Better late than never?

"Eighth and Rail": an awesome spot in Opelika, Alabama. Never heard of it? Neither had we. But we had a good time racing on the railroad (these boys had never seen Fried Green Tomatoes obviously), smashing pennies, and playing cards. There was also the amazing display of a Grinch in a wedding dress.


Eric had never heard of boiled peanuts before and we couldn't find any to introduce him to but at the produce stand in Tampa I picked some up. Soft and salty.

We're back and ready to blog.

So school had ended just in time for me to cancel my appointment to pick up a 2 month supply of Xanax. Matt and I drove in last night from Atlanta from his 2 week tour with Serena Ryder. Logan and I drove up on Friday to stay at the casa de Bruton and got to catch up with an old friend. Literally she is older than me. Saturday morning we drove into Downtown to catch Matt's show at Summerfest and had an awesome time. Very very hot, but fun. Nick and Carter met us up there as well which was nice to see some friendly Tampa faces so far from home. Actually it was one Tampa face, as Carter is from Greenville. After our too short trip to Atlanta, we headed west to Alabama for Matt's show at a place outside of Auburn called Eighth and Rail. Would have been an excellent night except for the fact that we were exhausted and forgot about the time change which would have given us an extra hour to sleep. We used up the extra time however playing cards and smashing coins on the rail outside the bar. About 5 rounds of BS later and coming out the reining champion (BS is my specialty....) and one delicious slice of red velvet cake later we headed back to our hotel in Atlanta to crash until the morn. Logan left at around 8 for Hendersonville and Eric followed suit to catch his plane to LA. Matt and I enjoyed our road trip until Gainsville and the driving stoppage for about 2 hours. We got some Sonny's to ease the pain of a road trip gone sour and Matt deserved a good meal after listening to me whine for some boiled peanuts the whole trip (and finding none). We stopped at the elder Hire's home on the way to our house and got to catch up on Donna's trip to Honduras and watch the Magic lose. This morning I went to the produce stand to pick up some food for the week and was pee in my pants excited to see a bubbling pot of boiled peanuts available for my consumption. I even shared some with Matt.

At least there is no earthquake season.

We feel a little out of the loop out here but even in a season of heartache and separation we are reminded of how incredible God is. In my spare time I've delved into the word (I've had lots and lots of "spare" time) and been somewhat encouraged by death's continuous reminder of how fragile life is. The book of James really kicks you in the butt and convicts but chapter 4 speaks to this idea... "yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes". In context- James is warning the tribes to not boast in this life, for you have nothing in yourself for which to boast in. Oh how hard it is, a lesson that only death reminds me of, to realize how fragile life is an how selfishly I have used mine. I can't wait to come home to Terrace Palms and rejoice with you all for the homecoming of our brother. I pray to see that he was indeed a wick and we burn bright.

As for what's been going on out here, Matt has been continuing his work on the album and I've been privileged to hear some snippets once in awhile. Last night I went in around 6 to hear Matt recording vocals for a song called "Out of the Dark". I was actually in the box with him on the first take trying to get some good video for his YouTube account. However, they dim the lights really low during vocal recording and I didn't get very good video AND Matt kicked me out. I think I made him nervous. Take that Eric Taylor, I know your jealous of this experience. I tried my very best to get some good pictures of the day but here is my best effort. You are looking at the sound board with Eric Rosse on the left and Matt is unseen in the glass box at the top of the screen. They like it very dark. When Matt came out of the box at the end of the session, his eyes were squinty and looked like he'd just woken up. "Out of the Dark" indeed.

We've been spending a couple of late nights at a new hang out we like called "Fred 62". It's a cool diner-esque cafe in Hollywood that we like ALOT.

Matt's also been seeing some famous folk out here. He is a much better celebrity spotter than I am. Here's our lineup.

Meet Mark Boone Junior, "Flass" the dirty cop from Batman Begins. Matt and I have (Matt more than I) have seen him on numerous occasions (more than 3) around Silverlake and Hollywood. We may have seen him more but we often confuse him for a homeless person. This is Mr. Boone looking pretty dressed up.

My mom should be very proud of her son in law for this sighting. Yes, that is Agent Jack Bauer, or Keifer Sutherland.

Another Matt sighting. While Matt was eating lunch during one of the session days, they sat right next to Jason Lee of "My Name is Earl". Matt said he was even wearing a flannel. Let's hope he dropped the mustache.

Celebrities aside, we had a little scare yesterday in the form of out first earthquake. Matt left around 10:30 to head towards Woodland Hills (about 20 minutes away) for a voice lesson and I was working on my curriculum at the apartment. While typing and trying to find some really cool interactive maps of Greece, the couch started moving. In my ignorance I assumed it was our noisy neighbors above us and then I thought "What could they be doing to move a couch one floor below?" Just then, the walls started waving back and forth and the framed picture above my head fell down. It wasn't until about 15 seconds later that I realized what had happened and didn't really get a chance to get scared. If you tried to call and check up on us, you probably didn't reach me because I'm pretty sure every cell tower in Los Angeles was overloaded. Apparently, this is the biggest one they've had for a long time and because no one got hurt, I'm glad we got to experience it. I went to Trader Joe's not long after and a couple of jars of stuff had fallen off the shelves and shattered. Not as much as this grocery store, nearer to the epicenter about 20 miles east of here though.

To commemorate the occasion however, and to protect future Floridians who know nothing of the "earthquake", Matt and I have put together a little informative safety video for you. Next time a quake hits, you'll be prepared thanks to our tips. Matt is showcasing his vocal impersonation skills and I think that Eric and Mary might appreciate this the most. If the screen below doesn't pop up, I've taken the liberty of posting it on YouTube also which is linked here: Earthquake Safety!

My departure date looms...

So this week Matt has been working in the studio (12 hours days most of the time) and turning out some pretty sweet sounding stuff.  I can't wait to hear it all.  Because he's in there so much of the day I usually go pick him up early so I can sit in and listen.  It's amazing how each day produces another layer to the song with another instrument.  I've heard the acoustic demos so much that the difference really shocks you.  Yet, in a good way :).  Bruce was in this week laying down guitar but he also played some banjo and pedal steel which sound really stellar.  I like Bruce a lot.  I got to hang out with them a couple nights this week post-studio time (so yes, we ate at 11pm....) and they are a fun group.  On Tuesday, Rachel Heigberg came into town for a job interview and I was sooooo thrilled to pick her up at the airport.  Matt and I took her to our favorite LA spot, Square 1, for lunch.  We always look for excuses to go to Square 1.  Yum.  And  she bought our lunch for our "troubles" in assisting her and I just don't know what could be better than FREE Square 1.  After dropping Matt off at Eric's we drove to the USC campus to check out some houses Rach was interested in, if she got the job.  Turns out, she did get the job but is moving to Long Beach, a city about 40 miles South from here.  Matt and I are checking out a condo she wants to rent tomorrow and it just happens to be not that far from our favorite Southern California town of Laguna Beach and home to the best sushi we've ever had.  So look forward to our road trip tomorrow.  Last night Matt had a show at Hotel Cafe, which was recorded because it's going to be his EP coming out this fall.  He sounded great and we even made a couple of friends, one who invited Matt to play at his birthday party tonight.  He can't but the offer was flattering.  Matt got another offer this week to open for Hanson for a 10 show run in September.  He is not one to turn down shows but the thought of hearing "MmmmBop" for 10 days did not appeal.  I don't know if they even still play that song but the memory of it's garbled chorus and tendency to stick around in your brain for weeks at a time sealed the deal.  He might have still been whistling it at Christmas, and I can't have a husband whistling annoying 90's pop songs when there are carols to be sung .   Needless to say, he declined and will be home in September! 

And the Academy Award for Best Film in the history of films goes to...

Saturday night we really wanted to get out and see the new Batman movie.  We'd heard fantastic reviews of the film and couldn't wait to get to the theater.  We even gave up dreams of "Gummi Swirls" (our new favorite gummi treat they only sell out here) to get there with plenty of time to get our tickets and good seats.  After driving out to Burbank to the theater, Matt let me out to get tickets while he fought the parking garage.  The lackage of parking spaces should have been a fair warning to us that our ability to score tickets to the next screening would be non existent but we persisted.  I found that the next screening available for the movie was 11:30 (it was 8:15) so Matt picked me back up and we headed home.  After some scourging area theaters for another showtime we settled on an 11:30 show at the Arclight (which is a MUCH MUCH MUCH better theater than the one in Burbank anyway...) and this time, we got out tickets online.  Without giving away any details, the movie was well worth the wasted gas and wasted time trying to find a place to see it.  Trust me, we aren't ones to throw out 27 dollars for a movie easily.  After seeing it, Matt declared he would have paid $100.  It was that good.  Probably the best "superhero" genre movie we've ever seen.  I highly recommend.   Also give yourself plenty of time to see it.  It's two and a half hours long and by the time we got home from the theater I could have called my mom in Tampa and had a conversation with her because she would have been up by then.  Yikes.  So worth it though.

Sunday, we got a call from our good friend and Matt's tour manager, Eric Taylor about a museum downtown that was pretty cool.  Matt forgot to look for directions but he would probably like for me to let you know that he found it without them.  The California ScienCenter (get it?) is like a MOSI x 300 with exhibits that are new, aren't broken, and are free.  Plus, it's about double the size.  We probably would have enjoyed the museum more if we hadn't stayed out so late and were 10 years old.  Matt and Eric made the most of it though and acted like 10 year olds.

Not really sure... but this lasted awhile.

The entrance 

made some toddlers wait in line while they shared secrets using this space sound tube

Matt and Eric were on opposite sides of the room using these satellites to speak to one another 

Debating whether or not they could lift the Toyota pick up on the end using the ropes

Matt and I on television being warped by magnets

After we were kicked out the museum (it closed) we were welcomed back on the road by a soccer exhibition game; very enthusiastic soccer fans of the latin persuasion= amazing people watching;  this is also where the Olympics were when Los Angeles hosted them.

 After ANOTHER In and Out stop (so good though) for lunch, Eric went home and we napped.  Such a relaxing weekend to prepare Matt for the week ahead.  He'll be in the studio with the guitarist.  I can't wait for you guys to hear the songs.  They are really coming together and sound really great.  I know I'm gushing, but I'm so proud <3. 

So sorry for the lack of updates.  Life has been pretty laid back over here this week.  Matt started in the studio on Thursday and worked pretty much all day getting the drum and bass recorded.  They got 5 songs down and the studio musicians will be coming back in August to finish the other 5 or 6.  I met them on Friday and they seem really cool.  Friday night I got to hang out with Eric, Matt, and the other Matt (drummer Matt) after the session which was fun.  I needed some human interaction.  Needless to say I'm glad those two days are behind us for now.  Too much time alone for sure.  I've been working on wedding thank yous, my school stuff, and trying to find fun things to do out here.  On Friday I hiked Mt. Hollywood, which was such a great trail.  We had discussed hiking it when Eric and Mary were here but for one reason or another it got nixed.  Oh how I wish we had!  It winds up Mt. Hollywood to take you to the highest point you can hike to overlooking the city of Los Angeles.  I happened to have hiked on a day when the winds were blowing southward and I'm afraid I forgot my camera so you won't be able to see the my bird's eye view.   I'll get up there sometime next week so you can see the trail and it's beauty.  On Friday night, Eric told Matt he would have the weekend off which is fantastic!  Saturday we lounged around for awhile at the apartment and decided to go to the outlet malls about an hour away.  Never one to dismiss a shopping trip we left and lived it up at the Gap.  At one point during our shopping extravaganza, I am pretty sure that Matt regretted marrying me when I had him accompany me to the Wedgewood/Waterford outlet.   He may have longingly looked at his left hand wishing it were ringless.   One shopping bag filled to capacity later, we headed back to the car and couldn't resist lunching at In and Out which was close by.  You know a fast food place is worth every value meal you buy when the drive through line is this long and they have an excess lot that is 3/4 full.  

I also discovered that In and Out has a secret menu today which I'd kind of always been ordering off of because I get the cheeseburger without the burger, but I found out it's an acutal menu item called a "grilled cheese".  I feel so "local" with this new information.  

Home is a relative term this year.

This past week at home has been a whirlwind of excitement and while I am stoked to be here (in our huuuuuuge house) I am also happy to continue the summer out west.   Matt left this morning to jet back to LA and I will be meeting him out there on Tuesday.  He is thrilled that my plane comes in simultaneously with the morning traffic.  So much has happened in the past days so I'll give you a quick update.  However, before I do, I must express how incredibly cool our family and friends are.  I have gotten so many encouraging words through the blog and through the email and I just never knew you guys liked me so much :).  

Before leaving last week, Matt had a photo shoot scheduled for Sunday.  Matt really liked the photographer and while I don't have all the pictures, here is a taste of what is to come.  These pictures were taken in part for a live CD Matt has coming out in the fall of a show at Hotel Cafe.  

Last Monday we separately jetted back to Tampa with Matt ending up delayed in LA.  To read further of his frustrations click here.   Once back in the sunshine state (aptly named might I add...sheesh), we attempted to readjust ourselves to EST.  The next day we visited Jim and the family and got to spend some precious moments visiting with him.  I absolutely cannot wait to see what God is going to do.  Matt and I also got to have home cooked food with the family and run by Elliot and Tara's on the way home.  Wednesday, Matt practiced his set for the Tampa Dave Matthews show and we picked up Greg to head out there.  I am going to propose that the Ford Amphitheater be renamed the "Hades Amphitheater".  I am not always the most pleasant person to be around but introduce 150 degree heat into the mix and it's pretty ugly.  Yowsa it was hot.  However, Matt did great given the atmosphere and I have some pictures but to protect his dignity I will just show you the ones from the cooler West Palm dates.  He is a handsome guy but sweat does no one good on film.  I wish I had pictures to prove how brave my parents and in laws were but take my word for it, they braved rain, lightning, and some wild dave matthews fans to get their money's worth out of those tickets.  I was so proud.  The next day was mom's birthday so she "forced" me to go to Mimi's with her....aka the most wonderful breakfast in Tampa.  Afterward we drove out to Orlando to do some outlet shopping and see Matt play at Park Ave Records.  Fun show, good crowd.

We stayed in Orlando that night and headed out to West Palm Beach the next day.  We stayed in a lovely hotel that Dave Matthews was also rumored to be staying at and having been through the routine at Tampa a few days earlier we found the set up in West Palm must easier.  We also discovered we had lounge passes which means.....air conditioning.  The first show was great, here is proof that we were there.  I wish I had some better pictures of Matt playing but the video I took at the show won't load.  Ah, technology.   

On Saturday Matt and I ventured to Stuart with a wonderful friend, Kerry, who took us out of the hotel for a bit and got to discover local life.  It was such a fun trip and a nice break from LA for a bit.  I'm still not ready to head back to school but maybe the next fifteen days will change my heart.  Matt starts recording later in the week so he'll be pretty busy and maybe I'll be bored enough to desire a classroom full of 13 year olds.  

Below is an excerpt from an interview Matt did while he was home.  I have to brag.

"22-year-old Matt Hires is making the rounds this summer playing gigs across the country. With a guitar in hand, Matt's music allows him to spill his confessions while strumming and picking. There isn't much accompanyment to his material, yet. But his songs stand on their own.  For the most part, all you'll hear is Matt and his acoustic. Only occasionally will you hear the stray sounds of a harsh lead guitar or ringing piano to add to the angst. " -Tampa Metro Mix