I Had A Dream (Music Monday #19)

Saturday morning I woke up wondering if it was all a dream.

I sat in bed just kinda blinking, wondering if a pinch would bring me back to reality. I looked down at my shirt.

"Brian Fallon brand Painkillers"

It was tangible evidence that it wasn't a dream. I've done almost the same ritual every morning since, Because Friday night I had one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

I'll back up to the beginning where I banished my introvert-self and bought a ticket to head out to the middle of the desert (afterwards my mom asks, "Did you go to a rave?!"). Busy Friday evening traffic gave way to the lonely highway 62, which gave way to Pioneertown Road and rolling desert hills. I was expecting at least a little more fanfare for such an important event. Maybe a gas station or liquor store, but there was none. Blink and you'll miss the marquee-style sign, squint and you'll make out the words "Pappy and Harriet's -Pioneertown-," and a single neon "Budweiser" sign in the window.

Unlike a large LA venue, you're not getting there at least 30 minutes early to find & pay $15 for a random public parking lot. I just rolled into a dirt lot and parked, figuring this "parking space" was as good as any. I've never been so eager to turn off Brian Fallon's music- but just so I could get to hear him sing it in person.

I strolled up to the door, got my will-call ticket wristband and headed through the bar and restaurant to the tiny dance floor in front of a small stage. With some time to kill, I bought a shirt (what I would later cling to as proof!) and patiently waited for Johnny Two Bags, the opening act. I moved my way to the front and found myself pleasantly situated in the front center, about a foot from the stage and just behind a single layer of people.

Johnny Two Bags is Johnny Wickersham, front man and lead guitarist for the famous Social Distortion.



Since said introvert-banishing and ticket purchasing happened so last minute, I didn't have much time to check out his music beforehand. And that is a shame because it is incredible. Very catchy and easy to sing to. My favorite is "One Foot in the Gutter"

"It's been such a long, long time. And the devils and angels hanging around my bed,they don't seem to mind. They gonna drag me into the abyss or into a state of eternal bliss. I got one foot in the gutter,and one foot kicking in the door to heaven."

Johnny put on a great show. It was just him and his guitar. I always feel that solo acts take so much more talent and charisma. Amazing.

But I have to admit, that I was a little bummed out because it seemed like some of the people around me couldn't hang. There is a certain unspoken and basic etiquette (I thought) at shows. Like for one, don't be rude if you're in the front row, three feet from an artist. Like maybe hold off on checking your Instagram feed for 40 minutes. Like maybe don't drunkenly yell about your freaking cat to the people around you. 

Still, it was incredible. Saturday morning I promptly ordered his album and listened to it all day long. 

Monday I returned from work to find that it had arrived (seemed like it took a small eternity!) and it was fun to complement the live experience with a vinyl experience. The album is very different because it has a full band playing along with Johnny, so the sound is a little different but still great.

In between sets you could tell everyone was anxiously awaiting Brian Fallon and the Crowes and literally getting pushy. The drunk girl decided to attempt an altercation with me as she slurred out how she knows Brian Fallon and I can even ask him myself. Trust me lady, if I'm talking to Brian Fallon, it isn't going to be about you. Just be cool.

Soon enough Brian Fallon and the Crowes filled the stage. Even remembering this part makes me grin like a goon. It was the craziest feeling to see a musician who you've followed for 8 years just walk right in front of you. They started out with the Horrible Crowes song "Last Rites," it's only about a minute and a half but I think it is the perfect song to open with. It is also the first track on the Horrible Crowes album. My favorite part about it, and my favorite part throughout the set, is the look of pure joy on Brian Fallon's face as he plays. I hate to sound so corny, but you can see the music fill up his soul and as the harmonies all come together he gets this smile like "nailed it!"

One of the biggest reasons I go to concerts is for the chatter between songs. If I'm a fan I've bought the music and I listen to it routinely. But the funny stories and banter with the crowd is truly what I live for. Fallon did not disappoint. Ross had the opportunity to see him when he toured with The Gaslight Anthem about 5 years ago. And that was his favorite part too. When he came back from the concert (it was at a 21+ venue so I just stayed home and cried my eyes out) he said how fun it was to listen to his stories.

I didn't have much space on my phone for photos and videos (despite hours of desperate attempts to clear stuff off-ugh.). But nothing would have been able to capture what an incredible experience it was. Most of the music was from his work the The Horrible Crowes, mixed with new songs from his solo album. It was a mix of old of favorites, new favorites, and soon-to-be new favorites that I had only listened to bootleg versions of on YouTube.

The venue is definitely unique. It's small and wonderful. Similar in many ways to the small-medium venues I went to when I was in Utah. But you don't have that "neutral zone." You know that 4 foot buffer-zone where security stands to catch the crowd surfers? Nope. So you are right there, I spent the night about 6 feet from my favorite musician. The stage itself is probably only raised about a foot. Being so short would've been a challenge had I not been up so close. Brian (we are on a first name basis now) even joked how close everyone was, "If you guys had mono I would probably catch it!" 

During the show I just kept thinking how unreal it was. It felt like I had won some sort of contest, scored a VIP pass or something. I was grinning from ear to ear and singing my heart out even if I was so star-struck that I couldn't remember all the words. I know this sounds awfully fangirl of me, but he definitely noticed me and smiled. I know it sounds insane. Because I am and it was.

Some other highlights: 

• cover of Atlantic City by Bruce Springsteen.
• talking about how if he had a ton of money he'd want to throw pizza of the White House.
• final song of the evening, "Behold the Hurricane" which has quickly become a new favorite off the album, "Elsie."

Even though it was only released a week ago, "Smoke" is my favorite off of (soon-to-be-released) Painkillers. Okay, maybe "A Wonderful Life" is too. His performances are just so passionate and genuine. Check out "Smoke" here. 

"And you never ended up coming home, you just Became something like some smoke that I tried too hard to hold. And when I awoke, everything had changed you see, I Left my home, returned something different, I was Beaten to death, bleeding to death with regret."

I know he commonly meets with fans, so I was bummed when they didn't come back for an encore song even after all our my cheering. But I know they play a show tomorrow night up north so I just told myself they were in a hurry. I was still reeling from the experience. 

As I headed back out to the car I had this Lifetime movie-esque moment where I looked up at the thousands of desert-sky stars and just laughed about what a crazy experience it was. It felt so strange to hear him on the stereo in my car. Not the same. 

Later that evening I posted a picture on my Instagram. My sister asked, "Sooo, that's like a stock photo right? Like one the press took?" 

Nope! That picture was taken on my phone just below my face! I continue to be totally weird about the experience. I will have to post some video soon. 

Food, Food, but also Family

Today is my last full day in Utah. That makes me sad for a variety of reasons. But in true Kristen fashion, I am going out with a bang. A day or so ago breakfast plans with friends didn't pan out, so today was the day! It was great because we had a large group of people and it was really fun.

I was skeptical at first because the plan was to meet at Black Bear Diner- about 45 minutes away from where everyone lives. But I am glad we did because breakfast was amazing! The diner is a small chain that started in northern California. I kind of recall seeing other locations in such random places like Bullhead City, AZ. My family almost ate there before but the lines were too long.

I realized I must be missing my mom because I ordered the chicken fried steak- something my mom almost always orders. My horchata quest is like her chicken fried steak quest, we are always trying to scope out the best one!

After breakfast we had some time to kill so we wandered around the mall and got a new battery for my watch. We eventually wandered down to Springville to meet my sister and her friend Jen to go to the Museum of Art. To kill more time we wandered around the Walmart there and spent some money on our generous Christmas-gift gift card from the Morris family. I am proud to announce that Ross and I are the happy owners of our very first waffle iron. I can tell I am an official big kid cos I am really wracking up the kitchen appliances.

We then met up with Rissa and her friend Jen to check out the Springville Museum of Art. The Springville MoA always surprises me. It seems like such a random (and nearly rural) place for such an attraction. But the exhibits and works within are always incredible. For such a small looking building it is really quite large inside.

One of the main exhibits, and the first we checked out was the, "30th Annual Spiritual and Religious Exhibit." Being a religious and spiritual person myself, I was pretty excited about this one. I thought of the book God Is In the Mountain by Ezra Jack Keats. Meaning, there are so many different interpretations and personal beliefs that were expressed in the exhibit. It was really cool to see such a diverse display of art.

I did what you are supposed to at museums and made sure to take lots of crappy pictures of beautiful pieces of art.

These first two kind of go with each other I feel like. I've been thinking recently about how so many women hurt to belong. I love that my beliefs and upbringing give me confidence and joy in who I am. Maybe that's why I felt so drawn to these.





As we walked up to this exhibit Ross chuckled a little because he already knew that I liked it. It was behind glass so you can't see it spectacularly in this picture. It is done in a bright Latin American style. The bottom right corner shows, "The Descent of the Holy Ghost," and as the artist mentions, "many people from all five continents are shown in unity."



This was one of Ross's favorites. If you look closely you can see a phoenix emerging from the sun in the wolf's mouth. Also it is based on a Norse myth so he probably liked that too.



I was immediately drawn to this one because of the color (Salvation Mountain?!). But I liked the artist's description as well. I know the descriptions are hard to read without zooming in. The last part reads, "It is imperative that we are keenly aware of the straight and narrow path and do all we can to stay within the straight lines in midst of the temptations of life."



These three are all very intriguing in different ways. The first one, "The Cemetery of the Forgotten Books," really drew me in. I loved the frame with all the books, and the purples and pinks in the painting. THEN I realized she's almost 90 years old and her father was in Franco's army during the Spanish Civil war and I was speechless. What a life to live. I would love to see her other artwork and the stories they tell.

I took quite a bit of time on the middle painting with the hummingbird, "Above the Brambles of Life." The artist's description, "Something amazing happened when we free ourselves from a negative habit, rid ourselves from fears or anger, resentment and frustrations that occur in our lives. We become elevated. Have a greater perspective and can keep moving to better heights of happiness and creativity. I believe the Atonement of Christ can help us achieve that."



The last was just funny. I'm not sure what that style of art is called, it reminds me of the Valyermo Monastery. This piece, "Sometimes it is hard to be dead" was one of many displayed on a wall as part of a piece about ancestors. I like the ancestor looking over the kid and thinking, "I love you and appreciate what you are doing but you are often very stupid and it aggravates the crud out of me." I think about relatives watching over me and caring about me. But this piece provided a different perspective. It makes me laugh to think that my ancestors are sometimes banging their heads against the wall cos I am a knucklehead.

They had another exhibit ending soon, "Family Vacation." The retro and vintage inspired travel theme was fun. But what I found the most breathtaking were paintings of Utah landscapes. It is such a beautiful state!



They museum also had a section with children's artwork. It was pretty cool to see some of the amazing works of art elementary school aged kids made! These kids have some serious talent. One of my favorites is the little shepherd boy sitting with a his little lamb and looking up towards the star.



The last exhibit we checked out, and primary purpose for the visit since it was ending so soon, was a display of parable paintings by Liz Lemon Swindle.



Each set had an ancient and modern interpretation of the parable. Her paintings are breathtaking. I can't even begin to comprehend a masterpiece like that. Which, in and of itself was a cool lesson to think about when looking at religious paintings and paintings of Christ.

My favorites were The Good Samaritan,



And I Would Gather Thee



Obviously the pictures don't do them justice. That's why you go to a museum. But I took them anyway so I could remember the thoughts I had while I looked at them. The lighting, the emotions, and mostly the tender care from our Savior that is so wonderfully portrayed.

Throughout the museum they have interactive portions. This one you could take an inspirational quote from the jar and then write one of your own to hang on the wall. Not sure if this kid got the memo but it summed up my experience at the museum very well, "I liket err ething" Because indeed, I did like everything!

Afterwards Rissa told us about this really cool diner that we just had to go to. We joked about what a must-try place would look like in Springville, but it was a really cool place. Art City Trolley is a hip little diner inside of an old trolley! Did I mention that it's hip? Also the food was great. I got a spicy avocado chicken sandwich with a side of mac n cheese. Rissa got us all a plate of rosemary garlic fries that were amazing. Nice and thin and crispy.



We hung around and chatted for a while before we had to get going but it was great to try a new place and see an old place with new (exhibits) stuff. I can't believe it is already time to get back to real life back home. I don't want to!

The Freak-out!... I mean... Force Awakens

There is no doubt about it- I married a nerd. However, "nerd" is a very loose and all-encompassing term. For as long as I have known Ross, I had no idea how deep his Star Wars nerdery ran. I thought that was left up to his brother Mark. No way. So for his birthday I gave him the complete Star Wars saga on blu ray and we have been working our way through all 6 films. Ross also used his birthday-gifted AMC gift card to buy tickets for the evening release of The Force Awakens as soon they were available online.

Thursday evening soon after work we were off to Riverside to get in line for our 10:30pm showing. The line was already pretty long and we heard that some people were there as early as 2:00 pm. We waited for about 2.5 hours in the freezing cold.



The lines were outside on top of the parking structure. I sent Ross to go get us some hot chocolate with our never ending Starbucks gift cards. He surprised me with a Teavana white chocolate peppermint tea that I fell in love with the other day.



I've been sick and my throat has been killing me. The drinks felt so good on my throat. And they made the time go a lot faster too!

Once they let us in the theater it was the classic scramble for seats. Luckily we found a two together!

The energy in the theater was insane. Almost tangible. Wookie cries, cheers, boos (at the Star Trek preview). Also boos every time a new preview started. GIVE US OUR MOVIE ALREADY! So funny. When the Lucas Film Ltd. image appeared I think people might've shed tears of joy. You could feel the excitement running through your body. Then the theme music and the title... grown men were giggling.

It was even more incredible than I could've possibly imagined. I was blown away. It was such a fun time and it had the usual awesome balance of action, comedy, and even a tiny bit of rommance, all while paying tribute to the original three and even the six as a whole. I'm helplessly in love with Rey, and BB8...... and Fin, and Poe....

I came home and got to work on giving myself a Rey hairstyle. Totally legit to go to work like this right?!

Soooo when comes the part when I get to watch it again? 

DTLA

Friday afternoon Ross picked me up from work. Exhausted, I was excited because I knew I had a 4-day weekend upon me! But then the most beautiful thing happened.

ROSS TOLD ME HE HAD MONDAY OFF.

I think I choked. On my own breath. Maybe I zoned off into Lala Land of Impossibility. I don't know how long I was gone. But when I came to, I still didn't have many words. I tried to act cool.

"WANNA DO SOMETHING?!"

So we set some plans, mostly centered around Ross's recent hot dog craving. I personally crave two kinds of hot dogs. 1. LA hot dogs and 2. Jdawgs.

When you need a hot dog. You need a hot dog. So I got that boy a hot dog.

But not before stopping in downtown LA first. I've been to the flower market, and I've been to to classier part of downtown, lots of parts of it. Even the Skid Row part of it. But I never spent time in the fashion/garment district area.

It's all a bit overwhelming. Bloggers love to tell you their tips and tricks for fabric steals. But take it with a grain of salt because I felt like I was being bulldozed by 1,000 huge rolls of fabric on every corner.



How you grab said fabric out of the center of these rows, I do not know. No one is getting through this exit for a while.



But it was fun just walking around amongst it all. I kinda felt like I needed to leave some bread crumbs somewhere but luckily everything in DTLA is a grid and pretty easy to navigate even if it all starts looking the same after awhile.

The area isn't just for fabric though. This one shop (well, more than one) was dedicated to trimmings, ribbons, chains, jewels, rhinestones- almost floor to ceiling.

We also checked out Moskatel's, a huge warehouse style Michaels. They had huge Halloween displays including a haunted swamp shack surrounded by bubbling smoking water.



Craft items as far as the eye can see! Including probably 100 different floral arrangement cards!

Santee Alley ain't what it used to be, but you gotta walk down it just for the experience. $3 leggings and shoes and knock-off Mac make-up galore.



This Yelp review of Santee Alley, "Now I know what it's like to be sober in Tijuana. Guess i can check that off the bucket list of stuff I never wanted to do." Bahaha.



Last minute before we split for some hot dogs, we found a knock-off perfume shop. I always get a kick out of knock-off names (see proof here). So I was having the time of my life browsing.

U-GO BOOS.



I almost had tears rolling down my cheeks. I'm currently obsessed with Juicy Coture's Viva La Juicy. I found a sufficient knock-off and for $5 snatched it right up. This is perfect for me cos then I get to try out the scent without full monetary and day-long-effervescence commitment.

On our way back we cut through the Flower Market which was closing, but still fun to catch a glimpse of the busy-ness from earlier that morning.



Next we rolled over to the aforementioned Pink's hot dogs. An LA necessity.



I once saw it on a list of overrated things in LA. I was personally offended on both moral and emotional levels. Then I promptly lost offensive by drowning myself in a hot dog smothered in all sorts of guacamole and nacho cheese. Pink's hot dogs are my spirit animal. Or maybe the bacon on top of those fries.



I've been wanting to explore Los Angeles's beach communities a little more. For as long as I've been going to beaches here, I don't have much variety. Today seemed the perfect day to visit Manhattan beach.






It's the middle of October but still really hot.



We walked out on the pier but mostly just wanted to jump into the waves.



So we did the next best thing and visited a cute little ice cream and candy shop. They had pretty tasty looking cupcakes but our eyes were on the homemade ice cream sandwiches.



They were divine. Why can't every day be a day off?

Senior Citizens' Guide to Punk Concerts

You're getting old. And that's okay. But someone needs to tell you things aren't working like they used to.

That's me. You're welcome. 

Although you are aging, that doesn't mean that you can no longer have fun. Let's say, you find a magical punk rock line-up in a venue about 20 minutes from your location. You should definitely go. But not without some advice. Remember, you're not the young gun you were at Warped Tour '97. 

Blue skies, dirt, and marijuana-heavy air, it's festival time!

BEFORE YOU GO: 

• What to wear. You may not fit your Reel Big Fish t shirt from high school but go ahead and squeeze into your record store shirt from college, if you'd like. Don't worry about what you wear. You're a punk. You do what you want. A little extra eyeliner won't hurt though. 

I realize I look about 16 in this selfie, but you should still listen to my advice

• Take your meds. Your heart meds, your thyroid tablets, your allergy pills. Take an extra one of those cos you know there will be black boogers for days if you're anywhere near that circle pit. You're likely to get sore muscles from standing and rocking out. And a headache from the loud music. Extended release pain killers are your friend. 

AT THE VENUE: 

• Yeah you're a punk. But even punks gotta follow rules to get in to the venue. Read the FAQ and understand what you can take in. But know that you are never too old for slight of hand. If the caps need to be off your water bottles in order to be brought in, do it. But hide those caps because you can't afford to buy new bottles inside. You never actually grew up and got a real job so you gotta make the money from your desk job last. 

It's not punk without pot! Feel free to take the kiddos to the kiddie section with carnie games and over-sized inflatables. 

Or just throw them on your shoulders and rock out!

• Sunscreen. You've probably already had a skin cancer scare by now so you know how important it is to take care. Sunscreen every hour, or two sets, depending on the sun strength. Don't forget your bald/ balding spot. Though you'll fare best with a hat. 

• The nice thing about being old and fat is that you no long have to worry about the young guns taking you medium or small merch. Relax! Your XXXL shirts will still be there after the show. But be warned that kids these days are really getting in to vinyl so if you need records look out for those first. 

GREEN MEANS GO: 

You're all sunscreen'd up, your chucks are remembering these bless'd days. You made it through security and you are here. Now: 

• Know your limits. I'm sure you used to be a hardcore mosher. But you might want to consult with your physician before participating. But also rest assured there will always be someone younger, also probably someone fatter and drunker than you in the pit. You could probably split the difference and be just fine. Start with a light ska song like Fishbone. If you fall, there will always be a hand to pick you up, and a lot less 'bows than an Anti-Flag circle pit. Work your way up. 

Sweaty skaning tattos and hazy dirty circle pit air

• Take breaks. Don't push it. No one here judges you.

Sunscreen in your eyes, filthy sweat. Are we having fun yet?!

• So sit down and work your way into that shade the port-a-potties provide. You need it. Grab some TP from the the Less Than Jake show as it shoots out of a jimmy-rigged leaf blower. You never know when you might need some. 

• Take pictures. With your recent changes in, um... memory recollection, it will help you remember all the fantastic bands you saw. 

Bouncing Souls, Goldfinger, Fishbone, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake!

• But after a few, put that camera away and just ROCK OUT! -You've still got it! (sorta)

AFTERCARE.

There was a time you could drag your semi dead half-wasted body home and be cool by 9am the next day. That day is no more. Throw on that ultra sick, newly pressed and re-released, $10-bin-find, favorite album (maybe ever), vinyl and just be cool. You made it. And it was way worth it.