Ponderings, Possibilities, & Putterings by Parry

Slow as molasses in January...

2010-11-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

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I've been hard at work writing new songs & I'm finally laying everything down in the studio. This process of recording has been taking a bit (a lot) longer than I originally expected but it seems to be coming together with more solidity recently. Two really big steps have been accomplished these past couple of weeks. One - they recorded the strings for 2 of the songs. Two - the amazingly talented and wonderful, Doug Yowell laid down the drums. Now the songs are really coming to life! :o)

Doug rockin' some tambourines for 'Sisters'

Next up guitar & bass! Then I get to add my piano & vocals to finish the whole thing up! So exciting!!! I can't wait to share with you all!!!! Wow...is that too many exclamation points for one paragraph? Just goes to show you how stoked I am!!! Woohoo!!!

Until next time, honeybunnies.

much love,
Parry ;o)

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Wonderous, wonder-filled weekends...

2010-06-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

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Lately it seems I've been living for every moment that I'm not 9to5ing it. SO...let's call those moments the wonderous, wonder-filled weekends...(sigh).

Memorial Day weekend was jam packed with action. My mom came to town to visit me. :o) We went to brunch on Saturday and who are we to turn down all-you-can-drink mimosas?

Then, we headed to Penn Station to catch our train to Narragansett, RI where I performed and then sang harmonies with Miss Shannon Corey for her set. Narragansett is a cute little beach town that doubles as a fishing village. The fishing village comes with an unfortunate odoriforousness but the rest of it was delightful enough for me overlook that. Saturday night was musical indeed. I opened up the night at The Wheel House followed by Ross Livermore Band, Chris Merritt Band, & ending the evening was Shannon Corey. All with amazing sets & I remembered all my lyrics! Woot!

Ross Livermore Band

Chris Merritt Band

Shannon Corey

We had some shennanigans on the icy cold, windy beach under the moonlight with Coors Light in hand. (I drank what was available.) Someone (who shall remain nameless) even lost their car keys in the ocean. Every iPhone's flashlight was used to search the beach but we came up with nothing.

Sunday, Mom & I had breakfast on the pier and watched a fisherman at work. Then, packed ourselves into Shannon's car to go to her 'rents house for a bbq. It was beautiful and so was the food! Shannon hadn't slept for 48 hours. She was tuckered out but it was a pretty great day/weekend.

This past weekend was fun-filled and relaxing. Saturday began with a leisurely all-you-can-drink brunch with the girls at La Carbonara. The staff thought we should have shots before we left. Then, we walked around and shopped a bit. I did window-style shopping as all of my spare pennies are being pinched to go to my album fund. BUT, I saw quite a few things I wanted to add to my closet.

Clouds in my coffee

I finished the night with some Chinese food at Wo Hop (17, not 15) with Twinkles. Delicious sesame chicken! And, some mango gelato at Sugar Cafe.

I finished the weekend relaxing on my couch watching movies...a pretty perfect weekend... :o) I'm so looking forward to the next one!

Until next time, honeybunnies...

much love,
Parry ;o)

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Only in New York...

2010-05-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

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Only in New York can I do so many wonderful varying things in such a short span of time! I've been having some adventures that I now intend to share them with you.

If you'll recall my Easter post, I was thwarted by the MoMA when the Tim Burton exhibit was sold out. I finally got to see it the day before it closed. Of course, we weren't allowed to take pictures inside the exhibit but (if you didn't already know) this man's brilliance is blinding. There was one piece in the lobby that everyone was taking pictures of and I hopped on the bandwagon with some self-portraitry. I'm also including a few pics from several reviews of the exhibit.

[Exhibit photos courtesy of nytimes.com, guardian.co.uk, & hypebeast.com]

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to go into the studio with Shannon Corey to record backing vocals for her latest pop sensation. We're performing it in Narragansett, RI for Memorial Day weekend & I'm opening for her!

Last night, I went to see White's Lies off-broadway with my delightful bff, Nicky. The bartender gave us some sippy cups & we trotted off into the theater as 2 happy campers. Those ice teas from Long Island were delicious & I laughed even harder at White's Lies than I did the first time I saw it. Peter Scolari is fantastic!

Until next time, honeybunnies...

much love,

Parry ;o)

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A concert experience...

2010-04-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

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I went to see Justin Nozuka at the Hiro Ballroom in NYC last night. I arrived a bit early to a line around the block to get in. I already had a ticket at will call so I wasn't worried that I might not but this is an 18+ venue...that means that there were A LOT of college kids there. Someone please tell me why 1/2 of them were wearing Elvis Costello style glasses cuz I don't get it.

So, I immediately spiked my drink (because carrying a flask is more financially responsible for me than not) and I was better able to deal with the overwhelming college mentality around me.

This is a really interesting space. I'm in love with Asian decor and this place does it well except that there's a HUGE disco ball in the middle of the ceiling. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE DISCO but this just threw off the whole vibe of the room. There's no way that I wouldn't've noticed it but maybe it only bothered me because there was a delay in the performance by 1/2 an hour, feet & knees were killing me, & my phone was almost dead so I had nothing to do but look around a lot.

I was pleasantly surprised by the opener, Alpha Rev. I saw them getting ready. They were almost all dressed in some form of dress-shirt-tie-suit-combo which only made me think "pretentious" and "ew, really?" because this usually indicates to me that the band is going for a look not so much as going for talent. When they started playing, I was then able to accept their apparell with more grace because they kicked some serious ass. How many bands contain 2 left-handed guitarists?! I noticed that first. Next, I noticed that they reminded me of Coldplay but less melancholy. So, check them out if you get a chance. (link above)

Justin was awesome as ever. I've seen him do live performances on tv and web before (he was on Letterman on 4/20 & you can check out that performance here) but this was my first live & in person performance. I couldn't have been more impressed. As many of you know, I value a quality live performance above most things as far as artists are concerned. I was introduced to Justin's music through my friend, Brooke, who happened upon him while scanning the radio stations in Jersey. Thanks, Brooke! :o) He's got such an amazing, soulful voice (& he's not bad to look at). You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you don't check him out...Justin Nozuka...

much love,
Parry ;o)

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A moment in paradise...

2010-04-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

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I took a much needed weekend vacation to see my mom in Florida...a little slice of paradise. We played some mah jongg. I even won once! The weather wasn't very sunny but it was warm and we made it to the beach. I even got a shade darker...not that anyone would notice but me. ;o) Stromboli and chicken turnovers definitely hit the spot. Lovely breakfasts w/bacon and night caps w/Guinness on the lanai & watching all the nature outside made for a relaxing time. I even fit in a massage before I had to catch my flight back to mayhem.

much love,

Parry ;o)

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Beautiful Easter Day...

2010-04-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

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Well, I was supposed to go see the Tim Burton exhibit at the MoMa yesterday but I was thwarted as it was completely sold out. Grrrrrr...SO, I ended up meandering about and happened through Central Park. I love a good meandering and as I was doing so I was draw to this beautiful tree (I think it's a dogwood). As it was drawing me closer with it's mesmerizing, tranquil energy, I thought to myself, "Self, this is the perfect opportunity for a self-portraitry session!" And, so, I did just that.

Tried first with the Droid...

Then with my real camera...

Until next time, honeybunnies...
Parry ;o)

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Monkeys

2010-03-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

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Hello, lovies.

I just finished the lullaby that I've been working on for my niece & nephews. I miss them terribly and don't get to see them as often as I'd like. So, I wrote a song for them that they can watch/listen to and know that I love them and am with them all the time in spirit. Now, for your viewing pleasure...Monkeys...

Let me know what you think...

much love,
Parry ;o)

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Shamrock Shake...SUCCESS!!!

2010-03-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

I've lived in NYC for 6 years now & before that in Atlanta for 2. I didn't realize how much I missed McDonald's Shamrock Shakes till today. I'm enjoying my first one in what feels like forever! I am one happy Scotch-Irish girl!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Much love,
Parry ;o)
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Espresso...continued...

2010-03-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

As most already know, I've been obsessing over espresso for nearly a decade now. A few posts ago, I told you that I bought my self a shiny new stove top espresso maker. After having some issues with getting it to stay balanced on the burner which led to scalding espresso dripping down my wall & no coffee for my soul, I put it in a pan over the burner and now I don't have to worry about that. I'm finding that I LOVE this very small machine. Normally, I have a triple shot & add some heavy cream & splenda (don't judge...I am a diabetic). But, as the delis around me don't carry heavy cream & I couldn't manage to get to the store yesterday, I made my first at home triple espresso con panna. One word...delicious.

much love,
Parry ;o)
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Sisters

2010-03-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

So, I've been working on this song for awhile now but since I can't seem to get to the store to get the cord for my piano in order for me to record a proper demo I went to video instead. Lemme know what you think. :o)

much love,
Parry ;o)

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Labor of love...espresso

2010-03-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

Just got this baby in the mail. I'm SO excited to try it out when I get home! I need to be awake tonight. Whee!

The Mayer

2010-02-26T12:58:00.000-08:00

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So, Nicky & I went on our now annual tradition to see the amazing musician known as John Mayer at Madison Square Garden last night. The show was, as per usual, MIND BLOWING. The beer was delicious in souvenir cups...one that holds a pretzel in the handle! And, the after-party was filled with delightful friends. :o)

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What happened in 2009? Take a looksee...

2010-02-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

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So...As promised, here's my photo update of what's been happening since Turkey Day '08. :o)

Went to the Superbowl with my mom to cheer our Steelers to victory! I drank quite a bit of stupid expensive beer to get enough souvenir cups to take home for my family.

Then, mom & I headed to Dublin! where we, of course, took lots of pictures & enjoyed the beautiful country.

No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse...

Where I learned how to pull the perfect pint...

And, I couldn't resist karaoke-ing in a different country! Rock 'n' Roll Karaoke!

I made my debut as the Little Mermaid at my friend, Savannah's, 4th birthday party...

Then, I went to Atlanta for Nascar Weekend w/the fam...

Don't worry...I made time to hang out with my favorite Asian man, Michael Magno, singin' at Atkins Park w/The Villains...

I met Savion Glover after seeing his Soul-O show at the Joyce Theater...

Took a roadtrip to Cape May & played some with Bryan around the city...

I met Karrin Allyson (amazing jazz singer) after seeing her show at Birdland...

I made my New York solo acoustic debut at 169 Bar...

Sang w/Bryan for his Z100 interview w/TJ the DJ...

I played a couple other solo acoustic shows around NYC...

And rocked through the new year into 2010...

Until next time, honeybunnies...

much love,

Parry ;o)

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I'm terribly unupdated...

2010-02-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

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Hey, everybody.

I find myself to be awful at keeping up with the blogging though I do endeavor to be better. I keep laughing at the fact that I haven't updated you on anything since Thanksgiving 2008! ARGH! You have my solemn promise to post more often and in a new font. Starting with a collage of pictures to bring you up to speed...next post...

much love,
Parry ;o)

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Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

Ah, I have a love for Thanksgiving! I have spent the past 10 of them with my sister in Atlanta but it's looking like this year is the last ATL Turkey Day. It makes me kinda sad. But, I suppose all things must come to an end at some point. No, there's not been some earth shattering event and we're not speaking to each other come hell or high water...nothing like that. She's just planning to be moved back to Pittsburgh by this time next year. I do love Pittsburgh but I spent 2 years with her in Atlanta so there's some nostalgia there. I, of course, made my great grandmother's butterscotch pie again this year. It's taken me 10 years but I think this year I finally have it right! Last year's was almost perfect so...odds are good.

Looks delicious, right? I'll let you know how it turned out. :o)

I got to hang out with my exceptionally talented singer/songwriter friend, Michael Magno, last night. He was playing at an amazing little bbq place called Swallow at the Hollow in Roswell, GA and he even let me get up and sing a couple tunes with him which confirms him as my favorite asian man!

All this leads me to think about what I'm greatful for this year and most every year. I'm so thankful for my wonderful family, my amazing friends, and all the ever supportive people in my life. I can't imagine what sadness my life would hold without all of you and, to be honest, I don't want to. So, THANK YOU to all of you for being you!

Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving!

Parry ;o)

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The Beginning...

2008-11-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

So, this is the very beginning of my blogging career. My very first blog. I'm not usually a talker but, I figure, I have strong opinions on a lot of topics and maybe you'd like to get a peek at the random mess that resembles my mind. Mostly, I think that no one wants to hear it but...I don't know...maybe you'll prove me wrong.

Oh, blogging...I will admit that I keep up with a few people's blogs most of whom are musicians and/or friends of mine. I love to hear the way they write. Does that sound weird? I say that because when I read I hear the words in my mind. Just by the way they write, I can tell how they would speak it if we were having a conversation. I love that! I love to hear what's going on in their lives professionally and personally. These days, life is moving so quickly that sometimes we don't have the time or our brains are thinking so far ahead that we forget to ask people how they are and really listen to the answer. Their blogs are a perfect way for me to keep up with them at my own pace. So, now you can keep up with me...at your own pace.

Parry ;o)

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