The Time I Went To See Melissa E // Music

Ah. Lucky me! I got to stroll through the doors of The Chicago Theatre a few weeks ago. For what? CAUSE I WAS HOLDIN' TICKETS TO MELISSA ETHERIDGE, BABY! My parents have seen her a handful of times, my mom is a huge fan, and her first four albums were constantly played during my upbringing. Like Talking Heads and so many others, Melissa Etheridge found a cozy little place in my musical soul making her a bucket list artist; someone I had to see in my time. When I first found out she was coming here sometime in the late summer for a November show, I told my ma all about it and sent her all the fancy pre-sale ordering e-mails XRT was sending out and hoped she would come through in making that our show for this year, especially since we couldn't make it to David Byrne/St. Vincent together. She pulled through and we put it in our plans.

Of course, we started off this concert experience just like we would any other; dinner at Greek Islands beforehand, one of our favorite restaurants. 

saganaki, an obvious choice.

So since my mom is a seasoned Melissa E show go-er, she clued me in on exactly what I should expect as we listened to a CD I had made specifically for the drive there that was chocked full of Melissa Etheridge, Florence, Talking Heads/David Byrne- our usual lineup. The general sum-up was "You're never gonna see any other woman rock like Melissa does", that, and of course, she told me about the guitars. She told me all about how she does all these guitar changes and how she uses a different guitar for each song. I knew she would rock, there was no doubt in my mind, which is why there was no problem with me being so adamant about going in the first place. Let's be honest, this was my mom's 5th Melissa show, and while she loves seeing her live, she just wasn't super amped on it until we were in the car on the way there belting out 'Like The Way I Do'. That's okay, the excitement eventually found her and after dinner, we cabbed over to the theatre where the excitement then consumed us. My tradition for every show there is that when I get into the actual main floor entrance, I just walk all the way to the front of the stage for some time to check out the set close-up, make nice with the guards up there, and get a good look at the crowd. I feel some sort of bizarre attachment to that theatre that makes me feel like I should somehow buy it, manage it, and love it forever [or maybe just get a job sticking the letters on the marquee?].

 

yay! Set close-up

The set to this particular show was intricate as ever; lava lamps, rugs, tons of amps, decor, and of course a drum from Leavenworth Junior High- her hometown. When I was done with my scope-out routine, we attempted to actually find our seats, and they were good ones in the center section; Row B, seat 406/408. We got an even bigger slice of lucky when two women two rows in front of us turned to ask us if we wanted to switch seats with them, and they had the aisle seats. That's a delicious two-fer and we took it. They were a group of friends who had bought tickets separately, yet managed to gain compliance with awesome attendees in order to switch it up so they could sit together. How awesome.

My ma and I in front of the stage before the show!

Here's the showdown! 

 She came on stage with such a bewitching spirit that night; looking around, moving easily to the beat. She was extremely chatty with the crowd as she led us along in the passenger seat of her Chevrolet. She drew so many influences from her upbringing and raw roots with this album. Her attentiveness with the crowd could have almost been mistaken for a typical blues show where the artists mutters through a collection of thoughts while the notes take their words and string them to a melody. This album was a lot slower paced and focused heavily on it, rightfully so since this tour is titled after her latest album; 4th Street Feeling. She threw a lot of her old jams in there which was my main highlight along with some of the awesome life advice she threw out in between songs and some of it couldn't have come at a better time. I was a tad shocked there wasn't a bit more from her Fearless Love album, just a song, but after 12 albums, not including her Christmas album and greatest hits, I guess it becomes rather difficult to cut it down to even just 20 songs. What it boils down to is that I just wanted to see Melissa Etheridge in concert. It wasn't about loving every song on her latest albums, it was about experiencing an artist live I've thoroughly enjoyed my whole life and see her with the person who was responsible for that. Melissa looked great and sounded great. She mixed up the songs really nicely too. One minute you were rocking out and the next you'd be swaying along somewhere in the crowd. The lights she used were fantastic as well. A lot of variation, which was great and sort of gives it the feeling you're getting that much more out of the show. I felt really lucky to be seeing her perform live, especially within the walls of The Chicago Theatre. We were around such an awesome group of people, too, many of which had attended shows in the past. An awesome crowd? That always seals the deal on a concert. 

Here's a glimspe into her new album;

MELISSA ROCKED OUT ON DRUMS! She just got up along side her drummer and laid down an awesome little set. This was absolutely awesome. She played the harmonica as well as strummed a billion chords on numerous different guitars and even played some of them whilst laying on her back sprawled across the stage. Definitely an experience. To have it end with 'Like The Way I Do' was just absolutely stellar, she rocked the house, and I'm pretty sure I rocked my body to the core. Of course, like the end of every show ever, I make my way up to the front of the stage in attempts to get a glorious setlist! ACCOMPLISHED! [and I never thought I would at this one].

The fantabulous 20 song setlist!

The breakdown process! This is always incredibly fascinating to me just HOW fast they
break it all down and pop it into a truck for the next show. The crew for her show was exceptionally
friendly. I was really shocked I walked away with a few souvineers from this one!

Afterward, my mom and I were buzzing, but she kept emphasizing how much she has really mellowed out.

She is still incredibly captivating, but she said that no one EVER sat at her shows and during a few songs on this latest tour, there were a few sitters. It didn't get me down. It was almost intriguing to see her in the in-between phase of being able to really impress while calming down and turning over a new page in terms of performance. At the end of it all, I got exactly what I wanted- seeing yet another bucket-list artist at The Chicago Theatre. It's just too exquisite. Here's to the next one.

If you like Melissa Etheridge, you might dig this other artist I thoroughly enjoy; Lissie who reminds me of a younger version of Melissa E. I had the chance to see her live at Reggie's a couple years ago and luckily got to meet her and of course, I wrote all about it.

Any shows you plan on attending soon?

The 25% Mindset // November

This is something I've been wanting to put into written word for some time now. It's something that I've been able to verbally convey to some extent, but haven't yet conquered finding the time to type it out , until now. It's kind of a heavy topic, but maybe not, it definitely doesn't have to be, it just depends on your viewpoint. For me, though, it kind of is. It's the best way for me to have some kind of definitive bright spot, something to look forward to, something to remember. You see, if you ever met me in person, you'd think I was this energetic, outgoing, spunky, funky chick that's got enough spare energy to bottle up and sell, and that's very true, to some extent. However, if you really know me well, you would know I spend a lot of time tied up in the sad sack. There's no real reason or real way to pinpoint the reason for this. Mind you, that makes it sound extremely fluffy and I'd almost rather have you think that, and even more so, I wish it were "fluffy". Life isn't always wonderful, but it's about stumbling into those moments or experiences that make you feel it is to the fullest degree. Basically, right now, being 24 years old almost feels like a burden along with having this marvelous freedom that's only going to be here a short time longer. It's a mixed pot of outings, friends, work, being unsure about work, being unsure about money, being stressed about money, wanting freedom whilst fearing it, uncertainty with the future, hating the future, hating the present...all that delicious stuff that the ones walking around in their 20's get to experience. Most of the time, that's not even a thought exclusive to the younger set. It's that feeling that when you're happy, you feel as if you'll be happy forever, but when the sad hits, it seems like the only feeling you'll ever possess. It's a grouping of feelings that I am all too familiar with, but there's also beautiful things to be experienced in this life that seems sort of mundane and unsure of it's purpose, and that, my friends, counts for something.

Breaking it down this way sometimes seems a bit negative, as I stated before, but it's necessary for me to write about because it's how I've been feeling for so long, whether it's the "right" or "wrong" way to go about life, it's just how I choose to see it. The 25% carries a big significance for me. It's sort of the thing that keeps me here; the thing that keeps me going, the thing that I look forward to, the thing that makes me laugh out loud when I'm alone on a Thursday afternoon. The 25% is necessary because it is made up of the small things. And the smallest things tend to have some of the greatest outcomes and make some of the biggest differences. What makes up this percentage? And how can the other 75% seem so melancholy? It's not just that. It's not that I'm sad sacking 75% of my life, it's just that some of the things I find myself doing, that aren't necessarily enjoyable, or they are the things that I'm just doing until I get to what I'm really here for. I am a happy person, at times. I feel like my head is not quite wired like the rest of 'em and it's hard sometimes, too hard. What happens often when I'm swimming in the depths, is that I find the smallest things do generally pull me out of such a rut, which is why this perspective works for me real well.

The 25% is what we're dreaming about experiencing during the 75% we're living.

I find myself living in complacency more often then not, if I'm lucky to have even that in my grasp, and not to mention, I'm the most anxious person alive. That's not necessarily the worst state to live in, but sometimes, it all seems to drag on and throw me on my head every now and then. There are large amounts of that 75% that make me cling so hard to that smaller number that makes up my whole.To explain it differently, it's one of those times when you're driving and you're feeling low, real low, and you don't know what the hell you're doing here anymore, and then you see it- that sunset. That amazing sun that's going down in all the right ways; it makes the clouds look absolutely beautiful, the sky is splashed in faded colour, and that sun gives you hope that tomorrow is a better day and a brighter time. And then it hits you, THAT'S WHY YOU'RE HERE. To see that, to think a rational thought, to feel at ease, to see something that you had no control over, and have it move you to pieces. THOSE are the things that make me love being alive and make me want to stay alive. It's those things you see, feel, or experience that are so beautiful, so magnetic, so memorable, that it makes you feel like you're going to cave. The 25% gives you that reassurance that good things, whether they be big or small, do linger just around the corner, you just have to keep living to experience them. Want other glorious examples? Sure you do;

It's the things like, when you want to hear one of your jams whilst driving, and all of a sudden it comes on the radio or your shuffle takes care of it. GLORIOUS! The 25% is the loud laughs you share with your friends on a Thursday night at their place, when you're so caught up in the moment you don't care whether or not you're heard in the apartment next door, it's receiving that set list from the show of the musician that helped shape your life at one of your favorite venues, it's that exceptionally random conversation you have with a stranger that makes some sort of impact on you, it's letting the music move your emotions; letting it take you from happy to sad or the other way around, it's that both hands on your face when your being kissed kind of feeling, it's seeing the architecture that's so astounding, you take a minute to look at it.  The 25% is vital, and it's happening all the time, you just have to look for it, scoop it up, and make it part of your whole. Sometimes it's easy to pass it up, I mean, really easy to pass up and other times, you have to cling to it, especially in times when you're not sure what you're really here for. The times where it's not apparent can seem terrifying, but then you just have to go digging.

in visual form;

See the way his hand falls in this picture? I remember it upon my face.
I       remember       that       feeling.
I remember thinking that this was such a darling shot and that I'm so
glad I have his wonderful affections caught on camera. THAT is the 25%

The 25% is getting something like this in your camera roll, that marvelous sunset.

And more rarely than not, your favourite musician will absolutely change your life,
in the middle of a packed venue, my favourite venue, and make you feel like your
artistic side should not be taken lightly. THANK YOU, FLORENCE WELCH
for making the 25% feel like 100%.

Cookies I made for my queen, Florence Leontine Mary Welch
and the rest of the band, Florence + The Machine. Her receiving these?
OH, YEAH! THE 25%, BABY!

The 25% are these setlists, acquired from amazing shows from amazing places.

1. Florence + The Machine (H.o.B April 2010) 2. Natalie Merchant (Chicago Theatre 2010) 3. Chairlift (Lollapalooza 2012)

Getting the set list makes it that much more official and just gives you something awesome to put on your wall.

the 25% is taking walks on a summer day like this with one of your closest friends.

The 25% is dancing in Grant Park at your first Lollapalooza. HELL YES!

Of course, the 25% is your bed. YOUR bed.

The 25% is re-living those childhood memories, ice cream trucking at age 24. CLASS.

 The 25% is getting to see Concorde in person. I would have LOVED to have flown in this aircraft

and I'm stoked I got to see it and admire the hell out of it. IT'S BEAUTIFUL!

The 25% resides in your house on Christmas morning.

The 25% is the feeling you have rushing through your body  on
one of your favourite coasters with awesome people by your side.
What an amazing day this was. I love what all of us are doing in this picture.

All, in all, the things above mean endless amounts, looking at these pictures literally gives me the same feeling I experienced as it was captured, but they aren't the only things that mean a lot. There are a million examples and viewpoints of this subject, and I'd love to hear about them from you. These experiences are something to cherish. 

What's in your basket of 25%?

lifestyle // October

The desire to write on a multitude of topics is overwhelming as I've seemed to have stumble into some great topics to lay out in writing form. However, I have a massive amount of pictures that are worthy of uploading and giving a bit of back story about. This might be fun for you and it's definitely chocked full of random. I didn't realize there was so much that had gone on and sometimes it feels damn good to compile these pictures, go back, and remember the good times. I'm grateful when I capture the smallest things because they piece together the whole so much better. Splitting up my time between the city and the burbs is also pretty reflective in this series of shots. It's definitely a great mix up and I love becoming more and more familiar with it each time I go. This is as up to date as it gets. The last few pictures I took up until a few hours ago and the start...I can't remember when I thrifted this jacket, so I'd say about a month or so ago. Buckle in, you might get something out of this one;

And what a marvelous thrift it was. I actually went to Buffalo to try to snag this jacket
and pair of shoes I had seen in the previous week, however, both were gone and I walked
out with this bad boy. I can never pass up a funky blazer or jacket because it's just the perfect
thing to add over something boring. That and I never fail to scope out something Fresh Prince-y...

[ ]

OBVIOUSLY!

These were taken in the park/forest preserve by my house // Knock Knolls Park

autumn outfit. I LOVE AUTUMN FASHION, OKAY? and layering tights.
Don't let anyone tell you different.

 I was shopping on Target and got a little "TRY ON!" happy with glasses and a hat.

And it's Autumn. If you don't have a few of these lollipops lingering in your purse

or pockets, then I suggest you make some linger in there real fast.

 

CHERRY PIE CUPCAKES! MY FAVORITE!
I took this picture for the pure humor of it. This was me at
5:45 am heading to the bakery. Early mornings don't mean you
neglect the cat-eye.

 What a day overall. Hung out with a group where during the daytime we were all just kind of kicked-back

and hangin' out, and then we all parted ways, did what we needed to do, got ready, and came back together

for an evening party. I was introduced to THIS vodka that tastes remarkably like Swedish Fish candy.

When I checked out the site, I found that they had a slew of other amazing flavors. Things like Cookie Dough

Cake, Chocolate Whip, Cotton Candy that sort of make you wonder if the testing for this was them pouring

Vodka over these food items and going "...YEAH! TASTES GREAT! BOTTLE IT!"

 Me + Brooke and Me + Erin at a shindig over at Erin's place.

I love these girls, where a hangout is never a bad time. 

So, this coat. That first blazer picture, I said I went back to get a coat instead,
well, the coat I had gone back for was a leopard print one. A basic trench, but rad in print.
It was gone when I went for it, however, I came back to the burbs and THE NEXT DAY
I was walking Downtown Naperville, going past Serendipity, and this leopard coat was in
the window SCREAMING MY NAME. I SNAGGED THIS BAD BOY FOR A HOT HOT HOT DEAL
and I did it in a very loud and excited manner. I am over the moon that I scored something like this.
It still had the tags on it too, making it that much more of a solid steal. It was
almost too funny that I was able to find an even better coat the next day and
STILL acquire a bad ass blazer. That my friends, was a good day.

 

 The outfit pairing [LAYERED TIGHTS, KIDS!] and my smokes of choice. Love the colour of this box, love American Spirits.

me and Dan exhibiting awesome, MAJ

So let's define rad here for a hot second; Our friend (meaning Dan and I) have
a friend named Danny who's a chef that happens to also be in a billion social
different circles. Her friend proposed the idea of whipping up an Aphrodisiac
Menu that would consist of 7 courses, each one using an element of turn on.
We dined together in a group of six; three couples. We also did a write up on
our experiences that might get published somewhere down the line later, so I
don't want to reveal too much here, except that I got to experience it and loved it.

First paired up was the Carrot + Cinnamon + Saffron soup. Which I could roll in
before I consume it, it's just that good. 

2. here we had the Avacado bowl + Mango + Tomato+ Basil +Arugula, and balsamic truffle vinaigrette salad with

3. Crispy crimini mushrooms + Sage + Brown butter sauce, which can also be described as OVER THE MOON.

4. Lambchop with Kabocha squash + Cayenne + Fenugreek. Let's talk about how I wolfed down

this squash with the greatest ease, it was spicy and made you feel WARM. Outstanding.

5. Oysters + crispy apple ginger relish - first time oysting, and they were exquisite! The apple

relish was exactly what it needed to make it burst with flavor and ease down the oyster.

6. this groovy drink wasn't the last thing to be served, but it was the last thing

I snapped of this meal. It's Watermelon + Ginseng + Maca Root + Tequila.

It was a drink/shot, but it had the most unusual flavor that we all ended up

really enjoying. It was the mix of all the healthy components that made you

feel like you were getting an extra little boost.

Overall, the aphrodisiac experience was pretty stellar. As I said, there will be a write up

later on being published. I'll be sure to post an update when it is of where to find it.

 

Ah, two divine pleasures, yet very different ones. We featured a Candy Bar Cupcake a few weeks ago

that consists of a vanilla base with M&M's, topped with a PB Ganache, and coated in;

Twix + Butterfingers + Reese's + Rolo's +M&M's. The glory is all behind the Portillo's

meal featured there so perfectly; my beloved Beef + Cheese Croissant with Cheese Fries.

Three of my favourite things; layered + colored tights, a fabulous long coat, and a piping hot bowl of liver dumpling soup. Dan came into town one day and we went to Bohemian Crystal which is a staple in our family.

Numerous family events have been held there, along with handfuls of Sunday meals with extended relatives. It was extremely odd going there on a lunchy date because my family had been the only people I had gone there with and likewise with him. We were both familiar with it-as you should be. Anyone who knows anyone around this area, about anything, knows that the Crystal is going to be loading you up with the best bohemian food. It was a nice variation to add this place to the list of options.

DAN'S BIRTHDAY! 

We kept it pretty low key with a dinner at Old Oak Tap, drinks, and a little

hangout afterwards. I crocheted him this hat and scarf combo. First ones

of the season! We ended the night with a little gelato from Black Dog. It

was absolutely delicious and OF COURSE I find myself craving it weeks later.

I got a righteous little combo that consisted of Pumpkin & Espresso. WINNER.

The look that night:

Layered Tights! Mini skirt! Fur! Boots! SCORE!

 Then Steve had an Arrested Development party! Oh, you've never seen that show? I'm sorry,

I almost feel bad for you. Oh, you have? YOU'RE AWESOME!

 Such a prime show and I'm so glad people are still getting into it all the time.

I decided to go as Lucille, because, she's fucking awesome. The party didn't have a huge turnout,

but those who came, rocked it out. Here's some snapshots

of me with some of the guests rocking out the Lucille look.

Brooke and I after we took the hair down and undid the costumes a bit.
It's almost like we went to a whole different party.

Dan and I sometimes bop in here if we're looking for a quick coffee fix and we're
out and about in the neighborhood; Star Lounge. They also have a pretty nifty tea assortment.
 I absolutely love their menu, as well as the way it's displayed.
I'm a fan of Cortez the Thriller, because...well, OBVIOUSLY
(No, but really, I DO love 'Cortez The Killer' though, too)

Sunbeams + crisp air.

 life in s n i p s.

 suburbia.

 I came back from the city earlier than usual a few Monday's ago, allowing me the chance to skate.

I had neglected skating for so long and I was sort of sick of that happening because it's such a specific movement that releases so much. So after 6 months I took back to the ice and found my edge. I found I hadn't really faltered too much;

my spins were decent, I landed my jumps, my edges and turns were sharp, endurance was there, and artistry was a go.

I always get nervous to go back after such long breaks, but this one was good for me.

Now I try to make it happen every Monday, that's the only day my schedule allocates skating with my work schedule.

Obviously Erin and I had our 2012 couch mixer to celebrate finding her awesome couches
that are the perfect addition to her apartment. She just got her own place and had to basically
fill it from scratch. We found these suckers at a garage sale, with no real reason of sale except
they wanted new ones. We won and now I have an awesome place to sit when I hit up her place.

and then I dyed my hair a little bit more red...

AH! This was quite the night. Got ready in a hot hurry [hence me using my rollers for a hot plate], scampered

down to the city, and attended Dan's company party at the Tribune Tower. It turned out to be a real solid time,

I met a lot of his co-workers, a few invited guests that weren't part of the company, as well as some other cool cats.

Definitely glad I made it down there to celebrate with them. What a groovy kick-off to the weekend.

I took this from the train and loved that it oozed many eerie vibes.

 OBVIOUSLY! NUMERO UNO AT THE 'TILL!

Sometimes when you leave the house, you just have to step out in something fabulous, whether the day warrants it
or not.  So last Saturday I decided to rock this gown I thrifted some time last year. So far it had only been worn to
my fourth Florence show in Milwaukee, so wearing it 6 months later just felt right. Whilst wearing this on Saturday,
I found myself among different groups of friends throughout the night, both in the burbs and the city.
I just love everything about this dress and hope to keep rocking it for awhile now.

Brookie + I at a little shindig that went down at her house this weekend.
I love little get-togethers like this, wish I could have stayed longer, but the city beckoned.

dreamy/arsty shots taken of me in the dress...or something.

my rad Zed Head zebra ring looking at magazine zebras.
He loved it, but mostly, I loved it.

 city adventuring captured in three snaps.

 OH, BUT THE ICE SKATING! Seriously, it feels so good to be

back out there. I went with my lil sis Julie the other day, which is

great to skate along side someone that has a sharper skill set than you.

It was a good motivator and produced good pictures. I love the artistry

in skating. I'm not so much into the technical aspect anymore, but I love

choreography and the dance-y flow that skating allows. Really delicate,

but extremely powerful.

I snagged this shot on the drive home the other day after the rink. I really dig how it turned out.

Dan and I killed the dessert game over at The Palm last night.

Located in the Swissotel, this is a pretty decent little dessert destination.

Key Lime Pie, Cheesecake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, 7 layer cake, Carrot cake...

It's right on the river which is really nice and it's located in a central area to

dozens of restaurants making it an easy walk-to. Featured above is the 

Cheesecake & the 7 layer chocolate beast of a cake.

Chicago is ROCKIN' out the pink right now for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

It was pretty fabulous, and gives a cute little effect for the city. How about purple for

the other 11 month

 YES, YES, AND YES.  These are on my legs AS I TYPE.

You know how I love funky prints right?! Oh...so...you don't...?

THESE WERE A FIND! I found 3 pairs of OFF THE CHAIN leggings in Japan from UniQlo.

I'm talking, like, thick, funky, and top notch rad kind of leggings. So in the states, I see awesome pairs,

but they have some outrageous price tag attached them, unless you get crafty about

where you're digging for leg adornment. I found these at Ragstock. Most of these locations

are urban, aka finding them in an upscale suburban mall was pretty...sttrrannngeee to say the least.

I walked in, looked at the guy behind the counter and said "So...this is pretty weird for you too, right?"

I've only been to city locations, but it's cool/unusual to see that style hit that particular mall.

Anywho, that worked out nicely for me where I scooped these suckers up for $10.

They're perfect for right now because they are thick enough where you don't need to double them up,

but you can just throw them under a pair of shorts or a micro mini skirt. Today I rocked them with the former.

I also feel like promoting this small tidbit of information because I really feel like it'd help some of you ladies out. So, as a skater, former and present, I've learned to LOVE Mondor products. Mostly just the leggings that I grew up wearing to prevent the freeze and still find myself running to them when I'm rink bound. However, about two years ago, I started throwing them under my jeans and my thinner pair of leggings. They are flesh colored and extremely thick; made of bamboo and other bullshit that locks in the heat. This way, you don't have to worry about your leggings getting that see-through effect and you can have that extra layer of warmth buzzing about under your pants. They save me in the winter time, fit skin tight, yet comfortably, 

and I thought that you might dig that idea too. ORDER THEM HERE. 3303 are your friends!

AH! IT IS 

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!

I AM STOKED!

 ENJOY YOURS.

you're rad as ever.

-T