just like old times

 I rolled up to this and it didn't seem weird at all.

 Matt is so excited to have an Oscar's burrito again.

 he gets glam for his nights out

Happy birthday Heather! These ladies are adorable and the best.

the week of old friends

 the lovely Brenda Malvini, who is one of my oldest  graced me with a visit. It is always an irreplaceable treat to catch up with her. 

I scored this sweet tote of her New York based band North Highlands.  Watch this

Mister

stop embarrassing me Sacramento

Shannon with Nic of !!! on the big screen

 I love that Launch happened. There is a large community of talented artists here and we need to find a way to make more happenings for creativity of the area. Shannon was kind enough to give me her extra ticket and I had a great time hanging out with some new (to me) ladies.

screen closeup

 But I did not enjoy Launch as a whole. Like the previous State Fair post, I do not enjoy crowds and heat and spending money. The band I was there to see (!!!) had a pretty early billing and basically got their sound cut off in the middle of a song to get them off the stage before their hour was even up. For a band that has Sacramento roots and has gone on to some pretty great things in other parts of the world, to be disrespected this way was just unforgivable to me. Nic was basically screaming the lyrics still while the band carried on without sound till a David Bowie song was blared on the speakers and a band was ushered quickly onto the nearby stage.

 I did not really care for most of the other acts so after the chk chk chk debacle I was pretty checked out.

DJ Shadow

I don't want to start any controversy, but I do not care for Chromeo. I basically saw that dude as a Prince ripoff who doesn't have as good of songs and does not dance or exude sex appeal. A lot of the times he wasn't even playing his guitar! The other guy in the band obviously is the talent who needed some pretty boy up front.  Anyway, everyone seemed into it so I guess I'm just old. I think I may be at the point where if you aren't Prince or Nic Offer then I don't care.

Also, they made it clear online that "professional" cameras were not allowed so like the Girl scout I am I didn't bring it. There were so many damn cameras in the place. ugh.

turns out that I hate all "fun"

 I though it would be fun to go to the fair, mostly I wanted to see Joan Jett.

 I don't know how I forgot that I hate heat, crowds, spending money, and seeing caged animals- all things that the fair does encompass.

 But there are always weird things to see at least. Like the county exhibits

 wizard cutouts

 kid art is my favorite

 adult art isn't quite as good but there are a few highlights.

 It's hard for me to be at Cal Expo and not get the ice cream of the future just like I did as a young girl at Waterworld. Does that make it the ice cream of the present?

 we look like awkward 70s prom dates.

Basically the whole reason this blog exists is to change my memories to make the days all seem awesome. It's hard for me now not to think this was a fun trip because the pictures are so fun. But I know I was being such a grump. Know what I'm talking about?

finally!!!

 I'm going to confess something to you: I have not been having the best summer ever so far this season.

 Thanks to a sweaty crowd of dancing kids, the energy of Nic Offer, and the tight instrumentation of !!! -I finally am starting to have my best summer ever.

 Thanks guys.

coffee trip delights

will call and the jesus mobile

rainbow rays

 The very fun work of Gioia Fonda up at Bows

 A streamer seen later in the day that reminded me of her.

magic eggs benedict and a show

 I know you know about this, but the eggs benedict that Gabriel Nokes makes for Sunday brunch at Bows and Arrows is the best one you will probably get your hands on. So why have you not had it yet?

 cool show at the Townhouse- E S S