passings

Over Christmas a beloved local/not so local musician named Evan Farrell tragically died. I didn't know him but a good friend of mine is closely connected to his family. Last night I went to the memorial benefit, which you can imagine was a rollicking and heartbreaking affair. At any rate, I saw amazing performances by some stellar bands, and I wanted to mention a couple in particular you should check out.

Drakkar Sauna

Japonize Elephants

Evan's mother got on stage and sang with the Japonize Elephants, one of the many bands with whom Evan played. It was one of the saddest, lovingest things I've ever witnessed. Anyway, it feels odd to blog about a tragedy that isn't my own, but over the course of the night I observed a few amazing acts of love, the kind that are only possible during times of loss such as this when people can reach out to each other across the barriers of pain that usually separate them. So, in the spirit of saying the unsaid, I hope you all know how dear you are to me. Stay warm and safe this winter.

backing into posting, little by little

i promise the posts will get more frequent/interesting, but first things first: post period.

i've been bowling more frequently lately. i've always loved bowling. the satisfaction of pins toppling. the jukebox with music like the stone's gimme shelter and poison's talk dirty to me. the faith you have to have between the moment of releasing the ball and watching it spin down the lane. as my mother always says, the fact that you get second chances. anyway, i tend to be an erratic bowler. it's hard for me, usually, to pick up points on a strike or spare. i don't know if it's the pressure or what. so, be proud of me when i announce that i've just acheived my personal best score ever. 146. here's to getting even better.