Brown Bird

This is one of those instances where I am so excited by something I just have to share: Mr. Cleaver and I have seen Brown Bird in concert twice in the past 8 days - last week we saw them as the opener for the equally talented Low Anthem and  liked them so much that we went to a small show at the newish Mayo Street Arts Center Saturday night. Between the two show we've listened to their album The Devil Dancing at least a dozen times.

I've been on a big bluegrass/Americana kick for the past year or so and these folks are right in that wheelhouse. I've pasted a youtube link of "Bottom of the Bottle"  and " Danger and Dread" below, but I'd also check out "Mabel Grey," "Wrong Black Mare," and "By the Reins," but every song on this album is really really good!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOdTFeY7ZaI&feature=related]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqydc7_yHlQ&feature=related]

Ice and Inspiration

So last night we had a big ice storm: power lines are down, traffic lights are out and the roads are covered in ice and sleet - so I'm taking one of my four snow days  today.

For those of you not from places that get lots of snow and ice, you may wonder how an ice storm differs from a snow storm. Well, the ice storm is generally thought to be more dangerous because everything gets covered and encased in a thick coating of ice. This causes problems for trees and powerlines especially, because the added weight often snaps branches, etc. That said, it's also rather pretty.

Also, I was tagged a little over a week ago by Bitter Betty to list 6 things I'm inspired by right now, so here's goes:

1. My newest blog find - sew I do. She makes the cutest clothing for herself, her adorable son, and husband. It makes me glad that I saw some unexpected sewing time available today!
2. The song "Charlie Darwin" by the Low Anthem - it was on the latest Paste sampler cd and I keep playing it over and over again.
3. Portland's Buy Local movement/business alliance. I'm aiming to make all my Christmas gifts be handmade or locally purchased and since we have so many great shops here, it's not hard to do! Seriously- if you're ever in the area and want some suggestions - just ask!
4. The smell of pine - we already have our wreath and we're getting the tree tomorrow - hopefully it's still in one piece!
5. Pushing Daisies - this show has lots of pie, adorable clothing, and a P.I. who stress knits - I am so sad this show is canceled, but at least we have TV on DVD.
6. Handknitted sweaters and socks- I've been wearing the ones I have and I want to make more and more!