50% Indie 50% Satan

Autumn on Orchard has been, dare I say, my favorite season of living here. Since the regrettable disintegration of the RayDo Show, I have hailed autumn as a season of death. And I am a brutal evil girl, so death is awesome! On a scale of 1-awesome, so is the Ogden Farmer's Market. I am so happy that it’s continuing after the Harvest Moon Festival, probably up until the 2^nd annual Witchstock Festival on the 22^nd I believe.  How awesome! Also, the Oasis Farmer's Market is another thing everyone must attend. Not only is it across the street from Orchard Avenue, but it goes year-round! I sell my mother’s crafty things for college and concert money. Support local! Hell yeah!

On our way back from the Harvest Moon Festival, Kade Darby-Byrd and I met some train hoppers, or rail dawgz, as they self-declared. While talking to them for almost two hours, I was late for work! They were so fascinating. I learned all about their hobo pictographs and their jargon. Its sooo cool that these people have an appreciation for Ogden similar to my own; hearing how great my hometown is from traveling punk strangers really makes me grateful that I live in such an ideal place. Spotty was my favorite, and her pit bull-mutt was very well behaved. She would say “Hey, stop snitchin’!” and he would stop growling. Rail Life bitches!

Kade and I have been going on Dapper-Dates around Ogden. We rode our bicycles down to the Art House Cinema and watched If a Tree Falls. As you all know, my bicycle is charming and adorable, while his is a hipster fixie- which he built himself. Quite handy, I give him that, but still hipster as shit. We also ate vegan sammiches at 360 Cafe on 25th street, which I highly recommend. All these Dapper-Dates make me very excited for winter time because I am seeing more dapper-dressed men with fitted cardigans, skinny ties, and clean shaven faces. Ahh I am in love! The featured dapper young man of this blog is a fellow in my American History class at Weber State. Lookin’ good, sir!

Speaking of all this evil talk, my bestie Caitlin Simone told me the other day that I am, “half indie, half Satan!” such a compliment, I try my hardest to be evil and being indie comes naturally ;) Buying black underwear, burying my deceased black cat, shaving part of my head, you name it. Oh yeah, I shaved part of my head! I didn’t cry or anything! It’s on the left side of my part, only as far back as my ear line. I admire how indie-punk I look, and now my “home teachers” won’t want to approach me!

I figure shaving my head and listening to rock n roll is a nice, passive way of sticking it to the man- especially with all this ridiculous protesting going on. What’s that all about? I think it’s to occupy Wall Street or something or another.  I don’t think most of the people there even know what they’re protesting about, because I sure don’t. The majority of protestors in down town Salt Lake, (impulsive and foolish hipsters who are willing to camp out in Pioneer Park for the sake of being there to be there) don’t vote. They are members of the smallest voting demographic: in 2008, younger citizens (18–24) had the lowest voting rate (49 percent). Call me old school, but if these idiots were to vote, voices would be heard. Change might not occur in such a radical memorable way, but changes still. Well, whatever.

Autumn On Orchard!

The summer season may be winding down, but the adventures on Orchard Avenue surely are not! I have finally treated myself to the cutest bicycle on earth! Nothing is nicer than riding her down to the Ogden Farmer's Market and sampling all the local honey and produce. Sweet corn is in, and eating it raw is quite the treat! Although not as light-weight as I would like it to be, my sea-foam-green beach cruiser is as slick as they come. I’m glad she’s not a flimsy hipster bike, or else she couldn’t withstand the reason why I like her best. Not only did I buy it on sale at an undisclosed location, but I’ve attached a BASKET! It’s my evil plan to ride it around Ogden with the basket filled with Persian kittens, books, and a baguette! Which brings me to my favourite part of the close of summer- SCHOOL!

Now, I’m not normally a huge academic kind of guy, some would go as far as saying that I hate all the education in the whole world, but that is just ridiculous! This is the semester of new beginnings. I am attending Weber State University and I LOVE every minute of it! Especially FRENCH! Yeah, that’s right friends, J'aime classe de français. (Note the baguettes and whatnot) My dream is finally becoming a reality! I’ve grasped the sad truth that I won’t have many people to talk to; but during ski season all the tourists from Europe will congregate in our quaint historic districts and exceptionable ski resorts! That will be better than finals, speaking with actual Europeans who will love me for my zest for life and learning! They will think it’s cute when I say fart instead of repeat because they sound so similar!

With the opening of schools, comes the closing of baseball fields- this is the lone thing I hate about autumn. Stupid! Stupid! I LOVE the Ogden Raptors!! A lucky few of you have been dragged to Linquist Field, and so far no complaints, except from Drew of course. (He really hates baseball, can you believe it?!) Tuesday the 6^th is the last home game of the season, I will most likely cry if we lose, so prepare. Justin M. Boudreaux #3 is my favorite player. Not just because he has a French last name, but because he plays shortstop, which I used to play in softball. I <3 him and plan on wooing him eventually!  Who’s coming with me on Tuesday? I’ll buy you peanuts and crackerjacks!

Autumn has taken some people away from me. Stupid! Stupid! Drew and Matt Ross, Morgan and Molly to name a few… and Caitlin Simone! Her and I became suuuuper close over the summer, we've danced until we're almost dead, written an irish pub song, and told eachother our deepest secrets! (BFF status guyz!) And so she just had to move all the cussin’ way to USU! GRRRRR!!! Who will put up with my nonsense and absurd antics now? I feel all alone on Orchard Avenue, with solo tea parties and lone bike rides downtown.  I guess it is good for me, because without all the “interferences” I can focus on my ultimate goal of becoming educated and French and sassy and irresistible and classy and understanding and open minded and applicable and original and fancy and… man I’ve had too much coffee!

Autumn on Orchard seems very promising, and honestly, I am looking forward to shopping for new cardigans and getting chai lattes at Kaffe Mercantile with soy milk or whatnot. Speaking of that soya crap, not only is it in everything, but it must become a staple of my diet. I am trying out a dairy-free lifestyle for a bit. Just seeing how it makes me feel, and so far all I feel is deprived. I am an ice cream whore, but not anymore! Someone take me to Sub Zero before I die! I’ve heard they have soy milk they freeze into ice cream! Yay!

"He's My Jayce Alexander, Always Gets RayDo Into Trouble"

Go ahead and call me a psychotic sociopath, but I have been spending soooo much time lately in Salt Lake City. Drew is appalled that I know about all the happenings and how I know where everything is. Hello! It’s called being aware of your surroundings and reading the newspaper! I will NEVER admit that I like that place, but I will say that I tolerate it now. I mean, I can’t flat out say I hate it if I know everything about it and sometimes enjoy going to various music events and coffee shops in that hipster-infested valley. Speaking of which, Drew and I visited Diva's Cupcakes & Coffee my most favorite coffee shop in Salt Lake. There’s nothing super special about the cupcake paradise, but it just brings back the memories of going since I was a wee high school girl. Nikkole Martin and I would always go before a concert at Kilby Court and sit in the green bubble or back patio and dream about adventure. I make new memories every time I go, and this time was no exception. After Diva’s, we headed downtown; Damato played a free concert at The Galivan's Center on the 23^rd, and The Raydo show would not miss. The band was so happy to see a familiar face, and they embraced Drew with the same affections as me. I really appreciated that, and secretly Drew did too. We both find Jayce Alexander to be a teenage heart-throb! Before the show, all I

wanted was some Chinese food in that god-forsaken city. A columnist/reporter/blogger for Salt Lake Tribune that we met on the tracks suggested Cindy Lee Cafe for a cheap Americanized Asian experience.  Ah! My nuts were busted, I was starving to death and Cindy’s food was so damn good. Woowee! I went with the Beef LoMein, a classic. I didn’t regret it or have gastrointestinal issues or anything. I will absolutely go there again.As for Ogden news: the first Raptor's Baseball game of the season was on Wednesday the 22^nd, and although we lost by one, the fireworks made it a spectacular finish. Pioneer Days have commenced, and I look forward to the Whoopie Girl, (I love how she has stayed apart of Ogden’s history for over 70 years or so now.) the demolition derby, the painted horses that speckle the city sidewalks, and of course the fire works! Not to mention the sales that the local grocery stores will have, Rancho Market hooked me up with some produce for hella cheap! Speaking of those damned fireworks, my neighbors must think it’s the 4^th of July or something. They’re shooting them off like tomorrow is the end of the world! (It’s actually in October.) I keep thinking Orchard Avenue has turned into a shooting range, each pop and bang sounds like a gun is being fired.

 When I return from wedding season in Idaho, this next week will be booked to the max with summer happenings. Monday night is of course the movie in the park at the Ogden Amphitheater. Tuesday I will be house sitting and hanging out with old neighborhood friends at the parents’ house, (sshh! Don’t tell;})Wednesday is an adventure with Caitlin and maybe Sam... GIRRRRRLZ NIGHT! Thursday is the long-awaited Twilight Concert Series with one of my favorite bands, Explosions In The Sky …and yes, I liked them long before I even knew they were coming. I wish Ogden could host such events; it would certainly place this paradise of the map. Friday night will most definitely be spent at Mojosor Borrowed Earth Emporium with Drucifer and the gang. Saturday is the only night I work. But party all the same. I LOVE SUMMER NIGHTS IN OGDEN!!

To Chocolate Avenue!

By request, this entire post is about chocolate. Not that waxy-poopy Hershey stuff, actual healthy and dark RAW chocolate. My recipe for raw chocolate is simple, delicious, and gizmo-free. You can make variations with the amount of the ingredients you use. For example:  use more oil for a liquid-like chocolate, and add more cacao or maca for a saucy chocolate dip. I suggest going wild and adding cinnamon, sea salt, bee pollen, goji berries, nuts, or mint leaves/oil to make the chocolate exciting and more beneficial.

¼ CUP Cacao Powder/Nibs- Chocolate in its raw form is the CACAO BEAN which is ground into nibs, or ground even further into a powder. For my kitchen, I prefer the prepackaged-powdered variety because I don’t have all the appliances, and I fancy the silky texture. Using a processor or bean grinder is an excellent way to get small nibs and powder if you want to do it yourself. Cacao is naturally rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and flavanols. For thousands of years, cultures of South America have regarded cacao to be a precious even sacred source of vitality.

1½ TBS Coconut Oil- Coconut oil has been used for everything from baking to a tasty body lotion. Not only is it also a natural energy source, but has zero Trans and hydrogenated fats. Coconut oil is a good addition to exercise and weight-loss programs. To make chocolate, warm up the oil so it’s a liquid. This can be done by placing the jar in warm water, or leaving in the car while you run errands!

1 TBS (to taste) Honey- local honey is always the best to use. I use honey as opposed to sugar and agave in my recipe because it can be acquired raw, and sets nicely. Agave is a lovely alternative if you need something vegan or low-glycemic, but the benefits of honey far outweigh the other sweeteners. It’s a low calorie food, a perfect protein, and delicious.

¼ TSP Maca Powder – Maca Powder is perhaps the most well-known of all the super foods, and one of the easiest to include in everything. The maca root has been used in ancient Peru for thousands of years. Although not necessary in making chocolate, maca adds to the richness, gives the chocolate an earthy flavor, and, like cacao, is also an aphrodisiac.

This particular combination yields one small bowl, prefect for dipping strawberries or spooning it in bite by bite. For solid chocolate, put in the fridge and let it set for 10-20 minutes. If you’re using a mold, place in the freezer. My recipe makes a thicker pudding-like texture, but I’m no chocolatier so experiment! Chocolate is meant to be enjoyed by the masses. I didn’t include any nutritional values or the calories, or carbs, so shut up and eat!

Yeah, My Mom LOVES The Cure

You heard right friends, The Dear Hunter, City And Colour, and Owl City have all released new albums recently. I have acquired so much music lately, sifting through it has been the most pleasant of chores. One gem in particular is The Cure’s Album Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me. My mother has some old pictures of her showing off her The Cure shirt and makeup to boot. Now she can’t get distressed at me for donning my extreme black eyeliner and skull-baton when I join The Black Parade! I have reviewed, for your reading pleasure, the three most recent albums from my favorite bands.

 Sadly, Owl City has once more ruined my teenage illusion of dreamy electro pop. Why can’t all the albums sound like Maybe I’m Dreaming and Of June? The latest discharge: All Things Bright And Beautiful made me yawn, (that’s why it’s on my sleep playlist.) Adam, you must be joking with me, “Alligator Skies?” “Sugar-maple wings?” “Reality is a wonderful place, but I wouldn’t wanna live there?” Yeah, I wouldn’t wanna live in reality either if all my fans were now between the ages of 5-14.3. I liked his music better before he knew what he was singing about; it was a lot more surreal.  He released an EP and a full length before he even went on a tour, before he even physically said “Hello Seattle”.  I now listen to Owl City only to look for subliminal messages. There are a few: “I’ve tasted honey, but I’ve never seen the hive” yeah I bet you haven’t seen “the hive” Breanne Duren! “I’d rather swim with great white sharks than wade in romance?!” “Dip your toes in the galaxy, because it’s your to explore tonight” huh. Sounds sexy, Adam Young.  Regardless of what he is singing now, it’s how is he singing it. His voice is completely different, and his vocabulary is substandard. Not to mention it’s much more theatrical and dramatic. All Things Bright And Beautiful in one word: predictable. It’s a huge production to make up for what the lyrics lack, if you will. If Dreams really Don’t Turn To Dust, then hopefully my dream of old Owl City will come true.  Next time I see him and the gang in July, I’ll let him know of my wishes, I’ll whisper them in his ear like he’s Santa Clause. He might as well be, I mean, he’s a magical mystery.

At least The Dear Hunter had something new to offer, and in the best way possible. I mean, The Color Spectrum is definitely no Battesimo del Fuoco, but I can feel the folksy-Italian vibe in the intro of "She’s Always Singing" and the old-school country twang and guest vocals in "Things That Hide Away." I think more people need to ask, "Why? Why? Why?" This album isn’t named Act IV: The Color Spectrum for a reason, Casey Cresezo has really outdone himself this album. Every song is inspired by a color of the spectrum; not only was it an enjoyable listen trying to guess which is which, but that’s what makes every song on this album unique. Each song shares the same theme, but at the same time don’t coincide. It’s an awesome paradox. My favorite song will always be Red Hands from Act II: The Meaning, And All Things Regarding Ms. Leading. A local band covered it recently, and… ahhhhhh it just flipped my pancake! On one hand, I quite enjoyed the songs about civil war soldiers and dissembling prostitutes who need to "take off your sweater, your shoes, and your shirt and get to work". The Color Spectrum in one word: modern. This can be looked at in a bad way as well as good. The vintage vibe was what I originally admired about The Dear Hunter, and this album is a big production like the others, but in another way. With electro vibes and Americana rock roots instead of ethereal, eerie violins and choir vocals, The Color Spectrum is worth your buck if you’re a fan looking for different subject matter and progress as a band. If you’re a new fan, pick it up, but don’t be surprised if this album sounds nothing like the others.

Little Hell, the most recent stroke of genius from City And Colour received a "hell yeah." It’s about time Dallas Green had graced my ears with something new from his acoustic guitar, and electric guitar, and drums? What? The full band sound is a new thing to come from City And Colour, and I like it. Not expected at first, it works. Some tracks like Silver And Gold, Sorrowing Man, and Natural Disaster cross the line in the sand between folk and country. I can pick out instruments like an organ and cello, but I miss the banjo-like tone from the second album Bring Me Your Love. Fragile Bird throws me off completely with the bass and drums and electric guitar. It’s a great song, but not coming from City And Colour. At least his falsetto coos and soft lyrics are still the same. Little Hell in one word: Americana. Which is kind of sad, because Canadian Acoustic is a genre worthy of recognition, and City And Colour did it right. Northern Star and We Found Each Other In The Dark are most reminiscent of his previous work. Dallas does love songs best, and this album is titled Little Hell. Do I sense some heart break? Not enough of it, because only a few tracks are apparent love songs. If Dallas were to continue in this new direction, I wouldn’t discourage it because his old songs would be nostalgic of the good times. Evolution and experimentation are keynotes throughout the album, and I recommend it to any City And Colour Fan.



Oh How Indie Of Me!

This was a week of indie adventures! Not only did I finally acquire a bicycle, but MISS INDIE OGDEN incorporated the RayDo Show into her blog. I mean, not only are Drew and I the cutest Ogden couple ever, but we’re indie as hell!

The Ray Show Bicycle Club: So I have at last gotten a bike. It is stupid, and I hate it. It’s a Mongoose “mountain bike”. So in other words, it’s pretty douche-core. I wanted a bicycle that was simple and light, preferably with a basket of the front. (So I can fill it with kittens and ride around Ogden!) My father got this for me at a yard sale last year, and I discovered it in the shed in my parent’s yard. Ugghhhh. The tires are flat, the seat is contraction inducing, and the frame is sooooo ugly and heavy. Won’t someone help me? I need a new bicycle. I am willing to trade my old one and cookies as well. ;)

ugh.

RayDo Show Photo shoot: Ah I have never looked prettier in a photo in my life ever! Miss Indie Ogden had the greatest idea, a picnic photo shoot that showed off all the secret places to picnic in Ogden. They are still, of course secret. There is a contest for all you positive thinking people out there, (just manifest the prize through positive thought.) And the prize is awesome. Go to i heart indie ogden for more information and to see more photos.  Mikaela’s daughter, Hunter, was such a delight. I will babysit that child any day. Take her on walks, show her the sights, and teach her about life. Drew was getting hot and sassy, my heels were sinking into the hot and humid grass, and I loved every minute of it. The balloons were my favorite touch, they matched my lipstick!

Necromaniac Final Summer Show: Thank god for metal music, it really gets me through. Especially Drew’s death core band Necromaniac. The theatrics were incredible this time; I swear it keeps getting better and better. Cameron picked an innocent bystander from the audience, our friend Mary, and made out with her on stage. I couldn’t believe it! This will be the final show of the summer because “Hunter From Hell” is leaving to Costa Rica for two months to be with amigos or something. The fashions put on by the boys were St. Joseph’s finest school uniforms. I’m talkin the famous plaid skirts, bloody white shirts, and face paint, (well only Cam) shaved legs, (well only Drew) and cow boy boots, (well only Devin).  I drew on Drew’s upside down cross with my red lipstick. Brutal, dude!

Next week should be pretty indie as well, although I have no set plans. Besides Wednesday, in which Drew and I will attempt to have a slightly enjoyable time in Salt Lake City, oh how I hate that wretched city.  Lately I have been faced with the stupid decision of Weber State vs. SLCC. What on earth is a girl to do? Suffer through math in order to receive a higher quality education and keep my job and stay on Ogden? Or suffer through finding a place to live, a new job, and hopefully receiving a cheaper degree in journalism in 2 years instead of 4? Sigh.

Owl Status

One year older and wiser too, I have now reached “owl status” I believe. I am wise, bad luck, mysterious, beautiful, and blah, blah, blah. Turning 19 was weird. I had to say goodbye to traditions, I really missed the candles, decorations, and attention from my family. Perhaps it’s not healthy to keep up such useless customs and behaviors anyway. But secretly, I’m glad that the day after my birthday was so much better. I got the attention I deserved! I felt like singing! “I feel thrifty, oh so thrifty; Thrifty, and nifty, and gayyyyyyyyy!” That was me singing, by the way. For my birthday, my mother and sister journeyed with me to the DI at Welfare Square. It was an awesome day for housewares! A new tea pot, waffle iron/maker, a dish rack, and cool old glasses! Man, I was in heaven. I also got a cool dress, and Whitney got some knickers! Jealous! What I really wanted was a bicycle, and it is STILL not in the stars for me to have one. I can’t find cheapies anywhere!

My favorite part of this entire weekend was when Cameron Reinhart said, “We would like to wish a very brutal birthday to a very brutal girl.” then proceeded to scream Necromaniac’s version of Happy Birthday. This Saturday was my 19^th birthday celebration at Mojos. Brad Rizer opened up the night with his classic harmonies, and even a rendition of NO FX’s “Happy Birthday You’re Not Special”. Marny Proudfit played, and it was very emotional, her new EP is much more mature sounding than her previous, and even her album. She has grown a lot through her music, and I wish her luck in her adventures. Thetaville, a progressive instrumental band from Salt Lake played next, and they rocked it. Who needs a six member band when you can get the job done with three? Machines Of Man was excellent. Every time is better than the last, and I was blown away. These guys have an EP you can pick up, but seeing them live is so much better. They are playing with The Human Abstract in June, everyone should go. Necromaniac was the ultimate entertainment, of course. Although fake blood was forgotten this time, Mother Mary was not. Cameron was making out with her, too. But as luck would have it, there was like seven people left in the room at this time, but it was special because they wore make up, skirts, and lingerie just for me!

I managed to forget to turn on the oven for my cake at my house, so I brought the “pudding” batter to mojos to bake it in his oven in the back. That cake was just bad luck, the oven was turned off at least three times, and I even burnt it once I got it to actually bake. Everyone who was there just dug in, and I was secretly disgusted. I wanted cake o meal, and to take this home, but no. It was destroyed in seconds by the gang.

I spent the later part of the evening with Drew Olguin at his place, playing with his hair and stroking his perfectly soft face. We are like a pair of kittens. cute, cuddly, feisty, and predictable. I love us!