Man vs. Wild

There's something about the male genetic makeup — some indiscernible facet not able to be scientifically identified — that causes us to, on occasion, risk life and limb to be...well...manly. I'm not talking about avoiding the sharp corners of a tortilla chip while scooping salsa and watching the latest NBA game, I'm talking a little more uninhibited. This past weekend I made the trek down to northern Arizona for a little R&R at our family reunion and subsequent jaunt over to Snowflake for the coveted Pioneer Day celebration. True to form, the rodeo called my name and as a highly unqualified city boy, I entered myself into the rodeo with my two cousins to compete in the grocery race. Our number was called and...well, I won't give away the rest — just watch and note the Avatar-like union between man and beast.

The Story So Far.

Now about six months into my journalistic adventures, I feel it fitting to take a step back and review what I've done up to this point. Of the near 50 articles I've written thus far (and tweets well into the triple digits), some of my favorites are listed below from the various writing outlets I've explored. A few months down, a career to go.

 Daily Herald

• Voodoo Orchestra showcases swinging teens at Velour 
• Bluebird Cafe cultivates creativity and collaboration
• Center Street Musical Theatre makes swashbuckling return 
• Runner Runner looking for a full house
• Utah gets The Wiggles
• Tracy Lawrence to headline Pony Express Days event
• The Skinny: Listen Up, Lamenting Ladies
• Folk duo bring fervor back to timeless American music
• Local band Fictionist authors genre-defying music
• Digging for the indie sounds of Black Gold

Rhombus Online Magazine

• Album Review: Imagine Dragons, "Hell and Silence"
• Album Review: Parlor Hawk, "Hoarse and Roaring"
• Profile: Jess Smart Smiley: An Advocate of True Art

Daily Universe

• Movies make an impact on many
• Student-run business venture wins big
• j.wride releases new single with rapper MIMS
• A touch of Burton
• What we're listening to: The Helio Sequence
• Viewpoint: Animal Collective releases film, "ODDSAC"
• Sundance film looks at history, crisis
• Sundance Film Festival preview
• Musicians juggle benefits, downsides to record deals

Flipping Through My Future.

So there I was perusing the local Border's Bookstore, listening to the acoustic folk sounds of All On Seven (check 'em out here or read my article about them here) and catching up on my favorite music mags when I came across this cover story on Paramore from SPIN Magazine. The author got to follow the band on tour for a few days and see the grind for himself. While opinions on the quality of the band vary (and fiery lead singer Hayley Williams wasn't pleased with some parts of the expose), the article was captivating, revealing and just good writing. If I were a dog, my tail would've been wagging. It reaffirmed in my mind that this is what I want to do for a living: tell peoples' stories—whether it's stripping down the fame-inflated or promoting the talented-but-less-than-privileged. Love a little bit o' inspiration every now and then. The aforementioned article can be found at your local magazine stand or online here where the first half can be read.

Band of Horses, "Infinite Arms"

I've heard a lot of talk about Band of Horses the last few years, enjoyed a couple of their tracks and continued on my merry way. The group's newest release, however, "Infinite Arms," has solidified my position as a long-term, admiring fan. Playing sort of a folk/country brand of music with an unmistakable indie aesthetic, the band manages to sound simultaneously contemporary and antique—channeling a distinctly Western vibe, like laying out 'neath a desert sky (as the album cover would suggest, uh, kudos to the design team).

Stream "Infinite Arms" here, free of charge. I reckon you'll become a fan too.

Memorial Day Weekend In Pictures.

What I'm Listening To...

As is periodically expected, here is a playlist of my latest musical pursuits, in no particular order...or genre. Just a few tunes I'm diggin' on.

Spring Begins.

The grass is green again, reflecting the sun's reestablished presence, ready and waiting for the inevitable constant company—wielding picnic blankets, frisbees and glasses of lemonade—to arrive. Flowers of endless shapes, colors and sizes bloom everywhere and the mountains look inviting, having freshly shaken off winter's last cold whisperings.

Finally, spring is in the air.

Along with nature's annual makeover, a peculiar change of outlook also accompanies this wonderful phenomenon. Positivity seems more accessible. New opportunities present themselves--or at least cast seemingly worn-out opportunities in a new light. A certain je ne sais quois ignites the serotonin in our brains. Romance blossoms. Barry White music is no longer scoffed at, but encouraged.

If you ask me, "spring resolutions" should replace "New Year's resolutions." As a result, the number of people able to accomplish their goals in the former would rise from roughly 11% to 63% (yes, the aforementioned statistics are made-up and arbitrary).

Something about the season also let's the "magic" of life more easily fill our minds. Warm nights looking at stars, appreciating the beauty of nature, valuing relationships and more.

I love the feeling of renewal, of a fresh outlook and the chance to re-prioritize while worrying less about the little things and feeling a little bolder in my pursuits, whatever they may be. Being able to let my hair down and be more open to whatever may come my way.

I'd ponder more on the wonders of springtime and its effects, but it's time to go lay out on the grass, sip on some lemonade and groove with Mr. White. Good luck in your revitalized endeavors.