I almost killed a child today. Not in the fun way that I fantasize about every time one annoys the Hell out of me, but in the frightening real-world way that cars make so very easy. I thought at first that I might’ve been going too fast, but I guess if a child comes speeding out of an alley on a bicycling and I skid to a stop with OUT striking the kid – then I guess I wasn’t. At first I was furious. The child came fast and I just happened to catch a glimpse of him through the windows of another car, abject stupidity on his part. I came screeching to a stop, flaming boot stomping on the brakes, cursing viciously. The child looked up absolutely terrified – and turned and biked away yelling “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” The family looked up from down the street. Everyone was okay – the kept looking back wide-eyed….
I think about cars a lot. When I was first on the verge of getting my license, I practiced in my Dad’s Pontiac. I did driver’s education, I practiced paralell parking, I was good at some parts, bad at others, good at memorizing rules and bad at backing up. A couple of days before taking the test, my friend Maureen was killed in a car accident. I didn’t feel like getting my license and delayed by a couple of months. The next day I was going to take it, a friend was killed by a drunk driver. The third time I was planning to take the test another friend died in another accident…. I got superstitious about it and eventually didn’t get my license till I was 21 years-old on a weekend when I’d asked all of my friends to stay home. I am very, very aware that cars are quarter-ton missiles ready and willing to kill anyone and everything around them.
I think it’s unfortunate that most people take them for granted.
-
Ice cream? Coffee? Logical. Sushi and noodles? Sure. Put them ALL together with lasagna and carrot juice and you have yourself an iffy proposition. -
Irish Imports. Where’s Jade when you want to show her something REALLY cool?!!?
I’m guilty of talking on the phone, texting, eating, changing radio stations, changing CDs, changing pants – doing all sorts of things while driving. I’m guilty of speeding, of swerving, of not noticing deer until the last second, or being a sloppy parker – despite whatever knowledge I’ve gleaned I’ve still committed most all the sins one can commit in a motor vehicle and drive more than most people do. Perhaps I was in need of a close call to remind me of the need for constant vigilance.
There are terrible accidents every day. Statistics alone demand that I’m in a serious car crash at least once in my Life. I’ve been in a couple and I sincerely hope that statistics are satisfied. The screeching stop tonight will hopefully remind me to assist statistics as much as I’m humanly able.
-
While in Hartford, CT we set up my new recording rig and started recording Heather’s new CD. We actually started with the title track in Kristen’s mom’s basement. Heather decided she Loved the sound of my OX and most of the album ended up being recorded on my beautiful carbon fiber beestie. -
Another night in New England found us wandering to Providence, where we’ve not poked our heads in far, far too long. Fortunately, we found the area just as accommodating as ever, with our waiter willing to plop all of the olives from MY salad into a separate bowl for Heather’s ingestion. -
The walls of Everyman were covered in photographs of local Providence bands. One of them was ANOTHER founder of i love you And I Miss You’s current animal, the What Cheer Brigade. Will Schaff really is the guy who made the original group happen, and I’m proud to see What Cheer’s picture on the wall and acknowledge the fact that they are one of the signularly most amazing musical experiences I’ve ever had. -
While eating in Rhode Island, our placemat became a beaaayoootiful flying machine! Will Shaff endangered us all by nearly poking out an eye and Heather sang Firedean’s “I Am A Paper Airplane Pilot”, making for a merry noise all up and down the street. -
My friend from college and founding member of i love you And I Miss You, Sonny Roelle, joined by his spectacularly like-minded cohort Geoff as The Sentimental Favorites performing at an open mic at Everyman in Providence, RI. -
Staying with fellow singer/songwriter Jacob Haller in Providence, RI was fascinating. He’s always knitting in-between songs and it’s good to see some of the fruits of his labours including the above Dalek. -
Really? Is there some implication here that women wouldn’t have a good enough portfolio? Wtf? -
For Kimmy! A giraffe o’ steampunk wandering the ways of Providence, RI! -
While we were in Providence we had to stop by Sonny’s studio. I didn’t take any pictures INSIDE (you can see his work here) but from the alley out back you just KNOW art is a’happenin. -
Some SCIENCE for Brian TSG! (Science is now available in Providence, RI) -
Wandering Providence we ran across a shop that was selling cat whiskers and dog snouts. Madness!
Leave a Reply