Life lately

I feel like the small amount of photos shown here in this post doesn't even begin to paint a picture of how crazy the past few weeks have been. But maybe the lack of my posts all last week illustrate that instead? Sorry about being MIA, btw.

Anyhow, things have been hectic, but fun. I think we've just been to one show in the past 3 weeks, which was to see Rayland Baxter, as I mentioned in this post. That same weekend, J and I met up with some friends in Chattanooga, Tennessee so that Shannon and I could run the 4 Bridges Half Marathon. It was a pretty good race for the both of us, ending in a PR of 1:57 for me and a PR of 2:00 for Shannon. I've never hit a sub 2 hour half marathon, so I was pretty psyched and celebrated with a killer breakfast from Food Works.

And of course we had to stop and "See Rock City" on the way up. It was a pretty touristy thing to do, but somehow I had never been and neither had J, so it had to be done. It turned out to be the most beautiful day with perfect weather so it was nice to be outside and we also saw a pretty amazing view from up top.

I guess since I talked J into Rock City, I let him talk me into going to Atrox Factory, which is a local haunted house near Bham. I am so NOT into scary things whether it be movies, haunted houses, anything like that. But I took one for the team and we ended up having a really good time with my friends Joy and Justin. I just made sure to keep my eyes closed and hang on for dear life while walking through the attraction. It turned out to be a good strategy since I am currently still sleeping at night! :)

We've also managed to take excellent advantage of the incredible weather and we've been out into the great outdoors a lot over the past couple of weekends. I did a trail run and cookout with the BUTS group (Birmingham Ultra Trail Running Society) at Oak Mountain, plus we've climbed with Beth at Moss Rock and Horse Pens 40 and also took a camping trip up to Desoto State Park last weekend. It's clearly been a great fall so far and I expect many more camping and climbing trips in the future. Stay tuned!

Music Monday: Rayland Baxter

So if you're trying to save some cash by not attending quite as many shows as you'd like to, one thing you should never ever do is listen to an artist's album that you like who is also coming in town.

Yep, I knew Rayland Baxter was coming in town to open up for Holly Williams (yes, of the Hank Williams Jr. & Sr. lineage) and I told myself I needed to save some dough. I had to start making choices somewhere and not see every single show that came in town that I was interested in. Plus, I wasn't feeling well last week and I needed rest. So I told myself I needed to stay home anyhow.

And then I listened to his album Feathers & Fish Hooks (which I listed as a current obsession back in May) and I knew I didn't stand a chance staying away from Workplay last Thursday night. So after J and I had dinner, I threw out the idea of the Rayland Baxter show, and he was down, so off we went. And honestly, I don't regret spending the money at all.

Rayland Baxter at Workplay in Birmingham on October 17, 2013.

I got to hear a lot of new songs Rayland had apparently been working on, plus some of my favorites from his aforementioned album. He was much more interactive with the audience than I would've expected and was quite funny.

I was also really suprised at how young he seemed to be in person. Judging by his song writing ability and his lyrics, he sounds to me like someone who's seen more of the world than I have. I assumed that was due to age, but now I think otherwise.

We also stayed to hear some of Holly's set and I think I enjoyed her more than J did. Mostly I was impressed that she has so much pressure of the big boots to fill (of her dad and grandad) and she seems to not feel that pressure at all. I think she's just out there doing what she enjoys and not trying to live up to anyone's expectations but her own. Seriously impressive in my book.

To make a long story short, it was money well spent and if Rayland comes to your town, I think you should check him out.

Music Monday: Current Obsessions

Artist:  Wake Owl
Album: Wild Country EP (listen to a sample here. Full EP is on Spotify)
Why I love it: It's just pretty and peaceful. Plus these kids know how to build a song and use a good crescendo.
Favorite song(s): Wild Country, Gold
For fans of: Milo Greene, JBM

Artist:  Rayland Baxter

Album: Feathers & Fish Hooks

Why I love it: He writes the most beautiful descriptive songs.

Favorite song(s): Olivia, Good Friend

For fans of: John Mayer's latest album, Dawes

Artist:  Justin Timberlake

Album: The 20/20 Experience (Full album is on Spotify)

Why I love it: Um, we've been waiting years for this. Does it really need an explanation?

Favorite song(s): Don't Hold the Wall

For fans of: I mean, really?

Artist:  Great Peacock

Album: Great Peacock EP (Full EP is on Spotify)

Why I love it: Beautiful harmonies these boys are doing. 

Favorite song(s): Take Me to the Mountain

For fans of: The Lone Bellow 

Artist:  Delta Saints

Album: Death Letter Jubilee

Why I love it: It's nitty gritty soulful good stuff.

Favorite song(s): Liar, Sing to Me

For fans of: Vintage Trouble