If only they would have had this when I was in college…
Kind of goes along with that quote below. This is definitely happening if you’re giving this Alabama girl Vodka!!
I’m pretty sure that I could have been a contender. And if not me, then I know my sister would have!!
HAPPY ST. PATTY’S DAY (WEEKEND)!!
Above photo courtesy of allposters.com.
The following is an excerpt from a new and GOOD magazine that I just discovered at Whole Foods. I’m a magazine fanatic and this one is really, really GOOD…beautiful layout and design. And how could you not like a magazine that has the following statement in it! Oh…and the best thing about it…100% of your subscription payment is donated to a non-profit organization of your choice.
“We tend to drink whiskey onstage, though every now and again we drink tequila, which is probably not a good idea. And one night in New York, we were forced to drink vodka onstage, which was a really bad idea. You’re not supposed to give people from Alabama vodka—there’s like a rule about that or something…”
-Out of the mouth of Drive-By Truckers lead singer, Patterson Hood
And I couldn’t agree more!
Photo courtesy of The Lazy Environmentalist.
Excuse the language…but that’s exactly what came out of the mouth of this dude about 30 times last night when we went to see Micky & the Motorcars at The Toad Tavern in Littleton, Colorado. If I didn’t know better I would have thought I was in Alabama. Seriously, not just because of this obnoxious redneck, but everyone else as well. And don’t get me wrong…I love Alabama and Alabamians (I am one)…but “we” get such a bad rap. And after taking a good look around last night, I was assured that rednecks live everywhere. So does bad hair, Lee jeans, camouflage, and Budweiser. But I digress.
Micky & the Motorcars (Braun Brother Reunion)
Seeing Micky & the Motorcars brought back alot of good memories. Three of the guys are from Stanley, Idaho where I use to live and work. That’s where I first saw and heard them. They would play at the local burger joint (which was actually the most incredible setting…along the Salmon River with the White Clouds and Sawtooth Mountains in the background) or the Rod & Gun Saloon (our local watering hole). And since two of the guys are brothers and come from a musically blessed family…every summer they would all reunite to play the Braun Brother Reunion. This reunion would include Micky and Gary Braun (Micky & the Motorcars), Cody and Willy Braun (Reckless Kelly) and their father, Muzzie Braun. It was always a treat to get to see all of them play at different venues over the weekend. But the summer of 2004 was the last time I have seen them.
Street Jam 2004
Camping Out after the Braun Brother Reunion
Their music falls under the genre Americana/Alt-Country or something to that effect. Whatever you want to call it…it’s definitely not your typical country…but a rockin’ version of it! They have been living in the heart of this music world down in Austin, Texas for some time. And I have been keeping track of them since I left Idaho. Always hoping that they would make it to some place near wherever I was. But no such luck. Until last night.
The crowd, although interesting, seemed to be big fans and spanned a range of ages. Everyone was excited to see them back in Littleton and came ready to dance and (obviously) cheer them on wildly. I happened to be sitting next to a couple who had not heard them before and had been convinced to come with a couple of their friends. Half-way through, the guy next to me said to his buddy, ‘This is great! I’m a believer!’ And by night’s end had purchased one of their cds. That was really cool to see. Because I had never seen them in this sort of setting. When they are in Stanley…yes, they are local celebrities…but everyone knows them. I’m thrilled that they have picked-up a much-deserved following that is outside of their roots and their home base in Austin. I can only hope that they will enjoy more success! I recommend that you check ‘em out yourself. They also have a MySpace page that has several of their new tracks on it.
“F**K YEAH!!
“PLAY IT LOUD!!”
(Sorry for the poor quality pictures…back from the days of film!!)
Almost forgot to share this with those of you still in New York.
Back in May I wrote about our neighborhood favorite, Brooklyn Label, which we patronized pretty much on a weekly basis. I was sad to find out this week, that the chef/owner/co-founder (basically face of) had resigned due to partnership issues. You can see his comment/press release at the bottom of that said post. Even though we no longer live there…this is one of the things I truly missed about my old home and neighborhood. I wish the best to all parties involved.
Another interesting note regarding Brooklyn Label, is if you visit their website after reading my original post, you will notice several pictures that look familiar. Especially the main image of the cup of hot chocolate. Needless to say…they did not notify, ask or credit us for those pictures. Just found it interesting.
Thought it was time for some changes around here. And since I have plenty of time on my hands these days (until I find a job)…I figured I should try and be productive and do some of the things that I have been meaning to get to for sometime now.
A little facelift was needed. So, I’ve been playing with some new layouts and headers. I like this one for the moment, but I’m sure it will change again.
Also, I’ve added a new page to start displaying some of my baking. These are just a handful of items that for some reason I took the time to photograph. I only wish I had taken pictures of everything. But will definitely do so from here on out. With Victor’s help, I will also be working on making those pictures look much, much better. We can suffice it to say that I’m no food stylist or photographer!
It’s been nice to hear from so many of you…especially after the hiatus I had taken from posting. So THANK YOU for continuing to check in. Hopefully, I will do a better job of keeping this thing updated. Let me know what you think of the changes.
After talking about it for the past month, I finally built a fire tonight. Even though it isn’t that cold, I just needed to have one. It’s been so long since I’ve had a fireplace or been able to enjoy one…so here it is!! Isn’t it beautiful!
YESTERDAY AT THE PARK
TODAY AT HOME
This is exactly what this weekend was like. Saturday it was 74 beautiful degrees. We hung out in the park all afternoon with my friend and his dogs. There were tons of people out…and I even spotted a few in bathing suits! Then, we woke up this morning to the above snow. Again, a beautiful day! I really love this weather. It’s such a great mix of both worlds. So much sun with a nice reminder that it’s still winter.
I’d like to know just how many times in one’s life you can look for a job? Seriously, I think I’ve already well surpassed the average or the norm. And how many times one can change fields of interest? Have that one beat too. Quite the accomplishment…especially before turning 30! I’m really over it, to tell you the truth. But here I am again. Looking for yet another job. And what I’ve found is…really nothing of interest. The decisions. Do I sacrifice myself and go back to accounting (the money is really appealing at this moment)? Uggghhhhh…just the thought of it. Or do I go back to personal training? Or maybe try my hand at waitressing? Or find an underpaying baking job for which I’m overqualified for? None of these choices are too alluring.
Maybe I’m limiting myself. I know there are jobs out there that pay half way descent and aren’t completely dreadful. I know this…because I’m sitting here watching Samantha Brown on another one of her trips to Europe…and thinking (as usual)…how in the hell did she get this job??!!! Seriously…who do you have to know? (Obviously someone I don’t!)
Looking for a job is like having a job…but tougher, and you don’t get paid. I search all day, and the only thing fruitful that I have found is that Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ is here! That really helps alot! All of this only makes me wish I could open a business, like now. Even though, that isn’t the answer to all of my prayers…at least I wouldn’t have to look for a job anymore!
So, the search continues. If anyone has any ideas (or knows someone at the Travel Channel), please let me know. I’m always up for suggestions….
Mmmmmmm…today was a glorious day. Not only was it another beautiful day here, but a perfect day to eat some true “southern” barbeque. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve had good bbq…you know, good pulled pork. And this wasn’t any ole place trying to be the real deal…it was the real deal.
After finding out there was a Jim ’N Nicks BBQ here, I immediately called my sister to pass along the good news. For those of you who don’t know…Jim ‘N Nicks is a bbq joint from Alabama. We use to eat there all of the time when living in Birmingham. And it’s always a toss up between eating there or Superior Grille (mexican) when I go home. But Superior always wins. Because if there’s anything that I love more than good bbq is good mexican. And since I couldn’t find either while living in NY…I always chose mexican. Anyway…I digress. So, I believe the exact words that came out of my sister’s mouth when I told her was,
“Shut up!”
“Yep! Saw it today on Craigslist.” (You can learn so much just by using that site…no lie!)
Since that conversation, we’ve been trying to figure out when we could go. Well, today was the day. I called her at work and said it was time…I had to have my fix. We jumped in the car, picked up her boyfriend and met her out there. We all had the same thing. The pulled pork sandwich with french fries (me & Heather) or mashed potatoes (Victor & Mark). It hit the spot! And they have a new addition…cheese biscuits that they make fresh to order as soon as you sit down. They were sweet, light and airy.
Maybe to some, this may not be the best bbq. It probably isn’t. For me, it is much more than food…it is the epitome of comfort food…it evokes good memories and a taste of home. And what better way to enjoy it…than with family!
Jim ‘N Nicks
8264 E. 49th Ave.
Denver, CO 80238
