Happy (Belated) Pie Day!

Hello and greetings, friends. First and foremost I would like to extend a warm and heartfelt Happy Pie Day to you all! I know, 3/14 was in fact yesterday, but seeing as the circumstances of my schedule didn't much allow time to blog, I figured delaying the post a day wouldn't hurt anybody too much. Mid-March this year in Grass Valley has brought with it some serious sun and I now find myself sitting and roasting away at a coffee shop as the sun pours through the large storefront windows. Life is good in the warmth! Other news: new glasses came in today, hereby marking my transition from wire-rimmed skinnies into some thick(er) framed and ultimately more stylish specs.

Also, made an appointment with our local Arthroscopic surgeon to check out my left menial meniscus, which I think has a good chance of being torn. Apparently the surgery isn't that big of a deal so I am not too worried. I might even get ice cream out of the deal!

In music-related news, the two CDs in rotation in my car stereo are the Mumford and Sons album and the James Mercer/DJ Danger Mouse collaboration Broken Bells. Sounds a lot like the Shins with a distinct electro-funk reminiscent of the Gorillaz. I would defin

itely recommend checking it out, if the fact that James Mercer is involved is not enough. The most exciting thing, for me at least, about this project is that Broken Bells' touring ensemble includes two Nevada County natives, one of which is responsible for the majority of my devotion to Nevada City's music scene. Dan Elkan, singer/guitarist for Pocket for Corduroy, Hella, Them Hills, et al was tapped by Mercer to strum and sing backup and can be seen in this video of the band performing on Letterman's Late Show. He's the feller behind and to Mercer's right. I always get excited when musicians get big breaks and can make a living doing something that they love. I hope it all works out for you, Dan.

In other news, I am now shopping for a flash to be used in conjunction with my Canon 40D for general illumination purposes and to have the ability to conduct a moderately professional portraiture set-up if need be. This comes following a commission by a friend to do some promotional photography for her dance studio. The initial date had to be postponed due to snow but hopefully the shoot will commence in the next couple of weeks, new flash included! I am leaning towards the Canon Speedlite 270EX, feeling that the higher models slightly exceed my comfortable price-range to necessity ratio. The 270EX seems like a good compromise between affordability and quality and will hopefully serve me well. If anybody has thoughts/feelings on this matter, please, I am looking for guidance.

This morning I had coffee with Christopher Seal, rector of Trinity Church in Nevada City and, coincidentally, my girlfriend's father. We always have good conversations and he

encouragement and assurance that the place I am at in my life right now is completely acceptable and normal for a 23-year-old is welcomed and generally leaves me feeling quite content in my endeavors. As per usual, I am now feeling at ease with myself and my surroundings. The unfortunate side-effect of these meetings is that, almost without fail, Christopher gives me some new book or piece of literature effectively adding the the massive pile of a reading list cluttering my desk. Alas, the perils of a literature student! I suppose I should probably spend some time on them

there books rather than typing away or hunting for a new camera gadget. Other options: take a walk by the river. The whether's lovely. That being said, I'll now sign off. Hope wherever you are the sun is shining, or at least the day is going swimmingly. Until next time...