Mac Attack!

Meet Mac! My parents brought this adorable little orange kitten home about ten days ago. I've visited nearly every day since. I just cannot stay away - he'll only be this perfectly tiny for a little while. And this especially cuddly. He's all purrs, plus a little piss & vinegar. Such a sweetheart.

While dad came to the decision this guy would be called "Mac," because as he explained, "I started thinking of orange things... cheddar, mac n' cheese, etc." My sister and I had really liked the name Hines, after our beloved former Pittsburgh Steeler, Hines Ward (or even "Heinz" for that matter, after the field where he played). So, in my mind, a collaboration ensued.

That brainstorming and more Steel City pride had me decide this handsome ginger kitty will be formally named: Mac N. Cheese Hines Bradshaw.

 Don't you love his face?!

I hope you've had a great week -- I've been wildly, unimaginably busy for the past 10 days, with a menacing 6 laying ahead of me. No complaints though. Busy feels great. Will try and give you a rundown about it all sometime later this week.

Anything new or exciting been going on with you lately? Can you believe June's around the corner?

Sister

erin ratchford photography

Of two sisters one is always the watcher, one the dancer. 

[Louise Glück]

A House In My Hands

Ok, I'm related to the band. So maybe I'm biased, but they're so good. I've tried many times to explain echosuite's sound to friends - and I think the best I've come up with is, "a kinda mash-up of Coldplay, Radiohead, and 30 Seconds to Mars." If you're into any of those sounds, like anthemic & emotive rock, or have a thing for tall, blonde, classically trained opera singers (my cousin), you should check out the rest of their album.

And, if you happen to be in or around NYC this evening, echosuite's playing a huge show downtown at the Bowery Ballroom.

source

While I'm excited to see the new songs my cousin's written and support his band - I'm doubly excited to see all of our family who's come in from out of town for the show. For some of them, this will be their first show since the inception of the band. So needless to say, it's gonna be a wonderfully fun night!
Now however, is laundry time.

What have you been listening to lately?
Any new bands you think I should be aware of?

Where I Come From: Anniversary Edition

Today my parents have been married for 35 years! Aren't they cute? I just love them, so much.

A huge Happy Anniversary to Jeannie and Mark!

You're the absolute best and I couldn't have asked for a better couple raise me, spoil me, learn from, talk to, drink and laugh with. They're two of my best friends in the world and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Keep up the good work, you two :)

Where I Come From: Mother's Day Edition

Where I Come From: Paternal Edition

I've always been fascinated by my family history. I'm less knowledgeable about dad's side than mom's, simply because they've all lived 8 hours away my whole life  - and guys seem to keep fewer mementos than ladies. Lucky for me, hanging around my parents' today, I found these gems in dad's computer. 

You gotta love authentically vintage photos.

Clockwise from top left:
1. the family before uncle ken was born (dad's in the middle in the front. yes, he was 1 of 7! this picture was the first i ever saw where i noticed the distinct resemblance between he and i) // 2. grandpa john //  3. dad's high school picture // 4. great grandma (grandma's mom, she looks a lot like my grandma did!) // 5. dad in college (at the first bar i ever snuck into) //  6. lithuanian great grandparents (grandpa's parents) //   7. grandma with 5 of my aunts and uncles

I'll be posting my fantastic vintage finds from Jessie's grandparents' old Brooklyn apartment tomorrow.
Keep and eye out for them!