text:
Alternative CCM rockers Skillet formed in Memphis, Tennessee, around the nucleus of lead singer and bassist John Cooper, guitarist Ken Steorts, and drummer Trey McClurkin. Debuting in 1996 with a self-titled LP, the trio returned two years later with Hey You, I Love Your Soul. Invincible followed in early 2000, and the group contributed three tracks to the Ardent Worship: Skillet Live compilation that same year. With a new lineup of Cooper on bass and lead vocals, his wife Korey Cooper on guitar and keyboards, Ben Kasica on guitar, and Lori Peters on drums, Skillet released Alien Youth on Ardent Records in 2001, followed by Collide, also on Ardent, in 2003. The latter album was then picked up by Lava/Atlantic and reissued the following year with a bonus track. Collide went on to be the band's best-selling album to date (even earning a Grammy nomination), and Skillet supported the record on tours with bands like Saliva and Shinedown. Skillet's next effort for the label, Comatose, appeared in fall 2006, followed by Awake in 2009 and Rise in 2013. A compilation album, Vital Signs, was released in 2014 to introduce the band to European audiences. Skillet's ninth album, Unleashed, followed in 2016 and was bolstered by a deluxe version, Unleashed Beyond, which arrived in late 2017 and featured five new songs, including "Breaking Free" with Lacey Sturm. ~ Jason Ankeny & Steve Leggett, Rovi
For KING & COUNTRY is the amiable, anthemic CCM duo of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. Born in Sydney, Australia to a music promoter/entertainment manager father, and siblings of contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Rebecca St. James, the brothers grew up in a musical household and relocated to Nashville in 1991 as their father pursued a new career opportunity. Their first bow as recording artists was singing backup with their sister, which led to the formation of the grassroots duo Joel & Luke.
A name the pair chose to convey their message of believing in something bigger than oneself, as well as the devotional, emotionally honest nature of their lyricism, for KING & COUNTRY began in earnest in 2010. By that summer, their song "Light It Up" was featured in the Lifetime dramedy Drop Dead Diva. The following fall, the twosome released a self-titled EP for Word, featuring the songs "Love's to Blame" and "People Change," as heard on the supernatural CW series The Vampire Diaries, and "Busted Heart (Hold on to Me)," the fastest-rising debut single of 2011 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. First-time full-length Crave arrived in February 2012, having made Billboard's list of the year's most anticipated debut albums, while the Smallbone brothers hit the road alongside artists like Skillet and Sanctus Real for the Winter Jam tour. The album became a Top Five Christian album and made it onto the bottom half of the Billboard 200.
Hope Is What We Crave: Live followed in the summer of 2013, and that fall the duo released the Christmas record Into the Silent Night: The EP. It returned them to the Top Five of the Christian albums chart. In 2014, their second LP, Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong., hit number two on the Christian chart and climbed all the way to the 13th spot on the Billboard 200. A deluxe edition of the album appeared in 2015, offering a Christian number three hit in the bonus track "Priceless." Released in time for the 2017 holidays, For King & COUNTRY issued the Christmas: Live in Phoenix album. ~ Chrysta Cherrie & Marcy Donelson
Bethel Music isn't a group per se, but a Christian praise & worship collective centered around Bethel Church in Redding, California, and the ministry of Bill Johnson. Part church, part publishing house, part label, and home to singers, groups, musicians, and songwriters like Brian & Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, Steffany Gretzinger, William Matthews, and many others, Bethel Music releases collections of musical praise & worship gatherings. Highlights include 2012's The Loft Sessions, which was recorded live in a refurbished loft over several nights of worship sessions, and 2014's You Make Me Brave: Live at the Civic, which became their highest-charting album to that point by hitting number ten on the Billboard 200. Sony took note and began releasing their works with 2015's Come Alive and 2016's Have It All, which was recorded live during weekend services at Bethel Church. In 2017, Bethel Music released another live recording, Starlight, which was their first to be recorded on tour. ~ Steve Leggett & Marcy Donelson
While there's no sure route to carving out a significant presence in the music industry, there's always something to be said for remaining true to one's self. Since arriving on the scene with his 2004 debut Real Talk, Lecrae has been occupying two different yet not entirely opposing worlds: the sacred and the profane. Which is to say that his art, not unlike his life, has been as much about inspiring the streets, and about justice, freedom, and interrogating real-world issues, as it is about his personal journey of faith. His music has long served as a call to arms for those willing to sacrifice for a cause beyond themselves. Still, he won't be boxed in to any genre or made to serve as a poster-child for any particular agenda.
Following a host of celebrated mixtapes and LP's, his most recent being 2017's exemplary All Things Work Together, Lecrae returns with new music. Let the Trap Say Amen , a collaboration with acclaimed producer Zaytoven (Gucci Mane, Migos, Future), was born out of a mutual respect for each other's work. Joined by common faith and a love for the trap, and after years of maneuvering through some of the same circles, the two Atlanta legends decided to come together. The result is a project brimming with thunderous beats, rapid-fire bars, and, as listeners have come to expect from Lecrae, vivid storytelling.
With over 1 billion video views, comedian and viral sensation John Crist is the next big thing in standup comedy. Whether you know him from viral videos like "Millennial International," "Road Rage in the Church Parking Lot," or "Every Parent at Disney," Crist has solidified his comedic prowess with sold out shows from coast to coast. His most recent tour—The Human Being Tour—was named in the Top 100 Tours globally based on attendance and gross sales, selling over 197,000 tickets. He held the designation for four consecutive weeks, charting as high as #28.
Ten years in, Crist has shared the stage with some of the best in the business, including Dave Chappelle, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Meyers, Larry the Cable Guy, Trevor Noah, Dana Carvey, Adam Carolla, Chris D'Elia, Anjelah Johnson, Tim Hawkins, and Louie Anderson. Anderson, named one of Comedy Central's Top 100 Comedians of All Time, says of Crist, "It's only a matter of time until John Crist is a household name. He is so likable and his stand-up is top notch." Tim Hawkins, who Crist has performed with over 100 times says, "This guy ain't no opener. John Crist is the real deal."
Dallas-based international worship leader and CCM songwriter Kari Jobe ministered around the world for over a decade with various worship groups before settling down as the worship pastor at Southlake, Texas' Gateway Church in 2006. Jobe released her debut, a set of inspirational songs co-written with Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Paul Baloche, Klaus Kuehn, and Mia Fieldes, on Columbia's Integrity imprint in February 2009. The album was an immediate success, reaching number three on the Christian Albums chart and charting on Billboard's Top 200 as well as netting her a pair of Dove Awards. Her similarly inspirational-inclined sophomore effort, Where I Find You, arrived in 2012 on Universal's Sparrow Records imprint, this time topping the Christian chart and earning Jobe a Grammy nomination. A concert album called Majestic arrived in 2014 and featured new material recorded live at Dallas' historic Majestic Theatre. A year later she issued Majestic Revisited, which featured alternate studio versions of many of the songs from Majestic. In 2017 Jobe issued her third studio album, Garden, which saw her working with producer Jeremy Edwardson (Jesus Culture, Hillsong United, Jon Foreman) and delivering a hopeful set conceived during a time of personal loss. ~ James Christopher Monger
Singer/guitarist David Crowder first stepped into the music industry when he realized that over half of the students at Baylor University, a Christian school that he attended in Waco, Texas, were not going to church. He began to actively recruit students for worship services and started writing songs to draw more young people in. He eventually started releasing the songs, leading to his debut album, 2002's Can You Hear Us? The album was released under the name the David Crowder Band, as Crowder was joined by guitarists Jack Parker and Jason Solley, drummer Jeremy Bush, bassist Mike Dodson, and electric violinist Mike Hogan. Their sophomore effort, Illuminate, appeared in the fall of 2003 and was followed a year later by The Lime CD, which comprised two earlier live releases (The Green CD and The Yellow CD) that had been given out to fans who had either pre-ordered prior albums or attended various CD release parties.
Sunsets & Sushi appeared in early 2005 before the band's next studio album, the bluegrass-tinged A Collision, was issued that fall. A spinoff of the latter album, entitled B Collision, came out a year later and focused even more on the group's delvings into bluegrass. Remedy was released in 2007, followed by Church Music in 2009. A four-song EP, Summer Happiness, featuring acoustic versions of songs from Church Music, appeared in 2010. Arriving in 2012, Give Us Rest; Or, A Requiem Mass in C (The Happiest of All Keys) was the David Crowder Band's sixth and final studio album. It was followed in 2014 by Crowder's solo debut, Neon Steeple, which was released under the moniker Crowder. The album was a major success for Crowder, topping the Christian chart and reaching number nine on the Billboard Top 200 as well as earning a Grammy nomination for his song "Come as You Are." He followed up in September 2016 with American Prodigal. ~ Bradley Torreano, Rovi
New York City-based rap and hip-hop artist Andy Mineo makes progressive, electronic-influenced hip-hop. Raised in Syracuse, Mineo began rapping and producing albums in his home studio while still in high school. Originally going by the stage name of C-Lite, Mineo was signed to Syracuse University's Marshall Street Records and opened for such acts as the Roots and Common. While in college, he reconnected with his faith via a meeting with producer Alex Medina and the urban evangelism project T.R.U.C.E. He was soon touring with T.R.U.C.E., and in 2009 released his first mixtape, Sin Is Wack, Vol. 1. In 2011, Mineo signed with Reach Records and dropped the moniker C-Lite in favor of his actual name. That same year he released his second mixtape, Formerly Known. In 2013, Mineo returned with his proper full-length studio album, Heroes for Sale. In 2014 he released the EP Never Land, and 2015 saw the release of the hit single "Lay Up" along with the album Uncomfortable. Two years later, Mineo joined Wordsplayed for the collaborative mixtape Magic and Bird. Peaking inside the Top 50 of the Billboard 200, the effort featured the singles "Dunk Contest" and "Judo." The next year, Mineo scored gold certification for the single "You Can't Stop Me" with Messiah. The same month, he issued the EP I: The Arrow, which featured two songs with Weatherman, and included the single "I Ain't Done." ~ Matt Collar
In late 2014, Sadie Robertson arrived at a crossroads. Fresh off a runner-up finish on Season 19 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, the then-17-year-old saw her life swirling into a bubble of fame and glitz and paparazzi; it was fun, yes, but also she recalls, a decidedly non-normal and uncomfortable existence. "People looked at me differently," the Louisiana native first introduced to the world as a star of A&E's Duck Dynasty, says. "I wasn't sure I liked the fame. I don't see myself like that." A devoted woman of strong Christian faith, Robertson wanted to use this opportunity to make an impact on the world.
"My passion is to speak, to write, to encourage," Robertson says proudly. And with more than 5 million followers on her various social platforms, the young woman saw she had a direct line of communication to her peers. Specifically, she recognized she could be positive voice to those in dire need of an inspiring, non-judgmental presence in their lives. Now, in only a few years, she's become one of the most prominent voices of her generation. Whether as an author or motivational speaker, the 21-year-old speaks with profound grace and clarity. Last year, the author of the New York Times best-seller Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values embarked on a 16-city "Live Original Tour," where she met thousands of teens and their families and spread her message of self-confidence and positivity. This fall, she'll be back on the road for another sure-to-be inspiring tour.
Battle Creek, Michigan native Tauren Wells is a Christian rock and worship artist, and the former frontman for Dove and Grammy Award-nominated CCM outfit Royal Tailor. Wells co-founded the faith-based dance-pop band in 2011 alongside DJ Cox, Jeremy Guzman, and Blake Hubbard while attending Indiana Bible College (Jarrod Ingram rounded out the group soon after). Royal Tailor released two popular full-length albums and one EP between 2011 and 2013, but disbanded in 2015 when Wells announced that he was embarking on a solo career. In 2016 Wells inked a deal with Sony CCM imprint Provident Label Group and released his first single, "Love Is Action," followed by the EP Undefeated. Early 2017 saw the release of the single "Hills and Valleys" — his biggest hit yet on Christian radio — and his debut full-length of the same name (following in June of that year). Boosted by heavy Christian radio airplay of "Hills and Valleys" and "When We Pray," the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. ~ James Christopher Monger
Atlanta-based Christian rapper William Lee Barefield III is best known to fans as Trip Lee. A founding member of the Southern Christian rap collective 116 Clique, Lee moved from his birthplace of Dallas, Texas to attend Philadelphia Biblical University. He made his full-length album debut in 2006 with If They Only Knew. His second album, 2008's 20/20, featured guest and Reach Records labelmates Lecrae, Tedashii, and Sho Baraka. Not only did it break into the Billboard Top 200, but it also broke into the Top Ten of the Christian albums chart. His success continued with Between Two Worlds in 2010, his first to top the Billboard Christian charts. His second chart-topper, The Good Life, arrived two years later and also broke onto the rap charts. Lee published a book of the same name months later before announcing his intention to focus his message on ministry. He continued writing and became a pastor. In 2014, he released his fifth album, Rise, his highest-charting Billboard 200 entry (number 16) and his third Top Three Christian chart entry. A second book, Rise: Get Up and Live in God's Great Story, was released in 2015. Lee's sixth studio album, The Waiting Room, appeared near the end of 2016. ~ Jason Birchmeier & Neil Z. Yeung
Zach Williams wears many hats from husband and father to church staff and worship leader.
Most recently he can add recording artist to the list. Zach is no novice to the music industry. He had spent a majority of his life traveling with various bands. It was while on the road that the Lord grabbed a hold of him and he decided to leave the rock star life behind.
After that, Zach transitioned in to a position at the Refuge Campus of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas in which he still serves. It came as a shock when the opportunity to sign with Provident Label Group as a new Christian artist arose. Never in his wildest dreams did Zach Williams think that he would be in this place of writing and recording music in the Christian music industry, especially from years of hard living on the road while in a rock & roll band.
His personal testimony of receiving freedom in the Lord is so beautifully reflected in his debut single "Chain Breaker". The song came from a place of wanting to reach people who had been struggling and it undoubtedly has. Over the course of it's release in the summer of 2016, an influx of stories have been shared on his various social media pages by people who have experienced the life changing power of broken chains.
Gawvi is the stage name of Gabriel Alberto Azucena, a Christian electro-pop artist and producer who has helped shape the sound of the highly successful Reach Records label. His music blends rap, pop, and dance music with positive, self-encouraging messages. Born in the Bronx in 1988, Azucena was raised in Miami and grew up listening to Latin and Caribbean music. He began producing under the name G-Styles in 2008, working with Trip Lee and Reach co-founder Lecrae. He officially became the label's in-house producer in 2012, and produced artists such as KB, Andy Mineo, and Tedashii. Many of these albums charted high not only on Billboard's Christian and Gospel album charts, but the general Billboard 200 as well. Lecrae's 2014 album, Anomaly, which Azucena helped produce, was the first album to top both the Billboard 200 and the Gospel Albums charts. In 2016, Gawvi signed to Reach Records as a solo artist and began working on his debut album. The resulting We Belong dropped in March, 2017. ~ Paul Simpson
Born Kevin Elijah Burgess, Florida rapper KB exploded on the Christian hip-hop scene in 2012, topping the U.S. Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart with his debut effort, Weight & Glory. A troubled teen in high school, KB was saved by a Christian rap CD a friend gave him, and after one listen, he was on his way to a career in hip-hop for the Lord. Unfamiliar with the Christian rap scene, KB recorded demos with no network to hear them, but throwing his tracks on video-sharing sites and other social media gained the rapper a loyal following. Superstar Lecrae caught wind, took KB on tour as an opening act, and five shows in, KB was offered a contract with Lecrae's label, Reach. The mixtape Who Is KB? followed in 2011 with KB's official debut, Weight & Glory, landing a year later. The EP 100 followed in 2014, featuring a guest appearance from Andy Mineo. In 2015, KB delivered his second studio album, Tomorrow We Live, featuring contributions from Lecrae, Mattie, and professional golfer Bubba Watson. Two years later, as if in response, KB delivered Today We Rebel, his third LP, which again featured Lecrae and Andy Mineo, as well as guest spots from Aha Gazelle, Casey J., and others. ~ David Jeffries
Born Holly Marie Miller in Waverly, Ohio in 1997, Hollyn got her big break in 2013 as a contestant on season 12 of American Idol. A talented vocalist and singer/songwriter who cites pop, R&B, and Christian music as her main influences, Hollyn made it to the Hollywood rounds before exiting, and before long she was earning a name for herself in the CCM world. In early 2015, she appeared on the single "Backseat Driver" from TobyMac's Grammy Award-winning LP This Is a Not a Test, and later that year issued her eponymous debut EP, which featured the hit single "Alone." The EP went on to hit the Billboard Christian Top Ten. Behind the charting singles "Can't Live Without You" and "Love with Your Life," and with guests including TobyMac and Andy Mineo, her first full-length, One-Way Conversations, reached number six on the Christian albums chart in early 2017. ~ James Christopher Monger
U.S.-based English vocalist/drummer Jennifer Carole Ledger secured a life-changing role as the drummer of Christian hard rock outfit Skillet when she was still a teenager. After a decade with the band, she took her first steps as a solo artist with her debut EP, Ledger. Born in Coventry, England in 1989, Ledger moved to Wisconsin at 16. In addition to her high school studies, she also drummed with the band at her local church, which is where she was discovered by Skillet's husband-and-wife duo John and Korey Cooper. With the then-recent departure of their drummer Lori Peters, the Coopers encouraged Ledger to audition for the spot, which she got in 2008. From the church stage to arenas, Ledger's first outing with Skillet was on their Comatose Tour. Over the following decade, Ledger and the band released and toured behind Awake (2009), Rise (2013), and Unleashed (2016). In addition to her work behind the drum kit, Ledger also contributed vocals to each album with increased frequency. Under the guidance of the Coopers, she began to form ideas for a solo project as early as 2012. That music wouldn't be fully realized until 2018 with the release of her first effort, Ledger (Atlantic/Hear It Loud). Produced with Korey Cooper, the defiant set of pop-influenced rock anthems was elevated by Ledger's vocals, a stirring blend similar to Lacey Sturm, Cassadee Pope, and Hayley Williams. The set debuted just outside Billboard's Top 50, rising as high as number two on the Christian chart and number seven on the overall Rock ranking. To promote the EP, Ledger pulled double duty on the road, opening for (and later playing with) Skillet on their joy.UNLEASHED 2018 tour. ~ Neil Z. Yeung, Rovi
A worship leader and a CCM singer with a decidedly mainstream rock bent — he often seems to be channeling elements of Coldplay and U2 into his inspirational rock — Cody Carnes first started making music as part of the Dallas-based Gateway Worship before he headed out as a duet act with his wife, Kari Jobe. He started his solo career in 2017.
Carnes first started playing music as a child, and headed his first worship service as a teenager. Throughout his teens and early adulthood he played with a number of bands, including Hit the Ground Running and Crimson Soul. He later became part of Gateway Church, which led him to a key role in the associated band Gateway Worship. There, he met his eventual wife, Kari Jobe. The pair frequently co-wrote songs together, including "Let the Heavens Open" on her acclaimed album Majestic. Carnes and Jobe released an EP called All He Says I Am in 2014. They married that year, relocated to Nashville, and had a son in 2016.
Carnes signed with Capitol CMG in February 2017, releasing "The Cross Has the Final Word" shortly afterward. By May, Newsboys reunited to record their own version of "The Cross Has the Final Word," and by the end of the summer Carnes also released the singles "Hold It All," "Til the End of Time," and "What Freedom Feels Like." His full-length solo debut, The Darker the Night/The Brighter the Morning, appeared in September 2017. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Born Brittany Nicole Waddell, Britt Nicole is a pop singer and songwriter whose inspirational tunes landed on the contemporary Christian charts before crossing over to the pop charts in the early 2010s. Born and raised in North Carolina, she started singing in her grandfather's church at just three years of age, later learning the piano and guitar and starting to write songs in her teens. When Belmont University offered her a scholarship for their music program, she made the decision to turn it down in favor of actively pursuing a recording contract.
That goal came to fruition in 2006 when she signed with the Sparrow label, which released her debut LP, Say It, in 2007. Behind the Top Ten Christian song "You," it reached number 40 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart. Nicole's empowering dance-pop hit the Christian charts again in 2009 with her sophomore effort, The Lost Get Found, which also landed on the Billboard 200. A year later, she released the Acoustic EP, a collection of acoustic versions of some of her songs.
Britt Nicole's third studio album, 2012's Gold, climbed to number 41 on the Billboard 200, and its title track marked her debut on the Hot 100 as well as on Billboard's Pop Songs chart. Later in 2012, she signed with Capitol Records, which reissued Gold in 2013. The LP went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. A year later, the song "The Sun Is Rising" appeared in the Cameron Diaz film The Other Woman. Led by the charting single "Through Your Eyes," her first album of original material for Capitol, titled simply Britt Nicole, arrived in 2016. ~ Marcy Donelson
North Point InsideOut is a student ministry in metro Atlanta where over 3,000 high school students gather every week. InsideOut's goal is to "lead students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by inspiring them to Love God, Live Different, and Lead the Way." Founded in 1995, it is a part of North Point Ministries, which is led by pastor, author, and communicator Andy Stanley. Today, NPM consists of six churches in the Atlanta area and a network of more than 50 churches around the globe that collectively serve nearly 90,000 people weekly.
The band is currently comprised of artists who consistently lead worship at InsideOut: Matt Adkins, Heath Balltzglier, Chris Cauley, Seth Condrey, Brandon Coker, Clay Finnesand, Jared Hamilton, Emily Harrison, Chad Russell, and Brett Stanfill.
Christian hard rock outfit Disciple was formed in 1992 by friends Kevin Young, Brad Noah, Tim Barrett, and Adrian DiTommasi (who would leave the band shorty after inception) in an attempt to spread the Gospel while playing the loud, metallic music they loved. Over the years, their style evolved into one similar to many secular alternative metal groups, as they toured churches, high schools, colleges, and similar venues. Their self-released debut, What Was I Thinking, came out in 1995, followed by an EP, My Daddy Can Whip Your Daddy, on Warner Resound in 1997. Their sophomore full-length effort, This Might Sting a Little Bit, followed two years later on Rugged Records. By God followed in 2001 on the same label.
2003's Back Again found the band on a new label, their own independent Slain Records. That year, the trio became a quartet with the addition of bassist Joey Fife to their lineup. The group signed with INO Records the following year and released a self-titled LP in June of 2005.
Scars Remain arrived on Integrity in late 2006. After years of nominations, the album won the band their first Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year.
In 2008, Noah and Fife stepped down from the band and their spots were filled by bassist Israel Beachy and guitarists Andrew Welch and Micah Sannan. Southern Hospitality arrived later that year. Before their next release, founding drummer Tim Barrett would also part ways with Disciple, replaced by Trent Reiff.
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Disciple's eighth LP, in April 2010. It topped the Christian chart and entered the Billboard Top 50. As the band's popularity grew, they embarked on a handful of tours with other top Christian acts like Thousand Foot Krutch and Skillet.
2012 saw the release of O God Save Us All, as well as a flurry of line-up changes. After four years with Disciple, Welch left the band to join Thousand Foot Krutch, while Sannan and Beachy were replaced by Josiah Prince (Philmont) and Jason Wilkes (High Flight Society). By early 2013, Reiff exited and was replaced by Joey West. Andrew Stanton also joined the band, leaving Young as the only original member.
The refreshed quintet forged ahead with the crowd-funded release of 2014's Attack, which was their highest Billboard 200 entry to date, peaking at number 44. Produced by longtime Disciple producer Travis Wyrick, Attack also rose to the number two spots on the Hard Rock and Christian charts. It would be the first and last album with Wilkes on bass, who left the band the next year.
Vultures, a six-song EP recorded during the Attack sessions, was released at the end of 2015. Another EP, Live in Denmark, arrived the following year, accompanied by a series of concert videos from Denmark's RiverFest.
The band — now a quartet — issued another crowd-funded effort in 2016. Their eleventh album, Long Live the Rebels debuted at number 125, making it the band's sixth Billboard 200 entry to date. ~ Neil Z. Yeung & Steve Huey
A songwriter and performer of bluesy contemporary Christian rock, Chris McClarney had an itinerant childhood due to the work of his youth pastor father until they settled down in Nashville around his early teens. After taking piano lessons, leading small worship groups, and engaging in songwriting in the context of outreach, he briefly pursued a record deal in his late teens before putting music aside to live and work in a Nashville mission. In his early twenties, he became worship leader at a local church, and a few years later found an investor to help make his self-released debut. Love Never Fails was recorded in two days at the Sound Kitchen in Franklin, Tennessee and released in 2008. McClarney got a record deal with Kingsway Music for his 2010 EP Introducing Chris McClarney, which featured the worship anthem "Your Love Never Fails," co-written with Anthony Skinner. The song was quickly adopted by the Jesus Culture, a youth ministry based in California, and used as its theme song, delivering McClarney to a national churchgoing audience. The EP was followed later that year by the full-length Defender, which also included the song. Featuring new songs recorded live at the 2015 Jesus Culture Conference Sacramento, Everything & Nothing Less arrived that June via Jesus Culture Music and Capitol Christian Music Group. ~ Marcy Donelson
Arkansas native and Tennessee resident David Leonard has been playing, singing, writing and
recording music since college when he and friends formed the band Jackson Waters. He later
performed with NEEDTOBREATHE before a season of recording as one-half of the critically-
acclaimed, GRAMMY Award-nominated worship duo All Sons & Daughters.
David is a Dove Award-winning producer (Confio/Jaci Velasquez) and creative partner in The
Creak Studio (Greg Sykes, JJ Heller, Brandon Heath, All Sons & Daughters) located in
downtown Franklin. He is also a Dove and Covenant Award-nominated songwriter signed to
Integrity Music. His songwriting credits include "Great Are You Lord," "Christ Be All Around,"
"All The Poor and Powerless" and "God Who Moves The Mountains." For more information,
visit The Creak Studio.
Alternative-minded Christian rock group Sidewalk Prophets formed in 2003 when founding members Dave Frey and Ben McDonald were attending college at Anderson University. A roughly recorded demo was entered into an on-campus contest, which eventually led them to meetings with record executives and large-scale performances. With Frey on lead vocals and McDonald on guitar, the group was filled out with bassist Cal Joslin, drummer Justin Nace, and guitarist Chris Jordan, who was later replaced by Shaun Tomczak. They completed a self-titled and independently released album in 2003, which they followed with 2007's You Love Me Anyway EP, also independently released. These strong self-released sounds scored Sidewalk Prophets opening slots on tours with bigger acts Audio Adrenaline and Jeremy Camp and they eventually signed to Word Records, which released 2009's These Simple Truths and 2012's Live Like That. Sidewalk Prophets toured constantly, their records charted with every release, and they were granted the Dove Award for Best New Artist in 2009. By the time of 2013's holiday-themed album Merry Christmas to You, the band was frequently playing to arena-sized crowds. The more energetic and rock-tinged Something Different followed in 2015. ~ Fred Thomas
Born in Lubbock, Texas, singer and songwriter Josh Wilson was the son of a preacher, and not only was he exposed to hymns and classical music while growing up, but he also absorbed secular pop, rock, and folk, all of which he mixes into his contemporary-sounding and deeply spiritual brand of Christian pop. He released an independent album, Dragonfly, in 2004, following it with a second independent release, the Shake the Shadow EP, in 2006. That same year he signed with Sparrow Records, and in 2008 the much acclaimed Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup appeared from the label, with Sing: A Christmas EP following that same year in time for the holiday season. Another EP, Life Is Not a Snapshot, was released in 2009. On January 3, 2010, during an intense security delay at Newark Liberty International Airport, Wilson calmed and entertained fellow passengers by singing the Beatles' "Hey Jude," and a video of his performance went viral soon after, greatly expanding Wilson's audience. The self-titled Josh Wilson album appeared later that same year, followed in early 2011 by See You, which yielded two Top Ten Christian singles in "I Refuse" and "Fall Apart." A second Christmas release, this time a full-length called Noel, arrived in 2012, and among the traditional holiday fare was an original track called "Jesus Is Alive," which has since become one of Wilson's most popular songs. Continuing to find success, Wilson's next two albums, 2013's Carry Me and 2015's That Was Then, This Is Now reached number five and number four, respectively, on the Christian Albums chart, and both broke into Billboard's Top 200 pop chart. ~ Steve Leggett
Christian act the Gray Havens merge earthy indie folk with lush elements of pop/rock and strong faith-based narratives. Since debuting in 2013, the husband-and-wife duo Dave and Licia Radford have developed a reputation for soaring, emotional arrangements on albums like 2015's Fire and Stone and 2016's Ghost of a King.
The two singers met during a mission trip to British Columbia and married in 2012. Then based out of Crystal Lake, Illinois, they began recording together as the Gray Havens later that year, releasing their first EP, Where Eyes Don't Go, in early 2013. Following a move to Nashville, they worked with producer Mitch Dane (JJ Heller, Brandon Heath) to record their ambitious full-length debut, Fire and Stone, in 2015. The dramatic arrangements and large-scale production also featured guest appearances from Jars of Clay member Stephen Mason and Tyler Somers of the duo Jenny & Tyler.
Their 2016 follow-up, Ghost of a King, followed a similar trajectory and yielded a live companion album, Ghost of a King (Live), a year later. In 2018, the Gray Havens began to release a series of new singles, including the bright synth rock ballad "Forever" and the more acoustic "Storehouse."
Phil Keaggy is an excellent all-around guitarist who has been a part of the CCM scene for over two decades. Born and raised in Ohio in a Catholic family of ten, Keaggy always loved music and spent hours listening to such singers as Johnny Ray and Elvis Presley. He began imitating the latter as young as age four. Keaggy was also exposed to other kinds of music and became well versed in classical. His first guitar was a late-'50s Gretsch Anniversary model; at age ten his father bought him a Sears Silvertone, and by the end of fifth grade, he was playing in front of his entire school. Three years later, Keaggy was playing professionally with the Squires. He and his longtime friend, drummer John Sferra, founded Glass Harp in the late '60s when he was in the eleventh grade. They soon became known as one of the most innovative power trios around, even though they were never together long enough to break through commercially. They had a contract with Decca, toured the country several times, and had a growing base of devoted fans, many of whom were knocked out by Keaggy's lightning-fast guitar riffs and experimental sounds. At their pinnacle, Glass Harp was opening for such major acts as Iron Butterfly, Yes, Traffic and Chicago.
It was a lot of fame to be heaped upon such young musicians, and it being the late '60s, Keaggy was exposed to and partook of his share of drugs. His life changed dramatically on February 14, 1970. While lying in a hotel room suffering from a bad LSD trip, his parents were involved in a head-on auto crash back in Ohio. His mother died soon afterward, and this spawned a crisis for Keaggy that led to his becoming a born-again Christian. In the early '70s, Keaggy took to testifying before bewildered Glass Harp listeners after their concerts.
He left Glass Harp in 1972 and the following year recorded his first solo album, What a Day. He then spent many years working with a Christian fellowship and married. Since then, Keaggy has released well over thirty albums earning critical acclaim for both his virtuosity on guitar and his songwriting, which ranges from the Beatlesque pop of Sunday's Child to more subtle intrumentals. He occasionally gets back together with the other members of Glass Harp for reunion concerts and continues to release solo projects including Roundabout in 2006. ~ Sandra Brennan
Discovered by manager Jamison Ernest while performing in a New Jersey coffeehouse, the duo soon assembled Burlap to Cashmere, recruiting guitarist Mike Ernest, bassist Roby Guarnera, keyboardist Josh Zandman, drummer Theodore Pagano, and percussionist Scott Barksdale; drawing on a vast range of folk and world music influences, they soon began appearing at New York venues including the Bottom Line, Irving Plaza, and Tramps, and also built a national cult following on the strength of their extensive tour schedule. After independently issuing a live record in 1997, the following year Burlap to Cashmere signed with A&M to release their major-label debut, Anybody Out There? The band's sophomore self-titled album, featuring the single "Build a Wall," appeared in 2011. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi
Singer/songwriter Riley Clemmons is a Nashville native who delivers upbeat, faith-based pop with R&B-influenced vocals similar to Tori Kelly's and Rachel Platten's. Clemmons grew up singing in church and performing around town, but was discovered at a high school talent show. She signed with Capitol CMG Label Group and released her debut single, "Broken Prayers," at the end of 2017. ~ Neil Z. Yeung
Christian rapper Whatuprg entered the music world early on with tireless ambition and devotion to a higher power fueling his fire, rapping by age 12, self-releasing music by 14, then signing with established labels and doing features on songs by bigger names in the Christian rap scene by his later teens. With his 2018 signing to Atlanta label Reach Records, Whatuprg entered the next phase of his career, issuing the Pleasant Hill EP early that year as he prepped for a proper debut full-length.
Born J. Raul Garcia in Gwinnett County, Georgia, the rapper's childhood was rich with music from an early age. He discovered reggae at age seven and within a few years transitioned from being a ravenous music fan to making his own rhymes. When he was 14, his parents helped him fund the production of his first self-released album. The performances and production were amateurish, but soon thereafter Garcia began making beats and recording on his laptop, and his practice truly began. As he started out, he made connections in the Christian hip-hop scene, befriending artists like nobigdyl, Derek Minor, and Mogli the Iceburg. Eventually, Whatuprg would contribute guest spots to songs by these more established rappers while he steadily worked on his own tracks.
A major breakthrough came with the release of his 2016 single "Don't Forget to Live" and its accompanying video, shot in a Walmart almost on a whim late one night. The song and video took off, and in 2017 Whatuprg's name became more recognized as he released songs like "Aquafina" and "Where You Been?" and signed on with nobigdyl's artist collective Indie Tribe. The signing would be short-lived, however, as the next year he signed with larger Atlanta-based Christian rap label Reach Records. That year, Reach released the "Glow" single as well as the Pleasant Hill EP as Whatuprg worked toward a full-length.
Christian rapper 1K Phew hails from Stone Mountain, Georgia, a city right outside of Atlanta. By his mid-teens he was already interested in rap, but was spending a lot of time getting in trouble in the streets. After an incident when he and his friends were shot at and narrowly escaped death, the teen shifted gears, turning to a life devoted to faith and reflecting that faith in his music. By the mid-2010s, 1K Phew was issuing mixtapes such as 2015's Sunday Night and 2016's Life, gaining attention both regionally and nationally for his confident style and technical abilities. In 2017, the rapper signed with Reach Records and toured constantly. That year he released his Never Too Late mixtape and guested on the Metro Boomin'-produced single "Hammer Time" by Lecrae. ~ Fred Thomas
Formed in Dallas, Texas in 1996, Seventh Day Slumber is a Christian alt-rock band that moves between rock, metal, and more adult pop-style fare. They're led by singer and main songwriter Joseph Rojas, a former cocaine addict who found faith and a new determination after surviving a near-fatal overdose. The founding lineup of Rojas, guitarist Evan Weatherford, bassist Joshua Schwartz, and drummer Adam Witte signed with Afinia Music, which released their debut album, Matthew Twenty-Five, in 1999. They moved to another independent label, Mercy Street, for 2001's Freedom from Human Regulations before Word released 2003's Picking Up the Pieces.
The band then signed with BEC Recordings, which reissued an expanded Picking Up the Pieces as well as their fourth LP, Once Upon a Shattered Life, both in 2005. The latter marked their Billboard debut with appearances on the Heatseekers and Christian Albums charts. By that time, only Rojas and Schwartz remained from the original group. They followed it up with Finally Awake in 2007 and reached number 16 on the Christian albums chart, and the Spanish-language Rescátame ("Rescue Me") arrived a year later. March 2009 saw the release of Take Everything, which consisted of three original songs and nine reworked popular gospel tunes. Featuring Rojas, Schwartz, guitarist Jeremy Holderfield, and drummer Jamie Davis, it hit number 11 on the Christian chart and landed on the Billboard 200. The EP Take Everything: The Acoustic Sessions followed that fall. BEC then issued the collection A Decade of Hope in the spring of 2011. It was followed later the same year by Seventh Day Slumber's eighth studio LP, The Anthem of Angels, a Top 30 Christian album. Their first record without Schwartz, it featured bassist/guitarist Brent Milligan. The band parted ways with their longtime label after releasing Love & Worship, a more subdued mix of original songs and covers, in 2013.
With distribution by Universal, VSR Music Group put out their next album, 2014's We Are the Broken, which returned them to the Heatseekers chart and the Christian Top 30. Trending back toward a more aggressive sound, the Redline EP was released in fall 2015. With the lineup of Rojas, Holderfield, bass player Ken Reed, and Joseph's son Blaise Rojas on drums, 2017's Found was informed by their bandleader's emergence from a bout of depression. ~ Marcy Donelson
A Christian rapper with a distinctive flow that's laid-back but committed, Nobigdyl got his big break when his boss fired him for being better at his sideline gig than his main one. Nobigdyl was born Dylan Phillips on November 23, 1991 in Hayward, California (not far from Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area). His family relocated to Bell Buckle, Tennessee when he was nine years old. At ten, Phillips showed he was a natural performer, becoming deeply involved in school theater and dabbling in professional stage work. He also discovered hip-hop, becoming a serious fan of the Notorious B.I.G. and Onyx, and writing his own raps, later recording as part of a hip-hop group known as Southside Epidemic. (Phillips also worked with a short-lived act called Broken Folk, where he rapped while playing the banjo.) As Phillips delved deeper into hip-hop in his teens, his interest expanded from performing to studio production, and he studied audio and production at Middle Tennessee State University before switching majors to focus on the business side of music. Phillips was managing a hip-hop artist who was a fellow MTSU student when Christian rap star Derek Minor spoke on campus; Phillips was hoping to pitch his artist to Minor, but instead Minor became a mentor to Phillips, urging him to take his music and faith more seriously. In his junior year, Phillips landed an internship with Reflection Music Group; he moved up to a job as merchandise manager with RMG, and later Phillips became road manager for Derek Minor. At the same time, Phillips was writing and recording music in his spare time, with an eye toward putting some of his material on the market. Minor, impressed with Phillips' tracks as Nobigdyl, began talking up his work on social media, until Minor finally told Phillips he needed to focus on his music rather than road-managing him — and fired him to give him the push he believed he needed.
Phillips took Minor's advice, and made Nobigdyl's music his career priority. After dropping a handful of online singles, including "Indie," "Beauty," and "Pot of Gold," Nobigdyl made his first full-length album, Smoke Signal, available as a free download via the online Christian hip-hop magazine Rapzilla in January 2015; around the same time, Nobigdyl was featured on Derek Minor's 2015 album, Empire. Rapzilla named Nobigdyl an artist to watch in their "15 Freshman of 2015" listing, and he released several more tracks through the website that year. Nobigdyl also formed a musical collective with fellow Christian hip-hop artists Mogli the Iceburg and Jarry Manna called Indie Tribe, and in 2016 he made guest appearances on tracks by Nate Jordan, Lawren, Davis Absolute, and others. In 2017 Nobigdyl released Canopy, a ten-song effort that included the successful singles "Purple Dinosaur" and "Treetops." The full-length Solar followed in 2018 and hit number 22 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart. ~ Mark Deming
Nashville-based duo Apollo LTD make exuberant, '80s- and '90s-influenced pop that combines buoyant electronics, airy synths, and hooky guitars. Formed in 2015, the duo features singer/instrumentalist Jordan Phillips, and producer/instrumentalist Adam Stark. Previously, Phillips and Stark played in a band together and worked as songwriters before deciding to focus on their own creative output. They gained attention early on for the single "What Are You Waiting For." Opening slots for bands like DNCE, Kesha, Panic! At the Disco, and others, also helped raise their profile. In 2018, they released their sophomore EP Out of Body, featuring the singles "One in a Million," and "Tired of L.A." ~ Matt Collar
THE YOUNG ESCAPE are an emotive indie pop outfit known for their faith-based, electronic-tinged sound. They initially drew fans online in 2017 after releasing several singles.
Hailing from Riverside, California, THE YOUNG ESCAPE feature the talents of siblings singer/keyboardist McKenna Johns, guitarist Ryan Johns, bassist Kyrsten Johns, and drummer Luke Johns. Initially, they all started playing music together while still in grade school around 2010. Over the next seven years, they developed their sound. By the time they were teenagers, they were writing their own songs, drawing upon their Christian faith and combining their love of uplifting dance-rock and electronica. Signing with Capitol in 2017, they issued the singles "Good Life" and "Neverfade." They also joined Crowder on tour that year.
Imagine if John Mayer met Maroon 5 and they all went to an Ed Sheeran concert. That's the best way to describe Abe Parker. Parker combines his guitar chops and pop sensibility to create a unique and infectious sound. His combination of storytelling songs, engaging stage presence, catchy covers and hilarious stories make him a perfect fit for any musical occasion. In 2012, Parker left a job as a zipline instructor and drove to Atlanta, GA sleeping in his car to pursue a music career. Since then Parker has toured vigourously and shared the stage with Andy Grammer, Switchfoot, Eric Hutchinson, Judah and the Lion, Andrew Ripp and David Crowder. After Jan Smith (vocal coach for Justin Bieber, and Usher) heard Parker's first single she commented, "I really loved the song "Little Sister" and thought it was somewhat reminiscent of early James Taylor — a high compliment coming from me!"
A Seattle native now suffering in Southern California, Dustin Nickerson is an in demand comic on the rise. He's been seen Laughs on Fox, the PBS Comedy Hour, Hulu and can regularly be heard on Sirius Radio XM, Rooftop Comedy, and the Darren Streblow Show.
Dustin describes himself as "the world's most average person" but is far from it when on stage. He brings you into his life through his jokes about the struggles of parenting, marriage, and be generally annoyed by most people.
At just 32 years old, Dustin has been married for 13 years and has three kids! This helps makes Dustin truly one of the most unique voices in the comedy scene.
Reminiscent of Lauryn Hill and the early 2000's Jenny From The Block, Angie touches a stage with both style and grace. She's shared the mic with the likes of Tory Lanez, Andy Mineo, Christon Gray and Oswin Benjamin; and one thing that is always evident is an uncommon blend of tenacity and humility. With performances at some of your favorite events like Sxsw, notable venues like Milk River and even New York's esteemed colleges like John Jay, Angie has developed a stage presence that is both inspirational and unforgettable.
Due to a diverse sound palette the avid listener will always find something to enjoy!
Angie's worked on records that feel like the days hip hop started, songs that take you to a beach in her family's home town of Manati Puerto Rico, and tracks that could rival your favorite Dj's playlist.
When it comes to artistry she has it all!
But her movement doesn't stop there, she is also the founder of a brand called Unstoppable Threadz, which funds initiatives that bring hope to communities, towns and "barrios" all over the world. Her message has flooded the streets of the Bronx, walked the streets of Houston, and kissed the ground of orphanages in the heart of Mexico. Thousands of people have united with her to say one beautiful phrase "IM UNSTOPPABLE" .
Her message is grounded in faith but far from religious. Her goal is to use both words and action to spur a generation to do the unthinkable. Change their mind and in essence change their world.
We are Unstoppable!!!
-Angie Rose


text: Making Color Connections This group of four encaustic paintings titled Cross Lands 1 - 4 (24 in. x 24 in.) explores relationships between colors. Cross Lands is part of my continuing Common Ground series. Soon after starting this series I realized this was as much about diplomacy as painting. Diplomacy took the form of painterly negotiations. Seen separately they appear abstract, when the four pieces are shown together the hues coexist to suggest land and river forms seen from above. Every space where the colors meet creates a boundary. These boundaries create tension and strength. During my painterly negotiations balance was found in viewing each painting as part of one entity.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Luv The Grub was founded by Alia Sunderji, a social entrepreneur and Sustainable Innovation Lecturer at Simon Fraser University. Inspired by student research and her passion for poverty alleviation, Luv The Grub partners with farmers and markets to mitigate all those bumped, bruised but equally delicious fruits and vegetables from entering the landfill as well as non-profits including Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House's Drive Youth Employment Services in the creation of a paid employment training program for individuals with barriers to employment.
Luv The Grub would not be possible without the support of Seeds of Change Surrey; a collective impact initiative that foster increased food security by focusing on food availability, access, literacy and addresses the income of disadvantaged populations that may benefit from increased food security. We are extremely thankful to Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House for embarking on this project with us and for their in-kind donation of commercial kitchen space for the production of Luv The Grub products.


text:
I'm trying to be more consistent with my updates~ I love posting but with school becoming more and more stressful, I don't make an effort to. Some days go alright and some just go so bad....just bad stuff on top of bad stuff. Today I met with my school adviser to discuss my classes for next semester. Everything went well until I tried to register my classes. My account was locked....so I ran to the business office and asked them to check what was up. Apparently I owe the school 2,700 bucks cause I am taking 11 units and not 12 units. This makes me a part time student, and my transfer scholarship, which would cover that amount, did not go through........WHUT? So they waited till it's time for me to register to let me know? Now I'm freaking out cause I have classes I need to register....I don't want to be left out.....I hate my school sometimes. I am upset because I worked my ass off before I got into this school and I made sure all my GEs were taken care of....and now...they tell me that I have already completed everything except for my architectural classes so I don't have enough units per semester...so they are suggesting me take USELESS elective classes to fill in the units....basically...I'm just taking extra classes that I don't need. My school is expensive...I pay about $30,000 + a year. I don't want to take any extra classes. I don't know....
ANYWAY. Here are some photos from my studio...just cause I LOVE school so much:
stalker lolo. that's my professor reviewing a student in my section.
part of my site model...i hate cardboard.
gregory peck <3
unit plans for the apartment I'm designing.
The classes I need to register....UGH.
OKAY! TIME TO READ FOR THEORY NOW~ Have a wonderful night everyone <3<3<3


text:
At La Raia we all consider the land as a precious gift, according to the idea of an agriculture that searches the quality of products in the quality of the environment.
For several years we have been taking up the biodynamic organic approach, meaning that, not only we banned the use of fertilisers and chemical products, we also seek for a way of recovering the terroir's original vitality, richness and variety.
We consider La Raia as an unicum in which land, plants, animals and human presence are well balanced and all contribute to the wellbeing of the farm and the agricultural organic products we produce.
In our grazing lands, we breed Fassone cows free and besides vines, we cultivate 50 hectares of soil devoted to ancient seeds, like rye and small spelt.
La Raia also turned out to be an authentic biodiversity oasis for bees and other pollinating insects, which can still find such a variety of nectars and pollens able to grant to beehives health and productivity all year long, as it used to be in the past. The farm now produces three organic honeys: an aromatic early summer wildflower honey, a unique honeydew honey and a monofloral acacia honey.
Cereals, stone round flours and our meat can be bought through portaNatura, the service of selection and home delivery of products, vegetables and fruits produced by La Raia or by other biodynamic farms in the surroundings.
Demeter Certification
La Raia is a biodynamic farm, Demeter certified since 2007. It is one of the 45 wine certified companies in Italy.
For over half a century the international Demeter trademark has been granting the correct implementation of the biodynamic principles to cultivations and food productions all over the world.
- Organic Honey
- Cereals
- Fassone meat
La Raia: bees' oasis
For several years and good reasons, La Raia has been hosting many of my beehives. Within the 180 hectares of the estate there are a lake full of fishes, hundreds-year-old oak, cherry, acacia, linden and chestnut woods, fields and pastures where cows, horses and poultry can graze free, cereals and leguminous fields, besides the vineyards of the native Cortese vine.
Ancient cereals
Within the estate we cultivate 50 hectares of soil devoted to ancient seeds such as monococcum and dicoccum einkorn, small spelt and rye. We alternate different cultivations by following crop rotation according to the biodynamic agricultural principles and, all of our products are Demeter certified.
Fassone meat
We perceive La Raia as an unicum in which land, plants, animals and human presence are well balanced. In our grazing lands we breed free Fassona cows, a prestigious race for its meat.
Our animals are let-free all year long excluding the times when it snows.


text:
School & Nursery Photography
We want the process to be as easy as possible for school and nurseries. So all our ordering is done through our online ordering system. This means:
- No more collecting proof cards
- No more chasing after parents
- No more collecting money
Are photographs safe online?
Yes! Using encrypted storage means 100% data protection through the use of personal passwords, unique to each parent. This ensures that only parents have access to the photos of their children.
Benefits for Parents?
- More pictures available. In contrast to the traditional proof card method, an online album provides plenty of space for varied and modern choices.
- Wider Product Selection. As opposed to traditional proof card orders, parents can decide whether they want prints, mounts, photo gifts or downloads.
- Share Photographs with friends and family via a secure link.
Benefits for the schools?
- No more Stress.
- No collecting proof cards.
- No chasing after parents.
- No collecting money.
- Secure due to individual passwords.
- Good commission rates.
- Should see an increase in sales, which means more money for the school/nursery!
Is it complicated?
Absolutely not. Ordering online is an easy as a couple of clicks. Everyone is so used to buying their shopping or other things online, why not start buying school photos this way too?
Isn't ordering online impersonal?
Not at all! Now ordering pictures can be a family experience. Grandparents, relatives and friends can join to select pictures together. Parents can also share access to their pictures, enabling family and friends to order.
What if parents lose their password card?
We can easily look up their child's photos in our system and resend them the code.


text:
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Flea Fish Ewe A Mare Egrets Moose Panda Hippo Gnu Deer!
Thinking about making this vest...as I am cold, and very sick of winter! I bought a bag of Filatura Di Crosa Super Soft at the sale yesterday with this in mind...rare for me to buy bulky, but maybe if it's fast I can fit in a little something for me. The last thing I made for me I gave away. Although I did knit this hat for me yesterday. This was an impulse buy. I had not intended to buy the Silk Garden, but then I touched it while shopping, and thought "Hey, isn't the Flat Top Hat in Modular Knits one ball of this stuff? Just one little ball....." and now I want ten balls to make the MD vest to match. And Meg wants one, so I can make another, but told her she had to buy her own yarn. Also impulse buys, I bought For the Love of Knitting 2006 calendar and Melanie Falick's Knitting for Baby (for Kristie, for Christmas, so justified??). And much cooler than usual Vermont Yankee Where-to-Run-In-Case-Of-Meltdown calendar.
Here's the modular scarf I decided to do in st st instead of gs, and I do like it more than the gs of the original. It has 3 gs sts at the edges to prevent roll. I like the way it is coming along, but don't really have time for it any more this week. It was my mindless Dr Who knitting. Brendon got his father 3 Dr Who dvds and they've been the hit of the holiday for Gene. Yesterday he got Star Wars Episode III from Netflix. I watched it with him and now have such a sense of completion, and my own antiquity. I was 10 the year Star Wars opened. GASSSP!! Gene, though, was 16, which made me feel better.
Started the Modular Shawl for the store for classes in spring...it's moving along nicely and also will be a mindless tv project. I need occasional distractions from things like the plaid. I worked on plaid yesterday from about 11am till it was time to go get Megan, about 4pm. I then took a much needed Flat Top hat break. Today I began with the MD shawl, and after lunch will plaid for a while. It gets heavy as it grows, and the purling hurts my wrist after a bit so I have to break with some nice gs project.
AIDAN OUTGREW HIS GANSEY!! Eight weeks! I started it about 8 weeks ago and he grew about 2 inches in height and arm length in that short span of time! His mother noticed this as well as she'd just bought 18 mo jeans for winter and he outgrew them as well! Because he's skinny, finding 2T jeans that will fit his skinny butt is impossible, but suddenly, in weeks, his 18 mo ones are high-waters! The moral of the story? When knitting for toddlers, measure OFTEN!!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
For my Own Amusement...
Also finished the gansey for the kid the other day, and blocked it. I love the little underarm gussets. Eleven whole stitches! This is in Angora Soft, which is a Knit One Crochet Two closeout from Webs. Washed and blocked it's very snuggly and soft. It's so cute and small. It's like a mini-man sweater. I get to pop it on him tomorrow. If there was time I'd make a hat to match. Maybe after Christmas. He has a thing for hats with ear flaps and strings. Wears them on purpose, preferably with nothing else but a diaper and boots. Very cute. It used a whole two and a quarter skeins. I've got seven left, which is enough to make a hat, mittens and have enough over for an infant set of some kind, maybe for EJ. She'll be a good candidate for denim garb, running over the hills of New England in a baby backpack. Maybe a pair of footed leggings and matching sweater and hat!
For now I have to go make pies...Banana Cream, Chocolate Cream, Apple and Pumpkin. Not really in the mood. My oven is a disaster and I really am not in the mood to rassle with the temperature nonsense. I priced new ones...am thinking of this one, a Maytag, but in black. I thought it would go well with the cherry, and my dishwasher is black. Spent a bunch of time with a golfer buddy of Gene's discussing the merits of ranges, cook tops, and double versus single ovens. The double is really out for someone who bakes as much as I do. You have to reach waaaaay down to get that turkey/pie/cookie sheet from the lower oven. He showed me the store's cost on the unit, and I believe the price he quoted is fair (well below retail, and gives the owner an appropriate margin of profit) but I just can't commit to it. Gene says go ahead...but ICK, $800 for a range (including tax and delivery)?? Sigh. My Kenmore was $350. OK, fine, so that was in 1986...and it was a scratch and dent...Maybe I'll just bite the bullet after the first of the year and buy the thing. It can't be any harder than Christmas shopping, or buying the dishwasher or pellet stove was.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
How to Cook Ham
Purchase one pre-cooked ham (an uncooked ham will work as well, but will require a longer cooking time). Thaw ham if frozen.
Assemble the following ingredients:
1 can Coke (the Real Thing, although I am told Dr. Pepper works well also)
2 naval oranges
2 apples
1 fresh pineapple
A large roasting pan
Aluminum foil, or large cover that fits tightly on roasting pan
Toothpicks to restrain fruit on meat surface
Cutting board
Kitchen shears
Set oven to 325F degrees.
Peel oranges, slice 1/4 inch thick. Slice apples 1/4 inch thick, leaving peel in place, cutting around core. Remove skin from pineapple and slice 1/4 thick. Make stacks of fruit, one slice of each, pineapple, apple and orange on top. Leave these nearby on a plate. For the sake of tradition, you may want to add a maraschino cherry atop your orange slice.
Remove ham from wrapping and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Place in roasting pan, and skewer fruit stacks onto the surface of the ham. It may be that you need more than one toothpick per fruit stack. Using kitchen shears trim toothpicks so that very little wood protrudes beyond the surface of the fruit stacks.
Pour Coke evenly over the fruit-laden meat. Cover tightly with lid or foil, and place in oven. Baste with Coke and fruit juices from bottom of pan every half hour using a turkey baster. Remove cover from ham during last half hour of cooking. An average pre-cooked ham should take about 1.5 hours to cook, and should reach an internal temperature of 140F before being served - this is lower than the temperature needed to safely prepare a "raw" ham. (If using a raw ham, place an oven-safe digital probe thermometer in the center of the ham set to 155F degrees. Set the alarm on the digital thermometer to sound when the ham has reached that internal temperature. This temperature is 5 degrees lower than the temperature preferred by the USDA for proper doneness of ham, but allows for carryover cooking that will occur while the ham rests before slicing). Remove ham from the oven, allow to rest for 15 minutes, then slice and serve. Truly, it's an amazing way to cook ham. If you want to know the rest of the story, read on!
Go to local BJ's and buy (mindlessly) Smithfield bone in ham as you've never bought ham before and have no clue. Return home and place ham in fridge.
Email aunt who knows about these things and ask how to cook ham. Aunt will assure you that a pre-cooked ham is no trouble at all and will give the following recipe:
Get some apples, oranges and fresh pineapple. Cut them up and put them over the ham (use toothpicks). Dump a couple of cups of coca-cola over the ham, cover tightly with tin foil, and put it in a pre-heated 325 degree oven for 1.5 hours. After an hour and a half, take it out, and pour more coke over it, then bake for an additional 30 min uncovered. Ham will be flavorful, juicy, tender.
Relax. Think about the ease with which the ham will be pulled off. So, Coke is poison. It's only one day after all...think of what a hero you'll be.
Plan to bake cookies two days before holiday event. Discover that oven does not work. Spend 10 hours making four batches of cookies. Question sanity. Think of ham. Begin to panic. Plan to start ham a little early and a little hot. Relax again. Plan all baking around busted oven - buy bread instead of homemade rolls, cook dad's scalloped oysters in toaster oven, no sweat...
Wake up day of party to finish final prep and take ham out of fridge. Realize that this is NOT pre-cooked heat and serve ham. This is uncooked, roast-all-day ham. Really freaking panic. Go to Smithfield website and determine that you need 180 minutes at 325 degrees based on ham weight of ten pounds. Rethink coke and fruit idea. Decide to go for it anyway. Skewer fruit onto ham, dump coke over, and seal in foil, pray. Set busted oven for 350 to accomodate for apparent thermostat issue. Shove ham in, set timer for 1.5 hrs, and pray more. After 1.5 hrs, baste ham with gross coke, check internal temp, and LOWER OVEN TEMP to 300 degrees as ham is cooking much faster than it should, because your oven is obviously trying to kill you. Reseal ham in foil and shove back in oven. Reset timer for 1 hr. Check ham again after 1 hr, baste with more coke, remove foil, and shove back in oven again. Assume you have killed ham which will be dry as turd, and flavorless as it's 145 degrees already, and dinner is not for a while. Wait for family to gather for dead, dry ham.
Take ham out of oven and allow to rest while you consider embarassment of dry, gross ham when you have marginal rep as fairly decent family cook, and stack of blue ribbons for baked goods stuck in drawer someplace. Realize that this may be why God has led you to not eat a lot of pork, that perhaps you are ham-impaired and should not be allowed to cook animals you don't know by name. (I never knew a pig named "Smithfield")
Watch husband slice ham. Ham appears juicy....and tender....snag little piece of ham, which melts in your mouth with such flavor and tenderness as to be confused with prime cow prepared by master chef. Smile. Consider getting down on knees in kitchen to thank God for The Miracle of the Christmas Ham, but recognize that this might be extreme, and family might think you need short ride to nearest mental health facility for observation. Serve ham, potato, green beans, oysters, sister's excellent lasagna and her really wonderful broccoli salad, and later hand-crafted banana cream and chocolate cream pies, and cookies made with grandson with great delight and joy. Relax. Sip good wine. Breathe deeply and wish you could do it all again soon.
In knitting news....got the front and back of Aidan's gansey done last night and started collar. Changed collar from roll which I find a little feminine to 1:1 rib. I think I can get the sleeves on today and have it done for Christmas Eve.
Also finished store sample Modular Scarf for class I am to teach in spring. I need to run in ends and block still...will probably block it when I block A's gansey. I also tore out the beginnings of my own modular silk scarf version 2. I want to do it in st st with garter borders, as I think the st st will enhance the appearance of the yarn and lace pattern. Not that I dislike the gs version, just think st st will be more to my style and taste, and I had planned on keeping it. So it's tinked, back in the bag, and waiting. Finished Bad Wife mittens, which now have a pattern and if I could link to somepalce where pattern could be stuck, I'd post the sucker. Now have to make bad wife gloves. Also restarted Gene's sweater, and worked a whole inch before my mother in law dropped in.
Then I got a lovely box on Saturday addressed to 'Melissa Knitter' from A. Modesitt. Melissa Knitter. Quite appropos. Yarn, yarn, Yippty-YARN!!! I opened it, joyfully thinking that the plaid could be done this VERY WEEK!! I really would hate to see this garment not make it into the book. First, I've spent a lot of time knitting it, and she spent a lot of time designing it. Second, it's a pretty cool garment, especially the construction which is just neat. So I was stoked. I thought I'd spend Monday finishing the plaid. I opened the box in great anticipation, only to discover that there was a mix up on colors. Annie asked for Olive, but whoever packed the box sent Military. SO...I emailed Annie (sadly, was a hard thing to do!!) and she emailed the yarn co, and I am now hoping for "first week of January" versus first week of December for finishing it and mailing it back. Everything happens for a reason. If nothing else, I've gotten a ton of stuff done while waiting; stuff I had not planned to finish till after the Plaid. And during the holidays it's been nice to just be able to focus on my own stuff. So there he sits, poor old plaid, waiting for someone to come along and make him road worthy.
I am feeling slightly more festive. Doing the cookie thing, then making finger paintings for Omie and Mommy (today is his second birthday and last night when Mommy picked him up we gave her his first finger painting, framed and ready to hang) has helped. Being a grandmother is about the most wonderful thing imaginable! You can do so many cool things with them. He peed on the couch yesterday, which was hysterically funny. We'd taken off a diaper to dump poop and flush it down the potty (new cool game), and I went to wash my hands. He climbed up on the couch next to Meg and peed. I am pretty sure that if it'd been D or M, and was 1988 or 1990 I would not have been able to see the humor in the situation. Grandparenting takes all the pressure off. It's like having all the fun and not nearly as much of the worry. I dig the face coated with cookie dough, and the hands deep in crystal sugar. I don't think about the mess. I don't panic when he runs through my house coated in finger paint and touches every surface he can reach. I just shrug and smile. It's really cool.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
She Bought the Farm
And a boat, and a train and a red muppet who pees on the pot, and a pile of books. Also finger paints, a smock, brushes, and I think we'll need an easel soon (I feel an Ikea trip coming on....).
The finger painting was a smash hit. It was hysterical. At first he looked at us like we'd gone mad, and would only use brushes. Then he went wild and the next thing I knew he was face down in the stuff, running his hands through it, grinning big.
In knitting news...I started a second silk modular scarf, the chevron one. I finished ruffles, and started a store sample modular scarf for a class in spring. Girl and Pixie picked the colors, and I was not loving them. Then today, when I shot them for this page, I inverted the colors for the heck of it. Kind cool. Contrast in vivid reality. And about the felted slipper plan...we don't talk about the felted slippers. It was ugly. It ended very badly. I now have a collection of wonderful felted cat beds. It is something I cannot even discuss. Hours I spent. And a huge amount of Berkshire. I put them through the washer four times in hot water with jeans and tennis balls. I also felted a bag at the same time and it came out exactly as it should have. But the slippers? No way. It's not width or length so much. It's height. They don't fit comfortably at all. They look like...well...cat beds. Like those cat sacks they sell in stores, only cuter. I've decided I hate slippers anyway. Who needs 'em??
But I looooove.... Angry Constipated Christmas Sheep!! I bought this last year about a week before Christmas. He poops licorice jelly beans when pushed. He's just so adorable! He's on my secretary desk with the ancient crepe paper tree my kids made during our impoverished youth (theirs and mine, thank you very much). My husband thinks I should let the tree go. When hell freezes I will consider it. My babies made that thing. They made ornaments for family that year. Golf Tee Angels, Felt Fish, Baby Sock SnowPeople. And one cardboard and crepe paper tree, with construction paper ornaments and glitter garland, and a tin foil angel with wool hair.
And now an embarrassing personal note....I really really stink at remembering important days. It's not that I don't remember exactly, it's just that I forget to remember the week before when I should have been planning. Yesterday we'd been out since mid-morning and it was now 2pm...we're driving through town, shopping, planning for party that's here Saturday, Girl had driver's ed driving time, busy-busy housewife stuff... I say "What's the date today?" And Girl says "December 14th."...and then I think for a second, and I laugh and shake my head at the irony. I did it again. I FORGOT MY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! I have nothing. I don't want to shop any more. I hate feeling trapped into finding a gift as if it somehow reflects some level of personal commitment. He needs nothing and wants nothing. Neither do I. We just went through this regarding Christmas gifts. We could go out to dinner, which we usually do, but it's ten degrees, and our favorite (Non-Disney World) place is closed. I had a flash of inspiration. "I will make him a pair of mittens and a batch of chocolate chip cookies!" I've been not baking because of his cholesterol, and he loves cookies. I have three hours. I managed to get the cookies done and Mitten number one presentable. So here we have an image of a nearly completed Pattern-Free Bad Wife Mitten based on a fast swatch and a couple of measurements. I am writing it down as I go in case I like it when it's done. It's Classic Elite Wings from a failed project, double stranded. I was thinking of following it with a Bad Wife Hat and Scarf, and definitely Bad Wife Gloves. It's quite squashy and warm, and I'm hoping there's enough left to make a pair for myself. I'm always frozen.
Off and shopping again today, but for a good cause.... A. needs a kid sized baking set for making cookies with Omie and Girl! Tomorrow is Day One of the Official Melissa Christmas Bake-a-thon. It's when I get my Christmas Spirit back. I hope. Otherwise I will indeed be green and dragging Max behind me on Christmas Day.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Pre-Christmas Inventory Reduction
I made up the bits for the Noro Modular Bag yesterday but now don't know what to do with it. It's assembled, blocked and fully lined, has button (very neat vintage button from my grandma's button box, no kidding) but no handle yet. This is how I ended up with the junk above. I knit a thing, I say "Oh, that's cute." or "That is the ugliest thing I have ever seen!"and throw it in a bin. Except for the woven scarves - those my husband weaves and tries to sell with varying success. I don't usually do a thing more than once. I make it, and move on. I think this is why design appeals to me. Think it, swatch it, make it, and move on. Neeext!! Have some ideas in my head right this minute that need to be written down, ASAP.
Welcome Secret Yarn! This is Berkshire Bulky dyed exclusively for Valley Fibers by Great Adirondack. There will be a worsted version as well. It is very very fun. I am still seeing mainly accessories, but am trying to expand the scope. My personal preference is for smaller gauge, and it is hard for me to envision bulky projects. My daughter helps. Bulky and baggy are her things. She lets me know when I am way off base, or getting warm. This is color Grapevine. So far in my head there is a scarf and hat set, minimally one felted bag, a second scarf and hat (crocheted), and a snuggly warm vest. After Christmas I may sit and draw all of that. I probably should do it today before it rolls out the other side of my brain and I am onto something else. I cannot get the pic to look proper. Either over or under lit...can't get a decent shot that's truly reflectve of the depth of the colors and it is annoying the poo out of me. After two days I am quitting and posting these. You have got to believe that the color is just amazing and these pics are NoT doing it justice by a long shot. I want to do a sweater in the woven looking st. Also tried a brioche rib, a bobbly-concoction, and some good ole st st. The weavy one is my fave. I loooove it, moves the color around, prevents pooling. Dig it a LOT!
In spite of the above gift pile, I still need to finish 7 slippers. I ordered some sheet suede from an eBayer - beautiful stuff, but now have to cut it and make it into soles. The sheets are larger than I expected. I feel I got my money's worth from the deal. It was about $25 with shipping and I got enough suede to sole about 30 pair of slippers. I thought the piece was much smaller, so got two. I would have been good with enough for 15 pair. Now my workroom smells of leather, which is a nice cozy aroma.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Sincerest Praise
First, an off topic comment. I love this soup. It is from a Betty Crocker grocery store booklet that I snagged at Big Y ages ago (#147, Jan. 1999). And I just LOVE it. I used red quinoa instead of barley. I was all set to use barley, but did not get the quick cooking kind (it's not organic!), so just threw in a grain on hand. It's just really good, warming, nourishing food. I also used stew beef cut into 1/2" pieces. It's also fairly quick, about 1/2 of an hour including prep - but I prep my veggies between the first two stages. Even Gene ate it, and he is not a cabbage fan. Caraway and cabbage are friends though. We did not do the warm crusty whole wheat bun thing this time, although I have in the past.
This is a week of sloth, I swear. We shopped for Christmas yesterday ALL DAY and I am now overcome with scroogedness and grinchdom. I am humbug-ing and bah-ing all over the house. Hours I spend knitting for people to offset holiday cost and still go over budget. I almost bought Aidan a battery powered John Deere Tractor. ***sigh*** The kid is ruining me. Some tree-hugger I am. We settled on Potty Elmo (no pressure, kid, just a suggestion, a little something to think about), a package of die-cast cars, and four board books for birthday. Also a pile of finger paints and brushes for Omie's house. Cannot believe how long it took us to find plain old sloppy, messy finger paint. Apparently it's not allowed any more? Can't wait till Friday morning to let him loose with the stuff. Christmas is between the large train table with wooden track and cars and...I hate to say it...the John Deere!!
I did get some knitting (and a little crochet) done, but not much. I submitted one thing to Any Singer for NoSheep this morning. No pics, sorry. I wanted to do 2 more but ran short on time. I started recreating Meg's hat in some Himalayan rayon that I had hanging around. I was right, it flies along. I will work on it today while she's driving. I expect to have it nearly done by the end of her 2 hour lesson. I am also going to pick up two bottles of that Barboursville wine in exchange for services rendered at my friends's pc. Nice to have a friend who invites you to wine tastings then gives you two bottles of wine for a few of hours of basic pc maintenance. I could teach her how to do it herself, but then I'd be doing myself out of free good wine!
Also on today's menu just as a break from the Christmas thing - something for ME (me, me, me, it's all about ME!!). Someone - and I will not thank them, because I really don't advocate this behavior - disemboweled two skeins of Noro. Into the $2 bin they head, and (thanks to Sarah at the store) into my knitting bag soon after. I am planning to make the Pinwheel Purse from Modular Knits. I love a bag. This is a cute little thing made of center decrease triangles, and when it's started I'll post a pic. And then it's gonna be MINE all MINE!! Ruffles is cruising along, really hastened by the knitting backwards thing. I have another ball to attach and work in and it'll be done. It's fun, easy to knit, works up quick. Even with the backwards thing it still is nearly mindless tv knitting for me, which is a nice break from monster slippers (7 more to go...). They'll be on here again when all 12 are finished. We'll do a before and after pic. Finally, if mimicry is the sincerest for of flattery, then I am flattered beyond reason. The mimicry involves the Sweet Curacao bag. The flatterer is my beloved daughter who is making the bag for her friend Maria for Christmas in the oranges and reds Maria loves. Now, when strangers copy me, or make my patterns, I am flattered. But when one's own teenaged daughter, flesh and blood real live teenager, chooses out of the hundreds of patterns in this house the one you, her mother of all people, designed? Ahhh, folks, that is praise beyond words. Generally I want today to be restful, nourishing, relaxing. I need to return to holiday spirit. The bag gives me a big hug. Girl voluntarily knitting up one of mommy's patterns! It warms the heart, I tell you, it truly does!!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Scunci Rules!!!
Friday, December 02, 2005
Poor Gene!!
Sometimes I think he just shuts off his ears when I say anything that begins with "I am going to grab some more yarn..." I know I told him about he felted slipper idea. I know I did. Meg and I sat on the floor Wednesday night counting balls of Berkshire to see what we needed. I worked last night. This means I was in the store last night. This, of COURSE, means I bought yarn last night (DUH!!) I got some Berkshire and some non-animal fiber to work up a couple of swatches for Amy Singer's No Sheep For You, and I got some Luna to finish Moe's scarf....not a big trip by any means. But when I came home and he saw the bags there was a look that crossed his face, pain and fear mingled there for a moment and then resignation followed. Poor Gene. I tried relating this to stamps, but it has not gotten me anywhere. I can see the similarity. I am a stash enhancement expert. He should be happy. I'm not out at the mall with my credit card. I'm not redecorating every other year. I am not running around with other men. I wouldn't have time to knit if I did.
OK - this is a little scary. This is the first unfelted Berkshire slipper, and it looks as if it could fit the Jolly Green Giant. I am a little concerned. On the other hand I learned a lot from Gail Callahan about how to make things felt to where you want them, so worse case scenario, Meg and I are at these slippers with a washboard for a few hours till they get to what we want. It's only six pair of feet...twelve clogs...how bad can that be?!
Next we have the No Sheep For You thing. Designing for Valley Yarns is one thing. There is a comfort zone, immediate feedback and people I know in charge. I have three ideas. I have a bunch of yarn. What I lack is intestinal fortitude, which has delayed even swatching for weeks. Bawwwk, buk, buk, buk, BAAWWK!!!! I have to push past it.
Then there's the Poor Blessed Plaid. It is so patiently waiting to be completed. It has to go to New Jersey for finishing. I feel badly that Annie is getting all these completed projects while mine languishes in it's box by my chair. So patiently waiting for it's yarn to come so it can be finished. Poor thing.
Meg wore this hat to work last night. It's Scary Red Heart. Today I will recreate the pattern using something non-acrylic. Aidan will be here and hooks are easier to put down than pairs of needles. She received the hat last year as a gift, cute little thing and she loves it, but the Red Heart is bugging me. I don't know how much longer I can look at it. It would be a quickie to crochet. Bet I could have it done in no time!! Oh. The Secret Yarn. This would be perfect in the Secret Yarn. No, I can't tell you. That's why it's called Secret Yarn, duh!! But I will as soon as I can. I promise.
About a year ago I started making this out of leftover Scary Patons yarn. I want to make it for real, but not with Scary Patons. It's lovely, I think, cuff to cuff with various k/p combinations thrown in. I was thinking about Sugarloaf, then got distracted by drop-in questions and forgot to go grab a ball of each color. But then again, I probably have a partial ball of each color downstairs...Oh, see, I KNOW I do!! Everything happens for a reason! If I'd bought a bunch last night I'd feel a fool today!! Now I can just run downstairs and make a pile of colors. But that's probably another day's job. I need to focus on the slippers. All twelve. Well, no, ten now since one pair is done.
I am really glad that I came to the tag sale that the former owner held here before we moved in. Where else could I have gotten a pink velvet dog bed for $25?? We have never owned a proper sofa, and when I saw the ad in the paper for the tag sale at the very house we were closing on the following week I thought "How perfect! Maybe they'll just leave it there and we won't have to move it!!" They did; left it right in the mudroom where it was on tag sale day. Owen is not allowed on the furniture, as you can see here...he's spoiled, special, and he figures if my mother in law's dog can get up there why can't he? I just gave up. LOOK at him! Who would have the heart to say "Move!!" I can't. My kids are grown. It's time for spoiling of things; dogs, grandson, etc. I can lighten up a little and not say "No" so much maybe. Might be a nice change.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Things are moving along. We've got both pair of Sarah's Supermerino Socks done(upper right), Leighanne's modular shawl (lower left), Aidan's Snakes and Ladders Gansey half done (top left), and Maureen is getting Ruffles from Scarf Style in Classic Elite Lush (lover right). I am bummed about the color washing out on the Gansey (#662, Denim). It's really very pretty, a closeout from Webs of an acrylic/angora blend and is not as cold as it looks here. We're going to juice up Moe's scarf by adding a second color, another red, randomly. You'll see, after Thursday when we go in for work and can fill our shopping list. Also will start six pair of felted clogs for family members later today. My mother in law's sweater is already done and was featured in a previous post. This morning is a little hectic already. Something is wrong with Gene's cat (ALERT: gross detail coming up)
This morning as Gene was leaving he stopped cold and said "Uh-oh...somebody frowed up!" Yes, an adult man of 43 with four grown kids and a grandchild and a decent education said "frowed up." I got down to clean it up and saw a "coffee grounds" appearance, which usually means old blood. Hannah is 15 and had a rough life before she came here. So we look at the old cat and we think "Why three weeks before Christmas??" She's got mild renal disease, as does one of our dogs...and a few weeks ago had a UTI. She will be watched today closely. This could be a one-shot deal. She's had issues with vomiting in the past. It could be a fluke, and could even be coffee grounds (though I doubt it, she's a finicky thing. Persnickety even.)
As promised yesterday...an unrelated to knitting "baby" picture. This is Tut, the Boy King. He has no comb yet, but we assume he is a boy based on personality. He is a Delaware. Behind him is a Blue Orpington or two, and two Buff Minorcas. I think Tut'll replace my five year old rooster, Napoleon. They get along well so far, which is a good sign that Tut can stay and Nap will tolerate his presence. If Tut proves to be a hen, all the better as we're very attached to him now. The rest of the little cockerels will become soup/roast. This little guy is very outgoing, and reminds me of a person in a chicken suit as Napoleon did before him. Generally speaking I do not encourage emotional attachment to your food, and usually will be very attentive to the pullets and ignore the cockerels. Tut does not allow you to ignore him. He's been a pet since their first day here, when he assaulted and murdered a very ugly spider the size of his head that had been hiding in the shavings. I fell in love with him right then and there.


text:
Many people come to Andalucia for a beach holiday. This usually means soaking up as much sun as possible at the beach. Nothing wrong with that. After all, Andalucia has some of the best beaches Europe has to offer.
However, if you want to know what the country is really all about, then why not experience many of the other cool things to do in Southern Spain?
Here are some suggested activities that you can do next time you're in Al-Andalus. This is by no means an exhaustive list but it should get you started in planning your Andalucia trip.
Get Active
1. Cycle Andalucia's countryside – Want to take the slow route around Andalucia? Get cycling. Venture the golden hills of the countryside and the narrow village streets and see Spain at your own pace. There are many routes to take for both beginners and more seasoned riders — from the relaxing via Verdes to the rigorous routes that the pros take.
2. Go skiing. In the winter, head off to the Sierra Nevada in Granada. On this mountain is a small skiing resort with over 95km of pistes. And if you so fancy, you can even head to the beach on the same day.
3. Get Walking: Like many places in Spain, Andalucia is a walker's paradise. Try the newly rebuilt Caminito del Rey or go up La Maroma for a day out and a view of Africa.
4. Extreme sports for the adrenaline junkie – Whatever is your choice of adrenaline-pumping activity, from canyoning to microlighting, you're bound to find it here.
Get Zen
Now if you're in Andalucia to get some much-needed rest and relaxation, leave your adventure gear at home and get renewed by the many soul enriching and body revitalizing things that you can do.
5. Choose Your beach. The South of Spain is best known for its beaches. Many popular beaches get buzzing in the summer but if you're the type who fancies a quiet beach, you'll be surprised to know that it's just as easy to find one on the Andalucian coast. Also, there are many different kinds of beaches that you can choose from.
6. Explore The National Parks
From the snow-covered mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the Marshes of Doñana in Huelva and Seville, the national parks of Southern Spain are a nature-lovers paradise.
These national parks not only have great walking holiday possibilities but also offer very interesting flora and fauna great for bird watchers and nature spotters.
7. Go Camping
For those who want to commune with nature and get down and dirty, 🙂 camping in Southern Spain is the way to go. There are many camping areas to choose from. From luxurious glamping sites to no-frills ones.
Camp by the beach, by the lake, on a mountain or at the National park. The choice is yours.
Get Full
8. Tapas Tours: And of course, there's food. Glorious food. Learn how to cook Spanish food or if you would rather not do the cooking, then there are many great restaurants to fill your craving.
Here, there are opportunities for fancy Michelin-star dining. But make sure you also try the local olives, cheese and wine in whichever province you plan to visit.
9. Wine Tours: Many Spanish tour companies now offer wine or bodega tours. And you dear foodie are going to enjoy a day spent with the people who produce your wine. The bodegas look pretty cool too for you Instagrammers out there. And did I say there's wine? Yes, wine. and You get to drink it too.
Get Cultured
10. Walk around the White Villages: Nothing evokes Andalucia as much as white-washed villages with cobblestone streets, geraniums hanging on the balcony, and the backdrop of the golden Andalucian hills.
Some of the popular villages are Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara and Ronda. But these are by no means the only interesting villages to visit in the region. In fact, I suggest going to the less popular ones if you want to experience Spain's local life and culture.
It's common for people to visit 3 or more white villages during their stay. I suggest going to just 1 -2 and then staying for a longer time in one of them. Have coffee at the square in the morning and get your menu del dia from one of the restaurants. You can even join a local town fiesta if one is happening during your stay
11. Historical Tours: For any history buff, Southern Spain is a place waiting to be explored. The Mezquita, Alhambra and Sevilla's Alcazar are a must see. But so are the less known places like the roman ruins of Baelo Claudia in Tarifa or the renaissance-style cities of Ubeda and Baeza.
12. Go to a Flamenco Show: The purists will probably say that you will not find Duende in a Flamenco show set for tourists. But to be honest, if you're only visiting, chances of you finding an impromptu one is next to nil. Besides, some of these shows are good and it's a good birds-eye view of the magic behind Flamenco.


text:
Hair Transplant for Men
It's not a secret that more men are taking the hair transplant procedure around the world. Celebrities like Robbie Williams, Louis Walsh, AJ McLean, James Nesbitt and Wayne Rooney are those who openly admit their hair transplant. Those celebrities have gained the benefits of hair transplant for their career. In one hand, the celebrities have boosted the popularity of hair transplant. In other hands, a massive development and marketing of hair transplant have attracted more men to take the procedure.
How Does the Hair Transplant for Men Work?
Hair transplant works with moving the follicular units(hair follicles) of your existing hair to the balding area. The hair follicles are harvested from where the scalp show high resistant to the baldness. The same follicles will grow new hair in the balding area, that's why hair transplant for men provide a permanent result.
Types of Hair Transplant For Men
Hair transplant procedure is majorly conducted in two methods. Follicular Unit Transplantation(FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction( FUE). FUT or stripped method is the former method where the surgeon strip a skin from the donor area. FUE is the extraction method where the surgeon extracts the hair follicles one by one from the donor area. The rest procedure of both methods is the same where the harvested follicles are divided into grafts and transplanted into the balding area.
Hair Transplant for Men Result
Hair transplant for men result provides a permanent result. However, if you're considering a more natural result, then you should choose the FUE instead. It's due to the fact that FUE doesn't involve slits and stitches which means less painful and leaves nor linear scarring like FUT does. In FUE, the surgeon is able to selectively harvest the follicles considering the size, position, angles, and other factors which allow the natural result.
Hair Transplant for Men Price
Some hair clinics may charge you per grafts. The more area should be restored, the more you need to pay. Each country has its own rate as you may spend up to $15,000 if you're taking the procedure in the US or UK. In other hands, if you take the procedure in Turkey, you'll get the same quality and need to pay only up o 20 percent of that price. Turkey becomes the prominent hair transplant for men provider where professional surgeons are working on hundred hair clinics across the country.
Dr. Tayfun Hair Transplant Clinic offers hair transplant for men in a very good quality and competitive price. Our clinic is located in Istanbul, fill the form and book your own procedure.


text:
Final Thought on the Ride
Well it is a totally different place to ride than New Zealand that's for sure! The drivers are not bike friendly although most will at least try not to hit you. The roads don't have the scenery either as the coastal roads don't seem to have views of the see as a rule but the ferry trips and the small beach towns are very special. The trip is more about the stops than the cycling so give yourself plenty of time to make the trip.
The cost of living and camping is quite high with some places around $40 for the night and $50+ in Byron. Camp kitchens are rarely more the BBQs so you might need a stove if like me you need a coffee in the morning. We had a cold and wet spell for the time of year during our trip but it was still too warm to wear waterproof trousers in the rain. Our little tent could get mighty warm and a sleeping bag was used more to lie on rather than in. On a hot day cycling was far better than standing still as the breeze took the edge off the heat until you had a slow steep climb to contend with.
So 1000km on a mix of dirt, quiet and main roads. Plenty of wildlife and a little surfing. I have enjoyed the ride even though it wasn't the initial plan as our trip to Oz was all about meeting up with my friends for Christmas. Would I do it again, maybe not that ride but I would cycle in Australia again for sure. Tasmania looks like a great spot and the south coast looks like another awesome area to ride, better start saving again!