Ha, so speaking of things that I don't stick to doing! I know, I've been far far away for a long long time. But I haven't just been sleeping, if that counts for anything. I've been thinking...just not sharing.
It started the weekend that my new niece came into the world. I don't remember ever having felt that sense of wonder in my adult life. Few things came close in my childhood or adolescence either, come to think of it. The idea that Nicole offered an entire person as a contribution to the world continues to blow my mind. But the following week I got the news that the brother of an old friend had passed away - the very same day. The same day that one family and circle of friends was experiencing unparalleled joy, another family and circle of friends began to feel the profundity of loss. Was it one soul making room for another? I don't know how to explain these things. Chad, who passed away, was close to my age, and he passed away as a result of a number of medical complications that came from having become partially paralized in an accident years ago. His brother Marc was telling me about the funeral service, which was attended by hundreds of people. From everything I've heard, Chad had an incredible lust for life before the accident, which left him in a state of depression that he never really recovered from. I met him after his accident, and I remember him as a charasmatic and gentle soul, but Marc has told me over the years that something was missing after the accident and it never really returned. I wonder what it was that Chad came to understand at the moment of his passing. I know that he (possibly unknowingly) taught all the people around him about living, which is a beautiful gift. But why him? I think he probably had that thought a lot in his quiet moments...why him?
Sometimes I am amazed at the depth of suffering that the human spirit can endure. I can't imagine what it was like for Chad's parents to bury their son, for his brother and sister to say goodbye to him and know that their lives would never, ever be the same. I guess life really is a series of waves - waves of joy, sadness, wonder, loss, love, fear, beauty.........big, undulating waves that bring us to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It reminds me of that scene at the end of the movie "Parenthood," where the grandma says something about roller coasters...she's making a life analogy, but Steve Martin is not in the mood and he makes some sarcastic comment, to which his wife (Mary Steenberger) answers, "I happen to like the roller coaster." It's like Joni Mitchell's song "The Circle Game": "And the seasons, they go round and round and the painted ponies go up and down, we're captive on the carousel of time..." It's like Khalil Gibran wrote in "The Prophet": "When you weep, know that you are weeping for that which has been your delight." It is only in the greatest of joys that we can know the worst of sorrows. Arrivals and Departures. Round and round and up and down.
Wednesday, July 31, 2002
Wednesday, July 17, 2002
It occurs to me that, if I think about it, I can't really think of anything that I do as a routine. The most I can say for myself along those lines is that I brush my teeth everyday. Other than that I can think of nothing that I do daily or even weekly, or that I've done as a habit over a period of time...which is why I am so intrigued by and appreciative of the creatures of habit in the world.
Three and a half years ago, when I was working at Target the first time, there was man that I worked with (actually, I didn't really work with him...he and this other man (neither of whom I ever heard uttering a single word) worked sort of independently, changing displays and signs and stuff like that). Every single night....I mean EVERY SINGLE night, he wore this american flag handkerchief around his head. This was before american flags as clothing were ALL THE RAGE. Every night...same handkerchief tied in the same way around his seemingly dirty and certainly unkempt hair. Hey, guess who's still working there are still wearing that SAME american flag?! Yes!!!!!!!!!! It looks a little more war-torn, and little more faded, but the same handkerchief nonetheless. I find myself wondering about this man with some degree of frequency. I know he's married, and I wonder what his wife thinks about it. I wonder if it really is the same one or if he has a whole drawer-full. I wonder if he will ever wake up and just want something different.
One morning I had just passed this man in an aisle and I started wondering about him, as usual. It was after 8 o'clock in the morning, so there were already customers in the store, and I was walking through the toys section. I walked by the hot wheels aisle and was nearly stopped in my tracks. Another creature of habit from my previous Target life!!!!!!! The last time I worked there the store used to open at 7 instead of 8. We used to get the biggest kick every morning watching for the Hotwheel Men. Every morning at 7 o'clock sharp, the doors would open and in would rush a group of five men walking, no trotting together toward the hot wheels. They were collectors, and they came everyday looking for brand new cars. This group of men was entertaining to watch...not only because of the seeming ridiculousness of their task, but because of the dedication and seriousness of purpose with which they carried it out. They were always in such a hurry, and I even saw them run sometimes to get there faster. And the thing I could never understand was who it was they were trying to beat there. They were the only ones looking at the hotwheels, and they were all friends, or connected in some way by this hotwheel thing...so were they racing each other there? The other funny thing with these men them was the physical look about them....a motley crew of people that you would NEVER put together in a group of people if you had a thousand tries. And it was my favorite man that I saw the other morning - a super tall and super thin African-American man with Wranglers, cowboys boots and a cowboy hat....still....same outfit, same aisle, looking for new hotwheels.
I LOVE these people. I think the world needs these kinds of people. They are the ones who notice when things are out of order, who keep things in-check. Hotwheel man and his cohorts keep thousands of people gainfully employed - designing, producing, packaging, transporting, stocking and selling hotwheels. Seriously, where would the world be without people like that?
I think I could take a lesson from these people. I mean, I don't ever want to get all weird about my routines and feel like I will have serious problems if something doesn't go EXACTLY LIKE IT ALWAYS HAS. (You should have seen the looks on the Hotwheel Mens' faces one day during Christmas when we were just plain OUT of them. They looked at each other with puzzled expressions and didn't know what to do with themselves.) But that said, I've always admired people who had things that were that important to them...exercizing, gardening, playing the guitar, I don't know, things like that that they love to do and feel a little bit off about if they can't do them for some reason. I try new things, try new hobbies and stuff like that, but nothing seems to stick. I've always felt a little bit lacking about that...like I lack passion about the things I like to do because, obviously, I don't like to do them THAT much because often sooner than later, I stop doing them altogether. To be honest, I'm surprised I've been doing this journal thing as long as I have (I know, two months doesn't seem like a lot to most people, but believe me, it's the sort of thing I would normally have quit doing by now...so it's actually good to know that people are reading it, it inspires me), and I worry a bit about waking up one morning and not caring about writing in it anymore. I feel like I want to work on not letting things go so easily, not being so quick to move onto the next thing...in some way, if I can do that, it will feel like I've grown up a bit. It is said that Geminis get bored easily, and I don't know if it's a Gemini thing or not, but I am certainly easily bored. And I just think that's lame. There is nothing so uninteresting that it doesn't warrant a little effort and attention. I guess only time will tell. I want to be a creature of habit...just one, just one really good habit that brings me joy and makes people look at me funny :) I'll keep you up-to-date.
Three and a half years ago, when I was working at Target the first time, there was man that I worked with (actually, I didn't really work with him...he and this other man (neither of whom I ever heard uttering a single word) worked sort of independently, changing displays and signs and stuff like that). Every single night....I mean EVERY SINGLE night, he wore this american flag handkerchief around his head. This was before american flags as clothing were ALL THE RAGE. Every night...same handkerchief tied in the same way around his seemingly dirty and certainly unkempt hair. Hey, guess who's still working there are still wearing that SAME american flag?! Yes!!!!!!!!!! It looks a little more war-torn, and little more faded, but the same handkerchief nonetheless. I find myself wondering about this man with some degree of frequency. I know he's married, and I wonder what his wife thinks about it. I wonder if it really is the same one or if he has a whole drawer-full. I wonder if he will ever wake up and just want something different.
One morning I had just passed this man in an aisle and I started wondering about him, as usual. It was after 8 o'clock in the morning, so there were already customers in the store, and I was walking through the toys section. I walked by the hot wheels aisle and was nearly stopped in my tracks. Another creature of habit from my previous Target life!!!!!!! The last time I worked there the store used to open at 7 instead of 8. We used to get the biggest kick every morning watching for the Hotwheel Men. Every morning at 7 o'clock sharp, the doors would open and in would rush a group of five men walking, no trotting together toward the hot wheels. They were collectors, and they came everyday looking for brand new cars. This group of men was entertaining to watch...not only because of the seeming ridiculousness of their task, but because of the dedication and seriousness of purpose with which they carried it out. They were always in such a hurry, and I even saw them run sometimes to get there faster. And the thing I could never understand was who it was they were trying to beat there. They were the only ones looking at the hotwheels, and they were all friends, or connected in some way by this hotwheel thing...so were they racing each other there? The other funny thing with these men them was the physical look about them....a motley crew of people that you would NEVER put together in a group of people if you had a thousand tries. And it was my favorite man that I saw the other morning - a super tall and super thin African-American man with Wranglers, cowboys boots and a cowboy hat....still....same outfit, same aisle, looking for new hotwheels.
I LOVE these people. I think the world needs these kinds of people. They are the ones who notice when things are out of order, who keep things in-check. Hotwheel man and his cohorts keep thousands of people gainfully employed - designing, producing, packaging, transporting, stocking and selling hotwheels. Seriously, where would the world be without people like that?
I think I could take a lesson from these people. I mean, I don't ever want to get all weird about my routines and feel like I will have serious problems if something doesn't go EXACTLY LIKE IT ALWAYS HAS. (You should have seen the looks on the Hotwheel Mens' faces one day during Christmas when we were just plain OUT of them. They looked at each other with puzzled expressions and didn't know what to do with themselves.) But that said, I've always admired people who had things that were that important to them...exercizing, gardening, playing the guitar, I don't know, things like that that they love to do and feel a little bit off about if they can't do them for some reason. I try new things, try new hobbies and stuff like that, but nothing seems to stick. I've always felt a little bit lacking about that...like I lack passion about the things I like to do because, obviously, I don't like to do them THAT much because often sooner than later, I stop doing them altogether. To be honest, I'm surprised I've been doing this journal thing as long as I have (I know, two months doesn't seem like a lot to most people, but believe me, it's the sort of thing I would normally have quit doing by now...so it's actually good to know that people are reading it, it inspires me), and I worry a bit about waking up one morning and not caring about writing in it anymore. I feel like I want to work on not letting things go so easily, not being so quick to move onto the next thing...in some way, if I can do that, it will feel like I've grown up a bit. It is said that Geminis get bored easily, and I don't know if it's a Gemini thing or not, but I am certainly easily bored. And I just think that's lame. There is nothing so uninteresting that it doesn't warrant a little effort and attention. I guess only time will tell. I want to be a creature of habit...just one, just one really good habit that brings me joy and makes people look at me funny :) I'll keep you up-to-date.
Monday, July 15, 2002
I have a new person to love!!!!!!
My best friend Nicole just had her baby, and life looks more beautiful than ever. A tiny little girl, 6 pounds and 3 ounces...I can't WAIT to meet her!!! It was funny, I mean, I've never been in this situation before - where somebody I've known since adolesence makes that huge leap into the next phase of life, and I didn't know how it would affect my outlook. I heard somebody at work the other day saying that having a baby makes you look at EVERYthing differently and I imagine that's true, cuz this baby isn't even mine and I feel that way.
When I talked to Nicole I couldn't help it, I started crying because I felt joy and amazement and admiration and excitement all at the same time. I just still can't get over the fact that her and Raul made an ALL NEW PERSON!!!!! I know I mentioned this in an earlier journal, but I feel like I can't say it enough or articulately enough to really express how I feel about the whole thing. My best friend......a Mom....the most important job in all the world (next to being a Dad, of course). I already love the little tyke and I have yet to see a picture. I could hear her making little baby sounds in the background while we were talking. Apparently she was asleep but was just sending out little signals or yawning or something, I don't know but it was cute.
As I was driving to work the night that I found out about the baby, I was still in a state of awe. Listening to Van Morrison's "Moondance" CD just brought out the intensity of emotions..."She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love." I was thinking of the song in reference to my new honorary niece. I know kids do that for their parents (and all the people that love them, actually). They just really know about love and unbridled joy and wonder and telling people what you really think and saying stuff that makes you laugh so hard when they're not even trying to be funny. Crazy love. I want to send out my sincerest congratulations to the new parents!!!!!! Auntie Kisa can't wait to spoil her rotten!!!!! :)
My best friend Nicole just had her baby, and life looks more beautiful than ever. A tiny little girl, 6 pounds and 3 ounces...I can't WAIT to meet her!!! It was funny, I mean, I've never been in this situation before - where somebody I've known since adolesence makes that huge leap into the next phase of life, and I didn't know how it would affect my outlook. I heard somebody at work the other day saying that having a baby makes you look at EVERYthing differently and I imagine that's true, cuz this baby isn't even mine and I feel that way.
When I talked to Nicole I couldn't help it, I started crying because I felt joy and amazement and admiration and excitement all at the same time. I just still can't get over the fact that her and Raul made an ALL NEW PERSON!!!!! I know I mentioned this in an earlier journal, but I feel like I can't say it enough or articulately enough to really express how I feel about the whole thing. My best friend......a Mom....the most important job in all the world (next to being a Dad, of course). I already love the little tyke and I have yet to see a picture. I could hear her making little baby sounds in the background while we were talking. Apparently she was asleep but was just sending out little signals or yawning or something, I don't know but it was cute.
As I was driving to work the night that I found out about the baby, I was still in a state of awe. Listening to Van Morrison's "Moondance" CD just brought out the intensity of emotions..."She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love." I was thinking of the song in reference to my new honorary niece. I know kids do that for their parents (and all the people that love them, actually). They just really know about love and unbridled joy and wonder and telling people what you really think and saying stuff that makes you laugh so hard when they're not even trying to be funny. Crazy love. I want to send out my sincerest congratulations to the new parents!!!!!! Auntie Kisa can't wait to spoil her rotten!!!!! :)
Saturday, July 13, 2002
Mmmmm, menial jobs.
You know how when you go to the grocery store (especially if you go early in the morning), the cans and boxes are all lined up and you can tell that some poor soul actually spent their time pulling all that stuff forward for the asthetic pleasure of you the shopper? Well that's me...some poor soul. Yesterday morning I got my first taste of "zoning," and lemme tell YOU...what a rockin' good time THAT was!!!!! Did I mention that the Target I work at has a grocery store attached to it? As I was sitting on this little milk crate stacking the tuna, the soup, the olives, and hosts of products I have never heard of before and certainly would never have noticed if I hadn't been meticulously stacking them on top of one another, I was thinking that I can't believe that they pay people to do this. And all because some marketing person somewhere along the line did some kind of survey and declared that people will buy more if they perceive, I don't know, AMAZING selection, cleanliness, FULL SHELVES. I've thought about this. I mean, I know a nice and clean store makes for a pleasurable shopping experience, but sometimes I think I'd be more likely to buy something if it seemed like they were almost out of it, like there was a run on it or something so I'd better get it while it's hot. You dig?
The other thing I was marvelling at last night was wondering how big a kick marketing execs must get out of the fact that we, lemming Americans that we are, will pretty much buy whatever they tell us to buy. I know this is true. I stock the books every night, and I notice that the majority of the books that have to be replenished are the paperback bestsellers that are on an endcap for the world to see. C'mon, you can't think of ANY other book to buy than the latest soft porn from Nora Roberts?! Actually, I don't even know if there's sex in her books, so please don't write me horrible letters if she's one of your favorite authors and I have it all wrong. Also, there's that DVD thing that I mentioned before. Every single day we run low on the supply of about 50 copies of "Black Hawk Down" on display. Was is THAT much fun watching the American soldiers blow away the evil enemy? And someone, I don't know who, has been buying "Shallow Hal" on DVD. Yes, it's true.
The store I work in is absolutely HUGE. I heard last night that it is the 6th most profitable Target in the country. I was walking around there last night, stocking an insane selection of back-to-school supplies, when I thought about the fact that I don't have any of the 100,000,000 things for sale there (back-to-school section and beyond). Seriously, I know I have a trash can from Target that they still sell there, and there are definitely SOME CD's there that I have, but other than that there's nothing. More importantly, I don't need any of that stuff!!!! And neither do you! From now on I'm spending my money on rent, school, food, CD's, and traveling. I'll buy some new (used) clothes every now and then, but I certainly don't need a new, better set of tweezers, a mini-paper shredder for my desktop, a police officer-shaped cookie jar that tells me to step away from the cookies when I lift his head, or a little hamster that twirls num-chucks while singing "Everybody Was Kung-Fu Fighting." Okay, so maybe I do need that last one. One must be free to indulge ONCE in awhile.
My friend Murphy has a blog that contemplates art, economic systems, authors, the cycle of life, and all things beautiful and ugly in the world. I contemplate canned tuna and singing hamsters.
I can't WAIT for school to start again!!!!!!!
You know how when you go to the grocery store (especially if you go early in the morning), the cans and boxes are all lined up and you can tell that some poor soul actually spent their time pulling all that stuff forward for the asthetic pleasure of you the shopper? Well that's me...some poor soul. Yesterday morning I got my first taste of "zoning," and lemme tell YOU...what a rockin' good time THAT was!!!!! Did I mention that the Target I work at has a grocery store attached to it? As I was sitting on this little milk crate stacking the tuna, the soup, the olives, and hosts of products I have never heard of before and certainly would never have noticed if I hadn't been meticulously stacking them on top of one another, I was thinking that I can't believe that they pay people to do this. And all because some marketing person somewhere along the line did some kind of survey and declared that people will buy more if they perceive, I don't know, AMAZING selection, cleanliness, FULL SHELVES. I've thought about this. I mean, I know a nice and clean store makes for a pleasurable shopping experience, but sometimes I think I'd be more likely to buy something if it seemed like they were almost out of it, like there was a run on it or something so I'd better get it while it's hot. You dig?
The other thing I was marvelling at last night was wondering how big a kick marketing execs must get out of the fact that we, lemming Americans that we are, will pretty much buy whatever they tell us to buy. I know this is true. I stock the books every night, and I notice that the majority of the books that have to be replenished are the paperback bestsellers that are on an endcap for the world to see. C'mon, you can't think of ANY other book to buy than the latest soft porn from Nora Roberts?! Actually, I don't even know if there's sex in her books, so please don't write me horrible letters if she's one of your favorite authors and I have it all wrong. Also, there's that DVD thing that I mentioned before. Every single day we run low on the supply of about 50 copies of "Black Hawk Down" on display. Was is THAT much fun watching the American soldiers blow away the evil enemy? And someone, I don't know who, has been buying "Shallow Hal" on DVD. Yes, it's true.
The store I work in is absolutely HUGE. I heard last night that it is the 6th most profitable Target in the country. I was walking around there last night, stocking an insane selection of back-to-school supplies, when I thought about the fact that I don't have any of the 100,000,000 things for sale there (back-to-school section and beyond). Seriously, I know I have a trash can from Target that they still sell there, and there are definitely SOME CD's there that I have, but other than that there's nothing. More importantly, I don't need any of that stuff!!!! And neither do you! From now on I'm spending my money on rent, school, food, CD's, and traveling. I'll buy some new (used) clothes every now and then, but I certainly don't need a new, better set of tweezers, a mini-paper shredder for my desktop, a police officer-shaped cookie jar that tells me to step away from the cookies when I lift his head, or a little hamster that twirls num-chucks while singing "Everybody Was Kung-Fu Fighting." Okay, so maybe I do need that last one. One must be free to indulge ONCE in awhile.
My friend Murphy has a blog that contemplates art, economic systems, authors, the cycle of life, and all things beautiful and ugly in the world. I contemplate canned tuna and singing hamsters.
I can't WAIT for school to start again!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 11, 2002
Ok, I think I'm about to risk sounding preachy, but I've got important stuff to say, so please read up!! :)
I don't know how many of you have these sorts of days, or how many of you would believe that I have these sorts of days...but yesterday was one of those days....those days where you feel like the worst person that ever lived and that you have nothing good to offer and that you should just forget about it cuz it's too hard. Ever feel like that? I went through a year-long period just like that when I was about 18. Now I only get that feeling every once in a great while, and I know more now than I did then, so it doesn't last long. But anyway, all I wanted to offer about that is this...when you feel that way, please just go to bed with the hope that the next day, or the day after that or the day after that, it will feel better. Because eventually it will.
About six months after I had finally climbed out of my depression, I took a trip to Mexico with three good gal friends. It wasn't really a vacation, we were there to help out where we could with what was a somewhat dangerous situation in Chiapas, but even at that we experienced all the amazing things (and more) that one does when they take an extended vacation. I have a vivid memory of riding on a rickety old bus back from a little village, sitting next to kids and old people and chickens, looking out the window and crying a cry of absolute joy. I was thinking how happy I was that I never gave up on life, back when things seemed so very unbearable. 18 months is a long time to wait for a sign that there is still more to be experienced, more worth hanging around for, but it was well worth it.
Last night wasn't nearly so dramatic. I just went to bed feeling sad, and woke up feeling happy. I know it's not always that simple or instantaneous (for any of you who have ever been through a depression), but it's a cycle all the same. Things will ALWAYS get better. There are ALWAYS things worth living for.
I know I sound really serious, and I suppose I am. But I'm calm. This is one of those things that I just know, and I want to share. I also want to advise everyone not to run from the rain, the next time it's raining. I spent the afternoon outside in a hailstorm yesterday, and it made me feel young and free and like there were things I've been missing out on that I don't want to miss out on anymore. "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may..."
I have to repeat this again. Life is SOOOOO short. Please go out there and enjoy it, and please invite me along if you think of something incredible, even if it's just a sunset.
I don't know how many of you have these sorts of days, or how many of you would believe that I have these sorts of days...but yesterday was one of those days....those days where you feel like the worst person that ever lived and that you have nothing good to offer and that you should just forget about it cuz it's too hard. Ever feel like that? I went through a year-long period just like that when I was about 18. Now I only get that feeling every once in a great while, and I know more now than I did then, so it doesn't last long. But anyway, all I wanted to offer about that is this...when you feel that way, please just go to bed with the hope that the next day, or the day after that or the day after that, it will feel better. Because eventually it will.
About six months after I had finally climbed out of my depression, I took a trip to Mexico with three good gal friends. It wasn't really a vacation, we were there to help out where we could with what was a somewhat dangerous situation in Chiapas, but even at that we experienced all the amazing things (and more) that one does when they take an extended vacation. I have a vivid memory of riding on a rickety old bus back from a little village, sitting next to kids and old people and chickens, looking out the window and crying a cry of absolute joy. I was thinking how happy I was that I never gave up on life, back when things seemed so very unbearable. 18 months is a long time to wait for a sign that there is still more to be experienced, more worth hanging around for, but it was well worth it.
Last night wasn't nearly so dramatic. I just went to bed feeling sad, and woke up feeling happy. I know it's not always that simple or instantaneous (for any of you who have ever been through a depression), but it's a cycle all the same. Things will ALWAYS get better. There are ALWAYS things worth living for.
I know I sound really serious, and I suppose I am. But I'm calm. This is one of those things that I just know, and I want to share. I also want to advise everyone not to run from the rain, the next time it's raining. I spent the afternoon outside in a hailstorm yesterday, and it made me feel young and free and like there were things I've been missing out on that I don't want to miss out on anymore. "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may..."
I have to repeat this again. Life is SOOOOO short. Please go out there and enjoy it, and please invite me along if you think of something incredible, even if it's just a sunset.
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
Ok! The new music issue has finally arrived. Thank you to everyone who responded. As for those of you who didn't, I'll just assume you're listening to O-Town :) I was disappointed to find that a lot of people feel the way that I do - that music that's out now is just not that good. I have REAL faith that there is good music out there, I'm just gonna have to go to alternative sources to find it. I mean, that's where all the good EVERYthing usually is, anyway, right? I will definitely mention anything ground-breaking that I run into here on this journal. In the meantime, here are the responses, in the order in which they were received :)
Personally I think music out now sucks. If I ever turn the radio on, I find myself listening to 91.1. The jazz station. Why? Because they express themselves through the music. Not by what they say but what they do on the instruments. I love it. I like to turn 91.1 up when there is a car next to me "bumpin tight ass shit foo" rap, pop, and so called rock. This is from Richard, or Meatball, as I prefer to call him. I couldn't agree more about the jazz, which is why I'm coming back to San Jo in time for the jazz festival (Aug 9-11). Be there or be square. I was telling him that, as far as jazz musicians expressing themselves though the music, I find jazz to be some of the most organic sound available for that reason. How talented, to be able to say something without saying a word!
I wish I could help you out with your search for new music but I still consider bands like Counting Crows, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam to be the new wave. I guess Karl agrees with me about tried and true. Counting Crows just released a new album, by the way, for those of you who also dig them.
My contribution to current music would be David Gray and Dar Williams. Oh yeah..Linkin Park is pretty cool..It's fun to hear someone screaming again...And the lyrics are quite intelligent. Nelly Furtado is awesome. This is from Murphy, whose super smart, funny, and entertaining online journal inspired me to start my own. David Gray....mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Good stuff. Anyone else out there familiar with Dar Williams? My curiosity has been piqued.
Don't feel bad about being out of the music loop. I keep up with much of what's out, but find it all so uninspiring that I don't take it very serious nor spend my hard earned money buying it. Though a few things I've picked up of late our India Arie (which you mentioned) Bilal and of course Maxwell. Most everything else I listen to is older things that Steve has given me like Santana, The Doors, The Cure, and Hendrix. This quote is from Paul "Pablo Honey" (Steve is his roommate). I haven't listened to Bilal or Maxwell, but I'll give 'em a whirl. As for Santana, The Doors, The Cure and Hendrix...well, yeah....of course. :)
WAR - Mos Def- A Tribe Called Quest- Method Man- more Bob marley- Jill Scott- Lauryn Hill- Ella Fitzgerald- Billie Holiday- Common- Ani DiFranco- The Roots- Black Eyed Peas- Nina Simone- Erykah Badu- and don't forget who told you about India Arie!!! All these wonderful suggestions are from Freeda, who yes, I have to declare, introduced me to India Arie and made my life that much happier!! There are definitely some great artists on this list. I have to check out Mos Def, Common, The Roots and Black Eyed Peas, but I can speak for the rest and second her on her suggestions.
Patty Griffin is a gem, as is Jennifer Knapp. I listen to a lot more Christian music these days, as it's hard for me--like you--to actually see the artistic merit in a lot of new bands. I still listen to mostly U2, Counting Crows, Dylan (who's in concert at my school in August!!!), Taylor, my man Paul Simon (who played here last year!!!), Morrison, REM (although I can't seem to chill to anything other than Automatic), DM Band on occassion and Pearl Jam (who will always be cool). Of course, there's Leonard Cohen and Louis Armstrong. I like newer people like David Gray somewhat, and Shakira's song, "Underneath Your Clothes" is really sweet. In high School, Renee and I used to bump down the streets of Phoenix in her 1982 BMW blasting The Pixies and REM. Mmmm, sweet memories. I have to reinforce her U2, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen references. That's Van Morrison and James Taylor, by the way, if you were wondering. And as for REM, please do check out the Monster album (it grows on you) and my personal favorite, New Adventures in Hi-Fi.
Well, kids, that's it. If you think of anything else, let me know. My brother was just out here, and he had Wilco with him, who my friend JD also introduced me to, along with Jack Johnson. Both come highly recommended. I also forgot to mention Beta Band and Mary J. Blige, and JD and I have decided that Norah Jones deserves some further listening.
As for my brother's visit...it was awesome, as usual. I didn't write that whole time because I was trying not to be such a computer junkie while he was here. It's so hard though, not to become addicted to technology. Just as long as I never get a cell phone I think I will be okay. Oh!!! That reminds me. My family and I went to that jazz in the park again on Sunday, which was just as rad as last week, with a Dixieland band this time. The kids were shakin' it again, along with this old and *clearly altered* man with a cane and a little duffel bag that seemed to REALLY be enjoying himself. He was just moving non-stop, and then he would hold this cell phone up to his ear while he was dancing (though it was obvious that he wasn't really talking on the phone). We were all watching him and digging him for awhile, and my bro said, "I'm jealous of his moves." And I said that I was jealous he got so many phone calls. Sometimes, I seriously think it would be fun to be a crackhead. I'm all for alternate perceptions of reality, and nobody else in that park was feeling as free to physically enjoy the music. I'm kidding, of course, about the crack part. But I do wish more people were so unihibited (starting with me). I know this song is kind of cheesy, but LeeAnn Womack's "I hope you dance" has a really good message. Next week I'm getting out there and get my groove on with that guy!
Personally I think music out now sucks. If I ever turn the radio on, I find myself listening to 91.1. The jazz station. Why? Because they express themselves through the music. Not by what they say but what they do on the instruments. I love it. I like to turn 91.1 up when there is a car next to me "bumpin tight ass shit foo" rap, pop, and so called rock. This is from Richard, or Meatball, as I prefer to call him. I couldn't agree more about the jazz, which is why I'm coming back to San Jo in time for the jazz festival (Aug 9-11). Be there or be square. I was telling him that, as far as jazz musicians expressing themselves though the music, I find jazz to be some of the most organic sound available for that reason. How talented, to be able to say something without saying a word!
I wish I could help you out with your search for new music but I still consider bands like Counting Crows, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam to be the new wave. I guess Karl agrees with me about tried and true. Counting Crows just released a new album, by the way, for those of you who also dig them.
My contribution to current music would be David Gray and Dar Williams. Oh yeah..Linkin Park is pretty cool..It's fun to hear someone screaming again...And the lyrics are quite intelligent. Nelly Furtado is awesome. This is from Murphy, whose super smart, funny, and entertaining online journal inspired me to start my own. David Gray....mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Good stuff. Anyone else out there familiar with Dar Williams? My curiosity has been piqued.
Don't feel bad about being out of the music loop. I keep up with much of what's out, but find it all so uninspiring that I don't take it very serious nor spend my hard earned money buying it. Though a few things I've picked up of late our India Arie (which you mentioned) Bilal and of course Maxwell. Most everything else I listen to is older things that Steve has given me like Santana, The Doors, The Cure, and Hendrix. This quote is from Paul "Pablo Honey" (Steve is his roommate). I haven't listened to Bilal or Maxwell, but I'll give 'em a whirl. As for Santana, The Doors, The Cure and Hendrix...well, yeah....of course. :)
WAR - Mos Def- A Tribe Called Quest- Method Man- more Bob marley- Jill Scott- Lauryn Hill- Ella Fitzgerald- Billie Holiday- Common- Ani DiFranco- The Roots- Black Eyed Peas- Nina Simone- Erykah Badu- and don't forget who told you about India Arie!!! All these wonderful suggestions are from Freeda, who yes, I have to declare, introduced me to India Arie and made my life that much happier!! There are definitely some great artists on this list. I have to check out Mos Def, Common, The Roots and Black Eyed Peas, but I can speak for the rest and second her on her suggestions.
Patty Griffin is a gem, as is Jennifer Knapp. I listen to a lot more Christian music these days, as it's hard for me--like you--to actually see the artistic merit in a lot of new bands. I still listen to mostly U2, Counting Crows, Dylan (who's in concert at my school in August!!!), Taylor, my man Paul Simon (who played here last year!!!), Morrison, REM (although I can't seem to chill to anything other than Automatic), DM Band on occassion and Pearl Jam (who will always be cool). Of course, there's Leonard Cohen and Louis Armstrong. I like newer people like David Gray somewhat, and Shakira's song, "Underneath Your Clothes" is really sweet. In high School, Renee and I used to bump down the streets of Phoenix in her 1982 BMW blasting The Pixies and REM. Mmmm, sweet memories. I have to reinforce her U2, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen references. That's Van Morrison and James Taylor, by the way, if you were wondering. And as for REM, please do check out the Monster album (it grows on you) and my personal favorite, New Adventures in Hi-Fi.
Well, kids, that's it. If you think of anything else, let me know. My brother was just out here, and he had Wilco with him, who my friend JD also introduced me to, along with Jack Johnson. Both come highly recommended. I also forgot to mention Beta Band and Mary J. Blige, and JD and I have decided that Norah Jones deserves some further listening.
As for my brother's visit...it was awesome, as usual. I didn't write that whole time because I was trying not to be such a computer junkie while he was here. It's so hard though, not to become addicted to technology. Just as long as I never get a cell phone I think I will be okay. Oh!!! That reminds me. My family and I went to that jazz in the park again on Sunday, which was just as rad as last week, with a Dixieland band this time. The kids were shakin' it again, along with this old and *clearly altered* man with a cane and a little duffel bag that seemed to REALLY be enjoying himself. He was just moving non-stop, and then he would hold this cell phone up to his ear while he was dancing (though it was obvious that he wasn't really talking on the phone). We were all watching him and digging him for awhile, and my bro said, "I'm jealous of his moves." And I said that I was jealous he got so many phone calls. Sometimes, I seriously think it would be fun to be a crackhead. I'm all for alternate perceptions of reality, and nobody else in that park was feeling as free to physically enjoy the music. I'm kidding, of course, about the crack part. But I do wish more people were so unihibited (starting with me). I know this song is kind of cheesy, but LeeAnn Womack's "I hope you dance" has a really good message. Next week I'm getting out there and get my groove on with that guy!
Monday, July 01, 2002
Ok, first I just want to thank everybody who has responded to my plea...I will be publishing the responses soon, but they are still trickling in so I want to hold off a little.
Music....what amazing power it holds!!!! I had happiest day since I got here yesterday because I finally got out and listened to some live music. There is an eight-week long jazz thing here in the summers and every Sunday night they have a different group playing for an hour and a half on the bank of this little lake in a park downtown. I knew that going would put me in the right frame of mind for the whole week, so I made my way down there.
Now, as I'm sure many of you know, few things can enhance the live musical experience like a little somethin' somethin' to wet the whistle. So I made a stop at the grocery store before I went. I sold out, though, because, as I was a young girl there by myself, I felt too goofy to bring a 40 ounce like I would have liked :), and ended up with the more socially acceptable Bartles and Jaymes Hard Raspberry Lemonade. I know, I never expected to see the words "Bartles and Jaymes" and "hard" on the same label, either. It was for the best that I drank mild wine-coolers, though, because I had to go to work after the concert last night.
So, Hard Raspberry Lemonade and stationary in-hand, I made my way down to the lake. The Sunday evening concerts seem to be a place for jazz afficionados to have a listen, and young non-jazz afficionados to see and be seen...the mix is interesting, and everybody brings food and makes a picnic of the whole thing. So, walking to find a spot, I was letting myself enjoy all the smells that were changing and mixing as I made my way along the cement path...barbeque....cigarette smoke....pachouli (?)....and I found a spot right by the lake. There were families on rented paddle boats coming around to listen, dogs and kids running around everywhere, and loners like myself taking it all in. The kids were so freakin' cute - a bunch of them jumped onto the steps near the large gazebo that was serving as the stage, and they were moving and shaking in that free and spaztic way that only kids are smart enough to know is not only okay, but a pretty good to spend an evening. I watched this one little girl wander onto another family's blanket and ask them for a piece of the chicken they were eating...only little kids (about four years old) can pull that sort of thing off. They complied, and the girl made a wry little face when she took a bite and discovered it was spicy. She just grabbed her little pink water bottle and wandered around with chicken in one hand and water in the other...and she was very happy. That's the other thing about children---they really know how to adjust.
So, just as I suspected, the majestic peacefullness of the jazz made me happy and ready for work...live music should be a part of my daily experience.
Music....what amazing power it holds!!!! I had happiest day since I got here yesterday because I finally got out and listened to some live music. There is an eight-week long jazz thing here in the summers and every Sunday night they have a different group playing for an hour and a half on the bank of this little lake in a park downtown. I knew that going would put me in the right frame of mind for the whole week, so I made my way down there.
Now, as I'm sure many of you know, few things can enhance the live musical experience like a little somethin' somethin' to wet the whistle. So I made a stop at the grocery store before I went. I sold out, though, because, as I was a young girl there by myself, I felt too goofy to bring a 40 ounce like I would have liked :), and ended up with the more socially acceptable Bartles and Jaymes Hard Raspberry Lemonade. I know, I never expected to see the words "Bartles and Jaymes" and "hard" on the same label, either. It was for the best that I drank mild wine-coolers, though, because I had to go to work after the concert last night.
So, Hard Raspberry Lemonade and stationary in-hand, I made my way down to the lake. The Sunday evening concerts seem to be a place for jazz afficionados to have a listen, and young non-jazz afficionados to see and be seen...the mix is interesting, and everybody brings food and makes a picnic of the whole thing. So, walking to find a spot, I was letting myself enjoy all the smells that were changing and mixing as I made my way along the cement path...barbeque....cigarette smoke....pachouli (?)....and I found a spot right by the lake. There were families on rented paddle boats coming around to listen, dogs and kids running around everywhere, and loners like myself taking it all in. The kids were so freakin' cute - a bunch of them jumped onto the steps near the large gazebo that was serving as the stage, and they were moving and shaking in that free and spaztic way that only kids are smart enough to know is not only okay, but a pretty good to spend an evening. I watched this one little girl wander onto another family's blanket and ask them for a piece of the chicken they were eating...only little kids (about four years old) can pull that sort of thing off. They complied, and the girl made a wry little face when she took a bite and discovered it was spicy. She just grabbed her little pink water bottle and wandered around with chicken in one hand and water in the other...and she was very happy. That's the other thing about children---they really know how to adjust.
So, just as I suspected, the majestic peacefullness of the jazz made me happy and ready for work...live music should be a part of my daily experience.
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