Oh the partisan said "there are photos in your head I want to know what they are" - Swan Lake

It's strange how I always feel I am a mixture of optimism and pessimism. I feel things aren't so bad and have the opportunity to get better. I feel I'm going no where in my life. At blinding speed. I wonder if I’m easily contented or just have no drive to do anything, really. When I do make any small advancement I don’t seem to capitalize on them to go further.

I want drive.

I want to achieve.

I want to stop floating.

Enough self conscious rambling for a blog post?

I am excited about things. I’m going to Toronto at the end of the month to see what is likely to be the last Rheostatics concert at Massey Hall. As it stands I’ll probably arrive home on my birthday and throw the third annual Feast of Beardo. I have an Australian Shiraz for a red wine and a Sauvignon Blanc for a white on the go right now.

I’ve got a laptop now so I’ll likely start posting here again. I’ll award a yet to be determined prize to the first friend who leaves a comment on this post.

Summer's over and the last few seconds weren't so bad 22 degrees and the stereo upstairs is nice and loud - Greg MacPherson

Today is wine bottling day. It is a white wine called Symphony. It's a better kit than I usually do and takes longer than a month. My dad has made this a few times and for an off dry white, it's damn lovely. I figure the wine will be flowing sometime post 5:00 pm. Come visit if you know me well enough to know where I live.

I'll be heading to the North End Pub later in the evening.

Greg MacPherson was excellent last night. Glen and Lachie did a great job backing him up on a bunch of songs. Still think its awesome that musicians I think are great will come over to me to say hello.

Somewhere it's August in the evening That's where you'll find me changing seasons -Blinker the Star

I'm sick this weekend. My throat feels pretty terrible. I tried hot toddies last night but it really didn't help at all. After a few my throat felt worse. So much for trying to have a few drinks while aiding my health.

Brutalize the Dancefloor had its first jam last night. We only had four Casios going but it was a really full sound. It'll be interesting when we get everyone together. Sort of have two songs in the making right now. I think we need to make the second one more dancy though. This will be my first band. I'm pretty excited about this. (Coming soon to a $Rockin' 4 Dollar$ near you, provided you are in Halifax).

Already it is August and there are still so many things I want to do. Like an actual camping trip. Hopefully to my favourite place, Pollett's Cove. September may be a good time to do that. Also, I have to organize a formal picnic. When browsing a book of art by Monet I saw paintings of people in nice dress having a picnic and thought it we be fun to do with a group of people here in Halifax. I will have to figure out a date and a good place for a picnic. My suits need dry cleaning as well.

I don't have no answers I don't have no clue. I'm turning round and tumbling down and fading out of view - The Unintended

Why hello inquisitive visitor. Were you hoping to find out something about me? What I was up to? What is on my mind? Maybe a funny anecdote? You could call me, or drop by my place and see if I want to hang out. Send an e-mail or even a letter. Wouldn't that be lovely? Maybe I'll take my own advice and drop by and visit you or get your number and give you a call. Might be nicer than this silly internet thing.


Please leave a message after the beep

*BEEP*

Someday they'll lock the gate And your crescent moon will fall. Who will help you to your feet? Who'll say "Don't give up" again? - Rheostatics

This should be a fun weekend.

Tonight is An Evening with Dave Bidini at Ginger's. Dave of course is a member of my favourite band ever, Rheostatics. He will be doing some readings from his writing projects and hopefully some stories of his recent international travels. The future of Rheostatics is uncertain at the moment as Tim Vesely has left the band and Dave and Martin are deciding if the will continue under the name that's about the same age as I am. Alfred asked me the other day if I was more excited about getting to drink Granite's Peculiar or seeing Bidini. I stopped a moment before saying Bidini, as I do love that beer.

Tomorrow night is a Stage Nine night as Spincycle², HotShotRobot and Joyless Streets are playing. Hopefully lots of people will be out to party and rock out. Haven't seen the Joyless Streets yet but HSR and S^2 are amongst my favourite Halifax bands/people.

Sunday night is Geoff Berner, again at Ginger's, which I can assure you will be awesome. He's playing as part of the Jazz festival but he's some strange, wonderful conglomeration of klezmer, punk, intelligence and drunkenness. Of course I will be enjoying more tasty, tasty Peculiar. GO SEE THIS!

Also, some soccerin' is going down Saturday. It should be starting at 4:00 apparently. We'll be somewhere on the Commons. Come and play.

A mossy bed Is where my love is led Thirst quenched and city life unlearned - Old Man Luedecke

I guess I should post something again.

I could talk about what I did last night.
I went to the One World to see Broken Deer (or Deer Folklore?) and Scribbler (on acoustic guitars). It was really great and a nice start up for the night. Alfred and Bryce met up with me there. We stopped and visited Dale for a bit before going tot Hell's Kitchen. We arrived with Oh, Beautiful! Majestic! Eagle! already playing. I believe I have already mentioned my appreciation for this band. Definitely one of my favourite local bands at the moment. Shapes and Cymbals were up next. They had a different formation then previous performances I've seen. Ali wasn't playing the drums. Instead they had three tables set up with assorted toys and they had tambourines and other percussive tools at their feet. It was really great to see them again. The Sleepless Nights ended the night. They were using borrowed gear as Godwin is still stuck in Ontario with their van and gear. This lead to some technical difficulties but they played really well and the crowd definitely enjoyed their set. Bryce, Alfred and I then headed to Freeman's for late night food. On the way we decided on making a movie that starts with a quote I make often. "If I die in Halifax it will be by a taxi driver." It will have a great Halifax soundtrack. We ended up not working on the story any further at Freeman's but instead had our usual random conversations about music and our lives.

I could talk about next weekend.
I hope to get the time off to go to the annual Jackson/Lionais lobster boil. I don't eat lobster but its always a great time. The Jacksons have a great little place on a beach in Ingonish. I'll hopefully get to camp there and fall asleep and wake up to the ocean lapping on the sand. My New Year's resolutions included visiting Cape Breton more often and getting outdoors more. Hopefully this trip will accomplish some of this.

I could talk about what's on my mind.
I've been thinking a lot about those things I want to accomplish to improve my life. I'm generally a content person but there are some holes in my life. I have a feeling at least one should be easier to fill then I let on. If I were more confident about myself, stopped second guessing myself and didn't think myself out of taking actions. Thought is often the killer of action. Especially with me.

Is that enough for now? If not contact me. We can hangout or if distance prevents engage some other form of communication. The rain is letting up now so I may try and go get a new batch of wine started. I'm thinking of maybe doing a white.

Rebel radios will broadcast dreams On the short wave dials I fell asleep - Wooden Stars

I need to learn an instrument. Any good suggestions? I would prefer to avoid guitar/bass/drums.