music monday!!

Tell me something, please. No, I really want to know what kind of world this is where the following videos get as few views as they do, instead of going viral all over the digital place?

1. Julia Easterlin - Go Straight Away

If I had known about Julia Easterlin before my own Julia was born, I would have proudly proclaimed that she is who I named my flesh and blood after. Listen to some of her other songs. With nothing but her voice and a loop machine she does a Pixies cover that is creative genius, and a version of Bjork's "Unison" that makes me tingle oh so pleasantly. She is clearly made of music. It is in her bones. And she'll get into your bones, if you're smart enough to let her.

2. Caroline Smith - All That I Know Is

This chick has got so much soul, it doesn't seem fair that she's THAT gorgeous as well. You're welcome, boys.

3. Grace Banks - Innocent When You Dream

Some of you might know what a huge Laura Marling fan I am (really, I'd marry the woman if it wasn't immoral and illegal). I can't say that I've come across a single female musician who seems to hold the same quiet power and innate talent for writing beautifully crafted music and lyrics, until now. Grace, I'm excited to find out what your future in music holds - I'll be paying attention.

4. Little Barrie - Free Salute

Summer jam, anyone? Mmmmm.

5. Beck - Unforgiven

Ummm, hello! The new Beck album is so smooth and mellow, it's like taking off work for no reason on a stormy Tuesday and going to sit by the seashore to watch the tides roll in and out. I think this is my favorite track, but not by much.

And may I take this moment to plug my own most recent addition to YouTube? A slowed down cover of a fun oldie. Hope you enjoy! (bonus: I look like I'm about to have explosive diarrhea in the still...)

spring is like a perhaps hand

Spring is like a perhaps hand (which comes carefully out of Nowhere)arranging a window,into which people look(while people stare arranging and changing placing carefully there a strange thing and a known thing here)and changing everything carefully spring is like a perhaps Hand in a window (carefully to and fro moving New and Old things,while people stare carefully moving a perhaps fraction of flower here placing an inch of air there)and without breaking anything. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15407#sthash.4s5eKmfO.dpuf

 Spring is like a perhaps hand
(which comes carefully
out of Nowhere) arranging
a window, into which people look (while
people stare
arranging and changing placing
carefully there a strange
thing and a known thing here) and

changing everything carefully

spring is like a perhaps
Hand in a window
(carefully to
and from moving New and
Old things, while
people stare carefully
moving a perhaps
fraction of flower here placing
an inch of air there) and

without breaking anything.

E.E. Cummings

Spring is like a perhaps hand (which comes carefully out of Nowhere)arranging a window,into which people look(while people stare arranging and changing placing carefully there a strange thing and a known thing here)and changing everything carefully spring is like a perhaps Hand in a window (carefully to and fro moving New and Old things,while people stare carefully moving a perhaps fraction of flower here placing an inch of air there)and without breaking anything. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15407#sthash.4s5eKmfO.dpuf

Spring is like a perhaps hand (which comes carefully out of Nowhere)arranging a window,into which people look(while people stare arranging and changing placing carefully there a strange thing and a known thing here)and changing everything carefully spring is like a perhaps Hand in a window (carefully to and fro moving New and Old things,while people stare carefully moving a perhaps fraction of flower here placing an inch of air there)and without breaking anything. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15407#sthash.4s5eKmfO.dpuf

The temperatures are rising slowly but steadily, the crocuses have added bursts of color to our yard, babies are being born, and there are buds on the trees. I believe we can say that spring has sprung! When the mercury rose to a gorgeous 73 F yesterday it all went to my head and I went shopping for bathing suits. Today a cold front is blowing through northern Utah ushering me back into reality, bringing with it the slightly embarrassed relief that I was unsuccessful in my quest. When the lush outdoors starts beckoning like that you can bet your behind that the Koots are going to be feeling sunny in spite of the occasional windy and rainy day. We are making plans for summer, organizing the yard, pulling the tshirts to the front of our closets, optimistically storing the snow boots in the garage, and hiking the trails. Our most recent hiking endeavor took us up our own Birch Creek Trail, which starts just a block from our home.

sorry Elliot...

Just found this little gem and thought it deserved sharing. This was taken a bit over a year ago in our previous home. We had set up an extra table to accommodate Christmas dinner and I remember so clearly how mad Elliot got at being refused a treat before dinner. He sat under that table and wailed for a good 15 minutes, hissing at any and all attempts at consolation. It angered him so much when I got the camera out and started snapping his priceless faces in a sliver of gorgeous afternoon light, instead of getting so frustrated at his hoopla and giving him the candy he so desired. I'd like to take this time to say sorry to him, and express my hope that one day he'll understand that when you have a little boy who is just so darn adorable even when he's having a conniption, sometimes the only available option is to immortalize the moment!