He was playing last night from 9pm-11pm. I've always wanted to see him in concert, been listening to his music for quite some time. Last night was the night. We are celebrating the Westobou Festival. The Westo Indians called the Savannah River the Westobou, hence the source from which our festival name derives it's title. The concert was held at Arts In The Heart of Augusta, which is in conjunction with our Westobou Festival. My youngest son and his girlfriend came along, along with my friend.
I'd decided that I'm tired of going to work every day, coming home and vegging out, then going to work again the next day, only to come home and veg out again. I'm tired of existing and not living. My "friend" as mentioned above, is the ex whom I moved away from, a few months back. Everything, during our relationship, was always about his life. And he had no interest in mine, nor of what I might desire to live, beyond his own life.
A few months ago, I went on my first canoe trip... solo. It was wonderful, it was awesome! I had determined that I was going to attend the Shawn Mullins concert, as well, whether he came along, or not. I even invited my son along, but my intention was to just "be there", to hear the man sing. Nothin's gonna hold me back anymore. The concert was very nice. He started smack on time. So on time, that I found myself still off at a vendor's tent, buying tacos, when he first came on stage. It was ok, though, because he played on for nearly the two hours that he was scheduled to play. He probably only cut 15 minutes off, meaning no "encore" But this was only because of a little rain that had started to fall, and a cogillion people who might have to scramble for their cars, an outdoor event, with no cover to protect from the rain. I finally got to hear him sing Lullabye... and Shimmer... and a whole bunch more soulful songs. For me, it was more than a simple concert. It was part of my new freedom, on the road to regaining myself. Maybe even to recognizing myself, and acknowledging my existence.
Now, lets' talk further about all this unfolding stuff. Like Tosca.
I happen to love opera. Know very little about it, but love it all the same. I really don't know anybody else who does, however. Not in my life, at least. But, recently a new acquaintance told me that the Metropolitan Opera is being shown "live" at a local movie theatre. I was told that it was even better than being there. For one thing, lol, the cost is only $22.00 (although I've read, just today, that some places show it for free... say, like in a town square in a really big city?). It's in HD, and you get to see the behind the scenes stuff that you aren't about to see, at the Met. And, of course, there are no bad seats! He said, "I can't understand a thing they're saying!" I can't either... but, opera is something that I "feel"... just like most of the music I listen to. It doesn't have to register in my brain, it just has to vibrate in my body, touch my heart & soul. And it does. Well, as soon as I found out this news, it took me exactly one day to go online and purchase my very first ticket to the Met. I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself. I'm a little worried that it runs for 3 hours and 35 minutes, but I assume this is necessary for set changes, and perhaps intermission? I'm wondering, will khaki pants be ok? And will they be serving popcorn??? ... or wine???
For the first time in my life, I'm not afraid of being alone. Ok, I lie. But it sure feels nice to be free. Ok, somewhat free. Most importantly, it feels awesome "learning to fly."
Be free. It costs nothing but a commitment to oneself.
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