Brick Beauties!

Yesterday I took the "Downtown Living Tour." 

It was....how do you say?.....AWESOME!

My wallet hurt, but my heart was inspired.  Since Tye and I toss around the idea of rehabbing, I thought I'd find inspiration in the hottest places downtown.  So I grabbed my camera, my tour map and followed the trail of brick beauties.  

My favorite finds of the day were the glass garage door walls,  and the "Tribeca" hardwood floors.  

Take a look at the tour brochure or check out my personal photos.  ENJOY!

Inspiring Moments

Though my week was fairly stressful, I had a few wonderfully inspiring moments.  For example, we are using "a cup of coffee" to discuss "community" this week at Crossroads. So, my boss sent me to borrow a VERY fancy espresso machine from Larry Bourgeois. (pronounced: boo-jwa)

I had heard of this man.  My ol' friend Seth was inspired their many late nnight theological, social conversations over exquisitely made lattes at Old Saint George.  So this mission took us to Larry's new place in Norwood--"The Mills".   Larry's passions are theology, social-networking, developing community, study, conversation & COFFEE.  His new place is a bookstore, study center, coffee house, espresso machine gallery, dining room, meeting center & community-builder for Jesus.  Not bad Larry...not bad.

Not only were his lattes inspiring, but just hearing his heart for conversation & community was astounding.  I know he's the "genius" type--because I'm having a hard time summarizing his smartness.  Here are a few pictures of his books, espresso machine collection & latte art.  When it's done--it will be the COOLEST place to hang out in Norwood.

     

Earlier in the week--during the power outage--Tye and I sat around a campfire with some new and newer friends. Little did these folks know that their conversations were feeding some of my own developing ideas.  In my attempts to understand home buying, green building, community, social-networking, design & music--I've been learning more than my brain can handle.  It's kinda like those 3-D puzzles.... I'm trying to create/figure out something that has MANY dimensions, colors, heights & depths.  Without the box...I'm just trying to piece it all together.  I'm sure it will make a beautiful Irish castle or something someday-- but right now I'm feeling a little (ok--a lot) overwhelmed by the pile of pieces.  I guess I'm just anxious to see what it all turns into.  I'm in the right place to learn though--jeez! I'm constantly surrounded by "idea people" as I like to call them.  I just need to figure out how to fit them into my schedule & their knowledge into my brain.

So today, I sat out on the sidewalk sipping on a 'Speckled Bird' soy latte.  Headphones on, magazines open & web at my fingertips---enjoying all the senses.  It's good for me to spend time in creative solitude to bring ease to my mind & a little organization to my ideas. I need to find more pockets of time like this.  And I also need to pay attention to when the Speckled Bird closes, because now I'm locked out on the sidewalk with an empty mug & a full bladder.  Yikes!

We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto...

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged.  Get over it---I'm jumping RIGHT into the present.  So yesterday, we had CRAZY windstorms all day.  We had hurricane winds without the hurricane, tornado damage without the tornado, fires without the lightening--CRAZY! 

MOST of Cincinnati is without power, several people were killed, cars and homes are damaged everywhere, almost everything is shut down. Very few places are open to sell food, gas or supplies.  I even read on the news that some fights broke out over gas & groceries. 

Somehow, we never lost power for longer than a minute last night, so we stayed up cooking, crafting & watching football.  Well--football is boring, so I was watching trees fly down the street. They say that the power may not be fully restored for several days. I am thankful that no trees fell on our house & we can take hot showers. Actually--because of that--many OTHER people might be taking showers at our house today.  We might be feedin the neighborhood tonight!

I guess the wind storm was hurricane remnants paired with cold fronts & a side of the wrath of God.  It's strange....the forecast for the rest of the week is 75 and sunny.  Go figure.  Here's a few pics from the storm.  

                        

So today, while most people are picking their roofs up off the street, we'll be cleaning in preparation for possible house guests.  

The Home Stretch

Well...its Tye's last few days out west & he has sent some GREAT shots! Seabird has been rockin the west.

Speaking of ROCKIN'!!!......some friends and I traveled to Indy last Sunday to see (my absolute favorite band) RADIOHEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Can you sense my enthusiasm? If you can't...this is what it looks like:

                             

Steven, Craig, Cindy, random dude Ed & I spent the day in Indy. Well---not random dude Ed.... Ed spent the afternoon traveling from Chicago. Why did it take all day, you ask?  Because his car broke down on the side of I-465. We couldn't go get him because we were already at the concert venue & re-entry was STRICTLY prohibited. Thankfully another random person picked him up, got his car towed & dropped him off at the concert. As for the rest of us, we hit up a little vintage store, drove around a big fountain several (hundred) times--almost hitting a horse & carriage--because the carriage driver was TEXTING! Do NOT horse & text at the same time, people! 

Then we proceeded to the concert. We found a sweet spacious spot in the lawn & kicked back until Radiohead came out to BLOW OUR MINDS! I spent most of the concert swaying & thanking God for music. The people around us spent most of the concert smoking pot.

On the way home we recorded a podcast for Craig's band-- The Vinyltones.  It was a FANTASTIC evening. I miss Tye, but have enjoyed the "single life" over the past few weeks.  I got to take up the whole bed, stay out late, spend time on my music, go to a concert, cook & clean less & have some quiet time. But...this week will be extra fun, because in counting down the days until Tye is home....IT'S SINGLE DIGITS, BABY!

What do I need to get done before Tye gets back?

(1) work out at least once 

(2) finish "detailing" the car (more on that later)

(3) clean up my messes

(4) try the hookah (check!)

(5) eat my stash of dark chocolate

(6) sleep diagonally & all sprawled out just a few more times

I'd better get to it!

Big Dreams...

In reading a letter that Tye composed to raise support for our upcoming mission trip to South Africa, I realized that this has been a year of dreams. I'm a full time singer/songwriter, Tye is learning how to be a recording engineer, he's been traveling the country playing drums, we're putting out an album this year, we "missioned" to Mexico--soon to South Africa, and our whole family is growing in great ways through marriage & children.  We are TRULY blessed. That isn't to say there hasn't been some bumps in the road. We've endured much in our marriage this year as well. Tye was hospitalized and sick for most of February & March, we've been climbing out of old debt, this month is the longest Tye & I have ever been apart, and the community of Crossroads has had a HUGE impact on our spiritual growth. 

All good challenges. 

In November we will be traveling to South Africa--following one of my big dreams. When I was 17, I had the seemingly random thought that I had a purpose in Africa. That feeling continued throughout college, but any attempts I made to go fell through. When we moved to Michigan, I just let it go and left it up to God. I figured, if that ongoing thought & feeling truly was from God, then He'd pave the way.  When I started working at Crossroads, I learned of their partnership with "Charity & Faith"--a church community in South Africa.  As soon as I heard about it, I thought... "There it is".

So...we're following that "nudge" all the way to South Africa. We need to raise support for our trip, though. If you'd like to receive our support letter...shoot me an email at andreasummer.va@gmail.com

If you'd like to hear more about the trip, go to www.crossroads.net/gomamelodi.

Here's to a future of Big Dreams!

Tour Adventures: Part Two

Well--the Seabird tour's "home stretch" has taken a few strange twists. Ryan (the guitarist) injured himself on some big Arizona rocks.  With a busted ankle & face, he's not so comfortable on the road--even in their luxurious new tour bus. SPEAKING of the new bus...it started over heating en route to Hollywood. So it went "under the knife" in AZ.  They decided to take their broken bodies & bus home early---canceling the final four shows.  As soon as they started their journey home, the bus started getting hot & heavy again. So...it was BACK the the mechanic.  Now they're killin time at a mechanic's house, drinkin beers & takin showers. (not at the same time--thats just dangerous, but not as dangerous as Arizona rocks)

Hopefully the bus & Ryan's face will heal quickly and they can head home.  

Moral of the story: always wear a helmet.

In the meantime... check out Seabird's FIRST music video--"Rescue."  It's fun crazy animation goodness.

Also...check out the video that someone ELSE made for Seabird's "Rescue".......yikes.

Tour Adventures

Just to keep you updated, Seabird's tour bus died somewhere in Washington State...R.I.P. 

They had to buy a new bus--but it's quite the "step up" from a retired school bus. It's the real deal--like a house on wheels. Check her out.... 

That's right ladies and gents, this baby is packed with living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, 3 big beds, 2 tvs, hardwood floors, SOLAR PANEL energy & MORE.

Also, a glimpse into Seabird's cd release show--that Tye played at in June--is posted here. (Tye's the cute one behind the drums.)  Aaron, Seabird's front man, left a little video blog entry on their myspace a few days back. See Aaron in his short shorts here. Even though I won't see Tye for another 12 days...he say's they're in the "home stretch."  Take a look at where they'll be stopping on their way back to the midwest....

Aug 1- Hollywood, CA

Aug 3- Scottsdale, AZ

Aug 6- Stillwater, OK

Aug 7- Tulsa, OK

Aug 8- Dallas, TX

Aug 10- Houston, TX

(and somewhere between Aug. 11th and the 15th)- CINCINNATI!!!!

One word, two syllables....

Papa

Pictures From Afar

Tye is currently on a 3 week long tour--playing drums for Seabird. They started their journey out west the morning after we returned home from vacation & will be gone until mid August. Don't worry--he's documenting the journey very well with our video camera.  I miss him very much, but it's great to know that he is HAVING A BLAST!  From time to time he sends me pictures & texts messages. Yesterday he sent me flowers (via cell phone)...

...how sweet. 

Yesterday they spent the NIGHT ON THE TOWN--Seattle town that is--watching the fish fly at the Market, hitting up the original Starbucks, the Space Needle. You know....the usual.  Maybe God will drop down a free plane ticket so I can go out and meet them... but if not, I'll continue exploring my freedom.

I'm sure Tye will have LOTS to share with everyone when he returns.  Until then--keep them in your thoughts & prayers.

Sincerely,

Miss Independent :)

Sad Day

Today is the day of Katie Reider's memorial service. Beautiful girl, fantastic singer/songwriter & sad end.  It's days like this that I really don't feel like being here (on this planet), and wish we could just all go home at the same time. Like a big roadtrip to Jesus--haha--instead of leaving one by one and it being sucky & sad.  Please ask God to give joy & peace to the Reider family.

This is the verse of the Memorial-- "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  

Joshua 1:9

This is the Bible Gateway verse of the day-- "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

both appropriate. 

You can read her story & hear her music at www.500kin365.org

The Reider Home Makeover Challenge

To welcome Robbie & Dana Reider to their new home, a whole Crew from Crossroads jumped in to landscape, clean, unpack, move furniture & more.  We also surprised them by completely TRANSFORMING the 3rd floor of their home.  Previously used as storage, it was full of the old resident's junk, dust & miscellaneous furniture. So, we gave it a MAKEOVER, turning it into two cool & comfortable rooms for guests to stay.  From shabby to chic in just hours! The day was a total success & a TOTAL BLAST!  I think the Reider's were pleased. See the transformation yourself.

Now I'm thinking of starting my own design show...all I need is Ikea, Peggy's church credit card and about 30 Crossroads volunteers every time-- it's bound to be the next HGTV hit!  

      

Fun Finds

If there's one thing that makes a girl's day its a "good find."  Even better---a good DEAL!  Here are a few fun & stylish things that I've collected over the past few days. So vintage. So chic!

A cute pair of vintage (looking) heels from "Goody's"...

A beautiful blue glass pitcher & thrift store gem...

A stylin' birthday present from my sister from Etsy.com... 

Family Vacay!

Our family vacations worked out perfectly! A few days after celebrating Papa's bday on the 4th of July, Tye & I flew off to spend a few days in the Outer Banks with folks in my fam. So many families were represented there, we claimed it as the "VonRosaleachhoupmanstrong" vacation. Wow.  There were so many of us, our rented 15 passenger van felt like a clown car.  It was great time filled with sun, surf, fish, games, cooking, eating, nephew-loving, swimming, sunset chasing & fun! Click here check out the many photos. We want to thank "Frank" (& his sweet mullet) for teaching us how to fillet a fish, mesmerize a crab & cook our ocean catch. We caught it all on tape. (click on the links for photos & videos)

     

After Outer Banks fun, it was off to Tennessee.  After two cancelled flights, a rental car, a chemical spill shutting down the interstate, a hotel stay & a journey through the mountains-- WE MADE IT there.  

At Fairfield Glade, TN--we relaxed with the whole VonAllmen crew.  We golfed, fished, played games, pulled pranks, ate & swam. Those VonAllmens are a crazy crew--putting clark bars in each other's toilets, scheduling 5am wake-up calls for each other & having water gun wars. Crazy. We didn't take a whole lot of pictures in TN because we were too busy avoiding pranks. But I did have a short photo shoot with Johnny Blaze in the park. Enjoy the Pics!

Moral of this blog: We LOVE our families! 

New Do

In honor of beauty and in regards to hotness---I got a new do. I HIGHLY recommend Sam Hills of Salon Cherry Bomb in Pleasant Ridge. Schedule your own "before & after"-- 513-502-5293

             before......

                   

     

               after.....                   

 

       

The Studio

Today I got to do a little "stunt" singing at The Monastery Studio.  What is "stunt singing" exactly? Well, Ric Hordinski of Monk & The Monastery Studio is working with a young singer- songwriter.  Apparently she is a GREAT imitator--she can bust out a Taylor Swift of Brandi Carlisle song with confidence.  But when it comes to her own songs--she has a hard time finding her style & really letting loose. SO--i studied her voice/songs & sang them how i thought they should be sung. My vocal tracks will give her something to imitate--helping her find a style and bust out of her melody ruts.  It was really fun & I even through out the idea of doing some further "artist development" with the young artist.   It would be cool to help a young artist "find her voice".

On a similar note, I'm going to teach a workshop at a conference this fall. My workshops will focus on "how to sing backing vocals" & "expressive/emotive singing".  

All these things are encouraging reminders that my childhood dreams have in fact come true-- I'm a professional singer. 

Rock....On.

The City

With family in town & weddings to attend, 

we enjoyed some scenic time downtown.

   

    
    

  

Mexico Mission

Tye and I joined a crew of High School & College kids from Columbus, Indiana for a mission trip to Mexico.  Led by some old friends from college, we traveled in planes, trains & automobiles across the Mexican Border. In Piedras Negras, we stayed & worked on the "Vida Nueva Mission" (www.vnmi.org). There they have an orphanage, a preschool, a clinic, a community kitchen, a dorm & more.  Our days were spent framing a small school, demoing lots of concrete, cleaning, organizing & painting.  At lunch time we'd cook & serve lunch to almost a hundred hungry neighborhood kids. In the evening we'd walk up to the neighborhood park to play pick-up basketball games with teens & swing with the kids. On our last day, we drove up to San Antonio to see the Alamo, the Riverwalk Mall & got a good night's rest in a hotel before flying home. We worked really hard in the blazin' heat & got a ton of work done on the Mission. Other highlights: we went taranchula hunting, led worship, swam in their homemade "pool" & had a blast with the group.  Speedbumps: one of our guys got bit in the face by a spider & his eye swelled shut--not a taranchula. Another student smashed his finger between a concrete wall & a sledge hammer. Twenty bucks got him an x-ray, a day in a hospital bed, pain meds & 5 stitches.  Let's hear it for the Mexico health care system! But overall--it was a great trip. For more fun details...check out our pictures, Tye's $4 Mexico Makeover & Taranchula Hunting Footage!