The Piggies Take California

I am a musician. Not nearly as much as once was, but nowadays I hold on to that statement with every ounce of intensity that I can. Life gets in the way. Work gets in the way. Routine gets in the way. But, through it all, one thing always remains the same: in order for me to have some sort of sanity in my life-  I must play music. Period. With that said, sometimes life throws an opportunity your way, if only for a weekend, to do just that. I know to take that opportunity and run with everything I have in me. Weekends like that are fleeting. 

One of the bands I play in is The Piggies. We are a group of people who have all played music in other bands with each other at some point down the road, or engineered our other projects, or helped us along the way to fill holes in our projects. We have each others backs. I have a ton of fun playing music with these gentleman. I try to not take that lightly. 

We have been working hard at being the backing band for Fort Collins favorite: Johnny Hickman. This guy is the bees knees and playing music with him is a great gift. He has been playing music for longer than I've been alive and his fans have such devotion to him. Being able to share a stage with him is always a treat. 

We were asked to play at the Cracker Campout in Yucca Valley, California. It was held at Patty and Harriets.  It's pretty much a festival out in the desert with a bunch of people who really love the bands that play there.  We felt so much love. The amazing fans of those bands actually flew us out there and bought our rooms in order for us to play for a weekend. People are awesome. Especially people that get music. I am very thankful. 

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It was a sleepless weekend, full of free vodka tonics, going to bed at 3 am nearly every night, waking up to the hot desert sun, and anticipating the next night that we get to play. We played with Johnny Hickman the first official day we were there and then The Piggies played the following night. I realized how old I really am in the grand scheme of things because by the end of the weekend I was wiped out. 

But, it was worth it. Totally worth it. 

Looking Back at 2009

Before I get immensely excited about telling all of my goals for 2010 to the blog world, I decided that it was very necessary to look back on all of the amazing things that occurred in 2009, what a life changing year it was!

Last January, Ryan and I took a trip to my beloved Portland. One year ago today, we were on the road heading to the northwest. I dearly wish I could say that is what we are doing today, but sadly, it is not. I miss you, dearest northwest.

In February, I quit working at the most amazing coffeehouse on the planet, but began a new challenging job in a field I didn't think I would ever pursue. I began as a financial administrator for a a dental office. (Note: It is probably the most rock n roll dental office you will ever witness in your life.) I had moments of wanting to pull out my hair and wondered why in the world me, a creative, artsy-fartsy individual deemed it a good idea to go into a job with so many numbers. But, I'm glad I did.

I also have joined a number of bands this year. I love being able to just go help someone else out with their project and just be a musician for a change. It is so challenging, but I love it. I joined this band in the Spring of 2009. They are an amazing group of gentleman that are mega-talented!

The Nurses

The month of May consisted of us running around like headless chickens while preparing for a wedding, bridal showers, and the anticipation of beginning a new life together. I am blessed.

On June 13, 2009, I married my best friend. The most amazing day of my entire life. We then went to San Francisco for our honeymoon. He is the most amazing man I have ever known.

July was a month of beginning married life and moving into a place we could call our own. The process was a bit longer than expected, but well worth all of it.

The next month consisted of playing a Battle of the Bands competition against a 15 bands from FOCO and winning! It was so enjoyable!

Those couple of days opened up a realm of possibilities for us as a band. We won some free recording time, got my record on college radio, even had a radio interview! 2009 was a good music year.

We started recording at Pigpen Studios. This experience has opened up so many opportunities for me musically.

In October, I changed my job title. I know that the change was the best thing for me. I got my own office, now work as a corporate administrative assistant and do a lot of HR stuff. The position is FAR more suited for me and I still get to work for an amazing company.

The past few months have been spent continuing to work on our record, playing solo shows, doing quite a few more photo-shoots, having our first Christmas together, joining another band called the Piggies, playing with the Riflemen, and dreaming about 2010.

2009 was an amazing year. Looking back, I can't even imagine how my life got to all of these amazing places, especially since I went through a couple of very challenging years prior to 2009. Redemption rings true. I am truly blessed.

2010 goals up next.

Stay tuned.