A lot can happen in a week.Also, you can run into Kermit the Frog in more ways than you might imagine.
Here's how:
Day one of my trip to L.A. involved a performance at a prison with friends. The extensive details of that event can be found in my last post. But, I will re-state that my bud Robin Finck and I sang The Rainbow Connection together, on that day. (Kermit.)
Day two, I got up before the birds and drove to Ojai, which is a magical place Northeast of Los Angeles, where gnomes, mountain lions and mastering engineers hang out. It's fantastic and I highly recommend visiting. Highway 33. Yes, that's right: 33.
Anyone that has spoken to me in the past three years or so (sigh) knows that I've been hammering away at a record about family, and what it means to me... It's done. Took me thirty-three months and too much work to talk about in polite conversation... But that record is wrapped. I watched while Doug Sax turned unmarked knobs and raised his eyebrows in some sort of communication to Sunny Nam (who knows how to read the brows, at all times), and heard my album go from "nearly there" to "totally finished". Don't ask me what they do, because I don't really know. I can only speak on what my work sounds like before they do the mystery deed(s), and they're wizards for sure. It's also a slapstick comedy routine that is not to be missed, ask anyone who's been there. I'll post the couple photos I took that day... Note the shirt I'm wearing. (Kermit.)
Day three was what Normal People might call a Day Off.
I'm unfamiliar with the term, and the practice is an awkward one at best. Still, I drank too much coffee, tried to take a nap (which was unsuccessful, due to the coffee), updated the blog, and then went to see Jerry Roe play drums with the Useless Keys for the first time. They were great, and my pal Robin came and sort of painted sparkly dots all over what was already a fun night. Maybe no Kermy there, but, it was rather Muppet-y in general. See photos.
Day four was chock full of events that will playback in my mind for many years, if not the rest of my life. I had lunch with an old friend. Not a friend who is old in years, but a person whom I have known for twenty-five of my thirty-four years. We have had spotty contact at times, but always manage to find each other in the great jungle that is this planet. The stars aligned on this day.
Marsian makes puppets. Since we were nine years old, he has left trails of faux fur and googley eyes in his wake. He was the first person I ever shared my love of John Waters films with, and many highschool evenings were spent in his parents' basement, doing The Madison along with Tracy and Amber of Hairspray. We really had it down. You'll be happy to know that nothing has changed, on either end. Marsian is still gluing neon sparkly furs to any and all surfaces, while I slave over concept albums that involve specific accompanying wardrobe choices (not unlike Amber's dresses, I might add). And, we both keep pretty close tabs on Mr. Waters. (Who doesn't?) At the current time, Marsian is living amid some REALLY amazing art/relics relating to Jim Henson and his genius legacy of love and hope. I could write until the world stops moving about my admiration/adoration of Henson's work, and the happiness I think it has contributed to the world. I'll spare you that, and just say: I'm a fan. Anyhow, I soaked up the juju while enjoying a conversation that was long overdue. (Kermit.)
Later that day, I saw a beautiful rainbow, as the sun was setting.
I took it in, and said a little prayer for all that rainbows might have the power to grant. (Kermit.)
This part sounds particularly made-up, and I acknowledge that, but... It's true. I attended yet another show that friends of mine were performing, but this time the band was called W.P.A. They're lovely, and the amount of talent on stage when they play is outrageous and possibly illegal in some states. All I have to say is: Benmont Tench. Shortly before they played, Glen Philips, who sings and plays guitar with the band, said, out of nowhere, "You know, Kermit the Frog has a Hollywood star". Um. (Kermit.)
Later that night, my sweetheart proposed to me.
We're getting married next year, and I'm so happy.
The days after that blur together in my mind and the memories all look like tropical polaroids that are slightly faded from the sun. It was perfect, in so many unexpected ways. I'm so grateful, and would like to send thanks to Freddie Mercury, Divine and Jim Henson for all of the magic I got to experience.
I plan to pay it forward.
xoxo,
card-carrying lover and dreamer, bu
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