October 30, 2003
Prospect
Took a field trip to Prospect Colorado today. A new urbanist community that's better than others I've seen. Most trips to the suburban world leave me wanting to scream and move to another country. This is a neighborhood that might not be too bad. Some cool brick storefronts, innovative materials - the cement board siding was blowing my mind. Smart, simple things with straightforward materials - but with design. Not the cookie cutter, 3 elevations per neighborhood, stamp them out crap that pervades so much of suburbia. It's amazing what a little design effort can do.
More pictures here.
Last Dance?
My old dance partner depression is beckoning me onto the floor. Winking at me with those sleepy bedroom eyes, calling me. In true seductress style she asks me only to think about it, imagine it, "our little secret" she says, "just between us". No one will have to know. The crowd around me mutes and my vision blurs, shifts and can only focus telescope style on the small circle of her, the rest blackness.
October 29, 2003
Every man is evil...
I guess not everyone gets it. Some would say it's because I have a specific context for it, that I have an affinity for the spiritual aspect of his words.
It just seems hard to be confronted with "truth" and leave unchanged. I don't see how people do that. I hate that I have to put truth in quotes. Hate that no matter what I believe about absolute truth, the response can always be "well, that's truth for you". No. Look way down deep. Lock yourself in a room with a mirror and stare at it. I think you'll find that you too are singing in the black soul choir.
"Listen good people, I'll tell you some truth - I've no reason to lie to you".
That said, the 16hp show at the gothic last night was great. I think they took a set list from 1995 and played it backwards. Fun to hear the old stuff.
October 28, 2003
International Shopper #2
You have a friend visiting NYC. What do you have him pick you up?
Etc.
More pictures from the 16hp show at Twist & Shout.
This is right up my alley.
MoOm. Fun stuff off this site. Remember these? From the green apple himself - who kind of reminds me of JT if things were totally different. Totally different.
Epistemology
16 Horsepower at Twist & Shout last night. Looking forward to seeing them play at the Gothic tonight.
October 27, 2003
Reason #172
Why is it I can go to rock shows once a week and the "noise" never bothers me, yet 5 seconds with a screaming kid and I'm about to freak out? Oh right...it's different when it's your own. Does anyone buy that?
Speaking of shows, here's Donna and I at the Broadcast show last night. Good stuff, that whole ethereal female vocalist thing. Check them out.
October 26, 2003
Steeplechase
At Donna's request we're planning to look for a church to attend. We're using what I call "Proximity Theology"; find a church within walking distance or a very, very short drive.
Talking to friends about church is so bizarre. For the most part I can't understand why anyone would go to church if a social/community connection is the primary thing they are after. I find people in bars are much friendlier. If it's not about belief, what is it?
Reminds me of this early 80's Steve Taylor song. Apropos for me right now I'd say.
October 24, 2003
Parents
Had an interesting conversation with my mom yesterday. Late teen years and early college weren't exactly a great time for me and my parents. Culminating in a rather large fight with my mom right before I left for Alaska for 4 months. (Remember that JT? Too much chocolate cake at Gorton's house, fight with my mom, skateboarding, then me puking.)
After that, the last decade has been pretty much small talk. Key points of the talk yesterday:
1. My mom described our relationship as shallow. Admission is the first step, right?
2. My mom explains that she thinks everything was "my fault" and related to her "loving me too much" and my "young manhood need to pull away" and other psycho-babble. I thought it was interesting she had only thought of the problems in terms of me. And I told her that. Perhaps she'll try and think about it in a more balanced way.
3. I was able to describe my approach to my relationship with them. I realized 10 years ago the only way to have a civil relationship was to stay on the shallow level. Ask my mom about her recent sub jobs and laugh at my dad's jokes - nothing more. And, that's exactly what has happened. See point 1.
4. She explains that since you don't choose your children's personalities, you may not always "harmonize" with them. She explains it would take time and energy to have a relationship. And she intimates that she's not really willing/interested in taking that time/energy. Apparently, she'd rather save that for shopping for their new condo.
Will anything good come from that conversation? Who knows. Realizing in their declining years that they have basically no relationship with their children is interesting, but rather late. Too late? Unknown. I think that's up to them.
The parent/child relationship is fascinating. I'd guess both expect more out of each other than either can deliver. I'd argue that delivering isn't what is really important, but rather communicating about what can and can't be done.
My Big Chill
Returned from the 10 year college reunion a few days ago. I'd love to write about all my friends in Cali, how they've changed, what has stayed the same, their families, what I think of their lives, but they're about the only ones who look at this site so I'm not sure how I'll do it. I'll have to sneak it in somehow. Of course they'll know. They always know.
What I can say is I'm lucky. I've got some great friends. Thanks all.
Pictures available here. Bonus features include the requisite Dave & Mark headshot, an Olan Mills of Dave, and the Glory hole.
BTS
Built to Spill last night at the Gothic. I know "some" people would refer to them as too much of a jam band. But I say they've still got the rock.
October 12, 2003
Dreamscape
Isn't it weird when you have a fight with someone in your dream, you wake up all pissed off at them?
And why did three, yes three, of my dreams last night feature the cut on my leg? What's up with that?
October 08, 2003
What kind of dining set defines you?
I'm headed to California with a stop at Ikea. Anyone have any requests?
Go, go Holly go go.
Holly Golightly show was fun. Trying to figure out how to describe her music, Donna claims she's a "punk rock tammy wynette". Ko & the Knockouts were fun too. More from the Jack White Detroit group.
October 05, 2003
International Shopper
If you had friends going to Thailand, what would you have them buy & bring back for you?
Bloody Hamburger
Last night I saw Death Cab for Cutie. Fun. In 1991 I probably would have owned all their cd's.
After that show, headed over to the Larimer Lounge to see Nick Oliveri the bassist for Queens of the Stone Age do his "first ever" acoustic set. It was odd. Summed up by Sean saying "you're only one step away from open mic night". Amazing a guy can play to arena sized crowds in qotsa and then, with 50 people, he's totally nervous.
October 04, 2003
Rocktober
It's show frenzy. Black Rebel Motorcycle club Thursday, My Morning Jacket Friday, and more tonight. The BRMC show was interesting, they are to the Jesus and Mary Chain what Interpol is to Joy Division. My Morning Jacket was a bit jam bandish but it was worth the flashbacks the lead singer's hair gave me to college. Wow.
October 01, 2003
New Designs!
Head to www.memeline.com and buy a shirt.
Support your pals. Buy local. Join the collective. Together, we can make it work.