Of course, we did many many fun activities on our vacation, so I was a little exhausted when it was all over. First we hit up Falcon Ridge , which was wonderful as always, but also kinda crazy this year, since I decided I would go back home in the middle of it all to attend my cousin's wedding. I couldn't possibly miss out on either event! Anyone else who has ever made Falcon Ridge their home understands, it really is that important! And the wedding was just wonderful. We stayed waaay later than we had planned (my bro and his gf made the trip with me) and started the pilgrimage back to FRFF at midnight, finally arriving there around the lovely hour of 3 a.m. The next two days there were so fun. We saw our favorite Falcon Ridge band, really one of our most favorite bands of all time, Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams (they are actually more magical than their name implies) in the dance tent. I danced nearly to the point of enlightenment, which was quickly followed by feelings of nausea and extreme shakiness, which then promptly dissipated due to high levels of peace, love and grassy fields under starry skies. Yeah. You should really go to Falcon Ridge.
We sadly had to leave early-ish on Sunday to not-sadly attend my Memere's 80th birthday party. The sadness was because GM were playing their main stage show that afternoon. But, as it turns out, a large storm descended on Falcon Ridge, producing hail and pretty much raining out the rest of the fest. So on we trekked to Memere's party. She's the most youthful 80 year old I have ever seen. Seriously, she looks and acts like she's maybe 70. And even that's pushing it. I am very glad to have her genes in me. It was a lovely party, and rather surreal. It was the strangest thing to go from fest to family event to fest and back to family event.
So I don't really remember the next few days. I think I probably tried to get some work done and failed. Then we packed up and headed to Maine! Maine was unproductive as far as b-side fruits goes, but I did some good quality painting, drawing, and yes even relaxing. The weather was misty and cool, a fine alternative to the jungle heat we tend to suffer in the Pioneer Valley summers. It also turned out to be prime bubbling conditions for Ben's Giant Bubbles, turning out several beauties which I deemed "baby elephant sized" as well as a few colossal 50 footers. Certainly record breakers for Ben. I got videos of these bubbles, which you will be able to see very soon, along with other great videos, which will be appearing here on my blog, so stay tuned! So Maine was obviously great. We even fit in a trip to Moody's Diner with Ben's grandparents, and got to hang out with my dad when he came to work on the house (yes we stay in an unfinished house, it's like super high end private camping).
So we drove home from Maine Sunday morning, and as if that all wasn't enough, we topped off our vacation with an incredible Dweezil Zappa concert at the Calvin theatre right here in our own lovely Northampton. I was more or less asleep on my feet, but then we sat down for the concert and had our minds blown. But now that, my friends, is another blog entry unto itself. And speaking of concerts of the mind blowing sort.......
are you ready............???
David Byrne and Brian Eno are releasing their first collaborative album in 30 years on the 18th of this great month of August!!!!! AND Mr. Byrne will be touring the country playing songs from their new album as well as some Talking Heads gems they did together THIS FALL. Can you think of anything more incredible? I didn't think so.
THE END
