The Dress

All the talk about "The Dress" over the last weeks - and for what? In my opinion, it was flat. 


Yes, it was a royal wedding and no, I didn't expect Kate should wear a Lady GaGa-esque design, but isn't there such a thing as too safe even for an occasion such as this?  And this was also not reminiscent of Alexander McQueen - no trend, no edge, nothing controversial or risky...there was no statement to be made. 


If I were marrying into the royal family,  I would likely choose something also elegant but with more dramatic touches than an interesting neckline (the best feature of Kate's dress actually).  I would certainly choose something more fashion forward - its a pivotal moment in fashion history so I would step up to the challenge. 


Royal fashion disappointment aside, thank you Prince Simon and Princess Caroline for the wonderful gala to honor the wedding of Kate & William. I am pretty sure you are wondering who invited this Yank anyway.  I do apologize for not knowing the difference between the Queen and the Queen Mom, drinking too much and insisting jelly does not belong in whatever that dodgy pudding" was....and of course not saying a word about MY dress - fancy hat with cowboy boots and a jean jacket :-)


Long live the Queen

Price Simon and Dinner

Princess Caroline and Lordship

From the dark heart of a dream

I did not have a very good guitar lesson tonight. I am learning Death Cab for Cutie, I'll follow you into the dark and while it doesn't have lots of chords, the changes are tough and the strumming pattern is somehow difficult for me. So i am frustrated. This on top of some theory which is probably pretty simple but I just don't get it - B, C, C#, D (what happened to B#)? ugh.


Afterward I went with Yahtzee to City Winery to watch a Bruce documentary about the making of Darkness on the Edge of Town. Unf, Bruce was not there...but I thought the film was excellent and getting inside the process of a creative type like Bruce was pretty profound. 


Of course I am a huge Bruce fan. So to watch old clips of the band in the studio over the making of this album was just neat, especially as it was a bit of coming of age narrative. Bruce says in the film that he realized that "life is not wide open but it is full of possibilities" and he was beginning to find himself compromising more as an adult but also realizing that there are some things you dont compromise. This album was a homage of sorts to the beliefs he held true to - family, work ethic, a way of life - and the albums was its "sound picture". I like stories and this one is so genuine and it really does come across in the rawness of the songs.


I also realized that continuing to learn and play well is a real process even for the very talented. Finding your voice, your words, your voice and words together- not just recognizing a good sound and song but making it true to your story - this is the thrill but also the real work.  Being able to tap into your gut as to how it all feels and how it "fits". Truly inspiring and motivating.


Will I ever be a gee-tar rockstar? Will i ever write kick-ass song that resonate with folks of all walks through the ages? Probably not . But in the darkness there will be hidden worlds that shine - and now i have The Promise of churning out my own story some day in the form of music.  And I definitely have the The Promise of playing DCFC with a bit more heart by this time next week. 


Dasha Breedlove

This guy Breedlove.

I started playing guitar on August 28th.
Inspired by many, it was this guy who finally got me to take the plunge.

Since I started, I have been playing with this guy's guitar.  He has been playing for a few years and since he moved on to electric - was happy to lend me his acoustic.

And it was this guy who has motivated me from the point of inspiration, to the point of frustration, to the point of hope and now to the point of buying my first guitar...my very own Breedlove.

Now in the spirit of being fashionable, I was initially checking out all the colorful guitars in the joint. I really wanted red or yellow, but also saw a nice aubergine Ibanez that caught my fancy.  Lucky Adam came with with and taught me that things like tone, craftsmanship, string type, having a very cool hard case that makes me look like a real musician and size do matter.

And I can tell you, its been nothing but Breedlove love since I brought'er home.  I just love this guy.

Be on the lookout for my video short soon - I am playing already covers from Poison and Extreme, and eyeing up the Death Cab for Cutie song "i will follow you into the dark"

....PS - let me not forget this guy, who has had to be my audience day in and out. 

Brother rocks NYC

I received a text last night with this photo that read...Missing u in the burgh, never too busy for a txt hug! xoxo sis n bro

If I had one wish, it would be to make the travel time between Pittsburgh, NYC and Walluf instantaneous.  I really wish I had family nearby -  for nothing more than to sit and talk and laugh more together. Those moments when we do have family around, I savour every moment.

Such was the case last month - my brother came to visit for a week. We had a plan - simply to watch Pitt kick ass at the Big East Tournament at MSG (now please read - On being a Pittsburgh Fan, quickly).  But this was not to be. Not even one game.

Of course all was not lost. Because Dasha never has just one plan, she has plans. And brother, you better believe it.

In between the comedy show at Eastville, music at Rockwood Music Hall and Sunday brunch with friends, we managed to squeeze in also a little Burlesque at Parkside Lounge. Here we watched Miss Coney Island put on a show to the little ditty, "I'm Naked, so what?"by Stereo Total.  It happens now to be a little ditty I can't get out of my mind so if you want to run around with a fun song in your head have a listen

And in between watching new graduates put on an improv show at UCB theater, chillin' to jazz at the neighborhood club Jules Bistro and getting "jaggy" at Snugs St. Patty's Day party, we found time time to sit and talk on more than one occasion -  and usually with a bottle of red. The first night we were up till 6 am. Now I know there are many dying to know what we were talking about for so many hours (my brother is not so much known to be a man of little words as much as a man of selective words) - for those in question...we were talking about you (smile).

And, seriously, not done yet (see, this is what I love about him - he is as tireless as me!) in between lounging at favvie fav haunt Ace Hotel Lobby Bar, playing darts at my local Thirsty Scholar (I am known as Princess there, should save this story for another blog) and going with bunches of friends to see a very cool interactive theater based on Macbeth called Sleep No More (where we wore blank masks and went from room to room in abandoned hotel watching play acts, including a "witch orgy" first hand), my brother and Yahtzee stayed on track with their 1/2 marathon running preparations. And trust me when I say, the average person cannot rock this headband look.

Bret Michaels

or this "whatever is going on below the waist" look of my husband.

And in between going out and exploring new things about the city, we definitely found time for talks and laughs that I miss so much, and enjoying the moments here at Urban Disco  -  playing guitar, ordering in S'mac and watching March Madness Selection Sunday  (again, see blog post)

a natural

We miss you already and always enjoy your visit with us!
So please come back again soon.

What's a Pils?

On being a Pittsburgh Fan

Some days, when you are a Pittsburgh fan, its best to just hibernate.

Hibernation Day 2 - post shower

Such marks my trip trip to DC last weekend with Yahtee.

Were we disappointed when Pittsburgh Steelers made it to the Superbowl, only fall to a bunch of cheese heads?

Yes, we were.

Were we disappointed when Pittsburgh lost first round at Big East tournament at MSG?

Most definitely.

And did we leave Verizon Center broken-hearted Pitt fans?

Yes, we did.
(who is Butler anyway?)

So after such an emotional game that called for some serious hibernation (Dasha got 20 hours), a romantic stroll around Potomac Park on a beautiful day to admire the blooming Cherry Blossoms was well in order.

Reflections

Cherry Pie

Memorials

A hipster in DC - move over Michelle Obama

It was just a short trip but a much needed one. We have learned that being a fan of all sports teams Pittsburgh has its disappointments, but just as the cherry blossoms come back year after year in all their beauty and grandeur, demanding an audience - so is it also with our Pittsburgh sports teams. 

Next year is all ours.

Go Pitt

Whirlwind Visit with Good People

I am feeling honored that my dear friend came to visit me in NYC on her last weekend in the US. It was long overdue but even more so, much needed.

It's interesting when you think about friendships and the things that bond. Me and C met through Weave Girl, but I knew right away that we would have have become friends under any circumstance. I was automatically taken by C's energy, openness, ability to live in the moment and smile. And over time, I came to know her as also a person who is very persistent in achieving her goals, thoughtful in her actions and true blue to her friends and family.  She is worldly yet unpretentious. She is good people.

To me, this picture really embodies C's spirit.

In our 24 hour whirlwind visit, we managed to walk along the Bowery and through Soho, stopping for art shows (including opening night for Mark Morrisroe) and drinking coffee at Ground Support, listening to music at the Rockwood and meeting friends at V Bar, eating a world-class burger at Corner Bistro (who were experiencing a black out) and drinking up at Cubby Hole, and playing a little guitar and having lunch with Yahtzee at Mexican at La Superior.

And of course, sitting on the rooftop in Snuggies till 4:30 in the morning - talking.

The New Museum on the Bowery

Ground Support LOVE

Rockwood

Is there anything she can't do?

at Cubby Hole

Bon Voyage friend, I have no doubt your energy and smile will win the Dutch over as you find a new home in the Netherlands. 
Thank you for being my friend.

Mastering the art of Chillaxin'

I am writing this blog entry today from a new outpost. 

It seems I have underrated the art of Chillaxin' for years now, leaving it only to vacations and an occasional weekend.  But in the last weeks I have discovered that many activities can take place from this new post, besides the obvious...but even (wink wink), that spawn much creativity and well being.  For the last weeks, I have

• finished the Patti Smith book Just Kids (inspiring in itself)
• practiced Give a Little Bit on the guitar
• listened to Mind the Dubstep mix over & over (its a goodie) - ==>right here
• drew a self portrait ( i should post this for a laugh)
• loaded up my grooveshark library with more songs
• wrote my husband a love letter
• pondered my life. And the lives of others. This resulted in a letter to myself
• updated my online picture library and reminisced a little
• ordered a new pair of James Jeans online after wearing out the old pair
• worked on my narrative, but nothing really good
• wondered what the next year or two will bring and dreamed a little
• and thought about all the things I "need to do" and stayed in bed anyway :-)

So in this spirit, I wish you all a chillaxin' Saturday

Parents visit Urban Disco

Visiting

We had a great long weekend visiting with my parents. It is so nice to have them around, spending time chatting and just being in their company.  We had a good mix of relaxing and running around. I really miss them already. 

We went to see John Mellencamp at Radio City Music Hall - he played a mix of old and new and the sound in RCMH is amazing. Me and Mom camped out back after the show and even got an autograph. PLUS we saw Meg Ryan! Celebrity spotting never gets old.

roadies

waiting for curtain call

I fight Authority, Authority always wins

We made our way over to Brooklyn for brunch and brews - Dasha likes the Winter Ale for sure. Mom and Yahtzee went for the dark beers too. 

Too cool for school

Back at the disco, Mom taught me how to make Chicken Noodle soup in exchange for setting up a few things on Mom's new computer. The guys went to MSG for the Pitt game - but Mom was the real winner with her new specs - can you guess which ones she went with??? 

Chicken Noodle Soup for the soul

Whiz Kid

And of course, living in the East Village, noodles are in order. Friends introduced us to Minca on e5th and we are hooked since

We are already looking forward to your next visit Mom and Dad.

Customary honk and wave

Be Mine.

Today the perfect Valentine showed up in our mailbox from our little loves in Pittsburgh. And believe me, there was lots of love sent on this Shrek-themed cardboard cutout that read "Happily Ever Ogar" - because it showcased the artistic handwork of my niece. She is such a talent, I am pretty sure she gets her artistic ability from Auntie M. 






As for me and Yathzee, we decided to put our artistic energy into fashion and splurge on a new pair of Fluevogs. A new pair each. Can you guess which ones we bought???

Happy Lovie Dovie day xoxoxoxox


Shrek & Fiona

A true icon

I have long admired Patti Smith.  Patti is an accomplished poet, writer, performer, artist and singer – and it was with great honor that I was able to attend her performance on Wednesday that marked the 40 year milestone of her Poetry debut at St. Mark’s Church in 1971.  As I sit here tonight and watch the Grammy awards – with all the talent and good music this year being showcased, I still can’t help but think of the mother of Punk Rock, a woman who has used her intelligence and immense talent to do what she loves and to really make an impact  – even if meant breaking boundaries. Patti’s free-form style keeps her work interesting and unexpected, and plays into her bohemian persona. Her ability to live in the moment, continue to evolve her work and bring awareness to many social issues – all the while remaining true to herself, symbolizes to me a woman who is revolutionary - with a great heart and much bravado.

Thanks Patti, for influencing me with your memorable words. Keep it coming.

Buzz

We miss you Buzz: Jan 25, 1922 - Jan 27, 2011

Let me tell you about Buzz.  

Buzz was a good soul. He loved his family, friends - and would do anything for a laugh. Oh God, was he funny, always with his sarcastic comments...as he liked to say - he was just perfect! 

As a kid, I really looked forward to the visits with Buzz and Bambi. The two of them would come up from Florida in there delux luxury caddy's and spend a month or so with us in Pittsburgh. Buzz would do so much with us kids - play cards, watch TV shows, sit on the porch and shoot the breeze, go to our events, go to "the base" - whatever it was, we always got the sense the Buzz truly enjoyed spending the time with us. And we certainly did with him. And as an adult, I was able to make visits myself to see Buzz and Bambi in Florida. We would listen to music, drink a few beers, go to one of Buzzy's favorite restaurants and just sit and chat. And NEVER a dull moment where he was concerned for sure.  

What can I say, Buzzy was a ray of warmth, even when in chilly Pittsburgh, and he will be sorely missed. 

Buzzy, thank you for being our Uncle, our Grandfather, our friend. You mean so much to us Buzzy and we love you. Your warmth and positive spirit will always live on. 

Happy Birthday, Sis

Happy Birthday Sis
(My Sister's Best Friend and My Sister)

Today is my sister's birthday

She is a beautiful person inside and out

Happy Birthday.

xoxoxox

Porn in a Cup Challenge 2011

Well, its not that Dasha needs extra energy, and she definitely does not need to be challenged - but there was no resisting a trip to Pulp and Bean in Crown Heights, Brooklyn to have a go at the 10 shot espresso, officially called Dieci (Italian for 10) and lovingly referred to as Porn in a Cup.

Of course, there needs to be a party around such an event, or ????

So after making tee-shirts and "game rules", Me, Yahtzee and our coffee loving Manhattan friends headed over to Brooklyn for this outer borough excursion.

Tony Fisher is the owner of Pulp and Bean and was an excellent host, making sure our Dieci's were made to perfection and we enjoyed the experience. We needed to be in good hands, because collectively we had 60 shots of espresso!

This guy was the most impressive fo sho, sucking up his porn in 15 minutes.

So what does it feel like to have 10 shots of espresso? Well I can tell you, its a real buzz  - light headedness, shakiness, ones speech is a little faster! - and it wasn't without moments of nauseousness.

In the end, we had about 55 of the 60 shots between the six of us. And the subway ride back to Manhattan was, well - very energetic.  Metro Charlie captured it all on video, so stay tuned (and thanks Metro Charlie!)

Best of all, I think some of this energy spilled over to the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight.

Pittsburgh's going to the Super Bowl!