Ithaca Mafia.

I’ve been using Spotify for the past week, ever since I returned from my desert wanderings in Tucson.  I can’t quite put my finger on the reason that makes it so magic to me, but the proof is in the fact that I’ve listened to more music in the past seven days than I have in quite some time.

Perhaps it’s the feeling it gives of being alone in Tower Records and having access to each and every album inside.  Perhaps it’s just a shiny new toy that I’ll tire of after a few more weeks of fiddling.  But, yesterday, Matty sent me a mix he had thrown together on it — and I immediately sat down and whipped up a quick one of my own.

But there’s something special in the way it tickles me — and it’s not unlike the very simple ways other magical aspects of the internet do so from time to time.  Take the picture up above of Frank Turner (UK folk/punk man that Jeff turned me onto last year) for example: all I had to do was type “Frank Turner Live”, and lo, here was this sweet-ass photograph of him from the stage of the Chameleon — the local club in Lancaster where I saw untold numbers of shows in my youth.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to get a Spotify invite, here’s a link to my mix.  And if you don’t have one yet — do yourself a favor and sign up for one.

LISTEN: Now Now.

Seven years ago this evening, I was celebrating my (now Wife/then Co-Worker’s) birthday with a large group of people.  She was wearing a sombrero.  Seven years!  It doesn’t feel that long ago, truly — but, as I look around the room and see her sleeping — see our daughter sleeping — it makes me realize that just how much living we’ve been able to enjoy over those precious seven years.  

And so, with a very happy birthday to my Lady, I look forward to many many more.

…May I introduce: the future Mr. and Mrs. Happy!

That’s right, ladies — the sexy beast you see here (in something Meg calls the “Classic Engagement Lean”) is off the market.

The Wife and I are beyond thrilled for our two Honeyyyyyyyyyyyyyys; a sentiment surely shared by any and all who’ve been graced by the joy of their presence.

Tonight, we celebrate your love.