Book Report--Long Gone Lonesome History

Today's book report:
The Long Gone Lonesome History of County Music by Bret Bertholf.

For all intents and purposes, this book has no place in my 'book reports' series. This book is not a sewing guide (obviously) nor is it really a children's book. I suppose that a child of 9 or 10 might enjoy this but they would probably be oblivious to its tongue in cheek voice. Add to that the fact that I don't even like country music and this certainly seems an odd choice. But, I LOVE THIS BOOK. For me, I love it. And, I don't like country music but I love me a good Patsy Cline song on the right rainy day (ok! ok! I own a box set!) and have a small obsession with Dolly Parton (I blame it on early exposure to the movie 9 to 5). Plus, I think hidden in the early days of any fundamental musical genres are the seeds of most of the music I listen to. Enough about me.

This book is funny and pokes fun while maintaining a love of early country musicians and the forced that shaped country music. It talks about well-known artists like Elvis and Dolly and Hank Williams but also lesser known ones like the famous yodeller Jimmie Rodgers. Take a listen, this is one of my all-time favorites...T for Texas. "I can get more women then a passenger train can haul."


It touches on country's gospel roots, the transformation of country music over time, honky-tonk, rock-a-billy, bluegrass, bad hair and the Grand Ole Opry. What is not to love? If you like music and appreciate the folksy roots of early country music you will love this book like I do. At the very least, you can use it to learn how to yodel.

Our New Friends Salsy and Malcolm

Some wonderful new additions arrived last week after a long journey from Juniper, over here. Little C immediately took a liking to the elephant and named him Malcolm, the mischievous bunny became Salsy. We are all positively tickled at their arrival (only partially because the package also included one of the best books ever and chocolate among other things.) but mostly because they are so well made and are such beautifully quirky friends.
In honor of this great gifts and the inspiration I get all the time from my wonderful crafting friends (those I have met and those I have not)--a few favorite songs floating around these walls:

- Laura Marling, Blackberry Stone

-Sam Amidon, Wedding Dress (you have to love a song that says "all she does is just sit and sew" and You Better Mind (with Beth Orton)

More Font Gazing

This whole font thing is, as is always the case with me, getting a little out of hand. I am font stalking all the time and have even started running internal critiques---oh, that is NOT a good font for THAT. (Anyone own the Brett Dennen album, So Much More? The font on the spine of the cd is ALL WRONG, truly. I mean**italics** it just doesn't do the album justice.) It also helping me appreciate some of the ordinary sites around me, like these in this post.


It can also preoccupy me while reading a book to the kids for the umpteenth time. The font in "A Pocket For Corduroy" might be my favorite, check out the word dizzy. It is glorious.
No one in our house knows where this 'promise' pencil came from but how fantastic is that? Have to say, it turns out, there are very few fonts that I actually find appealing. Next up, to feed the obsession, is to find time to watch this movie. Will let you know how it is.

Sometimes All it Takes is a Song

Spottiswoode and his Enemies. Don't know much about these guys but I came across this band and this song at the same time as the coffee was hot and creamy and quiet took over the house and everything just seemed just right. Welcome 2009.