Whiny Over Water

Downtown, that's where the lights are bright.

Friday evening I was finally able to take my sister out for her birthday. It was sort-of last minute. I picked up an Enigma Magazine at the urging of Jessica P. Wallin, and noticed that Milele Roots was playing at R&B. I have been trying to see them for over a year. The last time I had seen them was with my sister. So we made a date for later that evening!

I took her up to the Hunter- she's not been since the addition. I told her how I missed the special hidden spot at the end of the parking lot, behind the dumpsters- a friend had shown me a long time ago. He and I played in the aquarium fountains when they were new and then climbed through the woods to sit there. We watched a few people enjoying the river walk and we listened to the tree frogs. I wish I could remember our conversations... philosophy, religion, our histories. Strange how when we are with a close friend just hanging out we simply expect we will always be enjoying the same rituals for years together? Unfortunately, we lose those ordinary precious experiences if we do not pay close attention; because eventually we are no longer close, and those moments become lost in history existing only as a rich velvety colour in our memories. I no longer remember our conversations, but I do remember how much fun we had. So much laughter mingling with the trickling sounds of the fountains and pools- gurgling. Content as we played on the terrace of the Hunter Mansion, looking out over our home town. There were so few people around downtown at that time. Just our voices echoing against the empty buildings. Splashing out across the river. So many years ago. To be remembered again while I was enjoying anew with my sister. Reminiscing over sitting on the retaining wall and the soft green grass, watching Limpopo take the stage during Riverbend. I still remember the child playing next to us- the father keeping a close eye on him. I still can see how strong and agile Yuri was, dancing like a clown on stage and how large that balilika seemed, thumping out it's melodies. Before the Feists moved to Birmingham. Before life became complicated. Before we made choices that changed all of our directions. Before we all lost each other.

I do not want to forget. I do not want to be forgotten.
But more so- I want to remember. I want to be remembered.

appetite for entertainment

Cheers and Beers!!!

A better Friday night? Perhaps another... same places, same faces- I see a pattern in my smile.

Rhythm & Brews 2 nights in 1 week. empty pockets.

Thursday: David Wilcox- haven't seen him in 12 years! Early on he played a song I like to sing sometimes for the children when things go all wrong but it is all right. (Like my life.) In fact, the room began to fill with children sometime during the show.

Friday: GNR tribute band, Appetite for Destruction!!! There is nothing like getting into costume, dining on scallops and dancing near the man you love while hidden in a crowd of people- easier to dance while invisible. I even saw a Giant Tiger in the crowd. Perhaps Rock and Roll can save my soul... or send me straight to Hades. I am sure when I get there I will see many familiar faces from the show. I also expect that it won't be too much hotter there than it is here in Chattanooga.

Speaking of invisibility: Why are we so worried about what other people think of us? Especially girls. In the restroom, my friend and I met a beautiful woman fussing with her clothing at the mirror. She was quite stylish in her jeans, layered tops and black vest. Perfect hair and makeup, but she wasn't sure she was good enough. Good grief! Hopefully, she heard the truth we spoke to her. She was beautiful!

Anyway, who cares? It seems each one of us is so preoccupied with self that I don't think any of us really sees anyone else- unless looking to... how do I say it politely... score? Is that euphemism still used? A bit ironic, we were there to see a simulation band, and as the night progressed, Love became victim to a sort of shoddy imitation.

Dear Appetite for Destruction,
Your artful act of simulation
Had a strange effect of permeation,
And I watched in consternation
As throughout our congregation
Love underwent a permutation;
And in our desire for titillation
We pulled the goddess down from her station.
----

On a lighter note... if anyone reads this- Patience: is it "sad woman" or "said woman"? The lyrics sites say "said woman", I always thought it was "sad woman". I want it to be "sad" so it refers to a present, instead of past, conversation. Hmmm, perhaps that's part of her having to be patient: She's not heard from him in awhile...? Okay, so maybe this thought wasn't lighter after all.

"I'M STILL ALRIGHT TO SMILE."

hoi polloi

I have always thought blogs were a bit self indulgent, narcissistic in fact. Are there people out there who really think anyone else cares what they think? But events of last night have pushed me over the edge, and I must enter this world of the outspoken elitists.

Went to Rhythm & Brews last night to see a band named The Breakfest Club, a spin on the title of that great 80's movie by John Hughes, yes? It was packed, not even room to dance. Naively I thought, they must be good! Firstly they were misnamed- I would have named the band Soul Survivor (if that isn't already taken). Opening song- "Eye of the Tiger"- should have known then, not that 80's top 40 is a problem, but I was there to hear the moody music that was featured in the movies- the smiths, psychedelic furs, omd... The seething, drunken crowd was happily singing along to all the songs- they even did a little Devo- I smiled. When they played a hard rock cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven", the crowd stopped singing, and began milling about, a bit confused. ARGH! C'mon Chattanooga! They will never play that song again, not that they were doing it justice, but it was the most poetic song we heard the entire 30 minutes we were there. We left during a rendition of Huey Lewis's "The Power of Love".

We are sipping tea and spinning our very own playlist of 80's stuff- good stuff: INXS- would've been a great opening for the band last night, Tears for Fears, Adam Ant, Thomas Dolby, Love and Rockets, Talking Heads, Violent Femmes, New Order...

I have been returned to the sad reality that the masses are content with mediocrity, not only content but delighted.

NO NEW TALE TO TELL