Not sure anyone but the spammers still visit the site, but oh well. Going to try and start it back up. No more politics here though, created a different blog for that.
Anyway, since we last chatted, I FINALLY met Emerson Hart…twice! The first time was by sheer luck. I checked my email that morning and it so happened Tonic was playing a show in town that day. Was able to get a photo pass the very last minute and when I chickened out on going up to him, I paid my son $5 to bring him over. He was absolutely fantastic. The second time was just a couple of weeks ago in Raleigh. Confessed to him about what I had been doing on this site (which he knew about) and he loved it. Adore him.
Let’s see…what else. Oh, I am now unemployed. Long story I’d rather not get into. But I’ve got to take the summer off with Eli and just hang out. Hoping to go back to work in October. Turned 32 yesterday, but didn’t do anything special. Oh, and I’m having gastric bypass on the 27th. Yep. Big changes.
Anyway, that’s all for now. I promise to check in more regularly!
Also going to be on The Rock Boat X in January! YAY! Been active with photography. Finally selling some prints and charging for fashion sessions.
So yesterday I was in the middle of a panic attack, freaking out about conducting an interview with one of my favorite writers. Well, as luck would have it, he was under the weather and I interviewed two other members of the band. I hate to say it, but “phew”! It took a lot of the stress off of me and I was able to relax and focus. At first I was disappointed in not talking to him and was even starting to think we wouldn’t meet, but as I was running back to my car, he was stepping off of his bus.
We had a nice chat and I could tell he wasn’t up to par. The past couple of days were wreaking havoc on his sinus’s and he was just not well. But despite how he was feeling, he took the time to talk to me about music, books and such and since it wasn’t part of the show, there was no pressure on me. We closed with a hug and he went inside for his sound check.
The show was amazing. Wow. I’ve seen a lot of shows by a lot of fantastic bands. None of them compare to last nights; simply incredible.
After the show, I talked to my guy again. He was so gracious and sweet. We posed for a picture and signed my CD and after chatting for a moment, he was loading back up on the bus. It was surreal. His lyrics have meant so much to me, and now with “Broken Lungs”, he has solidified himself as my favorite writer working today. I must say though, meeting him really makes me even more desperate to meet Emerson Hart. Although their writing style and lyrical content are dramatically different, they both get how to connect with the listener.
Anyway, here are a couple of pix and and “Broken Lungs”, one of my favorite songs he’s written.
It’s more like reasons…I’m a bad drunk…A) I’m that girl that has to call or text everyone to let them know I’m drunk. Not only that, but I have random conversations with people I barely know and I look like a tool. B) I really don’t know my limit. I think “Oh, 5 beers isn’t much.” Not realizing I’m a light weight and 5 beers in 30 minutes and an empty stomach is bad. C) Hangovers…I always get them. D) I forget names…and that’s embarrassing!
Why am I listing these things…to help explain last weekend. Why am I blogging about it? I dunno. I’ve been 2 weeks without a blog and I need something! And for Laura…who should have been there…you asshat! But there are some interesting bits to the story…so read it dammit! Or don’t…I don’t care either way
On the 14th, I took my friend Laura and my son Eli to Newport News to see Carbon Leaf. It had been forever since Eli had seen them and all Laura knew of them was what she saw hung on my office wall. I’d told her a million and one stories and had some pix to back it up, but I was surprised when she wanted to come along. Anyway, I was thrilled to have her.
As we showed up we ran into the band leaving for dinner. Said my hellos to Tom and Jason and chatted a bit more with Terry. Made our way into the concert grounds found a few friends to say hi to and decided to have a drink. I’m not sure how many I had, but it was in a short time frame. I don’t remember much pre-show, except I was an idiot. Sara from Chesapeake showed up and when I went to introduce her, I almost forgot her name. I had a conversation about cigg’s with Cliff, but I don’t know why (and I never talk to Cliff) and then somewhere in the middle of that I called a friend to tell her I didn’t know where I was. Yeah, I suck. That was soon followed by a call to the hubby who was concerned because my slurred “I’m fine!”’s were not reassuring him.
Anyway, shortly the show started and I was beginning to sober up. Took a ton of pix and sang the night away with my son. After the set I took Laura to meet all the guys who signed her CD for her. She even managed to get a light from Tom. Carter and I talked about the next days Shamrock Fest and how I was supposed to go, but wasn’t sure that was happening. Tom butted in to let me know I needed to be there. Said it depended on the hangover.
Left the show and drove Laura home (who seems to be a new CL fan now!) and went to bed. Got up at 7 and was on the road to DC by 8. Picked up Maeghan who drove my car to RFK and waited in line while she got to get in to work for Scythian. Met a couple of party guys in line who went to Keggs and Eggs the day before. Got in and found Maeghan and Wendy was soon there as well. Went up to the main stage and snapped a few shots of Scythian and then went back to the merch tent. After their set the guys came over and Wendy was wonderful enough to get my pic with all of them. YAY! Pretty drunk foreign boys! I also need to add that I am beyond hung over. I want to lie down and sleep.
Maegan was leaving early to follow Scythian to Philly so I was able to get a backstage pass. Hung out up front while the Celtic dancers performed. Found Elmo and Big Don and chatted a bit with Tom when he came out. Saw Cliff who said hello, so maybe my drunk conversation wasn’t as bad as what I don’t remember.
Finally it was time for the Street Dogs! Punk at it’s best. Everyone (but Wendy and Maeg’han) thought I was joking when I said I loved them; I think I proved I wasn’t. Snapped some pix out front and then got daring and went back stage. Said hello to Tom again (who looked baffled as to how I got back there) and ran to the opposite side to watch the set. The stage manager said I could go side stage and get some shots, so I did….yeah, that was intense having Marcus look directly into the lens as you are taking the shot!
As I came down the stage stairs I ran into Barry from Carbon Leaf who was saying something about them giving me the pass and he was glad he remembered or something. I told him they didn’t I was there with another band. The look on his face when I said the Street Dogs was priceless! Anyway, I finished the set and was hoping to talk to SD, but only Marcus came down my side and looked a bit rushed.
Wendy came back stage (she was with Scythian) and we hung out while watching CL load in. We made our way into what we thought was the general food tent, only to learn it was CL’s. Carter came walking in as we’re grabbing water and M&M’s. He didn’t mind and as he ordered up some beer. Chatted with him and then went to find the Street Dogs.
We found Marcus as he was coming out of his side of the tent. I introduce myself and said I was shooting their Anti-Flag show in Richmond. Very nice guy…even kind of shy. Chatted with him for a while, then he pointed out where Mike was to us as he had to excuse himself to do an interview. Told him I’d see him next month and he said they’d be around all night, just come hang out anytime. Looked back towards Mike, but he was a bit away from us and he wondered off before I had a chance to approach him, but no worries, a moment later Johnny Rioux came walking up.
I could feel my heart racing as Wendy was telling me to talk to him. I couldn’t; I completely froze. I love Johnny in a 16 year old school girl sort of way…it’s bad!. Anyway, Wendy tells him to sit and she introduces herself. I follow her lead and chat with him about the set and their upcoming show in Richmond. I’m doing the best I can not to drool on the poor man. We talk to him some more as Tobe walks up. I say hello to him, but they have to go into the interview Marcus mentioned. I start running through the backstage telling everyone who will listen that I met Johnny. Go out front to tell tell Elmo, Don and Tali. By this time I have had a couple of beers and I’m feeling good and I just met Johnny Rioux!
Go back stage and say hello to Jason as I am trying to drunk call Amy (and look important as well). I get in line for the restroom behind Tom and Johnny walks up to say hello to him. I’m done…my world has came full circle. Johnny and Tom chatting…awesome! When Tom comes out, I make some big deal about Johnny and loving him to Tom…I know he thinks I’ve lost my mind! Oh well. I look around and see Wendy talking to friends and then just to her left is Mike, lead singer of the Street Dogs. I go over and say hi and talk to him about the show I’m shooting. He’s amazing! He whips out his phone and gives me his managers number and says if there is anything I need to call him and they’ll get it taken care of. We chat some more and then I see Tobe calling for him so he says he’ll catch up later.
I turn around to Wendy who is trying to calm me down. I see there are members of CL looking at me completely confused…I’ve only been shooting them for how long?!?! Anyway, Wendy and I head back to the chairs we’ve commandeered by the SD tent and wait for Carbon Leaf. It hits me that I never went to the rest room so I get up to go. I’m waiting in line and Jason and Carter come and get in line. I let them ahead of me (they’re about to go on) and get sidetracked again…I must have either been following beer or Johnny. Get back in line and I can see Barry prepping for their set. Told him he’d done enough primping, he was already pretty. He gave me a smile and wink as headed to the stage.
CL comes on and the stage manager tells me I can get some pix. She had overheard me talking to Barry earlier…despite the fact I had tuned him out to listen to SD, she got the impression he wanted me doing photography. So as I am taking some pix side stage, she is asking me how long I’ve known the guys and how well I know Barry. Do what?!?! I tell her not well at all, I’d be shocked if he remembered my name (kinda a lie, I know he does) and she starts asking about his romantic life. I said she’d have to talk to him and then went to the photo pit. Took a ton of what I now know to be shitty pictures and came back to talk to Wendy and Billy (Scythian’s “sleazy” tour manager).
Wendy says she’s going over to see Ceann play and I said I was going to hang there for a bit and then I would go find her. I call Amy with yet another drunk call…poor Aims! I see Johnny who stops to say hello and gives me a hug. Then I run into Billy again watching the side stage band. Share his beer with him and have a talk about how he and Danny (Scythian) are roommates and watch CL load out. I say goodbye to Billy and run into Mike again. Tell him it was a pleasure talking to him and look forward to the show at The National. He hands me a beer and we chat for a moment as I formally get introduced to Tobe (this memory came back the next day, most are still a blur). Tobe points to a shadow coming in our general direction and Mike goes “yeah”. Later I will see that same figure again…all the while not knowing or caring it’s Russell Crowe. Anyway, say goodbye to SD and make my way to find Wendy.
Ceann is great; look them up. Didn’t know who they were, but I loved them. Quite funny. We ended the night watching them and hanging with some of Wendy’s friends. Drove back to her place and texted Laura until I finally just called her with what I could remember. All I knew was I was hurting and I told Barry he sucked…and he was an ass hat. I wouldn’t have done that if I hadn’t been drinking..okay, that’s a lie…I would. But he knows I’m sorta joking! I also met Johnny Rioux and now I am complete. Did a lot of great networking and worked my ass off as well. You know, I swore last year I would never go to another Shamrock Fest and now I can’t wait for 2009…my third in what should be an annual event for me!
Oh, I guess it wasn’t all about being *that* drunk girl, but oh well….
Took a little trip with friends Tali and Elmo to see my favorite band, Carbon Leaf. Met some nice people who will hopefully make it up for the Stephen Kellogg show and had a great time. The opening band, Luego, yeah…they weren’t that good. Oh well, not all opening acts can be Jon McLaughlin.
Here are some pictures from the show, the rest are here.
It’s finally Super Bowl Sunday! Anyone who knows me knows that I am an insane Patriots fan. I’ve been with them for 16 years and these past 7 have been amazing. But, I must admit, I have a bad feeling about today. Our last (only) three Super Bowl wins have been by a whopping 3 points each and this time there is no #4. That being said, we still have #12, but I think if we win, it’s Wes Welker that has to have a huge game.
Welker has been a wonderful surprise this season. All Patriots fans were excited (or worried) about the addition of Randy Moss. Moss did happen to break the TD record this year, but it was Wes Welker than won the hearts and minds of the Patriots faithful. He really does remind me of Troy Brown, and coming from me, that’s the biggest compliment a player can receive.
Anyway, back to todays game. Shit…I hate to say this 31-35…Giants. Fuck. Please God, let me be wrong.
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“…this was a train wreck that was not intended. No Child Left Behind was supported by George Bush and Senator Ted Kennedy and everybody in between. Why? Because they didn’t talk to enough teachers before they did that.” - Bill “what the fuck am I ranting about” Clinton (2/1/08)
Huh? “..and everybody in between”? Hello dumbass! That would mean your wife as well! I understand that Bill is sore about not getting a REAL Kennedy endorsement (or maybe it IS a shadow campaign), but to attack Uncle Ted is ridiculous. Not to even mention that your wife voted for it as well.
Another political rant…The National Organization for Women has spoken out against Senator Ted Kennedy’s endorsement and a photo from the State of the Union, basically calling both he and Obama sexist. I a disgusted by this…that’s all I’m going to say on this…I’m just disgusted.
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Took some photos yesterday. They are supposed to be portrait like shots of my son and hubby. Valuable lesson learned. Do not always set your aperture at 2.8! Sometimes a blurred background is REALLY hard on the eyes! Yeah, lesson learned. If anything is able to salvaged, I will post it here.
Speaking of photography, looks like I’m going to be purchasing a new Canon 40D very soon…hopefully by the next Carbon Leaf show on the 16th. YAY! Unless I can find a used 5D that’s in good shape for the same price as a new 40D, then I will do that. But I did go play with a 40D yesterday at Best Buy and I fell in love with it. Love the feel, the screen, the menu…yes, camera talk is orgasmic to me!
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The Spring concert schedule is starting to shape up for me, here are a few dates that I should be at. An * marks the ones I will definitely be at.
Feb 16 - Carbon Leaf (Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro NC)*
Feb 23 - Will Hoge (Satellite Ballroom, C’ville VA)*
Mar 02 - Flogging Molly (The National, RVA)
Mar 08 - Stephen Kellogg/Pat McGee (Toad’s Place, RVA)*
Mar 14 - Carbon Leaf (Shamrock Party, Newport News VA)*
Mar 15 - Carbon Leaf/Great Big Sea/Street Dogs/Scythian (ShamROCK Fest, DC)
Apr 07 - Lifehouse/Matt Natthanson* (The National, RVA)*
Apr 29 - Street Dogs (The National, RVA)
I'm Angel, a 32 year old wanna-be photographer from Richmond, VA. Here you can read my thoughts on anything from politics to sports, motherhood to partying with the girls. Welcome to my world; hope you enjoy your stay.
