Interested. Voraciously Interested.

I just fired up my laptop for the first time in about month. I went on hiatus to pen and paper and book consumption. Trudging through my last ghostwriting assignment nearly sent me to an asylum. I swore off any writing projects for one month. I contributed several chapters to a For Dummies book. If I'm luck, I'll get a thanks in the forward to up the ante of the ten free copies I'll receive. For the last year, I remained pretty grateful that I was a paid, professional writer. That assignment soured that attitude coupled with the fact that I took it on just as I started a full-time marketing gig. So I licked my wounds for a few weeks and caught my breath.

Last week I stepped onto Butler University's campus and huffed my way up three flights of Jordan Hall stairs to commence my next writing adventure, a 12-week community fiction workshop. I am terrified! I haven't written fiction since my 400-level workshop my senior at IU. My "professor" for this workshop said we need to be voraciously interested in things. (I write "professor" like he's not a real professor, which he is in fact a real professor. I, however, am not a real university student, just a workshopper.) I like a lot of things. I love a lot people. I am very intrigued and beguiled by Moose. I dig music. I enjoy good food. Not sure that I am voraciously interested in anything or any one particular something.

In high school, I participated in everything I could--softball, yearbook, drama, student government, boys, part-time jobs, friends, and more boys. I was never totally super awesome at one particular activity. I maintained good grades and stayed out of trouble, mostly. But I can't pin one thing that piqued my interest so much that I couldn't get enough of it all of the time. I've posed the "what's my niche" question to this blog's audience. Lots of you enjoyed my cheeseburger blog, but I don't dine enough or cook enough to be a super foodie. So, I am back to wondering about this niche business and voraciously interested proposition.

I do want to give a shout out to some sites I've had the groovy opportunity to chime in some music reviews. Great sites for music fans with photography and content contributed by music fans. I reviewed Old Crow Medicine Show and Alabama Shakes for JamsPlus and PhierceMusic.

***MOOSE UPDATE***
His citronella bark collar arrived last week. Moose barked at the UPS delivery man. I have put the collar on him without the juice. Kind of nervous about the whole thing. I've been urged by some folks who live within earshot of his barks. I'll report back. In the meantime, Moose says, "What's up?! My mom let's me do whatever I want."

So I Went to Bonnaroo

     This past weekend, I ventured to Manchester, TN with a friend for Bonnaroo 2012--my first Bonnaroo. I received all sorts of solicited and unsolicited advice from previous Bonnaroovians prior to my departure. But some things you just have to learn for yourself upon arriving on the farm. 

Here's what I learned at Bonnaroo:

1. If you don't wear layers of clothing at night, it is certain to be cold (cold enough to make you leave before Radiohead finishes their set, and you woefully buy hot chocolate listening to "Karma Police" followed by "House of Cards" in the distance.) If you come prepared with a jacket and layers for the following night, you will be too warm and end up carrying far too much baggage to be comfortable for Red Hot Chili Peppers.
2. Drink water. I was told that by Bonnaroovian coaches, but I mean you really need to drink water. When you see a water station, fill up, even if you just filled up.
3. Shade is a gift; treasure it. When you find, weasel your way into it--no matter how many others are there, too. I can tell I am growing up when I opted to wear a hat everyday instead of frying my aging face.
4. You can't do it all and sometimes sleep is the best option. I missed two shows I really wanted to see--Alabama Shakes and The Word--because I was desperately tired and couldn't make to midnight shows. I just had to surrender to the fact that I can't do it all, and I value a few hours sleep. Many Bonnaroovians surely differ with me on this one being that I heard them cheering until 6 a.m. to Umphrey's McGee. On Sunday, the 6:00 p.m. time slot was stacked with shows I wanted to see--The Shins, The Civil Wars, Young the Giant--but I chose to post up at the main stage all day to save precious dancing room for Phish. I ended up resting my eyes while listening the amazingly talented Bon Iver. Pretty descent consolation show.
5. Rumors spread rapidly on the farm. We kept hearing that the Van Halen cover band playing at 2 a.m. on Friday night was actually going to be Phish, so we checked it out. It was in fact a Van Halen cover band. Supposedly there was going to be a nude flash mob to "Barbara Ann" during The Beach Boy's set. That also did not happen.
6. Check out something you really have no interest in seeing. While waiting to chase the 2 a.m. Phish rumor, I checked out Skrillex with a couple I met from Raleigh, NC. Never was electronic DJ music on my list of things to do at the 'Roo, but I am so glad that I saw/heard it. What a show?! The stage set and graphics were impressive to say the least and the costumes worn by the audience were more than memorable. 
7. Play with children. They bring a whole extra element of playful bliss to dancing and jamming to music...and collecting glow sticks during Phish.
8. Ya' just never know who digs Bonnaroo. I learned this yesterday at my doctor's office. I've been going to the same doc since I was 18 and low and behold this was her fourth Bonnaroo. I was shocked! I asked, "Do you go with your sons?" She said, "No. It's not their thing." Huh?! So now I know a lot more about my doctor. Oh, and her son was once the 8th ranked yo-yoer in the world.
9. Lastly, but far from least: GARY CLARK, JR. IS AMAZING!!!

Gary Clark, Jr. at Sonic Stage

Deb and Me at What Stage 

My buddy Taylor and a yahoo behind us at The Beach Boys

Glow Stick Wars at Phish

Here's my first-ever YouTube video of one of my favorite acts of the weekend: Infamous Stringdusters cover "Free" (Phish.)

Tedeschi Truck Band in Indianapolis

     Last night's Tedeschi Trucks Band show in Indianapolis blew me away - simply amazing! I don't really keep a list of Top Shows of All Time, but if I did, this show would be a front runner. I've seen Susan Tedeschi perform twice and had the pleasure of meeting her in Seattle after a show. Alone as an artist, she powers an auditorium with her soulful voice and blues guitar. Add in a heavy dose of her husband Derek Trucks' slide guitar and BAM, mind blowing, awe-inspiring talent melds. 

     Tedeschi and Trucks have a band, hence the name Tedeschi Trucks Band. Each musician brought wildly entertaining talent to the stage--three horn section, double drum set, bass/banjo, keyboards (with a side of flute,) and two back up vocals (including Derek Trucks Band lead singer Mike Mattinson.)--making for an 11-piece band of powerful, collaborative talent. The shared admiration and respect between each artist was evident and contributed significantly to my enjoyment. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves, too. And I dig that. 

Tedeschi Trucks Band - Indianapolis 5.30.12

     A highlight for me was the cover of Bobby Bland's "That Did It," with a shout to Indianapolis's treasured blues bar, The Slippery Noodle Inn. Tedeschi unleashed the depths and power of her vocals, holding her own as 6-string blues guitarist all along the way. She belted and wailed, effortlessly. The percussion jam in one of the later tunes elicited crowd-pleasing hoots and hollers. Every element of the show captured my attention.

Moon Taxi - Indianapolis 5.30.12

     Moon Taxi stood strong as an opening act, and I can't wait to see them again at Bonnaroo next week!

MOOSE UPDATE:

He's my Instagram muse...

 

Not a Dead Duck

The other day I encountered a duck stopped in the lane of oncoming traffic on Westfield Blvd. near the Canal. I started to panic at the thought of seeing feathery carnage right next to me -- fowl play, if you will. 

You know what that duck did? She flew! I forgot she could fly. But, fortunately, she did not.

Is This Love?

I was telling my mom how two of my clients and I tell each other, "I love you," from time to time. Grown adult men tell me they love me in a professional relationship. Granted I have worked to foster and maintain strong relationships with both of them. One is a mentor and one is just one my dearest friends. I also told her how I never get off the phone with a handful of friends (female and male) without say, "I love you." Mom said "I just think that word 'love' gets thrown around too easily these days." 


Perhaps, she is right? Is this love?
I love my family - immediate, extended and chosen.
I love Moose.
I love my dear girlfriends. L.Y.L.A.S! (and their precious offspring)
I love writing.
I love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I mean, I really love these!
I love having my very own personal relationship with a loving God.
I love blaring music in my car and singing from the top of my lungs.
I love dancing to the point of hot sweatiness to live music.
I love the idea of true love. 


I yearn for that "one true love" in my life even though I don't fully believe such a thing exists. I have loved men in my life, deeply, with all that I could give of my heart. In each of those relationships, I thought, "This is the one." But, they weren't. They were the one for that time in my life. Today, I am working to love myself fully enough to let the idea of true love to just be the icing on my already sweet, self-made cake. I receive deep love from so many amazing people in my life. This idea of "true love" cannot forsake the love I already have. Love comes in so many forms and according to following definition, I think love fits appropriately to define many relationships full of affection. My favorite definition is #4 even though it may be the trickiest form of love to offer. 


Merriam-Webster defines "LOVE":

Definition of LOVE

1

a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties <maternal love for a child> (2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt bylovers (3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests <love for his old schoolmates>b : an assurance of affection <give her my love>

2

: warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion <love of the sea>

3

a : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration<baseball was his first love>b (1) : a beloved person : darling —often used as a term of endearment (2) British —used as an informal term of address

4

a : unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind(2) : brotherly concern for othersb : a person's adoration of God

Can any one of us define this word that weighs so heavily in our emotions and actions? A word that has started wars? A word that riddles through nearly every song? A word that drives a man to cut off his own ear? A word that elicits physical reactions?

My Super Bowl XLVI Sidenotes

Indianapolis suffers today from a major Super Bowl hangover. How do you go back to ho-hum after such hubabaloo? Easily. I know I am not alone in my exhaustion from all the Super Bowl shenanigans. Heck, I went to lunch today at Cafe Patachou at 49th and Penn, and it was packed. Is anyone working today?


I have a few friends who tried to avoid anything Super Bowl related this past week, but the good majority of the people in my life made every attempt to take in all the glory of the Circle City on center stage...me included. Monday night I went on my first blind double date on Massachusetts Ave. Not much more to say about that folks, so don't ask. After dinner we decided to go downtown and get a lay of the land. Mind you, I was wearing a dress and high heels, and I said, "Sure. Let's do it!" Indy's weather was off the charts amazing this past week, but the evening still brought a nip to the air. 

I have 3 witnesses - That's Tom Brady!

After clod-hopping around the streets with my frozen, exposed legs, we headed back to the car. We walked north on Illinois St. past a massive crowd outside of St. Elmo Steak House. Come to find out the onlookers were awaiting a glimpse of the Patriots team dining inside of the legendary eatery. Within a few short moments, the team emerged and hooting and hollering from the crowd ensued. I got pretty amped up the second I saw Tom Brady. Before I could really figure out what was all happening, Tom Brady broke off from the team and headed directly at me. I fumbled my BlackBerry in his face trying to get a picture and then he bumped into me with the crowd pushing. I could not muster calm, cool composure and became a total groupie. The man is beautiful! You can get an idea of the crowd and my nervous energy by the photo I snagged. I dreamed about him all night long...for real.

Bills? No Clue.

Thanks, Brooke - photo director

Wednesday, I headed to the NFL Experience with my dear friend Lori and her daughter, Brooke. They are a trip! They had to take a picture in front of anything and everything along the way. We bumped into Mom and Pops and their crew. Mom and Dad had been in Florida the week prior and flew home Tuesday night late. Those crazy kids went straight from the airport to Super Bowl Village at 11:00 p.m. and were back at it the next day. I love it! Wednesday was basically a photographic tour of Indy all dressed up Super Bowl style - pretty amazing!

Thursday night was time to get into the Broad Ripple Super Bowl mix with the George Clinton and P-Funk show. I went with a group of buddies and we weaseled our way as close to the front as we could. But, we met resistance from the VIP security dude. It was so crowded that there was no way to get my groove on without bumping body parts with strangers. Then, I spotted a friend walking into VIP who generously scored me a ticket and stubbed me into some dance room. And, dance I did! I had an absolute blast that night - ran into so many happy people just dancing and playing. 


I stayed out way too late Thursday night and hit the ground running Friday. Mom, Aunt Nancy, Aunt Kay, and my cousin and her boyfriend went to the airport to see a friend dance in a flash mob. It was very cool, but I think the most exciting part of a flash mob is not seeing it coming. 


My dear old friend, Lindsi, invited me to the ESPN party Friday night. I got all gussied up and headed downtown early with my sister, Beth, and some friends to try to see Fitz and the Tantrums before I hit the party. Heavens to Betsy, the entire world descended on Indianapolis Friday night. We couldn't even make our way to the Super Bowl Village through the 250,000 visitors. In the distance, I did hear my favorite Fitz song "Winds of Change." Our crew ended up eating in the mall food court and heading back to the car. We just drove around and clowned until they dropped me off at a warehouse west of downtown for the ESPN party. 

There, I met up with some of my dearest friends since junior high. I thought it would be wall-to-wall celebs. Maybe it was but I don't know many sports stars. I recognized Shaquille O'Neal - kind of hard to miss him. Jesse Palmer's and my eyes connected for a moment and I thought I was the The Bachelor for a hot minute. Other than that, not much star gazing. My friend Amy and I decided to take a shot at the virtual golf set up...in our dresses and heels. Amy ended up swinging her way to 2nd Closest to Pin and I choked completely. The golf pro said I had a great swing and just needed to get better lined up. Well, I guess I will work on that this spring. But, then some idiot says, "That's why women should be in the kitchen cooking and not swinging clubs." Really? Really? You are at a party where the ratio of men to woman is like 10 to 1. Good luck, fool!


That's about all this girl could handle for a week. With training for the mini marathon, walking all over downtown in high heels and dancing my rear off till the wee hours, I was toast by Saturday. Erin, our friend Amy, and I slept most of the day and mustered up enough energy to go see Big Miracle with Drew Barrymore and three sad whales in Alaska. 
Watched the game with a few close friends, chili, tater tots and wonderful conversation.


All in all, SUPER week! Proud to be a Hoosier and honored to live in the Circle City. Well done, Indianapolis! What about you? Tell me about your Super Bowl experience.

Get Curious with Music Magic

Last week I attended a yoga class at CITYOGA that I don't usually attend. I am trying new classes to fit around my training schedule for the Indy 500 Mini Marathon (There, I put it out there. Now, I have to be accountable to all 40-something of you.) During the yoga practice, my teacher said that she wants us to dedicate the practice to curiosity. She guided our practice by adjusting our alignment and showing us curious ways to check in on our alignment. That resulted in muscle aches in places I didn't know I had. Hurts so good! Seriously, all the muscles around my spine were sore - that's a good thing!


So, the yoga teacher encouraged us to take this curiosity with us throughout our day. "Maybe try a food you've never tried," she said. "Or, maybe take a different way home and drive down a street you've never traveled."


Well, on my way home from work that night, I decided to get curious. I did something so risky and wild. I changed my radio dial from its steadfast WTTS 92.3. I know - crazy - I am a loyal listener!!! The only time its not on WTTS is when it hits 88.1 so that my FM Transmitter can play my iPod. That had been the case for several days and weeks, playing the same "Obsess Much" playlist over and over again. The same obsessive thoughts kept spinning and cycling through my head over and over again - kind of insane like. Alright, I was feeling a little blue and kept playing music to make me feel blue. What in the world is up with that?!


Getting curious with my radio dial changed all of that. That night I turned the radio to 93.9 (I-94.) Music magic happened. In an instant I snapped out of my funk. I rediscovered a song that I had previously never gave more than a single listen. Now, it is my new "repeater." It motivated me the next day to power out a 3,300-word whitepaper. I can even listen to my "Obsess Much" playlist without the funky thoughts circling around in my head like gerbil. Getting curious changed my perception, my truth. Thank you, Alanis Morissette.