Sunday hosted a visit to Michigan where we went to that awesome primordial forest again (was going to put link but it involves incredibly dorky pictures of me + commentary). This was the first time I played with my camera’s weird settings and I think it benefitted greatly.

Sammy and Joey. They are the best “subjects.”

I really do take many pictures of leaves.

And then a bunch of sepia foresty ones.

Uugh achey bones and muscles sore throat ugh. Being sick but not really sick kind of really sucks.

“B” I can totally figure out but A and C are things I’d really like to hear about. You can email or formspring. Write a letter, send an owl. Pigeons work, too. I don’t discriminate.

Today I went to Chinatown with my class for flex friday. It was my first time eva being there and I have to say, it seems like China as far as Chicago goes. Some friends and I got lost trying to figure out what’s “in the boundaries” and just ate at some Great Wall of China place, which had raw shanks and chicken legs in the window. Water and pop were $1.00 each.

I also went to a store that sold Pocky, and seahorses, and dried fish in a brightly colored bag. I asked the woman behind the counter if seahorses were for eating (or “humans”) and she looked at me like WHAT YOU DON’T EAT SEAHORSE? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN WHAT? The answer was no, so I don’t really know what they’re for. Hopefully it’s legal.

(image via seahorsesleuthdotorg) Poor seahorsies.

It was definitely a learning experience though. I took the Red line for the first time and watched four very awesome subway singers perform soul songs (like Thursday’s 30 Rock!!!1!!1!). They were more talented than a lot of indie kids OH BURRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNN.

Title: LESLIE KNOPE on: the library branch.

I really like this song. Embedded via Hazel’s super crazy ninja HTML trick.

I guess you could say this week has been somewhat “truculent.” I think I really mean turbulent but WHATEVS. I’m loose, like a goose, a rebel goose, on the fly, like a dime, sprinkle some thyme, ooh that rhymed…

Last week one of my mom’s high school buddies was in town with her daughter, so they came to visit us. Both of them are ridic-awesome artists, and the mom made our gargoyle, Mehlicky, that I love. One fine evening she taught us how to make mosaics on an old acoustic guitar we had. While the glue stuff was drying my mom and I went treasure-hunting in the open walls of our basement (unfinished) and found a bunch of old stuff from LITERALLY the 19 zero’s (listed here).

Title: A girl in my class wants to go to Oxford because she thinks it will be like Hogwarts (Oxford = British = Harry Potter = Hogwarts is my understanding of her logic). So now we [bull] have testicle eaters, communists (my homework involved a Karl Marx quote, duh), and Hogwarts students in my class. By a stretch.

I spent about two hours today looking at digital SLR cameras. I “researched” Canons, Sonys, a Pentax, and an Olympus. My two FAV FAVs right now are the Canon Rebel XS and the Sony a230. Canon is, of course, the safe buy cause everrrrybody knows Rebels are amazing when it comes to this type of camera, but the Sony has stolen my heart. The Pentax (K-x) and Olympus (E-420 or 450) are both kind of meh, but still high up there. Anyway, sorry to geek out on y’all. Camera-crazy after looking at those I took some pictures with my mom’s Canon Rebel XTi.

(Joey, living room.)

btdubs- a kid in my class had a halloween party last night where they played fear factor with food. The last stage was bull testicle. (p.s. Henry’s brother ate them.)

When Hayden wore this mask he got recognized as ZZ Top and Edgar Winter even though he talked like Karl from Slingblade.

Hey halloween was yesterday. I went trick-or-treating a little bit with my old block and saw probably the best costume (actually not the best but the CUTEST).

(ignore unintentional lewd gestures)

We turned Henry’s yard into a spooky spookhouse with paper maché heads and cornstalks. We also rigged a skeleton on a tree by the sidewalk to fall next to people when we let go of a string. It scared the bejewsus out of some people, other obnoxious kids were like “I KNOW HOW U DO THAT. THIS IS SO DUMB.” Eventually it broke but handydandy twine fixed it, until every bone but the head fell off and it was just a floating skull.

Hiiiiiiiii. Basically I tucked my shirt in and put on some plaid, got a sword and a hat and called it a day.

Now.. last friday I saw Bob Dylan. I don’t know any other way to put it. I experienced señor Bob. His band was not in my taste the best, but cheezy; Dylan was a croaky old man but that’s to be expected. Actually he was a lot less fragile and.. old than I imagined. I think I just over-braced myself so if he was just a Bob-specter in some Bob-wheelchair I wouldn’t be disappointed. But it was so awesome. Bobby D, guys, never fails to be mysterious. That’s the only box you can surefire put him in (if you, y’know, had to put him in a box).

Friday was also flex friday. My class was supposed to go to the Daley plaza FRANKEN-PLAZA, but it was raining like a drunk monkey again so all the tents were closed. We did meet these two actor/mime/acrobat people, though. They were just standing there being.. actor mine acrobats with vampire makeup on. We talked to them for a while, found out they were actually a couple, and then left to run around in Marshal Fields (or Macy’s but ew). At one of the counters I saw a lotion called Opium. I asked the lady behind the counter if Opium contained opium, and she said “I don’t work here.”

Title: Mildly paraphrased Eric Goldberg (friend).

I don’t know exactly when, but it definitely “hits” me when I see fans so so so happy at shows, and singing and dancing and being all joyful. A lot of them are drunk (or under the influence~), but that only aids the climate.

Can you tell me how to go about getting a blog?

Go to wordpress.org or blogger.com or tumblr.com and start a’postin.

anything

Wonderful.

“I love this cornbread so much, I wanna take it behind a middle school and get it pregnant.”

Don’t think that’s possible, or legal. Ask a professional on this one.

Who is that man with the mysterious smile?

The crook from Home Alone.

Can we please become best friends?

Sure! As long as you’re not some horrible self-righteous punk, cause, you know, there’s only room for one of those in this relationship.

Where the Wild Things Are? I want to go to there.

You are to go to there there.

What should I be for Halloween?

Well, Halloween was yesterday but I’d recommend a blue M&M.

you inspire me to just be - i wish i was as coolbeans as you - or as my english teacher says “swell beans” - i think i would like to eat swell beans. ps - are you an mlia-er?

Thank you, “swell beans.” What’s an mlia-er?

your procrastination enabled mine.

I get it.

When your family dines at Chipotle, do they ever hear the glorious sounds of Wilco / UT / Chelsea Walls over the piped-in music, and if so, what is the reaction?

Yeah! Sort of a lot, actually.. I usually say “who’s this?” or “what’s this horrible song?” or just “hey it’s you!”

i think everyone has a song that represents them….. even though i haven’t lived nearly as long as i would like i think i found mine (or one of mine) it is called Stella by Kashiwa Daisuke. If you had to chose yours at this time in your life what would it be?

Ugh I’m so bad at being decisive like this. I’d choose Summerteeth as an album.

ever hear Duster Bennet?

Nuh-uh.

Doesn’t Bob Dylan come off as..umm selfish? I saw him in a documetery where Donovan was trying to play him a song and he was making fun of it! Donovon is cool and has never got much credit…he was more introspective and about Peace n Love,way ahead of his time. I still love Dylan..don’t get me wrong! but feel he is over rated. I mean he hasn’t done much since Blood on the tracks. For being The songwriter of our generation..we sure could have used him this past ummm…decade! Sorry Immmmmaaa blabbing on and on!!! Peace - and what about Leonard Cohen??? why does Dylan get all the credit?????!!!!!

Bob Dylan is portrayed in most films as a dick. He was really messed up on “medicines” and stuff, and is – if you haven’t noticed – one of the weirdest people to ever live. He is overrated in some sense; a lot of people just listen to his music because he’s Bob Dylan (a lot like The Beatles and stuff). Leonard Cohen gets plenty of credit! He’s still a legend, too, isn’t he? They’re two different people, also.

Why is Gretchen Wilson’s music off-limits in the Tweedy household?

Hahahahahah. Sorry if you’re a fan of her… We’re bad judgmental people.

Do your parents read your blog?

Yes!

Spencer, why do you blog? What is the draw of blogging over, say, journalling? Undeniably, the idea of people reading and relating to what you write is attractive, but why? Beyond sharing with your friends, is the motivation ego? Desire for connection? I only ask because I think it’s an interesting topic, not because I think blogging is bad. The whole concept of broadcasting people’s lives via Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. is one I have not yet evaluated fully. What are the benefits? The drawbacks?

Express, communicate, instinct, fun. Journaling is blogging on paper. Or blogging is journaling on the internet (plus videos and things). Not ego, just interest I think. More about that in this post from March here.

sitting at the table at night talking to my thirteen year old boy is the highlight of my day. i remember wanting to be grown up when i was your age and wondering if it would be better than kid life. Sitting with one’s kid just chatting is the highlight of parenthood and possibly adulthood. delight in living @ all ages – peace

I used to (and still kind of do) want to be 16 SO BAD so I could drive. I also wanted to be a race car driver (and a policeman firefighter, but irrelevant).

“a little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.”

A wise dude who can have a little nonsense now and then is an even wiser dude.

I have enjoyed all your formspring replies :) - Will you tell us about your Mac? Just wondering if its a laptop or desktop & screen size please. Also, are you using iPhoto or do you have Aperture?

I have a 15″ MacBook Pro. iPhoto.

what piece of wisdom do you believe in now and hope to carry throughout your life?

This, too, shall pass.

also, if you ever need help with spanish homework, i’m your chica.

haha, thanks.

I’m bored on nightshift. Amuse me…

POOPFART.

Spencer, haz tu tarea de español!

Huh?

The perks of being a wallflower is also one of my recent favorite books, I wish I had read it when I was your age…Greetings from a bored 22 yr old in Venezuela!

I would type hola but I’m not sure if they speak spanish in Venezuela so as to not be racist, hello.

what was your best ever Halloween costume?

I dunno. Up until last year when I stopped naming my costumes I was usually a firefighter, Frankenstein, a ghoul..

You are unique, just like everyone else.

I feel special with you.

From a band’s standpoint, such as Wilco, is there a line that fans can cross in terms of asking for too much? For example, after Wilco plays a great show, do they really want to sign autographs and pose for pictures?

I’m not really the one to ask. There are some personal questions that should really stay inside the head. They do want to but I know my dad really likes to read after shows, also.

HAVIN A BAYBEH IS SOMETHING YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAAAAAAAAAAND.

Lifeline. Phone call. DCFS.

how did you meet tavi?

THE INTERNET DUH. No someone emailed me her blog so I read it and sent her an email and we emailed a lot and discovered we live close and went to a record store and each other’s b’nai mitzvahs. Here are some adventures.

what is your idea of perfect happiness?

I don’t believe perfect happiness, it’s a feeling. Nothing can be like, divinely perfect.

I am a poor college student who can barely make rent, but when I can, I am buying the new Wilco CD! (aww yeah) That, and maybe Mr. Casablancas’ Phrazes for the Young… Do you like The Strokes? Is it weird for a college kid to adore your blog? Anyway, I do. You’re such a bright kid. And your dad is just The coolest! Wilco fo’evarrr. P.S. I can’t wait to go to the concert in February! Another thing to save the ol’ cha-ching for…

That’s very nice to spend your money on Wilco. I like The Strokes! No it’s not weird for a college student to like my blog.

You have great hair. What’s your secret?

GARNIER FRUCTIS EXTRA STRENGTH COLOR BOOSTER. Jk whatever shampoo is in our shower, usually a watermelon or mango L’oreal kids thing.

Oh, Stephen.

God I am so pooped. This week was all the high school open house week’s week (what?) but I only went to one. And today, because we missed this one school’s, we went to an orchestra concert to sneak a peak and basically my academic career is just UPSIDE SIDEWAYS. A teenage lyf.

Title: Friend from school upon looking at the apps on my phone. A big up/downgrade from being called a 2 through 7 by Henry and Hayden.

WE’RE DORKS. (In other words, Hayden, jumping over a garbage can.)

And disposable cameras! The film in these was so much better than the crap I brought on my canoe trip. Such pretty colors! Oh my! These ones are mine.

I love this so much.

I wrote this short story at Hayden’s house to express our photo bonanza.

United once again, the trio makes their walk to the pharmacy. They plan to buy cameras – cheap disposables – to take pictures at the park. “We have to use all the film in an hour,” remarks Henry, wary of the group’s time. After purchasing three cameras and four Reeses Peanut Butter Lovers Peanut Butter Cups (four for two bucks, yo), they head over to the park.

Quickly, they begin taking photos of each other. Hayden, jumping over a capsized garbage can. Henry, candidly shot, staring emotionally to the distance. Spencer, frolicking like a child. “A five-year-old child,” Hayden adds. “We look back and he’s taking a picture of a leaf.”

Wanna peanut?

Twin towers.

Uuuuuggghh.

So surprised the fountain was on.

In addition we watched Slingblade, which made me want biscuits n’ gravy, which led to my discovery later that there is more the one type of gravy. WHO. KNEW. (also: talk about most unrecognizable halloween costume – Hey what are you? Oh Karl. Karl? Yeah..)

Wow I can’t believe I snapped at someone. (Henry didn’t break the toilet, by the way; it was already.) We so crazy.

Title: Grapes of Wrath.

Do you smell like teen spirit?

Um I think that’s a deodorant from the 90s so that would be no.

There is a boarding school in North Carolina that is the only Jewish one in the country. It’s called American Hebrew Academy. My aunt works there,and I’m applying.

Nice!

something………. no wait, that is too boring, and cliché. but sometimes clichés are all too appropriate and all too true. is this one of those times?

I don’t know. True about clichés.

I broke both my ankles and have been lying on the sofa for two weeks.

That really sucks.

White Sox or Cubbies?

Cubs, but they’re both Chicaaago.

Spencer Tweedy is the coolest pre-teen ever.

Thank youuuuuu.

Help

I need someboday, not just anyboday, you know I need someone, heeelllp.

Have you listened to Karen O’s Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack?

Nope, not other than in the movie. I can’t wait to get it.

Why are you like the best photographer in the world?

Aw. I’m not.

hello. i just wanted to see if you’d actually answer this an dput it on your blog. n_n kthxbye

HAHA I did!

she’s a jar

I like that song.

Wilco

I like that band.

Where do you want to go to high school?

Probably Whitney Young.

“sometimes i can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives i’m not living”

I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere before.

hey

Hi.

Don’t believe everything you think.

I think I believe that’s pretty decent advice.

Hello internet box! You are white. Is it racist that I noticed that? I hope note.

Note not noot. It would be racist if you called it a cracker.

I need a name for a super awesome female Boston Terrier. What do you think?

Veruca.

I like mackerel.

Is that a fish?

Why does BaROCK ROCK?

Obama ‘08 son.

hello

Hi again.

Did you go to the show last night [a week ago] at UIC?

Yeah!

So I was at work one day when my friend skype’s me this website: People of Wal-Mart. It is hysterical. So I am looking at the pics and laughing, when I see this guy I know. He was one of my teachers in middle school. Who knew…. it was hilarious. Check out the website sometime…www.peopleofwalmart.com

Hah okay.

THIS is an improvement from homework, definitely.

Right ooon.

This is not nasty and will NOT make someone angry or hurt, i hope.

Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.

There are many different faces of beautiful, and I’ve never seen an ugly person.

You must have never looked in the mirror! OH SNAP just kidding that’s very hopeful.

I LOVE YOU MARRY ME hahahahaha HAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! i am a weirrrrrrrrrrdooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

Haaaaheeeeehoooooo ha.

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” ~Coco Chanel

The 90s, bright colors, plaid, and being yourself are so in.

Wow who makes this stuff up?

What shtuff?

And the cat says moo.

Misleading.

The form was submitted successfully.

Apparently.

Hey from Omaha, Nebraska, NOT! tehe

GOOD ONE!

I don’t understand the need for swine flu shots. I bet more peoples will die from the vaccine alone than the actual virus. Who am I kidding?? SIGN ME UP WAL-MART!!

Yeah, I don’t know what the deal is (like if they are necessary or even work or not). A doctor that my family is really close with is frantically telling everybody to get them, so..

Bandages are an understatement.

Amen.

Swine Flu is the cover up for a zombie invasion because the Government would get all nutso if people started broadcasting it. Face it, all you know is a lieeee.

Dude you should totally write a conspiracy theory book!

I put the limo in limousine.

Very proud’ya!

Do you hope to play music for a living like your Dad, or would you like to pursue something else (photography, business, etc.)?

Yep! I’d love to be able to make music my job, while also writing and taking pictures.

i like the world too.

That’s good.

Narwhals are the unicorns of the sea!

Mhmm! A couple days ago some kids at my school were doing a “survey” (walking around the halls) to ask people if they think narwhals are real or not. They’re real.

hey

HI AGAIN.

You know, I’m starting to think that everybody is in your life for a reason. And I’m thinking that my best friend was here to show me that texas sucks, and I need to move somewhere colder. My mom is here to show me the values of going away to college:) and my grandpa was here to show me that loosing someone is the only way to prove to yourself how much you care about them. umm yea.

Oh cool. I think there’s a term for that philosophy.

who let the dogs out?

Um I dunno ask wikipedia.

What do eight-year old boys think about? I really do wonder.

You’d have to ask a living specimen.

Are you single? My little sister would be perfect for you.

Yeah totally send her over. Arranged marriage okay?

How does this thing work?

GET WITH THE TIMES, MAN.

Do you think you happened into playing drums because of your environment, or would you have found them if you weren’t surrounded by music?

I think that’s impossible to say. If you believe in like prophetic destiny or something, probably. But I think being in the family I am and the place I grew up has totally had a hand in my playing of music.

Going to see Bob Dylan Nov. 6th Detroit, MI. Have you ever seen him perform live?

Awesome! I haven’t seen him live (might soon, though!) before but the people I know who have told me he’s very old and croaky. But that’s okay cause he’s magical and special.

Have you seen Harold and Maude? Do you think you’re more like Maude or Harold?

Oh I love that movie so much (I’ve still only seen it once, though). I’d say a little bit of both. Like Harold in that he’s young and still learning and stuff and maybe unlike Maude in that she’s an eighty year old woman..

what do you dream about? mine are always so fuzzy.

I can hardly ever remember mine ever. When I do it’s usually something with people from school or places I’ve been.

Spencer, I think you resemble the very awesome Noah Lennox aka Panda Bear from Animal Collective.

Oh yeah? In what way?

so what is your least favorite song of your Dad’s?

Haha probably Reservations.

you are hilarious, and your blog makes me happy. i hope if i have kids some day they turn out as well-adjusted and smart and kind-hearted as you. way to turn out great!

That is really nice to hear. That sad part is I’M TOTALLY THE OPPOSITE HAHA TRICKED YOU OBNOXIOUS PRETENTIOUS ANGSTY BRAT ANGST FART.

I really appreciate your hair. Also, why won’t you accept my request on twitter? I’m nice.

Thanks, I like it too. Sorry about the denial of friend requestage!

will everything be okay?

Yes.

I saw Sammie [Sammy, GET IT RIGHT] take a tumble at Sunday night’s concert. Is he okay?

Yeah, thanks for asking. He slipped on some beer and rolled his ankle or something. A paramedic guy came into the dressing room to check on him and asked if we wanted to go to the hospital and we said “no way José” because it was just a lil’ fall.

You are a pretty “techy” kid yet you also live and breathe music [and play a mean drum kit]. Do you anticipate pursing a technology-related career, a career in music..or neither?

Definitely music. I’m not so “techy” now.. I’m interested in web design but not the other stuff as much anymore.

What is your favorite thing to say when something goes horribly wrong, such as hiking on a trail and the person in front of you lets go of a branch they had moved out of the way and it swiftly swings back, slapping you in the face?

Aw darn it!

reading your blog & your uncle danny’s gets me through my days at work. so don’t stop. or work would really suck.

What’s your jaaahb?

You won’t let those robots eat me, will you?

Nuh-uh.

Do you ever find yourself listening to Uncle Tupelo or Son Volt, or is that off limits in the Tweedy household?

The only music off-limits in the Tweedy household is Gretchen Wilson. Other than that, we have every Uncle Tupelo record (duhhhh) and every Son Volt record, and are free to listen or love any of them.

right or left handed?

Lefty.

“You can laugh with us or at us, but without us you won’t be laughing. And that’s the most important thing: to laugh.” A friend of mine who’s been dealing with depression and substance abuse issues recently told me this when we were talking about why we both love doing improv. It really stuck with me and gives me hope for his full recovery.

I could see that on one of the memorable quote websites. I hope your friend gets better.

Zombies+Transformers vs. Unicorns+Vulcans, which side, and this can’t be a biased decision.

Dude Unicorns & Vulcans. First of all, unicorn, and Spock is half Vulcan, so they already win.

what would you say has been the most inspirational book you have read so far?

Hmm the most recent would be Perks Of Being A Wallflower.

what’s your take on freedom?

Freedom is to not be oppressed nor strangled and to be your own being..?

My mom is on the phone and talking a lot! What excuse should I use to get her off the phone???? HELP!

Tell her your buddy Thurston Moore is out to get her.

My family went to see this last night. I loved it. I was worried that it might not live up to its hype but it really did. I cried like a baby.

First of all.. the footage is so beautiful. Every frame could be like a 20 million dollar photograph. And by 20 million dollar photograph I mean viral on ffffound.com. But seriously, it has to win an award for pretty film. Secondlyyy I can see why some people don’t like it. The critics did, it seems, but as far as Rotten Tomatoes goes, audiences – not as much. I think a lot of people just said “meh” (or “grr” or “huhh?”) because it’s so hard to understand. Most of the movies these days (HAHA I’m such an old-timer) are what someone might describe as “shallow.” The plots are uncovered and their themes defined, while in a movie like Where The Wild Things Are (or I’m Not There, sorta), it actually requires a mutual relationship between your tear ducts and the film.

One thing I noticed a lot about the movie is the sun, probably because of the school scene (trying not to spoil here).

Furrrrrrry.

I’M ON A BOAT. I’M GOIN’ FAST.

Max was such a good actor.* He reminded me so much of playing games when I was little and how I loved pretending to be a bat or a tiger and eating goldfish (crackers, not da fish) out of bowls on the floor. It also reminded me of being bored and like, having an imagination. For instance, a couple weeks ago my mom and I were trying to figure out a problem with a smoke detector that beeped like every thirty seconds. Within literally five seconds of staring at it we both looked down for our phones. That’s how sick our attention spans are now (which doesn’t really have to do with imagination – oops). Dang, man, I remember when we had to think of games to play with sticks and stuff. POOP I LIKE YOU ’60s.

Upon further review, however, I think the movie is about where the wild things are. The wild things are monsters inside of us, inside Max, because they come from his imagination (more so in the book because they look REALLY FREAKIN’ REAL in the movie). And they’re monsters, because we’re afraid of monsters, just like our emotions sometimes. The monsters were angry and sad and worried and out of control, and inside of Max’s head just like his feelings. After all the trailer says “inside all of us is hope/fear/adventure.” The message being something about feelings, but that’s where the not-undestanding part comes in.

Note– When we got home from the movie everyone was so tired and emotional. It was like we drank NyQuil and then had therapy.

* I mean, maybe not OMG THE BEST but still amazing for a wee laddy. I know nothing about acting besides he did a way better job than Sammy or I could’ve (no offense, Sam, self) and that he’s good at throwing tantrums/biting his mother. P.S. did you know his name is actually Max Records?!