General update and recommendations to some events going on with yours truly and also with some very dear Friends of Blog...
Tomorrow (Friday) night, at The Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, will be the slide geetar master himself, Junior Brown. Show starts at 9:15pm, tickets are $16 and still available here and I expect it to be a sold-out show. If you love music the way it was intended and not so much as what it's become, this is the show for you. True craftsmanship, honed over countless stages and in front of thousands of adoring fans...a dedication to 'playing clean and pure' that simply is unparalleled. Forget the wannabe Guitar Heroes, come see a true living legend dish out some of the fiercest licks to ever grace a honkytonk and/or classic country sound.
God just may be Elvis Costello in some people's eyes (and hey, I'm a follower of that church, too), but somewhere the mighty Junior is just as powerful, just as transfixing, just as influential. Both men have been known to wear dark, simple suits and have small bands accompanying them (Junior just has a bassist and a drummer); both carry their shows by focusing on music and lyrics and far less on theatrics. Both are superb at what they do...and they've both done lots of things, in a wide variety of styles and formats. But to many guitar lovers everywhere, new and old, Junior simply reigns as The King. To get a sample of what he's capable of (and it's far, far more than just country-fried fare), try checking out this phenomenal (yet typical) clip of Junior's Rock & Roll Medley (courtesy of YouTube, as always):
Junior Brown with his double-necked (and stand supported) Guitar of Wonder, doing a rock classic medley
Ex-co-worker and longtime music lover Johnny has been absolutely raving about the U2 concert show that's been filmed in 3D, which is currently playing in theatres nationwide. To add some additional perks, he highly (and I can't even stress the highly enough here) suggests catching it here locally at the IMAX® theatre in Raleigh. The IMAX® is located near the Marbles Kids Museum and is adjacent to Moore Square. (The WR and I caught "Beowulf" in the 3D format there on Christmas Day, and the presentation in addition to the wonderful creation that was the movie itself was top notch.) Tickets and showtimes for the movie at the IMAX in Raleigh can be found here. I haven't seen it yet, but that's not for a lack of excellent recommendations. I'll definitely catch it soon; there are few better ways to celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick's Day festivities than watching Ireland's best band play some of its greatest music, all in a larger than life format.
For those looking for a good cause to support this Saturday, FOB and Hercules Mulligan frontman, Chris King, is participating in The St. Baldrick's Foundation Fundraiser at The Hibernian in Raleigh (off Glenwood Avenue). 'Shavees' take donations from people and in exchange get their heads shaved...done as a token of solidarity for children suffering from cancer. Events and locations are worldwide, you can check out the St. Baldrick's Organization website for more information and events perhaps closer to your specific geographical locale. This will be Chris' third year of participation and he's as enthusiastic as ever (Chris has a mighty big heart and a contagious spirit to living life, truth be told). You can make donations to him specifically by going to the this link, or you can show up in person and make donations 'on his head' (or anyone else's, as there will be plenty of people doing this) this Saturday afternoon. As I understand it, the head-shaving will be going on for most of the day.
To my buds from The Fast Money discussion group (who are in much warmer Florida right now, running up their mini bar tab as I write even): I wish you all the best for the weekend. Live it up and have a wonderful time tomorrow night as well. ("Fast Money" is doing a live show with a studio audience in Miami...well, Coral Gables, I think, but let's not get picky...a bit of a rarity for them but it certainly should be entertaining and informative.) You know I'm with y'all in spirit...and, yes, I await a chance to meet some of you in person still...but finances and all being what they are added to the dilemma of missing an all-time fave showman...not a close decision in the end. (The Gang or Junior? The Gang or Junior? LOL. All of you have a great fondness for all things money, whereas I have a great fondness for all things music, especially the guitar. To each his or her own, but it's all good.) I appreciate the invite still the same, and I'm sorry it didn't work out this go around. For better or for worse, though, we are still on for the fall. I do, however, expect tips and highlights to passed along from Friday's taping, and am hopeful that Laurie will, at long last, finally meet her 'sexy, bald dudes' in person.
Lead theme of this weekend (and, well, all days): There's life going on around you, and that may not always be possible. Get out there and live it while you still can.
Quick post this morning, as I have to go back into work to complete some billings from hell. I'll post some more later today and tomorrow...tons of stuff needs to be 'put down on paper' from Thursday night's review of one Mr Rollins to meeting the nice fellas from My Three Kilts last night at The Nog...but I'm a little pressed for time right now. So I bitched and moaned and carried on like a spoilt brat here on Wednesday. Yes, life sucks a bit right now, but obviously it could be much, much worse. Clearly I needed (and sorta got, via some emails and a 5am phone call yesterday) a swift kick in the ass. And, to opine the classic film, "National Lampoon's Animal House": "Thank you, sir! May I have another??", I do want to thank those that decided to take me, and my asinine and/or pointless complaining, down a notch. It's nice to remain humble, even when one is taken there by force.
However, (and God bless these peeps, too), some of the Friends of Blog (hereafter referred to as FOB) decided I just needed a good laugh...a lot of them were having a pissy week, too. And, boy, did the FOB come through in the clutch.
Drumroll, please, for I give you my Chuckles of Relief and Redemption...
Below, and from a NASCAR® racing bud and fellow Greg Zipadelli fan (and it also features that driver Zippy supports/babysits, too...Tony Stewart), here's the already much-loved Toyota® commercial that premiered last weekend and features the JGR Racing Team and some other Toyota® racing team drivers. (From YouTube, as usual.) We're both still looking for the Diet Coke® 'suspended' commercial with Smoke, though, as that was also damn funny...so, please, somebody get that one up on YouTube already.
Next, from my new friends with the weekly local investment group (all of whom jokingly endure my novice trading questions) and who are diehard Jim Cramer fanatics, here's a link (at least) featuring two of my faves from the "Fast Money" show, starring Pete Najarian as "Commander Planet" and Jeff Macke starring in "The Toy Report: AKA Stranger Danger". (And, no, this time Macke is not yelling 'gibberish' as so incorrectly claimed on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" a few weeks ago. Jon, Jon, Jon...fake news is only funny if you understand what the truth is at the beginning, and then mock it. I expected something much better from you, honestly. Understand, then mock...it's much funnier that way.) Give them a watch; believe it or not, these are the pretty typical of how the show reports views and news, clipped here as they were broadcast originally (both of which can be found off the CNBC® video site). And you thought those trader types didn't know how to have a little fun and even make fun of themselves. These clips may not be funny to a lot of people, but are pretty humourous to those of us who avidly watch the show. I 'heart' these submissions a little more because the two people that sent them in absolutely hate anything related to my beloved "Fast Money". In their eyes, Cramer = Good, Dylan Ratigan and the Gang = Bad (and I still don't understand why, except out of "Mad Money" ratings jealousy perhaps?). So for these two otherwise smart and wonderful and tolerant people, who made the sacrifice to find these two clips for me, read (and enjoy) the following word as I'm not likely to ever say it aloud: Booyah!
And, finally, from my girl Robyn who is the Unofficial At-Home Radio Champion of All Things Related to NPR's "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!" program...I give you the capper of the chuckle fest, 'the true tale of woe' (Robyn's words, not mine) of Puddles/Panchito, who is now a very identity-confused Shih Tzu from Texas:
Very quick post this morning, as I'm late for work and am sleep-deprived. The absolutely fantastic Henry Rollins show didn't break til something well past 11pm last night, and by the time I hung around to talk to him briefly and then drive home it was almost 1am 2am. (UPDATE: check out the updated review of Henry's show in yesterday's entry: " A Shot of...Oh, Henry...is in Order".)
Now, the morning alarm clock is blaring, we've got some sort of sleet/rain combo coming down, and I'm running woefully behind.
Quick announcement of a couple of bands that need some support, and, conveniently, are playing in downtown Raleigh tonight and tomorrow at Tir Na Nog:
Tonight, it's traditional Irish music with My Three Kilts. Highly recommended by the bluegrass/Irish folk guitar player (and Friend of Blog) from Hercules Mulligan, one Mr Dave Cauthorn. Check out a video of them here. The show is scheduled to start at around 7pm, so get there a bit early for a good parking spot nearby. (The weather is due to improve throughout the day, so there's no excuse for skipping it.)
Tomorrow night, after what is predicted to be a glorious weather day of highs in the 60s and tons of sunshine (go figure), you can come back to the Nog and take in Walrus. Walrus is sort of a 'must-see' group for those of you who like Ben Folds and that kind of style. They're based out of Greensboro, and this may be their first show (or first show in my memory anyway) at Tir Na Nog. They won the Best Local Band in the Triad Award for 2007 and the writeup from "Yes! Weekly proves it:
Walrus is the name of the singer and his band. The man Ray Loughran comfortably inhabits the being of Walrus the singer, and his spirit is so broad and encompassing that he also effortlessly carries the identity of the band.
Sure, you can point to Daughtry. But when that guy put his band together he was already famous by virtue of "American Idol." And when a surname serves as a band's moniker, it doesn't take much imagination to identify the band with the singer. Daughtry was Daughtry before he sang a note. Ray Loughran grew into the role of Walrus.
No one in Greensboro holds a crowd in the palm of his hand like Walrus. He teases them with the glissando of his voice, cracks them up with a sudden, counterintuitive interjection, and summons libations when the time is right. He channels Robert Plant, not as a lithe golden god of rock and roll but as a Falstaffian master of ceremonies.
And he never forgets that these powers are vested in him by the people.
The current lineup of Walrus consists of Loughran, Evan Olson, Eddie Walker and Steve Graham. Walrus alumni include Chuck Folds and Snüzz, both of whom played with Bus Stop; Robert Sledge from Ben Folds Five; Bobby Patterson, who also played with Dag and Mr. Potato Head; and Frank Pyrtle from the Dickens.
He also shares the stage with some local luminaries in his other band, the Hall Monitors.
"Please add Sam Frazier [to the list]," Loughran says, "who I'm lucky enough to play with, and also Marcus Horth. Put 'Dave McCracken from Donna the Buffalo.'"
Loughran picked up the nickname Walrus when he played baseball for the UNCG Trojans. The golfer Craig Stadler, who was known as "the Walrus," was at the height of his fame back then. Loughran bears an uncanny resemblance to Stadler, so fellow Trojan Kevin Cody dubbed his teammate "Walrus."
Loughran mentioned the nickname when he was forming his first band, and it stuck.
"They said, 'Hey coo coo ka choo, you're the Walrus,'" he recalls. "Unfortunately I have become the walrus. I wasn't always this big. I can't complain. If it works, it works."
For the unitiated, Walrus is a covers band.
"I've always been able to do AC/DC; that's a staple," he says. "I was one of the original guys who would do a mix of four or five different songs within one song. We used to do Steve Miller Band and we'd do six or seven songs. I'd throw in some rap, and then some three-part harmony. I think some other bands have picked up on that. I think that really has caught on.
Genre-bending irreverence probably accounts for the fact that Walrus is Greensboro's most popular band, 12 years after the original incarnation first took the stage at the erstwhile Fat Dog's.
"I had a band called the Walrus Rock and Roll Revue," Loughran says. "We would do everything from Otis Redding to Jane's Addiction, then end with Prince's 'Purple Rain.' People ask me what kind of music we play, and I tell them, 'Gay death gospel.' I say something really sarcastic, and then they come up to me after the show and say, 'Wow, that was really great.'
"I say, 'Thanks, man.'"
Walrus should be an excellent show, and it's scheduled to start at 10:30pm Saturday night. Come give them a try and have some fun while you're at it.
Woe is flippin' me today, but tomorrow will be damn better.
So this week's been a tanker so far. It's Invasion of the Obvious Idiots during the daytime hours, and as Idiots are prone to doing, they didn't pass around the memo celebrating this event to all of us in the Common and Slightly Higher groups. (As a member of the Common contingent, I verified this with the Slightly Higher group...nope, no memo.)
What I do care about is having to explain to the drive-through waitress at Hardees® that unsweetened tea is not the same as sweetened tea, but half dumped out with only more ice to 'dilute' it at some point long after I'm thirsty. What I do care about is having to listen to how, as a woman, the everlasting arguments that I must support a candidate that I still have objections with because I 'am one of the oppressed'...especially when I'm still undecisive about the whole damn lot of them and wasn't even really aware I was 'oppressed'. What I do care about is how we (the collective 'We', as in the "We, the People..." stand) are still debating about America is in the midst of some economic slump (ahem, recession) or not (can't speak for the wealthier folk, but my gas has went up 10 cents a gallon since last week, milk's up about 60 cents a gallon since last July, and my fresh fruit consumption is directly proportional to the transportation costs of said fruit, thereby decreasing my expendable income greatly...yeah, I'd say my people are definitely feeling the pinch.)
Some days the small things really irritate me, some days the big things just seem to snowball. And some days, like all four days into this week so far, I experience the Perfect Trifecta of Agitation. (Cherry on top: And I've had a migraine today, too.)
It's also Survival of the Unrepentant Cold season. I'm still struggling with a cold that I caught over my birthday weekend, that took me out of commission for about two additional unscheduled days, and has since been brought into the office through an additional couple of victims...just to make damn sure no one missed out on the joy. Flu shot, no flu shot, clinic staff, administrative staff...this year it doesn't seem to matter whose number got called as we've all become lottery winners. Doesn't help that on the 11th it was sunny and low 60s outside, but by last Wednesday night we had snow (again). Today I was driving around with the windows rolled down during lunch and it was low 60s, while listening to the radio predicting a 'weather event' (Southern meteorological speak for they don't really know what will happen as far as snow and sleet falling, but they want to cover their asses still the same so no one gets too ambitious with their driving) will likely occur tomorrow night.
God (no matter what/whom that may be for you) Save Us, The Potent Poet of Punk is coming to town. Henry Rollins. (Just in from Africa, doing his North American jaunt, before Europe and then Australia. Hard traveler he is. Catch a show of his if you can.) Arguably one of the greatest 'contrarian thinkers' (or maybe that's just 'questioning and inquisitive thinkers') of my generation and those other age gaps, about 20 years in either direction. 'Liking him' is not required, 'thinking with him' is. Or don't think with him if you like, but you won't enjoy the show nearly as much if you 'tune out'.
After a small amount of praying and scouting out the land that is Craigslist, I found salvation and scored a ticket to tomorrow's sold out show of Henry Rollins' 'Provoked' tour. (By my own admission, I forgot completely about the date and when I looked around for tickets, distressingly discovered that the show was sold out. Luckily for me, someone couldn't go and had a single for the cause, and for only the asking price, not even a 'meet-up convenience fee'). The show will be held at The Lincoln Theatre (which I've determined I should support more when I'm over in Raleigh), home of the good watching balcony above and the Magic Hat Jinx beer down at the bar area below. (First time I'll be back there since the Nashville Pussy, Hank Williams III & Assjack, and Reverend Horton Heat show reviewed previously.) With any luck, the bar won't run out of beverages for Henry's show. But, then again, it has been one helluva week, and maybe I'm not the only one complaining.
Dunno yet about picture taking possibilities, but I'm hoping for an autograph session afterwards. Question: buy one of his works and have him sign that (which seems a bit too 'traditional'), or buy one of his works (gotta support the Poet), but have him sign another book instead. "Bush's Brain"?"1984" by Orwell?Perhaps a longtime personal fave, Kafka's "The Metamorphosis"? Chronically indecisive as I am, this one is tough. If I can get either a picture or an autograph, I will certainly share my adventures here. That is, after I learn a thing or two from Monsieur Henri's spoken word campaign.
And, that is, after whatever the hell we get from the unspecified 'weather event' tomorrow night, too.
UPDATE: Henry's show was magnificent, as he did close to four hours onstage and solo...no opening act, no music, nothing but the Master...and that was before he stayed around to meet and sign autographs with his fans. While the weather outside was not terribly cooperative, the show was still standing-room only and I met some fellow fans who have driven from states away to make the show. The subject matter ranged from everything from taking a recent holiday in Pakistan during the assassination fallout of Ms Bhutto, to making movies based 'at the Gates of Hell' with Cuba Gooding, Jr., to the history of his fan love affair with Van Halen (which, as a person who's first ever rock show was watching Van Halen with David Lee Roth at age eight years old, was especially funny), to the lack of personal responsibility we all are ignoring in developing, challenging, and improving ourselves to be better people.
Henry's longest segment...about living the dream of being the 'stand-in' vocalist for a cancer benefit concert with his all-time favourite band, The Ruts...is simply not to be missed. The benefit was for the lead guitarist of the band, Paul Fox, who played with extreme pain and agony in doing this reunion gig, and that sacrifice clearly resonated not only with his many Ruts fans, but especially with Henry. Several months after the fact, Henry's description of where and how the gig went down is as fresh and honest and heartfelt as if it happened yesterday...and it is clear how humbled Henry was to even be invited to the event, let alone stand in and man the mike for this last great Ruts hurrah. Honestly, people, how many of us ever get to live that dream??
Henry Rollins performing "Something That I Said" with The Ruts, 16 July 2007, at the Paul Fox Cancer Benefit Concert. Video courtesy of YouTube.
As much love and respect as I throw Henry's way for speaking his mind and being separate and totally unequal to the rest of us, at the end of the night, that 'barrier' between he and his fans always comes down: in the end, he's just a fan of other things, other music, other ways of life, himself. He still challenges his thought process, and encourages us to all do the same. He still asks the "why not?" when everyone else his age, and sometimes even much younger, wants to ask "why?" He understands this, as far as we all know, is just the one go around we get...why not go for it and 'make Life regret you were born?' (approximate quote, not sure completely verbatim) God Bless Master Rollins...and he was even decent enough to chat some and sign two books for me, as he did for so many others: my latest addition of his written works, "A Dull Roar" for a gift, and also my old standby fave copy of Huxley's "Brave New World".
A great and memorable night, served up by a great and dynamic mind.
...and it's starting with its Big Kahuna today, otherwise known as The Daytona 500. And, just to add to the nostalgia, it's the 50th running of said race, so no chance to over-promote it will be missed by all the powers that be. (The hoopla is already going on with various television channels...and has been for all this week...but technically the race coverage starts at 2pm EST today on FOX. Truly, while this is the season 'opener' of NASCAR®, it's also their equivalent of the Super Bowl®.) I've been waiting for this day for a bit now...as Lord knows I love my racin'...but now that it's here I want it over and done with already. Enough of the hyperbole, can we get some action going here, fellas? Dunno why the impatience exactly, but I suspect maybe it's because I'm growing a bit weary of supporting a sport that has strayed so far from its roots, and its original fans, and has become such an overblown media event every week. Let's go racin', already.
I'll be watching today, as I always do, trying to figure out where my loyalties should be placed this year. Being from the Midwest and having spent far too many years gulping in Ozarks-area dirt track fumes alongside my father, I always go back to cheering for 'my boys' from the area. Longtime fave Mark Martin (starting 12th) is running out of opportunities to finally win this race, as he's getting up there in age and viable chances...and God Bless Him, he came so damn close last year. Carl Edwards, a fellow Missouri native (via Columbia way) and genuinely nice guy, also has strong credentials and could do well here. Carl (ahem, "Mikey" as he's called by those who've known him from way back) starts just ahead of Mark in 11th position. Kenny Wallace (starting 17th)...the court jester of NASCAR®, or at least The Speed Channel® where he is a part-time host on their pre-race coverage...hails from St. Louis and is actually a helluva driver, if he can ever get a team and sponsorship behind him for a full season. (Like everything sports related in the US, no and/or little money or sponsorship = wasted and unharvested talent.) Then there is Jamie McMurray, another driver from my Ozarks backyard of Joplin, Missouri. Jamie (starting 38th) is one that I wish I could say the same glowing remarks about as the others, but sadly, I cannot. I'm not really sure where Jamie's career is going these days, as it seems to have stagnated and maybe even retreated a bit. I hope I'm wrong about Jamie's potential...today and in the future...I really, really do.
I'll also be watching two of my international faves this year: 40th place starting Scotsman Dario Franchetti (husband of actress of Ashley Judd, so I'm sure there will be more than the average in-the-pits camera shots for that reason alone) making his first ever intro to NASCAR® racing, and Aussie (and super-nice guy) Marcos Ambrose, who is trying to move up from the 'juniors' to the 'majors' of NASCAR®. Marcos didn't qualify for this big race today (and actually had a bad day with the 'junior' race yesterday), but his skills are extremely sharp and constantly improving. (Incidents with Robbie Gordon in Canada notwithstanding.) Franchetti leaves international racing with a storied career of both victories and crashes under his belt...including a 2007 victory at the Indianapolis 500. Both Francetti and Ambrose are top-notch drivers from other formulas, but...as any proud NASCAR® fan will tell you...'that is that, and this is NASCAR'®. In theory, the inclusion of these two should 'legitimize' NASCAR® in the international racing world, but in practice I suspect what will happen instead is that these two greats will figure out 'the good ole boys' way' and then proceed to show them a thing or two (with an accent and a ready smile). Time will tell how those 'good ole boys' and their fans will react if and when that happens. The more things change, the more we want things to stay the same, after all.
And, finally, still on my race radar...although I sometimes question my sanity on this...is the Drama King himself, Tony Stewart. Smoke starts 6th today, and won the 'junior' race yesterday...a deadly combination for a man already known for his confidence level. Hands down, Tony is the most off-track news making character the sport has right now for all of his antics (both good and bad). We haven't even started the season yet, and he's already on a six-race infraction watch by race officials for essentially a practice race about a week ago. (So welcome to 2008, people. To quote The Who in "Won't Get Fooled Again": "meet the new boss, same as the old boss." Sigh.)
Arguably Smoke's the best driver out there, and as we fans of his like to say, Stewart could find a way to drive a bathtub to Victory Lane. (Only with the help of his long-suffering #20 support team and Crew Chief Greg 'Zippy' Zipadelli, though...somehow those guys get all too frequently forgotten in the media writeups.) Arguably he is also the most anxiety-causing driver out there to his fans, too, as there is no 'peaceful' season...but instead we fans just have to ride out the next incoming tidal wave, one right after the other. Between the temper tantrums, the verbal throwdowns with the media, some physical throwdowns with others (including other drivers) and all the miscellaneous other personal actions off the track...there is no wonder why Smoke's own fan base constantly wars against, splinters, and then has to reglue itself back together again. His driving and on track causes are worthy of fan appreciation and support...Tony is, in many ways, seen as an (perhaps one of the very few) 'old school' driver against all the 'new school' stuff that NASCAR® seems all too willing to shove down the fans' throats...it's just all the off track nonsense that can be totally draining. Hell, this season he's even got fans supporting him for his on track racing, but boycotting his merchandise sales for his off track activities...and I think that just may be a first, even for NASCAR®. For the rest of us Smoke fans we volley from being jubilant, to being embarrassed, and then to see a glimmer of maturity...so we get hopeful again. Wash, rinse, repeat. For the first time in years, I'm back to being on the fence with Smoke. And that really pains me, as I think he's the last of a breed of drivers we may never see again. It could be a very, very good year for him and his team...new car, new manufacturer, new enthusiasm, new support...but it will only be a good year for his fans too if Smoke starts to grow the hell up (again) sometime soon. We're simply done with all the crap. It's Dr Tony, Mr Smoke most of the time now...and it's a tough road show.
Sorry, friends, it's my (cough, cough...38th) birthday this weekend and (as I've been tied to a computer all last week at work), I'm taking off a few days (and away from a computer monitor and keyboard) in celebration.
I'd like to say I am happy about the milestone, but some days I'm not so sure. As so many people who get to this point, I look back and wonder just how the hell I got here most days. It's not that journey has been even close to bad, even...just really unplanned and totally unexpected. (And for an Aquarian to say something is really unplanned and unexpected, that generally means really baffling, spontaneous and worrisome to most of the other planetary signs...LOL. We revel is our ability to take almost everything we encounter in stride, all the while doing a hundred new projects at once. We live to perplex and confound other people, truly.)
Last week, it was suggested to me from an acquaintance that I need to 'simplify', to realize my role and (supposed) limitations, and to do and think less because she couldn't keep up and/or figure me out. (I wasn't aware that she 'needed' to do either one of those actions, but hey, to borrow and alter from the great John Lennon...whatever gets her through her day.) Apparently my 'need' to do and learn and experience things on a more diverse schedule is worrisome and/or threatening to her. (Other than that, I am a fabulous person...LOL.) So, if I followed her logic, I should start allowing the brain rot to take hold now...so she would feel better. Continuing that train, I guess I should 'start to conform' a bit...whatever the hell that is. Poor woman, even now she doesn't realize my personality and outlook is now well into its third decade, and is not like a faucet that can be turned off and on at will...even when I've tried to in the past. Even now, she's oblivious to the fact that she just waved a red flag in front of a charging bull. Even now, she doesn't realize her words, while perhaps well-intended in her eyes, were an insult. People are strange...live and let live, damn it, and you just may enjoy the ride a helluva lot more. I hate pigeonholes, but I positively hate those that do the pigeonholing even more. "Let it be", indeed.
Honest to God, I can think back on my 18th like it was yesterday...I still remember the goals even. Some I'm glad didn't work out: like moving to London and becoming an entertainment radio reporter with a 'Yank's perspective'; as it is, I didn't really like London all that much once I got there...too expensive, too congested, too cold, too much for this descendant of an ancient Scottish clan. But some I wish still had: like practically all women, I bought the myth that by this age I surely would have been married and with a child or two...at one time, I even had names pre-selected. Sometimes I can't help wondering about the 'what ifs' that have prevented those last two, and if my decisions will ultimately be the 'right' ones.
I'm getting better with the 'being alone' aspect of life, as I realized long ago I need to be happy with myself before trying to make others so. God knows I'm a 'lot of work to keep up with at times' (quote from the ex-boyfriend), and that's so true...but that's also so me. I've resigned myself that's probably the way I will always be, for better and for worse.
I've been blessed with some fantastic friends and some wonderful adventures...while those I've lost are never far from my heart and my memories. The lessons I've learned have been fruitful and painful at times, but they've made me a better person. I have seen things and people and places in this world that I could never have imagined seeing as a child all those years ago. I know now how awesome the Great Pyramids at Giza are at dawn, or how intimidating the Coliseum is in Rome. I remember how excited how I was taking my first international flight or driving my car alone cross country for the first time. I know now how charming the sounds of a kookaburra family are, and how supremely quiet the same is with a family of deer. I know how therapeutic it is for me to just go stand on an empty beach and listen to the roar of the waves, while the incoming tide laps at my feet. I have been loved and have loved others. I have been crossed, lied to, and left high and dry by those I thought I could count on the most, but I have also been aided with not only the basics but the actual wisdom of life by complete strangers. I have done good things, and I have done bad things...and I like to think I've learned from both experiences. Still I soldier on, still trying to find the right 'road' for me. Right now, though, I like the road I'm on. Who knows...I may just be one of those people who are destined to never marry, who are destined to keep exploring, who are destined to buck the established role of what a woman is/is not supposed to do, who are destined to always be trying to learn and never be at a loss for a question, who consider a suggestion to 'simplify' like that of a death sentence. Stealing a line from Little Big Town's "Boondocks": "This is me, this is who I am."
So, like all birthdays for the past few years, it's a bit of a bittersweet one when I give it too much thought. But at least I'm having another one...and I'm damn happy to be here to do so.
I was going to go out of town to the beach (for a non-swimmer, I am paradoxically addicted to celebrating my birthdays near the ocean), but that will probably not happen until next weekend now. So, instead, I will be vegging out in front of the telly (might even buy some PPV cricket or something equally quirky, but something that reminds me that summer is indeed somewhere and will be here again soon enough) and maybe do some much-delayed reading. Failing all that, it's guaranteed I'll enjoy some extra snooze time. It's gloriously quiet and serene at the new homestead, so relaxation should be natural. And deserved.
I'll be back and posting updates again either Monday night or sometime again on Tuesday.
And, for once in my recent memory, the game itself tonight was far, far better than the commercials. (Although, for the love of Pete people, why did the referees become hellbent to play out the final one second of the game...my heart broke for those lonely 11 guys from New England playing some asinine last down, while the rest of their team and their coach...ouch!...had walked off the field. If I were a diehard Pats fan, that would have set badly with me. Should not have happened, period. Call the damn game already if you're a ref or stay on the damn field and be supportive of your teammates if you're the Patriots.)
While I am normally not a New York City enthusiast except for visits of less than 48 hours at a clip...there is a reason why I choose to now live on a farm in a relatively quiet mid-Atlantic state, after all...New York clearly is the place to be tonight!!! Love and hugs to my buds up in the City proper, and in Schenectady, Albany, and Buffalo!!! (And have one for me, too, if there's any left to be consumed.)
While I admit I am normally not a Giants fan, about two weeks ago (when all the Patriots 'are the best ever' hoopla really took hold to an extreme degree), I found a new underdog to cheer for. I hate seeing people and teams 'piled on' and taken for granted, ya know? And, Lord help him, tonight is Eli Manning's first Super Bowl win (and MVP); his big brother Peyton won it last year helming his Indianapolis Colts. Lord help me, too, because as a child I used to cheer on their father, the overachieving yet now almost forgotten (except for his boys) Archie Manning, when he used to lead the New Orleans Saints. (Must be a helluva game of 'Six Degrees of Archie Manning' played amongst the NFL people.) I remember watching "Monday Night Football" with Howard Cosell and Frank Gifford, when Peyton was maybe thigh-high to his dad, and little Eli could barely walk. Okay, feeling really old now, and just before I tack more on to my personal score, too.
Sigh. Enough nostalgia already. Let all the Giants fans and fellow underdog champions celebrate!!!
P.S.: And for those of you who love the Super Bowl commercials as much as I do, check out the site where you can see them all. I think the night's winner was the Sobe girl dancing to the old Michael Jackson "Thriller" with all the lizards (click the above link, and then click for the 2nd quarter ads)...too bad Vincent Price is dead and couldn't do the voice over, though. Although the AMP Energy guy starting the girl's car while he's dancing (4th quarter)...and has the car jumper cables attached to his bare nipples...is a good runner-up. Third choice for me is the Audi remake of that infamous scene from "The Godfather" (1st quarter), and that is a nice ride to be advertising, too. Actually, I was surprised those last two even made it to air. The FedEx carrier pigeon one (2nd quarter) was cute on a first time viewing, but will get real old, real quick. Thank God the game was good, though, as the commercials were subpar for me this go around.
Congrats again to the football lovers and their fans...damn fine game this year.
Oh, it's good to go watch people who really know how to sing (versus yours truly who can't even hum along to a song without it being off-tune, as evidenced whenever I attempt to do so during Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody"). And tonight I get to go hear a real professional...who is also a super smart, funny and clever lass...in person.
Saturday night, at about 10pm, over at CC's in Raleigh, the divine Mrs Heather Patterson King (aka the ever-charming wife of the exceptionally talented front man from Hercules Mulligan, Chris King), will be showing off her extensive singing skills in her first (I think) gig there. She's singing there with another North Carolina Theatre pro, Jay Wright. The WR and I will be coming from the HM group (as will her beloved hubby), although WR is a bit of a regular at CC's. (Again, hopefully he will keep me in check from giving shoe advice to the slingback heels-challenged cross dressers.) I've been to CC's once before (to the same Piano Bar), about 5 weeks ago, and thoroughly enjoyed myself while I was entertained by pianist Kevin and his partner, doing a rip-roaring Christmas show medley, no less. I found the audience to be very attentive, so I'm hoping they'll be equally as welcoming to Missus (Patterson) K.
While I knew Heather was lucky enough to work professionally in the field of her passion (as an acting and vocal skills instructor, versus the rest of us who somehow 'settle' for something sometimes far akin from those dreams), I really had no idea of some of her professional experience. (Note to self: I really need to give the local arts scene a more thorough chance this year, as it's clearly blossoming with talented people such as Heather.) Some of her professional bio details (and yes, I do plan on asking her how it was working with Paul Sorvino...whom I adore...when I can get a quiet chance to do so):
...a jazz and musical theatre vocalist who has been performing around the country for over 20 years. She has performed at the North Carolina Theatre and as Glinda in "The Wizard of Oz", and Fruma Sarah in "Fiddler on the Roof", (opposite Paul Sorvino). She has been seen in many regional theatre productions including Mrs. Potts in Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast", Eliza in "My Fair Lady", Meg in "Damn Yankees", Vi Moore in "Footloose", and Lady Capulet in "Romeo and Juliet". She has performed at the North Hills Christmas Spectacular and Our State concert with Broadway Veteran Ray Walker. Heather holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Louisville and a BA in Theatre and Music from Franklin College...
Hopefully with some luck, I'll be able to get a few pics of the Missus K and be able to post here. So, if you're in the area tonight, come on down to the downtown Raleigh area and take in her show. While CC's does not serve food, there are several local restaurants all within a short distance of the venue where one can eat beforehand (and I highly recommend Cafe Luna over by Moore Square if you're in that direction, even if their wine by the glass selections are very limited). Get to CC's, early, though (it's Saturday night, after all, people), as the multiple construction projects all around downtown has eliminated some old parking areas. The Divine Missus K is most definitely worth your time and efforts.
