Lost in the Trees

I've been a Lost in the Trees fan for a little while now, but after seeing them live for the first time this weekend my admiration for them has deepened. With their stellar vocals and vast musical instrument mastery, I can honestly say they are one of the best live shows I've ever seen. Check out two of my favorite songs:

If you're not already listening to Ben Howard...

Start now. I can't get enough of this guy.

Favorite Albums of 2011

10. Matt Redman 10,000 Reasons

Favorite Track: Holy

9. Adele 21

Though she's a female singer and way overplayed on the radio, I can't help but love Adele.

Favorite Track: Rolling in the Deep

8. Brett Dennen Loverboy

Favorite Track: Surprise, Surprise

7. The Blak Keys El Camino

Favorite Track: Gold on the Ceiling

6. City and Colour Little Hell

Favorite Track: Fragile Bird

5. Death Cab for Cutie Codes and Keys

Favorite Track: Doors Unlocked and Open

4. Josh Garrels Love & War & The Sea in Between

Epic. That's all I can say about this album.

Favorite Track: White Owl

3. Coldplay Mylo Xyloto

Mmm Coldplay. They can do no wrong.

Favorite Track: Major Minus

2. Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues

Favorite Track: Helplessness Blues

1. Manchester Orchestra Simple Math

Favorite Track: Virgin

Happy Camper

This past weekend, I experienced my FIRST official overnight camping trip. I've gone to plenty of bonfires, slept in some impressive forts made of blankets, and have even slept in my car in the middle of a field. But as for real, intentional, sit-around-a-campfire-and-sleep-in-a-tent-all-night camping, I was callow... until Friday. (You like that word? I've been playing a lot of Scrabble lately, stretching my vocab skills.)

The Location: The Caldwell's beautiful stretch of land in Bay Minette, AL

We set up camp, scoped out the land and the lake, ate some deliciously burned hot dogs, sat around the campfire, cooked up some s'mores, and enjoyed the most spectacular display of stars I have ever seen.

After a decent night's sleep, I woke up much earlier than usual and helped get breakfast ready: homemade whole wheat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and coffee. Some people went for a ride in the tractor. The boys played a game of football that turned bloody and resulted in seven stitches. I almost passed out- I can't handle an eyebrow getting ripped off someone's face.

The best part was sitting around enjoying the company of people I really love. It's so peaceful to be out in the middle of the woods surrounded by nature without any distractions. This excellent first camping experience most assuredly will not be my last.

Can't Get Enough Of This Stuff Lately

Coffee

I'm a caffeine addict, I'll admit it. But recently my coffee addiction has been out of control. I'm brewing 2 or 3 pots a day, plus I'm spending a decent amount of time studying at Magnolia Coffee & Tea with a cup of the local Bear Mace brew.

Apples

Apples have never been my favorite fruit, but lately I’ve made multiple trips to the grocery store for the sole purpose of buying more apples. One a day keeps the doctor away, right? 

Town Creek Park (aka the Gay park)

My favorite place to run or read. 

The Tallest Man on Earth
This guy…wow. That voice. Those chords. Check it out:

Finally, a Post

I've had this blog set up for over a year and this is my first blog post. Does that tell you something about me? I'm big on journaling, but that is for writing super-personal thoughts for my viewing only. This blogging thing is different. Here's to hoping I come up with some interesting things to share via the internet.