Can you play 'The Piano'?

I can't. Except for one song. And believe me, everyone in my family was done listening to that one song about 15 years ago. Anyway, one day I will learn to really play piano...maybe when I'm 75, but still, I'm determined to learn at some point.

And when I do, the first song I want to learn is this piece from the movie "The Piano"... I think I've been obsessed with it since 5th grade. What a weird 5th grader I was, listening to "The Piano" soundtrack and all. I blame it on my parents. We lived in the woods, and we never had friends over after school because we lived too far away. So I listened to music. I often listened to this soundtrack as I did homework, and now 15 years later I still listen to it as I work in my studio. Woohoo! Go me!

Can any of you play this??? If you can, you get a big ol' Waynes World style "schwing" comin' your way!

They're BACCCKKKK: Mrs./Ms. Necklaces

Took a while, but after many months and more emails/and convos, the fabled Mrs./Ms. double sided pendants are back in the shop in Bridal section! Get em while theyre hot! I don't know how long these babies will last!

Broken Bells. IN. MY. HEAD.

This song has been stuck in my head for days. I can't stop listening to it, even when I want to. It's kind of haunting. And I REALLY REALLY love the lyrics. Enjoy!


Lyrics | Broken Bells lyrics - The High Road lyrics

A Talented Happy Customer & Minor Birds...

...make me SO happy! Check out this photo of my friend, the lovely Chelsea Wilde of New Resolution Photo, easily one of my most favorite photographers, wearing her A.N. Original "Camera Love" necklace in a self portrait with her new toy, a Mamiya RB67. JEALOUS! I want a fun old camera! Her images are SO beautiful and has a style all her own. I absolutely LOVE her work! She also has a fabulous Etsy Shop with tons of unique etherial wears.

Chelsea is also in a band called, Minor Birds, in which she takes care of keys and vocals, and is epically talented at both. Seriously. Her music is much like her photo's; Fresh and Magnetic. She might be the most talented person I've come across in a long time. It's SO refreshing! Is it really any wonder that we get along so well?

I've sold a lot of these "Camera Love" Necklaces to photographers over the past year, which is really exciting for me! However, I was most excited to see a photographer who I really respect and look up to, proudly wearing one of my pieces.

High Five, Chelsea! You are epic.

Smart stuff right here...

"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are."

Damn you, Urban Outfitters!

I know this is probably made horribly, and not worth the money at all, alas I'm still lusting after it. You'd look so nice amongst my collection of vintage style art and sea of red and green in my apartment. I really have no reason to buy this beyond it looking pretty and the personal satisfaction I'd get from walking by it everyday. Neither of those are reasons that are really valid enough to coax me to take the leap.

What is this? Am I growing up? Not purchasing on impulse? This is weird...

Damn you Urban Outfitters! I curse the day you ever started making furniture and advertising in key place that haunt my daily life!

Along Came Polly

Don't you just wanna squeeze her? Her name is Polly and she is the cutest! I love puppies! She's not mine unfortunately, but I'm tempted to snatch her up sooner rather than later. Polly is a Fox Red Lab and has the sweetest temperament! Who doesn't love a puppy? I mean seriously, look that that mug! LOVE HER!

Horse Feathers covers "Drain You" by Nirvana! MUST WATCH!

Ok, I lied, I have more to say today, and yes, it's about music. I know I know, all I ever do is talk about music, but...oh well! That's just how it's gonna be around here :) Music is ever present in my life, so it might as well be in my blog too :)

Anyway, you MUST, and I do mean MUST watch/listen to this cover of Nirvana's "Drain You" performed by one of my best kept musical secrets, Horse Feathers! Horse Feathers is pretty low key and folkiebut, Justin Ringle's voice has something that is truly undeniably magnetic. Dare I say it's magical? It's like a mix of honey and razor blades. Does that resonate with anyone else or am I just sounding crazy here? Their reinterpretation of "Drain You" is absolutely brilliant, coming from a long time Nirvana fan, I give it my seal of approval! I can't even begin to tell you how happy a combination of Nirvana and Horse Feathers makes me. I'm giddy. Seriously. YOU. MUST. WATCH! Oh yes, and, enjoy friends :)

Horse Feathers / Drain You cover from Lesley Graves on Vimeo.

Cujo!

My little Mel has never looked quite so vicious and evil. Well, I guess it makes sense, because she IS an evil genius. That's about all I have to say today :)

Elliott Smith : Waltz #2

I could listen to Waltz #2 endlessly, I really could, it's that good. Elliott Smith was a genius, it's always such a shame to see a life cut short that created art that was so impactful on YOUR life. It saddens me to think not that many people seem to know Elliott Smith's music, so this is my contribution to the world. Small yet poignant. This is a live acoustic performance of "Waltz #2" in a very intimate setting. While it's raw and imperfect, the emotion and vulnerability Elliott Smith gives off is hypnotizing and magnetic. Please take a listen, with your ears, and your heart. You will thank me later.

Snapshot of the Day : Metal

I've been spending a lot of my time this summer with the musical boys of a local band called Pillowhead. This post isn't about Pillowhead though, we'll save that for another day and a proper introduction...

Anyway, as I was saying...I've been taking TONS, and I do mean TONS of photos at their shows, both for my own enjoyment and for their promotional use etc etc etc. Schwing!!! I love live music photography! It's becoming an obsession. While it's most certainly a challenge to shoot a live band in less than ideal lighting conditions, it is beyond gratifying getting a really intense shot when the odds are against you. This particular photo is one of my favorites from a show they played the other night. It's minimal, but epic none the less. Don't you think?

I love making jewelry, I really do. But when I grow up, I want to be a photographer :)

I've come to the realization that...

Compassion is a gift and a curse. It's a double edged sword and simultaneously one of the greatest qualities a human being can poses. In my opinion at least...

But what happens when compassion clouds your judgement? Tough stuff right there. I'll let you know how it goes.