Link: The Seven-Shoe Wardrobe

No, this is not my collection, but I do want to avoid this very possible reality.

Link: The Seven-Shoe Wardrobe

I came across this great article about the seven essential shoes that a man should have in their collection. I found the list had some great choices and has the definitive goal for versatility and coverage of the various settings a man needs appropriate footwear.

I find myself challenged by the article to take inventory of the many pairs in my collection, and to trim it down by either donating pairs, or the recently discovered option of consigning pairs to Buffalo Exchange. By getting store credit, I can clear some room on the shoe rack and get something for me or my wife at the store. Taking a similar picture of my own shoe collection may give me a good kick in the butt to A) Start this project and B) Stop buying shoes. I don't know how realistic goal B is though...

Tuesday Tunes: Lights

Man, I've had this Pop/Dance song stuck in my head for over a week:


Lights, by Ellie Goulding

Does whatever a spider can

Faithful readers, if you're down with super-hero movies, please go see the Amazing Spider-man! I'm terrible with reviews, so here's a few quick reasons why you should see it:

• Superior casting to the previous trilogy of Spider-man movies: I can't wait to see more of Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker and Emma Stone as love interest Gwen Stacy.
• It's a fun movie: Non-comic fans might not know this, but Spider-man is known for his wisecracks against the criminals he pursues. We actually get to hear this
• The telling of the origin story doesn't drag: I've heard a lot of people ask "Isn't it too soon for a reboot?" and thus are wary of sitting through a retelling of how Peter Parker becomes Spider-man. Well, no need to fear, it goes by pretty quickly and doesn't hinder the pace (or enjoyment) of the movie.
• My wife liked it: She doesn't mind geeky stuff and likes summer action movies, but didn't like all the tragedy (wah waaaaah) in the previous Spidey movies. This one? She gave it two thumbs up. Do like I do, and listen to my wife.

Link: "When Worship Songs Go Blank"

I really enjoyed this April entry from the blog "Stuff Christians Like": When Worship Songs Go Blank

It reminds me of the one-year period where basically it was me vs. the audio AND visual equipment. A fellow worship leader at church suggested the equipment might have been demon-possessed, and after awhile, I really considered that possibility. In the end, it was a good character building experience that every musician faces at one point or another, but on a spiritual level, reminded me that our worship experience is more than the lights and the sound, and comes back to the heart.

Also, here's a bonus image taken during Sunday afternoon rehearsal back in the Spring: 

Fancy feet

I've posted before about my love of sneakers and footwear in general. For the past year or so, I've been wanting to upgrade my business/formal footwear. In my research, I came across the popular American brand Allen Edmonds who have a great reputation for quality shoes in classic styles. However, the biggest hurdle was the price point for a pair of these classy shoes...that is, until I came across Nordstrom's big annual sale in their men's department a few weeks ago. With free shipping and returns, I had to bite on these:

 

Say hello to my first pair of Allen Edmonds' Clifton oxfords in Walnut.  The walnut is slightly lighter in person (which is fine by me), and I really like the conservative brogue detailing (the decorative "dots") which makes them more interesting than your standard brown shoe, but not too crazy for a more formal occasion if necessary. I'll post later on how well these break-in over time, but I'm happy to report that my collection of shoes have now done a little growing up.