I'm Laura!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

It's been too long...

For blogs and for shows, the last show I went to was last year in London (Of Montreal), and before that it was Clap Your Hands Say Yeah in DC a million years ago. I forgot the high you can get from a good show. Dancing and being sucked into the moment, shedding the outside world like sun burnt skin. When I heard Mates of State was going to be in Salt Lake, I knew I had to be there! Mates of States are one of my all-time favorite bands. I was introduced to them via my best friend Kelsie and I’ll always love her for that among other things. No matter what kind of foul mood I’m in, no matter how sad or downtrodden I get, all I have to do is put on Mates of State and within a few minutes I can’t help but be happy!

So, excitement in had I set out to get a ticket- three attempts later I got one! But then, three days before the show I drove the 4 hours to Provo, using all the money I had left for gas, and lo and behold- I forgot my ticket! Friends offered various solutions- overnight it (but that would cost as much as the ticket, and as I previously mentioned, I was broke beyond belief), send it with an airport shuttle driver (but that seemed pretty complicated), drive back and get it, buy a new one, etc. Finally, when all anxiety had enveloped me, my mother who is currently in Europe, offered the solution: Brother Brown is driving up to Ogden! So, after all the stress my ticket was delivered 5 minutes from my house in Ogden for free! Thank you mom!

The day of the show was pretty great- I got my favorite lemon and play-dough ice cream from Farr’s and I got to hang out with my buddy Marie. The drive to my cousins in South Jordan was okay, despite the two “detours” I took…and then it was on to Salt Lake to get my cousins ticket. Ticket in hands we headed to The Venue.

The first act was a magician, err well, a juggler…not my favorite thing…I don’t like magicians, jugglers, comedians…any of those things live…they give me anxiety! (Unless I know they’re going to be great like Brian Reagan or something) Did they mean to do that? No one laughed and I feel bad! What if he drops the knife? Uggh, I can’t handle it- also I always feel bad for not laughing or reacting in the way the performer desires…I shouldn’t feel pressure whilst being “entertained.” Anyway, I survived the 1st act and it was on to the opening act, Free Energy! Free Energy were great performers and they seemed to really appreciate me and my cousins sweet dancing and enthusiasm. At one point the lead singer pointed at Eimile and was like, yeah! And one of the guitarists was way into us, lots of looking from him… Their music and performing were great and so was their stage presence. Our favorite member, one of the guitarists and back-up vocals had a feather in his guitar and great shoes. He just looked like he was having so much fun! Every time I looked he was doing something interesting or smiling.

Then on to Mates of State! Woo, they were great. In the begging of the show I felt like crying because all of the emotions I felt listening to them over the years swelled in me at once! It was awesome and I danced the whole time, “scrapping it up and loving every minute of it.” I loved how names kept looking at each other, winking, mouthing things to each other, just looking at each other the whole time! And I love the way the look, like birds! And I mean that in the best way possible, like fashion crows! And a couple times when they got on and off stage I got some full body brushes from Jason and Kori! I totally put my hand out casually so I got some thigh action from Jason…bwahaha! Here's a sample of Mates of State doing a cover from their new album/tour: http://www.youtube.com/matesofstate#p/a/u/0/PkihJre9tOo

After the show Eimile and I got out gear and signatures from Free Energy. The lead singer signed Eimile’s poster and his name is Paul, but Eimile thought he wrote BOOB, so that was awesome. Then we went outside to find Mates of State and they were gone. Eimile said let’s just go, but I wanted a dang picture!!! So we waited for a few minutes and a stage guy walked by- I asked him if the band was coming out and he said he’d get them! So they came out and I was a total dork and felt like an idiot, but I got a picture Eimile told them how she got in a car wreck listening to them, haha. Also Kori said my glasses were cool.

I was a little bummed about this stupid girl and not getting Mates autographs, but the picture was good so I’m cool. So yeah, it was awesome and Eimile plan to go to many shows in the future! WOO! If you’re in, let me know :) Band of Horses- this September!!!

Here's a video i took, it's real short

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Movie trailers

Who needs the gym? I've got my very own personal trainer!

Meet my new trainer.

When I want to walk- he makes me run. Today I said, "Duke, I'm not feeling so good, I just want to walk." Dukes response- making me run uphill.

For a cool down we stretch in the lawn together. It's love.

ps. Duke isn't mine, he's my landlords...

Stealing tommorrow from today

I can't get enough of the Great Lake Swimmers. They're smooth mellow magic is like a long bath. Letting your head sink in the water. Holding your breath and submerging. Blocking out the sound of the world and listening to your heartbeat. Watching the steam rise from your body and dissapearing.

Their new video is wonderful too. It reminds me of camping at Andrea's cabin in Pine Valley, Utah. One time I was there with the usual crowd, we were all just hanging out in the morning. I wandered a little ways off and found some super tall grass. Everyone saw me walk into the grass, and then I was gone. I dissapeared and melted into the earth. I watched spiders build their webs and flies flit around. I let an inch worm inch up my arm. A little green spider, which I of course name Mortimer, took a journey across my legs. I heard everyone say, "Where did Laura go? She just disappeared," I loved it.

I guess I need to find a field...

Post script: My birthday's coming...and I don't have the new GLS album.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

KALE KARROT KOOL

Last night I had strange dreams again...they feel like they were good, and they always leave me thinking about someone in particular. I can't remember the particulars, but they seem strange.

Breakfast smoothie: I felt extra green today, so kale, carrots and carrot tops, strawberries, grapefruit, orange, banana, parsley

Maybe it is too green...oh well, it feels good!

Today's prognosis: good. I feel good and I'm super excited for this month, and next month and the next...haha!

Time to make the t bone pinanta...ps, I blurred my address bc this blog is public. Call if you want info.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Summer Goals

Last summer I made a to-do list and it was way to long and...too much. This year, considering that I haven't even finished my classes...my list is going to be more do-able. So here goes
1. Go to Mates of State show!
http://smithstix.com/events/item/root/matesofstate
2. MEAT party (May for my birthday, when Kate comes)
3. Hang out with my new niece Molly
4. Go on walks
5. Mustache party (July when Kelsie comes!)
6. Give one-eyed Nana her other eye
7. Finish my secret project (I'd elaborate, but it's secret)
8. CAMP
9. Hike
10. Have fun
11. Tennis
12. Swim
13. Paint the mini horse mountain book
14. Gilgal gardens

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Amazing Day!

So I'm feeling good! Last night was a good night- BBQ/dance party with friends and cousins- check. Good times- check. Good night’s sleep- check! Good dreams- check!

Try again...

No....

Almost there...

GOT IT! Here's a lovely picture of Hillary, Me and Megan at the BBQ/dance party.

Party girls!

So this morning I started the day with sleeping in- it was glorious! After I woke up I made a fruit smoothie and did the dishes from last night. Then I cleaned my room and got dressed (my green dress that I love, whites tights, and brown loafers. Once my room and me were all clean I made the perfect sandwich. Lettuce, mayo, mustard, avocado, cucumbers and black olives- heaven!

Post sandwich I headed over to Weber State to check out the senior art show- it was AWESOME! Did I mention the perfect weather- well the weather was perfect.

I liked the interpretation of these photos into this stringy stuff...I don't think it's a part of the senior show, but it was still cool

I loved this, again I don't think it was part of the senior show- just student work. It's metal and wood.

I loved this show- flowers with mixed media and watercolor stuff.

This last piece totally reminded me of Anna's 3d project that was a ball of barbed wire and wood:

This show was something great to look at! Big red balloons and mixed media collages!

I liked this piece of one of the works:

This collection was flowers with womens legs. I loved the vibe!

After the show I wandered around the art building in search of ideas and visual treats:

The reason I liked this one is because those flowers are 3d added on flowers. I just liked the idea of having part of it pop- literally!

I liked this because I'm taking pictures like this all the time- so I think I should make a collage of them! Maybe paint one even!

After my grand art trip (it’s got me excited to create this summer!) I headed back home to do homework. HA, change of plans. After a little facebook break I headed back out to find some picture frames at the DI. But what’s this?! On my way out I check the mail and I got 2 Netflixes and a book from Anna Reeve Johnson! Nice! I love the book (it’s a sort of art task and adventure book- so look forward to seeing some pictures of my art adventures and tasks!) BTW, this book is perfect for me right now. This is JUST what I need in my life right now. It may seem silly, but I really do think sometimes God puts thoughts in our heads like, "Hey, Anna, you're not using that book- you should send it to Laura."

Possible glitch in the perfect day? I can’t find the DI! Who cares, turn around and head back to that thrift store I got my sparkly dress at! One frame found- check! Amazing woodcut cards (3 for $.25!)- check! Cat/menopause gift/joke- check! Excess Baggage (my favorite movie lately that I keep watching on Netflix instant play)- check!

What’s next? Go home? No way! How about a turn on 25th? Antique store!? I’m there! Who should I meet? Cool girl with similar glasses and nice hair from elementary math class! She’s an artist too? There’s a gallery upstairs and I get a private viewing?-check! Meander antique store, chat with owner- check! See a Joan Fontaine autographed picture I can’t afford, but would love to have- check! Soak up the ambiance, inspiration and ideas- check!