music | The Opinionated Woman's Musings

The theme for August photo blog and challenge hosted by http://hoohaa.com was Summer Fun. I have had a rough couple of months with the deterioration of my grandmother’s health and her ultimate demise in July. So, for August’s picture selections, the pictures are not as artistic as I have tried in the past. It was more about celebrating life while dealing with our family’s loss.

Photo 1

Hubs decided that we needed to go on a day road trip on Saturday to take our mind off things. We went down to Duluth GA and window shopped with no particular goal in mind. We ate lunch at a Korean/Chinese restaurant. I had Korean pork BBQ. My fave.

Photo 2

Since I was in the path of totality, I saw the eclipse. My picture during total eclipse was not that great because I needed a better camera lens. In any case, it was breathtaking to witness it in person. It was like nothing I have ever experienced. Well worth all the hype and more.

Photo 3

My baby Blaze got in a fight 😦 and needed to go to the vet for his injury. Thankfully, it was not that serious. He got an antibiotic shot and did not need any other meds. I should have named him Houdini because on the trip to the vet, he got out of his carrier. I do not know how since the door was closed.

Photo 4

This is my Young Living Orb diffuser in action. On my way to work, I started diffusing lemon and peppermint essential oil because it helps calm and balance my emotions. Grief can be something serious. I am glad that I have a natural options to help me to get a handle on releasing negative emotions without it consuming me.

Photo 5

One Friday evening, I went to Montague’s (local restaurant) to hear Rachel Davis sing and Kenny Price play the guitar. This duo is also part of a band called The Bonnie Situation. If you love 90s music and you live near Upstate SC, it will be worth your while to go hear them play. I particularly love to hear Rachel perform covers “You Oughta Know” (Alanis Morrisette) and “Free Your Mind” (En Vogue). She has a set of lungs on her to hit the notes like a pro. And Kenny did a good job too.

These were just a few of the pictures that show SUMMER FUN for me.

Check out the website to see the other bloggers’ submissions and interpretations of this theme.

If someone asks me what type of music I like, I will respond that I like a little bit of everything.

So when I heard that an obscure folk band from Sweden named First Aid Kit was playing at The Orange Peel in Asheville on November 19, 2011 as the opening act for Lykke Li, I kept an open mind.

These girls as cute as a button, but their demure presence reflects their modesty and leaves the listener to focus on their soulfully talented voices. There is a bit of haunted quality in their tone which pulls at your heartstrings. The lyrics are poetic and draw you into their songs.

They gave a great show performing some songs from their latest album at the time Big Black & the Blue.
Afterwards, they hung around to take pictures sign CD cases.

As you can tell, I have some lovely pictures of them after their performance. I think that they did better than Lyyke Li and that was who I originally went to see. I am glad I saw them before they got too famous. I am happy that they are doing well and are being recognized on a larger scale. Their new music shows that they have not sacrificed any quality but are content to do what they like musically.

Hopefully, I will get to see them again. Since they are more popular, the venue might be bigger but I hope the ticket prices stay reasonable and the show is as awesome as the last.

Other notes about First Aid Kit

In February 14, 2013, they were awarded the Nordic Music Prize for the best Nordic album in 2012.

In February 20, 2013, they were awarded four Swedish Grammy awards for 2012 Artist Of The Year, Songwriter Of The Year, Best Pop Of The Year and Album Of The Year.

Altogether in 2013 they performed in about 30 concerts and 10 festivals.

“Other notes” information obtained from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Aid_Kit_(band)