Life.
One Story at a Time.
Recent Read
Sometimes a book finds you right when you need it and I needed this one. The story of a bookshop owner and the people that visit the shop that speaks about happiness, work, and having balance in your life. I think that this is my favourite book that I have read so far this year…which is saying a lot because I have read some great books. I related to the characters and this is the most I have ever underlined in a book. There was so much said that has been on my mind or that has helped me understand thoughts that I have had. This was the perfect book for me.
Current Listen
Been listening to a lot of Taylor Swift….I even bought all her albums on vinyl. My current 13 favourite Taylor Swift songs are (in no particular order):
Cruel Summer
Enchanted
All to Well
Fifteen
Delicate
Marjorie
I Hate it Here
This is Me Trying
You’re On Your Own Kid
Wildest Dreams
The Prophecy
Mastermind
New Year’s Day
Ron Sexsmith
I believe that Ron Sexsmith is one of the most loved but least hyped singer/songwriters. He has 17 albums and some of the most beautiful and heartfelt songs. He has never hit it big but is well loved within the music scene.
I discovered him one morning when I was in High School. I used to sit on the arm of my Mom’s chair and watch Much More Music while I waited for the bus. One day the song Gold in Them Hills came on. It wasn’t even the original version, it was a remix that featured Chris Martin of Coldplay. I don’t really like Coldplay but the song really stuck out to me. I eventually found the original version and the album that it is on, Cobblestone Runway, and from there I was hooked.
Not long after I introduced my brother to Ron Sexsmith and we both became fans. The first time that I ever got to see someone live at Massey Hall it was Ron Sexsmith with my brother. It was an amazing show and this past Thursday we were able to repeat the experience by attending Ron’s 60th birthday show at Massey Hall.
A lot has changed since that first time including a renovated Massey Hall but Ron Sexsmith songs are just the same. Beautiful, heartfelt and I love them.
Taylor Swift
My Taylor Swift Eras.
Hawksley Workman
When I was in high school I watched the Much Music Countdown every Friday night. I remember it was in the basement of my childhood home when I first saw the video for this song called Anger As Beauty by Hawksley Workman. I really liked the song, however, he never became one of my favourites. I had never seen him live, but I always liked whatever I heard of him. I believe that the album that Anger As Beauty in on, Lover/Fighter, was the only of his that I ever fully listened too. So here I am 20 years later sitting in The Danforth Music hall hearing Anger As Beauty live for the first time. What a trip. A last minute ticket purchase pulling all the nostalgia…he still sound exactly the same.
Amplified Echos
Back in March I purchased 2 tickets for the Amplified Echos tour, a tour with co-headliners Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra. I had seen both bands separately the year before and buying the tickets was a no brainer. However, there was one band that I was more excited to see.
Since July 2022, when I first saw them live, my love/obsession for Manchester Orchestra has grown. I listen to them every day and have learned so much more about the band. I spent a lot of time listening to their first three albums and Mean Everything to Nothing is now one of my favourites. You can imagine my excitement during the weeks leading up to seeing them again.
The day of the show I found it difficult to concentrate, but I made it through and soon enough my brother and I were off to Echo Beach.
Jimmy Eat World was up first and I’m glad that they were. They helped to fuel my excitement. They played a great set and I didn’t look at my watch too much in anticipation. I really enjoyed their set and I could see them better than the last time I saw them.
Once Jimmy was done we moved closer to the stage, I wanted to be sure that I could see Andy Hull and the rest of the band well. During the stage change over I got pumped to see Angel Dog a figure that sits on one the amps during every show.
Once everything was set the lights went down and out came the band. The beginning of Pride started and I think that I left my body for a moment. All my anticipation and excitement was being released. I’m not sure that I can describe how I felt in the moment but I had a huge smile on my face and I dance and sang. It was amazing.
The whole set was amazing. I loved every second of it. I forgot for a moment that we were outside…It felt like this group of people were all in own world. I didn’t want it end, but with all good things this to came to and end. I didn’t know what to do with myself - I could have watched them play the same set again right away.
I ended up buying a bunch of merch and walking home. It took me a while to wind down. I was on a high. I wasn’t able to listen or watch anything else, I just sat and thought about how amazing Manchester Orchestra was.
When you love something so much and your expectations are so high it is nice to have them met or in this case exceeded.
I don’t see my obsession lessoning any time soon as I have had A Black Mile to the Surface on repeat this week. I will just have to wait and see what they will do next and when I can see them again.
Happy Birthday Bono!
Hamilton
Three years ago when the pandemic was right at the beginning I received an email to let me know that the performance of Hamilton I had a ticket for was cancelled.
Lose You Again
A couple of weeks ago Manchester Orchestra released a new EP called The Valley of Vision. There is a film that that accompanies it and my first listen was while watching the film. The song that really got me was the second last titled Lose You Again. I have never before teared up during the first listen to a song but I did that night. I think that it was a combination of how beautiful the music is and how beautiful the visuals are in the film. The chorus reminds me of a hymn and the song builds in such a subtle way and it is so hauntingly melancholy, which something that the rest of the songs on the EP share. The Valley of Vision, and Lose You Again, have been on repeat.
“I've been reading for a minute now
Fairly sure it's somewhere in the story
Every moment on the same routine
Same as now, tonight, and in the morning”
These boots are made for walking
Nothing better then getting a new pair of boots for free! It pays to go to the official Blundstone store.
I know that I haven’t posted for a while but I am hoping to get back into the swing of things. Until then I finally posted about all the shows I went to in fall. I hope you enjoy.
Connections in Cemeteries
This fall I visited three cemeteries in Toronto.
Lake Days
What is the perfect summer day?
Happy 3rd Anniversary Holo Taco
The story of my nail polish journey.
Manchester Orchestra
Have you ever teared up when a seeing a band for the first time? That was what happened to me on Saturday. It was the first time that I got to see my new favourite band Manchester Orchestra and as soon as the first song began I felt the tears in my eyes. There was a period last year that I listened to the album The Million Masks of God at least once a day, I’m pretty sure it was two months straight, and to hear the songs live was overwhelming. I loved every second of this show, it was over way too fast, and I still can’t believe that I got to see them.
I have to thank my brother for telling to listen to Manchester Orchestra last year. He recommends a lot of music to me but something about how grand the music is and Andy Hull’s vocals and lyrics made love this band more than most. I remember the day it clicked for me. I had listened to The Million Mask of God twice while working but decided to put it on while I went for a walk. It was during the song Angel of Death that I stopped in my tracks and thought to myself “I think that this is the best thing that I have ever heard.” I am so glad that they played it along with my favourite song Bed Head which has the most amazing bridge
I felt so emotional when the show was over. I can’t really explain it but I was so glad to have my brother with me so that I could share my joy with him. I don’t think that this show with ever be topped.
My Toronto Reniassnce
Sometimes books hit hard.
Superchunk
My brother and I have been talking about going to see Superchunk for so long, he got me into them about 10 years ago and I had been hoping to see them since. Superchunk hadn’t played Toronto for about 12 years but they had just released a new album, Wild Loneliness, and when the show was announced my brother didn’t even ask me before getting us tickets. This was a show that was made for me. It was a smaller club, so I could see the stage the entire time, it was super high energy, and they played all 4 of the songs that where on my song Wishlist. I loved every second of this show. I danced my ass off and sang along at the top of lungs. There was this feeling…it is hard to describe but I felt happy and free, I didn’t want it end. Superchunk is the sort of show that I love, that made me feel like me…I know that doesn’t make sense but I don’t care. I think that this might be my favourite show of the year so far, and I have seen some really great shows so far. Thinking about it makes my heart feel so full because it was so fantastic.
Phoebe Bridgers
This show was a bit different…It started with a really long line and the vibe was sort of strange, but the music was great. When we got to the show the line was super long, I have never seen anything like it before. We decided to wait in the car until the line moved a bit and after waiting almost an hour we went and got into line. The line took another half hour and when we got in we noticed that the merch line was also really long. We learned as we waited that there was a large group of fans that had camped out over night and that had run for the barricades. We had noticed that there was a lot of garbage left behind. We ended up just chilling at the very back, not the best view but it ended up being a better place to be.
Overall Phoebe was great. She put on a good show. She played all the songs that you could have wanted to hear and the stage looked really cool. I have to say that if you are at the back and you can’t really see the performer very well having an interesting stage set up is really great. I loved that the screen showed popup books for each song and the visual was really cool. However, Phoebe had to stop 5 times because the medics had to be called to someone in the crowd. I don’t wish ill on anyone but it sort of felt like the fans that camped out and crowded so close to front brought it on themselves. Anyway, it sort of ruined the flow of the show and it made it difficult to get into a good groove. It felt like Phoebe might have been feeling the same way…I can’t imagine that starting songs over that many times would feel good.
In the end Phoebe Bridgers was great but the fans sort of ruined the vibe.
Metz
When your brother texts to say that he is heading to a free outdoor concert and do you want to go…you go. On Saturday Metz played a free show at a street festival on Dundas West. I had never listened to Metz but they are one of my brother’s favourite bands so I knew that it would good. Even though I didn’t know any of their music, Metz sure did not disappoint. It was high energy and everyone there was having as good time. This is why I love Toronto…you never know what could be happening a 15 minute walk from home. I don’t have a song for you this time because this was the first time that I heard Metz. I am going to check them out and so should you.
Haim
Tonight I saw the band Haim. This was the second time that I have seen them live and they do not disappoint. Three sisters from Los Angeles who all play multiple instruments and sing. Their songs are catchy and make me want to dance. Live music is so great, it makes you feel connected and like you are part of something. Tonight the group of people that surrounded me was enthusiastic, dancing and singing along at the top of their lungs. They energized me and made the experience even more enjoyable. This was my first outdoor show of the season and it felt so good. The weather was perfect, fairly warm so that I didn’t feel cold at all. It was lovely to walk home and see the lights of the city. It’s nights like these that make me love Toronto.
Tessa Violet
If you have ever forgotten what enthusiasm feels like go to a concert where there are a lot of young people, that is what I did last night. I wasn’t seeing the the headliner, instead I went for the opener Tessa Violet. I have been following Tessa for a really long time, before she was even a musician and was a vlogger on YouTube. I thought it was really cool when she started to write songs and have continued to follow her through her journey. She now has a couple albums under her belt and has toured plenty. I had not had the chance to see her so when I saw that she was opening for someone I decided to go to see her set. While Tessa is only couple years younger than I am the headliner was not. This concert drew a very young crowd. I felt a little old standing in with the teens and university students, when I did see an older person they were always with a younger person (parents!). However it did not stop me from enjoying the music. I danced and sang and left before the headliner. Classic. Here is a Tessa Violet song from a livestream event she did during covid. She really has a presence on stage and I look forward to seeing what she does next.
Eggs and Family
Remembering colouring eggs with my family on Good Friday.
Pop the Champagne
I am celebrating an anniversary
Nothing Changes
Have you ever listened to a song multiple times but then one day it just hits differently? That was me last week with the song Nothing Changes by Pup. I have listened to this song plenty but last week it felt like I heard the end of this song like it was brand new. At this part of the song it quiets and the lyrics really shine through. It is just a couple of lines but I could not relate more.
“And even if the wait is long
And all the words are wrong
Put the recorder on and I’ll begin again
I just need a quiet lull
Some books and alcohol
To get me through the night, then I’ll begin again”
Caring
My brother introduced me to Jeff Rosenstock and the song Caring about a month ago. It hit me hard at the time and I still think about it a lot. It is the best song written about Covid that I have heard. The last line always gets me: “Caring makes you feel like a chump when you see someone else who doesn’t want to.” I thought that this song was apt for the day that Mask Mandates where dropped here in Ontario.
Happy Birthday Granny!
Cheers!
You’re True
Do you ever dream about celebrities? Sometimes I do and most recently I dreamed about hanging out with Eddie Vedder. He is my oldest and still current celebrity crush. I haven’t dreamed about him for a long time but it was nice to spend some time with him in my dream. In case you were wondering we were getting a drink together at the Royal York. Anyway, I woke up with the song You’re True in my head and it was a nice surprise. I haven’t listened to that song for a while and it is still so good. The best off of Ukulele Songs. If you didn’t know Eddie Vedder has a new album out and it is pretty good. If you want to hear You’re True click the link below.
Fun in the Snow
On a cold winter day
Not a Love Song
Over the years I have tried to find some songs that are not love songs. Songs that make you feel empowered as a single person. There’s not a lot of them but I have found a few. Some still have to do with a break up or wanting someone back but I think the sentiment is there. Please enjoy my Not a Love Song Playlist.
A Day for Love
Celebrating Valentine’s Day
I Guess I’ll Go For A Walk Today
It was so cold out
New Year, New Me?
Time to move into the New Year.
I Love A Christmas Carol
Something to watch and something to read.
Bah Humbug
Sometimes it is hard to get into the Christmas spirit
Keeping it Clean
Sometimes you have to take care of yourself
When the band’s done playing
Time to head home
This is For People Who Know What Rock-n-Roll is About
Time to rock out!
Remember When
When connections hit close to home.
Happy Halloween
Do I love or hate Halloween?
Lady Liberty
My first vist to New York.
Happy Thanksgiving
A story about Thanksgiving past.
A Week Touring Toronto.
New blog post chronicling the week I spent visiting historical landmarks in Toronto.
This is 35.
My first blog post!