End o' Week Musings

Aha! you say, I know why she's blogging her weekly story early... If you guess the NAMM Show in Anaheim this week, you're right. I will be out there tomorrow and all weekend getting the latest on all the cool gear companies are making, talking with business owners and rubbing shoulders with musicians- woo hoo!

It sounds fun, but it's a lot of work too, as I have to come back with stories for my editors. And there's lots of walking, talking and people, which can be tiring... but I wouldn't miss it!

Last Saturday I interviewed Altadena artist Debi Swanson Patrick about her technique and media. I got to watch her work and was particularly charmed by her big tabby cat who got in the middle of everything she was doing to supervise. I wonder if he has any influence on her art???

In the afternoon, I trekked out to San Bernardino for my friend Rose's memorial. It was at the California Theater- a very cool, vintage spot. The memorial was really nice, as Rose's husband Jules shared photos and some of the highlights from their life together. People also got up and shared their thoughts. I think somewhere Rose is smiling to learn all the love she gave was so cherished.

My week has been fairly quiet otherwise, although my editor and I went to Pasadena last night to check out the new nightspot, Point08. It's behind Redwhite+bluezz and boasts a range of live jazz and an intriguing cocktail menu.

I tried the Devil's Kiss, a tequila concoction that had a touch of chili softened by a spread of sugar on the glass' rim. It was quite tasty and would be good with Mexican food and similar eats. I also sipped the Moscow -something, maybe Mojo?- anyway, it was a mix of vodka and ginger. The ginger is quite strong, so you don't taste the liquor, but you do get a hankering for sushi. I quipped to my editor that one of our coworkers would love this cocktail and get a buzz before she knew it even had alcohol in it!

Point08 is dark and intimate. It also has a lush upstairs that I could hide out in all evening and a sweet patio, perfect for gathering for a gabfest. It's upscale, so dress nice and take your wallet.

As I said, I'm off to NAMM tomorrow and the rest of the weekend. I will be out of the office on Monday too- recovering or finding yet more adventure!

In rotation this week: Otis Taylor, Orange Sky, Los Fabulocos, Troubadours of Divine Bliss, Katy Moffatt and Social Distortion.

Photos we got 'em: Just some cute pics from the Web- enjoy!

Thought o' the week: Just do it! Yeah, OK, so that's the Nike slogan, but it fits my frame of mind this week. I was talking with Dave Schwartz of http://www.dabelly.com/ , who asked my how my back and sciatica are, and I told him about the last visit with my pain specialist. She said she didn't think I had a big problem, as I dance, exercise and do all kinds of things, while most of her patients can barely walk.

Here's the deal- yes, I'm in pain a lot of the time, but no, I'm not going to give into it. If I stayed home and hid out every time I felt a twinge, I'd never do anything. I've also found that the more I dance, walk, exercise- just move, I feel better.

I try not to whine about it too much to my friends and co-workers, although to be honest, sometimes the pain gets me down. It's hard to keep optimistic when you hurt day after day no matter how you sit, stand, lay down or whatever. So I take some private time to feel sorry for myself and then let it go and return to conquering the world.

We all have obstacles in the way of the things we want to do. We also have a choice to give in or forge ahead. It's up to you... go on and curl up in bed with your heating pad-- I'm going out to dance!

Keep on rockin'

Mickie