It takes all kinds doesn't it?

Well my cousin Corinne rolled into town last night. A good friend of mine from Boulder rolled in this afternoon. What is a new Austin-ite to show visitors when she does not know much herself?

Well, Corinne and I rolled down to south Congress. I made good on a promise that I made to a new friend from Telluride. We shopped and shopped. I stumbled upon two amazing stores. One is a co-op for local clothiers, the other is a t-shirt shop. The clothier had absolutely amazing dresses from local designers from Austin. Some of the clothes were made from re-purposed threads. There were also tons of great graphic tee shirts and amazing jewelry. I bought a cute little heavy cotton dress that I plan on wearing everywhere. We were also in search of a smoothie stand. I knew it was down there, but we got side tracked by the Paraguay v. Spain soccer match (not me, my cousin, but it was an enjoyable game). We "discovered" this great t-shirt shop, Storyville. It had the most amazing statement t-shirts. Those of you who know me (her of the "that's what she said" t-shirt, and the "I drink your milkshake" t-shirt) know that I am a sucker for statement shirts. There were such pearls to be found. A turtle on his back exclaiming, "Uhhh, this is awkward." To the, "Oh snap," with a picture of a camera flashing. My personal favorite, "That'll do pig," with just a strip of bacon on the shirt. Soooooo many good finds. But, I had to resist. I have a very delicate (non-existant) beer and music budget to think about.

Which brings me to the purpose of this picture-less post (pictures to come, too excited not to share). I stumbled upon another Storyville tonight. This Storyville was at Antone's (West 5th Street). This Storyville was a 90's rock band, hey, don't knock till you remember those good old days. This Storyville was led by an albino black dude (check it if you do not believe me). The band was AMAZING. They had two electric guitar players, both capable of creating on the moment riffs and fantastic-ness. Yes, between me, my cousin, and my friend from Boulder we lowered the age in the place by half. But, I swear you all would have killed to see the lead guitar player going OFF on these riffs. Moreover, the lead singer was having so much fun. It was clear he loved his job, loved his fans, and loved making music. He was jamming to the riffs as much, if not more than, the audience. It was a joy. My friend from Boulder turned to me at one point and said, "This is exactly what I wanted to hear when I came to Austin." I think both of us were prepared to be too cool for school, but we found ourselves awe-struck by the talent on stage. The band was infectious, rocking, and a just a damn good time. Now, this was not my kind of music per se, but at the end of the night, I could not imagine a better way to pass July 4th eve.

oh yeah, and we totally got shut down (two hour wait) at the Salt Lick. Booooo. But we enjoyed great food and great company at the Moonshine on Red River (thanks Shannon and Everleigh for the suggestion). Fried avocado anyone?

Tomorrow Gospel Brunch at Stubb's with a Bloody Mary special. Yeah you read that right. Church and Bloody's. Going to hell, yes. Hangover free and soul at ease, yes :)

I am not leaving Austin until they kick me out (which could be very soon so send money).