Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The blue and the jay.
I heard a joke today. Something about a boot, a paper cup and a water hose filled with apricot preserves... Can't really get into it all as I was passing by, but somehow, I felt the urge to jot the following words down on a pastel pink post-it note: "Must leave town soon."
I'm kind of sleepy right now, but as I stated a couple of days ago, I'll get there...
- Corner kicker #1
Monday, July 27, 2009
"Summer's kiss is over, baby..."
I'll get there...
- gallo negro
Saturday, July 25, 2009
How does she do it?
I'm asking...
I'm off to a wedding later today. A family engagement of sorts...
My checklist looks something like this... The suit I have in mind "should" be steamed and ready for action. Water bottle? Half full. Directions to the event? Check. Mapped it a few minutes ago... My goggles are nearby. Lenses were cleaned earlier this week. May need them for toasting purposes... My handkerchief will be pressed momentarily and I have a decision to make on which necktie I will go with... My skips may need a buff or two. We'll see, but it wouldn't hurt... No real worries there... The shirt. Not in any real mood for French cuffs today, but will see what's in store... Chewing gum. Two pieces. Just enough. One church key. Perfect. The iPod (her name is "November") is being juiced up downstairs... The playlist this afternoon will be a mashup between Phish, Ben Folds, Thin Lizzy, The National, New Order, Prince, Matthew Ryan, Pixies, Nick Drake and Cheap Trick. A thin shot glass on the counter (for good luck). Best before one leaves the house. Starter cash ($32 left over from the other night). Just in case. The invitation is on the counter. May need to take it if I need to prove that I made the cut. Need to make sure I have an extra Burt's Bees Beeswax lip balm in the middle console. Camera? Maybe... Rely on someone else. And there you have it... Done.
Gotta run. That's all for now. More news at 11...
Oh and please pencil me in for a cold glass of sweet tea sometime over the next week. I just know I'll be in the mood. Don't forget. K?
Smile big.
- rooster
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
"Sometimes even the right is wrong."
On at 9:10pm with sparklers in their hands... Six in and "Glass Of Water" proved its might. At 9:43pm, "Fix You" stunned the crowd. "Postcards..." reminded everyone how lovely the piano can really be... A lonely "Trouble" so fresh out of retirement. Well done. Then a gentle "Green Eyes" from 10 feet away with an acoustic "Billie Jean" to bring the fans to a new level of appreciation... It poured butterflies for "Lovers In Japan." "Death And All Of His Friends" completely took over as it should... The first encore... "The Scientist." A proper version that serenaded the faithful at 10:49pm. And... Thanks, guys... The 5th time was the charm. I needed that charm and I needed that one song at 10:34pm.
"And give me love over.......... Love over..................... Love over this........................................."
My nickel on where I was last night. Good morning to you.
- fan for a day or two.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Earth, Sun, Moon. Where it starts, it ends.
So, today marks a few things... My 50th post, the 40th anniversary of the moon landing and something else...
We made friends with the moon in 1969 and right now, all I can think about is how MTV benefited from the historic lunar photos in between Pat Benatar and REO Speedwagon videos in the early '80s. Go figure...
Now, I'm thinking about my golden entry and I'm thinking about the last time I reached out to you. I decided I would wear a tuxedo for the occasion. I've never typed anything with a bow tie fastened around my neck. Weird. The champagne flute next to my HP is still bubbling... Cool. The bowl of strawberries to my left is adorable. Nice. And the flowers in front of me are just fragrant enough that the... Riiiight. Whatever.
Let's begin. #50...
Have you ever received news that you wish could be taken back? I ask this because I believe in the "no takeback" concept and it's a time like this that I wish I didn't subscribe to that line of thinking... Don't live by a code if you can't live by that code, y'know? I stand by my words, but when something comes back at me in such a sobering way, I have to know that it will never be taken back. It's out there and once the reality of it settles in, we must embrace it and get on with it... Take the emotional clobbering and sleep with your eyes open. Find a way to pretend to look the other way. Lie if you have to... Y'know... To keep the buzzing bees away. Protect the integrity of it all and guard it with both fists up...
Why couldn't they just take it back? I know that it wouldn't change anything, but the sobering aspect of it all can (sometimes) be hard to handle.
God, you there? You didn't listen, man... I'm sure that the excuse is that someone needed you more, but dude, I don't ask for much... As a matter of fact, I don't ask for anything other than a decent seat at the rock show. And maybe good vibes and a little protection for the ones in the "loved ones" category. And when you come through with a killer moonscape, I'm yours. But c'mon, man... Really? There are two kinds of beings out there... The ones who make excuses and the ones who don't... I'm not pointing fingers, but if I could see you right now, I'd try to sweep your leg like Johnny did to Daniel in 1984. Yeah... It's like that.
Fix it. Please?
Looking in the mirror...
Me: "I mean, I'm no angel and I've had my share of misfires... And before you bring up the "karma" thing, I want you to know that I've thought about that, too... You've already made me pay for 7/82, 3/90 (I'm so sorry, GJ), 8/93, 4/94, 6/94, 2/95 (big time), 7/95, 8/03, and every other time I made decisions that would (ultimately) teach me a lesson or two."
God: "True, you did learn a few lessons and you have been a good student. Plus, you're from Benbrook, TX. And you've spread my word in one way or another over the years. In your own way, of course. I would, however, like to see you on Sundays a little more often."
M: "For better or for worse, it was my heart that did the talking then and to this day, my heart still speaks on my behalf. What are you going to do about it? I've paid, alright... I've paid over and over again. Do you need more from me or something? I'm working with a bent heart and it's fragile at the moment."
G: "Listen. You're still in the red for the 2/95 nonsense and I just can't think of a good reason to let you off of the hook for the 3/90 episode. Of course, I have to take into account your age at the time for that one. Overall, you're good people and you do seem to wear your heart on your sleeve, which is commendable, but..."
M: "But what? I feel like I am one of the lucky ones and I am grateful for everything you've given me and my crew. I am who I am, y'know? You didn't answer my question, dude. Do you need more from me?"
G: "I know you're upset, but shit happens and I'm not always responsible... You can blame me, but it will not change anything. You must accept what fate is giving you.
M: "Did you just say, 'shit?'"
G: "Yes, I did. Build a bridge and get over it, bsm*."
M: "Noted. I suppose you're right, but I still want to drop you like a cheap book. Just because. It will take some time, but I still believe that you are responsible in some way. I have to blame someone and you're the only one in the room... And for the record, in March of 1990, I had to do it... Two months later, it changed everything for me. It was a safe bet, okay? For me, man. For me."
G: "Okay, geez! Still a little selfish, but I understand. Who isn't a little selfish every now and again? I get it. What are you going to do now?"
M: "As always, I'll press on. I'll weather the storm and I'll keep looking up. You?"
G: "I'm scheduled to attend the solar eclipse on Wednesday. I find it fascinating how the moon cruises between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the light. And on Friday, I am probably going to see the new Katherine Heigl movie where she hangs out with that lad from 300. Beyond that, I'm just trying to score some McCartney tickets just like every other bloke on the planet. As it is, I had to call in a favor to secure some U2 tickets for their tour opener in Spain."
M: "I heard that they are playing 'Ultraviolet' and 'The Unforgettable Fire' on this leg."
G: "It was divine. Literally."
M: "That's righteous, but don't change the subject, G. I asked you a question earlier. What else do you need from me? Because what I need is a little understanding... And a little love. Can you handle that, Chief?"
G: "Yes. I think I can handle that... I know what you mean about the love and understanding... I happen to need those things, too... I can't believe you just 'chief'd' me. I'll let it slide this one time. Only because you're from Benbrook, okay?"
M: "Right on. Just know that we haven't settled up just yet."
G: "Noted."
Turning away from the mirror...
I'm waking up now. My heart is tired. Just mend already... It's tough to watch and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. I just can't seem to get my arms around it, but I know I'm close to it.
Today's almost over. It's been a commemoration of sorts... He would have been 15 today. She's 18 now. And her eyes still tell me something every single time. Damn. This is hard. Blow by blow... It's the trial we are all a part of... I'm thinking of them in so many different ways... It just can't be... Not now. I should probably stop. I've said what I needed to say... I think.
It rained this morning. I suppose that's a start. And the song that's running through my ears is making me smile.
I have to go now, but check this... Keep the loved ones close and make sure they know, okay? To remember them is to celebrate them. Forever.
There is hope for us...
Love,
bsm*
