I decided to create a new blog for my musical endeavors.
http://rigatonymusic.blogspot.com/
I'll keep the Tree of Life blog up, but the my music blog will be updated more frequently. Be sure to check it out!
:-)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Strangest concert I've never been to
I just had a strange dream, so I had to share it with you immediately while it's still fresh in my mind. My roommate and I went to this free concert headlined by Bruce Springsteen. We didn't get to see Bruce, but Bob Marley was there. Bob looked great, like he never aged (and never died). He put on a thrilling show. After the show, we went back to my mom's house and I told my brothers about the show. I told them about Bob Marley and how great he looked. I showed my brother Robert a picture of Bob online. He said that Bob must work out to look that good. We looked at the promotional flyer, which stated that Michael Jackson (also not dead), Stevie Nicks, Rush, and Asia were also performing at the show. My brother Donny said there were still 2 hours left of the show, and if we hurried, we could catch the rest of it.
So, we went back. Stevie Nicks took the stage, but she looked like an 80s pop star, like Madonna in a white dress and legwarmers. She had a band of men behind her, and she and her band did choreography to some strange disco song. The men sang with her, and some of them got to sing solos. Stevie messed up the dance moves a couple times. After the song, Stevie said a few words, but one of her band members also had a microphone and interrupted her. When the next song began, Stevie walked off the stage and drifted through the audience and walked up to where my roommate and I were sitting. Her appearance had changed. Now she was short and stout with a big, bountiful bosom, and she looked exactly like my mom. She approached me, put her hands gently on my face, and said, "Hello." I was so stunned that I was lost for words. I said, "Hello, Stevie. How are you?" I was scrambling to think of what to say next. I thought that I should tell her that I liked the Trouble in Shangri-La album, but before I could say anything, she hugged me and embedded my face in her boobs. She then turned around and looked at my roommate, pulled out the chair directly across from me, got on her knees and looked downward, like she was praying or something.
So, we went back. Stevie Nicks took the stage, but she looked like an 80s pop star, like Madonna in a white dress and legwarmers. She had a band of men behind her, and she and her band did choreography to some strange disco song. The men sang with her, and some of them got to sing solos. Stevie messed up the dance moves a couple times. After the song, Stevie said a few words, but one of her band members also had a microphone and interrupted her. When the next song began, Stevie walked off the stage and drifted through the audience and walked up to where my roommate and I were sitting. Her appearance had changed. Now she was short and stout with a big, bountiful bosom, and she looked exactly like my mom. She approached me, put her hands gently on my face, and said, "Hello." I was so stunned that I was lost for words. I said, "Hello, Stevie. How are you?" I was scrambling to think of what to say next. I thought that I should tell her that I liked the Trouble in Shangri-La album, but before I could say anything, she hugged me and embedded my face in her boobs. She then turned around and looked at my roommate, pulled out the chair directly across from me, got on her knees and looked downward, like she was praying or something.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Dating World
I've become frustrated with focusing all my energy on one person unsuccessfully. I would like to find someone who enjoys my company, and will commit to it. I just want a companion. That is the problem with people nowadays is that they don't want to commit and dedicate themselves to anything. Relationships are fleeting to people of my generation. We live in a distracted world, where everyone is always focused on the latest sensation or recent piece of technology. People get bored and move onto the next thing. Relationships are bust.
And yet, for some reason, the romantic in me continues to believe that there is someone out there for me. I am the Hopeful Romantic.
I haven't much experience with dating. As a teenager, I was a misfit, very uncool, and very lonely. The few so-called relationships I had were short lived. The only person I actually dated and had a serious relationship with is still one of my best friends.
I'm just getting into the whole dating world in my 20s. It's interesting, scary, weird, and fun all at the same time. I am very selective about who I meet. Sometimes I meet other people through friends. The internet also provides new ways for people to meet and has resulted in many people finding something special with one another. I am keeping my options open. I am also cautious. I am taking my time and won't settle for any turkey who happens to land at my doorstep.
And yet, for some reason, the romantic in me continues to believe that there is someone out there for me. I am the Hopeful Romantic.
I haven't much experience with dating. As a teenager, I was a misfit, very uncool, and very lonely. The few so-called relationships I had were short lived. The only person I actually dated and had a serious relationship with is still one of my best friends.
I'm just getting into the whole dating world in my 20s. It's interesting, scary, weird, and fun all at the same time. I am very selective about who I meet. Sometimes I meet other people through friends. The internet also provides new ways for people to meet and has resulted in many people finding something special with one another. I am keeping my options open. I am also cautious. I am taking my time and won't settle for any turkey who happens to land at my doorstep.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Syracuse Gay Pride 2009
Yesterday was my 11th time in a row going to the Pride Parade and Festival in Syracuse. Last year was the only time I can recall that it didn't rain. Usually, it rains for a little while and then the sun comes out and we're treated to an auspicious rainbow. But this year it poured all day. It literally put a damper on the festivities. This didn't stop some people from walking around the festival shirtless.
Despite the weather, the event still had a great turnout. It is wonderful to reunite with people you don't get to see often. I usually say that it is "like a big, gay family reunion." It is also fun to people-watch. There are all kinds of interesting, colorful people having a great time. Many people dress up for the occasion, and I've seen some pretty creative get-ups.
The event began at City Hall with a speech from Syracuse Common Councilor and Mayoral Candidate Stephanie Miner, followed by the raising of the rainbow flag. The parade traveled along a lavender line painted in the road, ending at the festival at the Everson Plaza. Festivities continued throughout the day, concluding with after-parties at various bars. I didn't go out to the bars. I just wanted to get out of the rain.
Stephanie Miner speaking at City Hall
Despite the weather, the event still had a great turnout. It is wonderful to reunite with people you don't get to see often. I usually say that it is "like a big, gay family reunion." It is also fun to people-watch. There are all kinds of interesting, colorful people having a great time. Many people dress up for the occasion, and I've seen some pretty creative get-ups.
The event began at City Hall with a speech from Syracuse Common Councilor and Mayoral Candidate Stephanie Miner, followed by the raising of the rainbow flag. The parade traveled along a lavender line painted in the road, ending at the festival at the Everson Plaza. Festivities continued throughout the day, concluding with after-parties at various bars. I didn't go out to the bars. I just wanted to get out of the rain.
Stephanie Miner speaking at City Hall
Friday, June 5, 2009
St. Peter's Church and El Diablo
As I was walking home last night, I walked past St. Peter's Church on James St. The church has been closed for some time, and there are For Sale signs on the property. I always thought it was such a shame that that little church closed. It was a nice Italian church (one of many churches on James St.). There has been little activity around the church since it closed, save for the birds that still sing in the pine and birch trees in front.
As I walked by, I happened to notice that a light was on. I thought that I should take a look, although I almost second guessed myself. What if people should see me? They might think I'm breaking in. My curiosity got the best of me, so I cautiously walked up the steps and looked in the front door.
No one was in sight. I could see the altar and the crucifix above, and a few rows of pews. It was so beautiful. Finding such beauty in simplicity is humbling. It touches the core of one's soul in a unique, profound way.
I then remembered that I was listening to music on my MP3 player as I was walking, and I realized what I was listening to and how ironic it was. "El Diablo" by Grace Slick. Music has a funny way of coinciding with all events of my life. In light of the fact that I was standing in front of a church and just stumbled across something special, I respectfully changed the song, even though it is an incredible song. I opted instead for "Gypsy" and "Sara" by Fleetwood Mac, back to back, and continued walking, feeling a little bit better about myself. Nothing like church to make one feel uplifted and refreshed.
I hope the lights are on again next time I walk past. I'd like to take a picture.
As I walked by, I happened to notice that a light was on. I thought that I should take a look, although I almost second guessed myself. What if people should see me? They might think I'm breaking in. My curiosity got the best of me, so I cautiously walked up the steps and looked in the front door.
No one was in sight. I could see the altar and the crucifix above, and a few rows of pews. It was so beautiful. Finding such beauty in simplicity is humbling. It touches the core of one's soul in a unique, profound way.
I then remembered that I was listening to music on my MP3 player as I was walking, and I realized what I was listening to and how ironic it was. "El Diablo" by Grace Slick. Music has a funny way of coinciding with all events of my life. In light of the fact that I was standing in front of a church and just stumbled across something special, I respectfully changed the song, even though it is an incredible song. I opted instead for "Gypsy" and "Sara" by Fleetwood Mac, back to back, and continued walking, feeling a little bit better about myself. Nothing like church to make one feel uplifted and refreshed.
I hope the lights are on again next time I walk past. I'd like to take a picture.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I was approached by a drunk hooker
I was just approached by a drunk, blond hooker in her 40s.
I just left my friend's house, and I was walking up the street to catch my bus. I was listening to Bob Dylan on my MP3 player. All of a sudden, this hideous, skanky looking woman appears out of the shadows and walks up to me. She had straggly blond hair, thick, black eye liner, and tight pants. I pause my music and take out my earbud so I can hear her. She said to me, "Why the fuck are all these stores closed? I want a beer!" I commented that the store directly across the street from us was also closed. She said, "Well, they need to open the fuck back up because I want a beer!" As I slowly back away and attempt to escape, I said that one of the stores around here must be open. She muttered something about the store up the street, but I really didn't care. She asked me if I had a cigarette, and I told her I don't smoke. Then she asks me, "Well, do you have $1.50?" I told her that I just had what I had. And she turned and looked at me and said, "And what's that?" I said, "Enough to get home."
She continued to mutter something, and then proceeded to walk up the street in the same direction I was going. I walked behind her, far enough so I didn't have to associate with her. I put on my music again and continued to watch this strange woman in front of me, and Dylan's words were right on cue, almost as if this were a scene of a movie and his words were the soundtrack:
"And nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You said you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And ask him do you want to make a deal?
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?"
As she was walking up the street, a blue car stopped and she ran up and got in the vehicle. The car drove for about 15 seconds, and then pulled up to the corner. The woman got out of the car and continued to walk up the street. As the driver took off he shouted, "GET OFF THE FUCKING STREET!"
I was already at the bus stop watching all this happen, and thank goodness she continued going in the other direction instead of turning and going my way. Two minutes later, the bus arrived, and I was relieved to be off the street. As soon as I got home, I called my friend immediately and told him what happened. He laughed and said, "You sure know how to attract them! People tell me these things that happen to them all the time. Nothing like that ever happens to me."
Great. Why do I have to attract all the freaks?
I just left my friend's house, and I was walking up the street to catch my bus. I was listening to Bob Dylan on my MP3 player. All of a sudden, this hideous, skanky looking woman appears out of the shadows and walks up to me. She had straggly blond hair, thick, black eye liner, and tight pants. I pause my music and take out my earbud so I can hear her. She said to me, "Why the fuck are all these stores closed? I want a beer!" I commented that the store directly across the street from us was also closed. She said, "Well, they need to open the fuck back up because I want a beer!" As I slowly back away and attempt to escape, I said that one of the stores around here must be open. She muttered something about the store up the street, but I really didn't care. She asked me if I had a cigarette, and I told her I don't smoke. Then she asks me, "Well, do you have $1.50?" I told her that I just had what I had. And she turned and looked at me and said, "And what's that?" I said, "Enough to get home."
She continued to mutter something, and then proceeded to walk up the street in the same direction I was going. I walked behind her, far enough so I didn't have to associate with her. I put on my music again and continued to watch this strange woman in front of me, and Dylan's words were right on cue, almost as if this were a scene of a movie and his words were the soundtrack:
"And nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You said you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And ask him do you want to make a deal?
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?"
As she was walking up the street, a blue car stopped and she ran up and got in the vehicle. The car drove for about 15 seconds, and then pulled up to the corner. The woman got out of the car and continued to walk up the street. As the driver took off he shouted, "GET OFF THE FUCKING STREET!"
I was already at the bus stop watching all this happen, and thank goodness she continued going in the other direction instead of turning and going my way. Two minutes later, the bus arrived, and I was relieved to be off the street. As soon as I got home, I called my friend immediately and told him what happened. He laughed and said, "You sure know how to attract them! People tell me these things that happen to them all the time. Nothing like that ever happens to me."
Great. Why do I have to attract all the freaks?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
