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The other day, I heard the tiny little snippet in “Romeo & Juliet” and it set me off to find the mix that has the deliciously evil-deranged-codependent-angry song “I Would Die For you” by Garbage.

The next song happens to be “Kiss You All Over” by Exile which led to finding “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol.

In the meantime, the mix also is home to Joe Cocker’s “Feeling Alright” and that led to “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” by the Rolling Stones. (*sigh* I miss Instrument)

Anyway, it reminded me how caught up I have been in audio books – it’s time for some music!!   

And $60 later, I’ve been locked out of heaven calling Maybe while getting on the floor (dale!) with somebody that I used to know.

Feelin' Alright?!?!

I know that some of you are waiting with baited breath to see what I write (Hello Avon, CT!)....

I took a mini road trip Friday and as always, it generated a mass of laughs in a very short time period. The joke timetable may have been accelerated due to the fact that I was given coffee AND cotton candy after I arrived…BTW, you can use the cotton candy holder as a unicorn horn…

After a yummy dinner of scallop scampi (thanks Stellen!), we headed to the Instrument show. They played well – the other band just had many more (and way louder) fans….it was good to see them perform even though the music has changed…..could not resist bouncing a bit to “I Still Love You” despite an injured foot…

There are a few things about the evening that I will leave un-blogged (Avon, CT – all the good stuff is written down in my journals).

One tidbit for aspiring musicians…..having the entire band wear black clothing against a black stage backing is not really the best wardrobe choice...especially the drummer since he is the closest to the backdrop…..they all blend right in…...

The next day was a planned hike – unfortunately a combo of excitement and loggers with chainsaws set us off on the wrong trail. After consulting the trusty GPS, we had a “Oh look a trail blaze!” moment…..turned out to be a very well marked property. Bushwacking for an hour will aggravate any foot injury, so we packed it in and I headed home.

Funny enough, I still got a prize for taking the trip - A new-to-me mountain bike!! (Thank you!!) There will be an expansion of the nature adventures…I will be able to ride past snakes and not have to worry about them getting too close!

The good vibe continued for the rest of the weekend – nice dinner on Saturday and Sunday was just a rainy snuggly day (even included Pony while we watched a few movies)….a girl could not ask for more….

Snip, Snip, Stick....

This past weekend involved a quest for a car mirror after the garage doorway reminded me who is in charge, three adorable weenie dogs and a bunch of fresh air. When greeted with a monsoon on Monday, I decided to hunker down and be a bit creative....

Instrument and Pony got their own pages.....I also scrapped the big events of the first part of 2009 - VT ski trip, TGHH, East Side Restaurant, Virginia....and even Delavegas ......it was done very...umm...tastefully....

Live Instrument....

Just when I was in withdrawl....I get to see Instrument! (now if only I could go back in time and hear then jam with Black Mountain Symphony last weekend....Feelin' All Right....)




Hey Destruction!!! (Yeah, it wasn't funny for anyone else in Dela-vegas, but it still cracks me up....)

Jam On It...

I couldn't not go....I happen to be home, there was some subtle encouragement that fun would be had if I showed up.....and I was set to pay off the bet that I lost.

I want to have fun.....I don't mind doing stuff for others as long as I get to have fun to balance out the adult stuff!

NJ Round Trip...

I felt like the phrase "My dance card is full" should have been used. Everything got set up and the schedule was tight but I made it! Plus I didn't have that horrible feeling that I had not been able to make it a decent visit. (some people didn't get to see me-I knew the schedules would not mesh)

I had dinner at one of my favorite Thai Places, busted out an innapropriate comment almost immediately, realized that the phrase did not translate well, ate some INCREDIBLE food (I handled the spicy, spicy goodness) and we had some amusing chats. According to M-O-M, I came back totally enthused and just talked and talked and talked. (shocker)

I got to spend M-O-M's birthday with her and make what would have been a regular day a bit more special. And I impressed myself with the lunch I made. (it presents very well and looks fancy but is easy to make!)

I traveled into NYC and had drinks with another friend - rounding it out to be a very Latvian visit! We drank some fall-appropriate pumpkin beers before I hoofed it down a few blocks to see Instrument play. The timing just worked and I got to spend some time with the boys before making the trek home.

Lots of fun packed into a day and a half.....

Corsets, Spankings and Pony!

True to form, when a certain group of people gets together, silliness ensues. We had an import from Belgium to play with as well. Her presence also brought two other friends that we haven’t seen in a while to the mix.

Black Mountain Symphony opened and they were good - not as great as my beloved Instrument (oh, I’m biased, I know).

Instrument brought back “Run Around Sue” from the vaults – I have not heard them play it since their second show ever (my first time seeing them). Both bands took the stage for an extended jam at the end of the night - the high point of the evening!

Couple of amusing sequences from last night:

I needed a quick consult to interpret a text that received. Huddled in the corner with two friends, we were joined by someone who had their own question to be answered. He then utters the phrase "You can't put it there unless you're a friend!" Absolutely hysterical and took the edge off the seriousness of the chat.

Meeting someone who says “You do not get to pull the "weird name" stuff with me!” because their name was unique as well. Turns out they have a Pony connection!

My corset came out play and I got some comments came from people that I did not expect them from – interesting, very, very interesting.

One side note - Maybe I've been spoiled by the new friend hugs, but I refuse to accept crappy one armed hugs – contested a bit vehemently last night, but eh, what can one do – I wanted a decent hug.

Harmony....

Last night was like one big hug from start to finish.

Pony? Check.
Impromptu Uconn cheer? Check.
Singers razzing drummers? Check.
Drummers who turn around and dish it right back at the singers? Check.
White sneaker retirement? Check
Hoofing it back to the bar to share our joy at the white sneaker retirement? Double Check.

I was so happy to be with friends and be able to bounce around a bit. Plus being reunited with Pony helped.

I definitely missed seeing Instrument play live. It’s part of my being – I like live music. I like mash ups – I like it when the band changes things in the songs. I love the fact that certain guitar harmonies give me goosebumps.

Live music just has a different feel to it - I prefer the acoustic version of “Letter”. Even though I got a shout out/busted for singing along during “Invincible”, I could not keep the smile off of my face.

And my own personal ray of sunshine got a big dose of the truth early this morning. Some things that I had been avoiding saying because I knew that they would hurt. The chat ended with “Anyone who stifles you should die, you don’t need any more friends.” Ironic that the person that was the last exception to that statement ended up being one of my best friends.

Just as I needed my friends last night, I also needed that chat.

WWTD?

I’ve been channeling my energy for mostly good….only some evil. I’ve been hashing out/organizing my marketing ideas for Instrument and staying true to the mantra of “What Would Tool Do?”

Still need to get the venues in order though – I’m ready for another road trip. (have to fulfill my quota of hottie attorneys and the shenanigans that they bring)

The intent is not to clobber Instrument with the marketing ideas – just share what else can be done now. There are more ideas but the "iron fist in the velvet glove" only strikes once a day...

I Have A Heart On....

This was my last show for a while – there aren’t any shows that really fit into my schedule – plus my other friends have been neglected….oddly enough it’s all balancing out.

Friday night’s venue was not what I expected – at all. I was already feeling iffy about the place while in the parking lot and then I was told to get my ass inside – by a stranger – classy. Not my scene – I can adapt to most environments, but this place easily could have been a clip out of Blues Brothers – the band plays in the cage and has bottles thrown at them.

Two bikers walked in arguing – they stood at the bar next to me – continuing to argue. Full on yelling at each other and the bartender would not serve them until they calmed down – they didn’t, but at least they went outside. For ten minutes. And then they were back. Umm, trying to watch and listen here guys….and I know that you don't want to buy a CD/sign the mailing list......I have no desire to be near a bar fight! It happened twice – not cool.

So, besides the bikers......."The Truth Is" has a new bridge (I liked it), the lead singer has a new tattoo which takes a five minutes to read, the bartender was nice (she made a new friend – I think that they will be happy together) and I am happy that we didn't traumitize anyone in Dela-Vegas.....

Get Your Own Instrument!!!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Instrument's album is now available on CD Baby!!

Go here – Take the link – Take it!!!

http://cdbaby.com/cd/instrument

(ok, I really had to refrain from saying “Take it, Bitch!” *snicker*)

Four distinct musical backgrounds blend elements of folk, pop, and rock to unveil something unique, honest and inspiring tracks.

Recommended if you like - The Cure, Wilco, Coldplay

And after being asked on Saturday “You know all the words?’ (umm, mostly!) - I love the fact that they included – “The four members of "Instrument" will keep playing and touring until everyone is singing along.”

I do heart my Instrument, I really, really do!

Subtle Signs....

"Hi, I'm In....Delaware"

Life is just way too short - I was just bound and determined to have a good time! (and I did and it was good) There was so much that went on – all crammed into 48 hours – I am still processing it – so, I offer a recap.

Biggest Difference From a Regular Show: We actually got to hang out with ALL the band boys instead of everyone going their separate ways at the end of the night. (made for some very interesting conversations)

Bounciest Moments:
1. Doing a “Booty, Booty, Booty, Rockin’ Everywhere” dance behind someone every time they tried to use the mirror. (I like the new haircut, it definitely helps me channel my sassyness.)
2. Not being able to sit still during dinner – listening to a steel drum band and being out of the car just made me want to dance - I was bouncing in my chair for most of the meal.
3. Dancing to Da Rezarekt despite the fact that they heckled us a bit “We ain’t got no merch table – we ain’t got no merch girls!!”

My Most Overused Phrase of the Weekend: “Plausible Deniability”

Most Repeated Phrases in 10 Minute Time Frames:
1. Shut up, (insert my name here)!
2. Dude, your eyes are so bloodshot!
3. That’s unsanitary!
4. Hey Destruction! (yes, the joke is now officially dead)
5. That was not a proper lick! (leading to the Great Lick Debate)

Definition Moment: “So, which one’s your old man? “ None of them! “So, you’re a groupie!” No, a fan and a friend!! If they sucked, do you think we would drive down here to see them? “Hmm, ok, let’s get another drink!”

Social Moments:
1. Hey, White Pick Up Truck Guy!! Whatcha doing? (10 mins later) Are you still there White Pick Up Truck Guy? Come up here and hang out with us! (20 mins later) Hey, White Pick Up Truck Guy – wanna be my friend on FB?
2. Participating in the bachelor and bachelorette party’s “Non-Scavenger Hunt Scavenger Hunt” – two of us have an oral contract with B-Dizzle to hunt down a bra for him otherwise we are not allowed back in the state.
3. (to be read in full-on gush mode) You have a HIM tattoo!?!? What’s your favorite song?

Funnier Moments:
1. Liberating seashells – I had too many floating around my place, so there are now Jersey Shore seashells in the surf in Dewey Beach, DE.
2. Trying to get 6 people through a sliding glass door before someone puked out on the balcony.
3. One guitar player finally submitting to hugs only to be licked. *snicker* We broke him!

Oddest(?) Moment: Talking to one brother and getting spanked by the other one…

Public Apology Moment:
1. Sorry for the flash - you know that he would drop his drawers and show you himself if you were in NC!
2. The Kick Heard Round Vermont – I still feel bad and I will always feel bad about it.

Most Band-ish Moment: Instead of returning to the after-party with rope, they came back with guitars and started to play. No need for a pick, use a Hennessey bottle!

Moral Compass Moment: Mine has not moved – I’ll have fun and run around with you to a certain point, but I do not and will not trade family members.

“Deer Caught in Headlights” Moment: You really, really surprised me twice.

We got back to the hotel and the birds were singing but at least I was able to get a few hours of sleep before we got back on the road!

Musical Weekend – Part 2 - Instrument @ Uconn

My partner in crime and I volunteered to go to campus early and hand out flyers about Instrument playing later that day. Quite the trip being back on campus during Spring Weekend. We got invited to party at X-lot a few times, were asked to rate the guys in the band and made some new friends too.

I was told that I’m cute when bulldozing – ah, part of my charm. I am so used to attending events where I am representing an organization and know noone, that my “Hi, nice to meet you” side kicks into overdrive. And I am pretty good with making up soundbites on the fly.

It was also interesting to check out the veal – I don’t remember the boys being as cut or having as much ink when I was in school!!! We may have used someone’s camera to check out a tattoo in close detail…..Come on, I couldn’t interrupt the volleyball game!!

Despite the sunburn twinges and being rather tired, we were going to stay in the area and see some friends. But we both just ran out of steam. Kaput. Done. Time to make the trek home!

Hey Destruction!

Yeah you, Destruction! I'm calling your name!! Yup, there was lots of hyper energy running through the air last night - my Partner in Crime and I were totally feeding off of each other’s vibes.

Driving past the exit for my alma mater, I saw two cop cars, three kids sitting on a guard rail and a K-9 unit wagging it’s tail in the trunk of their car. That is going to be one hell of a call to their parents…..

Noms at Shady Glen – yay for fried cheese!

The opening band was great – I loved that they took our Little Bunny Foo Foo lyric debate to the stage. I started it with a simple chat in the bar - “Hey everyone within earshot, what is the lyric – “I don’t want to see you” or “I don’t like your attitude”?”

I probably scared some people – whatever – I was there to have fun and blow off some steam. And I could have eaten both of those frat boys for breakfast. Amateurs….

w00t for Kevin and his ability to play a song based on my compliment – “I mean this in a good way, you sounded very Brett Michaels-ish during the third song!!” I wanted to take him home with me (as in hang out with him more, not the dirty side of that!) after he played a Stones song and then got two of the boys from Instrument up on stage to jam with him. “Feeling Alright” will never be the same!

Instrument was a bit out of sorts (hey, we’re all human) before they took the stage but they seemed to shake it off as they played.

Ideas were discussed, ideas were debated – it will work out in the end – we all have the same goal in mind. They know that we want to help, not take over. We have more ideas - our creative sides haven’t really been inspired like this for a while.

Idea Rush!!!

Floodgates are open…..

Creativity is flowing…..

Awesome to continue to bounce ideas off of a kindred spirit…..

No boundaries to constrict us…

Oh, you have no idea what you have given us free reign to do!!

We are a Force of Nature.....

All Grown Up…

It’s amazing to see how “Still Love You” has progressed from it’s original public debut in Boston – some lyrics and a catchy tune to the awesome song that it is now – the feel good song of the night that has the crowd on it’s feet and sharing in the performance high that the band has.

No wonder it's my favorite song - it always makes me smile.….