A little Christmas Magic

Okay so it is December again and that means, Christmas is coming!  Woohoo! Such an exciting time of year. For parents with toddlers it can mean added chaos, to the already chaotic day.  If you haven't put up your Christmas tree and are wondering how your child will react and if your tree will survive, here are a few tips to help you along the way!

At this time last year our son was running, climbing and mega-curious, we had debated whether to put up a tree of any kind, and finally decided on a little 2 footer...behind plexiglass.  Yes, you read correctly, we put our tree behind plexiglass. For Finn, it was perfect he could ooh and ahhh over it without breaking ornaments or knocking over the tree. We referred to it as our Christmas No-Touch Museum. 

This year is quite different.  He now knows what Christmas is, and has been saying, "Christmas is coming" since he noticed all the Christmas hoopla on display in the stores.  We have been reading "The Grinch" for months (since July, because Christmas essentially starts in July right?) and when we get to the Whos in Who-ville gathered around the tree he sings, "Fah who foraze! Dah who doraze! Welcome Christmas, Come this way!"  So again the discussion began on what to do as far as a Christmas tree.  We decided he would have his own "fake" tree in his playroom, that would have colorful ornaments with a "Who-ville" theme.  My favorite find in this was what we now call "Who-sie Doo-sies", these slinky like ornaments that boing and bounce, and look like a colorful spiral spring.  Now we put this tree up several weeks ago, as a test to see what he would do with the ornaments (all plastic, child-friendly, of course!).  At first, he just was fascinated by it all, but like most children, he quickly began testing them. Pulling them off, moving them here and there.  So after careful consideration we decided that we could get a real tree this year, but that we would not use any "real" ornaments.

This year, our tree is filled with origami paper cranes, glittered pine cones and old-fashioned Christmas garland of popcorn and cranberries. What was great about this is he helped with all of it.  It began with going to pick out our tree at Clark Farm, we had a blast running through the trees and playing hide and seek and then finding "our tree".  When we got home, he enjoyed watching through the window as Kyle trimmed the tree to fit in the tree stand.  Once it was inside we strung the lights and showed him you have to water it.  Then began the fun of stringing our old-fashioned garland. This was so much fun, because Finn enjoyed eating the "pop pop" as I strung the popcorn and cranberries.  He enjoyed telling his dad, how messy mom is with the popcorn.  He watched me fold the paper cranes and string them to be hung on the tree.  He loves making them fly by blowing on them.  The glittery pine cones were fun too, we collected them from a tree in our yard and glittered them with glitter glue.  Now our tree is looking quite festive and every day Finn looks at the tree with amazement.

So here are the tips:

1-Discuss what level of curiosity your child(ren) are at and use that as your marker.
2-Connect to their world...let them have a part of the decorating.
3-Store-bought decorations should be things that can take a beating and survive...plastic and felt are my suggestions here.
4-Handmade...have fun, remember to let the child's creativity unleash...don't push them to be perfect, ...remember the magic of the holiday!
5-And sing along with your little who(s), "Fah who foraze! Dah who doraze! Welcome Christmas! Come this Way!"

Have fun making your Christmas mean so much more!!!

Move aside Ylvis, I'm feeling Eddie Vedder

I have anticipated Pearl Jam's new album, Lightning Bolt for several months now and I can say that it was well worth the wait.  I fell in love with Pearl Jam as a teenager, when music kept me grounded and allowed me to realize that all the feelings I was dealing with were okay.  Not normal, but okay.  Because why be normal? and what is normal? 

My high school friends, Dustin Rawlins and Kyle Bullock (now my husband and best friend), used to have a joke, "Are you feeling Eddie Vedder?", as a teenager you are always coping with hormonal shifts and just the plain awkwardness of high school, pinning Eddie Vedder in place of better always made me smile and put me into the mood to throw on PJ's debut album of the time, Ten.  And I couldn't tell you how influential the "grunge" movement was on my generation.  How many countless weekends I would watch the movie Singles just so I could get small glimpses of the cameo appearances by Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament and Eddie Vedder, as members of Matt Dillon's character, Cliff's band, Citizen Dick.  And then of course, the other grunge figure of the time that also made an appearance in this film, was Soundgarden's Chris Cornell. Needless to say, I feel like I time warped back to that era when I fell in love with "grunge" music.

Now with that out of the way, Lightning Bolt is a must-have album, it showcases such a plethora of American music.  The album starts out heavy, full grunge, think of Motorhead's Ace of Spades (I think of playing Tony Hawk's ProSkater  Video Game), with songs, Getaway, Mind Your Manners and My Father's Son.  The album then shifts into classic PJ anthem style, by this I mean when Vedder becomes a pseudo-preacher with his baritone vocals, working their way up to an angelic whisper and back down again sharing with you a story in an earthy tone.  Track 9, Let the Records Play, is my personal favorite, a southern blues rock ballad, it reminds me of so many great musicians, from Son House to Jack White, with an essence of Shania Twain (yes, I said it, you will hear it too, just wait). The album winds down with more subdued songs, Sleeping by Myself, Yellow Moon and Future Days, perfect for unwinding at the end of the night.  As I said, the album is reminiscent of so much American rooted music (including Neil Young), as you listen you will be like wait, who is that, and quickly what you think you hear, transcends into something new and fresh, but keeps up with that original grunge sound you fell in love with, while showcasing the deep roots of American music .  And you know it rocks, if my two year old son, Finn, asks "Mommy music on?", when we travel in the car.  As soon as it starts, he is sitting there from his backseat just rocking to the beat.  Maybe it is how many times I listened to Pearl Jam's rendition of Crazy Mary from their Red Rocks concerts on cd while he was in utero, but either way, I think he is a fan!

So whether you are a Pearl Jam fan or need a gift idea for someone, I highly recommend Lightning Bolt, because when you need to feel a little Vedder, or a throwback to the 90s, this is well-suited for you (just look at the album cover, the soundwaves are projected to the masses).  The only other thing that would make it better, is if Pearl Jam is added to the 2014 Firefly lineup (Red Frog if you wanna keep this fan happy, you know what to do)!!!

The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Learners and Creative Minds

So as many of you know I  recently started a Master of Arts in Education program and so you can only imagine what I am immersing myself in.  But I must say I am always pleasantly surprised at what I had been holding off from for so long. You see, we often are afraid of the things that challenge us, I decided that I wasn't going to let that get in my way anymore. Instead I decided let me face the challenge and go forth, the outcomes are always worth it and when you face the challenge, accept it and jump in you find a power within yourself. 

By immersing myself in this challenge, I have rediscovered what I love about education- the power of learners grasping for knowledge and getting creative.  I am currently taking two courses: Curriculum Building and Learning Theory. I am well aware of the fact that not everyone within in a classroom is ready to learn the knowledge of that class.  So I hope that I can keep motivated, stay connected, and keep renewing my thrive to learn and share it.  So far, I have taken many trips down memory lane, exploring my past schooling, how was I taught, what worked for me, what didn't work, what kept me engaged...it has really made me start thinking that all of us are pretty complex creatures and we all do things a little differently. I know that ultimately the learner must be engaged in the subject and the teacher has to find a way to get the student engaged. So as the student, this is what I am currently doing, engaging the subject and engaging the teacher.

So as I take these classes I also try to keep engaged beyond what I am learning in the classroom. I try to look around at my world, what is going on...I turn to TED talks.  Recently I shared a link on facebook about the Bee Bummer, which I really feel is crucial to our future.  If I was in a classroom I would make sure to share this talk with my students, regardless if I wasn't teaching science, because this problem goes further and transcends many subjects, such as, agricultural, sustainability, food sources, population, etc.  As a teacher you have to find a way to connect this topic to your subject area. Today, my co-worker shared with me a link about phonebloks, this is a invention currently, that has not been picked up, but in an age where technology is constantly being changed every moment, this seems like the way to go for smartphones. I am hoping that by sharing this link about phonebloks on my Instagram and hashtagging #shouldbeatedtalk and #tedtalk that it will actually make it to a TEDtalk and actually make it possible to own. If you have never watched a TED talk I encourage you to get connected and search for one on You Tube...they are pretty amazing and really get you thinking beyond our current political spectrum which seems so bogged down on blaming the opposite sides of the aisle instead of actually working.  What I am saying is don't get discouraged in our future, don't give up, get connected to what is out there working for the greater good of mankind.  Let's get educated, get connected and get our creative minds connected.

I will try to check in with you when I can, for now, I just wanted you to know where I was, what I am working towards...this is a journey..."the obstacle is the path"-Pirsig.

Someone whispers, "She's having a mid-life crisis." I say, "No I am pursuing my dreams, which means accepting the challenges"

So I have been recently reading Willie Nelson's memoir, "Roll me up and smoke me when I die, musings from the road," and it really is helping me keep my perspective on life.  In the introduction, it talks about Nelson's advice on songwriting and he says, "I will never say anything to discourage a songwriter, but if you are a real songwriter, nothing I could say would discourage you, anyhow. If my opinion could change your mind about being a songwriter, then you really weren't a songwriter to begin with and I would have done you a favor by making you look for a different career.  If a real songwriter happened to hear that I didn't like his work, he would say, 'What the hell does Willie Nelson know? Fuck Willie Nelson" (ix, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, Willie Nelson). So as some of you know, I recently took my Praxis I test, which I fretted about and studied for and yes, to my surprise passed.  All of my cheerleaders knew I would pass it, but I doubted myself, as I always do, mostly I think because we all have a fear of failure.  I knew that if I failed it I could take the test again, but if I had it would have caused doubt within myself.  So passing it of course has just further encouraged me and the path that lies ahead...Needless to say, I am determined.

So Monday, August 26th, I begin working towards my Masters in Education.  I will take this on, while being a wife, a mother, working my full-time job, as well as, starting yet another endeavor.  One of the presents that I received on my birthday was discovering that I had been accepted into a Grad Assistantship position with the English department at Wesley College.  I am super excited about this position, as it means I get to work with professors that I admire and have been mentors to me since my undergrad work. 

I must say it now, loud and clear, I could not do any of this, without the support system of my family.  First I must thank my husband, Kyle who has supported me in every dream that I ever wanted to pursue and is my biggest cheerleader.  Secondly a huge shout out to my mother, who helps take care of my son, Finn during the week, so that I can go to work.  She is an amazing human being and the strongest woman I know, I love you, mom!!! Third (and like Third Man Records, always groovin' along with us), my in-laws, Anita and Rod, for being our sounding board when we need someone to listen or reaffirm our thoughts, for helping with Finn, and for seriously just making music with us or rockin' out to music.  Rachel and Jeremy, for meeting up for cousin play dates at impromptu times and supporting our dreams.  Next let me thank the rest of our extended families both sides, too many of you to mention, you know who you are, whether its sending us happy hump day notes on Facebook, random text messages of encouragement, liking our photos, posts or blogs, we welcome all of your love. Ah, and then there are our friends, again too many to mention, you know who you are,...you may not know how you help us, for some its knowing that you are thinking of us (keeping us in your thoughts and knowing you love us is a good feeling).  Friends seriously cover so much, but I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you. Special shout out to my friend, Emma who lives on the other side of the world, because oceans and continents have never separated her support for me (and her family's support for me)!  So thank you all!

I just celebrated a birthday this past week, and I must say, that every year just gets better and better.  I am pursuing these dreams, in the words of Joseph Campbell, "following my bliss," even if that means slaying some dragons along the way!  How I love the feeling of defeating those dragons, in the words of Robert Pirsig, "the obstacle is the path." 

Finn playing the Ukulele

My husband and my son gave me my first ukulele for my birthday this year.  Some of you may think this is an odd present, but for those who know my love of music you will understand that it is very special.  I haven't had an opportunity yet, to write a blog post about the ukulele's appearances on stage at Firefly. Some of you may have seen my pic of Amanda Palmer, who is infamous for playing the ukulele, but after our amazing moment in the tent with Amanda Palmer and Sabrina the volunteer who played Gotye....Kyle and I grabbed our beer from the brewery and headed to the main stage to catch LP. As we made our way, the sky opened up and we were caught in the downpour, we didn't care we went with it. LP thought these Firefly fans were awesome for standing and toughing it out...but the treat we got was seeing yet, another ukulele player.  So you see, this ukulele present is something that is magical, because Kyle has always listened to me, that weekend I talked about how the men were the headliners, but the women were the ones who really rocked Firefly this year (and how awesome was the ukulele). So this year, as I take on this new adventure, when I feel overwhelmed or stressed, guess what I am going to be working on, oh yeah, strumming on my ukulele (and maybe teaching Finn his first musical instrument, because he thinks my present is his, but it's okay).

So if you don't see as many blog posts don't fret...I am still here, I am still creatively embracing life and pursuing dreams.  And you may get more recipes from me during this time, as I have many started in drafts, just haven't gotten them posted. You may also just get posts of photos, because I take tons of them, but bare with me as I follow my bliss and slay some dragons. And in the words of Joe Dirt, "Life's a garden, dig it!"

Be patient, let him ponder Picasso

 People are always coming up with "new" parenting tips, advice and methods on raising children.  The most recent one, that my sister-in-law, Rachel recently shared with me, and a personal favorite is the CTFD method, Calm the Fuck Down.  Basically whenever you feel overwhelmed, feel on the verge of exploding or melting down,  feel your child isn't learning as fast as your friend's child, just remember CTFD.  With that said, I wanted to share with you some thoughts that go hand in hand with the CTFD method, because we have all been there...your child is exploring the world and decides to _______________ and you are about to overreact, when you remember to CTFD...and then I want you to think about how to change the situation.

First of all, I want you to YouTube, Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk entitled, "How Schools Kill Creativity".  I first watched this video as I was finishing up my undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies.  Back then, I decided that it was of such importance to the education world, that I sent it to all of my professors that I felt had allowed me to explore outside the molded system and allowed me to use creativity in my approach to assignments.  What happened? Most of them emailed it or showed other friends of theirs within the education world.  I think that this video is important for everyone to watch, because Robinson raises some important points.  The first is educating our children for the future, when we seriously cannot predict five years down the road, let alone twenty years down the road. Let me not spoil the entire thing, just take the time and watch it, then read some of my CTFD reactionary moments.

"Frank sent this" reactionary moments after you CTFD:

Coloring on the wall of the Book Nook

1- When your child decides to draw outside the box, off the coloring book and onto the walls, CTFD.  The walls can be painted and scrubbed.  If its wallpaper, even better, I still have a childhood drawing I did on my wall as a child of the sun that I did with a bright orange, permanent market (it could not be painted over), but it was on painted wallpaper...so eventually the wallpaper was stripped. My plan now, to frame it as a reminder to not hinder creativity, let it shine like the sun and warm my soul.

2- When your child decides to pick up a stick and fling dirt with it, and then put his dirty fingers in his mouth, CTFD.  Hands can be washed, and keep this lovely quote from author, Bill Bryson in mind when you want to stress about bacteria, "There is no point trying to hide from your bacteria, for they are on you and around you always, in numbers you can't conceive of. If you are in good health and averagely diligent about your hygiene, you will have a herd of about one trillion bacteria grazing on your fleshy plains - about one hundred thousand of them on every square centimetre of skin. And those are just the bacteria that inhabit your skin... Every human body consists of about ten quadrillion cells, but it is host to about a hundred quadrillion bacterial cells. They are, in short, a big part of us. From the bacteria's point of view, of course, we are a rather small part of them… This is their planet, and we are only on it because they allow us to be”. We need bacteria to survive. Lay off the hand sanitizer, we do not need another member of the OCD club. Do not be afraid of science.



Poppa says something about Churchill
and "carrying a big stick"

Dirty Hands with Dad

3-  When your child is admiring their uncle, grandfather or father working on a car or motorcycle, do not be afraid of letting them get a little greasy, CTFD.  Allow your child to understand how the world has changed over the years...the interchangeable part and the industrialized revolution...ah, history!  Let them really work on their motor skills.  Allow them to see that turning a wrench and a screwdriver is okay...these are life skills regardless of whatever profession or career path they choose later in life.  We all have had to pay for someone to fix something, that we felt was too much, because they knew what screw to turn.

a little light motorc

4-  When your child chooses a "book" from the magazine bin of your bookshelf, instead of from his "children" books, CTFD.  If he shows interest in something, let him "read" and study about it.  Engineers and Architects draw out their visions for things all the time.  If we study what works and look at what could be designed differently, who knows what we could come up with.  Remember to remind them of pulleys, and how wheels work...LEGOS are great for this!!!

I wandered lonely as a cloud...
when all at once I saw a crowd
a host of golden daffodils-Wadsworth

5- When they pull or whack at the flowers at the park with a stick, CTFD.  Think back to when you were a child and how large the world looked to you.  Remember that two weeks prior when you were at the park, these flowers weren't there. This is a time to explain how fragile and beautiful life is...when you come home bring out their baby book, remind them of how little they were (I know, it hasn't been that long, but even from the first few weeks to 8 months is a huge difference...remember how delicate their head was...how they couldn't lift it).  This is also a good time to start reminding them of the colors in the world, and introduce them to famous artists, like O'Keefe, Matisse, and Picasso (there are several great children's books out there...When Pigasso met Mootisse by Nina Laden).

Righty tighty, Lefty Loosey

 

6- When they want to help dad put together their new table and chair set, CTFD.  Don't squander their excitement for new things.  Remember if they help put something together they will learn what it means to have pride in something.  When our son, Finn, helped his dad put these table and chairs together he loved showing them off to whoever came to visit.  He also loved rearranging all the chairs.  Now he has learned to quietly move these chairs and use them as stools to reach the things he couldn't before, again CTFD...he is just exploring the world at new heights!



Helping Mom in the Garden

7- When your child decides to rip all the flowers off, not just the dead ones, or decides to pick the tomatoes when they are green instead of ripe red, CTFD.  Remember they are trying to understand what you are showing them. They are mimicking your behavior, they just don't fully understand it all, just yet. They will in time, just keep explaining it to them. On a side note, my marigolds have never had so many blooms, so maybe pulling the newbies off sometimes helps.








Washing Dad's Car

8- When your child decides to take the hose and wet the car down in their pajamas, CTFD.  Use this as an opportunity to show them how to care for and maintain your car, as well as, everything else.  Explain its just like bath time...its good to get dirty, but we also need to clean-up. Don't stop with the car, when you are cleaning windows hand them some paper towels. Also keep in mind the teenage years will eventually come...be thankful they want to help now!

Finn's Custom Bikes

9-  When you come home from work, and your husband has created a funhouse out of large boxes (that motorcycle tires came in), CTFD.  Make this playhouse into everything imaginable...currently for us, it is Finn's Custom Bikes (a garage like daddy's).  During the day this is a great way to play motorcycle garage, house, or whatever they want it to be...at night, however, we like to take all the couch pillows and position towards the television and watch cartoons. Who needs new toys? When you have cardboard boxes...think of the savings. You can also teach them about graffiti artist like Bansky, and graffiti the sides with cool drawings.

Finn @ Funland, Rehoboth Beach, DE

10- When they decide they are not going to take a nap in a strange place, CTFD.  Instead go ahead with your afternoon plans, take them to Funland (Rehoboth Beach, DE) and let their eyes be amazed by all the lights and shiny rides. Let their ears take in the sounds of the waves crashing outside, the bells ringing on all the little kids rides, and all the other sounds of a mini amusement park, as the smell of Thrashers' French Fries collides with the wave of coconut scented lotions and ocean air circles around you.  Soon the thousand yard stare will transcend upon their eyes and you know it will be time to go home (they will be fast asleep in the car).  Remember to teach them we work hard, to play hard.  So turn up the music, dance like no one is watching, and take every moment with your child and make it an educational experience filled with creativity (keep in mind you are their first teacher!)

Ahhh ohhh, I taunt in your general direction!

As many of you know I enjoy food, wine and beer occasionally, paired well with some good conversation and laughs. When you have children, getting the opportunity to enjoy these things does not come as easy. Some may argue with me, but for my husband and I, we decided going to restaurants can wait until our son is older (so we do one of two things, order take out from a restaurant or find a sitter).  Like I said, some of you may argue with me, but we find we can still enjoy the food, and actually have a conversation if we choose either of these options.  And personally I recall before I had children how annoying it could be while out celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or promotion at a fine dining restaurant and have a screaming child(ren) distracting from our dinner. With that said, I think there are plenty of restaurants that you can take children that have a louder atmosphere, but I just found it easier to start allowing my cooking inspirations to flow and start creating delicious food and dinner at home.

I could say this was all accidental or random coincidence, but it is not, I enjoy trying and experimenting with new recipes (well new to me anyway).  There is a great joy that comes from making a delicious meal, that not only you enjoy, but you watch others devour. Some of these recipes are what I would call your basic recipes, such as, macaroni and cheese, roasted chicken, spaghetti with Arrabiata sauce, or a happy waitress (a decadent grilled cheese with a slice of fresh garden tomato).  However, some of these recipes are a little more challenging (and with following a primal diet the challenge can be finding ways to make an old favorite "clean").  For instance, this past weekend I finally took on Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon recipe, one that I have been wanting to make ever since I watched the Nigella-esque sexy photography footage of Amy Adams creating it in the film, Julie and Julia.  The only thing that had really been keeping me from making it was that I did not own a dutch oven.  Thanks to my wonderful husband, I finally got one (Mother's Day), and what an amazing piece of cookware!!!  I did make two adjustments to the recipe, one I did not use any onions as the recipe calls for, instead I increased the amount of garlic.  And the second adjustment to make it "clean" for primal consumption was subbing out regular all purpose flour for almond flour.  The outcome well worth the wait of a dutch oven and three years after watching the film.

Boeuf Bourguignon- Julia Child

Now I will admit, with the joy of cooking, there are also times where you feel defeated.  I like to blame the author of the recipe in those cases, sometimes you wonder if they just created a recipe without actually trying it.  And I will also admit, when I have food flops, it does dampen my cooking spirits and I often go back to just the basic meals, burgers or salads.  Eventually, slowly, but surely I work my way back to feeling creative and cooking up savory meals again.

So I urge you, if you feel taunted by my foodporn photography, then feel inspired to get creative in your own kitchen. Remember the foods you loved as a child, lately I have been making "ants on a log" as a snack and breakfast side, you sometimes forget why you enjoyed them so much.  (This is another reason I like having meals at home, instead of a in a restaurant, I want my son, to remember the first time he orders a meal and eats in a restaurant...I think it is a pretty magical experience. But how can you enjoy the food in a restaurant if you do not understand what went into creating it...the thought of farm to table is something I want him to get. I also don't want him thinking chicken looks like a chicken nugget...thank you, Jamie Oliver for showing me how disconnected so many young American children are about food in Food Revolution.)  My son, Finn was very curious in what I was creating this weekend not only with Julia Child's recipe, but also when I decided to take a short rib recipe I had previously made in the slow cooker and tried it in the dutch oven.  When I was braising the short ribs, he begged for me to pick him up so he could see, and his face lit up with a smile.  He loves the roasted chicken we make as a weekly staple. He definitely knows chickens have bones, because that is what he asks for when we eat it (drumstick). 

So please don't feel taunted by my food pictures, feel inspired, even if you are just making a little crudité. (A little fancy French term for a veggie plate...perfect for summer harvested vegetables).  And in the wise words of Julia Child, "Bon Appetit!" (Good appetite and enjoy your food!)

The Brewery featuring Dogfish Head

Hanging with my crew
My husband, Kyle (myself) and my father-in-law, Rod

So about a month has passed since we were getting our groove on and enjoying some craft brews from Dogfish Head at Firefly Music Festival. It is no wonder why Red Frog Events, the planners of Firefly Music Festival, had asked Dogfish Head to join them their inaugural year and return this year. 
   As festival goers and locals, we were super excited to enjoy these tasty craft brews.  One of the added bonuses at grabbing a beer at the Brewery at Firefly, is enjoying the air conditioned tent, and if you want to sit for a spell they had a beautiful picnic area set up with tables. 

For me, it was nice recognizing a familiar face serving up
my beer this year.  Pictured right is an old co-worker and friend, Larry Thompson.  I really wanted the shirts that the Dogfish staff were wearing, but they were not for sale and strictly intended for Dogfish staff.  In my personal opinion these were the coolest shirts at Firefly, they just screamed festival all over them.  Thompson and his co-worker were generous enough to let me take a picture after they had served me up my "paleo-friendly" beer, and one of my favorites Dogfish's Tweason'ale.  A delicious gluten-free beer made from strawberries, sorghum and honey.  And I will admit I also cheated and enjoyed some Firefly Ale as well, its such a perfect ale for summer, crisp and clean!

I decided it was time to shout out a friendly cheer to Dogfish Head and Sam Calagione(founder and president) for creating such wonderful crafty creations!  If you don't know the story of Dogfish Head, I strongly urge you to pick up the book, "He said beer, she said wine".  And while your at it, if you are in Delaware, why not pick yourself up a growler of a Dogfish Head craft beer! P.S. Beer always goes great with your crab feast! (And if you want to keep up with all the exciting news and developments with Dogfish, why not follow them on Instagram!)

I bleed for you

Amanda Palmer

 I have had a hard time debating whether to write about some of the female musicians that rocked the stages at Firefly Music Festival this year in one whole blogpost, or separately for a few weeks now.  You see, the women may not have been the top headliners of the festival this year, but they surely came with a triumphant force.  So I have decided that I will write a few reviews separately, because they just deserve the individual attention.   And I have decided to start with Amanda Palmer & the Grand Theft Orchestra.
  So it was the last day of the festival and my husband and I had arrived a little later than we had anticipated, which meant, I missed Delta Rae on the Backyard Stage, but that is how it goes sometimes at a festival like this...there are so many bands to see and you simply can't see them all. Even though we figured we had missed Delta Rae we decided to try our luck and head to the Backyard Stage anyway.  Well instead of catching the intended band, we got to see Apache Relay, which were a delightful surprise.  Apache Relay is an all male band hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, they are a band to take notice of, their most recent accomplishment includes landing a featured song in the film, The Way Way Back.  But, enough about them, we decided that they were great, but the weather was muggy and humid and we were ready for a beer from the Brewery which for us locals meant enjoying a nice cold one from Dogfish Head.  So we made our way, and just as we were coming around the bend to the Brewery, who did we spy riding in on a golf cart?  None other than, Amanda Fucking Palmer!  She was arriving at the Toyota and Spinmedia Soundwave Tent, which were huge sponsors of the festival, and this tent was intended for interaction to not only promote their products, but also offer some more intimate time with some of the artists at Firefly with interviews and Q & A's with the festival goers.  So we both agreed, the beer could wait, we were not going to miss this opportunity with Amanda Palmer.

Toyota and Spinmedia Soundwave Tent

   We gathered under the tent, and slowly one by one, we may have been joined by a total of fifty people.  As you can imagine, this a very intimate setting to sit and listen to an interview by Amanda Palmer.  After a little opening banter with the hosts Dave Hill and Billy Jones (from Brooklyn Vegan) running the interview with Palmer, we soon found ourselves enjoying and singing along to Palmer's ukulele rendition of Oasis' Wonderwall. The hosts joked around some more and I vaguely recall a conversation, about what words they could and couldn't say, and of course, this had to be something they discussed with Palmer because it was a reference to the vagina.  There simply was no way, she would back down, if you know Palmer, you know she is fearless.

Palmer with Hill and Jones

   Amanda Palmer also knows how to help others learn to face fear in the face. She quickly took the spotlight off herself and asked if anyone in the audience could play the ukulele?  A young woman behind us, shyly said she could, but swore she could only play very little.  So Palmer asked her to come on stage and immediately took her place in the audience, which just happened to be right behind us (she also accidentally kicked my husband in the ribs, but was deeply apologetic...he did not mind, as its' always nice to say "I got kicked my Neil Gaiman's wife" LOL!)

Amanda Palmer and my husband, Kyle

Well the young woman took the stage, and became a starlet, first she made us all laugh, when Hill and Jones asked her what her name was, and she replied, "Sabrina, like the witch".  Then she grabbed that ukulele and played Gotye's Somebody that I used to know. Sabrina owned it, she was amazing, brilliant, and completely awestruck by what she had just accomplished.  While she was singing, Palmer was snapping photos of her with her phone and moved to the side of the stage, we were all singing along. What was amazing, is that it was a beautiful moment, watching this young woman, who obviously had been practicing playing the ukulele and singing, the audience and Palmer all share a connection together.  It was during this performance that I realized the "Palmer effect". I realized why so many people are drawn to her, and why her TED talk "The Art of Asking" and the story of her street performing the "eight foot bride" touched so many people and moved them to tears. 

Sabrina singing Gotye

     My husband and I talked about how we now understood why people could have that intimate moment with Palmer with no words or with a simple 'thank you'.  He said to me, Sarah, she is like Iggy Pop, she basically tells the audience I will bleed for you, I am you, I am with you, I see you, you matter, you are human, we are here on this planet together.  I said to him, that I agreed, and her understanding of the human spirit is just amazing to watch, the only other thing I could describe it as is with the word often associated with yoga, and that is namaste- the good in me sees the good in you.  When Sabrina rejoined the audience, she told me how nervous she was, and I said you were wonderful, and she just kept saying she was so nervous, she couldn't believe that actually had just happened.  So I handed her my phone told her to put in her cell number and I would send her the pics I captured of her playing, she thanked me...and here I felt like I was the one needing to thank her for such a beautiful song and moment.

     Meanwhile, we continued to enjoy singing "Happy Birthday" to two members of the audience who were celebrating theirs in style. She led us on one big magical journey really...we came together, all of us in that tent, none of us really knew each other, we were all drawn in by Amanda Palmer. She shared with us a song she said was inspired by NWA "Do You Swear to Tell the Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth, So Help Your Black Ass", which we all quickly were singing along in unison, "You can bet your black ass", she understands life, its hardships and hardknocks, and welcomes it with wit and humor.  She led us through one song and joke after another, and even got all of us to leave the tent singing "Creep" into the field.

Singing 'Creep' into the field

I know we all got stares from the other festival goers on their way to different stages, but I know I can say we all were in unison, saying this is so "AWESOME".  Because really, how many of you out there can say you went to see an artist at a venue, and got an intimate moment like this, and not even by a backstage pass.   It was a beautiful moment shared by an intimate number of people in attendance at the festival that weekend, but I know we thoroughly enjoyed it.  And after this interview with her, we had more reasons to "Cheer" with a beer!  Because we were going to see her again, this same day!!!

Palmer & the Grand Theft Orchestra

     So to see Amanda Palmer & the Grand Theft Orchestra is a unique experience.  Most people I have talked to, don't even know who Amanda Palmer is, I try to explain her, and if they do know who she is, they either love her, or think she is crazy.  Well I wish that I could teleport people, so I could show them what I saw, that I think is very rare, and so cool!  Palmer is an artist and she understands that when you are performing as an artist, the audience becomes part of the art as well (this is the unique thing, that makes 'you' feel human).  But that wasn't even the cool thing about being a part of this audience. What I absolutely loved, was watching all of these young women (late teens/young adults) accompanied by their fathers. Simply because, somewhere, somehow, someone turned these girls onto Palmer, whether they accidentally found her on You Tube, or a friend said check this out, but to watch these dads finally understand why their daughters begged to get them tickets to see her was just too cool.  And why I think it was even more enjoyable to take notice of that, is because Amanda Palmer had brought her father, Jack to the show, and they covered a few songs together.  Her father, Jack has a voice like Johnny Cash, and to see her share that moment with him, was really awesome. And even Palmer said on stage, how the other Firefly artists had shared with her how cool it was that her dad was there and was going to perform with her.

Amanda Palmer and her father, Jack

      The only thing that bothers me since the show, is that I have read that she had tried to use Kickstarter to try and get local musicians to join the stage with her throughout her tour, and was quickly criticized and told that artists must be paid to perform (she had planned to give them the opportunity and pay them in beer).  I would have loved to seen a local artist fill in for their drummer, who was still finishing up with a tour from another band.  And it bothers me that she was criticized for wanting to share the stage and give other musicians an opportunity to be seen by a larger audience (maybe even picked up by someone...I would have really liked to have seen Nino Brown, from Flow City play with her band). I hope by the next time she tours, that she is allowed to make this happen, because I can't even imagine how magical it could be...
   If you have never listened to Amanda Palmer, first I urge you to check out TED Talks, "The Art of Asking" on You Tube.  After you have watched Palmer there, then imagine Liz Phair blended with The Smiths and the Cure, now You Tube "Do You Swear to Tell the Truth..." by Palmer and even more recently, "Dear Daily Mail".  Now you are ready to buy her cds, order any of them, why not order all of them, just do it.  And lastly, make sure you listen to track four "Do It With a Rock Star", of Theatre is Evil album, because my husband, Kyle and I have come to the decision, that this is a great rock anthem (much like Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit).

Amanda Fucking Palmer

  
 

GreenMan serving up some rockin' juice



GreenMan Juice Bar & Bistro

Several years ago my sister-in-law, Rachel and her husband, Jeremy Brockway began their whirlwind of adventures. After meeting each other in March 2005, this rockin' young couple took on purchasing

their first home, marriage, and starting their own business all in one year.  When I think back on that year it makes me think of Johnny Cash's song Jackson, "We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout," because these two have been sprouting hot new endeavors at every beat.

When they started GreenMan Juice Bar & Bistro, in June 2007, little did they know what a landmine they had created.  Initially, the two knew they were taking a huge risk, both had a vast knowledge and experience working in the food business, but trying to calculate if this risk would be successful, can truly only be told by time.  And for them, fortunately that time came a lot sooner than they ever could have estimated.  Upon taking on this venture, they made the decision that they would both stay working in their other jobs, while they waited to see how their dream would pan out.  In the first days, they saw the unimaginable happen, people were coming back two and three times in the same day, mind you they are only open for breakfast and lunch. This is pretty unheard of in the restaurant business, so needless to say, after the first two weeks Jeremy left his other job. And a month later realizing how wearing working 18 hours can be, Rachel with the encouragement of her boss, Shawn, owner of Confucius, who she describes as, "the best boss and mentor I could ask for," left her  previous job, and put all her efforts into GreenMan (also I must add Confucius is another wonderful restaurant that I highly recommend).  Not only did their initial risk to start the business, pay off, but so did the decision to let go, and not let the worry about income consume their dream.  GreenMan has been movin' and shakin' juices and food ever since.



Dean napping at GreenMan
during his first Sea Witch Festival

As I mentioned previously, these two have been feverishly sprouting through one whirlwind adventure after another.  During their first years as business owners, besides tackling the everyday adventure of owning your own business and running a restaurant, the two enjoyed adopting a second dog and traveling to Spain.  Since 2009, their adventures have become doubled. Not only have they moved twice, but they welcomed two bundles of joy to the fun, their son, Dean and their daughter, Elke, who you may see from time to time in the restaurant, and now run a second business, renting out their first home.  This year was supposed to be a year off from new endeavors, but these two just can't resist the opportunity of adventure.  They have a fever for adventure!  So, they decided to take on Firefly Music Festival by serving up their fresh squeezed juices.
 

Rockin' Juices at Firefly

Q- Where did Jeremy and you get the vision for GreenMan?

Rachel- Jeremy and I came up with the idea for GreenMan kind of organically (ha!ha!)!  We were tossing around a lot of restaurant concepts before GreenMan came into being.  We wrote mission statements and menus for everything from a Polynesian restaurant to a farm-to-table supper club before we came around to the idea for a juice bar.  Ultimately, we created a restaurant that reflected our own interests.  Jeremy was juicing for years before we met and the food menu and I have been vegetarian for almost 20 years now.  Too often, in our experience (and this is still true today!), if a place appealed to Jeremy's palate there would only be the obligatory roasted vegetable sandwich for me (yuck!) and most "vegetarian" restaurants didn't do much for either of us. So we created the kind of place we always hope to find, with a juice bar and a menu filled with tasty whole food options, a lot of which just happened to be vegetarian.

Q- What made you decide to be a vendor at Firefly this year?

Rachel- We decided to apply to be vendors at Firefly on a whim.  After you and I joked about how Jeremy would never go to a festival if he wasn't working it, I started giving the idea some thought.  I approached Jeremy about the possibility and, to my surprise, he loved the idea.  When I applied I thought it was a long shot.  I was very surprised when Red Frog Events called me and asked us to participate.

Q- Prior to taking on Firefly, GreenMan landed some rave reviews in USA Today, first in an article entitled "Best Boardwalk for food across the USA" and the other, "Firefly festival grabs corporate America's attention," did this add to the pressure of the weekend, or help with knowing that GreenMan is no longer a well-kept secret to the locals?

Rachel- No newspaper article could have added more pressure to the weekend...nothing can put more pressure on us than we do ourselves!  The USA Today recognition is really nice and quite an honor, but I don't think it affected Firefly weekend.  And we haven't thought that GreenMan was a local's secret for years...we don't see many local faces during the summer season, actually.  But we do have summer locals who come back year after year and, in some cases, day after day during their vacation.

Q- Does GreenMan have plans to do more festival venues in the future?

Rachel- Other than returning to Firefly next year, we don't have any immediate plans to do more festivals.  The travel required would be difficult with out two small children and the busy restaurant, but in the future, who knows?  It would be amazing to take GreenMan to Lollapalooza!

Strawberries waiting to be juiced at Firefly

Q- GreenMan Juice Bar & Bistro is well-known for its' fun and quirky juice and smoothie names, like Red Baron and Healthy Elvis, you guys stuck to your witty ways with the menu names at Firefly, with 70+ bands how did you come up with the names, like Grizzly Berry, O Yeah Yeah Yeah and My (Sweet) Morning Jacket?

Rachel- Hahaha!  Honestly, I came up with the names for Firefly the same way I come up with all names...I sit at the computer with a glass of wine and brainstorm.  If it makes me giggle or Jeremy roll his eyes, its a keeper!

Q- GreenMan has already agreed to vend at next year's Firefly Music Festival, what can GreenMan fans anticipate next year?  GreenMan regulars are well-accustomed to your famous Crème Brulee French Toast, Quiche of the Day (my personal favorite being the Artichoke & Parm), Eco-chic, The Great Tomato (another personal fave), Happy Buddha, The Bellydancer, Naked Hippie sandwiches, as well as, wheat grass shots and smoothies.  Can we expect any of these to make an appearance on the menu next year?  (*Please, please say you are going to have The Curious George from your kid's menu...I think it would pair well with a Healthy Elvis?)

Rachel-  I'm not totally sure what we are going to bring to Firefly next year, but I have to tell you that it won't be anything from our kitchen menu.  We are definitely going to be juicing again and hopefully we will make smoothies, as well.  Other possibilities are herbal iced teas, wheatgrass shots, or maybe even bubble tea! The drinks will keep us plenty busy, though...sorry that there won't be any Curious George!

Q- We know that Elijah Wood (well-known for his role as Frodo Baggins in Lord of the Rings) and Adrian Grenier (from Entourage) both came to Firefly this year, did you have the privilege of sharing a juice with them or any other musician in attendance?  It is important to note that GreenMan is a veteran when it comes to serving celebs including legendary musician, Dave Grohl, who stopped into GreenMan with his family, while vacationing in the Rehoboth Beach area, and Black Thought from Jimmy Fallon's house band the Roots.

Rachel- We did not see any celebrities at the juice bar, but several times over the weekend we were approached by someone "from backstage" asking to purchase a juice out of the back of the tent.  We never found out who was drinking them, though.

Q- What are your hours at the restaurant this summer? Do you have plans for a second location any time soon?

Rachel- Our summer hours are Wednesday through Monday, 8 am- 4 pm, closed on Tuesdays.  A second location is a real possibility. It's just a matter of finding the right space, at the right price and the right time.

As freshman vendors to Firefly, Rachel and Jeremy embraced the adventure and the education  of what it takes to serve the masses at a festival of this size.  They may not have felt right at home this year, because when you take on a beast of this size, there are some kinks to work out and lessons to learn.  But having said that, they took time to let the music move their souls and enjoy other parts of the festival as well.  Jeremy took time and checked out the arcade with cousin, Carly Callahan (who regularly works at GreenMan's Rehoboth location and worked their Firefly tent), and enjoyed some skeeball. Aside from enjoying the acts that played on the Lawn stage in front of them and catching part of Tom Petty's set themselves, Rachel and Jeremy also allowed their staff to take time out now and again and enjoy some of the musical sets by many of the other artists that rocked this year's festival.

So stay tuned in as their adventures continue, check out and enjoy their delicious menu of juices, smoothies and food at the Rehoboth Beach location in the meantime, and get your tickets so you can enjoy their rockin' juice at next year's Firefly!

2013 GreenMan Firefly Staff 

  
(*Photos courtesy of GreenMan Juice Bar & Bistro's facebook page and myself. Special shout out to Scott Goss for helping gather the GreenMan staff for this photo op @ Firefly*)

(*Special thanks to GiGi and Poppa, as well as, Aunt Brenda and Uncle Tom for keeping all of our children entertained, well-fed and cared for the weekend of Firefly! You guys rock!*)

Roasted Chicken with Lemon, Thyme and Rosemary

Roasted Chicken always seemed like an easy recipe, however, it took me a little while to perfect it.  This recipe is inspired by two leading ladies of the food world, the legendary Julia Child (who will always be someone who I look to and admire when cooking, she is not always given the credit she deserves...just study her perfectionist ways with mayonnaise) and the very sassy and savory Nigella Lawson (who shared in one of her cookbooks that this was a family staple in her home growing up, something I have also taken to heart).  I have taken to making this at least once a week in our home, it is a great meal to do ahead and eat cold, on sandwiches, or just for nibbles.  My husband asked me to make it for him to take for a work dinner (with eating paleo, picnics and work dinners/luncheons can be problematic and tricky, we must always plan ahead).  Well, needless to say it was a huge success and a recipe I had been planning on sharing with all of you anyway!  What amazes is me, is how little people cook anymore and how so often they grab the roaster chickens at the supermarket which are full of who knows what (and don't misunderstand, I understand sometimes in a pinch when you need a quick dinner that is an easy go to, I just worry that we rely on it too heavily).  I don't want to see any more generations losing the joy of cooking because of food industrialization, it can be a our friend, but also our enemy, we must be careful to balance both. *(One of the mistakes I think people often make with cooking a roaster chicken is cooking one that is too big, go for a 3.5-5lbs, no more!)

 

Ingredients:

1-Roaster Chicken (3.5-5 lbs) *I prefer Gerber's Amish Chicken-no antibiotcs, etc.

1-Lemon

1-Stick of Butter *grassfed butter like Kerrysgold

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil for drizzling

6-8 sprigs of fresh thyme

2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary

5-6 gloves of garlic *Optional

1 celery stick cut into 3-4 sticks *Optional

 

The Rub Ingredients:

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. course black pepper

1 tsp. parsley flakes

1 tsp. garlic powder

(*optional add any other seasonings to the rub you like)

 

Directions:

Heat oven to 400

Line a roaster/rack pan with aluminum foil, place rack on top

Place whole roaster chicken on top of rack

Pierce lemon all over with a knife, insert into the cavity of chicken

Insert thyme, rosemary and garlic cloves/celery sticks in cavity around lemon

Cut the stick of butter (you can choose to use less butter) into two, and insert each half up and under top of skin of chicken

Drizzle olive oil all over chicken, then rub the oil to cover the chicken

Now rub, "the rub" all over the chicken

Now place chicken in oven @400 for 30 minutes, uncovered

Then set the oven back to 350, pull the chicken out, cover with aluminum foil

finish baking the chicken for 2 hours

(if it is a 5 pounder, you may need to bake it longer)

Enjoy!

"Brilliant" Bitches

     Okay so when one attends a musical festival for three days there are some things that one needs to consider.  This is my rant about the stupid shit I saw, the things I heard about afterwards, and some words of wisdom for all festival goers of the future. With that said, I had a wonderful time at the festival with moments that I will cherish the rest of my life.  The reason for this post is to help future festival goers with some thoughtful tips and to always keep in mind that you are there for the music. 

Brilliant Idea #1-When you find yourself stuck in traffic for over an hour, make that 2 1/2 hours, and you are amped up and ready to rock with your friends, be sure to take a moment and check your fuel gauge, as well as your oil and engine lights.  If you do this, you will not find yourself looking a fool and having your friend go to the car dealership across the road, while stuck in horrific traffic to beg one of their technicians to bring a gas can filled with 5 gallons to refuel you, because you are on the last of your reserve tank!  When a friendly girl from another vehicle next to you, rolls her window down and tells you that your car is overheating, please don't ignore her, even if you are trying to be cool because you have a super hottie accompanying you to this gig!  Especially when your car has been making clunky, choking sounds for the last ten minutes, and steam is visibly billowing from your car's undercarriage (because having an opportunity to use the word undercarriage was simply irresistible..thank you Melissa McCarthy and Bridesmaids). Listen to this friendly, fellow festival goer and local, when she advises you to get into the right lane and turn off the road into a nearby parking lot.  DO NOT ask her if you can leave your car there over night and make your way onto the festival...remember the hottie sitting next to you and think of her father, or older brother who will be holding your ass accountable for her safe return. (*Keep in mind this safe return is probably going to cost you an engine replacement at this point.  Ballpark rough estimate for that $1000). So, before you make your way to the festival get your car in a safe area, make a few calls, get your car towed to a mechanic shop that can get a start on your car before you continue on to salvage the rest of your "fun" weekend.

Brilliant Idea#2-Before you leave home, whether you live locally, or from another state, make sure you stock up on water.  Water is not just your number one source to stay hydrated, it also serves multiple other purposes. Here are a few purposes: water to brush your teeth (remember there is no running water in the portapotties near your campsite or in the ones in the festival grounds), whether you did not set aside enough cash to pay for your daily shower, you need more than one a day, or can't be bothered by the time slots- a water bottle can be your shower in need (and girls, if your momma did not have this talk with you...well listen to Salt N' Pepa "Let's talk about sex" and remember the importance of hygiene after sex), Medicinal uses- rinse off a cut, wound or blister (with days of walking around these things are bound to happen), if you have forgotten your water canteen an empty water bottle works great in its' place, you can also use a bottle of water to wash out your clothes and hang them to dry in your campsite.

Brilliant Idea#3-Review the information lists on the festival web page and app page. Pay attention to the recommended items: cash, sunscreen, bug spray, ponchos, blankets, empty, reusable water containers and non-professional cameras . Also be aware of what not to bring, again find this on the web and app sites for the festival. Nothing sucks more than having to throw away something you are not allowed to bring into the festival or having to make the long trek back to the parking lot or your campsite.

Brilliant Idea #4-Okay so I already slightly mentioned sex in a previous idea, so let's further address this issue. Guys wearing shirts with slogans that you are a couch and give lays for free or hugs or whatever, just makes you look like a douchebag.  (I think this is the first time I have said this in my blog, but a word to the wise, if I use the word douchebag you have really made a "royal" impression on me). Do women a favor and come prepared to this festival with things that might help a girl out:  bandaids, wet-ones, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, solarcaine/aloe vera, a poncho and a extra t-shirt.  You see if you want to be chivalrous and really win a girls heart, there are some sweet gestures one can do...bandaids for blisters, wet-ones because we are OCD about hygiene, toilet paper because with the amount of people at an event like this...the roll sometimes runs out, hand sanitizer again, hygiene, sunscreen/solarcaine/aloe vera because being sunburnt sucks, a poncho if it rains and a tshirt is nice when it gets cold after the rain or at night. And this is for both guys and girls, be prepared, if you are planning on having sex, well even if you aren't, come prepared with condoms, there is always someone who is not prepared.  And this is just coming from the voice of a momma, but think twice before having sex at a festival...with someone you just met.

Brilliant Idea#5-Just because something is in fashion, does not mean you need to wear it to a festival. Mom jean shorts, although more practical than some of the clothing I saw worn to the festival, are not cute, and they do not flatter anyone's figure, no matter what size you are...so please stop wearing them.  Especially the ones with the front pockets hanging out below the shorts!!! And I have discussed this with both sexes and all agree, the high waist does nothing to accentuate the figure, nor do the pockets.  It was agreed that the high waist often makes thin girls look like they have a kangaroo pouch and the way the back pockets fall, make even girls with a booty shaker look flat.  Be practical and be comfortable. And if you want to rock some cool 80s fashion, look to the women who were rocking the music scene then. *And by the way, it is not fashionable to wash your hair in the sinks of the local shopping mall or for that matter, sleep on the benches in the shopping mall. If you need an air conditioned space, make sure you plan ahead and reserve a room at a hotel. 

Brilliant Idea#6-This goes along with #5, but needs to be separate.  You are going to a festival in a field, for 3 days, that covers over 250 acres, please wear comfortable shoes.  DO NOT wear brand new cute little sandals, flip flops, or shoes with little to no support.  You are begging for a disaster, and I am not talking simple blisters.  I can't tell you how many girls needed medical attention because of poor choice of shoes (leg braces, twisted ankles, bruising/swelling of ankles etc..).  What I recommend is a good pair of sneakers and extra socks.  If you are like me, you don't like having your feet bound in shoes all day, so put your flip flops in your shoulder bag or back pack and switch them out during a moment in the day that you are going to sit on a blanket and relax to the sounds of a band (then switch back with a fresh pair of socks). *Also look back at the weather pattern for the few weeks prior to the festival, if there has been lots of rain, you will want rainboots. (As many festival goers quickly realized the mulch covered areas that you had to trek over were much like walking through the bog of eternal stench in the Labyrinth...just think of marsh mud mixed with cow manure..yeah it smelled that good!)

Brilliant Idea#7-Respect the Medical Responders, Security and Staff at the festival.  These people are there to help you in case of an emergency or with general information. If they ask you to move out of the way, please do not yell at them or get in their way, you could be preventing them from treating someone in need (which could also mean saving someone's life). And no they do not work for the CIA, they are yelling at you because you are a jerk who won't move out of the way! And yes, they take their job seriously! *And I must mention this one more time, please, please wear proper shoes, you would not believe how much the medical responders were bombarded by the issues that this caused. *  And instead of being a jerk an not getting out of the way...just thank them for doing their job and step aside. Thank you to all the responders and police that staffed this year's Firefly festival!

Brilliant Idea#8-If you decide that going to a festival is the time for you to experiment with drugs, you may want to designate a person to stick close by you that remains drug free.  I say this, because I have had my share of brushing and groping, but this year I experienced a unique individual who really was in a bad way.  I will refer to this girl as Pam, because she called me several different names, one of which was Pam's friend. I was right main stage thoroughly enjoying my night with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiedis had just asked Flea to slap him and the crowd was having a blast.  When "Pam" approached me started going on about how the cops were questioning her boyfriend, and he was F'd up and what should she do, because she was on drugs.  Yeah, bright, brilliant, you just tell a random person you are on drugs.  Well, being the whip snapping square that I can be, yes, even at a super hip concert...I say to "Pam", "Are you serious, I think you need to back away from me, what are you thinking telling someone you are on drugs, you don't know?" Her reply, "Oh, are you a cop?"  She then continued to grope, chat up, and just be royally annoying.  At one point, she told my father-in-law that her and her friends had no more ice for their cooler, and "it was gonna get NASSSSTY!" Yeah this girl was priceless, but memorable in that she interrupted RHCP.  I was tempted from the first encounter with this girl to grab the security guard on the fence, but I thought, its the first night, she is young, this will all catch up with her tomorrow morning.  Leave it be.  Then she groped me, and that was it, I told her to back the fuck off and stop touching me, I don't know her, I never met her, I am not her friend's friend from UD, just go chill out somewhere. That somewhere was off of me, but not far enough away as she then tried to grope another girl near me, whose boyfriend had tell her, "I'm sorry she is with me, back off".  Whatever drugs she was doing finally took her tripping somewhere else, thank goodness!  And I am not naïve to think that no one does drugs at a concert, but stick with your friends you are doing them with, have a plan if you get caught...and whatever you do stay out of other people's personal spaces (I know you can't contain skunks...I am talking about touching people and hanging on them).

Brilliant Idea #9- Okay, so I know I said earlier the importance of staying hydrated, but do not use your water bottle a your own personal portapotty.  We all know how long you have to wait to get that awesome spot where you hope to catch a drip of sweat from the singer, or the joys of touching the guitarist bum while they crowd surf, but it is not worth getting you escorted out of said area and arrested as the first song starts.  We witnessed this happen to a group of guys and it was rather unfortunate, watching them get told that there were plenty of portapotties.  This is not a call you want to make to mom and dad, don't do it!

Brilliant Idea #10- This is a three day festival...so remember you have to rehydrate and refuel...take time to drink water and eat.  And just a quick tip on choosing places to eat...you may want to avoid some of the heavily fried foods the first two days...remember portapotties! Yeah so I would try to steer clear of the corn dogs, fried chicken and fries.  If you are camping make sure you bring some items that don't need to keep in a cooler the entire weekend. 

Okay so there is the beginning of my rant of brilliant ideas...feel free to leave yours in the comments.