Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! (and my love of Musicals)

The other night while flicking channels, I randomly came across a news station that was talking about the fact that Jane Powell was going to be in Denver to promote the TCM film festival!  She was going to be at the Mayan Theater to speak before a FREE showing of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 

I kinda freaked out a little bit. 

Jane Powell: 

My mom kind of brought us up watching musicals when we were kids, so we've always been HUGE fans of these films.  Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of my favorites!!  So my little sis and I picked up a 4-pack of mini-bottles of wine, and headed to the theater! 

We are so excited!! :D  I couldn't wait to see it on the big screen - so awesome.  The program was advertising all of the films they'd be playing on TCM for the festival - I only wish I had that channel!  Ha! 

We were sitting pretty far back which is why this pic is so fuzzy.  But there she is!  Jane Powell!  Still as gorgeous as ever.  And she was super funny and witty too!  

After the interview they introduced the film.  I couldn't resist snapping a couple of shots during it... 

One of my favorite dance scenes - for "Goin' Courtin'".  Love it!  

THIS however is my absolutely favorite dance scene from the movie.  It's absolutely fantastic: 

I just love that musicals are kind of coming back now.  I remember when I first saw the revival film of Chicago (with Renee Zelleweger & Catherine Zeta-Jones), I thought "YES!!  THEY'RE BACK!!" Sigh, I just love musicals so much.  It's not just about being a good actor - you have to be able to sing and dance too.  And the energy is just thrilling!

Anyway, if you haven't seen this movie, you absolutely MUST.  It's so much fun, the choreography is fantastic, and the music is wonderful.  And Howard Keel is in it.  Did I fail to mention him?  :D 

Here are some more of my favorite classic musicals if you want to get caught up and rent them from the library! 

Funny Face 

Singin' in the Rain

On the Town 

Hello Dolly

Funny Girl

 Here's one of my favorite scenes from Funny Girl.  And no, not just because they're rollerskating. ;) I just LOVE Barbara Streisand in this movie!  

White Christmas

Court Jester

An American in Paris

West Side Story

That's just a handful, but they'll get you started. ;) 

All images (not taken by me) from Google Image search.  Video and screen shots copywrite MGM.

My Weekend & Vegan Broccoli & Potato Soup!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend! 

I went to a free boot camp on Saturday morning and almost died (yes, I swear - it was the hardest workout I've ever done), then I got to have some quality time with my friend Katy.  We all went to an art gallery for an open house, and see my friend Marco's band play - again for FREE!  I love all the free stuff I'm finding so far! ;) 

 I loved this girl's work - it was really beautiful! 

There was another artist there that we really loved - he did all kinds of portraits (very design-like), and they were very colorful.  I was a little intimidated to take pictures of them though since we were standing there talking to him!  Ha! 

My friend Marco (on the drums) plays for a band called Doubters.  I'm not sure if that link worked, but it should go to their Facebook page!  They were really awesome - very 90's alternative rock, and made me think of early Thermals stuff.  I enjoyed the show a ton, and you should go check 'em out sometime if you're ever in the Denver area!! 

 Katy & I were tappin' our feets and boppin' around the whole time!  They really got us going! 

 

Sunday I had book club (no pics unfortunately), but it was a lovely time! 

That night I decided to use up some ingredients that I had in the fridge, and came up with one of my new favorite recipes!  I have been crazy about soups lately (probably the cold weather & all).  

Vegan Broccoli & Potato Soup
Makes about 6 servings


Ingredients
1 head of broccoli (just the florets), or about 1 1/2 cups frozen
1 medium baked potato* (diced)
1/2 a medium yellow onion, diced
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 a package of Firm Tofu (pressed with a paper towel to remove extra moisture, and cut into large chunks)
1 cup Soymilk (or Almond milk), unsweetened 
3/4 cup cooked brown rice
4 cups (approximately) low-sodium Vegetable Broth
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
2 tbsp Braggs liquid amino acids (or Tahini / Soy Sauce) 
Salt & pepper to taste
Olive oil
Whole wheat bread (optional - for croutons)

Instructions
Place a large pot over medium-high heat, and add olive oil.  Add the onions & the garlic, cooking for about 2-4 minutes, until slightly clear. 

Add the broccoli, and cook stirring for about 1 minute.  Add the vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, Braggs, brown rice, and baked potato.  Cover & simmer for about 25-30 minutes. 

Meanwhile, place the tofu in your food processor or blender.  When the soup is done simmering, scoop out part of the chunky stuff (very little liquid), and add to the food processor on top of the tofu.  Blend until smooth, place in a large bowl, and set aside.  Add the rest of the chunks into the food processor (you'll have some broth left in the pot), and blend well - then return everything (including the bowl you set aside) to the pot.  

Turn stove on medium heat, and add the soymilk, and the salt & pepper.  Keep an eye on it, as sometimes soymilk can bubble over - just keep it medium to low & simmer for another 5 minutes or so. 

If desired, cut whole wheat bread into cubes and place on a cookie sheet.  Spray with spray oil (Butter-flavored is best), and sprinkle with garlic salt.  Pop into the oven at 450 degrees for about 5-6 minutes (or until slightly brown).  They might still be a little squishy, but John and I liked them that way! 

*You may not have a baked potato lying around, but I had this leftover from earlier in the week - that's why this recipe is so great for leftovers!  But just as a tip, baked potatoes are GREAT meal starters for vegetarians / vegans.  You can make a bunch on a Sunday to start your week, just leave 'em in the foil and stick 'em in the fridge. 

I love to heat up some of Amy's Vegetarian Chili and dump it over top of a potato, or do a Mexican-style theme with beans, brown rice, Daiya "cheddar" shreds, tomatoes, hot sauce, and shredded lettuce.  Sometimes when I'm being really lazy I will make a can of vegan cream-of-mushroom soup, add a little cornstarch to thicken it, and slop it over a baked potato like a gravy!  It's SO GOOD and great on a cold winter's day!  

They are also great thickeners for soup (as you can see!).  An added bonus: potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber - and for the thrifty vegan, you can't go much cheaper than potatoes!  Win-win!  :)

Going to bed angry...

Last night I went to bed angry.

You know how people say not to do that?  Yeah, it's totally true.

I tossed and turned all night, and felt exhausted this morning.  And you know what?  It wasn't worth the energy.  One person's irresponsible behavior set me off the deep end, and I've been wallowing in it ever since.  And it doesn't change anything.  I don't have the power to change that person, and being angry about it will not make it any better.

So I'm tryin' to get happy and positive again.

Then I came across this video, and it made me smile.  It's a new up & coming artist named Birdy - I guess she's only like 15-years old.  (PS - I'm going to start a trend where OLDer people start getting famous, and everyone is amazed at what they do.  Why do you have to be ridiculously young for people to think you're amazing?  I don't get it.)

Anyway, it's a cover of the Bon Iver song "Skinny Love", and it's just lovely.

Things are looking up.

Why your library ROCKS

Since I've been trying to save money (uhm, basically since I've been receiving a paycheck), I've tried to cut back on unnecessary luxuries.  Cable is not necessary in life, and I've learned that living without it is pretty darn easy.  I loved living at my parent's house and watching hour after hour of The Deadliest Catch and Mythbusters episodes. 

But alas, when I moved into my own place, I knew I couldn't afford even the most basic service.  So I didn't get it, and I learned to live with the 6 channels that my antennae pulled in.  My love of movies and TV shows never stopped though, and I needed to fill my craving.  But a $5 rental at Blockbuster for each?  I don't think so.  A $20 monthly payment for Netflix?  Ugh - really?  

Then I realized the wonder that is the Denver Public Library. 

I don't think a lot of people know what their local library can provide.  It's magical.  Believe it or not, they are NOT ancient things of the past, they have grown and adapted to the needs of the public.  They have an interactive website now!  HOLY SHIT!  Amazing.  You can log in with your library card, search for movies, books, your favorite musician / band, TV shows - put a hold on the item you want, then have them sent to the branch that is closest to you.  Then they send you an email to let you know it has arrived and is ready to be picked up - AND they'll email you when it's close to being due, or when it's overdue!  It's really pretty darn awesome. 

I haven't paid to rent a movie, or bought a book or CD in a very long time.  Maybe that's wrong for me to not be supporting those industries, but you know what?  I'm broke.  Let the rich people buy stuff for now.  Sometimes you have to wait a while for something to come in, that's true.  But what a lovely surprise when you've waited 3 months for the latest movie release, or Adele's newest album - then suddenly BAM!!  You receive an email saying it has arrived.  It's like Christmas!


Do you think that's all?  NOPE - you're WRONG! 

They provide tons of other free stuff.  Cooking demos where they give you recipes, and free samples.  Local bands playing acoustic sessions.  Classic movie nights.  Social clubs.  Dance classes.  Craft classes.  ALL. FOR. FREE.  The Denver library does all of this through Fresh City Life.  I love love love that they offer these things, and so many people don't even know it exists! 

So if you don't have a library card, go and get one.  Explore your local library, and their website.  You'd be amazed what they can offer you!


They ain't just about books anymore! :)

The Thermals rocked my socks off last night!

I know I already posted about these guys before here, but last night I got to see The Thermals in concert for the first time ever!!! They were amazing, and I haven't had that much fun at a show in a ridiculously long time. We made our way right up to the front, and were jumping around, dancing, shoving, screaming - I felt like I was in high school again!

They put on a truly fantastic show, and I would be first in line the next time they come to Denver. I know a lot of people were worried that they would just play new stuff, but they did a great mix-up of their old stuff that we all know & love, as well as stuff from their new album. I couldn't have been more happy when they played "Pillar of Salt" at the end of their set either. Just check out the music video to see why I love these guys so much!

Maia Hirasawa = LOVE!

If you love Ingrid Michaelson, Laura Veirs, or any of those lovely singer-songwriter ladies, you're going to love the Swedish-Japanese crooner Maia Hirasawa.

I just found out about her through my music-love-twin Megan (and awesomest Derby wife ever). I've only listened to 2-songs so far, and I love what I've heard!

Definitely check her out.... http://www.maiahirasawa.com/

Elvis Perkins - Beautiful, Quirky, Awesome Music

I've been listening to Elvis Perkins all day, so I had to share. Here is one of my favorite songs by him - I love how everyone comes in little by little to add to the tune!



I would highly recommend going out & getting all of his music - you won't be disappointed. It's really lovely, quirky, and clever - with swooping melodies, creative harmonies, & strange instruments. If that doesn't convince you, I don't know what will! :)

Happy Friday the 13th, everyone!

Alanis Morissette - Underneath (video)

Just watched this video by Alanis Morissette - it's lovely!! I finally got her new album from the library (remember when I told ya I was on a new music kick? Um - yesterday?) Haha! Anyway it's a really sweet video, and Alanis is just beautiful in it. She's come such a long way musically and as an artist, and I think she'd be one of the coolest people ever to hang out with. So awesome!!

Music Music MUSIC

I used to be totally in on the music scene (I worked at Barnes & Noble in the music department for 2-years while in college... and pretty much spent all of my paychecks there), but have recently been rather out of the loop.

Luckily I have a small group of music-lovin' friends that keep me informed on all of the latest & greatest!! I crave new music like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups sometimes, and the past few weeks have been no exception. Luckily my new derby friend Megan has been dropping me some gems, so I'll share 'em with you!

Ida Maria - a Norwegian rock singer that has been rocking my socks right off for the past hour. I'm totally fallin' in love with her witty lyrics and raspy voice. LOVE HER!


Marina & the Diamonds - I have only had the chance to listen to one song so far (I Am Not a Robot), but I love it. The video is weird in a really good way, and I can't wait to get the full album!!


Video for "I am not a robot"


Florence and the Machine - OK this is a group I actually shared with Megan. I found out about them on my own, and I LOVE them. She's got a super amazing bluesey voice, and her lyrics are stunning and clever all at the same time. The song "Kiss with a Fist" has officially become my Roller Derby theme song.

Mates of State - one of my favorites bands of all time! My friend Grimes introduced me to them, they've actually been around for years. They're a husband/wife team (she plays keyboards, he plays drums, they both sing), and they come up with the strangest & happiest melodies that have ever reached my ears. I heart them so much!

Oh say can you seeeee.... My 4th of July Weekend!

Hey all! Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July / Independence Day weekend. I only found out the week before that I was getting Monday off work, so I didn't plan too much crazy stuff out - I kinda just ran around like a crazy girlie.

First thing's first - I had to figure out what to wear that incorporated Red White & Blue!!

I think my outfit ended up pretty dern cute - I figured my Rocky Mountain Rollergirl shirt even has a star on it! Woot! Although being miss matchey Mc-matcherson I was annoyed that my pink hair was a terrible contrast to the red in my outfits... but oh, well!

The weekend started off with the Punk Rock Fest with the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls.... if you can call it an actual Festival. It turned out to be a pretty terribly organized event, with the first band not starting 'till 11:30am - even though we had our merchandise booth set up at 9!! Ugh...
Oh, well - we still found plenty of ways to entertain ourselves...

Like changing out our wheels so that we could rollerskate around the parking lot...

Takin' photos of each other (and ourselves)...


Watching the very interesting "crowd" begin to form...

and playing with the microphones for the bands that did not show up! Ha!

After getting cleaned up a bit I headed to my friend Heather's to enjoy some laid-back patio hangout time... it was so great to get to know her better, and to enjoy the AWESOME view of the city!

Afterwards I joyfully rode my bike all the way to Benders (it really was a great ride - even though it started sprinkling a bit, it was really fun - although maybe the 3 glasses of wine helped with that! HA!). We went to see Julie's friend's band play some funk music (IFF - can't remember what that stands for), and to imbibe some more adult beverages.... some might say I had a bit too much...

....annnnnd there's some good proof right there!

Julie & Jen - they're so cute!! I love my new derby girlfriends!!



Although it would've been nice to see more people at the show, it was kind of fun having the entire bar to ourselves. We danced and played around the whole time - it was hilarious!


Julie even tried out her pole dancing / swinging skills. ;)

The next day I met up with my old childhood pal - Amy Bugg!! We haven't seen each other in about 11 years, and the magic of Facebook brought us back together again. Friggin' awesome.
We started out the day at Wash Park...

...where Geneva took my rollerskates for a spin on the grass...
A lot of places were closed for the holiday, so Amy & I ended up at Sputnik. I hadn't been there in ages, but I LOVE their food, and that they have so many vegetarian options. AND they had deep-fried Oreo Cookies which I FREAKED OUT over!! They were crazy good - kinda mushy, but they went great with my coffee. Amy got some of their famous sweet potato fries & their delicious mac & cheese, and I got a vegan breakfast burrito. Yum YUM!

Eventually we met back up with the crew at City Park to enjoy their free live Jazz music.

Amy & I enjoying some jazz - although we're a little bit blurry!

We got caught in a torrential downpour, and ended up huddling under a tree to try & stay dry! It was actually pretty darn beautiful though - as although the rain was coming down the sun was still shining. Yep, there was even a big huge rainbow!

After that, I came home, dried off, and enjoyed a glass of wine while watching Reno 911 - I was in bed by 11pm which was friggin' fantastic!!

I don't have any pics of my Monday, but it was bliss as well. My little sister Taryn and I did some light shopping at the stores on 13th Street, then headed to City O' City for some deeeeelicious vegetarian lunch. We split the seitan buffalo wings, Taryn got a breakfast burrito, and I got the tortilla espaniol (which was awesome). Taryn got a pink-lemonade cupcake to go, and we enjoyed a lazy cup o' joe at my apartment.

After Taryn left I hung out at home for a few hours just laaaazin' around (which I kinda wished would never end)! I eventually took a LONG bike ride (all uphill by the way) to Elitch Lanes to meet up with some work friends for a bowling/going-away party.

All-in-all: AWESOME weekend!! How was yours?