Scales of Justice

This is my tipping point.

At the outset I stipulate that:

I am not a lawyer;

People who do hurt animals are despicable creatures; and

The American justice system confounds me

The other day I came across a story from Baltimore, MD about an 81-year-old great-grandmother who was arrested and spent nearly two nights in jail.  What was her crime you might ask?

Apparently months ago, two of Mary Magdalene Root's dogs got away from her home several times and she was fined $7,000 after a neighbor took photos and reported her to animal control.  Did the neighbor think to help the elderly woman at all? Talk to her first? No. Methinks there is a long-standing issue here.  But I digress...

Ms. Root could not pay the hefty fine. Upon doctor’s orders, the elderly woman could not go to court and the judge ordered the 81-year-old widow arrested and hauled into jail.

Even if …even if the dogs had been getting out, shouldn’t  authorities, family or neighbors have intervened before it got to the arrest stage? Doesn’t $7,000 seem excessive to you?

Thankfully a kind soul did intervene and paid the $250 bail but not before the woman spent time in a jail cell.

People who really do abuse animals rarely get the sentence they deserve. Hundreds pay no fine nor see any jail time…and that makes me angry!

This story gets my ire up on its own merits. But taken against some other recent national cases makes me want to scream WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY?!

In February 2014 we heard about the affluent brat named Ethan Couch who drove drunk, killed four people and would spend no time in jail.  His brazen lawyer was able to convince that judge, through a defense witness, that 'little Ethan' was too coddled to know right from wrong.  And thus an ‘affluenza’ defense was born. (Perhaps it has been used in the past but it has not received such national attention)

Recently, Army Brig. General Jeffrey Sinclair avoided jail time even though he pleaded guilty to lesser sexual assault charges.  He will forfeit a portion of four months of salary but keeps his pension and his rank. There are reports his defense team was surprised at the lenient sentence.

And let us not forget all the celebrities out there who misbehave and are a menace to society that rarely see the inside of a jail cell even after being arrested– I’m talking about you Mr. Bieber.

And don’t even get me started on the problems with three-strikes laws…

Something has got to give!

 .

Splat

Today, while walking home from the Metro I was almost hit by not one...but five vehicles...FIVE!  

What the hell is wrong with people?!?!

I was crossing a street with a lit white walk sign and actually had to stop while a metro bus and two cars made left turns.  One driver had the temerity to  flip me off.  Oh, if only his windows were down to hear my response...

It was only a year ago that an elderly woman was killed during the day crossing this intersection.  The only thing that has changed is a No Turn On Red sign on one side. 

Then about 200 yards down the road I had to cross along a crosswalk and two cars actually sped up!

It's darker at rush hour which adds to the danger.  Additionally, not everyone is as agile - they might be pushing a stroller, walking with a cane, carrying groceries from the store around the corner.  Irrespective, there should not be a competition between drivers and walkers!

So, I've contacted the County Police to see what can be done.. specifically at this intersection and along this street.  But what can be done in general to get drivers to Honor the Crosswalk?

Maybe the issue needs to be driven up the chain from schoolkids to their parents -- isn't that the path seat belt use took?

Giving Thanks!

For the past month I've read many daily What I Am Thankful For posts and I thought - lucky them! What I'm really looking forward to is the end of 2013.

But truthfully, I really do have many things to be thankful for...so I am going to create... right now a list of 28 reasons for being grateful.  No scrubbing, no editing...no second-guessing...just what pops into my head..

Here goes:

1) I am grateful for the love of my parents and the path they set me on.  The instilled in me a Do Unto Others attitude and a moral compass of right and wrong;

2) I am grateful for siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family and I love watching the next generation come into their own and have their dreams nurtured;

3) I am grateful for my health;

4) I am grateful for friends near and far who encourage me, like me, trust me and whose company I adore;

5) I am grateful for the opportunity to hear live music that fills my soul with hope and joy, and on rare occasions, allows me a cathartic cry;

6) I am grateful for other creative arts - stimulating and gripping books, movies, tv shows and plays;

7) I am grateful for my education and a life-long thirst for knowledge -- I thrive on news and current events;

8) I am grateful for a job and a team of supportive and intelligent co-workers and supervisors;

9) I am grateful for an abundance of food and a willingness to try new tastes...and wine;

10) I am grateful for a love of history -- we can't understand the present and future without an understanding and appreciation of the past.  It is a gift I received from my dad.

11) I am grateful for the ability to travel and learn about different cultures.  I prefer to experience something as a visitor, not a tourist and I get especially excited when someone asks me for directions:);

12) I am grateful for the camaraderie associated with cheering on the local team...or in my case, some Boston-area teams;

13) I am grateful for a love of animals and that I have experienced their unconditional love;

14) I am grateful for laughter -- it breaks the monotony and instantly makes me feel better;

15) I am grateful for the smell of the ocean air and fresh-cut grass, the color of leaves and being able to see stars that brighten the dark sky;

16) I am grateful for a love of the outdoors -- walking, hiking, biking, strolling along the shore, gardening etc. so many adventures have given me strength ;

17) I am grateful for the change of  seasons -- as much as I abhor cold weather these days, I really would be disappointed with uniformity;

18) I am grateful for kind neighbors -- both mine and those of my mom...the latter brings me peace of mind;

19) I am grateful for not being as caught up in material things anymore...it frees me up to enjoy simpler pleasures;

20) I am grateful for public transportation -- no car means being at the mercy of  trains and buses and my own two feet;

21) I am grateful for what I get from volunteering;

22) I am grateful for solitude and meditation -- it really does help me to work things out;

23) I am grateful for faith and spirituality;

24) I am grateful the kindness of strangers -- it really does make the world go round;

25) I am grateful for a treasure-trove of photos that translate into fond memories and a chronicle of my history;

26) I am grateful for slowly understanding that there are certain things I can't change but at the same time, I will never stop dreaming;

27) I am grateful for street smarts -- sometimes the worst situations teach us how strong we can be;

28) and,  I am grateful if anyone reads this...

The End of an Era

On Wednesday they’re coming to tow it away…

I’m not one to anthropomorphize things BUT it’s hard not to think of a car as a member of the family when it's been a part of your life for more than 10 years.

So many road-trips, so much laughter, so much gasoline consumed…

But several months ago she broke down on my way to the airport to fly to Connecticut and it is cost-prohibitive to fix. One of the cylinders malfunctioned requiring a re-build of the engine.  My honest but naive response to the mechanic was ‘But why can’t it run on the other five cylinders?’  I still don’t think it’s a far-fetched question or one that should evoke laughter:)

The car has been sitting in my parking space for months while I dithered about what to do with it.  Frankly doing nothing seemed the best option.

But the time has come to act and let it go…

I’m not getting a replacement – I have been going car-less for six months already and while it does take planning and a knowledge of and reliance on a sometimes unreliable public transportation system, I am coping.  I love to walk and I am grateful to live just a few blocks from the Metro and bus routes.  Simple errands often take longer, volunteering at night is more difficult due to bus schedules and I haven't faced walking in the cold yet, but so far I am managing quite well. For longer trips, I have become a savvy renter.

Most locales are public-transit friendly – and with the advent of weekend Marc-train service, the commute to BWI airport will get easier.  But Annapolis – I’m looking to you to change your ways.  No state capital should be so cut off from surrounding metro areas.

So good-bye Chevy Malibu – thanks for the memories!

Your Ballot Has Been Cast

This is not a post about who to support but rather why I always vote.

I’ve seen some snippets of celebrities squawking about how they've never voted and urging people not to vote…I just shake my head in dismay and hope people don’t listen.  Not voting simply means you are ceding your power, your voice.  You don’t like something -- get involved and change it; don’t sit on the sidelines and grouse about it.

Sure, I will be the first to acknowledge that we don’t always run the best candidates but that’s our fault for not demanding better candidates starting at the local level.  Every four years people get energized for a Presidential election but if Virginia showed us anything in the last four years it is that down-state races are almost more important.  Education, women’s health, transit, roads, energy, environment and gun safety are all decided at the state and local levels.  And around the country states are voting for equality and healthy food too.  Further the very gridlock that encapsulates our federal system today is exacerbated by political gerrymandering at the state level.  Think you don’t have a reason to vote in an off-year election – think again.  It is the states that draw up the districts. It's time to restore some balance!

And don’t get me started about the Citizen’s United decision…

I’m disappointed in many of our elected officials for putting party, ego, fundraising and in some cases hatred above the good of the citizenry, city, state and country.  I’ve toyed with the idea of term limits but in the end that takes away my power to say ‘Yes, you are doing a good job’ or ‘No you are not doing a good job.’   I don’t like to wrest the power from the people/decision-makers in the same way I hate Three Strikes and Your Out – cases should be decided on merits and a case by case basis but that’s for another blog.

So, we have an imperfect system but it is what we have right now.  Yes, it’s time to hold our elected officials accountable but it also means that we need to get involved.  Learn what an issue really means for yourself, your family and your community. An energized and informed electorate can elicit change and even if you don’t have a lot of time, social media can be a big help. 

In a few hours races around the country will end and thankfully, so will the ads and mailers and phone callsJ Whether or not your candidate won does not signify the end of the road…stay involved, talk to your neighbors, work together and make your community better.  And think about running for office yourself!

The Majesty of the Lincoln Memorial

This morning I awoke to read and see that the Lincoln Memorial had been vandalized with green paint...shameful!  There are security cameras so I trust the perpetrator (s) will be caught

It has taken over 20 years for the Lincoln Memorial to ascend to "My Most Favorite Monument in DC' but it holds a special place in my heart!  It is most impressive at night, illuminated under the stars.

A visit to this remarkable place stirs up all sorts of emotions! Its sheer beauty still makes my heart skip a beat!  A marble facade reminiscent of a Greek temple is almost at odds with the simplicity of the 16th President himself.  Its location  at one end of the Mall allows Lincoln to gaze out at his predecessor (Washington), his followers (at the Capitol), the fallen (Vietnam Memorial) and the millions of visitors from near and far who gravitate to Washington DC and the Mall each year.

These marble steps (57) and patio have given voice to Martin Luther King and his 'I Have a Dream' speech during the March on Washington 50 years ago this August; Marion Anderson and her ground-breaking Easter concert in 1939; The We are One concert in 2009 and the Reunion on the Mall concert in 1993.  But just as important are the millions of visitors to this remarkable monument that remind us of the leadership Lincoln provided during such turbulent times.

We are One concert

Visitors can walk up the steps and see engravings of two of his most cherished speeches.  the Gettysburg Address -- raise your hand if you had to memorize part of this in school -- gives me shivers as its message still rings true today.  His second Inaugural Address is marked by its brevity and balance -- 'with malice toward none, with charity to all'.

It is a beautiful place to visit and a stark reminder of our past and those that have given their lives.  Walk around to the back of the monument and you can't help but breathe deeply as you gaze across the Potomac river to Arlington National Cemetery and Arlington House on the hill -- such hallowed ground.

Father's Day 2013

MY DAD  

It's been 53 days since I lost my father and I've looked ahead at this June date with dread. I've also struggled with how to honor him best.   

The last few weeks of his life were difficult and I don't want that to be the way I (or anyone else) remembers him...his life was so much more.  

Above all else, my dad was a kind, loving, funny and honorable man who.sacrificed much for the benefit of his children.  A lasting legacy is the education I received -- something he valued tremendously.  

I remember the praise, the laughter, the love, the comfort and the time we spent together doing ordinary things...

• racing sticks in the brook;
• playing with our dogs Amber and Michele;
• countless games of catch;
• planting the garden and taking care of the pool;
• grilling and backyard picnics;
• going to baseball games and golfing tournaments;
• instilling in me a love of history as we wove visits to historical sites into the family vacation;
• fostering a love of travel and admiring the planning that went into our trip to Nova Scotia;
• a solo trip together to Seattle;
• attending the Special Olympics World Games Opening Ceremony together;
• being the dad that everyone enjoyed talking to;
• his ability to talk to anyone and laughing at how he would know their story after a 2 minute conversation;
• the way he cherished my mom

But I think what I am most proud of is that he treated everyone he met with the same level of respect!

In a nutshell, he was Most Excellent

(a phrase he often used when I called and asked him how he was doing)

I always told my dad how much I loved him and there was nothing left unsaid...nothing that needed to be rekindled.  For that I am thankful...

But that doesn't make it easier on this Father's Day -- the first I will spend without him.  There is a void and there are many tears.  I didn't want to be part of this club.

Now I'd like to share this message that we handed out to his family and friends. I draw strength from these thoughts because I know this is how he would feel:  

I'd like the memory of me

to be a happy one,

I'd like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve

to dry before the sun,

Of happy memories that I leave

When life is done.

I love you Dad...and thank you!

While I'm Away...

Oh my...I have been delinquent here!  So here's a quick post...

I entered a contest recently but didn't win the official prize but I think I won because it felt damn good to be creatively silly.

The task was to write 'the best' out-of-office reply before climbing aboard the Rock Boat.  I chose to craft a little message using random song titles from each of the 34 artists on board the boat.

Step 1, collect artist discography (no small feat, there are 34 of them)
Step 2, conjure a story
Step 3, Let the song titles tell that story
Step 4, Let you read it:)

Song titles are in italic
_______________________________________________________________________________


Hello, It's Me:

So Last October, just as I was hoping for Better Weather, this gal from Virginia, thought 'Maybe Today I'll Suddenly book an escape for next February' Sounds Almost Perfect, right?

I Know You Know that In the Morrow I will be Leaving all of The Bright Lights of DC behind to set sail aboard the Norwegian Pearl for 5+ days of Uncomplicated fun in the sun!

It'll be one big Pool Party -- lots of music Everywhere, Sun and Magic!  Heck, I'm not an Early Morning Riser but You Never Know, there might be a Sunrise Song...but there won't be much Slumber! and then we get up and  Do It Again!  I am packing the suntan lotion, the summer dresses and my Walking Shoes but I'm leaving the Raincoat behind!  So Beautiful!

So When I'm Gone next week Down There, away from Terra Firma, I may not be able to get back in touch with you right away, so Three Little Words - please be patient! And if it's urgent or something is Coming Up soon, contact my colleagues at 555-867-5309.

And Understandably So when I Come Back Home I'm going to need the Loudest Alarm or I may not wake up and get back to work.

For now, I can already feel the Weight of the World slipping away...

Goodnight/Goodbye (for a few days anyway)

Sheila

.

Where Do I Belong

Yesterday, I had my inaugural listen to Alan Doyle's Boy on Bridge cd -- I know I've heard 'Where I Belong' sung live before, but just where I heard it escapes my memory.   In listening to it today, my mind wandered... 'Where (do) I Belong'; 'There's No Place Like Home' (Dorothy); 'Home is Wherever You Are' (SK6ers); 'You Can't Go Home Again' (Wolfe)   Which is it???   As a young adult, post college, I couldn't wait to get out of dodge...anywhere but where I grew up. Don't get me wrong, Connecticut is a beautiful state and I do miss it so, but it didn't offer the career path I was looking for and I wanted to explore. So over the last many years, I have lived in the DC area -- and for the last 14 years in Arlington, Virginia. I affectionately call it the 'near-south'.   It offers everything I think I want -- proximity to city life and the excitement of where laws and foreign policy exploits are hatched! It is an area steeped in history and rich in culture and I love showing it off to friends and family.   My love of live music is nourished as most singers and bands pass thru here often ( and those that don't suffer my twitter-scold for sure)   I live a short drive from bucolic horse country, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chessapeake Bay...and a little farther to the Atlantic Ocean!   I love that this is a walking area and one with so many diverse restaurants.  I thrive on the hustle and bustle and multitude of free events.   ...and I have made some wonderful friends.   But no matter how long I've lived here in Arlington, I often feel like a visitor. I vote and I pay taxes and I avail myself of the plethora of services that the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City and County of Arlington provide -- but is this truly home? And what does home really mean? Maybe my adult life is one giant transient experiment or one long one-way work-study vacation.   Or maybe it's because I chose not to buy a home -- I didn't want the upkeep or responsibility and face it, I couldn't afford a house in Arlington these days. Maybe it's because I don't have kids in the school system and other activities but again, that was another choice and there are thousands of single residents like me.  There's no getting around it -- I have not found that place where 'everybody knows your name' and I always feel like I am at the mercy of service providers -- credit unions, car repair companies, retail organizations etc. When I go to CT, many business owners and neighbors may not know me, but they recognize the family name...the benefits of small city living for sure. But, every day I wake happy to be living here...it's just not the same type of place I grew up.    So as I prepare to travel to Connecticut many times this summer I will revel in those feelings and happenings that I just can't replicate here in Arlington -- the bright stars on a clear night; walking barefoot thru the green grass on a not-so-humid summer day; the constant buzz of lawn-mowers; the proximity to the shore (it's not an ocean); friends who have known me since I was a child; and the comfort of having family nearby. But it's not the same place I grew up...and it shouldn't be.   And then when I return 'home' to Arlington I will be thankful for public transportation; 7 days-a-week entertainment; free museums; sidewalks and bike lanes; and friends (near and far) that have chosen to be so -- thru proximity or becaue of similar interests. And, Arlington is not Connecticut, with its New-England heritage...and it can't be.   I guess I have the best of both worlds and I must try to be comfortable in the situation that presents itself...I guess it's more 'home is wherever you are'.

A shortcut to Europe

Taking advantage of events like an Embassy Open House is one of the reasons I love where I live. I only wish so many other people hadn't shown up on such a beautiful Spring day:) Lines into the Embassies were long and so I could only visit a few of the many on my list. At the EU delegation building I received a delegation cook book and I can't wait to try some of these recipes.

Note to self -- I really need to brush up on my 'study of flags'

As I went into some of the embassies my mind wandered back to my travels in that specific country. As I walked thru the doors to the off-the-beaten track embassy of Austria, I was reminded of my first solo European trip to Salzburg and my many photos (oh the many photos) of the Fort on the hill and all things Mozart and Sound of Music!

As I walked thru the Belgium Embassy door I was transported back to a summer afternoon sitting in the sunny Grand Place, searching out the Manneken-Pis, marveling at the Royal Palace and oh.the.mussels. But my first thought is always the terror I had when I discovered I got on the wrong train and instead of catching the quick train back to the airport to catch my flight to Dublin, I had jumped on an overnight train to Cologne:)

Saturday, I think the Belgium Embassy was my favorite -- a peek into the Ambassador's expansive office, lots of picture, a beautiful tapestry hanging in the foyer and the treats...oh.the.treats! Guests were able to sample chocolate, sugary waffles, bread with some amazing caramel spread called Speculoos, and beer! For a second, I thought about getting in line again:)



The Austrian and Slovakian Embassies had beautiful folk music and the British Embassy had whisky tasting! I now have packets of Austrian wild flower seeds that I am dying to try to grow.



While on my 5 mile trek around the the streets of Washington, DC, I decided to get acquainted with some of the non-EU embassies/consulate and chanceries, too -- many of which had their Open House last weekend -- and some of them are quite spectacular from the outside. I think three of the most striking are the UAE, Indonesian and the expansive Chinese one. (I'd really love to visit those).





I also discovered 2 new statues -- one of Gandhi and one of fomer Czechoslovakian leade, President Mazaryk.  The Cosmos Club only allowed women into its environs in the late '80s...1980s! And, there is something called the Society of the Cincinnati that keeps alive the ideals and fellowship of the Revolutionary War.  Who needs a classroom when you have the streets of DC:)

It wasn't just all about treats and art -- I actually learned that beginning on June 1, certified organic products in the US or EU can be sold in either region, cutting down on dual fees and certifications. I also got to meet some brave members of the British Royal Navy and get some information on the Olympics.

I love Europe so visiting the embassies was a way to dream about future trips. It was also a reminder of how inter-related we all are and how much we can learn and grow from one another. On Saturday, it was all about people enjoying learning about other cultures and embracing the differences!

Til next year!

Saying Good-bye

Consider this part of my ongoing grieving process -- _________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Two weeks ago I lost my faithful companion of 14 years -- my sweet Blarney -- a domestic shorthair cat that I adopted from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington in February 1998.  I named him after the Blarney Stone because I had just visited Ireland a few weeks previous.   From the moment he came into my home, he ruled the roost! He was, as my friend often said, 'one cool cat'! He had a great disposition -- cuddly on his terms, friendly to visitors and aloof as cats tend to be. He was my feline alarm clock and furry blanket.   He was a very strong cat, having battled thru many maladies over the years...for a couple of years I took him to a cat cardiologist for an echocardiogram (yes, they really do have cat cardiologists) He took the same heart meds that my dad still takes, though Blarney's were in smaller doses:)   He didn't really like to travel but once or twice a year we made the trek up to Connecticut to see my parents -- my parents doted on their grandcat and Blarney soaked it in and showed them great affection.   I think what I miss the most are the sweet meows and just his always being there and making me smile. There are 100 reminders around the home...   Walking in the door after work is the hardest for me because he would always come to greet me at the door. I've caught myself a few times about to call out to him. The first few days I put a sticky on my front-door key as a reminder. We also watched TV together and cheered on our favorite sports teams.  Blarney would also be right here by the keyboard. In fact just a few days prior to his death, he scratched at the keypad and pulled up the 'I' and '9' keys. I think I even tweeted about it:) He was my confidante and my closest companion and he loved me unconditionally.   I am still grieving, but the sadness comes in spurts. I just let the tears come and I feel better. I have wonderful memories,100s of pictures and a sweet clay paw print that the veterinarians provided me.   Saying good-bye was heart-wrenching but watching him suffer, even for just a few hours, was worse. I am comforted knowing that he had a good life.  Blarney brought joy to my life and I am forever grateful for the 14 years we had together. He is irreplaceable in my heart!

Fired Up!

On Saturday, just 6 months shy of the November election, I drove down to Richmond, VA for President Obama's campaign kick-off rally. I could not miss the opportunity -- I may not get too many chances for a VA rally on a weekend afternoon. The rally was energetic and inspiring, both serious and with moments of frivolity -- it was an afternoon spent with like-minded and friendly folks from around the Commonwealth. If the events in Virginia this past year taught me anything it is that one can't sit on the sidelines and just hope things get better. So for the next 6 months, I must get active in Virginia to make sure that our federal leadership is in place. I used to work on Capital Hill for many years and in many roles and it saddens me now to see the state of discord, vitriol and partisan fighting. Re-election seems to be the name of the game now -- not governing, not moving the country forward, not compromising. I am not sure when compromise became a 4-letter word -- the line in the sand not to be crossed -- but I don't like it! Don't get me wrong, Representatives in Congress have always been about self-preservation, but today men and women running for election are more often judged on what they can't or won't do rather than what they can and will do. And to get things done, we all have to work together! I believe that while 4 years may be a blip in our country's history -- the choices, the laws enacted, the regulatory promulgations and the Supreme Court decisions are vitally important to my life right now and in the future! For me, the distinction between the candidates is strong!  I want continued strong leadership with a willingness to reach consensus.  I want to end the war in Afghanistan and grow the economy for everyone.  I want the Affordable Care Act to stand and I want our country to embrace our differences and move forward...together! Elections have consequences and these are just a few of the reasons why I am getting involved -- whether to register new voters, educate people about the issues or get out the vote (GOTV) I may have to go outside my comfort zone but it's just too important not to! So after Saturday, I am officially Fired Up and Ready to Move Forward for the Obama/Biden/Kaine team!

Space -- last flight of the Shuttle Discovery

Today I had the privilege to watch the Shuttle Discovery makes its fly-over curtain call. I almost missed it because it arrived over the skies of Washington DC a wee bit early. I only had time to get to Lafayette Park across the street from the White House but I think that was a beautiful spot -- the double decker flying machines with the White House and Washington Monument in frame -- can't get much more USA than that:)

I've always had an affinity for space. I marveled at those men and women that defied gravity and actually burst out there -- I watched many of the launches, but sadly, never once in person:( When I do stop and look at the moon on a cool, clear crisp night, I am reminded that some lucky men and women actually went there...lucky! It is the end of an era and I hope our country can dream big again!

As a child, I remember pouring over books and posters about the planets, making dioramas of the solar system, and a family vacation stop at the Kennedy Center in Florida -- wow, that place seemed HUGE! Over the years I watched the various incarnations of Star Trek, Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica, Babylon 5 (sorry Sheldon) and repeats of Lost in Space. What's your favorite?

The Air and Space Museum is a must see for visitors to this area. I've been there many, many times so now I just point my visiting friends in that general direction. Sadly, I have yet to visit the Udvar-Hazy museum out in Virginia. That the Discovery will be residing there now is a great incentive to go out and wander. I just wish that, like the Air & Space Museum, I could wander for free...that $15 parking fee is steep (and it requires a car to get there)

Just Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale -- The Rock Boat XII

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale...

It has been a full month since returning from my inaugural Rock Boat -- that Sixthman sponsored, Sister-Hazel-hosted, floating rock concert aboard the Carnival Elation, sailing from New Orleans to Cozumel (and back). Settle in...this might take a while and good thing for you, there's still time to plan for The Rock Boat XIII! It was at times raucous, at times sublime; at times solitary, at times a brotherhood; at times festive, at time contemplative... First, I have to thank Barb and Mary for graciously inviting me to come aboard for the adventure that was Rock Boat XII. I jumped at the chance to go when I learned Carbon Leaf, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers and The Alternate Routes would be aboard. Along the way, I also discovered many more bands (see way below) I had been given a spreadsheet of the schedule for the 4 days -- each band performing three times from noon until the wee hours of the morning over those four days! What's a girl to do?! Anticipation was high, check in was a breeze and from the moment we stepped aboard the Carnival Elation tethered in New Orleans, we were entertained in the Atrium by Bronze Radio Return, a band based in Hartford, CT (my old stomping ground). We dutifully sat thru the muster drill and laughed when we saw that the guys from Carbon Leaf would be our hall mates -- not sure they found it as amusing as we did:) For the next four days and nights, music and booze would be flowing from every nook and cranny of the ship -- yes, there was a bar called the Drama Bar (my sign and sail bill says so). Although I may have sacrificed to lose those extra inches pre-cruise (survey is still out on that), not a day went by ship-side that I didn't partake of the molten chocolate cake or a fruity Drink of the Day in a commemorative glass! The Highs That instant when you cross the threshold onto the ship and the guitar chords are heard in the distance...everything is new The sunshine Being (mostly) unplugged from the world Camaraderie among strangers -- guests and musicians alike -- I only met a fraction of the passengers but we were bound by our love of music and a vacation spirit Sail-aways with Sister Hazel, Vertical Horizon and Tony Lucca Picture this: sunset; intimate deck party; acoustic show; talent and emotion oozing and the guests moved to tears and laughter! (Will Hodge sunset cruise) Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers and Carbon Leaf -- both bands dug into their vast catalog to give us three, no-repeat shows of different calibers...energy level at 11! Red Wanting Blue rock show from a 2-tiered stage in the 8-story atrium packed to the gills When artists guest-gigged with each other -- Goose (Kit Karlson) and Chip Johnson of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers  were everywhere! Michael Tolcher doing his best 'Taylor Swift' impersonation (Unfortunately) leaving for another show just as The Alternate Routes lost power, went unexpectedly unplugged and didn't miss a beat -- heard it was spectacular Post-midnight whiskeys near the casino -- the late-night meeting place Fruity drinks and chocolate molten cake Running on-deck on the ocean Eureka moments Discovering great new music -- Brian Jarvis Band, Alpha Rev, Bronze Radio Return & Drew Holcomb   New friends and great memories The Lows The choppy seas...oh, the choppy seas -- nothing says rough seas more than seeing 'airplane vomit bags' attached to all the elevators one fine Sunday morning The buffet not being open during that one 30 minute downtime between sets A few schedule conflicts No encores Not nearly enough time to sleep in the sun That nagging allergy-ridden cough that wouldn't (hasn't ) abate(d) and the post-Elation Plague The post-midnight pizza that really was quite awful That Bloody Bingo host that was kinda mean and not too funny (ok, maybe it was the choppy seas and the fact that I missed winning by one damn B#)   That final 'Sign and Sail' bill -- seriously, someone MUST have had access to my card Truthfully, there are just a few items I would like to see changed and I had ample opportunity to offer my suggestions in a post-cruise survey. Videos Now, take a moment, or 30, to check out a song from some of my favorite new musical discoveries -- These are NOT my Rock Boat XII videos but I have provided attribution Red Wanting Blue http://bit.ly/Hy6T5r (naptownblue) Tony Lucca http://bit.ly/HyJezV (poetess232) Brian Jarvis Band w/Stephen Kellogg http://bit.ly/IJpA04 (brianjarvisband official) The Alternate Routes http://bit.ly/IhzydM (mmtumbleweeds) Bronze Radio Return http://bit.ly/rogdqQ (InsiderIowa1) Not on the ship Will Hodge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irUYZniP7hI (tera311) Michael Tolcher http://bit.ly/Hqxi0w (izzyb721) Alpha Rev http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dl5QvjvniE (official video, not on ship) Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors http://bit.ly/IhXQpm (naptownblue) The Damnwells http://www.thedamnwells.com/ video not from ship