Ford invited me on a press trip to visit their exhibition at Salone del Mobile, the world’s largest furniture trade show. Obviously I said yes, because it sounded really exciting—I asked if could bring someone else from Paste, and they said no. But I still wanted to go. I got advice from several of my friends, nervously photographed my passport and ID, and then waited for the day to arrive. Horror movies are of course fiction, but I kept worrying I was going to get robbed or Taken. I took several years of Italian in college but have forgotten most of it at this point (never got a chance to use it).
I’ve been hesitant to travel long distances ever since my car starting having issues six months ago, but last week I got myself a AAA subscription and decided it was time to hit the road. Off to Chattanooga!
Asheville in the fall is seriously the best place to be—at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, huddled around a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate, roasting marshmallows. Something about Asheville just screams (or rather, quietly whispers) Fleet Foxes and flannel. Ryan and I were actually visiting around this time in 2013, and last week we felt the pull to return. I can really see Caroline loving this place.
I just spent the week in New York for the CMJ (College Music Journal) 2014 Music Marathon—I actually went back in 2011 with Caroline, but this time I was able to go see bands and friends and explore the city in between. My mom got a smartphone a month ago and learned what a selfie was a week ago, so she asked me to send her selfies of the trip.
I spent the better part of last week in cars, planes, trains, and buses, sleeping on cots and couches and hotel beds. The first part of the week I attended Hopscotch Festival’s inaugural design conference in Raleigh, NC, and you can check out my liveblog for Paste here. After Hopscotch was over, I hopped on a plan to head to Denver, CO for Bud Light’s #WhateverUSA event (also covering for work, our write up is here).
Visiting Charleston, SC in the middle of August probably wasn’t the best idea, but we had such a fun time—Ryan and I made the drive anyway to the Holy City, for a three-day stay at the Notso Hostel.
We just got back from visiting Birmingham, Alabama, to see my sweet friend Darcy. She and I have been friends for a few years, and even though she lives in a different state from me, it’s always important to have some actual face time with the people you love.
For the Fourth of July this year, it was time for a getaway. I took a four day weekend to head to New York and visit some dear friends of mine! Left two cats I love to go hang out with some cool cats in the big city—also, spent time with real people too. Continue reading
