Realization

I realize now why I forget important things... because I've crowded my brain with zillions of songs, lyrics, artists and album titles.

When my editor asked me the other day the capital of Czech Republic it took me way too long to pull the word Prague out of the depths of my brain. (Even though I had just watched a wonderful episode about Czech Republic on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations.) 

On the other hand, I can hear the first 2 seconds of a song and tell you the title and artist, recount the first time I heard it and probably tell you other artists who have covered it. However, my weaknesses are country and 80s hair band rock, which all sounds the same anyway.

Matt and I managed to remember most of the lyrics and chords to the 40 songs we played last night at Fromage. I guess I didn't realize how impressive that was until a lady tipped us with cash and a business card for her own "Americana" band. The back said "Great Job, and without a music stand, Class act!"

I should have known she was in a band because she was one of the few people in the crowd who knew John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery." The show went pretty well, several tables of people, who had never heard us before, showed their enjoyment with tips. (much appreciated)

But people came and went and by 8 p.m. only a couple tables of friends remained and our energy was waning. I told Matt he needed to get used to people talking, walking and other distractions while he was playing. A few times I seemed to lose concentration and forget the lyrics.

Matt, also a music snob, finally came to the realization that maybe we needed to play more "mainstream" music to keep attention. Really? Really? Isn't that what I've been telling you for years? You have to play some popular songs so you can sneak in a few good ones that people haven't heard before.

So far our crowd favorites have been "Me and Bobby McGee," "You're So Vain," "Wicked Game," and especially Matt's killer performance of "Kiss" by Prince. It brings the house down but we have to save it for last because his voice is gone afterward. Not to mention all the great original material Matt has to offer.

So for next month, if Fromage wants us back, we'll work on some classics. One request has been Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" any popular Emmylou Harris song and Matt's working on "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers. (Totally upon my suggestion)

We also need to record some new songs. Our family always appreciates a new CD for Christmas. Off to enjoy the rest of my Sunday and try to stop singing the same song over and over again in my head. "The Captain and the Hourglass" by Laura Marling. 

An introduction to my life

I suppose this blog will only be for my benefit because I doubt anyone else would want to read about the day to day events in my life... but maybe someday I'll be a famous journalist, novelist or singer and someone might care about what my life was like building up to my greatness.

And if not, my mother will probably read it. I don't have a theme, I'm not traveling anywhere right now, I'm not cooking my way through Julia Childs cookbook, I might voice some political or social opinions but I don't expect to change anyone's mind and I sure as hell don't do missionary work.

I am however trying to write a book

or maybe it should be a screenplay or a musical.I haven't decided yet. While it would be productive to post some chapters and get feedback, I'm not sure I'm ready to put it out there yet. What if no one likes it as much as I do?  It's about an American journalist in 1996-1998 Northern Ireland. Far fetched I know. This blog will probably be another distraction from finishing it.

I've known my husband Matt since I was 14. We met at a local music festival in Sautee, Ga.We also got married at the same location in Sautee on March 12.

 We've always shared a love for

 music among other things. But we haven't physically been together as much as it seems. During those 10 years, I lived in Tacoma, Washington for a year, I lived in Florida for six months and now, even though we're married, I live two hours away from him.

I think we've only lived together a total of three years due to school locations, job

 locations and other 'hiccups' in our relationship. But somehow it works for us. We're happy, but would be much happier if we could see each other more than twice a week. 

He's always played guitar and I've always loved to sing so we make a good pair. Like me and my writing, he's always been shy about his music. I've pushed and pushed for him to play places and recently we've tried to make that happen. We're playing our second show together this Saturday at Fromage, a delicious restaurant in Clayton.

Our friends and family have been our biggest fans so far but we're trying to get our names out there and play more. We're also auditioning next month for Athen's got Talent, a talent show fundraiser.

More to come later about my family, my dog, my job and hopes and dreams. (maybe)