The Crocodile

Inside Right Wrist (or Navel), Please

/ Deb / 1 Comment

I was in a really good mood today.  The world seemed bright, I had extra energy and a creative spirit.  On paper, it made no sense.  I got home late last night from a show at The Crocodile (Chad Stokes, better known to me as the “Barefoot Musician in Your Living Room”.)  I got up early and got two kids out the door to school.  I should have been exhausted.

Lawerly obligations were on the calendar today, so I put on a suit and met with a potential client.  I gave good advice.  Every so often, I looked down and noticed the fading stamp on my inside right wrist from last night’s show at The Croc, and it made me smile.

It reminded me of when, in the mid 90’s, my sister and I thought it would be a good idea to get our navels pierced.  It hurt like hell and, not being the half-shirt type, I don’t think many people ever knew that I had it done.  I was a new lawyer at the time, and it felt like my own private rebellion against navy blue suits and deposition transcripts.  I got it taken out when I was pregnant with my oldest child, years later.  (The guy asked why I was getting it removed.  Apparently my about-to-pop belly wasn’t enough of a clue.  He said, “hey, come back after you have the kid, and I’ll put it back in for free”.  Alas, I have not returned.)

John Richards of Seattle’s beloved KEXP recently described music as “oxygen”.  Perfection.  I can’t describe it any better than that.  If you don’t understand the lure of live music, you will never get it.  But that’s why I was energized today.  Music fuels me.

We all wear many hats on a daily basis, with day jobs, obligations and lists. Even when you love what you do, shouldn’t you grab a little extra fuel when you can?  A little hint of something that energizes you (peeking out from the edge of your jacket sleeve) can go a long way.

Beer with The White Buffalo

/ Deb / Leave a comment
My beer, and White Buffalo’s beer
During a late night of live music, there is a moment when you give in to the evening.

Fans of live music know what I am talking about – that moment when you turn your mind off (no mental To Do lists!), and turn yourself over to being fully present for the music.

For me, it usually happens a few songs in to the night.  The lights wash over me, I can feel the music in my gut, and I’m in.

I’m now halfway through a sprint of shows for my birthday month (“Show-vember is Here!”), and I gotta say – so far, so good.  Last Wednesday night, I was lucky enough to see one of my favorite artists, The White Buffalo, at one of my favorite venues, The Crocodile.

Somewhat unexpectedly, I found myself at the front of the stage.  The opener, a Seattle duo known as Duke Evers, blew me away. I committed quickly and fully:  Yes, I am HERE (on a WEDNESDAY!). And yes, it’s going to be a late night and I have to get up early to pack lunches and get kids out the door before plowing through the rest of my daily list. I will be exhausted and my ears will ring all day. But it will be worth it.

Of course The White Buffalo kicked ass (and took names, a’la “The Pilot”), mowing through all of my favorites before releasing us out into the cold wee hours.   I was painfully, brutally tired on Thursday.  But, as always, it was worth it.