90s Idolatry or some reasons to look up while the world is looking down.
Good Morning Darlings,
I apologize for the month gone, but a crazy month it was.
On October 9, Wildfires ravaged Napa and Sonoma Counties and we were among the lucky ones to not lose anything in the devastation. We did have to evacuate our home early that morning and stay gone for about a week. A week where we were taken in by great friends and had a refresh in LA (Stanley's spiritual homeland, see below).
It was scary, we haven't truly processed it yet, and I hope none of you ever wake up at 2:30 in the morning to the smell of smoke, rain of ash and a direct line of vision to a flame. But again, we're OK and it's humbling to hear stories of those who have lost their homes to these fires. It's also humbling and inspiring to watch a community band together to help out. If you have any desire to donate, you can donate here, or if you're feeling really excitable, why not buy a ticket to the benefit concert we're having? If you, like me, are still harboring an adolescent crush on Adam Duritz, it's really mutually beneficial.
So thank you for all of you who have reached out with warm wishes and opened your homes to us. We love you all. There's no elegant way to move on from this, but darlings, we're moving on.
We're moving on to another addition ofLCF is XOXOing
Weezer, Pacific Daydream
I have not read any reviews of this album because I know it's going to get slammed and I don't want music cynics to ruin this for me. This, darlings, is one of my favorite albums of 2017 and I'll tell you why. It isn't OG Weezer (Cuomo is the first to say so in an interview for All Songs Considered). Why would we expect it to be? The Blue Album, Pinkerton and even The Green Album (my personal, albeit unpopular, favorite) were released like 20 years ago (yes, let that delight digest, my friends). In an age of constant chatter about personal growth, why do we continue to hold our favorite bands to this weird stagnancy? Why wouldn't we want our heroes in music to evolve? I think that it's a nostalgia (especially for us especially nostalgic millenials) for some other time. And this year specifically, who can a blame a person for nostalgia? At the same time, you want nostalgia? This album is full of it, led by it's first single, "It Feels Like Summer." It sounds bright and breezy and like you're sitting on a beach at sunset with all of your friends who are older and wiser, yet somehow haven't aged at all physically. Just a take a moment, picture that (or like a 90210 reunion, same thing) - that is what this album feels like. The lyrics aren't breezy, they are wistful at best, some lugubrious even. The dichotomy between the SoCal poppiness of the music and the cynical, grownup lyrics is truly a testament to Weezer's staying power. It's top 40 AND an album you want to listen to all the way through.What hasn't changed is Cuomo's voice. It still sounds youthful, almost naive but belts out these simply powerful words. It has neither the sheen of a pop star nor the grit of a rock and roller. It sounds like crashing waves. It always has, predictably unpredictable. I mean do you remember the first time you heard "The Sweater Song" vs. the first time you heard "El Scorcho?" think about it.I'd suggest you listen to it for yourself.
MAC Rollerwheel liquid eyelinerIf you know me, you know that one of my great searches in life is for the ultimate cat eye. But as they say, an artist should never blame their tools. Unfortunately when it comes to a cat eye, I have spent my entire life unabashedly blaming my tools. That is, until this beauty found it's way into my life.Darlings, I have little to say about this aside from that it is almost too easy. From my favorite makeup producer, I would expect nothing less, but I am still blown away by what a difference this makes in my morning routine.The applicator is like a little pizza wheel - making it very easy to create a pencil sketch on your eyelid before you make a full commitment. I would highly suggest trying this product out if a cat eye of any kind is at all a part of your routine.
sunsetincarmel
Carmel by the Sea Darlings, I was lucky enough to take a little girls trip with some of the Maine tribe last weekend. We had a fantastic night in San Francisco and then made our way down the coast to Carmel. Le hubs and I had hit Carmel briefly when we did our PCH trip a few years ago, but it was incredible to spend a little more time there. It's truly a beautiful town and not even the obvious tourism really bothered me.At sunset, what seems like the entire town walks down to the beach to watch the sunset and as soon as the ocean engulfs the sun, said town retreats back to their homes or to one of the many spectacular restaurants for drinks and dinner.We spent the afternoon oogling second hand designer goods at Foxy Couture and drinking wine at the Silvestri and Galante tasting rooms. We had oysters and martinis at A.W. Shucks (I mean, perfect name, right?) and ended the night at Vesuvio, where we went on a recommendation from a local, but also turned out to be Guy Fieri approved (could have something to do with their Italian inspired sushi rolls, another story for another day) and while the food was fine (I ended up eating my Penne with chopsticks), it was a beautiful night on a beautiful rooftop with delightful conversation and delicious Pinot Noir.
Darlings, I am challenging myself to stop and smell the roses everyday and bring one positive thought to the table every day. Today I will leave you with this thought.The only good thing to come out of this administration is the potential 2000 page Delillo novel.Okay, so not 100% positive, but looking at the silver linings, at least. xoxolcf