July 18, 2008
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Brother, Music, Moon
My brother Anthony and his girlfriend Taylor are on their way to Chicago this morning. I can’t wait. I haven’t really had chance to hang out one-on-one with Anthony in a few years. A combination of oceans and teen angst kept us apart, leaving sibling-time exclusivly to Julian (the youngest) and I. But I miss Anthony. And I adore his girlfriend. And I was so very happy when he took me up on the invite.
I may have mentioned it before, but it is so weird to me that my brothers are young men. I moved away from home when I was 18 and my brothers were still boys. Skinny, dimple-cheeked little loves. I still see that in them, so tangibly, just beneath the surface of their man-suits. Julian is 16 now. Soon, Anthony and I will be able to go to the bar together.
Crazy.
Also crazy: I had a really good and unexpected night last night. After work, I went to the Village Cycle Center for a bike tune up. While my tune up was happening, I had a beer and read the paper in the next door pub. I read that there was a FREE Pitchfork Music Festival Preview happening that night in Millennium Park. So after my bike was ready, I cycled over, laid down on the lawn, and read my book while listening to fun live music. It was really great. I got turned on to a great new (to me) band: The Fleet Foxes. Really great. Ocean Color Scene meets The Jayhawks. Folk/Rock/Indie/Goodtimes.
After the concert (and a few chapters of me book), I biked home in the night. The moon was big and orange overhead. The lake lapped the shore. The night was soggy and Midwestern and fireflies flickered; fat floaty gems.
As I approached Foster Street Beach, I was happily surprised to hear the thumping beat of a drum circle. A group of fire dancers writhed in the middle of the circle: blazing hula hoops burned bright, poi balls were aglow. An assemblage of bi-standers danced fire-less on the outskirts. Traditional Indian horn music soared overhead.
And the drums. And the drums.
Apparently, every full moon an informal group of fire dancers gather near Foster street beach to revel in its crazy energy. It was really fun. I parked my bike and danced with strangers. I’ll be back next moon. And hopefully I’ll meet someone who will teach me how to hula fire.
Have a good weekend, ladies and gents. Happy full moon!
Oh yeah! Props to Grandpa Jaggers for the photo featured in my new Xanga lay-out. The mountain sunset is the view from their deck. Amazing!
Comments (3)
That sounds like such an amazing night!!! I need a new wheel for my bike. I should get that fixed.would you be up for tennis on sunday evening? I sent you a text, but I’m not sure if you got it.
What a killer day and night! I will check out the band. I’m thinkin you are in the right city. I like the layout and the new pic too! Have a great time with the bro and his girl. It’ll be rewarding to get back in touch with him in a grown up way. And clearly, there’s going to be fun stuff to do.Btw, after your Pinkberry yogurt post I began looking for a frozen yogurt place around here. None for that sole purpose but Steak and Shake does have two flavored shakes. Had one. Ungood. I’m going to search further for the yumness.
Hey Truly! I’m glad you’re back and loving Chicago. Seen any batmen? I’ve also been getting into the Fleet Foxes! I thought if you like them you might also dig The Republic Tigers. They have a similar, beautifully layered sound with a tad less folk and a dash more electro-pop then the Fleet Foxes. Check out the songs “Feelin’ the Future” and “Buildings & Mountains” for a taste. is good! uga-chuck.