Round Here

On Thursday I came out of my office to a blustery winter afternoon: oddly balmy and pleasant while still cold with a dark storm brewing over the Oquirrh mountains and my favorite color of blue-gray sky over the Wasatch. It's funny that often interactions with particular weather events have such an impact on me, but I feel that for a long time to come I'll recognize that moment as one where I decided that calling Utah 'home' was ok.

-Counting Crows-

Dear Valentine

Homemade for you.-Guster-

Secret Heart

Normally I wouldn't give myself away so easily, but in the spirit of the upcoming holiday here's the short list of ways to win entrance to my heart:

#1
way in: learn, practice and sing to me any of the following songs:

• Green Eyes, Coldplay
• You Are The Everything, R.E.M.
• Wonderwall, Oasis
• Passenger Seat, Death Cab for Cutie
• Better Together, Jack Johnson
• Blower's Daughter, Damien Rice
• Clara, Bart Davenport (substitute "Sarah" instead of Clara... so perfect)

I'll make you a copy of the key: write me an original song and sing it to me

#2
way in: make me dinner
I'll make you a copy of the key: take me to a quiet spot in the mountains for a homemade picnic

#3
way in: take me to a concert of one of my favorite bands
I'll make you a copy of the key: take me to a concert to one of my favorite bands that I haven't yet discovered

#4
way in: make me a mix cd
I'll make you a copy of the key: make the cd and clever album art

#5
way in: suggest a road trip
I'll make you a copy of the key: plan and successfully execute the suggested road trip

#6
way in: watch a Jane Austen movie with me
I'll make you a copy of the key: after watching the movie, engage me in an intelligent discussion about the plot and character development

#7
way in: take me to an art gallery
I'll make you a copy of the key: act like you're happy about being there

#8
way in: bring me flowers
I'll make you a copy of the key: bring me gladiolas, peonies or an assortment of wildflowers that you grew or picked yourself

-Feist-

Flower of the Day: Peonies

It's official: I love peonies. In their fullest stages, they remind me of the chubby cheeks of a small child.

If You Happen To Read This...

I've just started a new blog (don't worry, I'll keep writing this one) called Cool Things Utah. It's meant to be a resource to find interesting and unique things to do in Utah that you can't do anywhere else. It could be a great hike, a fun restaurant, an interesting museum, a play, some great real estate... you name it. I've traveled enough to realize that there are treasures everywhere, you just have to look for them. I'm convinced that Utah has got a few of its own. I'm looking for blog authors who will be willing to submit entries as frequently or infrequently as they'd like. Basically becoming an author just gives you permission to post an entry to the blog. I think it will be a lot of fun! Leave me a comment if you're interested. (By the way, I just realized we could call it CTU and feel like we're on '24' - bonus!)

-Fionn Regan-

Closer To You

Calling all blog readers within reasonable distance of an H&M! There is an adorable dress that I saw in InStyle that's available at H&M. Unfortunately, H&M doesn't have online shopping and Utah locations are non-existent. Help enhance my wardrobe and I'll pay you back and love you forever!-Brandi Carlile-

The First Time

My week was full of things I've never done before. This week I:

- Turned down a lucrative job offer
- Decided to stay in Utah
- Designed packaging for a product that will be released nationwide
- Increased my salary by nearly 40%
- Bought a new car
- Got a loan
-U2-

Let There Be Morning

My horoscope today reads:

Some times you just know you're in the right place at the right time. The stars send you a confirmation of that belief right now. When you're in the moment, you're able to make the right choices for the future.

I'm waiting on the stars...

-The Perishers-