Monday, July 27, 2009
Out and About: The Marina
The weather was amazing yesterday, so we went out to the Marina to soak up the sun (and also to slightly freeze because of the wind, but hey...it's summer in San Fran, so we appreciate any sun I can get). It was absolutely beautiful out there. I snapped some cell phone cam pics, that (of course) don't do the scenery justice. Enjoy! Here are some pics from our trip to the Marina yesterday. The last pic is of Alcatraz...sorry folks, my cell phone camera won't zoom in, so this is the best I could do:) The Bay is absolutely GORGEOUS!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Word...Because Sometimes We Have to Encourage Ourselves
Nothing supercedes the Word of God in giving me peace. My grandmother taught me that sometimes you have to encourage yourself, and speaking the Word of God over your life is the best way to do so. I thought I'd share what I read with you guys and hopefully encourage you, as well...just know that God has not forgotten about any of us...we're in His hands.
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message Translation)
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message Translation)
los ojos del corazón
"The heart has eyes which the brain know nothing of." -Charles H. Perkhurst
I first read this quote as an optimistic 15 year old, who wanted nothing more to have and believe in love. For me back then, it spoke to love's prolific power...it's ability to see through the external and connect soul to soul with another, despite flaws and differences or any other shallow precedent, seeing only that which is good and pure inside of us all.
More than a decade later, I still consider myself to be more idealistic than most...one of my heroes told me to never let that go, to never let anyone take that away from me or tell me not to dream. But try as I might, I end up jaded, at times...experience, namely heartache/break, lies and loss, have rendered me more cynical than my 15 year old self.
While I never lost my affinity to love, but all that I know now makes me believe Mr. Perkhurst's quote speaks to something more than I once thought it did. You see, at 26, I know what it's like to cry and feel as if the tears are coming from wells deep down in my soul...I've felt the fierce fire of heartache burning so incessantly, that it's flames appeared unquenchable...and yet, in the stillness after I cried myself to sleep, my heart always found a way to heal.
I believe the heart does have eyes that the brain knows nothing of...eyes that see past what we can into the future. Even in the midst of pain, those eyes look ahead and see our capacity to love again and recognize the necessity in our healing.
I hope this quote inspires you to believe in love's power and in the mystifying resilience of your own heart. Be encouraged in this, that no matter how dark it is right now, the sun will shine again. Keep livin'...keep lovin', ya'll.
I first read this quote as an optimistic 15 year old, who wanted nothing more to have and believe in love. For me back then, it spoke to love's prolific power...it's ability to see through the external and connect soul to soul with another, despite flaws and differences or any other shallow precedent, seeing only that which is good and pure inside of us all.
More than a decade later, I still consider myself to be more idealistic than most...one of my heroes told me to never let that go, to never let anyone take that away from me or tell me not to dream. But try as I might, I end up jaded, at times...experience, namely heartache/break, lies and loss, have rendered me more cynical than my 15 year old self.
While I never lost my affinity to love, but all that I know now makes me believe Mr. Perkhurst's quote speaks to something more than I once thought it did. You see, at 26, I know what it's like to cry and feel as if the tears are coming from wells deep down in my soul...I've felt the fierce fire of heartache burning so incessantly, that it's flames appeared unquenchable...and yet, in the stillness after I cried myself to sleep, my heart always found a way to heal.
I believe the heart does have eyes that the brain knows nothing of...eyes that see past what we can into the future. Even in the midst of pain, those eyes look ahead and see our capacity to love again and recognize the necessity in our healing.
I hope this quote inspires you to believe in love's power and in the mystifying resilience of your own heart. Be encouraged in this, that no matter how dark it is right now, the sun will shine again. Keep livin'...keep lovin', ya'll.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Leave Your Genre at the Door
Close your eyes and listen.
The beats and melodies that you hear cannot be confined by the restraints of any genus. The harmonies and chords defy any and all expectations of what music could and should be. They are fiery, yet tamed; mellow, yet fierce. What you are listening to is a track from Sy~3nc3 & Pr()gr@m5, from Houston, Texas based Peekaboo Theory.
For nearly three years, the band (consisting of six members: Tony Roopa, Nathan “Twist” Matthews, F.Y~I.A.A.M., Whitecloud, Ramon Wakefield and Darian Fleming) has been serving up refreshing audible treats, while simultaneously slaughtering any boundaries or stereotypes that try to pigeonhole their passion and label their sound. For Peekaboo Theory, it’s never been about fitting their music into a particular genre. They create music, period. The talent spread amongst the six members of the band is undeniable. The music they create commands respect on it’s own, whether you call it experimental, rock, electronic or whatever. Peekaboo Theory simply calls it their passion. Labels are for jars, so rather than wasting time trying to name their sound, they focus their energy on fulfilling an obvious life’s calling: birthing music from their souls.
Check the Resume
As a musician hailing from a city like Houston, which seemingly cranks out new artists by the day, it’s easy to find yourself lumped into the one hit wonder category or simply overlooked and never given the chance to show and prove. True talent and that certain 'je ne sais quoi’ are necessary to gain the love and loyalty of fans and media in a town where everyone claims to be an artist. Though they have only been playing together for a few years, Peekaboo Theory has already received high critical acclaim regionally and, with the recent release of their LP, is poised to tackle the national music scene. They nabbed a coveted spot in the Houston Press’ (a long time advocate and voice for the independent art scene in Houston) weekly showcase reviews and even garnered accolades from the Houston Chronicle, one of the oldest and most regarded newspapers in the Lone Star State. In addition to the media love, Peekaboo Theory has countless live shows at venues and festivals all over the Southern United States under their belt and they’ve been mesmerizing crowds and gaining fans at every turn. Most recently, the band headed to Austin to perform at South by Southwest, the newly minted juggernaut of a musical festival, for the third year in a row. “Every year that we go to SXSW, we make new contacts and those contacts lead to even more contacts,” says guitarist Ramon Wakefield, “each new connection pushes us that much closer to the next level for Peekaboo Theory.”
Sy~3nc3 & Pr()gr@m5
The next level is, indeed, where Peekaboo Theory is headed. March 20th marked the release of the band’s highly anticipated first LP, Sy~3nc3 & Pr()gr@m5. The guys flex their musical muscles and thumb their noses to any wimpy shell of a “debut LP.” On the contrary, they come full force with a record dripping with originality and unadulterated talent. Sy~3nc3 & Pr()gr@m5 is well balanced and refreshing, leaving nothing to be desired. Peekaboo Theory could very well be their city’s musical savior, delivering it from the stigmatic and stagnant notions about the identity of Houston’s music scene. Their sound is organic and there’s no mistaking them for what they really are: musicians who play solely for the love of what they do.
There are no counterfeit performances or simulated emotions with Peekaboo Theory, only a fusion of like minds doing something that they sincerely love. The measure of themselves that goes into each and every time they play is indicative of just how much they live and believe in what they do. They play with the maturity and unanimity of a band that has been making music together for decades, singular in their mindset and emotions that go into every note. To witness Peekaboo Theory live is to be transported to a hallowed place where kindred souls who knew one another in a past life have reunited in the present to manifest a calling and a gift that is at once timely and progressive beyond the present time. To listen to their album is to be taken back to that place again and again, each time as intense as the previous. To watch them now is to see but a glimpse of what is to come for Peekaboo Theory. Whatever you do, don’t blink…
For more on Peekaboo Theory, visit:
Peekaboo Theory on the Web: http://www.peekabootheory.com
iTunes: http://www.apple.com/search/ipoditunes/?q=peekaboo+theory
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/peekabootheory
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/peekabootheory
The beats and melodies that you hear cannot be confined by the restraints of any genus. The harmonies and chords defy any and all expectations of what music could and should be. They are fiery, yet tamed; mellow, yet fierce. What you are listening to is a track from Sy~3nc3 & Pr()gr@m5, from Houston, Texas based Peekaboo Theory.
For nearly three years, the band (consisting of six members: Tony Roopa, Nathan “Twist” Matthews, F.Y~I.A.A.M., Whitecloud, Ramon Wakefield and Darian Fleming) has been serving up refreshing audible treats, while simultaneously slaughtering any boundaries or stereotypes that try to pigeonhole their passion and label their sound. For Peekaboo Theory, it’s never been about fitting their music into a particular genre. They create music, period. The talent spread amongst the six members of the band is undeniable. The music they create commands respect on it’s own, whether you call it experimental, rock, electronic or whatever. Peekaboo Theory simply calls it their passion. Labels are for jars, so rather than wasting time trying to name their sound, they focus their energy on fulfilling an obvious life’s calling: birthing music from their souls.
Check the Resume
As a musician hailing from a city like Houston, which seemingly cranks out new artists by the day, it’s easy to find yourself lumped into the one hit wonder category or simply overlooked and never given the chance to show and prove. True talent and that certain 'je ne sais quoi’ are necessary to gain the love and loyalty of fans and media in a town where everyone claims to be an artist. Though they have only been playing together for a few years, Peekaboo Theory has already received high critical acclaim regionally and, with the recent release of their LP, is poised to tackle the national music scene. They nabbed a coveted spot in the Houston Press’ (a long time advocate and voice for the independent art scene in Houston) weekly showcase reviews and even garnered accolades from the Houston Chronicle, one of the oldest and most regarded newspapers in the Lone Star State. In addition to the media love, Peekaboo Theory has countless live shows at venues and festivals all over the Southern United States under their belt and they’ve been mesmerizing crowds and gaining fans at every turn. Most recently, the band headed to Austin to perform at South by Southwest, the newly minted juggernaut of a musical festival, for the third year in a row. “Every year that we go to SXSW, we make new contacts and those contacts lead to even more contacts,” says guitarist Ramon Wakefield, “each new connection pushes us that much closer to the next level for Peekaboo Theory.”
Sy~3nc3 & Pr()gr@m5
The next level is, indeed, where Peekaboo Theory is headed. March 20th marked the release of the band’s highly anticipated first LP, Sy~3nc3 & Pr()gr@m5. The guys flex their musical muscles and thumb their noses to any wimpy shell of a “debut LP.” On the contrary, they come full force with a record dripping with originality and unadulterated talent. Sy~3nc3 & Pr()gr@m5 is well balanced and refreshing, leaving nothing to be desired. Peekaboo Theory could very well be their city’s musical savior, delivering it from the stigmatic and stagnant notions about the identity of Houston’s music scene. Their sound is organic and there’s no mistaking them for what they really are: musicians who play solely for the love of what they do.
There are no counterfeit performances or simulated emotions with Peekaboo Theory, only a fusion of like minds doing something that they sincerely love. The measure of themselves that goes into each and every time they play is indicative of just how much they live and believe in what they do. They play with the maturity and unanimity of a band that has been making music together for decades, singular in their mindset and emotions that go into every note. To witness Peekaboo Theory live is to be transported to a hallowed place where kindred souls who knew one another in a past life have reunited in the present to manifest a calling and a gift that is at once timely and progressive beyond the present time. To listen to their album is to be taken back to that place again and again, each time as intense as the previous. To watch them now is to see but a glimpse of what is to come for Peekaboo Theory. Whatever you do, don’t blink…
For more on Peekaboo Theory, visit:
Peekaboo Theory on the Web: http://www.peekabootheory.com
iTunes: http://www.apple.com/search/ipoditunes/?q=peekaboo+theory
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/peekabootheory
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/peekabootheory
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Sometimes You Wanna Go...
I'm sitting here home alone and bored. Trying to be optimistic, but I'm missing the mark somehow and so at best, I've landed on homesick. I don't want to be in the house, but if I leave, where will I go? My funds are way limited and I don't start work until the end of April, so I've gotta hold on to what I've got. Anyone that I do know out here (the grand total comes to like 3) is away or busy. Talking to folks at home made my homesick level increase dramatically. I'm all Twittered out and if I look at this screen much longer, my eyeballs are going to come out of my head and slap me. It would be nice to see familiar faces and hear familiar voices talking about familiar things at a time like this.
I miss my car, as old and beat up as it was, at least I could hop in it and go when I felt like it. I miss walking in to the Bird and seeing Cam and Matt and having that Cheer's moment when everyone says your name as you walk in the door. I miss Bob grilling burgers outside (and my special order barbecued grilled cheese on a bun). I miss Anthony and Ramon and Nathan and Jim....the patio and all of our shenanigans out there...lol. I miss random texts from Jimmy Jam that just said "catbirds" or "poison girl" and then heading that way so that we can sit on those stools and do the same exact thing that we did every night of our lives...it never ever got old.
It was never anything fancy, but it was fun and special....mostly because of the friends that I was with....it didn't really matter where we were. I miss Peekaboo Theory and DIBA nights...impromptu parties in my living room when one of us decided to suddenly declare "CRAZY NIGHT!" These people were my friends, but they became my family. We celebrated together and had good times, and we were there for each other when times weren't so great.
I'm still the same Sierra. I still wanna have fun like that, only now when I get those urges, I can't go around the corner and see the good ol' neon sign in the window at the Bird or drive for 2 and a half minutes and be at the Flat on a Monday night. Homesick is what they call this...I know I'll be ok...I know I'll adjust, but even so, I miss those people....my people...and I miss those times...
Right now I just wanna go where everybody knows my name, but the BART and the Muni don't run that far...
I miss my car, as old and beat up as it was, at least I could hop in it and go when I felt like it. I miss walking in to the Bird and seeing Cam and Matt and having that Cheer's moment when everyone says your name as you walk in the door. I miss Bob grilling burgers outside (and my special order barbecued grilled cheese on a bun). I miss Anthony and Ramon and Nathan and Jim....the patio and all of our shenanigans out there...lol. I miss random texts from Jimmy Jam that just said "catbirds" or "poison girl" and then heading that way so that we can sit on those stools and do the same exact thing that we did every night of our lives...it never ever got old.
It was never anything fancy, but it was fun and special....mostly because of the friends that I was with....it didn't really matter where we were. I miss Peekaboo Theory and DIBA nights...impromptu parties in my living room when one of us decided to suddenly declare "CRAZY NIGHT!" These people were my friends, but they became my family. We celebrated together and had good times, and we were there for each other when times weren't so great.
I'm still the same Sierra. I still wanna have fun like that, only now when I get those urges, I can't go around the corner and see the good ol' neon sign in the window at the Bird or drive for 2 and a half minutes and be at the Flat on a Monday night. Homesick is what they call this...I know I'll be ok...I know I'll adjust, but even so, I miss those people....my people...and I miss those times...
Right now I just wanna go where everybody knows my name, but the BART and the Muni don't run that far...
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
I GOT A JOB!
Good news...I got a job working in the Career Services department at my school. Nothing fancy, but it's just enough hours to pay the bills and I won't be too worn out to do what I need to for class. School starts on April 20th...I start the job one week later. Praise God...it's all because of Him. I'm on a scholarship hunt right now, well, in between instant messages, Twitter and blogging. I want to take advantage of the time I have before school and work start to get out and see this city. You never know where life is going to take you, so enjoy what you have (and where you are) in the moment. I'm going to take some pictures and post em soon. Stay tuned. This blog will be exciting again...I promise.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Emotionalistication
Hey people....I've been gone for WAY too long. So much has happened. I'm living in San Francisco now, which is different in pretty much every single way from sunny Houston. The biggest changes for me are the weather and the lack of familiar faces. I miss my family and friends and have already gotten so homesick that it brought me to tears. But, I'm a big girl....I'll be fine. Lots of changes and adjustments....I'm learning more about who I am by the day. Maybe even by the minute. School begins in less than a month. I've gotten a great almost/possibly/maybe/probably definite job offer. I will keep you guys posted on the status. Pray for me. There's a great Dr. Seuss quote that I've been throwing around in my head alot since I've been here: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." That sums up alot of the way I feel about my departure from Houston. I met some really special people in the last few months that I was there that I will never ever forget and with whom I hope I never lose contact. To those beautiful people whose faces I no longer have the pleasure of seeing each day, please know that no matter what life brings our way or where we find ourselves in the years ahead, even if (God forbid) our paths never cross again, I will always look back at the time we had together and smile....love and kisses.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
