracker to the magic kingdom, they had a pirate-looking ship that sailed to the exotic land, complete with jumping dolphins! I kinda missed the Sugar Plum Fairy because I like her solo, they just had Clara do another solo for that song. But I did like how Clara got to dance a lot more in the second act than she normally does. I think my favorite part was the pas de deux that Clara and the Nutcracker did right after he kills off the rat king. I love the music for that part and the dancing was just amazing. I was so moved. And the thing that gets me is that the leads weren't even principal dancers with PNB, they were soloists or corps members. They were the "second tier" and they were amazing!! The whole thing was just wonderful, the ballet mixed with the Christmastime was magical. Mom and I just loved it and wanted to go again.

Of course our trip to Seattle wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Dahlia Bakery and Nancy's Sewing Basket in Queen Anne.

They make the best soft molasses cookies and a kind of chocolate truffle cookie that takes like heaven.

Nancy's Sewing Basket provides a lot of stuff costume-wise to PNB, I liked this window display, they made doll costumes that look like ones from the show!

And then in the lobby at the ballet, to tease and tempt us, costumes from the upcoming Swan Lake. Gorgeous.
So now that I've been to a few professional ballets I need to see more and more and more.