Summer Reading in the Fall

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This is a sweet craft project I made awhile back simply by folding the pages of a cheap, library-sale-bought book.

If you're like me, your summer reading list extends year round, and fall is a great time for catching up on some of the books you've been meaning to read during the warmer months. 

When it's chilly, rainy or gray out, that's the best time to cuddle up to a good book. 


Here's what's on my shelf at the moment:
  • The Wisdom of Yoga by Stephen Cope. An intriguing and approachable look into the yoga sutras by an intelligent psychologist and writer who knows how to tell a gripping story.
  • Bikram Yoga by Bikram Choudhury. The man behind the madness tells all about his experience growing up as a yogi, bringing his infamous series to the West, and discovering the amazing benefits of the class.
  • Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class by Bikram Choudhury. Bikram's other book outlines his 26-asana trademarked series, taking an in-depth look at each posture and how to do it and how it helps your body. Bikram also explains the difference between the ideal pose and your reality/ your edge, and how no matter how out of shape you are, it's never too late to start the yoga! 
  • Divergent by Veronica Roth, pre-authorized copy. My amazing writer friend Veronica is about to publish her first YA dystopian thriller novel about a futuristic world where young people face incredible choices that will determine the rest of their lives. Think the Harry Potter series meets the Ender's Game series and 1984. Amazing stuff! Congrats and thanks for sharing, V.
  • Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and One Raucous Year of Eating Locally  by Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon. This fascinating tale is extremely well-written and informative. Ready to open up your eyes to the sad state of affairs in the American food industry when it comes to sustainability? Alisa and J.B. will show you the challenge, beauty, and reward of making the choice to eat foods only within 100 miles of their Canadian home.
             

I'm also listening to:
  • Julie Rader's meditation CD. Amazing! Have I mentioned that you should buy this? You should buy this. It's wonderful.
  • The Weepies. I am off to see them live in Evanston in about half an hour! I'm wiggling in my boots and just can't seem to wipe this grin off my face... :)
  • "Club Can't Handle Me" by Flo Rida ft. David Guetta. It's just good for dancin'. No shame here!
What are you reading and listening to lately? Please share any of your favorites, yoga-related or otherwise, in the comment section below!

Thank you, Northwestern Library, for some seriously intelligent yoga-related books.

Focus Forward Friday: Be Honest

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Mmmm: pomegranate white, acai green, and peach white tea.
Focus Forward Friday: A weekly ritual for deepening your Bikram practice.

Today's focus: honesty, and Honest Tea. I recently received some awesome samples from Honest Tea, one of my favorite companies. As they like to say, "Nature got it right. We put it in a bottle!"

They also say, "Be real. Get honest." These days it's pretty sweet to see a company with a mission that includes being transparent about their business practices, ingredients, and their approach toward taking good care of our planet. 

Honest Tea also promotes health (antioxidants and less sugar), fair trade, organic certification, and recyclable, BPA-free, thinner bottles. Amazing! And their teas taste wonderful. Super natural and not over-sweet.

I recommend you try one today and then ask yourself, "How can I be more honest? In my Bikram, in my relationships, in my concept of self?"

Be true. Live well. Namaste and happy weekend!

Urban Rockstar Ballerinas

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Photo via The Ballerina Project on Tumblr.
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I just discovered these incredible pics on a sweet blog called The Rockstar Diaries that my cousin follows. If I were a ballerina, I'd be rockin' this look for sure. Aren't they stunning?


The Ballerina Project on Tumblr features some pretty incredible women.

Another, because I couldn't resist!

Oak Park's 105-Yoga Opening Monday!

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Chicago yogis: a new Bikram studio is opening on Monday, November 1st in Oak Park!

105 N Oak Park Ave
Oak Park, IL 60301
Phone: 708-613-6055
info@105-yoga.com
with Nancy Kalinowski, studio director & yogi extraordinaire


Check it out: 105 Yoga in Oak Park is offering an amazing intro special where you can get your first month for only $29 (regularly $150). Sign up now! Offer ends November 30th. 


Tell your friends!


One of my favorite Bikram teachers ever is achieving her dream this week. Nancy, I couldn't be more thrilled for you! It's going to be incredible. Hoping I can stop by for some classes soon and, like Bikram says, continue on my way to "a new body, and a new life!"


May the first few weeks at 105 Yoga, even if they are chaotic, be yet another yogic lesson in your journey about the way no one can steal your peace. If you let someone steal your peace, you lose!


Students, new and veteran: check out the class schedule, add 105 Yoga on Facebook and Twitter (@hotyogaoakpark), and get out your mat! Namaste.

See you soon in Oak Park, Chicago, for some awesome Bikram at 105 Yoga!

Mini Yoga Class @ NU

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  • Yogis in Evanston, I'm going to teach a mini-class in a couple of weeks! Please attend, invite your friends, and come enjoy some awesome meditation and relaxation postures. I'd love to hear from you if you're planning on being there, just to get a general sense of how many people will be coming!
    Here's the info...

    Love yoga? Interested in the ways that yoga postures connect with spirituality and offer the body and mind relaxation?
    Come to YOGA SHABBAT!
    Friday November 12 from 6:15pm to 7:30pm in the basement of Hillel
    @ 629 Foster St. Evanston, IL 60201
    An event sponsored by Northwestern Hillel andEnvironmental Campus Outreach (ECO).
  • I'll be teaching a 35-minute yoga class focused on postures which promote relaxation and rest. There will be a good series to get your heart rate up, and then ample time for cool down and meditation toward the end.
  •  
  • We won't be in the heat, but I guarantee it'll be a perfect marriage of the heart and lungs, good for every muscle, tissue and system in your body. A good chance to practice a great mantra: "If you can, you must!"
  • Please bring a mat, towel & water and wear comfortable stretchy clothes. 
  • Open to all individuals of all backgrounds, fitness levels, faiths, and ages. Invite your friends!
    I will be around before and after class to answer any questions you may have and will offer some resources on yoga & local studios. If you're new around here, FYI I practice regularly at Bikram Yoga Evanston and I'm planning to do Bikram Teacher Training next spring.  (*Note: As you also know, I am not certified and will not be held liable for injuries resulting from class. Please listen to your body and move slowly so that you don't get hurt! Thanks.)
    Namaste and see you soon.

Men. Yoga. Yes.

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Lithe and strong, like a yogi.

These incredible photos are by a friend of mine from high school, Emily Voigtlander. She's a talented artist with a dashing boyfriend, Jordan, featured above. They are living the dream in San Francisco with their adorable pup named Willow, writing a sweet cooking blog, adventuring in the city, and loving each other well.

I am about to feature a series on men who do yoga here at Alive in the Fire and I'm interested to hear more about your views on masculinity, strength, power, balance and equality. Do you tend to see a lot of women at Bikram classes? Feel outnumbered if you're one of few guys in the room?

Do you notice a difference when men teach in comparison when women do?

How do you witness yoga as a tool to bring together members of a local studio, and of a world community, regardless of gender?

What would you like to see change? Are there ways we can use the yoga to transform our perspective and truly bring an open mind to our life experiences whether we experience inequality or not?

Are you personally willing to practice the genuine concept of "Namaste" in your life?

"The good in me sees and acknowledges the good in you." I am here; you are here with me. 

"I bow to you." I recognize your beauty, presence, power. 

"I honor that place in your where the whole Universe resides. And when I am in that place in me, and you are in that place in you, there is only one of us."

Men, women, yogis. We are one.

Em and Jordan and their pup, Willow! I couldn't resist; I really couldn't. :) 
Such a happy family! Miss you guys and hope all is well.

Wanted: Bikram Men

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Guys with Bengal Tiger strength, guys who can hold Triangle like it's nobody's business, guys who rock short shorts: where are you?


I hope you'll share you story on why you practice yoga, how it's changed you, and why it makes you a manly man. Send me your story with a couple paragraphs on your yoga, your favorite posture, and your goals for the future. Feel free to include photos, too!


Email aliveinthefire@gmail.com today.


Namaste.

Hooray for Evanston Shopping: Walsh Natural Health & Healthy Green Goods

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Photo by Jacinta Moore via the 1010 Project.

Yo Evanston yogis! Do you need some new places to shop for all-natural products for your home? I'm talking: amazing bath sea salts, vitamins and supplements, food storage containers, clothing & linen, baby supplies, and more?
I've got some great spots for you: Walsh Natural Health on Central Street, and Healthy Green Goods on Main Street!
Not only do these stores carry fantastic products, but their owners are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about their healthy approach to living well.

Located at 2116 1/2 Central Street in Evanston.

Located at 702 Main Street in Evanston.

I recently got some wonderfully relaxing Masada eucalyptus dead sea mineral salts from Walsh, and a super-handy and compact ChicagoBag from Healthy Green Goods. I use them both quite often and love the results! The sea salts leave me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and the shopping bag is quite convenient since it fits in my purse and I tend to forget my other reusable bags when I go to the store.

If you're looking for a new place to shop, I highly recommend these two stores. I've also recently visited J.D. Mills Health Food Store in Evanston and loved that place too! Quite a selection of all-organic foods, bulk foods, frozen foods, and vitamins and supplements.

Hooray for Evanston shopping!

Where do you stock up on organic & all-natural goods?



Photo by Victoria Hannan via the 1010 Project.

The Challenge of a Challenge

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Nature knows perfect balance, like in the petals of a camellia flower. This pic was taken right outside the Capitol in Sactown. So lovely!

I believe in balance. I also believe, "If you can, you must." So what should a passionate yogi do when she's motivated to do her yoga for 30 days in a row, but some crazy awesome things erupt into the mix of her day-to-day life?

I've been struggling for the past several months to find a job I love, can make enough money doing, and feel excited about. I am excited to say I recently started a full time job.

But this means a couple things:
1. I'm doing the nine-to-five now, Monday through Thursday.
2. I've got to budget my time so I still have a chance to edit for editZING clients.
3. I must be careful not to get overextended so that I can maintain healthy relationships, get enough rest, have time to cook dinner, and fit in Bikram.

Anyway, long story short, I've put my 30-day challenge on hold... again. I feel a little sad saying that, because I know I'm up for it and could handle the heat for a whole month. But I also feel a strong need to keep things centered, so I don't get stressed, sleep-deprived, or overwhelmed. About a year ago this time I was not doing well and it's because I signed myself up for disaster: too many projects, commitments, and self-imposed expectations about the future.

Too much worry!

This year, I'm deciding to pick and choose what I let slide into the #1 spot on the list of priorities. Some days, it's yoga. Some days, it's work. Most days, it's family and loved ones.

How do you balance your time, energy, and relationships so that you have enough you to go around? Where do you draw the line when it comes to meeting the goals you set for yourself, or deciding when it's best to let them go?

I'll admit, it's tough seeing my name up on the wall at the studio, next to all the other yogis who are keeping up with their month. All those little stickers lined up, showing off the sweat and struggle they've endured, next to my blank spots where I thought I would have been taking class.

But I'm pretty excited that I have the willpower to say my sanity matters more! and that I have a heart that knows there will be many, many years of yoga to come.

I can rest easy knowing life is in balance, and the yoga is always there waiting.

A staircase goes down, a staircase comes up. We choose to see opportunity in change!

Focus Forward Friday: Love Your Little Sister

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Bride Sis and Matron of Honor Sis at the wedding. Oh, it was lovely!

We all go through tough stuff in our lives. Our natural tendency is to hide, to run from pain, to hope it will be over soon.

In Bikram class, we are forced to face the mirror dead-on, to see the struggle right before us. We examine every detail of our own weakness reflected back, the image and its creases, cracks, blemishes all impossible to ignore.

While sometimes this hurts at the time, the process helps us grow stronger.

Why else did we come to class but to struggle?

During balancing stick postrue, Bikram says, "Suffer in here for ten seconds so that you can live without suffering out there for ten years."

We are forced to be warriors in the moment, and we grow stronger. It is in these moments that we discover what we are truly practicing in our lives... both in and out of the hot room. We take our strength with us whenever we leave the studio and we put it to damn good use in our real lives.

It's hard to know that someone as wonderful as my twin sister is suffering, or going through something challenging -- even if it's only for ten seconds, and we all know real life doesn't happen in ten-second intervals or sets. But I don't doubt that there is a reason for the situation; I don't doubt that the experience will help her grow stronger. She is always learning, adapting, loving life no matter the pain. I admire my little sis greatly and she already knows I'm here for her no matter what.

Do your siblings know that? Your parents? Friends?

You should consider telling them today. Think about reminding them that it's OK to cry in front of the mirror, or to want to give up, or just to kick ass and push on through. Tell them it's worth the struggle to grow stronger in the toughest moments. Tell them it's OK to love their life even when it's overwhelmed with pain and struggle, because they will emerge on the other side having learned something they were meant to.


But first, before anything, tell them how much you love them and always will. No matter what.


Photo via DearDear.

Best Free Haircut: Thanks Beauty & Balance Salon!

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Hey-o. So yesterday I mentioned that free hair cut I had a few weeks back. Just wanted to share with you a little more about the awesome salon where I went for it.

Beauty and Balance is a full-service salon in Kenilworth, a bit north of Evanston on Green Bay Road.

Their space is beautiful and their staff is great. Friendly, upbeat, laid-back.

Each stylist's station has a retro-refurbished desk and the lighting is super mod & hip. I loved it! I felt so relaxed, refreshed & pampered while I was there.

The best part? I scored a free haircut from Stephanie, a talented hair stylist who's in the process of completing her training. Her free hair cuts are currently on hold due to the holiday season, but she'll be back in action before long! 

I also met up with Jennifer, who's doing her hair coloring training and offering a sweet $20 deal on all-over color for women (basically the cost of product). It was a screamin' deal, and a fun time.

If you are interested in color services, you can reach Jennifer here:

Jennifer at (224) 374-9895 -- Wednesday color

and the salon's phone number is: (847) 256-2182. You can find their email and directions here.

Keep in mind that it may take a little longer for cut and color than you're used to...but instead of dropping over a hundred bucks, you'll be saving cash and getting the chance to sit back and relax for a little while.

Thanks again, Beauty and Balance!

CSN Stores for the Win: House Goodies

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Oh hi there.

Well hello, friends. It's Monday. How are you doing?
I'm enjoying the day so far. Checked out a little presentation on climate change at Northwestern, had coffee with a dear friend, biked home for a bowl of soup.
Plus, my rockin' haircut (which I'll tell you bout in a post coming up soon) is making me feel like this today:

 Rockstar for sure.
Oh, I'm also super excited about my new kitchen stuff. Like this sweet tea leaf holder from CSN Stores' site AllModern:


What I like to call my little "tea baby!"
You throw the loose leaf tea inside, toss it in your mug, and bam: tea time! It's easy, tasty and hassle-free. My bedtime routine is lovely now and I get to relax with a hot mug of chamomile or green tea before sleep. I'm also greatly enjoying our fun and silly doormat!

Welcome home, enter here.
It's made of recycled rubber and totally fits with our back porch's eclectic style. Our neighbors dig it, too!
Well, I'm off to run a few errands, get some editing done, and take class later on. Be seeing you!

Water, Water: Blog Action Day 2010!

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 Photo by yours truly. Coast to coast, we can't afford to take our water for granted.

It's time to talk about water. I hope if you're reading this and are an avid blogger, you'll consider joining me for Blog Action Day 2010 (note the header that's been chillin' at the top of my homepage for awhile now! It's for a great cause, people!)


Anyway, water is important. You know this if you are a Bikram yogi or not: water is a life source. Sustaining, startlingly alive, and incredibly purifying, water helps us maintain a clean and healthy body, a renewed mind, a refreshed spirit.

Not only is it a physical necessity, but water holds its own spiritual significance. Often a symbol of purification, birth, simplicity, even eternal life, water is a sacred resource in our world today. A political, social and philosophically resonant entity, we should consider water a hot topic in societies around the globe, both those that have it abundantly and those who need it. 



Swimming? For the win. Thanks, water!

Thanks to Blog Action Day 2010, I'd like to share a few insightful facts and figures on the current state of water in the world. I would love your feedback, and feel free to share these freely with those you know!

Water as a Human Right: In July, the United Nations declared access to clean water and sanitation a human right over objection from the United States. Today, nearly one billion people lack basic access to safe drinking water. 

Uninhabitable Rivers: Today, 40% of America’s rivers and 46% of America’s lakes are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life. That’s not surprising considering the fact that 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated sewage, storm water, and industrial waste are discharged into US waters annually. 

Food Footprint: Do you know the water footprint of your food? For example, 75 liters of water are required to make a glass of beer and 15,500 liters to make a kilogram of beef. 

Technology Footprint: On an average day, 500 billion liters of water travel through US power plants to power all the technology that we use every day. For example, that shiny new iPhone in your pocket requires half a liter of water to charge. That may not seem like much, but with approximately 6.4 million active iPhones in the US, that’s 3.2 million liters to charge those alone. 

Bottled Water: Even though people in the US have access to clean water from their taps, they drink an average of 200 bottles of water per person each year. Over 17 million barrels of oil are needed to manufacture those water bottles, 86 percent of which will never be recycled. 

You can make a difference.
If we all started small, the world could change in a flash.

I encourage you to take a few easy steps to ensure that you're leaving a light footprint:
  • Drink tap water from a reusable bottle (made with safe plastic, of course!). Encourage yogis at your studio to do the same. Boycott the bottled water for sale!
  • Use common sense at home: turn off faucets, do light laundry loads, use less while washing dishes. These little moments add up to a great source of water each and every day. Also adjust your sprinklers so they only water your lawn, not the sidewalk!
  • Replace the shower head with a more water-efficient one, especially if you're like me and spend more than 10 minutes in there. Ask your yoga studio to do the same!
Hey, that's a pretty fountain. Fill your water bottle instead of buying plastic!
  • Take action. Think about joining a group like End Water Poverty, who is lobbying national leaders and taking international action through campaigns like its new The World Walks for Water events (6km walks around the world where participants will demand that global leaders ensure real change toward clean water and sanitation for all). You can also check out their Facebook page, follow them on Twitter, or sign the pledge. Every little bit helps!
  • Tell a friend, and have that friend tell a friend. Share this important message with those you know and love -- and those you don't know! Strike up a conversation at lunch with your coworkers today.
  • Read some blog posts today. Blog Action Day 2010 is off and running! Check out more awesome posts here.

    Focus Forward Friday: Be Passionate. Go Crazy.

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    All stills are taken from the video itself. Check it out!
    Focus Forward Friday: A weekly ritual for deepening your Bikram practice.

    Today's focus: pure passion. So I've got another sweet video to share from Pacing the Panic Room. Can you imagine balancing high above the world like these ladies?


    They are fearless. Beautiful. Elated.
    The film was made by renowned filmmaker and mountain guide Sebastien Montaz-Rosset of Je ne sais quoi Films. You can find him on Facebook here. I'm absolutely stunned, pleased, and terrified by the thought of walking a rope that high up. Can you imagine? Have you ever taken on something wild like that -- skydiving or bungee jumping or something?
    I may parasail one day, but I'm not so sure about this! Props to those who can handle the heights and wind, though. Can you imagine what a day up there would do for your Bikram practice? Standing in the hot room would feel like cake in comparison. I love it!
    Happy Friday, yogis!

    Guys Who Bikram: What's Your Story?

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    Alright, dudes. It's your time on Alive in the Fire!


    Have you heard? I'm collecting stories from male yogis with enthusiasm, experience and humility about their yoga journey. I'd love to hear from you! 

    Send me a message: aliveinthefire@gmail.com. Please include some background on how you found your yoga, why you love it, what your favorite posture is, perhaps some goals for the future, and of course photos! Not required, but highly encouraged. Tell your friends, too!

    I love the guys in my life dearly and truly admire them for their ability to be masculine and yet compassionate, to pursue their passions, to enjoy life, and to kick butt at what they do. I believe real men know that there's more to their manliness than just testosterone and pride; being a man also means loving unconditionally and letting go sometimes, too.


    All of these sexy men know how to do just that.


    Thanks for being awesome, guys. You are the kind of friends, husbands, brothers, and fathers that some people wish for, but I'm lucky enough to enjoy every day. I love you!


    ...Oh, and let me know when you want to come to yoga! I'd love to drag you into the heat for a real workout.


    Do What You Love

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    Photography by Ryan of Pacing the Panic Room. I take no credit!

    One of my favorite bloggers ever, Ryan of Pacing the Panic Room, just posted an awesome video that's the first in his series with Gap about women who do what they love.

    The beautiful cinematography features a pretty lady executing lovely yoga postures on the beach, the sun in the distance and the wind playing at her hair.

    It's a scene worth soaking in -- and a concept really worth thinking about. What if you pursued your dreams, starting now? What if you threw all those crazy excuses out the window and really did what you love instead of wondering what that would feel like?

    My challenge to you, Ryan's challenge, Gap's challenge, as shown by the project:

    Be a woman who lives her life on her own terms, and finds success.

    I know you can do it. Take the chance; try. See what happens.

    More about the project here. And do check out Pacing the Panic Room and consider buying the Do Fun Stuff album. Pacing is such a wonderful spot to read about real relationships, family life, and the roller coaster ride of raising kiddos with your whole heart. Thanks, Ryan, for continuing to engage in quality work! I'll be keeping up on the series.

    Real Men Do Yoga: What's Your Story?

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    YO MEN OF THE BIKRAM WORLD: I want to hear from you!

    If you are interested in being featured on Alive in the Fire, now is your chance. Simply type up a few words about your practice, why you love your yoga (whether it's Bikram or another style), your favorite pose, and anything else you'd like to share.

    Photos are highly encouraged, but not required by any means.

    Spread the word. Share your story.

    Uncommon Ground, Stomping Ground for Uncommon Artists

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    Tasty chai. Their menu at the restaurant is fantastic -- everything's fresh, and most is organic and local too. Mmm.

    Last night I ventured down to Uncommon Ground, a ridiculously cool and beautifully green Chicago restaurant featuring some talented musicians. Their atmosphere is lovely -- low lighting (candles + sparkly decorative lights), fall and Halloween items scattered around, and gorgeous original artwork.

    The painting hanging in front of our table displayed these big, puffy, white clouds and dreamy-looking tropical birds floating around in bubbles. It was earthy and unreal. Quite dreamy!

    Sweet signage outside along 

    Even the gorgeous bathroom decor -- with its mosaic mirror and tree ceramics lining the walls -- made me smile.



    But the real treat? Calming, relaxed music in a seriously sweet venue. I had never heard her before, but Shuling recommended we come down to check out Kelsey Wild, an NU student and very talented folk singer/songwriter who can also jam on the guitar and piano. Kelsey really belted it out, and her clever lyrics, subdued charm, and hilariously cute shiny shoes and bright orange socks gave me warm fuzzy feelings. I was so happy when Shu gifted me the EP (Wishing Well) featuring each song we listened to, so now I can enjoy her tunes at home.


    In case you're wondering, she played: Wishing Well, Fun, Ghost Song, Salt, and The War. 


    Bravo, Kelsey! If you'd like to find out more info, check out her website (link above on her name) or her contact page here.


     


    Next up it was Landon Smith, a guitar-strummin' guy from Texas who reminded me a lot of Matt Nathanson and Dave Barnes and a little bit of Brett Dennen. He told some great stories about surviving broken equipment, growing up sorta cross-eyed, and performing in front of fans who were convinced he was weeping. Don't worry, Landon, we believed you: sweat dripping in the eyes is no fun; believe me, we Bikram yogis know it! Anyway, thanks for the awesome entertainment, wise words, and wicked talent in front of that mic!


    One of the songs Landon played featured his friend Matt Jones, another artist at the show last night. We missed Matt's set since we arrived a bit late, but I loved their collaboration song called "Enjoy the Ride' (it's apparently featured in a teen flick that I hadn't heard of but, according to Landon, is "killin' it overseas!") Keep up the film work, guys. :)


    Check out some of Landon's music and silly videos with Matt here. I know I'll be listening 'til I've got lyrics like this memorized:


    I will love you as much as I want you to love me... 
    (from "Roseanne," a song inspired by Landon's real family members)


    Some are scared are living without somebody by their side
    You won't control your future; ask anyone who's ever tried
    You may not get where you're going... so enjoy the ride.
    (from "Enjoy the Ride," the collaboration between Matt and Landon)


    Thanks for the great show, guys! Keep in touch and let us know when you're in Chi-town again. Best of luck in your travels & namaste.