Who was your first crush? Mine was…

In reality, this post will most likely be about music. But I’m just going to keep on typing and see where it goes. So you had a crush, did ya? Well, who was it? Mine was an icon of the 80s and she’s still around, though she’s probably in her 80s now.

Before the big reveal, it was a song called “Iko, Iko” that’s sort of led to this post. The song (originally from the 60s) has been performed by a billion and a half people since then, including this fun and charming take from Sia:

Sia’s version of the song was used for a dance routine by my 11-year-old niece which reminded me to look up the song on Spotify. Well, I couldn’t find the Sia version… dadgum it! On the bright side, the billion and a half other versions are on Spotify, even one by my first crush… Cyndi Lauper. She made me want to swing from the chandelier.

Then it dawned on me why I like Sia. She reminds me of Cyndi. Their voices on “Iko, Iko” sound very much alike and something could also be said about their style choices, too. Time after time, their look is spunky, they like creative and colorful costuming. All things I gravitate towards. What can I say? I like girls who just want to have fun. They’re the greatest.

Sooo I’ve shown my true colors so why don’t you do the same? Who was your first crush and why?

-Out of the Wilderness

Adventure to Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee

If you’re looking for a great place to hike with a long, beautiful payoff, consider Fall Creek Falls. Between all the hiking trails (and the bike trail, if it accidentally happens) you can get a good amount of hiking in, and maybe even a free ride back once you’ve gone too far in one direction on aforementioned bike trail! Take a look at the pics below and then go see it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed…

The earth has its music for those who will listen

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Jarry Lee / Buzzfeed / Thinkstock

On the mornings I can do this, I love taking my camping chair, setting it up where the rising sun can pass along to me its warmth, open up a book to read, and enjoy birds conducting the soundtrack of chirps, whistles, calls; piping their signals to each other that a new day has dawned and it’s time to sing.

After recording the video below, I’ve come to recognized the song of the cardinal; a couple of the different calls, at least.


A visit from a neighborhood squirrel is a bit more rare, mostly because of my canine companions that seem to have a taste for the furry critters. Yesterday I kept the dogs inside for a bit to record this squirrel taking advantage of a late afternoon snack.


All this to say, if you have a chance to escape into the wild, even for a few minutes, and even if it’s just your back yard, get out there and listen to the music. It’ll do your body good!

-Out of the Wilderness

The woman in Brett Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know”

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Brett Young seems to be making waves in country music this year. He’s got a couple of music videos out and the one for “In Case You Didn’t Know” is simple, and yet matches the mood and feel of the song really well. Sometimes less is more, right? Anywho, Brett is singing to a girl who doesn’t exist, although when they shot the video, there clearly was a girl on set. She played the part of the “imaginary girlfriend” but who is she in real life?

*Who’s the woman in Brett Young’s “Mercy” video? Find out here*

Well, with the help of (and big thanks to) folks finding this post and commenting, the girl has been identified. Her name is Sara Morgan. Somewhat confirmed in a tweet I sent to @SaraMorgan97…

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Check the comments below for more info. Then enjoy her performance in Brett’s video for “In Case You Didn’t Know.”


-Out of the Wilderness

I’m just standing here watching airplanes…

When I played Little League, I’d say a conservative estimate of all the airplanes I looked at when they flew over the fields was all of them. I remember coaches telling me to pay attention. I was paying attention. To the airplanes. I can’t say what it was that captured my attention so wholly, but they did.

And they still do.

I’ll be standing on the mound about to toss an underhand lob to an eagerly waiting batter in adult league co-ed softball and I hear one. I look up to see the lights flickering overhead.

Or like today when I was mowing my front yard for the first time this year. Standing still, mower running, glaring into the blue sky as a plane that just took off screams overhead.

I don’t know why I do the things I do. Maybe I was a pilot in a previous life. Or an airplane. But one thing is for sure… I WAS PAYING ATTENTION, COACH! Whew, sorry. I’ve had that bottled up for 20 years, I guess.

-Out of the Wilderness