Every once in a while, one needs to go into the woods and simply breathe. This last weekend, I was able to for a few days. Steve and I went to Kirkwood Lake with a couple friends camping. The weekend was dirty and relaxing, a great combo. A bit surreal at points though. There’s a Girl Scout camp across the small lake who, at night, you could hear singing and playing musical instruments. It was kind of a creepy feeling to be sitting in the middle of nowhere hearing the sound of a flute coming out of the trees.Rosa had her first swim lesson. She ended up loving the water. Little chipmunks helped themselves to her kibbles and I filmed a guy jumping from the top of a tree into the lake. I was amused.
But my favorite part was when we climbed this huge mountain of rocks to watch the sunset. It felt like you could see the whole world from up there.
The day finally came and then went just as quickly. Isn’t it crazy how we wait and anticipate something that’s going to take place and then it feels as though you blinked and it was over? R.E.M. were amazing and Stephen had the best time of his life. I feel that he revisited his childhood for an evening. The band and visual show were superb, but the seating left something to be desired. I had never seen a show at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley before, so didn’t know what to expect. We had lawn seats which seem comfy and spacious, but ended up being on the side of a steep hill and among about 1,000 others who were also trying to keep themselves from tumbling like Jack and Jill down the hill. Fortunately, if you were lucky enough to find a small cut-away area in the grass to perch yourself on, it was a pleasant experience. No more complaining… here’s a fun clip from the show. I would recommend seeing them soon if you’re a fan. Carpe diem! Enjoy.
It seems that we bought the tickets like ten years ago… good thing too, cause we’re broke right now. Before I know it, the day will be here.
R.E.M. at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley on May 31st. It’s really a birthday present for Stephen. He’s the real fan, dating back to the beginning. I’m so proud of him. Happy birthday Steve. You deserve it, and more.
Last night, after a long meeting at church, I went back to Jimmy’s house to wait for Stephen to finish up band practice. As I approached the house, I slowed to a crawl to scope out my parking options. I found an open space down the street a few houses and made my way back toward the old familiar sound of songs heard hundreds of times before. I noticed the muffled sound of the base drum fell in time with my step and I tried so hard to keep the rhythm. I have never been very good with a beat. Feeling the air through my shirt, I wrapped my sweater around me tighter. The nights have gotten cooler lately. Dry leaves blew across the road with a crackle and I smiled. Almost there.
Knocking once, I let myself in. Jimmy expected me and said hello. The music vibrated through the living room wall, but felt as though it was ten miles away behind layers of drywall and foam padding. He headed out to the backyard to make a phone call and I followed behind him. Just as I suspected, there was a blaze in the fire pit and empty chairs positioned around it, ready for when the guys decided to stop. They should be finished any minute now. I hummed to a familiar tune and sat down close to the warmth. Jimmy headed up the hill to a special place where he could talk in private. His conversation continued and I realize it wasn’t as private as he thought. Something about tough times… advise being given on a struggling relationship. My heart broke for them. The music had stopped now and so I pulled out my iPod to guard myself from unintended ease-dropping. I positioned two of the folding chairs next to each other and laid down by the fire.
The first two songs where oldie but goodies by The Cure. Great band and a great album, but clashed with the solitude I was looking for. I jumped quickly over them and waited for the third. It quietly began, a voice I hadn’t heard in a while but carried with it years of nostalgia for me… The Fire Theft. It was just what I needed. The music soared and so did I. Opening my eyes, I felt the stars begin to shine brighter and skip across the sky. The night became darker around me in this small circle of light and heat. Conversation faded to the background and I traveled to a place where everything was right in the world again.
Stevie and I bought an organ at the thrift store the other day. It’s a Kimball Aquarius “The Entertainer”. It definitely has been entertaining us the last few days. It reminds me of Church growing up. Stevie plans to record with it.
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