The Tune Train

Tonight, we went to see Jill Jack perform at a furniture store. It was such a good time, and the music was great.

Tonight, more than any other night, I really noticed how great Jill and her band are. But beyond that, I felt like I was riding on a train through my mind... fueled by the music.

Certain tunes make me think of certain things. Tonight, I found myself enjoying thoughts about my childhood, elementary school, college and post-college.

In the mid- and late 80s, I found myself naturally gravitating towards musicians and artists. At the time, I was doing a lot of writing, and these people were my brethren. We were a breed apart from everyone else, and loved it.

Sheryl and I talked to Jill a little tonight, and it sparked those memories. I was reminded of the feelings and people that I had met at the time. And the stories. My stories, their stories, our stories.

We all had dreams. And I believe we still do.

I love my life. I love where I am at in my life, and I am tickled to have been so blessed. But I gotta say... I miss a lot of the stuff that happened in those days. I miss the camaraderie, the conversations, the eclectivity.

When I listened to Jill tonight, or when I listen to Wilco, or Stewart Francke, I am able to jump the train in my head and visit those times. They take me back to when I felt like an artist. Mmmm. Sweet dirty life.

Being a technical writer, my job and career is very cut and dried. There is little or no room for creativity. On occasion, the creativity I have bottled up inside me busts out like a champagne cork that must be liberated.

I think it's coming close. Better watch your eyes, because you never know where that cork is gonna fly to...

So Jill, Stewart, and Wilco... if you're out there reading this, thanks for allowing me to hop the train. Jill, as usual, it was another wonderful show. Thanks for helping me tap into those long ago dreams... they are warm comfort... a happy buzz in mid-life.