Introvert City

An ambivert is someone who displays both qualities of introverts and extroverts. At times, these individuals need that alone time in order to recuperate and recharge as an introvert does, severing themselves from the physical outside world while sometimes allowing the virtual world inside....in a sense.

Although ambiverts may exude both types of qualities, introverts may show extroverted qualities from times to times. Much like other labels, there are stereotypes or "myths," as they are referred to in this lovely article on introverts, which go beyond the characteristics which categorize someone under a particular label.

Perhaps it is due to introverted tendencies which account for my love of solo travel. While others will limit themselves to only doing something if they have a partner in crime, I feel quite capable of running amok on my own - not that I am downplaying the fun that can be had when one has a fellow traveler, not at all.

Alone time grants one the needed mental boost in order to deal with the outside world. Sadly, I've found there still remains a stigma of doing things alone. The article profiles this quite well and brings to mind two questions the author asks: why is it still seen as socially unacceptable to do things by yourself and why is it always presumed that people don't wan to do things alone?

However, introverts will make time for good friends and support them full-heartedly. So happy I got to see my friends in Paradrei and Small Town Titans take the stage! A rock-n-roll show warrants some RnR attire ;)

Friend time is just as important as that alone time...solid, quality social time is not a terrible thing and can be much needed for a different kind of recharge.

While being alone is a key differentiator of introverts, Loki is one presence I never get tired of having. When I've been around people for too long, he provides the perfect companionship without the pressure of having to talk or act in any way at all...

xxxx

Local Music Artists

"Local Music Artists" may, at times, receive a negative connotation, marking a band with a stigma which they have to overcome each and every time they take the stage, to prove they're not just a bunch of kids {or man children} who think they can be the next Dave Grohl or Brett Michaels because they can hold a 6-string.

It's drive, commitment, and tenacity, in addition to talent, which set the up-and-coming bands apart from the dreamers. True, you gotta believe to succeed, as they saying goes, but the gumption behind the prolific dreams takes it the next level.

I know, I know...I've gushed and bragged about my buds in Small Town Titans, but they're not the only ones. When it comes to music, I like what I like, and sometimes, after seeing a favorite artist take stage, they slowly recess into the smorgasbord of other music on my iTunes with me still appreciating their music but feeling they're much better off in a studio.

What prompted these feels and elaborate thoughts was a man by the name of Ron Pope, an artist from Nashville. His music gives me chills...his crooning and sweet melodies touch the romantic side of my soul, appealing to those memories associated with love in all her glory: the ups and downs; the warm, fuzzy feelings; and the heartache from heartbreak.

His most recent album, Ron Pope and the Nighthawks, is available here at Pledge Music, a wonderful site devoted to artists supporting themselves with only the 3 F's: friends, family, and fans. Hello, signed CD coming to my door shortly! >Okay, fan-gurrrrrling a little because I've been following him for a few years and I received a PM via Twitter from him ERMAHGERD<

While this may be a slight plug for Mr. Pope {and STT, sorry}, the real focus is local music. While local may not refer to simply your hometown, it's a broader term, looking at those artists who are pretty dang talented without the frou-frou garbage added by record lables {okay, I'm guilty of listening to it, too, Confident, anyone??}.

Mainstream Pop and Punk is pretty epic, but it's the small-town artists for whom I go a little wild....in a sense, rooting for the underdogs while they're paving the way to where they want to be, which may not be triple-platinum or millions in $$.

Leaving a few gems here....

>also geeking out over what little I've retained on my lessons of HTML<

VIP Status

As unofficial spokeswoman of Small Town Titans, a title which I have granted upon myself and have since had approval from lead singer/bassist, Tree, I felt it rather necessary to include a post on their recent show in Hallam, PA {so happy I could finally attend a show since Halloween}.

After a lovely time in my hometown of peace and quiet, I was ready to be social and partake in social interaction, an activity I can only handle every so often with my social anxiety and relatively high levels of introvertedness.

To be the Small Town Titans' unofficial spokeswoman, one must dress to the nines aka like a BAMF rocker chic. Heelless heels + my new burgundy velvet skirt from Shop Priceless completed this look.

Even with the extra 5+" with my heelless heels, I'm still shorter than Tree....go figure.

Makeup on pointe with Star Wars lippy, curls, and a fresh coat of nail polish.

The guys did a phenomenally on stage! So proud of these rockers! They're doing what they love to do, pouring their heart and soul into the music they live and breathe....that, ladies and gentlemen, is rather inspirational. 

Tree: a lovely picture taken before the imbibed fans took the stage....literally. I guess they have that effect on people.

Oh, Jonny, your hair is always ace. The Beyoncé fan helps, I'm sure....as I've said before, I wouldn't mind having a Beyoncé fan follow me around for Instagram pictures. Knowing my luck, my hair would just look like a tornado swept through, aka every morning.

STT has such raw talent. They pour everything they have into every set, whether they're playing for 7, 700, or even 7,000 people. No backtracking, no froo-froo, no gimmicks, these guys are the real McCoy.

Okay, maybe I'm supposed to say that, but I wouldn't unless I genuinely meant it.

They're going somewhere.

Altogether good night spent with good people before a long, stressful shift at work. But this is why we have time off, non? Batteries recharged from time spent at home and at a sweet little venue to get back on track for work and kick butt.

Halloweenies on Halloween

Perhaps it's due to my being born on trick-or-treat night, but I quite love Halloween. To me, the whole month of October is Halloween, and November is simply Halloween hangover month until Thanksgiving, during which no one shaves, followed by December aka avoid everything Xmas-y until the 24th.

Priorities. Obviously.

Halloween über alles.

The long train rides took me back to the shady Harrisburg station, and I even made an acquaintance! A lovely person named Kevin kept me company as we traversed the whole way from Nashville, TN with same destination in mind.

We rolled up to Harrisburg at the ass crack of dawn promptly 10:13AM, where we were shortly accosted bombarded by a drunk man who insisted we were both "pretty," but that I was "prettier and [he] liked me better because [I'm] a girl." eeeeek

No matter, no matter....Kevin and I parted ways as I dodged bushes and eventually the cars in the green-lighted streets to make my way to the Small Town Titans' bus waiting for me in the parking lot in which they found themselves after trying to find the pick-up zone of the Greyhound station.

By that point, I was quite elated to be walking again and relieved to see friendly, non-threatening faces and swiftly caught up with some of my adventurous stories before curly up on their futon as they delivered the rest of their crowd-funding bundles.

Before I knew it, we were at Ben's house for {yucky} coffee - only yucky because the smell alone makes me feel queasy - and off to Hagerstown, MD for their Halloween show.

While I haven't the photos to prove it, my eyeliner looked quite bangin' despite applying on the bumpy band bus.

Several bands opened for the night and my buddy Nolan Neal was there as well. *insert giddy girl dance as he remembered me*

He did not disappoint, albeit his set was a bit drawn out: quite loquacious onstage for his set...

STT put on a great show and stayed in character with {aside from the actual playing and singing part} as the Trailer Park Boys, a trio from a Canadian trailer park in a show bearing the same namesake.

Seemed quite appropriate they would embody a group of shenanigan-causing misfits as they wreak havoc on stage their mad skillz. {Yes, with a 'z.'}

All in all, good way to end the solo birthday adventure before I was taken home...quite sad to say goodbye to these three goofs as they head back out on the road just as I was getting back.

Kick ass and leave your marks wherever you go, guys!

Oh, and kidnap me for a leg or two while you're at it...

Fangirl

The Titans are back in town are tearing up a storm.

Thank goodness I have a great team at work which meant I was able to make sure they were set up for the rest of the shift and leave early to see Tree and the guys rock their talented asses up on stage.

I'm not really a rocker chick....I'd be an impostor {a terrible one at that} if I claimed to be...but these guys. Da-yum.

They put me into that groove and make me wanna shake my behind like I just don't care {which I don't, 99.99% of the time}.

It may also help that they're pretty badass, yet sweet, guys.

Jonny and his Beyoncé fan - may I have one to just follow me around wherever I go so I'm always ready for a photo op??

....not that I have many opportunities for a decent photo, but I just might if I had a fan holder following me around, or one that floating around on a droid.

{Xmas ideas, people. Never too early.}

Lovely Benjamin was pantsed and it was fantastic.

Rock 'n' Roll, bitches.

....yeah, I'll stop.

Jonny's sister is pretty rad!

I decided to rock my new Pikachu shirt - major props from many people for repping one of the brattiest Pokémon ever.

Perhaps my younger readers may not get the reference - play Yellow Version and you'll see just what a little stubborn fuck insolent asshole cheeky fellow this guy is. Hmm that may be his appeal, too.

The dude's an icon and a symbol of my childhood. My inner 10yo self was cheering and doing backflops {let's be real, I can't do backflips} inside.

No matter what type of music you enjoy, I highly recommend seeing a few of your bands in person {if at all possible}. That experience....seeing them play IRL is such a magical moment, whether you're seeing them for the first time or 20th, in a large arena or private venue..

Support live music and enjoy all of the feels.

Nolan Neal shared his Sante Fe wontons with me

Small Town Titans are still on tour and I'm still fan-girling from a distance as these sweet dudes rock their asses and break hearts onstage...

Soon they shall be home {for a few weeks anyways}

Good night at the show - Hagerstown, MD knew how to party hard and stir things up. I was lucky enough to be able to catch the show and stay with some kind folks in West Virginia.

Ladies and gentlemen, Nolan Neal!! He's breaking loose with his solo music and dayuuuum. The man has some pipes! His lovely croons kept ringing in my head - he even played/sang Better than Me from his time with Hinder.

Hinder is missing out on his sick vibes.

Nolan and I became quick friends; he even shared his Sante Fe wontons {as noted in the quirky post title}

Quite the jokester, he didn't stop at my looks!
{little quip about me being too hot to refuse a picture}
I picked cheese off of his shirt and he smoothed my hair - total teamwork for the picture.

So much love for this butthole.

Benjamin plays a mean lead guitar and is a pro at the loop pedal for his solo work. He can even lay a few good punches....sometimes.

Missing this guy and our forever love/hate friendship. After all, "F" is for friends who do stuff together...."U" is for Uranium bombs. Yin and Yang. 

Best damn merch guy/bodyguard/assistant driver/friend/teddy bear.

Matty Bear and I had a good night - he had me earning my keep by watching the merch table for him and I posed like a goonie little sister by him.

Then there's this guy.... KICK ASS lead singer and bassist.

His talent continues to astound me and I'm so thankful to consider him one of my best friends. Can't wait for him to get back, albeit I'm enjoying the excuse to catsit the furball children at his place...

Good times had by all.

Small Town Titans and Artifas

My dual life as a rocker girl and badass boss.

Life of a 22 year youngling

Has life ended now that I've graduated college? All the fun gone?

Hell no.

Still goofy. Still geeky. Still posing awkwardly.

My lovely ink - much to Mum's chagrin.

e.e.cummings holds a special place in my nogan...and this particular line, the end of one of his post famous poems, rings true.

Those I've had the privilege of having in my life and loving, all there, in my heart. A reminder that not all those I've loved are lost, but are nestled safely below my ample bosom, in my heart.

New LOTR skirt which depicts a map of Middle Earth! This beauty made its public debut at my friend's graduation party in Mechanicsburg. We danced, laughed, and sang the night away as younglings do, not yet fearful of what's yet to come.

Like Mordor, one does not simply walk to a happy ending. We must create one.

These wildlings: I hope to be seeing more of STT and their merch guy this summer, joining them on tour as a bandmate's sloth girlfriend might do.

For now, I'm working part-time, having just left my other part-time job. The new biggie girl job should be starting soon so that's exciting! In the meantime, the wanderlust adventurer in me is making lists of mini adventures to take, starting today, tomorrow, and Sunday, but not Saturday since I have work...

• Cornwall Iron Furnace + Bluebird Inn, Cornwall, PA 
• Further exploration of Gettysburg now that I'm old enough to appreciate it [daughter of a history buff, okay?]
• Centralia, PA
• Utz Factory, Hanover, PA
• Turkey Hill Experience, Columbia, PA
• Explore City Island & Harrisburg now that I can roam without a chaperon or wrist leash [yes, I had one of those as a child...]
• Rhode Island
• Cape May, NJ  
• Nashville, TN 
• New Orleans, LA
• Toronto, Canada 

This is only the beginning....so many places not yet uncovered nor visited just in this area! We shall see how far I get. And I'll be putting more effort in keeping you posted.

Hobey Ho, let's go!

Papa Roach...who?

As the post title may falsely suggest I do not Papa Roach, I think knowing "Scars," an anthem for many broken-hearted souls, counts for something. While not a mega fan, I still appreciate what they do and their vibe, opting to listen instead to similar bands like Linkin Park and Breaking Benjamin.

Just an idea of how full the Chameleon Club was....masses of people well past the bathroom corridor, wall-to-wall.

We Are Harlot was act #2 before Papa Roach hit the stage and what the impression they left behind was mostly one of some nice background music and big 80s hair... I think I would have appreciated them much more if my social anxiety hadn't decided to flair by this point, having to fight through the throng of people while simultaneously squeezing my innards so as not to make a puddle on the floor.

Not too shabby of a viewpoint for a shortie against the wall....the opening act aka why I came out to this show.

I've posted before on them, but if you haven't had a chance to check them out yet, I implore you to give them a chance. DAYUM.

Small Town Titans put on another great show, making the crowd go APESHIT crazy with their originals and Uptown Funk cover. Personally, I can't stand Uptown Funk, but when they sing it, I found myself [willingly] singing along.

These guys will be going on tour soon and just might be coming to an area near you ;)

I might be slightly biased because the singer with the crooning 6-octave voice is my Tree, but I feel I'm a fairly objectionable person....if I didn't like the music that much, I wouldn't have them on my workout playlist or gush like a hormonal hyperactive teenager girl ha.

So proud of these talented guys. How many bands do you know who are asked to open for f*@<!^& Papa Roach?!

Pretty sure STT stole the show but...

Turn down for nobody | we bring the party like

Valley Fest was a near-blur. On the go from Thursday night into Sunday morning. My Tree came over for some much needed cuddles Thursday night before we headed off to our alma mater to start the craziness that is band load-in, sound check, and the obligatory jumping around that occurs during an energetic concert.

 Small Town Titans destroying the stage. Figuratively, of course.



***And since Blogger has a [rather low] limit to their video: True Blood Cover done by the guys. Daaayum***

Do you indulge in My Sweet Super 16?? ...or whatever that show is called with all of the bratty children celebrating/terrorizing others for their milestone birthday. That part isn't important...but these wonderfully talented musicians had a song featured!!! "We Bring the Party."

DNK: check. them. out. now.

David and Tree did a mean karaoke together after the show.

So proud of this committee!! #VF2015

Saturday night's concert featured Drop Out Julian and the crowd loved them! Admire the musically-inclined specimen that make up this band, two of whom I consider great friends ^_^

We Are The In Crowd was our featured artist.
*little hs girl inside of me screaming with excitement*

Drop Out Julian's lead singer, Dean Howey, joined the stage to see with them!

*total fangirl moment*

A commander is nothing without his army. Hats off to the officers behind me who helped put on another successful year! And I lay down my President's hat, a bittersweet moment. 4 years in the club, but this year certainly went down with a bang.

Friday night may have gone out with more of a bang than Saturday, but I guess drinking 4 Grateful Deads would do that to someone....sorry, not sorry.

April Adventures (Flashback 10)

Perhaps these flashbacks are becoming superfluous, but 10 seems like a nice rounded number at which to stop...

In looking back, so much has happened, yet when placing words to pixelized screen seems a near impossible task, a summation so easily done, but not nearly as satisfying as picking my brain apart for memories, clues, ramblings...

April is always a busy time, true even now, a year after these initial endeavors were experienced....

April 2014 was no exception: hanging with friends in Baltimore to support their band, Sigma Alpha Pi induction, cooking for a new [this word does not feel right] beau, tears of joy and sorrow, VALLEYFEST, and almost getting a concussion [I mentioned my reckless behavior, no?].

Paradrei = drei Freunden und eine guten Nacht

When we kinda-sorta-maybe-just an inkling like-ish someone, we do crazy things, such as plan a surprise visit to a shady little garage in downtown York with the help of the aforementioned someone's roommate.

The night ended with: "we should probably leave, like right now, before we hear gunshots."

Fajer and I off on an adventure to the shooting range. The new 9mm packed quite the whollop of kickback...not that I'm complaining. The zombies on our targets never knew what was coming ;)

Love and Theft came for this year's ValleyFest and dang. Quite a lovely crowd - not too overbearing nor rowdy. I have limited country tastes but I have noticed that country concerts, while lively, are also contained and not as crazy as others...

Perks to being in this committee: being the runner for some hotties.

Sammy Arriaga and I became fast friends.

The end of the night ended with a meet-and-greet with the country stars. I'd call it a pretty damn good night.

<please don't touch me like that with your hand on your crotch>

Inner thoughts....Mike Stud was...bearable.

These are where my thoughts trail off...nothing too noteworthy, I guess, until Canada. However, friends are friends and are wonderful always.

End of the year VF dinner with my lovely co-chairman of Children's Activities

Luscious Nickove + Drop Out Julian

Kinda sorta maybe dating a rockstar