i spent much of this morning trying to describe my feelings about what's happening in london. but there aren't enough words.
dale earnhardt jr. jr.
dale earnhardt jr. jr. was one of those bands that my friend scott and i just happened upon. we had gotten ice cream and gone in search of shade and standing all the way at the back--barely able to see them--just beneath the trees i fell in love during the course of this song.
and it was one of my very favorites of all of the festival.
i do apologize if you all get tired of hearing me talk about music and lollapalooza this weekend. i humbly beg your forgiveness. it's just that it's what's on my mind.
lessons from lollapalooza.











i started to get really blue last night. and this was more than your average sunday-night-blues. this was an intense feeling of not wanting to return. not-wanting-to-return-to-the-real-world-blues. these past few days have been so very good to me--good for me. and i am aware that some of what transpired will never be spoken aloud (words only go so far, you know?) and most of what transpired will be left in chicago frozen in some glorious moment in time. but i also thought, some of what made these past few days so wonderful could certainly be introduced into my real-world-life, no? so what i offer below are my lessons from lollapalooza:
1. sometimes a morning mimosa is the only way to begin a day, lattes be damed! or heck, have them both if you so fancy.
2. an umbrella is a versatile thing.
3. there's a fine line between looking ridiculous and looking unbelievably cool. it's a confidence thing.
4. it's okay to flirt, to not give a damn, to eat whatever you want. (all three in moderation, of course).
5. when the sky opens up, dance. and laugh--laugh, a lot. (and if you're so lucky that music is playing, do sing along, won't you).
6. people in restaurants, on the train, even those standing three feet away from you for the three hours leading up to local natives--it's okay to talk to them. they won't bite. and heaven help me, a smile goes a long way.
7. a twenty-dollar dress can be a girl's best friend.
8. the really good stuff, music or not--everyone will stop to listen.
9. you have to show up. because it's when you least expect it that you find yourself at the very best concert.
lolla update.
i didn't bring my camera to lollapalooza. i didn't want to worry about it. didn't want it getting in the way of enjoying some really great music. so, alas, i don't have pictures to offer you. but i found this video which is a fantastic audio version of one of my favorite songs from day one (not sure what's going on with the visual--it's not an image from yesterday).
i adore the mountain goats and this song is one of my favorites:
there's so much more i want to share. foster the people and bright eyes and the vaccines. but i suppose i shouldn't spill all my beans at once. and i really should get ready for the day ahead. so...
ok.
visiting chicago.
funny how you don't always know just how much you need a little vacation until the moment is upon you.
i've done a bit of traveling this summer--quick trips to boston and connecticut, even taking on the city as a tourist upon the visit of my mother.
but there is something about this vacation--these few days in chicago--that is entirely selfish. entirely for me. {and sometimes that's important}.
it all happened because at a family dinner just days before christmas last year i mentioned a band. and my brother mentioned liking them. so i bought tickets--got him a christmas gift. and we saw a show. and it was love. and i was in love with live music.
so i saw another show. and another. became that person always in search of the next great harmonic high. and then i got a ticket for lollapalooza. by myself. and a year ago this never would have happened.
and that's kinda what this trip is about: vacation and rest and really great music, but also that i'm doing what i couldn't have done one year ago.
life changes and it gets better.
and you wake one morning and the oatmeal you've ordered with blueberries and toasted almonds and brown sugar is better than any donut you've ever had in your life.
{well, okay, almost better}.
