It doesn't really matter, cuz I have it in my head that in the mornings, I grab a coffee and go to the blog to just check in with my insides. Ironic, that I seem to do my best introspection when plugged into a machine, as opposed to yoga or meditation. I don't really know how to meditate, so this will suffice, maybe it's 'extro-spection' seeing the words appear on the screen, within you without you (Beatles reference). Hey whatever works, I trust in the idea of just sitting here and letting it flow... process over product. (and doesn't that about sum up my life thus far, not a lot of product, but plenty of process. No apologies, it is what it is... (to quote an annoying cliche that is overused and true.... because it's a tautology, sabes?)
So let's see, where to begin? I went to a tango gathering last night and damn it was very fun, a small group with about 6 couples in a cafe where they moved the furniture to create a dance floor. It's probably 7 years since I've taken a tango class and I had no shoes, started out in socks until this woman in heels came super close to spearing me, so I decided to go with my walking shoes and forgo the ability to slip slide into the moves. The teachers, he was half chinese and half dutch, she was Japanese, were pretty good and I learned something that I didn't know before.... not a step per se, but a fundamental truth about how to lead. One of the basic moves in tango is the 'ocho' a figure eight movement in which you can guide the woman into these lovely spins, either forward or backward. I've done it for years, but would always get into it in a certain way. But the teacher explained that all you need to do is get your partner on one foot, and then you're in ocho land, there's nothing to it except using my body to invite her this way and that way, that way and this way. I got it, felt it, want to learn some more.
I lost interest in tango in Oregon when it started feeling too serious, or more correctly, when I started feeling like I needed to take a lot of classes in order to keep up with the people who were progressing and busting out all these moves that I couldn't do. My competitive/retreating impulse kicked in and I disappeared, because the reason I like to dance is primarily to have fun, not to get all serious and worried about this step or that step. Last night was the first impulse I've had in awhile that hell, it can still be fun and it's not about the steps (though you need a few), it's more about moving to music, connecting with a partner, going for an improvised stroll around the room. Hmmm, interesting, I may have to do some tango back in Oregon. For the fun of it...
A little kismet the last few days around the new song that I posted called 'He's Got What It Takes'. My friend John is a native New Yorker, he's got a very witty, yet understated streak to him, smart guy, accomplished, great looking 54 year old All American type blond dude, almost like Mickey Mantle without the drinking problem. Anyhow, I got the inspiration to try and craft a song for his party, but the word 'John' is kinda dead and 'Johnny' made it swing. But maybe he hates that name or whatever, so before debuting the song, I pulled him aside and asked 'who calls you Johnny?' He said, believe it or not, that's the name that's on my birth certificate. My mother calls me that and a few old friends too'. Strange.... and also coincidental was the fact that I stuck a little French in the song, 'He's got that 'joie de vivre', believe you me. On the highway to happiness, he's got the key'. He showed me his business card which says "John Fengler... Bon Vivant" to me, that's a riot, that the French ispiration was right on target. He tells me that most people don't even understand the card, but hey, I'm a worldly New Yorker myself. :-)
I've been making music most nights at the CU Corner hangout spot, and I have just a great connection with the number one musician there whose name is Apple. He's a pro, small kind of stocky guy, long hair, probably my age, smiles all the time, walks with a limp and it looks like something he's had since birth. Apple works in a bunch of places around town and Jeff gets him to CU whenever possible. I've been playing bass and singing harmony for him when he shows up, and it's that awesome connection of musicians who now how to communicate, leave space, lock in, agree on endings, what a joy. (now if I could make a few shekels doing it, it would be that much more of a joy, but still, it's a lot of pleasure). Apple is very open to anyone who wants to jam and that means that there are a few wannabees who are dying to play but not very good. But dude keeps smiling, encouraging as if he's got some kind of knowledge that I still lack. I think there's something for me to learn from this guy. In the meantime I'm playing tons of songs that i don't really know, and my reportoire is increasing. And it's fun... (that word again) Seems to be my driving ambition.... fun. (is that the fountain of youth?.... perhaps)
Time to shut it down for now, as I want to spend some time practicing for my Thai class in a few hours. It's a cross-town walk about 40 minutes away, and this time, I'll bring a second shirt because I'll sweat through the first one walking over there, and it's not cool to walk around town shirtless. It would be disrespectful. I could conceivably rent a bicycle as it's not a bad way to get around town. I don't want a scooter, I'd rather use my own power to get from here to there, plus it's money I don't need to spend. I really like being on foot. Ditto for getting a phone. People are telling me I should have one and it's tempting, what with the big social scene I'm part of here, but I'm resisting. Part of the charm for me is to 'not' live like I do in the US. No TV, no car, no phone makes Richie a happy boy, so I'll keep going this way, at least for now.... I'll trade that stuff for a book, a guitar, some Thai massage, a computer to type on and that's enough. It's good...
