What I am looking toward...

The next couples of months are an exciting time, the holiday season is coming and with the holiday season comes great music, great food, & great traditions.  Some of the things I am looking forward to for the next couple of months is my wonderful wife's caramel apple cupcakes, caramel apples, apple cider, christmas cookies, Aunt Gwen's homemade caramels, hot chocolate, & a great cup of coffee.

Although there are things that I am going to miss, the golf season, warm weather, shorts, & tank tops, I am looking forward to the fall/winter months, hoodies, snow, & family.  Most of all family is the thing that should tie us all together and no I am not talking about just blood family, but I am talking about all family.

I am looking forward to the Seabird Christmas Album, listening to Bing Crosby's Christmas classics, watching all our favorite classic Christmas movies, & not to mention each of the Office Christmas episodes.  

Most of my life I have spent the holiday season dreading it because of the cold, the required moments of seeing family when it wasn't convenient, but now I am finally at the point in my life where I am beginning to value my time.  I am hoping this holiday season to truly value my family, my extended family, embrace the cold weather, & truly allow holiday season to bring out more love.  I do not want to be considered a Scrooge, I really want to be considered more like a Kris Kringle (aka the beard that I seem to be growing).   That being said as the holiday season is coming, I would like to say happy holidays and that I am looking forward to the season.



till another day,




normallyINDIE

Chemex - Chemistry & Coffee

If you know anything about me you know how passionate I am about coffee and the experience that it provides.  Much like a good book or great meal with your family, there is nothing better than coming around a great cup of coffee together.  It brings people together in a way that is unlike any other.  If you are passionate about coffee and people then coffee brewing is something that you must be a part of.  Over the past couple of years my passions have grown and so has be coffee cabinet.  Some of the methods of brewing that I enjoy most are Chemex coffee brewing & the aeropress coffee method.  Today, if I could suggest anything, if you enjoy a wonderful, smooth cup of coffee then you must grab a 8 - 10 cup Chemex coffee maker.  

Things you need: 
                 Chemex Coffee Machine - $50 
                 Chemex Coffee Filters - $15 
                 Stove Top Tea Kettle 
                 Kitchen Timer 
                 Espresso Thermometer 
                 Ground Specialty Coffee 
                 Quality Coffee Grinder 
                 Clean Filtered Water 
                 Liquid Measuring Cup 

Step One:

Measure Water

Start by measuring out your clean filtered water. Always use a two tablespoons of coffee for every 6 oz. of water. We are going to brew 30oz. of coffee in our Chemex. All the water will be transferred to a clean and empty water kettle. Bring your water to a boil.

Step Two:

Measure Coffee

Measure coffee. Remember two tablespoons/ 10 grams per 6oz. of water. As we are making a 30oz. Chemex, we will be using 5 coffee scoops (10 tablespoons/50 grams).

Step Three:

Grind Coffee

When making a Chemex we prefer a coarse grind similar to a French Press.

Step Four:

Set Up Chemex

When brewing with a Chemex you can only use Chemex brand filters. The thick, sturdy cone fits the large opening of the Chemex. Open filter into a cone shape and place it in the Chemex with the three-layered side facing the pouring spout. This keeps the filter from collapsing into the spout, which constricts air flow.

Step Five:

Rinse Filter

Rinse the filter by pouring approximately 10oz. of hot water through it into the Chemex. Pour water out.

Step Six:

Add Coffee

Add your fresh, coarsely ground coffee to the filter in the Chemex. Shake gently to level the grounds.

Step Seven:

Remove Water From Heat

When your water comes to a full rolling boil take it off the heat and let the kettle rest for about 20 seconds (water temperature will drop from 212 to 200 in this time at sea level).

Step Eight:

Pour Water

Wet the grounds with about 4 fl. oz. of water and let the coffee bloom for 30-40 seconds. (Fresh coffee will have a larger bloom, or foam-like head. )

Step Nine:

Ensure All Grounds Are Wet

Slowly pour the rest of water over the coffee in a circular motion, avoiding the sides/edges. Ensure all the grounds are evenly wet.

Step Ten:

Remove Filter

When all the water has dripped through, carefully gather the coffee filter and remove before serving.

Follow these steps and you will create an amazing cup of coffee not to mention have an amazing experience of brewing.  It takes the monotony of brewing a cup of coffee in a drip pot away and brings the excitement back into coffee.  Not to mention it is going to be quite impressive for all your guests.  If you would like more tips on coffee and new brewing methods comment below. 

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

InstaUpdate...

Now that Instagram is popular this is not as exciting to do, but I still enjoy it.  What makes this so great is that I can look back on all the amazing moments that I have had, most of which with my beautiful wife and puppy :)  I love sharing pictures from one of my favorite apps and let me know if you enjoy any of them.

Baptism of 3 of my favorite students 

Group Prayer in Santiago, Republica Dominicana 

Chemex, Favorite at home brewing method

Saying goodbye to a group of amazing people 

Throwback Cardinals Logo 

My Beautiful Wife

Each of these pictures have been important to me.  I miss our amazing friends from Michigan, am so excited for this postseason and my Cardinals.  But most of all I am blessed with an amazing wife who not to mention is beautiful.  Be checking up over the next couple of days as there are going to many changes to normallyindie.com.  



till another day,



normallyINDIE

So much to come...

Sadly summer is coming to a close and it is getting colder out.  Students will be headed back to school and vactions will be coming to an end.  But although all of that sounds sad, there is a lot to look forward too about the Fall most specifically in the music world.  If you follow my website over the past 2.5 years you know that I love my fair share of music.  My taste is quite broad (absolutely no Country) and it excites me when Tuesday roles around and new music hits the scene.  Therefore, I have compiled a list of music projects (in no particular order) I am counting down their release here in the fall months.  So grab your favorite journal and pen (mine is a moleskine & a Pilot G2 07) and jot these down.

1.  The Civil Wars - Civil Wars (Self-titled) [August 6th]

2.  Austin Livingood - The Weightless Anchor - By Plane (EP 1) [August 6th]

3.  Mike Mains & the Branches - Calm Down, Everything is Fine [TBA]

4.  Jack Johnson - From Here to Now to You [September 17th]

5.  John Mayer - Paradise Valley [August 20th]

Those are just a couple albums that I am really excited about and I hope you are too.  Make sure and check out all of the other albums from each of these artists and I am sure you will be pleased.  Happy Listening and enjoy the rest of your summer.



till another day,




normallyINDIE.

Good Friends, Making Great Music...

Over the past couple of months, My wife and I have had the privilege of helping support a couple great friends of our who are making some great music this summer/fall.  Much of this connection came from our time in Cincinnati, OH over the past year and I would love to share with you some projects that you must check out if you love music.

First being a band from Northern KY/Cincinnati area called Seabird.  This band has been around for a little while putting our 2 CDs up till this summer and I first got a glimpse of there music on a blog like this from a fellow Ohioan.  I grabbed there first album and could not put it down.  Their piano-driven sound is something that is lacking these days in music and their passion behind each note is amazing.  Not to mention they could not be nicer guys.  I have had the privilege of getting to know Aaron and he could not be a greater guy to enjoy a cup of coffee with.  Therefore, when we found out they were putting on a kickstarter campaign to fund their third album, we had to be apart of it.  Their protect would eventually become fully funded and they will be releasing their third indie record titled Troubled Days this summer.  If you wanna grab some updates from this awesome band check out their twitter, facebook, & Youtube.  If you would like to grab a copy or if you are in the Cincy area, check out their CD Release Show at Fountain Square with the next band I will be talking about Mike Mains and the Branches on July 16th.  

Next, is the band Mike Mains and the Branches who are from the great state of Michigan (which my wife and I currently call home) and I first ran into them at the music festival Ichthus in Kentucky (after the recommendation from Seabird).  I love their hard sound both mixed with great musical riffs and dynamic lyrics.  I instantly fell in love grabbed their album, an awesome tank top from their booth, and my wife and I were completely hooked.  We have been following the band ever since and after loving their first album Home, we were so pumped to find out they would be putting out their first indie album through the popular site pledgemusic.com.  We were so excited to be a pledger for the campaign and even more excited when their project was fully funded.  No longer would we have to wait for their highly anticipated indie project entitled Calm Down, Everything is Fine.  It will be available very soon and if you would like to get updates follow them on Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook.  They are all great people and their live show is worth whatever drive you need to make.

Lastly, I would like to give props to my man Austin Livingood, who just recently announced his solo release of a 3 EP set entitled Weightless Anchor.  I first ran into Austin when he was the guitarist for a small band called Good Morning Gladys (still have a shirt from their benefit show).  He would then move on to be involved in a few other bands, until ultimately being apart of the group Belle Histoire which has had major success as of recently (just released a great CD entitled Dreamers).  But most recently he has written some solo work and will be releasing a three part EP entitled Weightless Anchor , this first part titled "By Plane" is set to release August 6th.  Austin is truly one of the most genuine, compassionate, and kind-hearted people you will meet in the music business.  I could not be happier to call him a friend and I am so excited to be apart of his future in music by purchasing his material and promoting his stuff.  Could not be more blessed to call him a friend and I am so excited for his future.  If you would like to hear more from him check out www.austinlivingoodmusic.com.

These are just a couple of great bands that are releasing some amazing music this year and I am so excited to be part of it.  I ask that whenever you stumble upon some great bands that are not only putting out great music, but doing it the right way, that you will look for every way possible to support them.  So excited for this year and all it has to offer.  Thank you Seabird, Mike Mains, & Austin for everything you do.  Keep doin' what you do best.


till another day,




normallyINDIE

the Presence Tour...

I had the honor of spending last weekend returning to my wife and I's first home, Cincinnati, OH, to attend the Believe Conference for Junior High students.  God blessed us with 9 students that joined us for an amazing weekend of growth and fellowship. 

This was not my first rodeo as this was my 8th time at Believe and 3rd in Cincinnati, so like before, the conference was top notch.  High level illustrations, great worship, awesome graphics, not to mention amazing, practical speaking.  But it wasn't all of this that made the biggest impact on my wife and I this past weekend.  What made the biggest impact is what makes ministry life so great and that is the relationships that are formed.  

If you had been following my tweets over the weekend, @normallyINDIE, it seemed as though we were running into someone left and right.  And I know what you are thinking, "what else is new? Any pastor runs into tons of people he knows at christian conventions?"  But this time was different.  I feel God placed these people in our path this past weekend to remind us the value of relationships as well as the value the people have in our lives.  The weekend was like an impromptu family reunion.  My wife and I got to see one of our best friends Sarah Brown, who was integral in us getting together, my brother & his awesome girlfriend Lindsay, Ash, J-Trav, Reverend Katie Brown, Papa Brown, Court, Post, not to mention the GUMC crew and the giant crew from Eastview (just so happens to be my home church).  All of these people have had such a huge impact on our lives and it was so fitting to see them in the place that Jenny and I called home at the beginning of our marriage.  It was a weekend of memories that will not go forgotten and all I can do is thank Believe for making it happen.  

I learned so much this past weekend and have seen a huge change of heart in our student's lives through the testimonies that were laid out by God this past weekend, but in the midst of that, what God continued to speak to me was that ministry is all about relationships.  Not only ministry, but life is all about people and Jesus came to this world to save people.  So often we can get focused on numbers, budgets, church sizes, logistics, when God may be screaming at us to say "time to seek after my people who are lost".  

He has placed so many people in our path both to have an impact on and for them to have an impact on us.  If we are willing to take to time to stop and listen.  God is bringing his people to us and I am so thankful to be a small part of that.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

Why God?...

I had to opportunity to meet with a friend of mine today at one of my favorite spots in Woodhaven, MI, Starbucks on Allen & West.  It was an awesome time of encouragement and growth with one another, but there was sometime particular that came out of this time together.  What was revealed to me was the importance with trusting God with everything that we have.  

I feel like I have written on this topic before, but I never feel that we an spend enough time focusing on trusting God or having true faith that requires something.  He reminded me today that anyone can believe in God, but faith is something that is not as easily found.  I began to think about having faith and even having faith when it seems that everything else is falling apart.  I am reminded how easy it is to have faith in God and his power when everything is going great and we are at the peak of our existence.  

It reminds me of the story of Job and the fact that his entire story was centered on the fact that everything was taken from him.  The important part of this story is that God did not take everything away from Job, but instead he allowed Satan into the situation to destroy his life, knowing that Job would continue to have faith in God.  This reminds me that Satan never overpowers our God, but that he is on a leash and he can be let off the leash when God wants.  But ultimately, God is the master of all things including Satan.  What we can't do anymore is ask Why God?, instead we must endure realizing that God is in control of all of these situations and faith must be at the center of everything.  Our faith in the living God, must endure even if we do lose everything.  Because what we know is that our life is worthless unless we are seeking the power, hope, love, truth, and justice of our all powerful God.  

This story reminds me of the ultimate power and faithfulness of God and also reminds me to be as faithful as our living God. 

till another day, 

normallyINDIE   

2012? We are still here...

It is now January of 2013 and the Mayans were wrong and we are still here.  With that being said, I would like to take a look back at the year that was truly amazing for the Tod Family.  If you received the wonderfully designed Christmas cards from my Wife, Jennifer of Turquoise Feathers Studio, LLC, you know that 2012 was a big year for us.  Just to lay out a couple reasons for why 2012 was such an amazing year for us.

I accepted my first position in ministry as the Community Youth Coordinator at Groesbeck UMC in Cincinnati, OH on Jan. 2nd 2012.

Jennifer & I tied the knot at the Harrison Center for the Arts in Downtown Indianapolis, IN March 10th, 2012.

Jennifer & I moved into our first apartment in March in Downtown Cincinnati, OH.

Jennifer & I graduated from Herron School of Art & Cincinnati Christian University (respectively) on May 12th - May 13th 2012.

I transitioned into the position of Pastor of Student Ministries at Groesbeck UMC in Cincinnati, OH.

We introduced Indie Tod into the world as we adopted our first puppy in August of 2012.

I accepted the position of Student Ministries Pastor at Twin Oaks Christian Church in Woodhaven, MI.

Jennifer & I moved to Southgate, MI in the Down River District of Detroit, MI.

I introduced the rebranding of the Student Ministries at TOCC entitled The Uprising

Jennifer accepted the position of Graphic Designer & Social Media Director at Mousetrap Mobile in Royal Oak, MI.

Jennifer's freelance graphic design business became an official LLC under the name, Turquoise Feathers Studio, LLC in November of 2012.

I preached my first sermon at the main sunday morning service at Twin Oaks CC on Dec. 30th, 2012.

As you can see, this year has been as crazy as they come.  We are looking forward to not moving as well as transitioning into new jobs.  But we are also excited about the new opportunities that will come to us in 2013.  Just a few things we are looking forward to are, Turquoise Feathers becoming a huge company, Missions Trip to Dominican Republic, Moving into our first house.  It should yet again be an exciting year in 2013 and I will keep you updated through this blog.


till another day,




normallyINDIE

All Things New...

As you may know, there are a lot of changes that have taken place recently in my wife and I's life.  We have moved to a new home (Southgate, MI), accepted a new job (Student Ministries Pastor @ Twin Oaks Christian Church), as well as a couple other things.

We have recently purchased a great new vehicle for Jennifer to drive and have gotten rid of the Olds.  It was a sad day when we saw the Olds drive away, but we were happy to have the new Pontiac Torrent in our grasp.  It is a 2WD SUV, with a Sunroof, all the great technology items inside, tons of room, not to mention pretty great gas mileage (for an SUV).

2007 Pontiac Torrent

We have also adopted a wonderful 10 week old mini dachshund puppy by the name of Indie.  He is a really great, cute, fun puppy, but man are they a lot of work.  Our lives have changed, which is tougher than we thought, but we are happy.

Indie at 6 weeks old

As well as the new additions to our family and our garage, I also designed my office with some great help from Jennifer Tod.  I am still working on the wall decor, but it is a work in progress. 

One of the Great Pictures found at Urban Outfitters

The view home the front door of the new Office @ Twin Oaks 

Lastly, Jenny and I just become official Michiganders by receiving our Michigan License Plates as well as our Michigan Licenses (temporaries for the next 10 business days).  

Temp Michigan License

We are really excited for the future and our lives here in Michigan.  We are still exploring and hoping for a wonderful time here.  God is so good and we are so happy to be here.  If you would like to come visit, get in touch.  We would love to see you.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE

First Side of the Record...

It is now August and although it is not exactly half way through 2012 (July was a pretty busy month for me) I felt it was necessary to celebrate those records that just could not stopping ringing through our ears and spinning on our record players.  There were a lot of wonderful albums that were released this year and it is so exciting to be introduced to new bands all the time.  Here it goes:

Best New Finds

1. The Vespers - The Fourth Wall 

2.  Mike Main & the Branches - Home 

3.  Belle Histoire - Dreamers 

4.  Of Monsters & Men - My Head is an Animal 

5.  Birdy - Self-Titled 

Veterans with Style

1.  John Mayer - Born & Raised 

2.  David Crowder Band - Give Us Rest 

3.  The Fray - Scars & Stories 

4.  House of Heroes - Cold Hard Want 

5.  Jack White - Blunderbuss 

    

Must Have on Vinyl 

1.  Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More 

2.  The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow 

3.  Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math 

4.  Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits 

5.  Death Cab for Cutie - Plans 

Unknown Faves 

1.  Angus & Julia Stone - 

2.  Birdy - Self-Titled 

3.  Belle Histoire - Dreamers 

4.  The Vespers - the Fourth Wall 

5.  Best Coast - the Only Place 

Belt it Out 

1.  Elevation Worship - For Your Honor 

2.  John Mayer - Born & Raised 

3.  The Rock of Ages - Motion Picture Soundtrack 

4.  Chris Brown - Fortune 

5.  Fun. - Some Nights 

Pumped for the Future 

1.  Mumford & Sons - Babel (Sept. 24th 2012) 

2.  OneRepublic - Rumored 

3.  Seabird - (Title TBA) 

4.  Tenth Avenue North - The Struggle (Aug. 21st 2012) 

5.  Band of Horses - Mirage Rock (Sept. 28th 2012) 

These are just a couple of my top records of these past 7 months and I am so excited for new records to continue to surface and rumors to grow about more of my favorite artists.  Let me know if you have heard any great bands recently and remember support the artist, not the record labels, go to shows, by their physical cds, grab some merch.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE 

Dreamers - Belle Histoire...

I have had the honor to listen to some pretty great bands over the past years, many of which I have built a friendship (Eric Mac - Irela, TJ - Good Morning Gladys, Aaron Morgan - Seabird, Austin Livingood - Belle Histoire)  Music is a huge part of my life and will continue to be for as long as I live.  Therefore, when I find a great band it is hard for me to want to put their album down for more than 5 minutes.

There have been a couple of exception albums this year of 2012, but none like Belle Histoire's first ever full length titled Dreamers.  A band that calls my home Cincinnati their birthplace, they have been taking over the music scene.  Most recently touring with Death Cab for Cutie and playing at Cincinnati's very first Bunburry Festival this past year, Belle Histoire has only been amping themselves up for their album release this past month.

I currently have been listening to the album on repeat for the last two weeks and it excites me every time.  The vocals are of music genius, but only to be balanced by the smooth guitar and drum beats surrounding it.  All of the songs on the record are filled with passion and heart, but also have a tune that is worth belting out on long road trips, or sometimes in the comfort of your own office.  Their first two EPs were merely teasers for what was to come in this first full length and this time it leaves you itching for more and more.

A great friend of mine happens to be a part of this band and I am so honored to share in this huge moment for him as well as the rest of his band mates.  I wish them the best as always and i suggest jumping onto iTunes and downloading their first every full length entitled DREAMERS.

It is totally worth the purchase and even more so worth seeing this great band perform live.  Also check out their website for tour dates at www.bellehistoiremusic.com

Good luck and happy listening.



till another day,



normallyINDIE