Light up my Room

I'm sitting alone in the dark of the pre-dawn hours: Crunching my numbers, stretching my dollars, exercising my patience.

The cold that creeps up from the hardwood floors has numbed my bare toes and prickled my skin. Or maybe it's the unnatural quiet of my sleeping house that inspires my chill.

But the dearth of daylight hours has driven me into the dark, where I'm buried under piles of paperwork; choking on never-ending lists and tasks and bills and chores; drowning under the weight of my own spinning thoughts.

If you sit alone in the dark long enough, you can start to forget what the light feels like.

But the sons will be up soon, dragging the dawn in their wake, bringing back my light.



Post Title: Light up my Room, BNL

Some fantastic, I know it's true

Thursday night, a happy congruence of unusual events ended up with me meeting three of the four members of my favorite band.

Excuse me just a moment, won't you? ... *fan girl squeeeeeeeee* ... Okay, sorry. I haven't quite got all of the giddy out of my system just yet.

It's no secret that I have some serious love for Barenaked Ladies. I've been to several concerts and I'd hoped to attend at least one more this year as they came through California on their Summer Tour. But I didn't expect to meet them.

And I almost didn't.

Here's how it went down:

Several months ago, I made arrangements to take off work this Friday and Monday in the hopes of visiting a friend in San Diego and going to Comic-Con together. Later, when BNL announced they would be performing in San Diego the same weekend, I thought: Kismet! And hoped to attend the concert as well.

But, for several reasons, those plans didn't work out. Still, I decided to go ahead and take the days off.

So, when BNL tweeted Wednesday that they were giving away free tickets to Thursday's concert at The Greek, I entered on a whim. And I won.

I was pretty chill about it, of course.

Ahem. Anyway. That left me with this little problem:

So, I texted my girlfriend who's a BNL fan. She couldn't go. Then I texted another friend who loves BNL: Not free. And then a third ... and fourth ... and fifth ... See, most of my friends are working moms like me. It's not so easy to just drop everything to go to a concert several hours away on such short notice.

Not to be deterred, I hit the road anyway on Thursday afternoon for the 4 hour drive to L.A. If I couldn't find someone to go with me, I'd go solo.

On the off-chance that he just might be free, I also left messages for my brother, who lives in Ventura, not too far from The Greek. But, since he's always got a packed schedule full of work and play, I didn't hold out much hope for that.

So, I was very pleasantly surprised when he called back and said he'd meet me there.

What?! It was a long drive with just me and my iphone for company.

So, with my brother about 10 minutes behind me, I got to The Greek and went to The Box Office.

Where I had a mild heart attack when the lady couldn't find my tickets at Will Call.

Fortunately, it was my iphone to the rescue again: I showed her my Tweets from @barenakedladies and she got me all set to rights.

Just about then, my brother drove past and gave me a honk and a wave to let me know he was going to the parking area and he'd be right over ... 20 minutes later he showed up, sweaty and out of breath. He'd accidentally gotten in the wrong lane and ended up parked up on the hill near the Griffith Observatory. Quite a hike.

We missed the opening act (No big.) but we had plenty of time to hike allllllll the way to the upper nosebleed section to our seats before BNL took the stage. ;)

The show was GREAT. (If you're a BNL fan, watch that to the end. Seriously.)

After the encore, my brother and I waited for the crowds to clear and then I drove him back up the mountain to his car. When I drove past the theater again, the traffic was mostly cleared out. So, I had a clear view of the few stragglers. I caught a glimpse of a face that looked familiar. But the time I got to the bottom of the hill, I'd figured it out - it was someone I "knew" on Facebook - through a mutual friend and as a fellow BNL fan.

Now, I'm not usually much for socializing-with-strangers, but I decided to turn around and go see if I was right.

Turns out, I was. He and his wife are big BNL fans and have been to tons of shows and met the band members several times. They were hanging out to see if the guys might come out and say hi to fans, as they often do. Surprisingly, they were the only ones there. So, I stayed and chatted with them. Another guy who had sat next to my new FB friends during the show wandered over a few minutes later and joined the conversation.

We had a great time chatting for about a 20 minutes or so and then, out of the shadows of the trees, Ed Robertson meandered up to say Hi.

Now, I have to interject here: I am a professional communicator. The word communication is actually in my job title. Further, I've never been one to faun or fuss or otherwise go gaga over celebrities. Just not my thing.

But, when Ed walked up and started chatting, I'm pretty sure I came across as maybe two steps up from a babbling nitwit.

But, hey, can you blame me? I've been a fan of BNL - and had a total fangirl crush on Ed - since 1992. That's 18 years - literally half of my life. There's not much else I've done or been for 18+ years, except maybe "female" and "breathing". Okay, and "smart ass". That's a staying quality.

Moving on.

So, yeah, with Ed standing two feet away, all smiling and friendly and charming and just so darn nice, well, my lungs kinda jumped up and strangled my cerebellum just a little bit.

I'm pretty sure I managed to form complete sentences. And they might have even been in context.

We chatted about the show and the tour and Robert 'Tiny' Menegoni and Comic-Con and tattoos and kids and  ... well, it's a little bit of a blur. Cuz, you know, oxygen deprivation to the brain and all that.

Then he signed my new friends' ticket stubs and offered me a personalized autograph on the album booklet my FB friends had just given me. (Yes, it's already framed.) And the very sweet female half of the couple offered to take a photo of me and Ed. He very graciously agreed. I was smiling so hard, my face hurt.

After Ed had, again quite graciously, taken his leave, Jim Creeggan and Tyler Stewart each wandered over for a few minutes to chat, as well. They both signed my booklet and Jim also took a photo with me. I'm sure Tyler would have, too, but I was so kerfuffled by that point that I forgot to ask. Jim mentioned that Kevin Hearn had already left. So, I hope maybe I'll have the opportunity to meet him another time.

I have to say, the word that comes first to mind about all three of the band members I met is: Nice. That seems like such an understatement, such an under-rated word, but it's still accurate.

I know they're not the only artists who do it, but I still think it's nice of them to take the time to meet with fans after a show. But, beyond that, it wasn't just a sign-this-pose-here-move-along kind of thing.

They all - Ed especially - were so very down to earth and friendly and genuinely interested in the conversation. They didn't treat us like "fans" ... they talked to us like people. I was pretty impressed by that.

So, let's recap:

If I hadn't ...

• Made and then canceled plans for Comic-Con ... 
• Then decided on a whim to enter the Twitter contest - and won ... 
• Then couldn't find a BNL pal to go with, and so called my brother ... 
• Who just happened to be free ...  
• And who accidentally parked so far away ...
• Which meant the crowds were all gone when I drove by ...
• Which meant I had an unobstructed view to see my FB friend over by the trees ...
• Then decided to turn around and say hi
• And then found them to be so nice, that I decided to visit for a while ... 

Well then, I wouldn't have my new favorite thing in the whole world ...

Here's to happy accidents,
Zen

If I had a wish, or even a choice, I'd wake up to the sound of your voice

I finally got to use my birthday present this week: Tickets to the Barenaked Ladies concert in Northern California.

I had to drive 4+ hours each way, but it was SO worth it.

I went with a great girlfriend, which always makes everything better. We had a terrific "girls' get-away" and tons of fun just visiting and hanging out.

But the concert itself was absolutely the star of the trip.

It. Was. AWESOME.

I swear I love BNL even more every time I see them live.

Like I said last fall, every time I see BNL perform, I get the same feeling: These guys are having so much fun! And they just want everyone in the audience to have fun, too.

It helps that so many of their songs are fun and quirky and that damn near everyone in the room is dancing and singing right along. But, even with the more "serious" songs, the atmosphere of a BNL concert is just FUN!

A couple of funny side notes about BNL fans and this particular show:

If you're a BNL fan (and I know that a couple of you are! As for the rest of you, I don't even know why you're reading this. Oh, wait, you probably aren't. Never mind.) Anyway, if you are a fan, you know that Ed Robertson, Kevin Hearn and Jim Creegan are all multi-instrumentalists (as opposed to some modern rock bands that are, well, rather one-dimensional for my taste). Anyway, in addition to the traditional guitar and bass and drums and keyboards, BNL concerts include a stand-up bass, a full piano, banjos, bongos (Tyler Stewart) and, yes, even an accordion.

At this show, one enterprising BNL fan had presented Kevin with a hand-made "accordion" made of balloons! You can see it in the photo above (Sorry for the poor quality, snapped it with my iphone), because Kevin whipped it out to "play" during "If I had $1,000,000". It was a very funny moment. And a very impressive balloon sculpture! ;)

Another thing that was brought home to me at this show was the diversity of BNL fans! Sure, there were a lot of people like me: 30-somethings who have been fans since their college days. (Yeah, I'm old. This is news? Get offa my lawn.) But, I was also - literally - surrounded by examples of BNL's wide appeal:

To our left was a bubbly little 21-year-old who had never been to a BNL show and "kinda knew" a few of their songs. She and her friend had ended up with free tickets through some strange series of events. We had fun talking to her about the band and their music and by the end of the show she was bookmarking songs and albums on her iphone to buy later.

On our right side, was a lady who had to be in her late 60s or, more likely, early 70s. She was there with a woman in her mid-40s that I'm pretty sure was her daughter. When we first sat down, I thought, "Oh man, I hope poor Grandma isn't in for some culture shock tonight at the 'rock-and-or-roll-music' that her daughter dragged her to." But I'll be damned if "Grandma" didn't spend the whole damn show up and dancing and singing and clapping right along with the rest of us! How awesome is that?!

It was a really fun show.

Rock Gods forgive me for my blasphemy - I think I might like BNL even BETTER as a foursome. I know! But it's true.

I admit that at least part of that is because I've been half-in-love with Ed Robertson for 18 years. So, yeah, I'm loving more of him on lead vocals. But it's not just that.

They've said in recent interviews that, while they were sad to see Steven Page leave, his departure was also something of a fresh start for them as a band; that the remaining four members had recommitted themselves to each other and to their music and that they were feeling an exciting new energy.

You can really feel that "new" energy in their new album and in their live performances as a foursome. Ed, Kevin, Jim and Tyler have done such a great job sewing their Steven-sized hole, you can't even see the stitches. ;)

I can't wait to see what their next new album brings. I also can't wait to see them live again! There is a small chance that I will be in San Diego at the same time they are for their late summer tour. *fingers crossed* Wish me luck. ;)

(Still) Feels Just Like I'm Falling for the First Time,
Zen

EDIT: Had to add this video of "Sound of Your Voice" from the Santa Rosa show!

All in Good Time

The new Barenaked Ladies album, All in Good Time came out yesterday! 

If you are surprised that I am excited about this, you must be new around here. ;)

I downloaded it this morning and I've been listening to it all day.



Zen

I can, I will, I do

The New BNL album comes out just after my birthday. I'm just sayin'.

Feels Just Like I'm Falling for the First Time

If I was forced to pick just one "favorite" musical group, it would probably be Barenaked Ladies.

But, being a boring old mom-type person, now ... I hadn't seen them live in more than 10 years - until last night.

It. Was. Awesome.

Just as good - if not better - than I remember.

I honestly can't remember when, exactly, I started listening to BNL. I think it must have been around 1992 (they've been playing together since 1988!) because I know I bought their first full album - Gordon - that year. They've been one of my favorite bands ever since. (Stunt and Maroon being my other two favorite albums.)

BNL is kind of like my musical "comfort food" - I have a whole playlist in my itunes dedicated just to them and it's probably the one I listen to the most.

They are definitely my go-to band for road trip music - yes, I'm the dork driving down the road singing along - and I love to just have them playing in the background when I'm working on the computer or doing stuff around the house.

Of course, when I heard they were playing the Fresno Fair - which is not too far from where we live - I had to get tickets! Bonus: My friend from Sacramento drove down for the night to go with me - it was her first BNL concert!

I loved the music, of course - live performances are always exponentially better than CDs when you are talking about a band like BNL. And we had GREAT seats!

But, I think my favorite thing about BNL in concert is that they make you feel like they are just these guys up on stage having a good ol' time - really loving what they are doing - and just taking you along for the ride.

They joke, they improvise, they play around - they seem to really be having fun! After 20 years of professional music-making, that's pretty damned impressive.

There was one change from the last time I saw them, of course - They were a foursome.

Co-founder Steven Page left the group early this year. For most people, Steven was the voice of BNL. But, in reality, he and Ed Robertson pretty much split the singing/songwriting duties for the group.

Still, Page had a really distinctive voice and I wondered how the group would sound without him.

To be honest, during the show last night, I never "missed" Steven even once.

Ed totally rocked the lead vocals! (The notable exceptions being Kevin singing lead to "Sound of Your Voice" and Tyler singing lead on "Alcohol" - both definite high moments of an already awesome show.)

Now - as much as I love all of my "old" BNL music - I'm now finding myself wanting new recordings of these older songs with Ed singing lead! They were great! (By the way, you can download several live shows from the BNL website, didja know?)

Fortunately, I won't have to wait too long for new BNL music, either. They played a few songs from their new album - due out in March - and it sounded great. I can't wait!

What about you? Do you have a favorite band or group you love to see live?

A world that loves its irony must hate the protest singer

I've never liked being told what to do.

So, you can imagine that I like even less being told what to think.

September 26-October 3 is Banned Books Week.

I posted about this event (I won't call it a celebration, because it's just too tragic) last year and ranted a bit about intellectual freedoms and slippery slopes.

This year, I'm going to be more blunt.

Because - like another civil rights issue I feel strongly about - the answer to this one is so simple: Mind your own freakin' business.

Yeah, that about covers it.

Here's the deal, people: If you find the content of a book so objectionable, then I don't think that you should be forced you read it. But, contrariwise, I don't think that anyone else should be forced to NOT read it.

What offends your delicate sensibilities might be balm to another's soul. Vive la différence.

So, do the world - and your brain - a favor: Read a Banned Book this week.

I will.

If only because I take umbrage to being dictated to by the fear and ignorance of others.



"When any government, or church for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, This you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know, the end result is tyranny and oppression no matter how holy the motives." ~ Robert Heinlein



A sampling of the books banned or challenged in 2008-2009:

Your Life in Song: Barenaked Ladies

MEME: Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to some of your friends and include me. You can't use the band I used, or I kick you in the shins. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think. Be sure to use the artist/band's name as the subject of your note

Are you a male or female:
"I'll Be That Girl"

Describe yourself:
"It's Only Me"

How do you feel:
"Some Fantastic"

Describe where you currently live:
"Hello City"

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
"Take it Outside"

Your favorite form of transportation:
"In the Car"

Your best friend is:
"Thanks, That Was Fun"

You and your best friends are:
"Make My Heart Fly"

What's the weather like:
"Hidden Sun"

Favorite time of day:
"Go Home"

if your life was a tv show, what would it be called:
"The Humor of the Situation"

What is life to you:
"I Live With It Everyday"

Your fear:
"This is Where it Ends"

What is the best advice you have to give:
"Wrap Your Arms Around Me"

Thought for the day:
"Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!"

How I would like to die:
"When You Dream"

My soul's present condition:
"Unfinished"

My motto:
"I Can, I Will, I Do"