I did a little presto-chango with the living room this week. The first reason is that it's the start of a new season and mixing things up in my environment helps me appreciate that all the more. A shift in my environment, a shift in the weather, and a shift in my perspective. Aura Joon recently posted something similar that resonated with me about the end of summer feeling a little stale and wanting to welcome fall and all it's newness. Well, she puts it much better here.
The other reason for rearranging besides FINALLY having that useless organ out of my living room was to make room for my favorite new thing! Brett surprised me with the Crosley record player from Urban Outfitters and a few albums by some of our favorite bands on my birthday. He's been keenly aware of my search for a working and affordable vintage record player in a specific style and my lack of finding one for over a year and a half. I've loved the UO record player from afar but have been supremely enjoying it in a corner of my living room these last three days. THANK YOU, BRETT!
He also picked up Arcade Fire's Funeral, one of our long time favorites and an album he claims was made to be listened to on vinyl. He also got The Eraser by Thom Yorke, and The Bends by Radiohead because "Fake Plastic Trees" always reminds me of the year I spent in England. That night Elsie and Emma brought over three more records from bands we love including Devotion by Beach House, Cease to Begin by Band of Horses, and The Suburbs by Arcade Fire. The next day we picked up I'm Having Fun Now by Jenny & Johnny, Dearland by Elvis Perkins, and Forgiveness Rock Record by Broken Social Scene. And in case you thought I was the one with great taste in music, Brett is the only reason I know anything about anything in this department. He has more music knowledge and appreciation for the concept and thoughtfulness that goes into an album than most and I just kind of absorb it as it wafts through our conversations.I got a few thoughtful cards from various family members, the contents of which will be going towards something fun in the audiovisual department. Why I hadn't heard of this little bugger before RubyEllen posted about hers, I'm not sure. And I'm almost positive that my little brother got me the other thing on my wish list...and we'll find out in 7-10 days. THANKS, FAMILY!
And last but not least, I got a Restaurant.com gift card from The Margot, and an iTunes gift card as well as "Hooray, It's My Birthday" from the new album Do Fun Stuff by Ryan Marshall from Pacing The Panic Room. If you haven't already seen it tweeted, blogged, or discussed it over coffee with friends, and you have kids, you'll want to give it a listen. Best of all 100% of proceeds go toward funding research to better understand Smith Magenis Syndrome. THANKS, MARGOT, and SARA!
Thanks again for the many, many sweet well wishes here and through Twitter and Facebook. Ya'll are the best.
xoxo,
Rachel
14 comments:
Sounds like a wonderful day! I adore listening to records, though I don't have a player right now... just something better about the sound. Have a great weekend!
what a cool record player!!
these are the most exciting presents! and probably the best thing about all of them is that they came from the people you love most :)
I just blogged and bought Do Fun Stuff and then listened to it sans my kiddo! (it's great - check out "Nothing" it's beautiful!) Sounds like you had a happy happy birthday, welcome to the last year of your twenties!!
I have been eyeing up that record player forever, very cool!!
Aw, you are welcome. It looks like you had an excellent birthday! (Hip Hip Hooray...catchy isn't it?) I always love seeing how you arrange and decorate your home. It always looks so inviting and fun. :)And I think I need to track down some Arcade Fire vinyl, maybe I'll make Santa a list this year! Much love,
xoxo, S
Oh, and my sweet husband gave me my record player for a birthday (25, I think) too. Don't you just love boys who give great gifts? ♥
As far as I am concerned Arcade Fire and Band of Horses are two of the best bands in the universe. And my husband is the only reason I know anything about them too. Happy Birthday!
Sounds like you had a fabulous celebration, as birthdays should be.
I am really excited to check out that album you listed. My older brother has Smith Magenis Syndrome, so it warms my heart to hear it get some recognition in the donations department. Honestly I had to double take when I read your post. Anytime my brother comes up in conversation, no one has heard of SMS. My heart is exploding with gratitude for all the artist who participated.
P.S. SMS is a chromosome disorder, like Down Syndrome, so it can't be cured. It is more likely that the money is being used to fund research to come to a better understanding of the disorder. :)
Lydia,
I noticed that wording 'to fund research' on his advertising. I'll go ahead and make that distinction since there's a difference. Thanks, and thanks for sharing about your brother.
Look up the Terrible Twos by Matt Prior from the Get Up Kids. It is a great kid/grownup friendly band.
I wish you could come to Australia. I would take you to the Camberwell Markets. They have rows and rows of records. The next time I go, I will send you a photo. You and Elsie would love it.
What a lovely birthday.
x
That record player is a vision! I think I might have to add one similar to my birthday wish list - it's not until October so there's plenty of time to search. Exciting!
You lived in England for a year? Where abouts? :)
ox.
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