End o' Week Musings

It's been an odd week, a combination of fast and slow, too much excitement and too much boredom.

Saturday was a long day. It began at Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale with my Renaissaince Faire classes. The teacher for the session I wanted was either way late or not coming at all, so I took some other courses that I had planned for a different day. After "school" I went to my guild's hooch for our practice. It was fun because we stood and played and then we walked around playing so we could be ready for our parades.

I went home, took a short nap and then changed into some going out duds. Ric, my drummer, came by and we were off to the Fox Theatre in Pomona for Girl Talk. We didn't catch the first opening act, but the next one was Max Tundra. It was funny and quite good, as Max looks like the guy you'd see at the end of the bar on karaoke night. He didn't just spin music, but he also sang, danced and played an assortment of instruments. It was very high-paced and a unique way for him to showcase his talents.

We got to meet Max after the show and he told me that he plays around 10 different instruments and wants to learn more. I told him that I enjoyed his show and would like to see him again ... and I meant it. If you see Max Tundra on the bill, you've got to check him out~ he works so hard to entertain and is very enjoyable and danceable.

Girl Talk was amazing as always. He began his set with Black Sabbath's "War Pigs," which got the crowd singing, from there it was a nonstop mix of beats and classic tunes layered with the popular music of the day. Girl Talk has an unbelievable repertoire and the talent to mix the unexpected with style. What I would give to sit and talk music with him and to try to find out how his brain works-- what a catalog he must have in his head!

Sunday it was pouring rain. My classes were canceled, so I slept in and then went to the grocery store before taking on my sewing. I was determined to finish all my Faire clothes and aside from a little bit of trim, was successful.

Monday my special guy called to ask me to spend the afternoon with him. We had barely hung up the phone when there was a huge craaaack of thunder and a sudden downpour of rain. I thought our plans might be sunk, but still hit the shower and slowly began getting ready. The rain stopped by the time my guy was at my door and we went out to do some shopping and have dinner. During dinner, the rain came back, but we still enjoyed the evening hanging out together.

Tuesday was fun because Mike Davis (Dramarama, Halford) came in to my office for our photo shoot. As you may recall, we are doing a dining review column together with Mike sharing his chef's expertise, while I give my thoughts as the average diner. We worked with photographer Keith Birmingham for several different poses, some included me holding a big spoon. The shots turned out really good-- I think it helped that both Mike and I are used to having our photos taken and we're friend so we were comfortable. Hopefully our writing will be as good as our as pictures!

Wednesday I interviewed Susan James and Susie Glaze, both wonderful female musicians with lovely voices. Watch for their stories coming up at http://www.sgvn.com/ and http://www.pasadenascene.com/

Yesterday I went back to my pain specialist for a checkup. I've been feeling a lot better lately and have been able to sleep the night through finally. She insisted on giving me a shot to ease any pain I had and unfortunately by afternoon I was hurting more. I still went to dance class and forced myself to work through the discomfort. I tried to do some work at home later, but had to lay down with my heating pad. I'm still achy today... darn!

Tomorrow will be a big day. I will be dancing with my swords at the Altadena Community Music and Arts Festival at Farnsworth Park. The event is noon- 9 p.m. , I go on with a bunch of drummers at 5:45 p.m. It's free and you're welcome to bring a picnic. There's barbecues and covered picnic areas at the park. If it rains, everything will be inside the big recreation center- I think it has two floors, so you can keep dry and still have lots of fun. For more info on the park, visit http://www.parks.lacounty.gov/

Also tomorrow there will be the final barbecue at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World on Lake Avenue in Altadena. Drop by any time 3-9 p.m. to chat and eat. Please bring a pot luck dish to share. It's free. Visit http://www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com/

Both events are quite close to each other, so you can easily go to both or go back and forth.

The following Saturday, April 2, is the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade queen tryouts. I've posted info on my blog. Entries are still being accepted for the parade too, which is April 30. Find out all you need to know at http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info/

In rotation this week: The 69 Eyes, Stryper, Lydia Salnikova, Monster in the Machine, Brendan James and Tony Bennett.

Photos we got 'em: A few pet pix from the Web and one of me by Byron Spearman (Can you say "Mickies in the sky with beads"?)

Thought o' the week: Relish it. I'm not talking about hot dogs or hamburgers, I'm talking about life and the thing that gets your passion going. Perhaps it's something creative like music, art, dance, etc., but it can also be following the stocks, watching sports or sitting with a cup of tea and watching the rain fall. Whatever your "thing," take the time to really savor it. Absorb every part of what makes it special and important to you. Think over why it is such a vital part of your life and what difference your involvement makes in the world.

If you can't connect with this or it seems a little overboard for something small, then take some time to think about where you stand in the big scheme of things and what is it that keeps you going. Life is too short to let the good things slip by, relish them and

Keep on rockin'

Mickie