My Maggie November

A cold and wet November dawn...

My Maggie playlists from Novembers past: 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012

My Maggie October

When Tom Petty died earlier this month, I knew my October playlist would be dedicated to him. Ya'll know my love of "dad music" from the 70s. And Tom Petty was born one week before my own dad. The best part about his music is it spans through the 70s, 80s, 90s, and even until today. I mean, he even recorded a few songs with my idol, Stevie Nicks, so my love for his music was just meant to be. One of my best memories is listening to his greatest hits album on a road trip with my brother to Arches National Park.

The majority of songs on my playlist come from his greatest hits album and Wildflowers. I sorted them by which songs sounded good fading into the next.

My Maggie September

It's time to let go of this endless summer afternoon

I almost didn't publish my playlist this month. I got on an electronic kick and I decided to dig out a bunch of old songs I didn't think I would ever share from my library. There will be plenty of people who don't like this kind of music. Some of the songs are way old and some are brand new. There are quite a few that are so over the top that I just find them humorous. And I think the way I've ordered them here they feed off of each other. I decided to share all of it anyway. 

My Maggie August

Here's a short, energetic playlist to celebrate the end of summer. I envision listening to it over and over while driving out to the desert. At least that's what I did last weekend, driving to and from Bear Lake on the Utah/Idaho border. Has anyone else noticed an uptick in 70s-disco-sounding music? I first noticed it last year when M83 released Junk. I hated it at first, but now I've downloaded almost the entire album. This playlist includes a lot of that sound, since so many other artists are going that direction.

What are you up to the rest of the summer? I'll admit my energy is waning, which is usually what happens to me in August. Don't forget to watch the solar eclipse next week. There could be such a good playlist for that, right?

Here are some things I'm digging this summer:
Reading: Anne of Avonlea
Watching: Last Chance U
Eating: Trader Joe's pizza dough (savory and dessert!)
Buying: This and this cheese board. I'm really happy with them. I bought two of each for work parties. They look beautiful layered at varying heights.
Anticipating: Utah Shakespeare Festival to see these two shows.

Photo

My Maggie July

Summer slipped us underneath her tongue
Our days and nights are perfumed with obsession


How was your 4th of July? Like the smoke hovering low in our valley this morning, I'm still feeling a lingering spirit of what felt like a 4-day holiday. Saturday, July 1st, saw hiking a mountain to watch Provo's Freedom Festival fireworks with friends. Sunday was a twilight rooftop party with views of fireworks all around town. Monday night we kicked off the 4th with a midnight bbq, to ensure we celebrated the first bbq of the 4th of July. And, finally, on the 4th, watching Provo's parade on a friend's balcony facing Provo's historic Center Street. Whew! Provo celebrates Independence Day right.

I'm grateful for friends and family who live in the moment and make my life here pretty magical.

Listen to this to set a dreamy mood for the rest of July.

My Maggie June

If the me back then could see me now

June's playlist was made for the road. And it's a mixture of some favorite new music with throwbacks to all the right places. You see, 10 years ago in the summer of 2007, Adrianne moved to Provo for BYU. And last week, I helped move her and her family back home to Kansas City. Adrianne and I had two rad days in the car together, just the two of us. It feels like they went by in a flash. I made this playlist with her in mind and threw in a bunch of stuff that just felt right.

I think I'll always remember that drive and how I can feel 100% myself with Adrianne. I will miss her and Jed and Juliet and Nora more than I can say, but they don't feel far. We'll adjust. In the meantime, they're starting a grand adventure of their own.

Check out the playlist on Spotify next time you need a good 2-hour playlist.

There were 3 songs not available on Spotify, so if you're curious about the full experience, I'll include the Youtube videos below.

My Maggie May

I'll keep a bonfire for you

Let the summer of love and adventure begin! I'm seeing lots of weddings, red rock, and bonfires in my future. Who's up for a bonfire on the shore of Utah Lake this Tuesday night? If you're reading this, consider yourself invited. This weekend, I'll be heading down to National Park land again for camping with good friends. Later this month there will be some epic exploring of Colorado and wedding festivities to die for. If only Monday through Friday were equally exciting.

What adventures are you up to this month?

This playlist will see you through highway escapes and get you in the mood for those bonfires.

My Maggie April

Something about this spring feels different. Probably because we've had more damp, cloudy days than sunny, warm ones. I can't tell if the blossoms and sprouting flowers have already come and gone or if they are still on their way.

I've been fascinated by the brooding, low-hanging clouds that swirl in and out of Slate Canyon behind my house and Rock Canyon out my work window. They spin me into a low-key energized, yet somewhat melancholy and thoughtful mood. That's exactly how I would describe this playlist, by the way.

You'll find this playlist hits the spot for quiet moments with a touch of heart-pumping energy when you need it.

Warning: Songs 1 and 3 are marked explicit for language. Sorry about that. The songs are just so beautiful that I had to include them.

My Maggie March

Introducing: My 80s playlist, Part 2, which I started last September. Part 1 featured the gritty, electronic pieces I was feeling from 1980-1984. This month, I take on the pop and color that speaks to me from 1985-1989. This playlist inspires roll-down-the-window-speed-down-the-highway-sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs-with-friends. And it will be the best thing that has ever happened to you!

Can't look forward enough to the transition that is March. I'm ready for 60-degree weather and blossoming trees and Women's Session of General Conference. I'm ready for spring cleaning and revamping my wardrobe. I just started using ThredUP and pulled out massive amounts of clothes from Kate Spade, Boden, Stitch Fix, Banana Republic, Gap, and more to sell to their company. Just placed my first order and feel really good about buying consigned clothing.

Also, for the first time in my life I'm considering placing curtains over my bedroom window. I've NEVER liked the look of curtains before, but I have a feeling it will be one of those things where I never knew what I was missing. I want something delicate and airy with interesting texture that almost blends in with my white walls and bedding. I think I'll go for one of these two looks:

 I want one large curtain that pulls to the right like the grey example above. It will clasp just outside of the foot of my bed, creating a nice aesthetic. My linear picture ledges featuring SEVENTEEN framed works of art begins on the other side of the window and wraps around the head of my bed. Having the curtain pull away to the opposite side of the window will provide a balancing effect. I have no idea where to start with a curtain rod, though. I'm thinking something minimal and white and placed high enough over the window to create a lengthened and enlarged effect.

I recommend listening to this playlist on a Saturday morning while cleaning out your closet!

My Maggie February

Singing songs of Februaries and Fridays, ya'll.  Celebrating pink skies, romance, a 3-day weekend, my favorite holiday, and all things pink, red, glitter, and hearts. Listen to this playlist for some insta-romance in your life. I hope you'll find it fresh and hip with just a touch of nostalgia.

I threw the last song in for a bit of nostalgic contrast and because all February playlists should be bookended in Paris. It's not on Spotify, but here's a youtube video:

2016 Recap

One of my fears about moving to Utah last year was losing the opportunity to travel as frequently as I did on the East Coast. But I've learned something important about myself: I'm an adventure-seeker and beauty-finder. And Utah is an amazing place to live for someone like me! I look back at my first full year living back in Utah, and I am filled with joy at what I've experienced. Here's a recap!

January: This amazing Provo City Center Temple becomes an important part of my life + A quick trip home to Kansas City to attend my best friend's wedding

February: Sundance Film Festival always shines a little light on winter + Flowers for Valentine's Day

March: Fulfilled a dream to take a framing class + Always love attending a session of General Conference at the Conference Center

April: Fell in love with this tree and memorialized it in my heart before it had to be cut down + Loving all things Provo music scene

Camping and hiking with friends at Arches National Park + Finally experiencing the sublime Utah slot canyons and Goblin Valley State Park

May: Camping with the girls + Hiking in at dawn to the Diamond Fork Hot Springs and having the area all to ourselves for a few hours

Enjoying beauty near and far with the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival + Tipi sleeping and hiking 8 miles in Bryce Canyon National Park

June: Celebrating Camille's birthday + Painting the town pink

Truly believing the Manti Temple is the most beautiful Temple in Utah + finding those secret poppy fields in Alpine (also a good place to see fields of poppies? Manti Temple grounds)

Keeping the Strawberry Days Rodeo tradition alive + Family day at Sundance

July: Dream come true to visit the Getty and go on a girls' trip to Newport Beach + Absolutely fell in love with Balboa Island

Sheryl's inspiring wedding + First visit to the Logan Temple

Introducing: Bella Swan + 2nd Annual friends' trip to Bear Lake


August: 1st trip of 3 to Cedar City to see Rosie act in the Utah Shakespeare Festival + A day in Zion National Park (I DO NOT recommend going here on an August Saturday)

Goodrich family reunion on the Wasatch back + Driving on the Ranger back over to the front of Timp AT SUNSET

September: Indian Summer at Manti Temple + Took my friends to experience Spring City during the Plein Air Festival

Couldn't resist sneaking in a birthday trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with my beach buddies + Took myself on a lighthouse field trip

Turned 33 during my 24-hour visit in DC + Fulfilling my dream to hike the Narrows in Zion National Park


October: Cider slush a la mode at the Red Barn with friends + Morning walks in Provo Canyon

November: Will never get over the beauty of a campus on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains + Another wonderful Thanksgiving with all four Leak siblings

December: Finding joy at Christmas despite dear friend, Camille's, near fatal accident (watching the miracles and blessings roll in) + The Carol Concert at the Cathedral Madeleine made for the most magical Christmas Eve.

Celebrating Christmas at home this year + Yet another fabulous New Year's Eve party with friends

Can't be thankful enough for the incredible blessings I receive from a loving Heavenly Father who celebrates me being an adventure-seeker and beauty-finder.

Some 2017 adventures I have in mind: Camp at the Sun Tunnels, Hike Angels' Landing, Visit Canyonlands and Capital Reef National Parks, Take a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Visit Bremen in Connecticut again, and whatever else comes my way!

Recaps of 2015 2014 2013