(Lov) // MARFA, TX (Dirty Projectors)

The main reason we took this trip out to Marfa, other than my long held desire to visit West Texas, was to see the Dirty Projectors at the Crowley Theater.  It's not very often you get to see a band of this magnitude in a teeny tiny little venue that seats about 170 people.  To give you some perspective, they played a sold out show a few days later in Austin at one of it's largest venues (Stubbs).  

We got there pretty early (there's just not a whole lot to do in Marfa) and chatted up some of the people also waiting for the show.  El Paso, Dallas, Houston... most were BIG fans who had come for all over Texas.  The opening band was Wye Oak  who, despite some technical problems and obvious touring fatigue, did not disappoint.  I chose not to post those pictures as most of them were of a blurry drummer (he moves CONSTANTLY and plays the drums, keyboard, and sometimes guitar at the SAME time and a I don't use flash at shows) and a grump faced lead singer who pretty much looked like this (below) the entire time.  Nevertheless, they put on a fantastic show.

       

Over the last year, the Dirty Projectors has quickly become on of my favorite bands.  There music is complicated, multi-layered, effects laden rock with some of the most amazing vocal harmonies you will ever hear.  We had incredible seats (second row center) and the sound was perfectly mixed.  The vocals bouncing off all of the wonderful wood in the theater coupled with drama of the lights and shadows gave me goose bump multiple times. Brendan and I both agreed that this was the best show ever- true musical perfection.  

This young fellow was just a few people down from us and I don't think he would mind being called a "super fan".  He was having a true religious experience - so familiar with there songs that he was able to determine which effects were being left out of the live performance and added them by either clapping of singing.  Normally this would have annoyed me to no end, but it actually added to the experience.

After the show, I was hanging out in the merch area and doing a little "shooting from the hip" action and didn't realize I had gotten this picture until latter that night.  This guy's shirt just about sums it up.  We had such an amazing time going to a place neither of us have ever been.  We will definitely be back to West Texas (with Lydia) and hope to explore Big Bend and Chinati Hotsprings... but I think we will do it in the Spring or Fall.  :)

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // MARFA, TX (El Cosmico and El Sol)

Our second day in Marfa was spent mostly at El Cosmico.  I prefered to call it "high end camping" while Brendan like to refer to it as "low end hoteling".  Either way, it's a pretty great place to stay...but maybe not in August. 

We chose the "safari tent" which was perfect except for not having any air conditioning or fan.  During the day it gets brutally hot and it's really all about laying low and trying to escape the sun. 

There are super cute trailers scattered throughout the camp with most having a private shower or bath on the front porch. I never did peek my head inside, but was aware they also had no AC.  I can't imagine staying in one unless during winter or fall... talk about hot! 

This is one of two GIANT teepees which were both occupied the entire time during our stay.  Besides having two twin beds, I think this would be a marvelous choice the next time we come for a visit... Lydia would have such a blast running around this fun, adventurous space. 

By mid day the sun is just inescapable.   

   

Thankfully the main building (photo 1) has a common are with Wi-Fi,  a gift shop, records and a record player, great coffee table books to read, and over priced refreshments if you are desperate.

Brendan and I played "sweet checkers", messed around on our phones, and learned how to play gin thanks to a lovely employee who taught us the basics.

This is what he preferred to do (hammock time).....for hours.  

This is what I preferred to do (take pictures) ... for hours. 

And then we were off to McDonald Observatory which is home to one of the world's largest optical telescopes!

A trip to the Dollar General to get a fan made coming back home to the tent much more bearable. 

And a bottle of Champagne brought from home made it down right lovely.  

More to come...

(Lov)e,

-k. 

(Lov) // MARFA, TX (See Mystery Lights)

This is the first of three blog posts about our trip to Marfa, TX!  After the long ride from Austin, we decided to spend our first evening trying to see the famous "Mystery Lights"...   

1  //  Welcome to Marfa!

2  //  The Mystery Lights Viewing Station

3  //  Ready for the show.

4  //  A not so "mysterious light"

5  //  Information. "The more you know.... :) " 

6  //  Sunset

7  //  A very dedicated Lights enthusiast.

8  //  LEAVES and moon

9  //  MOON and leaves

10  //  Mystery Light or a car in the distance...you be the judge. 

11  //  My man.

12  //  A perfectly strange sight in a wonderfully weird town. 

More to come! 

(Lov)e, 

-k.

(Lov) // Summer Thus Far

I apologize for my absence from this blog as of late. It's been a busier Summer than in times past, so I thought I'd play a little game of catch up and share with you what we've been up to!  

We have been thoroughly enjoying the mild weather we are having here in Texas and try to spend as much time outside in the mornings and evenings as possible.  Inflatable pool, bike riding, hammock time (which sadly got stolen a few weeks ago), and BBQ are always on the agenda. 

Lydia is an absolute blast right now.  So much personality.  We have been working on our numbers, letters, and potty training.  She can count to 12 (on a good day she won't leave out 5 or 8), and she knows all of the letters and the sounds they make!  She is also almost completely potty trained... only wearing a diaper at night.  It took us a while to find the right approach, but now that we have... we are getting so excited to experience that special kind of freedom only a parent can appreciate. 

Our 4th of July was just lovely.  We spent some time with friends at a party during the day and watch the fireworks over Ladybird Lake that night.  

Nana (my Mom), Lydia and Grandma

Brendan's Mom came for a short visit from Durango, Colorado.  It was great to see her and Lydia bond and get to know each other.  

It's been a busy summer for music and Brendan has been playing constantly. I try to take Lydia to as many shows as I am able.  He has a weekly gig at Gypsy Lounge with the Trio on Sunday evenings that Lydia is obviously enjoys.  

~

I have been doing quite a bit of design work while also experiencing a busier than normal summer at the Salon.  It's been the perfect amount of work to keep me excited and moving forward.

Go HERE to find out about all the different design services I offer!

I designed THIS BLOG for Ashley Doran as well as...

refined her online image, designed her logo, and fixed her up with some killer business cards!
Take a peek at www.ashleydoran.com!

I also took some promotional pictures for Musician Wes Haynes. 

~

We've spent much needed time with friends...

and we took a small road trip to Houston. 

I have also been slowly redoing our apartment. Rearranging and adding some new "this and that's".  I will be blogging a new and improved "home tour" post once all the final pieces come together.   

Brendan and I are going to be taking a little trip out to Marfa at the beginning of next week....just the two of us! I Can't WAIT to be there and to spend some much needed alone time with my sweet man. 

THEN.....

We are off on our family trip to Oregon!!!  I can't even put into words the excitement I feel.  I will certainly be blogging our upcoming adventures... be sure of that!  I hope Summer is treating you kindly.  What fun things have you and your family been up to? 

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // Father's Day.

 The two loves of my life.  

Happy Father's Day, Brendan!

(Lov) // TWO.

Dear Lydia,


Two years ago you came into this world and made us a family.  Your Daddy and I have loved being your parents in a way that you probably won't appreciate until you have little ones of your own.  But that's ok... the best part about growing up is learning to love and be loved. You are such a delight to know with your sweet smile and your "OK!" spirit. 


You remind me of your Daddy in so many ways.  You do so enjoy being around people; their energy gets you really excited and no one remains a stranger for long.  Music is something else I believe you two will have in common...you light up when you hear it.  Just like Dada, you like sleeping on your face and you're a chatter box. You also like to take showers with your back to the water and just stand there...forever.  You are amenable, kind, with a very happy and sweet disposition.


You also remind me of myself in many ways.  Just like you Mama you are very particular and strong willed.  I'm hoping that coupled with your father's disposition this will be one of your greatest strengths.  You have such an attention for detail...truly, you don't miss a thing.  You also enjoy cleaning and arranging... your things, toys and shoes.  You love color... using it to paint, when you dress, and observing it out in the world. You are a sensitive thinker and observer.


Ten things about you:


1.  You say "hi" and "bye" to everything:  "Hi tree!"  "Bye Mickey!" (on your diaper as we pull up your pants).


2.  You LOVE water.  Bathes, showers, pools, sprinklers... you name it. 


3.  You could spend hours outside...playing with sticks, in the dirt and especially with bubbles.


4.  You enjoy helping:  making the bed, doing laundry, and unloading the dishwasher. You are especially skilled at using the hand vacuum. 


5.  You break out in hives and turn BRIGHT red when you get upset.  It's sad and adorable at the same time.


6.  You dance to anything with a beat.  You will literally drop whatever you are doing and get after it.  This entertains your Mom and Dad to no end. 


7.  When you really like what you are eating... you hum, sing,  and do a little wiggle dance.  


8.  Your favorite musicians/singers are James Brown and Johnny Cash.


9.  You love books, especially anything by  Dr. Seuss.  "Ham?, Ham?, Ham!"


10.  You seem to really like accessories: hats, jewelry, and gloves. But, to your Mother's dismay, you will not tolerate hair bows and headbands.  


You are our pride and joy.  We love you and thank God for you everyday.  Lord willing, we look forward to many more years loving you and watching you grow. Happy 2nd Birthday, Ditty! 


~ Mama and Dada