Nick Nolte has a pet crow!

While on the computer last night, Oscar dresses floating merrily in the background on tv, I overheard a bit of news that delighted me: Nick Nolte has had two pet crows.  One, named John David Crow, appeared with him in the movie U-Turn.

I promptly told Will, to which he replied "no" jokingly:)  But I've always thought it would be nice to wake up to a friendly neighborhood crow, even if the same one just came round every now and then to say hello.

You can watch the video here, and learn more about having crows as pets here.

Picture from Cavemen Go.

Color Explosion

I'm usually a black and white kind of girl when it comes to clothes, but I'm really excited about the super bright colors out now for spring.  It's lovely in it's overt cheeriness, so here are some fun pieces to brighten your winter day.

Forever 21

JCrew

Old Navy

Etsy

Opening Ceremony

Anthropologie

Topshop

Let the sun shine:)

Oma

My Oma.  This woman was one of the most thoughtful people I have ever known.  She would call for no reason just to see how you were.  In the summer, when I was little, she would have each of us kids over for three days each, just her and you.  We would eat blueberry muffins and submarine sandwiches.  She always had a helpful cooking hint for something, as that was one of her favorite things to do. Always use ground chuck for meatballs, she would say.  

My Oma never remarried after my Opa passed away in 1972.  She would say she didn't want anyone else's dirty socks to wash:)  But I also believe she loved him dearly, and didn't want to be with anyone else.  She raised my mom and uncle on her own after that, both of whom have gone on to have wonderful and successful marriages.  An example of devotion plays a part in that, I'm sure.

My Oma is a constant inspiration, even though she is no longer with us.  I miss her every day, and hope that she is proud.

Daisies

Meg Ryan's character said it best in the movie You've Got Mail: "Aren't daisies the friendliest flower?"  I couldn't agree more.  Daisies are number one on my list of favorite flowers, being so open, light and cheery.  So here are some to brighten your day!

(1. Fine Art America  2. Wallpapers Wide  3. Impartial Expectations  4. Flower Picture Gallery  5. Wedding Bee)

Hitting the Slopes

Will and I, not being too big on Valentine's Day, started a tradition last year: instead of gifts, we go snowboarding!  While Will has been going since he was younger, it was my first time on the board last year.  I had a rough time getting started because my knees are very week after having blown them both out the previous summer.  After a quick lesson in reverse-standing from a passerby who took pity on me, I was able to push up on my own.  Will then taught me how to shift my weight to change directions, and that was where we left off.  It was exhausting but exciting to learn.  We had a little more snow here the other day, and seeing it pile up got me excited for another go at that bunny hill next weekend:)  Will used to go to Snow Trails, but last year we went to Mad River Mountain, and I'm thinking that's where we'll head again this year. 

What are your Valentine's plans?

(1. Christopher & Co LTD  2. Epic Ski)

All the Wild Horses

The other day I obtained the newest copy of Cowboys and Indians Magazine at Half Price Books for the gritty and wild pictures of old west living contained within.  This particular issue focuses on an annual photo contest, along with several photo essays about living and working on the other side of the Mississippi.  I have a particular love for the homestead lifestyle, though I admit it may be a grass-is-greener situation.  Either way, I wanted to share my absolute favorite photo with you. I love that these horses are so strong and beautiful and yet look rougher than a well-kept horse.

Prairie Warriors by Mike Jackson

Aren't they amazing?  You can tell that they have such spirit.

All the wild horses
All the wild horses
Tethered with tears in their eyes
May no man's touch ever tame
May no man's reigns ever chain you
And may no man's weight ever defrayed your soul
And as for the clouds
Just let them roll
Roll away
Roll away
As for the clouds
Just let them roll
Roll away
Roll away  ~Ray Lamontagne~

(1. Red Desert Files  2. Scraps  3. Mr. Physics  4. Enjoy Art)

What to See in February

I'm a little late on this month's post of theatre shows, but there is a lot out there, so I'm sure you'll find something worth seeing!  Our own company is putting up our first musical: I'm shamelessly plugging it first:)

~The Irish...and How They Got That Way, by Frank McCourt.  Presented by Solstice Theatre Company and directed by C. Austin Hill. Runs Feb 16-Mar 3 at our own Knock Theatre:

Solstice Theatre Company presents the OHIO PREMIER of this hit musical written by Frank McCourt (the award-winning author of Angela's Ashes). This funny, poignant, and moving musical traces the history of the Irish through the 19th and 20th, and 21st centuries—featuring music ranging from traditional folk songs to hits by U2.

 ~Sleeper, by David Ian Lee. Presented by Available Light Theatre and directed by Matt Slaybaugh. Runs Feb 16-25 at The Columbus Performing Arts Center, Van Fleet Theatre:

This epic political thriller ranges from an intimate portrait of two failing marriages to an abduction in Afghanistan before exploding on the set of an extreme right wing television talk show.  Never looking away from the wreckage, this smartly chilling drama takes you straight to the front line of the fraught battleground where political discourse, personal apathy, and professional ambition are at their most dangerous.

~The Rubenstein Kiss, by James Phillips. Presented by CATCO-Phoenix and directed by Steven C. Anderson. Runs Feb 1-19 at The Riffe Center Studio Two:

A combination of the Cold War and the McCarthy hearings sets the tone for betrayal in the United States.  Inspired by the true story of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, this powerful American premiere winds through mysterious corridors of histroy to reveal the anguish of a family and their yearning for justice.  When Jackob and Esther Rubenstein are punished for an act of industrial espionage, we are left to decide if they are guilty or victims of zealots.

~Getting Near to Baby by Y. York. Presented by Columbus Children's Theatre. Runs Feb 9-12 at Columbus Children's Theatre:

In the North Carolina summer of 1967, tragedy strikes their family, so Willa Jo and Little Sister are sent to stay with their Aunt Patty and Uncle Hob while their mother tries to come to terms with their family’s loss. Aunt Patty has more of a way with her garden gnomes than little girls. Always concerned with the order and the rightness of a thing, she has a million rules about everything. This especially doesn’t sit well with Little Sister, who hasn’t said a word since her baby sister died, and plain refuses to let go of the drawing she carries with her everywhere. Luckily, Uncle Hob has a sweet, understanding way about him, and the neighbor kids, Lizzie and Isaac Fingers, are as nice as can be. Adapted from a Newbery Honor book, this poignant play traces a family’s journey of acceptance and understanding in the face of loss.
 
 ~A Delicate Balance by Edward Albee.  Presented by Columbus Civic Theatre. Runs Feb 16-Mar 11 at Columbus Civic theatre:

American playwright Edward Albee won the 1967 Pulitzer Prize for this caustic and taught drama about marriage, family and friendship. 

~Comedy'Splosion, a stand-up comedy festival. Presented at MadLab Feb 17 and 18:

16 comics, 2 shows, 2 nights... COMEDY'SPLOSION returns to the MadLab Theatre for another amazing weekend of stand-up comedy!  In it's fifth year, COMEDY'SPLOSION is the longest running local stand-up comedy festival in Columbus.  While the line-ups for each night include staple local acts and national headliners, all of the comics on the shows are Columbus-based.  This not only makes COMEDY'SPLOSION one of the best, most dense line-ups of stand-up comedy you can see all year, but also showcases the tremendous talent that is available at shows throughout Columbus all through the year.

~Drunk in Love, a collection of Valentine's shorts. Presented by O.G. Productions. One night only- Feb 14 at 7:30- at St. James tavern:

Four shorts will be presented: Courting by Scott Tobin (I'm in this one!), Desperado by Amanda Bauer, It's Not Just a Number by Stephen Woosley and Never again, Well...Maybe... by Chris Lane.  Each short follows a couple on a date in a bar ranging from first to last. 

~V3, presented by Sketch by Number. Housed in our own Knock Theatre Feb 10 and 11:

SBN's annual February sketch comedy show celebrating (?) Valentine's Day. 

What are you planning to see? If you live outside of Ohio, what's going on in your area?

If you have a local production going up and I have missed it here, email me at helloerinfisher@gmail.com and I will add it to the post. Happy viewing! 
 

The Vespers

I recently discovered Nashville band The Vespers, and let me tell you, I am enamored!  They have that perfect blend of folk and Americana that I crave.  Unlike a lot of folk bands, however, their songs are quite uplifting.  The band consists of two sets of siblings who met at a jam session around- wait for it- a campfire.  How cool is that?  My favorite song is track 11 of their debut album, a charming tune called Eyes Wide Open about a grandfather.  While I'm not sure if it is about one of their own grandparents, it reminds me of my feelings for my Oma, with whom I was very close.  Take a listen, and if you buy a cd, get it autographed!  (It's neat that they're still indie enough to do that.)