baby birch

i've had joanna newsom's sawdust and diamonds on a pretty consistent repeat since the summer. like much of her music, there's a wonderful mixture of childhood fairy tale and honest hardship, with a measure and manner that, for me, transcends notions of "song" or "musician" or "artist" and just lies comfortably in the undefinable. and where its not meant to simply entertain, but requires time and attention. its a quality in which i always hope to develop in my own work, especially with emily's story. which is why i'm mentioning it here. i would generally find a great deal of inspiration in music. but i don't think there's anything else i've listened to lately that makes me want to simultaneously pick up a guitar, a pen and a brush, with equal eagerness. in days of random playlists and the background drone of headphones (a habit in which i'm continually guilty of indulging) i find great joy in doing nothing else but simply listening to her music. lately baby birch has been the one to take many welcomed 10 minute chunks of my day. in fact, i was going to post some pictures, but instead i'm going to listen to it again now. with full attention....