bands

I often wear my shoes until there are holes in them; and, they’re falling apart to the point of- JUST GET NEW SHOES ALREADY.

I attribute much of that on my frugality.

People have made comments that it’s because I’m a gypsy. I laugh at that; because, it’s true.

I turned an old dvd rack into a hat and scarf catcher.

Up until two years ago, I usually lived within 30 minutes from my childhood home. Which had been in my life for 29 years. There was a kind of comfortable certainty about it. I had roots growing from my toes, and that’s probably where the holes in my shoes came from.

With the onset of foreclosure and family crises, that happened to be one after another, it had forced me and my family out of our comfort zone; and, more into the twilight zone. I have spent some years, very confused. Go ask Alice.

When my family and I discussed a move from home; northeast Ohio, to 2.5 hours south to West Virginia- I was initially syked! A new adventure. It wasn’t a normal relocation, though. My family purchased property on a mountainside. We had to bulldoze the lot, move trailers onto the lot, get electric poles, septic; and, MANY other things that I’ll save for later posts. It has nonetheless been an adventure.

I was waiting in Ohio for our spot to be finished, (it took from scouting properties in March 2013- move in November 2013) and that’s actually quite quick when you think about everything that went into it. In the meantime, all I could do was wait.

How do you spend your limited time knowing you have an impending move? What kind of attachments can you form if you know you have to leave? I had two things that was really hard to walk away from.

On a music note, I got a press pass to take pictures of Saliva.

Music has been a passion of mine. My cousin, James Gang, and his buddies had a local rock band. They were looking for a singer. I filled in while I could. I was in a depression during that time and the one thing I would look forward to was Sunday band practice. I love hearing my voice through a PA! haha. Just to name a few, we were covering Janis, Zeppelin, Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, The Cranberries, and Janes Addiction. There was so much fun potential when we jammed together. The excitement was everywhere. That’s why it killed me when I had to pack up and leave.

Leave to go live in a town where no one knew my name. Having to say goodbye to the band was like having to say goodbye to a lover. Which that was number two.

Hearts

I wasn’t in a relationship; and, I hadn’t had deep feelings for someone in ten years. I ran into someone from high school, whom I didn’t know while in high school; and when we met, I felt connected to him. For me, it was clear to see that I would fall for him. Timing could not have been more off for us to be in a relationship. He was getting his life where he needed it to be. A man with a plan, is admirable! And, I was moving away. I never had a definite move date; but, was always told, “just another month from now”. While I was waiting to move, we hung out as friends, and as artists sharing our dreams together. We played it cool. Well, he did. I was a wreck. I wanted him as my boyfriend. haha

When I finally did move away, we remained in contact for two years. I still had it in my mind that I wanted this guy. We kept playing it cool.

This past summer…. Well… That’s a real romantic movie like scene. Saved for another time perhaps. 🙂

I’m ready for a new pair of shoes.

It’s been about ten years since I’ve been excited about an upcoming birthday; which, is this Saturday. September 26th. I have nothing against birthdays and getting older; in the same respect, see me in another 10 years and my views may have changed. Ha. Over time I stopped celebrating with a party; and, I’m not sure why. Touch of anxiety over having an entire day devoted to your very existence?!! Let’s not get it twisted though. I do love a reason to get dressed up, hair on point, and make-up all done.

Wait; what did you think I meant by make-up done?

Okay. This is how I’ve spent my birthdays. For the past five years I’ve been a photographer at a charity zombie walk; in Lakewood, Ohio. Their fall walk usually lands on the weekend of my turning “another year wiser.” Two of my favorite things; photography and zombies. It’s a gift I give to myself. Imagine my displeasure when I found out that they weren’t having it this year! Oh, no!! I’ll have to miss out on seeing the great friends I’ve made from these gore-tastic events. It puts a damper on the year.

The silver lining?…..

This will be the first birthday in ten years that I’ve had a boyfriend to celebrate it with! We are in a 3 hour long distance relationship; and, our lives get busy. We do our best to see each other when we can. It definitely means a lot that he’ll be by my side. 🙂

I don’t get to travel back to my hometown often; and, when I do, I usually only have a day and I want to spend that day with my boyfriend. It’s beyond difficult to try and squeeze all my visits with family and friends in such a short amount of time. When I realized my 31st birthday was coming up, I figured it convenient to have anyone who wanted to visit with me, to show up at a bar with a jukebox! The jukebox is pivotal! I am ALL for live bands. I was in a few bands. But; on my birthday, I really want to be able to select the songs I want to hear. It’s my party; I’ll whine if I want to. That being said. I called around to make sure my stipulations were met and I decided on a spot! I took the classy route; and, shared my “event” on facebook.

In a handful of hours I’ll be making the trip up north and staying overnight at my beloved cousins’ house. My cousin, is probably my Curtis Lowe. He plays a mean guitar and it is always a blast when we jam! Some of my former band mates will be over at his house to celebrate with me and that is such a treat! My cousins are so lovable and gracious for opening up their house while we stay up north for the weekend. I’m truly looking forward to it.