#Fred the bird went to live with a close friend and was visited often and loved dearly
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I Never Planned On You - C.W.
Charlie Weasley x reader
This is part of my showtunes fic list based on the song I Never Planned On You from the musical Newsies 💗 also i am SUCH a simp for Charlie it’s crazy
Word Count: 3.3k
Summary: when the twins bring their best friend to the burrow for christmas, charlie can’t keep his eyes off of her.
Warnings: very brief mentions of death (minor character) & the war, injuries from dragons (?), mentions of food & alcohol consumption
-
I’ve got no use for moonlight, or sappy poetry
Girls are nice, once or twice,
Til I find someone new
The pub was unusually packed, Charlie noticed.
As he scanned around the crowded room, his friends idly chatted around him. This was their usual routine, every Friday they would clock out of work and make their way here for a round of drinks and some fish and chips.
He hadn’t noticed until she was directly in front of him, but one of the girls he saw around the reserve had made their way over.
“Hello Charlie,” She drawled, placing a delicate hand on his shoulder, “It’s so nice to run into you here.”
Despite the freezing temperature and the fact that everyone else was dressed comfortably, having come straight from work, the girl was wearing barely anything. Not that it mattered what any bird wore, as long as they felt confident in it and in themselves. But, as she bent down to be eye to eye with him, her breasts practically spilled over from her too tight top.
It was obvious what she was trying to do.
His friends watched with amused glints in their eyes, already knowing how this interaction would go. Her appearance was not out of the ordinary. Despite each incident involving a different bird, they had seen this kind of thing happen quite often when they went out with Charlie.
“Erm, hello,” He muttered, trying not to make eye contact, “Louise right?”
Her attempt at a sultry conversation was shattered as she replied, “It’s Leanne.”
“Right.”
Sensing that he was not at all interested in whatever was going on, Leanne huffed and turned on her heel. She angrily strode across the room, making as much noise and ruckus as possible, just to get a reaction out of the redhead, but her attempts were futile.
Mark, one of Charlie’s friends, let out a low whistle as the girl left hearing distance, “That one was rather presumptuous, don’t you think mate?”
Charlie let out a soft chuckle, “I don’t understand why they all think they can pull the same move and expect me to react any differently.”
“They’re all hoping to be the lucky one that the Charlie Weasley falls for, or some other crap like that,” He winked, taking a swig of his beer.
“Reckon that won’t happen for a long time yet, mate.” The redhead replied.
“You never know, Charlie boy!”
He merely shook his head and took a sip of his drink. Dating wasn’t really on his mind anyway.
Love at first sight’s for suckers
At least it used to be
The crack of apparition sounded through the pale morning light.
Charlie landed steadily on his feet as he appeared on the top of a hill, just on the outskirts of Ottery St. Catchpole. Nothing had really changed since the last time he visited, the same silhouettes of different houses littered the landscape, the same sleepy neighbors about to begin their day. The familiarity of it all blazed in his heart like a warm fire at the end of a cold day, comforting and all consuming.
The Burrow stood proud and tall in the horizon, and he couldn’t help the smile that graced his lips. He was home. It was the Christmas holidays, the war had ended, and he was home.
He took his time, trudging up through the blanket of snow surrounding the house. Smoke rose from the chimney signalling that his mum was already puttering about in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for the army of people no doubt housed under her roof.
“Mum!” He yelled as soon as he crossed the threshold, “Mum, I’m home!”
As he banished the remaining snow on his boots with a wave of his wand, Molly Weasley came bustling out the kitchen door. Apron adorning her waist and a smidge of flour flecked on her fiery hair, she grinned and opened her arms.
“Charlie,” She said as he bent down to wrap his arms around her in an embrace, “Oh love, it’s so good to see you!”
“You too, mum.” He smiled at her, “Anyone else here yet?”
From eldest to youngest, she listed off the plans of each of her children and where they were to spend the holidays. Everyone would be ‘round on Christmas and Boxing day, but the only ones spending the night that day, Christmas Eve, were the twins, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. The younger ones of the bunch had arrived the day prior, but were still asleep from what she knew.
Charlie nodded his head before he was sent away to unpack his things in his old room. His mum had kept it just as he left it, even though it had been many years since he moved to Romania. She said something about not being bothered to think of anything to turn it in to, but he knew that she kept it for nostalgia’s sake.
As he made his way back down the stairs, the commotion at the front of the house caught his attention. Fred and George had arrived, noisily announcing their appearance, taking off coats and scarves and calling out to their mum. However, Charlie could also just barely see the outline of a third person behind them.
She was nearly a head shorter than the twins, but when she came into view, he felt the air get knocked out of him. The light streaming in from the open door behind her seemed to glow in a halo around her, her eyes lighting up at whatever the twins had said and a laugh falling from her lips.
She was the most beautiful girl he had ever laid his eyes on.
The twins took notice of Charlie’s presence, as he was paused halfway down the stairs, and called out to him.
“Oi, Charlie!” George called, making his way to his older brother, “Nice to see you, mate! How’ve you been?”
“Good-erm, good yeah.” He managed to stutter out, head still spinning at the sight of the beautiful girl, “What have you lot been up to, then? Who’ve you brought over?”
“This is Y/N,” Fred said, motioning to his best friend.
At the introduction, she smiled brightly and held out her hand for Charlie to shake, “I work with the twins at the shop, nice to meet you.”
Charlie spotted Fred and George roll their eyes playfully.
“Oh come off it,” Fred nudged her before turning to his older brother, “We’ve been mates with this one since Hogwarts. She was usually the one getting us in trouble, though.”
“Oi!” She laughed, “Don’t make me sound like the bad influence, I was a perfectly good student.”
As Charlie watched their interaction, he had flashes of a little girl always in step with the twins and causing mischief in the halls of Hogwarts during his last few years there. Back then, she had only been a child, bright eyed and inquisitive, but now she had grown into a woman, confident and sure.
“Nice to meet you,” He murmured as their eyes locked, “The more the merrier around here.”
He might have been imagining things, but he swore he could see the faint beginnings of a blush creeping onto Y/N’s cheeks.
The ruckus made from the twins & Y/N’s entrance was enough to wake the rest of the inhabitants of the household. It seemed like the Christmas celebrations had begun early as they all clambered into the slightly too small kitchen table and had a meal together.
For the rest of the day, Molly had them all helping out in preparation for the real celebratory meal the next day. Charlie hadn’t had the time to strike up a conversation with Y/N and instead settled with (not so) subtle glances her way.
Once or twice, one of the twins would catch onto his game and send him knowing looks. He paid them no mind, though, being used to their antics.
“So Charlie,” Fred began, as the family was settling in around the living room after dinner, “Y/N, huh?”
The pair of them leant against the wall in the corner of the room, away from any prying eyes or ears.
“Shove off, mate.” He replied with a slight shake of his head and his lips barely twitching into a smile.
The younger brother rolled his eyes playfully, “It’s alright. Georgie and I have been fending off boys for years with our Y/N. She’s quite fit, but no guy’s been good enough for her in our eyes, or in hers I reckon.”
“Don’t you go playing the protective best friend on me now, I haven’t even done anything!” Charlie playfully shoved his shoulder against his brother’s.
“Nah, I’d never. Just wanted to tell you that she’s never been romantically involved with anyone.”
“Well, that makes the two of us then.”
-
The Burrow was uncharacteristically silent as Charlie crept down the staircase. It was definitely past midnight, but he hadn’t been able to fall asleep, tossing and turning from the moment his head met the pillow.
He paused for a moment as he reached the bottom, not expecting to see light filtering through the open kitchen door at this time of night. His heart only picked up its pace as he noticed that it was Y/N who was sat by the counter, nursing a cup of tea in her hands and staring out the window.
“Care for any company?” He asked, leaning against the doorframe.
He noticed her body jump slightly at the noise, but when she turned to face him, the smile she sent in his direction could light up any room, “I’ve just heard from a certain redhead that around here, the more the merrier.”
“Fred tell you that?”
Her laugh was a sound he knew he would never tire of hearing, “And I see cheekiness runs in the family as well.”
“Nah,” Charlie shrugged, taking the seat across from her, “It’s our good looks that you should be watching out for.”
He flicked his wand and the kettle began to boil once more as a mug floated its way towards the counter. The pair of them had settled into a peaceful silence, taking in the comforting atmosphere of the winter night.
It was Charlie who finally broke the silence, “So, how’s it been working with the twins at the shop? They drive you mad yet?”
She gave him a knowing smile, “When you’ve spent nearly seven years in close quarters with them, you tend to get used to it. Plus it’s good to have steady company, especially when it comes in the form of Fred and George.”
“What about your family? How’re they spending the holidays then?”
The moment the question escaped Charlie’s lips, he knew he had made a mistake. The light in Y/N’s eyes seemed to dim and her grip on the mug in front of her seemed to tighten.
“Oh I’m sorry, you don’t have to–” He began.
“No it’s alright,” She assured him, “My parents died in the war. I was going to spend the holidays alone, but the twins refused to even entertain the thought.”
“Well, I’m glad they brought you along this year.” He sent her a timid smile.
“Me too.”
But I never planned on someone like you
Christmas comes and goes in a flurry of cable knit sweaters and too much food. Y/N and Charlie found themselves tucked away in a corner or out in the snowy landscape taking a walk together more often than not. A quiet conversation at the dead of night did wonders for their budding friendship.
It was as if they were magnets now, drawn to each other in a way that couldn’t be explained.
Sooner than he’d like, Charlie found himself in one of the Ministry offices, hand tightly gripped onto a portkey.
As he settled back into his daily routine at the dragon reserve, his mind often wandered to Y/N. The way her eyes lit up when she saw the snow fall, how her smile bloomed at any of the twins’ (albeit not so funny) jokes, the little crinkle in her nose when she had a particular thought in mind.
“Look out, mate!”
He only had a second to react as he saw one of the younger Welsh Greens open its mouth and shoot flames in his direction. Charlie had been so distracted by his thoughts that despite his best effort and his exceptional flying skills, he still felt flames lick his skin and singe his clothes.
Full of adrenaline, he managed to land his broom properly before rolling onto the grass and performing the protocol for accidents such as these. Mark reached him quickly, as the rest of the team he was with went to settle the dragon down. A quick aguamenti charm at the still burning areas of Charlie’s clothes got rid of the remaining flames, but he still suffered a few burns and scrapes.
“You alright, mate?” Mark asked, helping the redhead get to his feet, “I think we’ve still got to get you to the infirmary for those burns.”
“Nothing I haven’t gone through before.” He smiled, wincing slightly as his clothes rubbed against the new burns on his skin.
-
As it was protocol for the reserve to inform next of kin of serious injuries, Molly Weasley received an owl detailing the accident and the procedures done to make sure that Charlie was well taken care of.
When she received it, she just so happened to have Y/N over for some tea. As the matriarch of the Weasley family couldn’t help but be drawn to children who had lost their parents in unfortunate circumstances, she made it a point to have her over every once in a while.
“Charlie’s hurt?” Y/N asked, concern leaking into her voice. She had peered over Molly’s shoulder to see what could be so urgently delivered from Romania.
Molly tried to hide her smile as she noticed how much Y/N cared for her son. She wasn’t the only one who took note of how quickly they were drawn to each other over the holidays, and she was thrilled at the thought of Charlie finding someone to love.
Of course, she knew it wasn’t love just yet.
“Got a few burns from one of their younger dragons, it says,” Molly clarified, “He’s confined in their infirmary until further notice. Usually we’re allowed to visit them when we get a notice like this, but I don’t think I’d have the time to go this week… And I don’t want to bother Arthur, he’s been so busy these days with the Ministry as well.”
Having been around Molly for much of her Hogwarts years, Y/N knew exactly what she was doing. But she couldn’t deny the flutters in her stomach when she realized that the person she looked up to as basically her second mother was trying to push her into the arms of her second eldest son.
“Molly,” She began, already set to turn down the offer.
Mrs. Weasley was quick to the chase, however, “Oh I hope he wouldn’t feel too bad, being injured and not having anyone come to visit him.”
A small chuckle escaped Y/N’s lips as she shook her head, “I’m sure he’s got friends over at the reserve.”
“Oh Y/N, but I know he’d love to have you over!” She protested, “And I know the twins would let you go and visit him as well. I would be truly grateful if someone from the family could visit him and come home with news.”
Y/N’s resolve faltered as she noticed that Molly had said she was family. The Weasleys had been practically her second family the moment the twins took her under their wing, but hearing the family matriarch say it so casually moved something in her heart.
“Oh alright.” Y/N smiled, “I’ve never been to Romania, might as well go and see what all the fuss is about.”
-
The infirmary wasn’t new to Charlie.
Working with dragons was a little more high risk than his mother would’ve liked, but his love for magical creatures overrode whatever concerns she might have had. It helped that everyone working in the place was a top notch healer and got him patched up in no time.
Still, he found himself on bedrest for at least the next few days as he waited for the various balms and soothing creams applied to his skin to work.
Just as he began to feel a little stifled and antsy, a knock on the door rang and the familiar head of one of his healers popped in, “Looks like you’ve got a visitor, mate.”
Charlie furrowed his brows, “But, my mum said she couldn’t come ‘round and visit–”
“Sorry to disappoint, love.”
The sound of her voice was enough to fill his heart with immeasurable joy. In that moment, he forgot all about the uncomfortable sting of his burns and the itch he had to get out of the ward and onto the field again.
“Y/N?” He asked, as she stepped into the room, looking as radiant as when he first met her, “What’re you doing here?”
“Molly said that you were injured,” She shrugged, nonchalant, “Just thought I’d keep you company while you recovered.”
“You came all the way to Romania just so that I wouldn’t be bored out of my mind?”
“Well when you say it like that, it sounds like I went through loads of trouble! I just got the next portkey out of Britain.”
Despite all appearances, the two of them bantered with each other with rapidly beating hearts. Charlie couldn’t believe that his own mum had sent the bird he was pining after to visit him in the infirmary. Y/N couldn’t believe that she had actually gone through with the plan and was going to be around the boy who caught her eye.
As soon as she took a seat next to his bed, though, their conversation flowed from where it left off. No awkwardness or uncomfortable pauses, just the two of them chatting as if they were still back in the Burrow, nursing warm mugs of tea and watching snow fall outside the window.
Y/N had to avert her eyes when the healer came back to redress his bandages, not because she was embarrassed to see him practically naked in front of her, but because seeing the burns nearly made her gasp out loud. She knew that he was a dragon tamer, but she hadn’t known the severity of what accidents on the job looked like.
Of course, he noticed and once the healer had left them again he said, “I’m alright, love. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be all patched up in no time!”
“Yeah,” She nodded, “I just wasn’t expecting that.”
Without thinking, she reached out and took his hand in hers. The both of them looked at their intertwined hands atop the stark white bed sheets. His skin was calloused and rough, she noted, but tender and gentle too. It was evident that he enjoyed what he did and he did it with a lot of care.
“Tell you what,” He stage-whispered, finally meeting her eyes, “I know what’ll help me feel better.”
“Oh yeah? What?” She raised an eyebrow, leaning closer to him and playing along.
“For you to go on a date with me once I get out of here.”
“You are something else, Weasley.” Her eyes glimmered as she shook her head, and Charlie felt his heart hammering in his chest, “If you weren’t injured, I would’ve shoved you off this bed.”
“You didn’t give me an answer, Y/L/N.” He replied, hoping that he didn’t come off as too eager, but still squeezing her hand to show that he was serious.
“Of course I will, you silly man!” She rolled her eyes, but pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
She relished in the way that simple gesture brought a rosy pink tinge to his skin.
#kai's showtunes fics#charlie weasley#charlie weasley fanfiction#charlie weasley imagines#charlie weasley imagine#charlie weasley fics#charlie weasley fic#charlie weasley x reader#charlie weasley x y/n#hp fanfiction#tw injury#tw mention of death#tw food#tw food mention#tw alcohol#tw alcohol mention
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Tolerate it ↠ Fred Weasley
Fred Weasley Masterlist // Harry Potter Masterlist
Fred Weasley x Fem!Reader
Summary: Y/N and Fred had an amazing love story throughout Hogwarts. But things start to go sour after the 2nd wizarding war.
Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Swearing, Pregnancy, Mentions of sex, panic attacks
AN: Hope this works out ok!
While at Hogwarts Y/N and Fred’s relationship was better than ever. They did everything together. Well not everything since George was with Fred as well.
Y/N would help him and George with their pranks and all of them would serve detention together as well.
Even though they hung around George a lot he had a life of his own which gave Y/N and Fred to spend sometime alone together. Which the two lovers appreciated.
Y/N and Fred got together in their 4th year when Fred finally gained the confidence to ask Y/N out. The three of them have been best friends ever since their 1st year when she got put her into Gryffindor.
Then when the Yule ball came around a couple years later Fred made a big deal on how he asked her out. There were fireworks that spelled out ‘Will you go to the ball with’.
As the words painted the sky Y/N accepted with tears in the corner in her eyes and then went to hug Fred.
In their 7th year Umbridge came to the school to ruin there lives.
Fred and Y/N couldn’t even hug without Umbridge splitting the two up. When they got the detentions Y/N would comfort Fred laying down with his head in the crook of her neck.
Y/N would stroke his back comforting him.
When Y/N got her first detention with the blood quil Y/N had avoided Fred not wanting him to be angry. He already cut her out of pranks not wanting her to get hurt.
Then Y/N finally decided to talk to Fred and he was livid when he found out. But with Y/N crying on the couch in the common room he pushed his anger aside to hug her trying to get he sobs to calm down.
Y/N eventually fell asleep on his chest and Fred took her to her dorm room and laid the girl down who was fast asleep.
Y/N had always supported the twins and their joke shop.
She told him “follow your dreams Fred,” which he did.
When Fred and George decided to leave Y/N was the first one to know. She offered to go with them but Fred knew how much her education meant to her and decided against.
Y/N was angry at first but slowly came around. There wasn’t that much of school left so she would be leaving soon.
The night before Fred and George left Y/N finally gained enough confidence to tell Fred she loved him. It was the first time she has ever said that to him.
Fred immediately kissed her and after he told her he loved her as well. That was the night the two lost their virginity’s.
Then the school year was over in what a felt like a whole year to Y/N.
For the next full year Y/N moved in with Fred and George and started working with them. Their relationship was growing stronger and stronger everyday.
“I love you,” Y/N whispered one night to Fred whole they were in bed. Her head was laid on his shoulder. The two loved birds were just finished from the 2nd time they’ve had sex that night. The two were extremely tired.
“Love you too darling,” Fred kissed her forehead and brushed some of her hair out of her face. “Will always love you forever,” He promised.
“Forever,” Y/N repeated nuzzling her head into his chest started to feel that tiredness come back. “Good night love,” she whispered.
“Good night darling,” Y/N could hear Fred just before she slipped into deep sleep.
Fred could feel a smirk on his face as he heard her snoring slightly. Fred knew this was the woman he was going to get married have kids. Fred couldn’t wait for the day.
Whenever they did something lovey dovey George would gag at his brother and girlfriend in a jokingly manor. The truth was that George loved having his best friend around and that his best friend and brother were hopelessly in love.
The whole year was like a fairytale for the both of them.
But sometimes fairytales don’t have good endings, and the 2nd wizarding war was going to be come crashing in on their little bubble they loved so much.
The wizarding war was the hardest things Y/N had to go through. With the fighting and death and the worst part was that Fred almost died.
Luckily he didn’t but it was a close call.
Y/N was the first one to find him passed out on the ground rubble all around him. Y/N immediately ran towards him grabbing his face while tears rolled down her cheeks.
“No no no,” Y/N whispered as she put her fingers on his neck to see if he had a pulse.
Y/N let out a sigh of relief when he did have and when he suddenly woke up.
“What happened why’re you crying love,” Fred groaned as he tried to get up and when he did Y/N wrapped her arms around him violently sobbing into his chest.
“I thought you were dead,” Y/N’s voice was muffled as she pressed her face into his chest not wanting to let him go.
“Can’t get rid of me love,” Fred jokes pulling Y/N up to stand. He wrapped his arms around the girl who’s sobs were dying down.
“Don’t joke around about this,” Y/N sniffed finally removing herself from his chest looking up at the red head who gave her a sad smile.
“Sorry but I’m right here and I’m fine,” Fred reassured Y/N wiping the tears from under her eyes.
Y/N didn’t know weather to believe him or not but right Fred was okay and that’s all that matters. He wrapped his arms around her once more and kissed the top of her head in a comforting manor.
In that moment nothing mattered Fred was alive and that’s everything.
Y/N and Fred were taking a few days off from work and she didn’t want to get special treatment and Fred thought the same. So she got a job at a book store.
For the next few everything was ok. Y/N and Fred got a flat for themselves and everything was settling in.
Fred was a little off though. Just little things at the time. He wouldn’t ask her about her day, he wouldn’t tell her he loved her before he left for work.
Y/N didn’t mention it to him thinking it was her just being clingy. And plus she didn’t want to add to his plate since the war just ended.
And he was getting nightmares to the point where he woke up screaming. On those nights Y/ would have get him out of sleep and let him sob into her chest as Y/N strokes the back of his neck comforting him.
Y/N’s tried bringing it up but he avoided the conversation. She just wanted to know what was going on in his head.
She didn’t bring it up because Y/N didn’t want to make things worse for him.
They talked less and less each day and Y/N thought Fred was like this all the time. That was until she went to go and visit him and saw him laughs with George.
Her heart swelled knowing he’s happy but her brain wondered why he wasn’t doing that with her. Y/N shook her head trying to get rid of the thoughts and was just happy he was happy.
The days went on and Y/N could feel her heart break and break even more. Fred barely smiled when he was at the flat.
At first Y/N thought Fred just needed space from her and she didn’t blame him for that. In relationships sometimes the two people needed to talk and be around friends, family.
Y/N felt like she couldn’t even feel his love and he was just tolerating hers.
But this has been going on for a couple months and Y/N could feel herself start to feel like she had no one to talk to. George was always around Fred and would feel bad if he knew she was talking to his brothers/family.
Like with her job Y/N’s boss was being a bit rude and she didn’t know who talk too.
Sometimes the loneliness got hard. With the effects of the war Y/N often get panic attacks where Y/N could feel the walls close in on her. She could feel her breathing start her faster and faster.
Then Y/N found a place where she could calm down. A beach where she would just listen to waves crashing and the animals making there noises.
But it didn’t solve her problems with Fred.
At the 3 month mark Y/N kept throwing up in the morning for 2 weeks straight. It was easy to hide it from Fred since the two barely talked and he left from work early.
Then she noticed she missed her period. Y/N and Fred rarely have sex since the war but one drunk night they had together must of been it.
Y/N wanted to be sure so she got a test from the wizarding world that would tell her if she was pregnant 100%.
As Y/N paced in her and Fred’s shared bathroom she began to think about how Fred was gonna take it. Fred always told Y/N he wanted kids but now she doesn’t know.
Would bringing a baby into the mix make things worse? Would Fred be mad at her?
When it was time to look at the test Y/N took a deep breath before picking up the test and let out a sad sigh.
Positive.
Y/N put her hand on her belly and smiled. She was already love her/him. This was something her and Fred created together.
Maybe this will help Y/N’s and Fred’s relationship.
Y/N looked at the time and noticed it was only 1. It was her day off. Y/N wanted to tell Fred immediately.
Y/N grabbed her coat with bubbling excitement as she strolled to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes with a smile on her face. Even though the past months haven’t been good for her this was a good thing to happen to Y/N.
The shop was filled with loads and loads of customers when Y/N entered the shop. As her eyes roamed the store Y/N could see Fred talking with someone with a smile on his face.
Angelina Johnson.
Y/N didn’t hate the girl they were friends in school. But when Fred and Y/N were just friends he told her he had a crush on Angelina which made Y/N jealous.
But she could never hate Angelina. She was so sweet and Angelina even reassured Y/N that she didn’t like Fred.
But now Y/N could feel her stomach turn as Fred laughed at something Angelina said. Did he still have feelings for her? Is that why he was around as much?
Y/N felt tears brim her eyes as Fred looked so happy. And it hurt her so much to see that he wasn’t happy with her.
She bit her lip to stop herself from sobbing and breaking down.
Y/N rushed out of the shop with tears staining her cheeks as she ran home getting looks from strangers.
Once Y/N reached the flat Y/N took her jacket off and let out a sob as she laid down her and Fred’s bed.
Y/N curled up into a ball trying to get herself to calm down. She didn’t understand why Fred was treating herself this way.
Y/N thought she would be happy with him.
Y/N put her hand on her stomach where there would be a bump in months. She didn’t know what to do now.
Y/N must’ve cried for hours when she heard Fred yell “I’m home.”
Y/N looked at the clock and noticed it was 5 with a surprised look on her face. Y/N could hear Fred enter the bed room with a confused look on his face.
“What’s wrong love,” Fred asked and he sounded concerned. This was the first time she heard Fred sound like he cared for her in a while.
“Nothing,” Y/N scoffed rolling her eyes at the red haired boy.
“Odiously something’s,” Fred sat down on the foot of the bed by the side of the bed she was. He put his hand on her leg and gave it a squeeze to get her attention.
“What,” Y/N snapped sitting up to look up at him.
“Why’re you crying love,” Fred asked concern lacing his words as he cupped Y/N’s cheek wiping the tears away.
“Why do you care,” Y/N could feel more tears coming and with her being pregnant didn’t help her.
“Because you’re my girlfriend and I love you,” Fred softly replied.
“Why now?” Y/N questioned as he gave her a confused look. “Huh. For the last few months you have been avoiding me not talking to me and now you want to know how I feel,” She could feel anger fume in her as Fred looked at her.
“I don’t know what your talking about,” Fred avoided eye contact.
“Just stop lying you’re happy with everyone but me. Hell you’re even more happy with other girls than me,” Y/N huffed looking at the boy.
“I haven’t been talking to other girls,” Fred snapped.
“I saw you with Angelina laughing and smiling and talking,” Y/N whispered angrily.
“We were just talking and why were you at the shop,” Fred asked annoyance in his eyes.
He knows he’s being unreasonable and he knows he’s been distance. Fred didn’t mean to be but when other people asked how he was he could lie but not to Y/N.
“I wanted to tell you I was pregnant but you looked pretty busy,” Y/N had irritation in her voice as she shouted.
“What,” Fred asked flabbergasted with his eyes wide and his face full of shock.
“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Y/N huffed and went to lay down even thought it’s only 5:20.
But Fred doesn’t let her as he grabs her hand to pull her up into a hug. He hides his face in the crook of her neck missing the smell of her shampoo.
“I can’t believe it,” Fred smiled.
“Fred we’ve barely talked the last months and now you just won’t leave me alone,” Y/N snapped pushing him away.
“I’m so sorry love,” Fred looked at Y/N with tears coating his eyes.
“I just want to know why,” Y/N desperately asked feeling out of ideas.
“I couldn’t lie to you,” Fred blurted out.
“What,” Y/N asked as she scrunched her face up with confusion.
“When you ask me if I was fine I can’t say yes like with everyone else,” Fred whispered. Y/N looks up at him with sorrow in her eyes. “Ever since the war it feels like I can’t breathe sometimes and I wake up with nightmares bothering you.”
“Fred,” Y/N whispered reaching towards to touch his face. “You could’ve just talked to me,” She smiles at him.
“I didn’t want to bother you,” Fred rolled his eyes at himself feeling horrible for the way he treated the love of his life.
“You could never bother me with your problems,” Y/N removed her hand from his face grabbing his hand.
“Will you forgive me,” Fred asked hoping he could get another chance.
“Yes,” Y/N sighed and she loved the way his eyes brightened. “But we have to talk more often please,” She pleaded.
“Of course of course,” Fred rushed out and grabbed Y/N’s face to kiss her.
“I love you so much darling.”
“I love you too Freddie.”
#fred weasley series#fred weasley one shot#fred weasley smut#fred weasley headcanons#fred weasley imagine#fred weasley x oc#fred weasley fic#fred weasley x reader#fred weasley#harry potter x you#harry potter headcanon#harry potter blurb#harry potter oneshot#harry potter x oc#harry potter imagine#harry potter smut#harry potter x reader#harry potter#fred weasley blurb
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I did this. Fast and dirty. Like a Rorschach Ink Blot.
1: when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk? I balance it exactly.
2: do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day? Yes. Like Buck Vu, I'm a fan of cold things in the cold.
3: what random objects do you use to bookmark your books? Anything. Pencils. Receipts. Other books.
4: how do you take your coffee/tea? In my mouth.
5: are you self-conscious of your smile? Naw bro
6: do you keep plants? The ones that survive. (And some of the ones that don't.)
7: do you name your plants? Naw bro
8: what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings? Shitposting. Lol not really.
9: do you like singing/humming to yourself? Yep
10: do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? All of the above.
11: what's an inner joke you have with your friends? Wouldn't you like to know?
12: what's your favorite planet? Earth
13: what's something that made you smile today? Smutty fanfiction.
14: if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like? Messy and wonderful
15: go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is! Naw bro
16: what's your favorite pasta dish? Spaghetti w meat sauce and LOTS of cheese
17: what color do you really want to dye your hair? None
18: tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up. I don't have friends. That's why I'm filling out 100 answers by myself.
19: do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it?nah bro
20: what's your favorite eye color? Brown
21: talk about your favorite bag, the one that's been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces. It's a bag of holding. With patches.
22: are you a morning person? When I'm not sick
23: what's your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations? Nothing. Or write.
24: is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets? My therapist.
25: what's the weirdest place you've ever broken into? Can't say I have.
26: what are the shoes you've had for forever and wear with every single outfit?minnetonka Mocs
27: what's your favorite bubblegum flavor? Isn't “bubblegum” it's own flavor?Whatever. I prefer spearmint.
28: sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
29: what's something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing? Shitposts
30: think of it: have you ever been truly scared? Absofuckinglutely
31: what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks. I used to steal my husbands socks Bc they were cool & I thought it was cute to wear his things, but he left me and now I don't have a husband or any socks to wear. So. Yeah.
32: tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends. I fell asleep.
33: what's your fave pastry? Chocolate. Or cherry.
34: tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it? I unfortunately still have all my childhood
folks Bc my hoarder parents mailed them to me 3 years ago. 35: do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often? Gimme college rule loose leaf and some reliable black ink
36: which band's sound would fit your mood right now? STRFCKR
37: do you like keeping your room messy or clean? I like it clean but it's always a mess
38: tell us about your pet peeves! Sticky hands
39: what color do you wear the most? Red?
40: think of a piece of jewelry you own: what's it's story? does it have any meaning to you? I bought a ring that's a big open circle and I wear it instead of my wedding ring Bc fuck my ex
41: what's the last book you remember really, really loving? The night circus
42: do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it! No. All coffee shops are precious and magical.
43: who was the last person you gazed at the stars with? Myself & a pack of smokes
44: when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything? I don't
45: do you trust your instincts a lot? Yep
46: tell us the worst pun you can think of. There is nosuch thing. All puns are beautiful.
47: what food do you think should be banned from the universe? Cold potato salad
48: what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today? Knives/bleeding. Yep.
49: do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought? Yep. David Bowie.
50: what's an odd thing you collect? Magnets of female villains.
51: think of a person. what song do you associate with them? Buck vu. Claire de lune.
52: what are your favorite memes of the year so far? All of Tom’s memes
53: have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? No
heathers? No
beetlejuice? Yep - loved it as a kid
pulp fiction? Yep - triggering
what do you think of them?
54: who's the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face? My kid
55: what's the most dramatic thing you've ever done to prove a point? I don't prove myself. I just am.
56: what are some things you find endearing in people? Flaws
57: go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics? I always love that song. Except when I have a headache. Right now I have a headache...so...
58: who's the wine mom and who's the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why? I don't have friends. Just Tumblr friends. And we don't drink together.But liz is the wine mom and chris is the vodka aunt.
59: what's your favorite myth? The Bible
60: do you like poetry? what are some of your faves? Yes. Mary Oliver. All of her.
61: what's the stupidest gift you've ever given? the stupidest one you've ever received? A donut. An empty box that, when opened, I said was full of love.
62: do you drink juice in the morning? which kind? No
63: are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be?
not really? I like them inbrsknbow order but honestly idgaf
64: what color is the sky where you are right now? Starlight
65: is there anyone you haven't seen in a long time who you'd love to hang out with? Yes
66: what would your ideal flower crown look like?Lilacs & daisies
67: how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel? Peaceful
68: what's winter like where you live?gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty
69: what are your favorite board games? SETTLERS OF CATAN
70: have you ever used a ouija board? nah bro
71: what's your favorite kind of tea?Breakfast tea
72: are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you'll forget it? Yep
73: what are some of your worst habits? Messy everything
74: describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns. deeply generous, but I'm afraid of taking too much… effortlessly beautiful, but a beauty that's not for me
75: tell us about your pets! My cat is a jerk who picks fights with all the other cats and hates babies.
76: is there anything you should be doing right now but aren't? Nah bro
77: pink or yellow lemonade? Yes please
78: are you in the minion hateclub or fanclub? Nah bro
79: what's one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you?Gave me a skipping stone from Spain Bc I reminded them of Amelie
80: what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why? Brown. Yep. Idk it just felt right.
81: describe one of your friend's eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of. In her head
82: are/were you good in school? Yep
83: what's some of your favorite album art? Pink Floyd
84: are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones? Birds on my arm
85: do you read comics? what are your faves? Used to. Xmen.
86: do you like concept albums? which ones? Idk
87: what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives? Fred estaire & ginger Rogers
88: are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy? Abstract expressionism
89: are you close to your parents? No
90: talk about your one of you favorite cities. I busked. I loved it, but the good was horrible. There were more homes of dead authors than I had time to visit.
91: where do you plan on traveling this year? A rainforest
92: are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch?MOAR CHEESE
93: what's the hairstyle you wear the most? Pigtails
94: who was the last person you know to have a birthday?I don't know ppl
95: what are your plans for this weekend? Work while sick. Yay.
96: do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot? I'm supposed to install updates?
97: myer briggs type, zodiac sign, and hogwarts house? INFP cusp griffindor
98: when's the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it? Too long ago. Yes. I love hiking.
99: list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them. ::insert the beetles here::
100: if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why? Neither. Fuck that shit. I wanna live rn.
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How to be Drawn by Terrance Hayes
A CONCEPT OF SURVIVAL (after Jenny Holzer)
It was a good enough request at first
written on prophylactic packages PROTECT ME
FROM WHAT I WANT the shy genes exploding
just outside the late streetlights and later
in other quarters it was found stamped
inside all the Midwestern Bibles PROTECT ME
FROM WHAT I WANT not just in hotels where
sometimes the condoms were sheathed
and unsheathed but in the pews and desks
of churches and churchgoers in nursing homes
where the aged lived long enough to find pain
shameless my grandmother’s uncle jumped
naked on his bed the last time we visited him
our mood was baffled and ugly PROTECT ME
FROM WHAT I WANT appeared on neon signs
and banners it was typed on the ticker tape strips
buried in fortune cookies so that opening one
after my meal I looked over my shoulder
to a vanishing waitress I was told her shift
was done I’d fallen in love with her as I always fall
for anyone taking my order sometimes fortune
explodes quietly PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT
to be thoroughly drunk and immune to hunger
to dream a means of survival a bubble of luck
milk pours from the pastoral holes in the body
or blood when you are beaten tender in the woods
I want to feel the trees around me I want you
to smell the leaves on my breath PROTECT ME
FROM WHAT I WANT paranoia is a form of intuition
it carries a flashlight and never sits with its back
to an exit the water always threatens to come indoors
I want to enter someone else’s hide and hide
I want to sleep enough to never need sleep again
too many years have passed since I went dancing
since I cried publicly or was so small my mother
could lift me with her one free arm from the floor
***
ELEGY WITH ZOMBIES FOR LIFE
The trouble with living like thinking is feeling is it’s not
Really living. I think, for example, these are good times
Save the mornings I want to say “Shame on you mother-
Fuckers” to the motherfuckers trafficking homemade posters
Of death on the corner between my home and the cemetery
That holds among its dead the bones of the great pianist
Mary Lou Williams, the mother of jazz. Music was her child
Because she had no child. For Mother’s Day my children
And I took my wife to visit Mary Lou’s headstone (May 8, 1910-
May 28, 1981). We found it unmoored and untended,
Unattended on a hillside. People who say don’t live in the past
Don’t have a real sense of the past, would you agree with that?
Life is not about what you learn, really, but what you remember.
I was in a diner once when I saw a young mother passed out
With her face in her plate. I have been thinking about the horrified
Expression of her little boy as a waiter approached the booth.
Near me a lady in a business suit sighed, “For that kind
Of woman, abortion should be free.” Think about the theory
That crime rates have declined since Roe versus Wade versus
The theory that sexually transmitted diseases have increased.
Think about identity versus ideology versus idiocy, the Center
For Bio-Ethical Reform versus the sinners of the bio-unethically
Formed. The Center for Life and Hope versus the Center for Death
And Despair. Because thinking is feeling. I think about death
All the time: the food under my nails, the nails underfoot,
The skullish sockets packed with dirt. Maybe the soul is tethered
To the body like an embryo even when the body is no longer alive.
Maybe zombies have taken over. Are you for the Humans for Life,
The Families for Life, the Armed Forces for Life, or are you for
Something else? Because thinking is feeling, there are thousands
Of compartments and pigeonholes in my brain, there are polemics
And porn flicks and utopian blueprints, court briefs, sketches,
Graphs, philosophical theories like “Cruelty is a form of laziness,”
But there is only one version of death. It takes work to imagine
The ineffable, which I think is the word for something that can’t be
Effed up. I think the sanctimonious are worse than people who hate
Music, would you agree with that? At this very moment, they are fighting
about the order of things we should value: God, Family, Country—
No: Love, Justice, Money. I can no longer grasp the logic
Of conflicts. In the pro-life versus pro-choice debate, for instance,
It’s the versus that’s of interest to me. Remember Fred Williamson
Saying to the friend who became his enemy at the end of Bucktown,
“I don’t want to kill you, I just want to beat the hell out of you”?
I love the lovely restraint in that. Cruelty is pretty damn lazy, actually.
It takes more effort to earn someone’s love than it does to punch
Someone in the face. May you be punched in the face, may you weep
Until your nose is fat and crumpled as the hood of a child’s raincoat,
That’s my curse for the self-righteous. That’s the “Thug Life for Life”
In me, a former self versus a self who wants to change, Cassius Clay
Versus Muhammad Ali, who said, “A man who views the world
The same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.”
The trouble with thinking thinking is feeling is sometimes
There is no feeling. Twenty years ago I would not have believed
My unborn child would still be here pushing a cry out of me.
***
ANTEBELLUM HOUSE PARTY
To make the servant in the corner unobjectionable
Furniture, we must first make her a bundle of tree parts
Axed and worked to confidence. Oak-jawed, birch-backed,
Cedar-skinned, a pillowy bosom for the boss infants,
A fine patterned cushion the boss can fall upon.
Furniture does not pine for a future wherein the boss
Plantation house will be ransacked by cavalries or calvary.
A kitchen table can, in the throes of a yellow fever outbreak,
Become a cooling board holding the boss wife’s body.
It can on ordinary days also be an ironing board holding
Boss garments in need of ironing. Tonight it is simply a
Place for a white cup of coffee, a tin of white cream. Boss calls
For sugar and the furniture bears it sweetly. Let us fill the mouth
Of the boss with something stored in the pantry of a house
War, decency, nor bedeviled storms can wipe from the past.
Furniture’s presence should be little more than a warm feeling
In the den. The dog staring into the fireplace imagines each log
Is a bone that would taste like a spiritual wafer on his tongue.
Let us imagine the servant ordered down on all fours
In the manner of an ottoman whereupon the boss volume
Of John James Audubon’s Birds of America can be placed.
Antebellum residents who possessed the most encyclopedic
Bookcases, luxurious armoires, and beds with ornate cotton
Canopies often threw the most photogenic dinner parties.
Long after they have burned to ash, the hound dog sits there
Mourning the succulent bones he believes the logs used to be.
Imagination is often the boss of memory. Let us imagine
Music is radiating through the fields as if music were reward
For suffering. A few of the birds Audubon drew are now extinct.
The Carolina parakeet, passenger pigeon, and Labrador duck
No longer nuisance the boss property. With so much
Furniture about, there are far fewer woods. Is furniture’s fate
As tragic as the fate of an ax, the part of a tree that helps
Bring down more upstanding trees? The best furniture
Can stand so quietly in a room that the room appears empty.
If it remains unbroken, it lives long enough to become antique.
***
ARS POETICA FOR THE ONES LIKE US (after Mark Rothko & Leonard Cohen)
I like the story about the man who talks
God into letting him live until he is done
With his masterwork. In some versions
He is a painter, but in this one he is a singer
Who then sings every sentence, whose song
Becomes a poem that does not end
Because it is eternally revised. Who can say
Whether Orpheus, when he found honey
In other hives, did not sing to let the devil know
His body was alive? He was the first to grieve,
Years in advance, the news of his death.
At the wake I explained that the poem could be
Thought of as a house: a bedroom where a boy
Undresses before a slightly older girl and vanishes
In her shade; a basement where the furnace
And subliminal pipes are kept; an attic
Where aesthetic and spiritual innuendos drift.
If I could have stepped out of the poem,
My feet would have remained four or five inches
Above ground because the ground was covered
In four or five inches of snow. It is breath
That makes the tragic endurable. It is earth
That provides our basis for being rooted
To ourselves. It is evening that lets us,
For an instant, be possessed by someone else.
I believed, for example, that I was in control.
The girl, I have almost forgotten her name,
Told me the poem would want the windows
Closed. I tried drawing her face to my face
So that her face could be exposed.
From inside the poem I was asked to map
The world outside and the adventure to unfold.
I looked at the window, but I could not see
Through the window because it resembled
A painting of light coloring a veil
Shaped like a window. Some things in this world
Do not depend on speech to be felt.
Remember too that the eyes are not flesh,
That crisis is initiated by the absence of witness,
That Orpheus, in time, became nothing
But a lying-ass song
Sung for the woman he failed.
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Top 25 Contemporary Acoustic Blues Guitarists
Modern Acoustic Blues finds contemporary artists reviving the older, more country-derived styles of blues in its myriad strains. The form places a great deal of emphasis on instrumental expertise, providing the genre with some astounding players who do more than merely replicate older styles.
So how do I propose to rank the best 25 Acoustic Blues Guitarists in the world? Well, I’m going to dodge the issue a bit.
I’m going to put down 25 guitarists that have dominated the field. But I will refrain from ranking them #1, #2, #3, etc. I think that’s as close as I can get. I’m sure you’ll discover some great inspiration for both listening and learning from.
Add other worthy players to the comments below so that the list is truly complete. Thanks!
Here We Go…
Keb’ Mo’
Guitarist/vocalist Keb’ Mo’ draws heavily on the old-fashioned country blues style of Robert Johnson while keeping his sound contemporary with touches of soul and folksy storytelling. A skilled frontman as well as an accomplished sideman, he writes much of his own material and has applied his acoustic, electric, and slide guitar skills to jazz- and rock-oriented bands.
There’s a lot of material to choose from when listening to Russ, but a popular song to start with is “Everybody Be Yoself”.
More info on Keb’ Mo’.
Seasick Steve
Steven Gene Wold, commonly known as Seasick Steve, is an American blues musician. He plays mostly personalized guitars and sings, usually about his early life doing casual work. Like T-Model Ford, Seasick Steve began recording his own music much later in life than other musicians. In the 1960s, Wold started touring and performing with fellow blues musicians, and had friends in the music scene including Joni Mitchell. He spent time living in San Francisco. Since then, he has worked, on and off, as a session musician and studio engineer.
To get a sense of his style, listen to
“Summertime Boy”.More info on Seasick Steve.
Jimbo Mathus
Jim “Jimbo” Mathus first gained fame as the co-founder of the retro-swing outfit the Squirrel Nut Zippers. But after the group’s messy breakup, he went on to a prolific career as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer, defining his own brand of revved-up blues and roots music. Using a variety of stage names, including James Mathus, Jas Mathus, Jimbo “Hambone” Mathus, and Jimbo Mathus, he first began stepping out on his own as a sideman with one-time Zippers’ violinist Andrew Bird.
Check him out playing
“Shine Like a Diamond”.More info on Jimbo Mathus.
Taj Mahal
Henry Saint Clair Fredericks (born May 17, 1942), who uses the stage name Taj Mahal, is an American blues musician. He often incorporates elements of world music into his works. A self-taught singer-songwriter and film composer who plays the guitar, piano, banjo and harmonica (among many other instruments), Mahal has done much to reshape the definition and scope of blues music over the course of his almost 50-year career by fusing it with nontraditional forms, including sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and the South Pacific.
One of my favorite is his
“Fishin’ Blues”.More info on Taj Mahal.
Kelly Joe Phelps
Vancouver, Washington-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter Kelly Joe Phelps continues to expand the parameters of modern blues through his strong commitment to literary songs and his expressive yet simple guitar stylings. While casual listeners may call Phelps a bluesman, his playing is so fluid, dexterous, and improvised he obviously has the soul of a jazz musician. Kelly Joe Phelps grew up in Sumner, Washington, a blue-collar farming town. He learned country and folk songs, as well as drums and piano, from his father. He began playing guitar at age twelve.
Check out this tune “I’ve Been Converted” by Kelly Joe Phelps.
More info on Kelly Joe Phelps.
Corey Harris
Corey Harris has earned substantial critical acclaim as one of the few contemporary bluesmen able to channel the raw, direct emotion of acoustic Delta blues without coming off as an authenticity-obsessed historian. Although he is well versed in the early history of blues guitar, he’s no well-mannered preservationist, mixing a considerable variety of influences — from New Orleans to the Caribbean to Africa — into his richly expressive music.
“Catfish Blues”is one of his super creation which I like so much.
More info on Corey Harris.
Cephas & Wiggins
The duo of acoustic guitarist John Cephas and harpist Phil Wiggins enjoyed a partnership spanning several decades, during which time they emerged among contemporary music’s most visible exponents of the Piedmont blues tradition. Their music, rooted in the rural African-American dance music of Virginia and North Carolina, showed the influence of Blind Boy Fuller, Gary Davis, and Sonny Terry, with a broad repertoire consisting of Piedmont blues standards as well as an eclectic sampling of Delta stylings, R&B, ballads, ragtime, gospel, and country & western; onward from their 1984 debut, Sweet Bitter Blues, Cephas & Wiggins’ sound applied sophisticated traditional instrumentation and modern gospel-edged vocals to both traditional standards and their own hard-hitting compositions, offering a soulful acoustic option to electric blues.
Check out their tune “Richmond Blues” and you’ll sense the scope of their playing.
More info on Cephas & Wiggins.
Ted Hawkins
Overseas, he was a genuine hero, performing for thousands. But on his L.A. home turf, sand-blown Venice Beach served as Ted Hawkins’ makeshift stage. He’d deliver his magnificent melange of soul, blues, folk, gospel, and a touch of country all by his lonesome, with only an acoustic guitar for company. Passersby would pause to marvel at Hawkins’ melismatic vocals, dropping a few coins or a greenback into his tip jar.
He created many good tunes. One of my favorite is his
“Sorry You’re Sick”.More info on Ted Hawkins.
Chris Smither
William Christopher Smither is an American folk/blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His music draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, and modern poets and philosophers. By 1969, after living in several places around Cambridge, Smither moved to Garfield Street in Cambridge and often visited Dick Waterman’s house where Fred McDowell, Son House and other blues musicians were known to congregate. It was there that Smither first performed his song “Love You Like a Man” for Waterman’s friend, Bonnie Raitt.
Check out his
“Link Of Chain”.More info on Chris Smither.
Preacher Boy
Christopher Watkins, a twenty-something rocker from the San Francisco Bay area, is turning a whole new generation of teenage and twenty-something alternative rock fans on to the eternal hipness of the blues. Watkins, who uses the stage name Preacher Boy, is backed on his club shows around the Bay area and other parts of the West Coast by his band Natural Blues.
One of his great creation is
“Setting Sun”.More info on Preacher Boy.
East River String Band
Eden and John’s East River String Band are a New York City-based duo who play country blues from the 1920s and 1930s. The members are John Heneghan (guitar, mandolin and vocals) and Eden Brower (ukulele and vocals).The duo often have other musicians sit in with them, including Dom Flemons (formerly of Carolina Chocolate Drops), Pat Conte (of the Canebreak Rattlers and Otis Brothers) and Robert Crumb (of the Cheap Suit Serenaders).
Check out their “Rolling Log Blues”.
View more on East River String Band.
Eric Clapton
Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE, is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist and separately as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream.
Check out this tune of “Wonderful Tonight”.
View more on Eric Clapton.
David Allen Slater
David Allen Slater is a multi-talented singer/songwriter, composer and graphic artist who successfully released his self-produced debut CD, Influenced, on August 15, 2009. Gaining exposure for his music through the web, David was asked to participate in the Windows 7 collaboration with ReverbNation just 2 months after the release of his first album. His song, Run Away, was distributed through this collaboration on Playlist7 and branded with the Windows 7 logo.
Check out his “Swim”.
View more on “David Allen Slater”.
Chris Thomas King
Chris Thomas King (born October 14, 1962 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) is an American blues musician and actor. He is the son of blues musician Tabby Thomas. In the 2000 movie O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?, he played legendary bluesman Tommy Johnson. On the “O Brother…” soundtrack he plays Skip James’ “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues”. In the 2004 movie Ray, he played bandleader Lowell Fulson. He has also appeared in several documentaries about the blues and about music.
I’ve been listening his many songs, but my my personal favorite is “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues”.
View more on Chris Thomas King.
Guy Davis
Guy Davis (born May 12, 1952) is an American blues guitarist and banjo player, and actor. He is the eldest child and the only son of the late actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. Davis says his blues music is inspired by the southern speech of his grandmother. Though raised in the New York City area, he grew up hearing accounts of life in the rural south from his parents and especially his grandparents, and they made their way into his own stories and songs. Davis taught himself the guitar (never having the patience to take formal lessons) and learned by listening to and watching other musicians.
I love to listen his tune of
“Matchbox Blues”.View more on Guy Davis.
Bjørn Berge
Bjørn Berge takes the Blues and Rock to the next level! He performs with and without band. You wouldn’t notice the difference. The man is a band on his own. Maybe thats why ‘they’ call him the ‘string-machine’. Even the drumming is taken care off in a ‘sole-man-performance’. Just a kick of a heavy, worn out boot on a wooden box for basedrum for example. His fingers play like he sold his soul to ,…. (Fill it in yourself) His voice speaks for itself. Blues to the utmost ground.
Check him playing
“Mad Fingers Ball”.View more on Bjørn Berge.
Woody Mann
Woody Mann is an American Blues Guitar player, using a picking style. Woody was first taught to play the blues by the Rev Gary Davis. Woody still plays many of his songs in tribute and has expanded his range over many styles including Jazz, and syncopated guitar picking. Woody has collaborated with many names in the Jazz and Blues industry from the British White Blues singer Jo-Ann Kelly, Son House and Dori Previn.
Check out him playing
“We’ll Be Alright”.View more on Woody Mann.
Watermelon Slim and the Workers
Bill Homans, professionally known as “Watermelon Slim”, is an American blues musician. He plays both guitar and harmonica. He is currently signed to NorthernBlues Music, based out of Toronto, Ontario.
Homans has been performing since the 1970s and has been linked to several notable blues musicians, including John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, Champion Jack Dupree, Bonnie Raitt, “Country” Joe McDonald, and Henry Vestine of Canned Heat.
Watch them playing
“I’m a King Bee”.View more on Watermelon Slim and the Workers.
Robert Plant
Robert Anthony Plant CBE (born 20 August 1948, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England) is a British rock singer-songwriter famous for being the lead vocalist of one of the most influential bands of all time: Led Zeppelin. He is known for his powerful style and wide vocal range. After Led Zeppelin’s breakup following the sudden death of drummer John Bonham in 1980, Plant pursued a successful solo career.
Check out this tune as a start
“Big Log”.View more on Robert Plant.
Rory Gallagher (1948-1995)
William Rory Gallagher was an Irish blues and rock multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and bandleader. Born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, and brought up in Cork, Gallagher recorded solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, after forming the band Taste during the late 1960s. His albums have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Gallagher received a liver transplant in 1995, but died of complications later that year in London at the age of 47.
I love his track
“Tattoo’d Lady”.View more on Rory Gallagher.
John Mayer
John Clayton Mayer is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and raised in nearby Fairfield. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, but disenrolled and moved to Atlanta in 1997 with Clay Cook. Together, they formed a short-lived two-man band called Lo-Fi Masters. After their split, Mayer continued to play local clubs—refining his skills and gaining a following.
Check out his “Gravity”.
View more on John Mayer.
Stefan Grossman
Stefan Grossman is an American acoustic fingerstyle guitarist and singer, music producer and educator, and co-founder of Kicking Mule records. He is known for his instructional videos and Vestapol line of videos and DVDs. He also gives lessons on “How To Play Blues Guitar”
Check his tune “Bermuda Triangle Exit”.
View more on Stefan Grossman.
Jorma Kaukonen
Jorma Ludwik Kaukonen, is an American blues, folk, and rock guitarist, best known for his work with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #54 on its list of 100 Greatest Guitarists.
Check out his “Song for the North Star”.
View more on Jorma Kaukonen.
Leo Kottke
Leo Kottke is an acoustic guitarist. He is known for a fingerpicking style that draws on blues, jazz, and folk music, and for syncopated, polyphonic melodies. He overcame a series of personal obstacles, including partial loss of hearing and a nearly career-ending bout with tendon damage in his right hand, to emerge as a widely recognized master of his instrument. He currently resides in the Minneapolis area with his family. Focusing primarily on instrumental composition and playing, Kottke also sings sporadically, in an unconventional yet expressive baritone described by himself as sounding like “geese farts on a muggy day”.
I love his tune of “Vaseline Machine Gun”.
View more on Leo Kottke.
Bob Brozman
Brozman was born to a Jewish family living on Long Island, New York, United States. He began playing the guitar when he was 6. He performed in a number of styles, including gypsy jazz, calypso, blues, ragtime, Hawaiian music, and Caribbean music. He also collaborated with musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, from India, Africa, Japan, Papua New Guinea and Réunion. He has been called “an instrumental wizard” and “a walking archive of 20th Century American music”.
I love his tune of “Rattlesnake blues”.
View more on Bob Brozman.
More lists of top players:
The Top 20 Dobro™ Players >>
Top 25 Fingerstyle Guitar Players >>
Top 25 Best Bluegrass Flatpicking Guitarists >>
The post Top 25 Contemporary Acoustic Blues Guitarists appeared first on The Guitar Journal.
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Traveling in California – The Central Coast Part 1
One of the greatest experiences traveling in California are the wonders of the Central Coast. Stretching from Ventura in the south to Monterrey in the north, the central coast includes famous destinations like Santa Barbara, Carmel, Ojai and San Luis Obispo. Conveniently located a few hours north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is packed with things to do, amazing beaches, restaurants, hiking and horseback riding, scenic mountain retreats and the night life of historic State Street and Old Town. 13,000 years ago, the Chumash people lived in five villages in the area. Mispu (site of the present-day Santa Barbara City College) the site of the El Baño pool along west beach, Syukhtun, chief Yanonalit’s large village located between Bath and Chapala streets; Amolomol was at the mouth of Mission Creek; and Swetete, above the bird refuge. Anthropologists say that these villages were inhabited for eight thousand years by the Chumash, one of the few truly ocean-faring cultures in California. Approximately 8,000 Chumash lived in the area in 1542 when Juan Cabrillo landed there. Syukhtun means “it forks“ in Chumash, possibly referring to the “fork“ visible in the Milky Way. The Chumash realm stretched as far north as Big Sur, as far inland as the San Joaquin Valley, and as far south as Malibu. Most of the channel islands were inhabited by the Chumash, and the major town for this vast and ancient realm was Syukhtun. The plaque on the right is located on one of the main streets in downtown Santa Barbara and explains the spiritual significance of the area to the Chumash where prayers for food, good health, protection from bears and rattlesnakes and a host of other human needs and desires were conducted on the summit of such shrines. One of the most interesting places to visit to see pre-Columbian Chumash art is the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park a short drive north of Santa Barbara. The smooth and irregularly shaped shallow sandstone cave contains numerous drawings apparently depicting the Chumash cosmology and other subjects created in mineral pigments and other media over a long period ranging from about 200 up to possibly 1000 years or more. [1] [2]
“The first permanent European residents were Spanish missionaries and soldiers under Felipe de Neve, who came in 1782 to build the Presidio. They were sent both to fortify the region against expansion by other powers such as England and Russia, and to convert the natives to Christianity. Many of the Spaniards brought their families with them, and those formed the nucleus of the small town – at first just a cluster of adobes – that surrounded the Presidio. The Santa Barbara Mission was established on the Feast of Saint Barbara, December 4, 1786. It was the tenth of the California Missions to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans. The Mission fathers began the slow work of converting the native Chumash to Christianity, building a village for them on the Mission grounds. During the following decades, many of the Chumash died of diseases such as smallpox, against which they had no natural immunity.” [3]
The Spanish period ended in 1822 with the end of the Mexican War of Independence, which terminated 300 years of colonial rule. The flag of Mexico went up the flagpole at the Presidio, but only for 24 years.
Santa Barbara street names reflect this time period as well. The names de la Guerra and Carrillo come from citizens of the town of this time. They help to build up the town so they were honored by naming not only streets after them, but the dining commons at UCSB are also named after them. Santa Barbara fell bloodlessly to a battalion of American soldiers under John C. Frémont on December 27, 1846, during the Mexican–American War, and after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 it became part of the expanding United States. Santa Barbara is located about 90 miles (145 km) WNW of Los Angeles, along the Pacific coast. This stretch of coast along southern Santa Barbara County is sometimes referred to as “The American Riviera”. In modern time Santa Barbara has become the playground of the rich and famous given its proximity to Los Angeles, mild climate, amazing beaches and beautiful architecture. Famous residents of Santa Barbara include: Tom Cruise, Ellen DeGeneres, Michael Douglas, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Costner, Whoopie Goldberg, Steven Spielberg and from the old days Ronald Reagan, Fess Parker, Carole Burnett and Brian Wilson. What is so special about the area that attracts the rich and famous? [4] First of all there’s everything that you can enjoy for free or affordably.
The amazing beaches:
Horseback riding:
Visiting the Channel Islands:
Or just hanging around downtown:
Now that you got a taste of the history, scenic beauty and fun activities, you want to know where to stay and eat.
For a truly unique experience, try the Villa Rosa Inn. The Villa Rosa is one of the best boutique hotels in Santa Barbara. Its more like a bed and breakfast with only 18 rooms but it is close to the beach and a short walk to State Street and downtown. Its very affordable and double or single occupancy includes a continental breakfast plus complimentary evening wine and cheese with snacks. All rooms are furnished with king or queen size beds and private bathrooms. “Every room at the Villa Rosa boasts a spectacular view, whether of the ocean, the harbor, the mountains, or the beautiful garden courtyard. There are also deluxe rooms with fireplaces to make romantic evenings that much more special. Only 84 steps away from Santa Barbara’s East Beach and an easy stroll from Stearns Wharf, with its numerous shops, restaurants, and activities. The Villa Rosa Inn was originally called the “Hilton-by-the-sea,” this Spanish Colonial Revival building was designed by George M. Thomas Studios in 1931. Serving as off-campus housing during the winter season for the U.C.S.B. Riviera campus, the rooms were rented to tourists in the summer months. Acquired in 1981 by Mark and Beverly Kirkhart, Robert Young and Lisa Young, the Villa Rosa Inn opened to the public on July 11, 1982. [5]
One of the newest additions to the luxury lineup is the Bacara Resort and Spa. Located a little north of Santa Barbara in Goleta the Bacara is a destination resort. “Bacara’s beautiful hotel rooms are located within one, three, or four-story villas, connected by graceful garden paths, scenic courtyards, and picturesque fountains. Offering relaxed, coastal charm infused with modern amenities and current technology, Bacara offers a luxury Santa Barbara escape unlike any other. Located at the edge of the Pacific, The Bacara offers expansive ocean views and is the perfect retreat for get-togethers with families and friends. Bacara guests can indulge in a range of cuisine and ambiances at the resort’s many restaurants. Their acclaimed culinary team, led by renowned Executive Chef Vincent Lesage, blends locally grown ingredients with innovative techniques to bring you the unique flavors of Santa Barbara County. Escape to the bluffs and beaches of the Santa Barbara coast. While you are here, treat yourself to Bacara’s new oceanfront restaurant, Angel Oak. Bacara also features special events. Join wine pioneer Richard Sanford as the guide for a “Celebration of the Santa Rita Hills.” The evening traces the evolution of this unique Santa Barbara appellation, founded by Sanford, as eight wines from four Santa Rita Hills wineries will be paired with a special four-course menu created by Bacara’s Executive Chef Vincent Lesage. The vineyards include the Alma Rosa Winery Longoria Winery, Brewer Clifton and Diatom Wineries and the Tyler Winery. Bacara is recognized as one of the finest spas in the world, The Spa at Bacara is spectacular in every way, from its beautiful architecture and incredible array of services to its expert staff. With treatments, guests enjoy a wealth of amenities, including an adults-only pool, Jacuzzi, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, fireside lounge areas, wellness classes and a rooftop terrace. The facilities at the fitness resort also include a 3,500 square foot cardiovascular and strength training center, yoga and Pilates studios, and four Har-Tru surface tennis courts. Bacara is ideal for corporate retreats and investor meetings, team-building and social events, any occasion is larger-than-life at Bacara. Bacara offers more than 70,000-square-feet of flexible space designed to promote creativity and exceed business goals, ensuring that your next event will be a true success. For a truly enjoyable experience try the Bacara. Santa Barbara never looked so good.
If you have made it this far here is a nice little secret spot that doesn’t come up on the tourist maps that often and is truly “local”. For that unique dining experience in SB try the El Paseo Mexican Restaurant. This out of the way place is hidden down the El Paseo walkway between Anacapa and State Streets. The restaurant was first built in 1922 as part of an 1826 adobe complex. Architect James Osborne Craig designed and restored many of the existing buildings and added the Spanish village and “Street in Spain” surrounding the restaurant. The El Paseo complex was an inspiration for the revival of Spanish Colonial architecture in Southern California, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the oldest restaurant in Santa Barbara, and has been the host to many of Santa Barbara’s celebrations over the years. Over the years, the restaurant has been the site of many fiesta celebrations and host to numerous luminaries, including Clark Gable, Carol Lombard, Jean Harlow, William Powell, Ginger Rogers, Shirley Temple, Rita Hayworth, Edward G. Robinson, Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, Salvador Dali, Stravinsky, Will Rogers, Howard Hughes, Charles Lindbergh, Herbert Hoover, Quentin Tarantino and Jennifer Lopez. El Paseo is led by Alex Castillo one of Santa Barbara’s most talented chefs. The guacamole is awesome and made right at your table. The restaurant features an open air courtyard with a central fountain and a balcony. There’s a side bar to the right as you walk in that is very cozy especially in winter with a roaring fire in the massive fire place. Here is the get away for an intimate dining experience. The margarita’s are spectacular, the Huachinango delicious, the fajitas are sizzling and their tequila selection is extensive. Treat yourself to a fantastic dining experience and bask in the history of old Santa Barbara. This is really living.
Stay tuned for our next feature when Kaz Headrest brings you part 2 in the central coast series focusing on Ojai.
from Blog – Kaz Headrest https://www.kazheadrest.com/uncategorized/traveling-in-california-the-central-coast-part-1/
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Traveling in California – The Central Coast Part 1
One of the greatest experiences traveling in California are the wonders of the Central Coast. Stretching from Ventura in the south to Monterrey in the north, the central coast includes famous destinations like Santa Barbara, Carmel, Ojai and San Luis Obispo. Conveniently located a few hours north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is packed with things to do, amazing beaches, restaurants, hiking and horseback riding, scenic mountain retreats and the night life of historic State Street and Old Town. 13,000 years ago, the Chumash people lived in five villages in the area. Mispu (site of the present-day Santa Barbara City College) the site of the El Baño pool along west beach, Syukhtun, chief Yanonalit’s large village located between Bath and Chapala streets; Amolomol was at the mouth of Mission Creek; and Swetete, above the bird refuge. Anthropologists say that these villages were inhabited for eight thousand years by the Chumash, one of the few truly ocean-faring cultures in California. Approximately 8,000 Chumash lived in the area in 1542 when Juan Cabrillo landed there. Syukhtun means “it forks“ in Chumash, possibly referring to the “fork“ visible in the Milky Way. The Chumash realm stretched as far north as Big Sur, as far inland as the San Joaquin Valley, and as far south as Malibu. Most of the channel islands were inhabited by the Chumash, and the major town for this vast and ancient realm was Syukhtun. The plaque on the right is located on one of the main streets in downtown Santa Barbara and explains the spiritual significance of the area to the Chumash where prayers for food, good health, protection from bears and rattlesnakes and a host of other human needs and desires were conducted on the summit of such shrines. One of the most interesting places to visit to see pre-Columbian Chumash art is the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park a short drive north of Santa Barbara. The smooth and irregularly shaped shallow sandstone cave contains numerous drawings apparently depicting the Chumash cosmology and other subjects created in mineral pigments and other media over a long period ranging from about 200 up to possibly 1000 years or more. [1] [2]
“The first permanent European residents were Spanish missionaries and soldiers under Felipe de Neve, who came in 1782 to build the Presidio. They were sent both to fortify the region against expansion by other powers such as England and Russia, and to convert the natives to Christianity. Many of the Spaniards brought their families with them, and those formed the nucleus of the small town – at first just a cluster of adobes – that surrounded the Presidio. The Santa Barbara Mission was established on the Feast of Saint Barbara, December 4, 1786. It was the tenth of the California Missions to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans. The Mission fathers began the slow work of converting the native Chumash to Christianity, building a village for them on the Mission grounds. During the following decades, many of the Chumash died of diseases such as smallpox, against which they had no natural immunity.” [3]
The Spanish period ended in 1822 with the end of the Mexican War of Independence, which terminated 300 years of colonial rule. The flag of Mexico went up the flagpole at the Presidio, but only for 24 years.
Santa Barbara street names reflect this time period as well. The names de la Guerra and Carrillo come from citizens of the town of this time. They help to build up the town so they were honored by naming not only streets after them, but the dining commons at UCSB are also named after them. Santa Barbara fell bloodlessly to a battalion of American soldiers under John C. Frémont on December 27, 1846, during the Mexican–American War, and after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 it became part of the expanding United States. Santa Barbara is located about 90 miles (145 km) WNW of Los Angeles, along the Pacific coast. This stretch of coast along southern Santa Barbara County is sometimes referred to as “The American Riviera”. In modern time Santa Barbara has become the playground of the rich and famous given its proximity to Los Angeles, mild climate, amazing beaches and beautiful architecture. Famous residents of Santa Barbara include: Tom Cruise, Ellen DeGeneres, Michael Douglas, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Costner, Whoopie Goldberg, Steven Spielberg and from the old days Ronald Reagan, Fess Parker, Carole Burnett and Brian Wilson. What is so special about the area that attracts the rich and famous? [4] First of all there’s everything that you can enjoy for free or affordably.
The amazing beaches:
Horseback riding:
Visiting the Channel Islands:
Or just hanging around downtown:
Now that you got a taste of the history, scenic beauty and fun activities, you want to know where to stay and eat.
For a truly unique experience, try the Villa Rosa Inn. The Villa Rosa is one of the best boutique hotels in Santa Barbara. Its more like a bed and breakfast with only 18 rooms but it is close to the beach and a short walk to State Street and downtown. Its very affordable and double or single occupancy includes a continental breakfast plus complimentary evening wine and cheese with snacks. All rooms are furnished with king or queen size beds and private bathrooms. “Every room at the Villa Rosa boasts a spectacular view, whether of the ocean, the harbor, the mountains, or the beautiful garden courtyard. There are also deluxe rooms with fireplaces to make romantic evenings that much more special. Only 84 steps away from Santa Barbara’s East Beach and an easy stroll from Stearns Wharf, with its numerous shops, restaurants, and activities. The Villa Rosa Inn was originally called the “Hilton-by-the-sea,” this Spanish Colonial Revival building was designed by George M. Thomas Studios in 1931. Serving as off-campus housing during the winter season for the U.C.S.B. Riviera campus, the rooms were rented to tourists in the summer months. Acquired in 1981 by Mark and Beverly Kirkhart, Robert Young and Lisa Young, the Villa Rosa Inn opened to the public on July 11, 1982. [5]
One of the newest additions to the luxury lineup is the Bacara Resort and Spa. Located a little north of Santa Barbara in Goleta the Bacara is a destination resort. “Bacara’s beautiful hotel rooms are located within one, three, or four-story villas, connected by graceful garden paths, scenic courtyards, and picturesque fountains. Offering relaxed, coastal charm infused with modern amenities and current technology, Bacara offers a luxury Santa Barbara escape unlike any other. Located at the edge of the Pacific, The Bacara offers expansive ocean views and is the perfect retreat for get-togethers with families and friends. Bacara guests can indulge in a range of cuisine and ambiances at the resort’s many restaurants. Their acclaimed culinary team, led by renowned Executive Chef Vincent Lesage, blends locally grown ingredients with innovative techniques to bring you the unique flavors of Santa Barbara County. Escape to the bluffs and beaches of the Santa Barbara coast. While you are here, treat yourself to Bacara’s new oceanfront restaurant, Angel Oak. Bacara also features special events. Join wine pioneer Richard Sanford as the guide for a “Celebration of the Santa Rita Hills.” The evening traces the evolution of this unique Santa Barbara appellation, founded by Sanford, as eight wines from four Santa Rita Hills wineries will be paired with a special four-course menu created by Bacara’s Executive Chef Vincent Lesage. The vineyards include the Alma Rosa Winery Longoria Winery, Brewer Clifton and Diatom Wineries and the Tyler Winery. Bacara is recognized as one of the finest spas in the world, The Spa at Bacara is spectacular in every way, from its beautiful architecture and incredible array of services to its expert staff. With treatments, guests enjoy a wealth of amenities, including an adults-only pool, Jacuzzi, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, fireside lounge areas, wellness classes and a rooftop terrace. The facilities at the fitness resort also include a 3,500 square foot cardiovascular and strength training center, yoga and Pilates studios, and four Har-Tru surface tennis courts. Bacara is ideal for corporate retreats and investor meetings, team-building and social events, any occasion is larger-than-life at Bacara. Bacara offers more than 70,000-square-feet of flexible space designed to promote creativity and exceed business goals, ensuring that your next event will be a true success. For a truly enjoyable experience try the Bacara. Santa Barbara never looked so good.
If you have made it this far here is a nice little secret spot that doesn’t come up on the tourist maps that often and is truly “local”. For that unique dining experience in SB try the El Paseo Mexican Restaurant. This out of the way place is hidden down the El Paseo walkway between Anacapa and State Streets. The restaurant was first built in 1922 as part of an 1826 adobe complex. Architect James Osborne Craig designed and restored many of the existing buildings and added the Spanish village and “Street in Spain” surrounding the restaurant. The El Paseo complex was an inspiration for the revival of Spanish Colonial architecture in Southern California, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the oldest restaurant in Santa Barbara, and has been the host to many of Santa Barbara’s celebrations over the years. Over the years, the restaurant has been the site of many fiesta celebrations and host to numerous luminaries, including Clark Gable, Carol Lombard, Jean Harlow, William Powell, Ginger Rogers, Shirley Temple, Rita Hayworth, Edward G. Robinson, Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, Salvador Dali, Stravinsky, Will Rogers, Howard Hughes, Charles Lindbergh, Herbert Hoover, Quentin Tarantino and Jennifer Lopez. El Paseo is led by Alex Castillo one of Santa Barbara’s most talented chefs. The guacamole is awesome and made right at your table. The restaurant features an open air courtyard with a central fountain and a balcony. There’s a side bar to the right as you walk in that is very cozy especially in winter with a roaring fire in the massive fire place. Here is the get away for an intimate dining experience. The margarita’s are spectacular, the Huachinango delicious, the fajitas are sizzling and their tequila selection is extensive. Treat yourself to a fantastic dining experience and bask in the history of old Santa Barbara. This is really living.
Stay tuned for our next feature when Kaz Headrest brings you part 2 in the central coast series focusing on Ojai.
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