ghost busters, yo.

Man-oh-man-oh-man. Much has happened since we last spoke, person reading this blog. First and foremost, I have finally declared a big and impressive major. Thus far, it is set as English, but that sure as hell ain’t to say that it might not change. Also, whenever I write these posts, I feel the most important thing towards gaining my effectiveness, if you will, is writing the way that I would tell you something in person. Therefore, if I start a sentence with “and,” or if I fail to properly use quotations, italics, etc. around things that need to be quoted or italicized, etc. and when I overuse hyphens - well, please don’t let that make me lose any of my credibility as a budding English major. Really. I do know the rules. This blog is like my English rebel yell. Word.

Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way, I have to quickly settle into what this post is all about:

Here at the blog, you know I like to tell you all about my dreams and aspirations. As a quick, written montage of some of those dreams, let me provide a list:

1. There was the dream I had about my car, Nelson, when he told me about his dreams of wanting to become an honorary member of the TMNT. Best dream ever.

2. There was my aspiration/dream to be a cast member on Glee where I would sing “Tomorrow,” of LOA fame. I’m sorry what? What’s “LOA?” Little Orphan Annie, bitches. That’s what.

Alright. So, now we have established that I do, in fact, tell you about my dreams/aspirations. I hope you care to know. And I really care to know about yours. Let’s meet up later and talk about them.

Anyhow, it’s now time for a big number three dream/aspiration:

Clearly, good music is a big component of the blog. In fact, it’s probably the most important component. I take great pride in the tunes that I select to pass onto you, my faithful and groovy reader. And it’s always been a dream of mine to be there when good music is getting its up-and-go.

[SIDENOTE: I’m not sure if the same is true for you, but apparently the Youtube videos are occasionally showing up as nothing more than white squares. Clearly, that sucks. Clearly, I’m working on it]

Alright, back to it:

For instance, when I first started jammin’ to John C. Mayer, I used to sit around and think how awesome it would have been to have been there when he was just playing at Borders and what-not. Basically, how cool it would be to say that “I knew him when.”

Good people, I feel that dream has come true. Let me explain:

If you’re a good reader of the blog and someone who follows the guidelines that I set in place for this epic blog, then you’ve listened to the songs that I put up. And if you’re an even better reader of the blog, then you’ve even ventured to go so far as to click the links. Now, those are links to [mainly] Myspace pages. And even though I don’t have a Myspace, I have always respected the musical prowess that this Web 2.0 site houses. Really.

What I’m getting at is that first link. It’s the one that reads “there’s ghosts in them woods.” Now, at first, the main reason for this post was my realization that I have never really talked about the ghosts in the blog. I know! It’s crazy. I mean, I’ve talked about all sorts of great music, but I’ve never told you all about ghosts in the woods. Well, the time is now.

First, let’s set into place that ghosts in the woods, or as I like to call them “g’s in the w’s,” are c.carden and s.jenkins. These two also have a righteously cool dog named wall-e. That alone should be reason enough for you to go check them out, but just in case you need more…

Good people, this is some good music. And, once again, I feel I have certainly established a reputation of someone who genuinely recognizes epic tunage. So, you can trust me. Feel free to go now and open that link somewhere so you can be groovin along whilst reading the rest of this post. It would be very appropriate.

Anyway, getting back to the dream and the point of this post:

After a series of fortunate events [like how I did that, L. Snicket fans?] I really feel safe in saying that I knew them when. Or now. Hm. Well, anyway, the sad news is that ghosts in the woods have since moved from good Kingsport to Nash Vegas. And I’m not going to say anything else about it because I’m a firm believer in the power of a jinx. Plus, the whole thing really gets me down. So, we’re not going to go there. But just know that I’m jealous of Nashville.

And, honestly, their move couldn’t have occurred at a worse time. Things were already heading south, as a direct result of another one of those damn twilight movies hitting the box office like a ton of bricks. The end of June/beginning of July 2010 was tough. Really. And now, here at the winding down of July, I have to ask one question to the good people over at that Em-Tee-Vee: “What in the hell am I gonna do without The [damn] Hills? Seriously.” Also, I am now going to confess my love for some Justin Bieber tunes. Gees. Things are really getting low here in k-town. But at least I have Fun Fest. And it is in Fun Fest that I see the light.

At any rate, good reader, I feel like I could go on and on telling you about how great them ghosts in the woods are, but on some level, that sort of talk seems to cheapen the whole thing. I mean, it’s not every day that I can’t seem to come up with a word that’s important enough to describe something. Ergo, I’m not gonna try. But they really are something pretty special. And I feel good about sharing that information with you.

And, so, I’ve been thinking about what ghosts in the woods fans would call themselves. You know, like how Adam Lambert fans are “Glamberts.” Or, how Jimmy Buffet fans are “Parrot Heads,” not to be confused with “Dead Heads.” Well, anyway, here’s what I’ve got so far:

1. Ghosties … no, that’s too obvious
2. Forest Rangers … i.e. “woods” ??
3. White Sheets … not very effective if I don’t somehow incorporate two holes for eyes
4. Ghost Busters … I feel that has definite potential

Also, I need to tell you something else in this post. I am really impressed with myself. Once again, good readers of the blog know about past posts and hold them dear to their hearts. In a post about hm, I believe it was Avatar, I gave you a wonderful poem by W.S. Merwin. Guess what homies? He’s just been announced as the 17th American Poet Laureate. Holy smokes. CALLED IT!

Furthermore, I have, in past posts, given you lists about songs/bands/new albums that I have been groovin to. On NPR’s awesome website, they listed the top albums of 2010, so far. Actually, fans voted. Anyway, much of the albums listed have, at one time or another, lent their auditory bliss to the blog. Again. CALLED IT.

So, with that information locked into your lovely brain, go ahead and re-heed my advice about bumpin a little ghosts in the woods. Cause let’s face it. I know my shit.

ONE MORE THING:
The blog would like to send out a big ole bitchin b-day wish to a good reader of the blog, m.fox. Okay, here goes: Happy Birthday to your friend and mine, Madelyn: Alias Madge. I hope your day is both rockin’ and rollin’.

Yours,
katie beth

PS:
http://www.myspace.com/ghostsinthewoods
^ here’s that link again, so click it and get familiar. By the way, I know if you click it or not. I have a blog radar/computer x-ray vision gun. And I really do want you to click it right the hell now. I feel like it’s my duty in life to head up the Kingsport chapter of ghosts in the woods’ fan club. No, really. It’s completely legit. Also, I will now be incorporating what will be known as the blog’s “Final Word.” Or, you know, sentence.

FINAL WORD: I ♥ g’s in the w’s. And you should, too.

biding time.

Readers: how the hell are you? I hope your answer to that question is something of a positive. I really hope you're not having a bad day, but if you are, I sure do hope that the blog will brighten it, if only for a moment. Also, know that I am writing this post merely as a way to distract myself from what’s certain to follow. Coming up, you better get beyond pumped because I have the most incredible post saved on this here laptop about Saint Patty’s Day. It really is going to change your life. And it will be a change for the greener, the Irish, and the better. I feel safe in saying that you’re going to love it.

But I can’t put it on here yet. I really thought about doing it because The Office was already celebrating over on NBC last night. Did you see it? Andy had on a kilt. It was great. Scottish, but great. but I just can’t post it yet. It’s best if I can hold out until March 17th. Gees, that feels like it’s going to be light-years away, but I hope we can both hold on. I mean really. It’s that good.

So, what can we talk about to keep our minds off of what promises to be the most amazing post yet?

*know that I sat here for a while and couldn’t come up with anything good*

Here’s what we’re gonna do: I’m going to give a quick update on the past posts. I can see how you may want to immediately leave the blog. I mean, that doesn’t sound like it’s going to be super-interesting, but I don’t have that option. I have to keep on typing because it’s necessary and because I can’t stop thinking about that post that’s going to be all about the Irish.

So, let’s start back at the beginning. Have you read all of the posts, thus far? I hope you’re nodding your head in a “yes” motion. That first post about Valentine’s Day “Valentine: Revisited” was, really, a stupid title. You can’t revisit something that you’ve never visited. So, that was a negative. Sorry about that.

Anyhow, Valentine’s Day 2010 ended up being really awesome. My dad had to go to Atlanta (that wasn’t awesome) and it was the first time that he hadn’t spent that holiday with my mom in something ridiculous, like, since he was sixteen. So, I decided that the rest of the family was going out and my dad thought that was a good idea.

I called up my grandparents, whom I call “the kids,” and we all, in fact, went out. Even my brother, who wouldn’t have had any trouble getting a girl to go out with him on that holiday. He usually has a legion of admirers, but if you’re one of those girls and you come after my brother with googly-eyes. Well, remember that post with the Power Rangers picture on it? I really will do what I said because he is one of my people, just like you (the person currently reading)

Anyway, it takes a lot for me to approve one of those lasses (sorry, I‘m still in Irish-mode), cause we’re tight. And if I’m going to give up my time hangin’ with my broski to some girl, she had better prove to be nothing short of what my expectations are.

Also, if you’re a guy, I’ll share with you the advice that I often give my brother: never trust a girl who has a tan year-round. (upon reading that back, it sounds slightly racist. That’s not how I meant it. I’m just talking tanning beds, here. Those make for sketchy people)

At any rate, we went out and it was fun. Except for this one guy who was sitting at a table and he had a date. Anyhow, she left before that sweet tea ever even hit the table. Yeah. She totally ditched him. It was so uncalled for. If you’re that girl, and you’re reading this, I have one message for you: well, I can’t put it in here, because it isn’t nice. I don’t want you to think that I’m a mean person.

Moving on. Okay, let’s make this short-and-sweet. The following is a follow-up on past posts. Of course, they’re in order:

*Yes, times is still hard. Although, I think the blog really must be catching on because I’ve noticed a slight 23% increase in the niceness of the common stranger.

*It’s not cold anymore, but I still want to meet up and build that campfire. I know where we can get some gravel. Also, my Les Miserables sweatshirt has been found. Tony the klepto-ghost is still on-the-loose. Send help and bring marshmallows.

*I still don’t like Taylor Swift at all. However, that picture of Kermit just keeps getting better and better. And I’m waiting for one of you to cover that song with my new lyrics. I have a feeling we’ll be famous together.

*I’m not going to Bonnaroo, but man, that line-up is still super-impressive. I’m thinking about putting up the tent or popping up the camper in the backyard and bumpin’ some of the tunes that those attending the actual festival will get to hear. Let me know if you want to make a reservation. It will be completely free if you bring an instrument and/or sleeping bag. And rightfully so.

*My i-pod shuffle was never found. My dad was nice enough to lend me his. It basically has the same stuff on it. I thought the other day about buying a Nano. I decided that I don’t need it. Instead, I bought a TMNT t-shirt. I think that was the smarter purchase.

*I don’t have the strength to talk about those poems.

*That “Johnson City Honda, Johnson City” commercial is still annoying and “that’s what she said” has never sounded better.

*I read the first ten pages of “Common Sense” by Glenn Beck. Then, I threw up. No, really, it wasn’t that bad, but I got a little freaked out. My dad wants to read it. He also records Glenn Beck’s show everyday at five. On Fox News. Again, send help, but this time, bring sanity.

*Again: those poems were a product of a moment of a bizarre place. But I kind of liked being there. I hope you did, too. I’m not going to disclose any more information on those things.

*WHOA. I have thought of so many songs that should have been on that Top 50 List, but I knew that was going to happen. Also, John Clayton Mayer and I are still pretty tight. Even if he does act like a jerk on the news-circuit because I’m a loyal fan. Really. I’m super-loyal.

*Avatar still blows my mind. I still haven’t gotten over it. At all. I love talking about it. I hope you do, too. Also, Hurt Locker WAS NOT better. I know at least one person who thinks that it was, but he was just talkin’ crazy. I mean, he couldn’t have really meant it. Actually, I think he did, but I’m not going to hold it against him. And if you agree with that crazy logic, well I won’t hold it against it you either. But just know that I’m going to have my own awards show and Avatar is literally going to win EVERYTHING. Because that’s how it should be.

*Really, I will be there the second you need me. Cause we’re tight like that.

*Nelson is still doing well. I really did buy a TMNT t-shirt. Nelson’s never been more proud of me. Also, no update on J. Murray's car, Barack Obama, but Nelson and I sent him a fruit-basket, for just-in-cases.

Well, that catches you up on things. Hope all is well. Let’s make plans to meet back here on March 17th for that awesome post that is currently ready and waitin'. I've said it before, and I'll say it all night: you’re going to love it. Feel free to wear green between now and then. I know I will.

Seriously, as an update on things in my life that are really-really important, at least in the traditional sense, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but man, that day is quickly approaching. And know that I am somewhere having a panic attack. Also, as far as Kingsport, TN goes, what in the hell are they doing to those roads? I mean really. It's kind of a cry for help out there. "Grooved Pavement?" hell's bells, more like: "Good Luck Making It Out Alive."

Yours,
katie beth











...let's touch gloves again. you know, for old time's sake.

the secret wish of a saab.

Man, this blog is on a roll*sidenote: alright, sometimes I read back over these while I listen to some of those videos that I have posted and I saw where I had said "man, this blog is on a 'role.' " isn't that just the saddest? Homophones and I have a love/hate relationship. Actually, it's mostly hate. I hope there aren't any more major grammatical errors. I don't want to lose my credibility, but if there are and you notice, just try and overlook them.

Anyhow, we’re wearin’ it out and tearin’ it up. It’s bloggy-goodness. And it’s all for your entertainment. But, this one isn’t for entertainment, per se. This is a serious topic: the other day, there was a bit of a scare. Upon leaving the appropriately named Food City Gas N’ Go, my car had a serious leak. And I had just put forty dollars in it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: times is hard.

It may be asking too much, but it seems like they could have offered some sort of refund. Don't you agree? Or that lady behind the counter could have at least offered a solo cup so I could try and catch some of it. Cause I would have. Gas for your auto-mo-bile is worth more than its weight in gold, whatever that means.

Anyhow, it’s important that I go ahead and tell you that my car is a green Saab. I come from a long-line of Saab lovers. It’s in my genetic code to appreciate Saabs for all that they are and trust me, I do. My Saab’s name is Nelson Mandela. I decided that the car really looked like a “Nelson,” and so, naturally, the line of succession towards coming up with a last name led me right-straight to “Mandela.”

And what better way to honor the guy? I feel like if Nelson really were a person, he would be a lot like Nelson Mandela and someday Morgan Freeman would play him in a movie. Anyway, when you lose something, even if it is only for a day, you really do start to realize how much you love it.

And so, there I was, sitting around and I could see Nelson out of practically every window in my house. And he looked so helpless. And that damn gas just kept on leaking. And I started thinking about that one Saturday a few weekends ago when it was really nice and warm here in east-tennessee…

I decided that I would go out in the front yard and wash the car. It was pretty fun and we really got to know each other on an even deeper level because once I was done, I opened up the door of the passenger’s side, got in, laid back the seat, and took a nap. Cause, really, what’s the point of having your own car if you can’t go out in your driveway and take a nap in it?

Anyhow, I was out there for a while and I had a dream:

*FIRST: it is requested that you click that video somewhere on here of the song "The Sound of Silence," to get the full effect of what is about to follow. You'll probably have to scroll down for it. And know that this song should have been on that Top 50 List. Was it on there? I don't think it was and I don't think I have the strength to go back and look. Reading some of these things will make you go cross-eyed. Sorry about that.

Anyway, has it loaded yet? I'm stretching for time because you need to wait until it starts playing. Trust me. It's worth it. It really gives the effect of bringing you into the importance of this story.

So, I'll go somewhere else while we're waiting for you to get through those people cheering. I also posted a new video at the top of the list of really good songs. It's the one called "Lenny/Man on the Side" and it really is the greatest thing by John Clayton Mayer. I know I said it was "Hummingbird," but this song is where we really fell in love. And I can tell you the background story behind that guitar he's playing. I sure do hope that you would want to hear it. Anyway, when you're done reading this post, feel free to stick around and listen to that song, but not yet. We have to finish this first:

Okay, now you can keep on reading about the dream I had in the driveway:

Nelson was real. And he was, in fact, talking to me. Do you know what he said? He told me that if he could do it all over again, he would want to come back as one thing and that one thing would be very green, just like him.

He said he wanted to come back as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Yes, that’s exactly what he said. And my dreams are often accompanied by mood music: in this dream, it was "The Sound of Silence" by Paul & Art. I can call them that because we're on a first-name-basis. And it was so apropos. And we just sat there, looking at each other. I felt like I was witnessing the most incredible monologue of my life. Macbeth: you and your tale of tragedy only pales in comparison.

Then, I woke up.

So, naturally, when Nelson wasn’t feeling too well the other day, that’s all I could think about. Nelson and his wish of becoming a lean-green-fighting-machine (should there have been a "mean" in that? I can't remember)and I thought about that song. And that song really set the tone and the tone was heavy...

But don't worry because it's okay now. Thankfully, my dad fixed the car. And you should know that Nelson is well, he is here with me. His problems have indeed been fixed. And now I feel like he really looks like himself again. And really, he looks a lot like what he wanted to in my dream. I guess that means that his wish is kind of coming true. Maybe I'll buy him a bandanna.

Yes, my mind is a bizarre place to be, but it’s in the best-sort-of-way. That's what I think, anyhow.

I hope that, if you have a car, you really take the time to get to know it. Does that sound slightly crazy? Well, I don't care. I feel like you now know enough about me to understand where I'm coming from because they can really change your life and they’re better for more than just getting you from point A to point B. And if you don’t have one yet, I hope you'll really consider putting a Saab in your life. There’s not too many that could even compare.

PLUS, they make for awesome dreams.

So, here’s to Nelson. Let’s consider this his welcome back party. He really likes cool man Miles, just like me. That’s why we’re so tight. So, once that one by S+G is over, or when ever you grow tired of it, be it the song or those weird faces that Art has been making this whole time, feel free to go ahead and bump that last video over there by Miles Davis, in honor of Nelson. And turn-it-up-real-loud.

And like I said before, my mind is, in fact, a truly bizarre place to come and visit, but I sure do hope that you like hearing what it has to say.

In conclusion, I imagine that I'll fall asleep tonight and I'll dream again. And Nelson will tell me how much he appreciates his story and his wish being told.

Also, if your name is J. Murray and you're reading this, I hope your car, whose name is Barack Obama, doesn't have cancer. I don't think they've developed chemo therapy for automobiles yet. But, hey. With the way things are going over at Apple, anything is possible. i-pad? seriously. who needs that?

Yours,
katie beth
…& nelson (honorary member of the TMNT)