April 24, 2015

Up early and I still really didn’t get much packed.  I’m going to a Hips show…jeans and a Tshirt.  I’m not that fancy dresser, which is why my pant suit for December's show was a big deal to me. School was interesting.. playing a card game with a kid with Apserger’s and then trying to explain the rules when there is disagreement…so we switched to Farkle, which was an absolute blast.  Many dry jokes made and two games lost by me; it was so worth it.

After work, I headed straight out to San Rafael via a new direction and I saw, quite probably, the most incredible thing I have seen in a long time.  A Cadillac which was lifted and most probably had hydraulics, it had been converted into a funky convertible top and a black woman with one hell of a hairdo was driving.  I really wanted to meet her because I bet your ass this was one hell of a woman.  The Richmond Bridge has never been explored by me, and I saw a beautiful new area for discoveries.  These are areas I wish I had someone to explore with…I’ll grab my kids and the bus and make this a reality.

Pulled into San Rafael, and was ready for dinner, I found a little Mexican taqueria nearby, and while good, it wasn’t something I’ll go back for..except for maybe nachos..I should try those tonight.  I started my walk to Terrapin and stopped off  for gum.  Had an incredible conversation with the Mexican man there – what a kickass attitude he had.  I started my walk and a man in a white Honda, which had pulled into a driveway, pulled up an inch or two to let me pass…then he followed me and asked if I wanted to go for a ride.  Really?  Do I look like a hooker, in my jeans, cardigan and Converse shoes? He hung around for a bit, but when he saw I wasn’t biting, he took off.  I want to state here that I am extremely careful and aware of my surroundings when I walk:  I notice suspicious activity and walk with the utmost of confidence.  If anything where to happen, I’d burst into “If I were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – no one ever seems to want to hear me sing, so I assume this a great deterrent.

Once there, I found my place in a seat against the back wall by the merch booth.  My back was hurting badly and I know Converse isn’t known for terrific foot support.  I felt horribly alone and starting kicking myself for doing this yet again, but this is all something I’ve done to myself.  My thought process is as such:  I felt horribly alone in the last years of marriage (about 8 years ago).  I felt horribly alone with the SoulMate, because he could not/would not follow his heart…I felt horribly alone with the man who was also terribly alone and tried to make something work which never would.  The bottom line is this:  “Relinquish outward attachments and affirm Divine freedom within.”  This is why I am on my trek to Be OK With Myself.  Seriously.  

I met the most wonderful woman at Terrapin.  She sat in the back with her husband and when I moved my chair to the other side of the table  (next to her – it was getting too crowded  by the booth), we started talking.  She is One of the Originals – she was at Woodstock, lived in Manhattan in the 60s and saw sooo many bands. Her name was Maryann and it was such a treat talking with her.  A petite little angel whom I hope to run into again someday.  I have gotten to know so many of these people who experienced music in the 60s and 70s – when legendary artists played for free because it wasn’t about profit, it was about Music.  It was an era that shall never be recaptured and I am grateful to hear these stories.  After the show (it had started raining), I walked back to the hotel, relishing the moisture and walking further to see if I could grab a bit to eat.  Another white car stopped for me (What the hell??!!) and then moved along.  I finally got back to my room, peeling the wet shoes and pants from my body.  Glorious day.

Pictures: Terrapin Crossroads; I wonder if this is the woman in the Caddy; Richmond Bridge; A snippet from "Mountain Time"...gawd, these guys rock.