Crosscountry Roadtrip Part 1

After one of the biggest milestones in my life thus far I figured it was the best decision to take the next few weeks exploring my newfound "freedom." I feel like now that Elon is behind me both physically and in spirit I can really make a life for myself by my rules. It was fun growing together with my colleagues at school and I enjoyed experimenting my interests academically and within the community. However, I always said how limiting everything was and now I've discovered how spot-on I was theoretically. So driving cross country with one of my most favorite person and dear friend and family member, my Mom, will give me a change to do something wild, different and true to my soul.

Enough of all the philosophical stuff. Let me tell you how freakin AWESOME the first half of the trip has been. Day 1 we drove to Asheville. First time in four years I got to visit which I feel is sad and depressing but I'm happy I got to do it on my way out of the state (at least for the time being). Asheville is hippieville for those of you that have not been or won't ever get the opportunity to go. Its a mix of culture that is reminisce of San Franscico meets bohemian New York with a flare of Chapel Hill. During the day we ventured out around the downtown area getting the vibe of the place. Had a quick bite for Happy Hour at Scully's which so happens to be (ironically enough) the place the Elon Basketball team and fans hang out during SoCon. People are so mellow which was exactly was we needed. We spent our first night in a Super 8 a few exits away and it was so comfortable there - brand new construction. Late that same night we ate at Olive Garden - after five years since my last experience - down the road and it was so satisfying.

 Cat sculpture for Cat's Alley

 Live cover band at Scully's

The next day we decided to go to the River Arts district. It was such a soothing and interesting day walk through the galleries and art studios in that area. The artists were particularly interesting especially talking to a few that turned out to be from the Northern states. We also went walking around downtown   to eat lunch at this fresh Mediterranean place on College Ave. Later we drove near the Biltmore estates to find the Blue Ridge Pkwy and decided to take a drive. It was the BEST decision ever. The view from the pkwy was spectacular! Unfortunately lacking less than a 1/2 tank of gas permitted us to go a certain (minor) stretch of the way but of what we saw was worth every gallon. Back at normal elevation we stopped at a local brewery for a flight tasting :) That evening we ate at Mayfel's in downtown and almost died during the bread pudding and french press coffee for dessert. 

 River Walk District galleries

 Colorful house in the district

 The Mediterranean place we ate at for lunch

 Up and coming Johnny Cash standing next to a random iron sculpture

 Photo op along the Blue Ridge Pkwy

 French Broad brewery flight tasting 

The best dessert thus far on the trip

That night we packed up and hit the road heading through the night towards NW to St. Louis to visit my friend Jay. After about 12 hrs (2+ hours for a nap) we met up with Jay at Washington University campus near her job site and around the corner from her spacious apartment. Motoring through the day after organizing our stuff and settling in we did the tour/tasting at Anheuser-Busch, walked around the downtown area near he Arch and drove around the city (Forest Park). We treated Jay to dinner at a local joint nearby her apartment/school called Mi Ranchito.  The next day we were up early to head to the Basilica and go up the St. Louis Arch (Nat. Park) before we headed out on the road to Memphis.

 Lobby to Anheuser-Busch

 The Arch

 Inside the Basilica

Outside Jay's apartment

Four hours later we were on Belle St drinking a Blue Moon listening to a great band in downtown Memphis TN. Fortunately for us it was also bike night so the street was full of activity the whole time we were there. We ate at a semi-sketch place but had an awesome-ly delicious meal (BBQ with cheese fries). We hopped a few more places to listen to some local music before we drove to the hotel for the night. The next morning we were out the door and stopped for a quick bite at Bluff Cafe across the street from the National Civil Rights Museum. We did go through the museum including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial - outside room 306 where he was shot and killed - and the Freedom Sisters exhibit honoring all the brave and amazing black American women of our time.

 Local band lets some of the tourists play with them

 Ben from Daytona Beach FL

Ms. Blues from Norway

 The biker's alley on Belle St

Delicious meal on Belle St. in Memphis 

Later we went to Graceland - needed a little light-hearted fun after the serious tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. I was reminded how retro Elvis' house and belongings were from my last visit in 2009. Although I must say he was a humble man who did not live too much above his means - maybe in automobiles :) Afterwards we went back into town to find one of Guy Fieri's Triple D hotspots Alcenia's on the uptown district of Memphis. I feel in love with the place as soon as I entered the restaurant. We were both kindly greeted by Ms. Alcenia's herself and welcomed to find was comfort foods we wanted to indulge in. The food was so delicious and the juxbox in the place wasn't half bad either so I recommend it two thumbs up!!! *Recommend the catfish and cornbread YUMYUMYUM!!!

 MJK Memorial

 One of many women represented at the Freedom Sisters Exhibit

 Entrance to Graceland

 Lifetime of achievements

 Car used in Blue Hawaii Movie

 Elvis painted this custom purple...he had me in mind

 Private Jet 

 Alcenia's - best soul food in town!!!

Her version of my favorite fried pickles - these are fried cukes

Stay tuned for Part 2....craziness in Oklahoma, empty streets of Dallas and the young culture in Austin. 

Ceramics Class Spring 2013

Here's some pictures of my work in ceramics class this spring.

Early on...

Working on the wheel

Death by trimming

Nancy's pieces are some much to be envied 

Glazing and finishing stages

 My finished pieces

 Favorite piece: Teapot set

 Raku piece

Banquet

Harden Clubhouse

Last rugby event of the semester tainted with bittersweet feelings. Although it was nice to have the entire team together for one last hurrah that is what it was, one last hurrah. It hit home for many of the seniors that had changed and grown so much in the past four years at Elon. The team has been such a pivotal part of our lives its hard to imagine (for some) what life will be like without that support, friendship and love. But if nothing else it was so hilarious to see the rookies skit. I was particularly touched by the picture slideshow and Koala's seranade to the seniors ("For Good" from Wicked the musical). We'll always have the memories and if nothing else those of us that return for homecoming or alumni weekend will have the opportunitie to reimense in all our "glory days".

The Seniors

 The L3s

The L2s

The Rookies

Our Team

Music Madness All Weekend Long

Carolina Rebellion & The Airborne Toxic Event

Its a little unsettling that I was sophomore the last time I went to the Carolina Rebellion festival. Granted I was introduced to the festival because of my internship at Deep South Entertainment (Raleigh) and still frequently writing for The Pendulum hence the reason I wanted to go and experience it for myself. In the last month I decided to return as a A&E writer as a last hurrah my second semester as a senior. Additionally I feel really sad I haven't been to many shows with any regularity in the last year and a half. So I went to Carolina Rebellion this Sunday - in the mist of so much chaos with classwork especially ceramics. Despite our excitement and hope to have a great time our expectations were clearly diminished once we got there.

The entire day was wet and stormy. Different from the first time when it was extremely hot and dry this time the horrible downpour prevented the festival events and sets to run smoothly. Not only were their delays and cancellations - most annoyingly Rise Against - but even the tents were being cleared out because the staff and other personnel were pissed that crowd of people were standing underneath without buying stuff or participating in contests etc. Although I should say that the artists that did perform Sunday were enthusiastic, energetic and humble to the fans that stuck out in less than favorable conditions to see shows. The bands/artists we saw included American Fangs, Pop Evil, Hollywood Undead, Sevendust and Buckcherry.

Crowd collecting at Jager stage...nothing else better to do since

Nonpoint cancelled 

 Houston's American Fangs kicking off Sunday's lineup

 Vaginas were represented at Carolina Rebellion

 Carolina - one of the main stages

 Crazy members of Buckcherry endured the worst of the entire day's downpour sessions

Gotta love em for sticking it out!

Good thing was that because stupid Rise Against bailed we got to leave and attempt to get dry. More importantly we got to grab a bite to eat since for most of the day we survived on semi-hot $4 hot chocolate. Subs at Firehouse and then we were back on the road heading due North for Elon.

The following night of music definitely made-up for the misery endured the day before. I was pleasantly surprised to walk into Cat's Cradle and hear the end of Kodaline's set (opening band). Also their EP was $5 so you know I just had to get it. As I patiently awaited for The Airborne Toxic Event I was happily hit with nostalgia. Almost five years ago I was introduced to the band during 101.9RXP hosted Xmas Extravagansa. They opened for The Ting Tings...how much things have changed since then. The whole set and their extensive encore set was something to relish in for the remainder of the week. I don't think I've enjoyed a show like that since sophomore year when my colleagues and I went to Cat's Cradle (prior to the drab remodeling of the interior) for a Yeasayer concert.

Lead singer, Mikel Jollet, shaking anyone's hand after the encore