field notes:

10.14.2002

There's a lot of great music in the world, and so much of it that I love. But what is it about certain albums that go directly to one's soul?

That album for me now is 'Rabbit Songs' by Hem. Somebody said of writing, "It's easy, you just sit in front of your typewriter and open a vein." That's partially how I feel about Rabbit Songs. If I'm feeling disconnected, I listen to Hem. The first bare melody of that lullaby..."blow, blow the moon out" just opens me right up. I'm transported: surfing in warm green water; gliding above Mt. Tam, watching trees rush by and hearing the wind; floating in a cradle off Roan Inish with lil' Jimmy. (If you don't get that last one -- go directly to the nearest video store and rent 'The Secret of Roan Inish').

The other album that comes to mind which really struck me in this way, and which I played over and over until it wore grooves right into my character was Dylan's 'Blood on the Tracks'.

"I've seen love go by my door,
it's never been this close before
Never been so easy or so slow
I've been shooting in the dark too long,
when something's not right, it's wrong
You're gonna make me lonesome when you go"

Reverie...I've spent most of today on the phone talking with people that I love. It's the best way I can think of to spend this day, this birthday.

Now off for a swim with friends, some salmon and wine, bread and pesto, an apple crisp, and a Giants game. It's the simple things, yes?
posted by Lisa Thompson on 3:46 PM link | comments []

10.13.2002

Smoke

Smoke's way's a good way -- find,
or be rebuffed and gone:
a day and a day, the whole world home.

Smoke? Into the mountains I guess
a long time ago. Once here, yes,
everywhere. Say anything? No.

I saw Smoke, slow traveler, reluctant
but sure. Hesitant sometimes, yes,
because that's the way things are.

Smoke never doubts though:
some new move will appear.
Wherever you are, there is another door.

William Stafford
Smoke's Way
posted by Lisa Thompson on 8:32 AM link | comments []