Our House Concert with Seth Glier

On Tuesday, November 12th, 2013, my husband, Dustin, and I hosted our very first "House Concert."  It turned out to not only be one of the highlights of 2013 for me, but probably in the top 10 (maybe even top 5) experiences of my life.  So let's back up a bit and I will tell the story of how this came to be and then describe how awesome it was.

In the beginning of this year, January 20th to be exact, I came upon a blog post by Brian Vander Ark, lead singer of The Verve Pipe, that described how to host a perfect house concert and emailed it to Dustin. Brian laid it all out perfectly and really piqued our interest in doing a house concert.  All we needed to do now was figure out who to book.

We looked into booking Ari Hest, Jess Klein, Walk Off the Earth, and Matt Giraud.  These are artists that we love, most had seen live before, and thought our living room would accommodate their sound well.  Because of touring logistics, it not fitting within our budget, or just not hearing back from their booking agent, we had to pass on these folks... at least for now.

Then on March 6th, I saw that Seth Glier posted on his facebook page that he was doing an IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign.  He was in a really bad car accident that totaled his Prius and damaged equipment that was inside.  Depending on what a person donated, there was a "perk" given for the donation.  It was a no-brainer to us that we would love to help Seth out and in exchange we received a house concert in our living room for us and 30 of our friends.

Seth Glier is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter who we had seen twice before in Spring Lake, MI at a venue called Seven Steps Up... first in January of 2012 and again in January of 2013.   I have a hard time putting it into words what the experience of seeing him live is like.  Not only does his music touch our souls, but without ever even speaking with him, you know the kind of man he is through his storytelling and his songs.

I think Dustin and I thought about it for maybe a week... whether or not we would donate this money to Seth to not only help him out with buying a new Prius (it IS a Prius after all... same car Dustin and my mom and many of our friends drive) but also to have the honor of having him in our home and letting our friends experience his music too.

So we pulled the trigger and sent the in the donation online.  On May 3, I received an email from Seth thanking us for our donation, letting me know he was able to purchase a new Prius, and he was back touring the country again.  He gave me the option of two dates that he would be in West Michigan and we decided on November 12th.  Wow, planning in May a concert that was to happen in November felt like an eternity away.  But we were excited, to say the least!

Seth and I were in contact a few more times via email and I even received a phone call from him the Sunday before the concert.  Our invites went out through Facebook a month ahead of time and we were just working on finalizing all of the RSVP's to get an exact count for how many people were coming.  As it so happened, we had just under 30 people that were able to attend.

Dustin and I worked diligently throughout the days leading up to the concert to prepare our house.  We had a bunch of clutter and toys that needed to be picked up and then the usual scrubbing toilets, washing floors, that you like to have done before a bunch of guests arrive. 

Seth was absolutely punctual and arrived at 4pm just as he said he would.  He immediately began to set up his equipment meanwhile singing tunes as he went from the house to his car and back again.  It seriously felt like a dream.  Seth Glier was in my house singing casually as he set up his equipment.  Once the keyboard and sound system were set up he began to practice on there singing bits of a number of his songs.  I seriously could not stop smiling as I was finishing up the rest of the chores I needed to do.  Again, I'm at a loss for words on how awesome this was to be getting my own private concert.

After he got everything set up he was able to relax for a bit before the guests began to arrive.  Dustin had made some really tasty chili and the three of us sat around the kitchen eating and enjoying light conversation.  Light conversation meaning religion, politics, tea party, and abortion.  You know... the typical things one would talk to with a Grammy nominated artist chilling in your kitchen.  It was fantastic.  We got to know a little more about him and he got to know more about us.  Our views on many things aligned and there were things that both Dustin and I said to him that he had the response of "I never thought of it that way before" to.  That was incredible.  Even though Seth is nearly ten years younger than we are, he has an old soul and maturity that is rare in men even twice his age.  It was a pleasure having this one-on-one time with him.  Musical artist aside, he is one cool dude.

The guests began to file in and started to mingle.  They had a moment to grab some drinks, some snack and Dustin's chili and then it was time to get started.  I gave a short introduction about where we had seen Seth before and how excited we were to have him in our home.  I didn't end up saying everything I had intended to say, but that's what happens when you're just bubbling over with joy.

Seth started off by singing "Gotta Get Away."  I got a short video of it before my camera ran out of space.  I took a second video later with my cellphone of "Our Song"  which also cut off near the end, and for the rest of the concert I was just so in awe that I never thought again about taking any more videos.  He sang for about 40 minutes and then took a break and then sang for another 30-40 minutes.  His talent on the keyboards and his vocals are just out of this world.  He sang at least two songs acapella and the pitch was just dead on.  He put so much soul and passion into what he is singing.  His lyrics tell stories that are as descriptive as novels.  You really can picture it in your mind exactly what he's singing about and what either he felt during the experience or what the person felt that he was writing about.  He has a knack for words and songwriting.

Our guests seem to like him as much as we do.  At least four of our guests bought tickets right then to see him in January at Seven Steps Up and several others bought CDs and other merchandise.  Seth is also an ambassador for an adopt a child fund that supports children all over the world to make sure they are given the necessities.  One house guest adopted a child because she said that Seth really touched her soul.

Having Seth in our home was awesome enough, but being able to share this experience with our friends and family and have them love him as much as we do was really the best gift of all.  Seth is going to continue to great things in this world and we were lucky to have him right here in our living room.  I will never forget this and it really felt like a fairytale.  We have been blessed with such an incredible life and I feel like the luckiest woman alive.  I know that we were the ones who donated money, but he was the true gift in this experience.

ISR Swim Lesson video goes viral!

It is so exciting to me that our video of Oliver in his ISR swim lesson has gone viral on YouTube.  To me, this must mean that there is an active interest in ISR swim lessons and I think that is just wonderful!  At the time I am writing this we are just 25,000 views away from reaching 4 million views!! Can you believe that?!  If you haven't see the video yet, please watch below.  Then click on over to my blog post about our Our Amazing ISR Experience.  Thank you!

The most elaborate marriage proposal I've ever seen

The internet is full of marriage proposals.... from the simplest recorded with a camera on a phone to flash mobs orchestrated in shopping malls.  No matter how simple or elaborate, they are enjoyable to watch.  They fill your heart with love, laughter, hope, and romance.  But this one takes the cake.  The time, money, and resources this must have taken is just unbelievable.  I'm thankful for creative people in this world that make things like this and share with the rest of the world.  I love this couple and I don't even know anything about them.  Enjoy!

April Cash Mob Announced to Raise Funds for New Downtown Muskegon Arcade and Bar

An April Cash Mob will be held to benefit two local entrepreneurs’ arcade project.

Muskegon is no stranger to the “Cash Mob” concept. West Michigan Jobs Group (WMJG) has organized several Cash Mobs in the Muskegon area over the last year. A cash mob is a gathering similar to a flash mob, typically organized through the use of social media, where a group of people meet at a locally owned business and each spend at least $20 in cash.  The idea is to keep as much money in the local economy as possible and increase exposure to the business.

"This time we wanted to support a business that isn't even operational yet.  West Michigan Jobs Group's goal is to support local, independent and sustainable businesses to nourish Muskegon's economy and create more jobs,” said Amanda Shunta, vice president of West Michigan Jobs Group. “One way of doing this is by helping new businesses get off the ground."

WHAT: Cash Mob to support proposed arcade/live music venue, Nick & Tim’s

WHEN & WHERE: April 25, 6-8 p.m. at Cherokee Restaurant—1971 Sherman Blvd, Muskegon

WHY: Entrepreneurs Nick Leisenring and Tim Updyke have purchased the building at 136 W. Webster Ave in downtown Muskegon, with a vision for a distinguished arcade and drink house offering a unique combination of retro gaming and modern technology in a casual environment.  In addition to the arcade, live entertainment ranging from local and regional bands to comedians will also be a focus of this endeavor. Leisenring and Updyke started an online crowd sourcing campaign on the site indiegogo.com and have been seeking donations through social media to help offset the cost of the massive renovations needed for the building.  The cash mob will further help them to reach their goal of $250,000. 

“We knew it was a high goal when we set it, but we have seen amazing things happen from crowd sourcing sites and thought it was worth doing," said Updyke. 

The cash mob will take place in the banquet room in the Cherokee restaurant where there will be board games available for all ages to enjoy.  Donors to the Nick & Tim’s project will receive a "perk” based on the level of their contribution. 

In addition to the fundraiser, participants are encouraged to purchase food and drinks to support locally owned Cherokee as well.  If you are unable to attend the cash mob but would still like to donate, visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/nick-tim-s-project/x/673866   Questions relating to the project can contact Tim Updyke email tim@modern-entertainment.com.   Any questions about the cash mob please contact Amanda Shunta at amanda.shunta@gmail.com. 

Make Pere Marquette Accessible for All!

My friend Stephen Draft-Peppin and I are working on getting a grant from the Community Foundation for Muskegon through their "Love Your Community" contest.  From the contest description: "Inspired by Peter Kageyama’s message encouraging citizens to declare their love for their community, we will award grants to six projects that demonstrate and share the love! Examples of these “love notes” include last year’s winning projects such as Movies on the Beach, a Play It Forward benefit concert for the Snurfer Sculpture, Portraits of White Lake photography class & exhibit, and more. All of these ideas were created by the people, for the people, using $500 to get them going."

Our project is about making Pere Marquette (in Muskegon, MI) more accessible for those in wheelchairs, strollers, or limited mobility.  We would like a ramp/dock going from the base of the pier into the breakwater area where the water is calmer and beach is smaller.  This would allow a person in a wheelchair to get right up close to the water.  Right now there is a walkway going from the restrooms out to the beach, but it stops short of meeting the water.  So someone in a wheelchair would still have to manage going through the sand somehow.  Another piece to this is that the pier itself is next to impossible for someone in a wheelchair or stroller to get down due to the uneven ground.  This really needs to be smoothed out.  We can't possibly do this all with only $500, but we're hoping this will draw more attention to the problem and the powers that be will do something about it.  It's worth a shot!

So to vote for our project please click on this link and then click "like" beneath the picture.  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151176291418605&set=a.10151176290668605.469748.100319078604&type=3&theater

Thank you so much for your support!! 

Additional photos from our project:

West Michigan Jobs Group gives a damn!

Here is a letter that my cohort, Elizabeth Council, wrote to the Chronicle about our non-profit organization, West Michigan Jobs Group.  Read Letter. We wanted everyone to know that our group does give a damn and what steps we have been taking to make Muskegon a better place to live.  Also, we want to motivate others to do the same thing we have done.  It was completely grassroots, we didn't really know what we were doing when we got started, and it all just came together and took off.  Anyone can do it!

Letter: Pulling together, Muskegon: West Michigan Jobs Group gives a damn

Two Years as a Stay At Home Mom... or Whatever It Is I am Doing

It has almost been two years exactly since I was downsized from SuperMedia.  In those years, I have enjoyed precious time with my kids, started my own company, and most recently become somewhat of a community activist.  Overall, I would say I am happier than ever.

What I have not mastered yet is the art of cooking or the desire/motivation to clean on a regular basis.  I cooked from scratch about a week ago and was incredibly proud of myself and then realized how sad it was that it made me proud to cook from scratch probably only one time in the last 2 years.  But I guess it's better than not at all!  Turns out that cleaning is so much harder when you don't work full time!  Who would have thought?  The house is a disaster almost immediately after cleaning.  When I was working, no one was in the house to mess it up.  I never took into consideration how much messier a house gets when it's occupied all the time.

So what am I?  Am I a stay at home mom?  Am I a mom who works from home part-time?  I feel the need to have a job title.  Some moms try be cutesy and say they are a "Domestic Diva" or the family's "CEO/COO", but I don't feel that either of those jobs define me either.  Domestic Diva to me sounds like June Cleaver with Prada shoes... which I am anything but.  Being a "CEO" (Chief Executive Officer) would imply that I am the top dog in charge of the total management of an organization (family).  A "COO" (Chief Operating Officer) implies that why I would be in charge of the operations of the family, but I would still be second in command to the CEO (which I would assume would be my husband in this scenario).  While sometimes this may be the case that I may be more aware of the operations, to-do lists, schedules, events of the household, I am neither "top dog" or "second in command."  My husband and I have an equal partnership.  We make all major, and even many minor, decisions together.  And even though I am with the kids for more time during the day, the quality of time he spends with the kids is just as great. 

Even without an official title or becoming more domesticated, I have accomplished some things that I am proud of.  Six months after I was let go I gave birth to my handsome son, Oliver.  He has brought so much light in our lives.  He truly is the opposite from his sister, Hope, and that keeps us on our toes.  Oliver is so happy, easy going, curious, and energetic.  I am happy that I have been able to spend the time with him to really enjoy his personality and watch him grow each step of the way.  Hope recently turned 4 years old, started preschool, and comes up with new questions everyday to stump me with.  She spoke the other day of Vacation Bible School and I asked her what she was hoping to learn about this year in VBS.  Her response: "Electricity."  She told me she wants to know how daddy's computer can run.  Not sure she'll learn that in VBS, but it impressed me she had even thought about the concept of electricity or even knew the word.

My business with Net Owl Media has been steadily growing.  We are getting more and more business through referrals and family and friends.  I am hoping it continues to grow this year and hopefully double the business we did in 2011.

Through the non-profit organization West Michigan Jobs Group that I am Vice President of, I was able to organize two, going on three, Cash Mobs in the Muskegon County area.  The cash mobs have been helping local businesses through both sales and publicity and has gained recognition through the Muskegon Chronicle, Mlive, and even had an article featured on msnNOW: 'Cash Mobs' flood local businesses with shoppers Makes me happy that it has really taken off the way that it has.  The community has really embraced it and it truly has been helping locally owned shops.

With the fall of the Muskegon Summer Celebration, a new music festival has emerged and I was asked to be on the board of that acting in an advisory position to the management company that will be overseeing the festival.  This has been very exciting to me to see a festival come to fruition nearly from the beginning and building on the strengths of what "Summer Cel" had to offer and improving on some opportunities that the festival had going.

I wouldn't have been able to accomplish all of this if I hadn't been a "stay at home mom."  My friend, Hannah, told me when I first got the news that I had been downsized: "You won't be working, but I know you will always be working." Okay, I may have paraphrased, but that's the gist of what she said.  She couldn't have been more right.

Thanks to the Timeline on Facebook I was able to go look back again at what my status was on March 18, 2010, the day I lost my job:

"I was looking forward to this day because it was the day I was going to hear our new baby's heartbeat for the first time and get to announce to the FB world that I'm pregnant! So I heard the heartbeat, everything's good, and then I get to work and I got let go. Three of us lost our jobs due to "reduction in force." So my great day turned crappy pretty fast. So surprise everyone! I'm pregnant and now unemployed!"

That status brought 48 comments, the last being from my best friend, Andrea:

"I can't wait to meet baby #2 and good luck with your new life :) There is no limit to what you can do. You have always been an inspiration to me. I can't wait to see what wondrous new things will come of all this! Let me know if you need anything. Love you girl!"

Reading that and the other positive comments brought tears to my eyes now when looking back because I realize that these people knew I would do great things in the next couple years that I didn't even know I would do.  I am thankful for the time that I now have to devote to my family, friends, and community to make all of our lives better.  So my "downsize" turned into a huge "upgrade" in the quality of my life.  I couldn't have done any of these things without my enormous support system.  You all make it better.