Autumn in Oregon

Wow... it has been a really long time since I posted a blog.. my apologies. When life is moving this fast, sometimes you just have to try and take it all in and not worry so much about trying to document it. Anyway, for a recap of the places I have traveled and the shows we have played in the last two months, check out the band tour blog a http://thematerial.tumblr.com/

After a long but successful journey across the country with the band in a van, we are happy to be back on the west coast! When we decided to head back, we realized that with no place to live back in San Diego, we needed a plan... We were eager to get back to writing our album so we decided to move up to Salem, OR where we had a place to stay with Roi's wife who moved up here for her new job. I can honestly say this has been one of the best ideas we have had so far! We left Monday, after a week off at home, and a quick stop in San Francisco to see Aaron... 17 hours later, we were here in Oregon!

Now, for years my Dad has always said Oregon was "SO me". After hanging out in Portland everyday at our new practice studio (which by the way, is by far the BEST place we have ever practiced, with cheap rent, a sweet lounge with a fireplace and Guitar Hero games, and with a resume that includes playing host to bands such as Journey, KISS and even Celine Dion!) My dad was right... Oregon IS SO ME. After driving around the country and seeing many different landscapes... this is one of the nicest by far. Don't get me wrong, San Diego is amazing...perfect weather, the beach, and the best Mexican food... but Oregon, Portland specifically, has rainy days, Vegetarian/Vegan friendly food everywhere, a huge respect for the environment and a big community push to protect it, and of course... beautiful trees and autumn leaves. Maybe it's just that I have lived in sunny Southern California my entire life, but I can't get enough of this rainy weather and the beautiful landscape! This is what Fall is SUPPOSED to look like!

Anyway... what's next you ask? Well for once in my extremely well-planned-out life, I am not really sure. I love that. I am really trying to live in the moment these days and appreciate the present. I've realized that in order to truly appreciate the present, you have to quit planning for the future, and enjoy life as it is, right now. So.. as I sit looking out Roi and Ashley's balcony at the orange and red leaves, I am at peace. For the next month, I am going to write our new album with my best friends, record some demos, and go home for the holidays after that. I no longer have a "house" but I do have a lot of loving friends and family, so maybe I won't be "homeless" after all :). January holds big plans, but for now, I am content focusing on 3:28pm on a chilly Saturday afternoon.

Till next time!

Co

PS. We went to the Salem Farmer's Market today and got pumpkins! Stay tuned for pictures of that :)