Lollapalooza

Three days of insanity, three nights of staying out late, three moments in time where some of the most kicking bands played...right here in Chicago. For those of you who don't know Lolla is a gathering of bands and people alike to celebrate musicness (Anyone seen You Me and Dupre?!) Mostly Indie-Rock and some hard core stuff and electronic/dance. Good times...I feel like a bus ran over with all the walking, standing, dancing and the sun showing no mercy. Lolla will most likely make Chicago it's home, so come next Aug...plan to be here. Some of the best for me...in no particular order...Wilco, She Wants Revenge, The Shins, Chilli Peppers, Violent Femmes, Death Cab for Cutie, Gnarls Barkley, Kayne West, Thiervery Corporation, Of Montreal, Broken Social Scene....just to name a few. I think it will take me a few days to recover...not as young as I used to be! :) Well, off to download a ton of new music I heard. Laters!

My Nana

It's been a while since I have written and I apologize. Once again the siren's song of work has dragged me towards the rocky shores and I almost...almost crashed. Thankfully a few things have kept me afloat...even if on a raft. First, Jesus...He woos me still and loves me just as I am. Second my family, third my friends and lastly a new friend that has been there to help me process things of life. This post however is to honor my Nana. Dorothy Tate, my grandma is such a joy to me. She has known me since I was "in the cooker!" and I can't quite recall my very first memory of her, but there are so many splendid ones that fill my mind even as I write this. As a child I loved coming to her house in So Cal because it meant...quarters and nickels and pennies galore, fast food runs, shopping, the beach, Disneyland, white chocolate molds on a stick, great gatherings at Christmas, artistic time in her art studio, wandering the backyard picking fruit and many others. My Nana and Papa are two dear people who are so selfless. Last week my Nana told me she loved my writing, that "it makes people feel" that I write from my heart and my soul and it draws people in. She then told me I should write a book, or just write. That was one of the sweetest things I have heard in a long time...and not just "oh that's nice" sweet, but "deep in my soul" sweet. So Nana, Thank You for being an inspiration to me in many ways and encouraging me during this time of waiting and trusting in what God has in store for me...and you! I love you dearly; I can't wait to spend eternity with you. Your beloved granddaughter, Beth :)