Gretch-a-sketch (old)

1. The temporary job I mentioned is now full-time. I had a hunch it might turn into something more, but didn't want to jinx it. It's pretty basic but pays well, so things even out. Plus, the people are great.

2. Two Saturdays ago I had the privilege of attending the release party for Rapunzel's Revenge. RR is a graphic novel co-written by Shannon and her bizarre-but-awesome husband Dean. Nathan Hale (no relation) illustrated the Westernized fairy tale. There were about nine other Utah authors in attendance and I got autographs from all of them. I also maybe wore my hair in braided pigtails so I could look like the book's version of Rapunzel. (Nerd. I'm what could be described as a Shannon Hale-groupie.) They did a reader's theater and it was a rip-roarin' good time. I've met Shannon on a number of occasions before, so I truly think she's the tops. Here's the two of us at a signing last October.

Also: proof I really did use to be blond. (Semi-related: I'm itching for another major hair switch.)

3. If someone asked me who my favorite female singer-songwriter was, I would answer Neko Case without even pausing for breath. Therefore, I was shaking with excitement all Thursday at the chance to see her in Salt Lake FOR FREE. ( For the past summer, there's been a weekly, high-profile concert downtown to no cost to the attendees. Go SLC!)

She's everything I imagined and then some. The crowd was noisy, but buzzing with life. It was everything an outdoor concert should be, which is warm and smoky and yeasty. It was also fun to go and see the amazing collection of interesting Utahns, because I forgot sometimes that Utah can be fascinating. Neko Case, in all her flaming-hair glory, played a ton of stuff from Fox Confessor Brings The Flood (my favorite album) and also debuted some great new songs. Her true country heart shines through in her soulful, honeyed voice. Just listen to the crowd favorite "Hold On, Hold On" and you'll see what I mean.



(She also sings with another one of my favorite bands, The New Pornographers. It sounds dirty, but they're super talented and really not filthy. I recommend the album Twin Cinema.)

In addition to the concert, the BFF and I also got in some good food and shopping downtown. Fun times, yo.