Last night I took myself out on a date! I invited myself to go see Patty Griffin live at
Floore Country Store. I dressed up for myself, drove myself to the concert, bought myself a drink and enjoyed one of the best, if not THE BEST, live performances I have ever seen.
Originally I had purchased two tickets and asked
Najla to join me. She is a huge Kelly Willis fan and I KNEW she would equally appreciate Patty Griffin. She agreed but as the time drew near she realized she likely
wouldn’t be up for a late night. I completely understand that given she is close to 8 months pregnant. I really
didn’t stress about finding someone to go with me; I figured I would just go alone and enjoy Patty Griffin by myself. I had a few people mention they might be able to join me but in the end no one was able to join me.
As I have indicated in prior posts I was really, really, really looking forward to this concert. Patty’s music has cradled me through a very difficult time in my life. Her music, songwriting and voice gives me permission to experience deep, deep sorrow but in the very next instant she reminds me about the beauty of suffering and how strong we come out on the other side.
Around 6pm I started having doubts, major doubts, about going alone. I went through the motions of getting ready, fixing my hair and applying my make up. I remembered this one episode of Sex in the City where Samantha Jones went to a jazz concert all alone because no one wanted to go with her. (As it happens this actually is a true story. Kim
Catrall attended a Chick
Corea concert alone in Manhattan. At the concert she met her future husband! I suppose the writers liked the story line and included it in the series!) So, I summoned my inner Samantha….(which I really don’t have much of….I am more of a Carrie Bradshaw)…and I took myself out on a date.
I spoke with my mother on my way to the venue. She was so worried someone was going to “steal me” from
Helotes, TX. I assured her I would be fine and would remain in constant contact with her throughout the concert and would call her when I arrived home.
I picked up my tickets at will call and the young lady said, “You purchased two tickets. Will your guest be arriving later?” I said, “Nope, it’s just me tonight.” And she said, “Oh, that’s okay. There are tons of cuties here! Enjoy yourself!” “I will,” I responded.
Imagine my relief when I saw chairs set up in rows. Typically it is standing room only and the thought of “standing” alone was what was frightening me most. I found a seat, behind a huge pole, and then moved further down the row. The lady next to me said, “You can put your purse down here, or scoot down further if you would like.” I said, “Thank you. I am here alone so I am not saving a seat for anyone.” She
didn’t make a sad face for me, in fact, she did not respond at all to my admission of “single-
ness” at this event. This made me feel instantly comfortable. She looked to be about my mom’s age and her husband had this fabulous mess of long gray hair and emanated a very cool vibe for a man roughly the age of my father. I felt safe sitting next to them.
The opening act was a gentleman named Michael
Fracasso. I had heard of him but had never seen him live. He sang “Only the Lonely” and I smiled for my frantic mother! She is a huge Roy Orbison fan. I thought to myself, she would be happy to know that I was not only sitting safely next to a nice couple but that it was good
mojo that one of her favorite songs was being sung live!
Between the first and second acts I started talking with the lady next to me. Her name is Charlotte and her husband’s name is John. He is the Patty Griffin fan. She really had never heard of Patty Griffin before. As it turns out they live in my parent’s neighborhood. In addition, Charlotte is a retired speech pathologist so she knew exactly what my job entails! We had a lot in common and they really were a joy to talk with. They offered to walk me to my car at the end of the concert because they would have wanted someone to do that for their daughter.
I am not sure I can do the concert justice. Words simply can not explain the energy in the room. The audience was small…maybe 250 people. When Patty Griffin arrived on stage the audience was transfixed. It was completely silent and everyone had a singular purpose. It was clear to me by the looks on everyone’s face that they love her for the same reasons I do. She makes deep connections with people through her words and her music. She often touches upon life’s deepest, darkest vulnerabilities and celebrates life’s greatest joys at the same time. She sang a lot of gospel music because that is what she is currently working on. It struck me that God is using her as a tool for His word because when she sang those classic gospel songs you could feel the entire room really believed in the “promise land” or the “place just over the mountain!” I am glad I went alone. When she sang “Heavenly Day” I gave myself permission to cry. (I
wouldn’t have done that if anyone were with me.) And I don’t mean misty eyed…I mean big fat tears rolling down my face. No one noticed because not one person took their eyes off her. The young lady behind me cried as well. I have never cried at a concert, no one has ever moved me in that way. I decided at that point not only do I want that song played at my funeral, I want it to be the first dance at my wedding and playing when I have children! I want that song to be a part of every major life milestone I might be blessed with. As the concert ended I decided to stand up to grab a few photos of Patty. I finally rested myself inside the frame of the screen doors leading to the porch. She ended the concert with an old George Strait song since she was in “his neck of the woods.” She said it was only fitting to honor him. As she sang a light breeze blew through my hair and I
didn’t care one bit that I was standing in that door alone. I felt completely at peace in that moment! I was IN that moment and moments passed and future moments
didn’t matter. I long to inhabit that space more often. It
doesn’t come naturally for me. But I am trying.
If any of you have the opportunity to see this woman live…..run, don’t walk! It
doesn’t matter if you are unfamiliar with her work. She is captivating and takes you to a place that does your heart good! She is good medicine!
In celebration of Patty Griffin I have added a few of her songs. The first four songs you are hearing are hers. The song called “Fly” might be erroneously attributed to the Dixie Chicks. It is, in fact, a Patty Griffin song they covered on their album “Fly.” I dedicate that song to a dear friend that is at a major crossroads. You know who you are and I know you don’t ever have the volume up when you read my blog. Turn up the volume and listen to the words! And know that I am sending you my very best wishes during a very tough time.
I sincerely hope I have not offended anyone! Most especially, I am hoping I didn't offend Kermit and his lady friend. I would hate to cause any ill will between myself and my backyard tenants.
Lorelai, Luke (Lorelai’s boyfriend) and Emily (Lorelai’s mother) are sitting in the drawing room having drinks before dinner. Lorelai is particularly nervous about this dinner and has previously encouraged Luke to drink a lot as it helps to deal with her mother!
My visit was lovely. I had a wonderful time visiting my friend Sangeeta. (For those of you who don’t know…Sangeeta is a friend from graduate school. Her sister, Rupa, lives here with her family.) She moved into her loft about a week ago so the primary purpose of my visit was to put that interior design certificate to good use and help her create a space representative of her “transitional period!” This is the first time she has carved out her very own niche and I can’t help but think that Virginia Woolf is smiling down on her and admiring her strength and fortitude during a rather difficult time! Above is a picture of Sangeeta on the phone with her cable company. She is going to love this photo! I can not wait to hear her yell at me for posting this. Tee-hee! Below are a few photos of her new loft and a view of the mountains from her balcony.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention her very loving kitties, Isis and Athena. They are sisters and love to cuddle with one another. This type of cuddling NEVER happens at my house.
In addition to adding finishing touches to the loft we had our nails done at the BEST nail salon EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am in love with this place. Not only is it a place to get manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and massages….it is also a “lounge.” In other words, you can order wine and martinis during your treatments. Furthermore….it is completely shabby chic in style and we all know that is where I feel most at home! I brought along my Jungle Red by NARS and Karen gave me a great manicure and pedicure. If you are ever in Denver (Stapleton area) check this place out. It is called Sweet Life Nail Bar and Lounge.
Above are three photos from the Nail Bar and Lounge. We NEED one of these in San Antonio. Anyone interested in a business venture? Partner up with the local public school cosmetology programs….something to consider….
Saturday we had traditional high tea at the Brown Palace which is the oldest hotel in Denver. I chose chamomile and Sangeeta ordered her typical oolong. We shared scones, clotted cream and jam, tea sandwiches and an array of desserts. The tea is held in the lobby and it is accompanied by a piano player and a harpist. The hotel is stunning! Again…if you are ever in Denver this is a MUST! Here is a photo of the hotel lobby where tea is served.
This is a picture of our traditional tea.
Sangeet and I enjoying our tea. Hers was the chocolate version and mine was the traditional menu. 
After tea we hit a PRECIOUS boutique called Talulah Jones. I don’t have any photos but I want to mention it because I think they have an online store. (Just click on the highlighted words above.) The owner was so gracious and she had the fattest dog I have ever seen. The dog is named Mary Gertrude and she is supposedly the same breed as Toto from The Wizard of Oz. Not even close! This dog resembled a hairy pig! But she sure was sweet and what a name…I love it….Mary Gertrude!
Maximus and I.......
Sangeeta, Maximus and his mommy, Alaina........ 
Despite the “elevation disease” that plagued me the first two days (happened last time I was there), annihilating my shin on Sangeeta’s new platform bed and dropping a burning hot Kashi meal on my arm the trip was absolutely fantastic. I think I speak for both of us when I say we needed it! We needed a “no boys, girls only” weekend (with the obvious exception of Mr. Max) where we could reconnect and enjoy each others company. Not to mention it was nice to get out of town and enjoy much cooler weather. And…it has to be said…my hair looked awesome. Of course, my nose bled…..so there is something to be said for a little humidity!
Today’s daily celebration is harsh criticism and character attacks. I know you are wondering how this can possibly fall under the sub-heading of daily celebration. Hang in there with me. I promise I am going somewhere with this. I recently received a very caustic email from a person who was of once great importance to me. This person attacked my character and pushed the VERY SPECIFIC button that upsets me and hurts me most. (Great strategy on that individual’s part.) Now, to be fair, I picked the fight. Having said that, I needed to have been prepared for the retaliatory consequences. However, I never expected to hear such harsh words. The email unnerved me and I was shaken for a few hours. It was unfortunate I opened the email in Denver….but I was in the company of a dear friend who held me as I cried. I continued to mope about for a few hours. Feelings welled up in me that I had not experienced in a while. I felt angry and even projected that anger onto several individuals (silently in my head) at the Denver airport. As I waited for my airplane (which we know took several hours) I started to wonder how I could turn this situation into a positive. How could I make these bitter, angry, biting words a “daily celebration.” I kept seeing the ONE sentence in my mind. I could hear this person’s voice echoing the words in my mind. The perseveration set in and I was on the verge of tears for a long while. Two valuable things occurred to me. First, there is a large element of truth to the words of this individual….making them even more difficult to hear. Second, it is my responsibility to listen to these words and not make the same mistakes again. This person’s anger is my opportunity to better myself. Especially because I know the statement was somewhat valid. I do not plan on responding and I graciously surrender the last word. This was, perhaps, the harshest criticism of my character I have ever experienced. Given that it is my responsibility to hear the individual’s concern and work through the validity for myself. Today I celebrate criticism and it’s opportunity for my personal growth. Even ugly criticism can be made constructive criticism if we are open to it. I certainly am trying to be!
Right now I am lovin’ a book called American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. It is a fictional account which is very loosely based on the life of Laura Bush. This is the second book I have read by this author. I previously read Prep. She (yes, the author is female) has a way of drawing me in immediately. I really appreciate her writing style. And though she is a young woman I feel she is wise far beyond her years. Her observation of the human condition seems to belong to a woman who has lived a long, experienced life. I appreciate that most about her writing. It’s almost as if there is no judgment in her writing. She can write from a truly objective place and allows the reader to slip comfortably into that spot as well. I am about 150 pages in and my very favorite quote comes from the main character’s grandmother. One simple statement that hit me profoundly, “We have to make mistakes. It's how we learn compassion for others.” I am sure I will mention this book again several times before I finish it. But I already highly recommend it. (Image from http://www.curtissittenfeld.com/)
Jim: Right now this is just a job. If I advance any higher….that would make this my career. And if this were my career, I would have to throw myself in front of a train. So, really, it’s a matter of life and death. 
My next daily celebration is transition. I promised myself I wouldn't get terribly personal on this blog but I feel so strongly about my current transitional period I can't help but share. Sometimes transition is not welcome. Sometimes it is. In my case, transition was not only not welcome, it slapped me upside my head from out of nowhere. Transition came up and pushed me off a cliff into a huge body of water and then yelled out after me, "Sink or swim." Sinking seemed so easy. But swimming is what I have chosen to do. I refuse to be a helpless victim of my imposed transition and instead I am trying to embrace it. My friend, Kris, said "sometimes you just have to pull your oars in and let the river of life take you where it intends to take you." So, today, I celebrate transition. Even the transition you never saw coming, the transition you never hoped would make it's presence known. Because here's the beauty....transition is consistent. (I love that.) You can count on it. (I love that, too.) And if you refuse to be a slave to it really beautiful things can unfold. In the last few weeks I have met some fantastic new people, I have found my voice, I have given serious thought to some old habits, I have sat down to tea with some of my demons and I really feel like I am taking it one day at a time. Sure, surrendering my mental calendars and timelines has been uncomfortable for me. However there has been real beauty in not knowing what day it is, what my plans are for tomorrow and how many hours/minutes before I get to leave work. I love what this transitional phase has forced me to face. And in staring this transition straight in the face I have felt a sense of calmness and have been able to be open to the grace of others. The ladies from Steel Magnolias said it best, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger!"
The next few photos are a tad racy. Let's say it takes this blog from PG-13 to R! But all in the name of art.....so it's okay! I purchased this nude sketch in Round Top. I had been looking for a nude sketch for a while but had not found any....anywhere! I have a nude painting in my downstairs bathroom and picked up a tiny nude sketch last time I was in Austin. But I was looking for something pretty old and weathered. I found this in a SEA of framed art. My friends immediately looked at her with disdain. They said she freaked them out and she looked like a hairy monster. Now.....a 10 week class at Southwest School of Art and Craft does not an expert make...but I learned enough to know the artist was using "line" to create "form" and "mass." Thus all the lines....but I in no way think they represent hair in the "Bigfoot" sense. I have taken a close up as well as a photo of the entire piece framed. It has suffered some water damage. For now I am going to leave it as is. But I might try to have it re-framed and restored at some point. It is dated 1966 and signed but I can not make out the name of the artist. I hung her in the bathroom with the rest of my nudes. And yes, another collection has been born.
I love the expression on her face. This woman has seen 40-50 years of life and has loved it. It hasn't always been easy but she is proud of herself. She is comfortable with her aging body and values each wrinkle as a sign that she has lived. She isn't American. She is French or Italian. She lives in a small village and she drinks wine with every meal. Her flat is eclectic and she has books all over her apartment and none of her furniture matches. She isn't married and she never has been. But she has loved many men and they have all fallen to their knees before her. I love that she is living in my home now! She is an inspiration.
