Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Country Caravan

I've been dreaming for a long time about the day I'd go and see Blitzen Trapper play live. Last Wednesday that glorious day finally came. Though tests and assignments sandwiched my excursion to Salt Lake, I made up my mind mind long ago that I would go-- and the devil couldn't stop me.

My oh my, was it worth it! The sweet harmonies. Those rude guitar solos. THAT HARMONICA. After the lead singer's vicious wail in "Love U," I thought my heart would bleed. Probably the most killer lament I've ever heard. Maybe comparable to Led Zeppelin's "Dazed and Confused." Tragic. Just heart-wrenching. Of course, those dire songs were juxtaposed with the brightest, bounciest country/folk/rock you'll ever hear. All of this, infused with those Lynyrd Skynyrdesque guitar solos. Man, was it good to go to a rowdy lil' rock show.

Blitzen Trapper is after my heart.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Trunky.

Lately, I've really been missing some of the local acts from back home. Maybe there are fun groups that I've yet to discover in Provo, though I think BYU students are way too practical to start bands and succeed at them. I really miss checking the tempe/phoenix venues for shows each weekend and being excited-- no matter how many times I've seen 'em. Because of the of space and time we've shared, I feel a different love-connection for the good ol' local acts than for some of the big-shot bands I listen to. It's another sort of endearment entirely-- a kinship even. It's like one big love triangle. I love them. They love me for loving them. And they love each other. Love and Music. It's the award-winning combination.


Here's a few of my hometown sweethearts:


Black Carl "chemistry" (irresistible funk)

Kinch "london town" (wait for that freaky wail at the end)


What Laura Says "I dance for you only" (love this song!)


Busk'n Cuffs "feel it." I really couldn't help putting my lil' brudder's band up here. They are just way too precious.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Get Me Here.

International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico . . .





How can you look at these pictures and not feel happy??
My heart just gets all fluttery every time!
It aches me to know that this is going on this very weekend and I'm not there to witness it.
Someday I'm going. It's on the dream list.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Seven Years Bad Luck

Is there any way to repair this bad fortune??





Friday, October 2, 2009

Pavlova, My Heart's Dearest

While I was in Singapore, my aunt introduced me to the prettiest dessert. It's called Pavlova. There's a great debate among the people down under as to whether this dish originated from New Zealand or Australia. Just look up a few "how to" vids on Youtube. Almost everyone begins with. . . "And for all you AUSTRALIANS out there, pavlova was invented in New Zealand!!" And vice versa. The on-going cultural row seems a bit nugatory, but its amusing.

Anyway, the story is that the guy who created pavlova named it after a famous Russian ballerina because the fluffy, marshmallowy meringue looked just like her tutu. I like a dessert with a cute story behind it.

Here's the pavlova that Purni made in Singapore. Beautiful, isn't it? The meringue is ultra-sweet, so it is usually topped with tart fruits like kiwi, berries, and PASSIONFRUIT. That's the gooey, yellowy substance you see. Passionfruit is a little iffy looking, but divine-- especially on pavlova.

I tried my hand at making pavlova over the summer. Here's the meringue. It was actually really pretty on its own. Glossy and white.

There's no passionfruit to be found in Mesa, AZ. Still, the berries, kiwi, and mangoes served the dual-function of tasting awesome and making my pavlova look colorful.

I was really scared to try my pavlova when it was finished. I put a lot of work into it. I wanted it to be good, but I was afraid it might be a major fail. Amused by my toiling in the kitchen, my mom and brothers watched closely as I took the first bite. I literally started jumping up and down. "It's good! It's good!"

This is great for people who have a little sweet tooth. That meringue is just ridiculously sugary and light. Combine it with the whipped cream and fresh fruit, and its a dream. What more could you want in a dessert?

Ahhhh. Pavlova, I want you!!