rock on

The picture to the right of this posting is the 130-foot Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The figure of Jesus in this monument is 33 meters to symbolize his years on earth. The Brazilian statue, which has become an icon for Rio and Brazil, is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, and was constructed between 1922 and 1931, though it was first suggested in the mid-1850′s.

We all know of this statue. I have that little nudge in my stomach that tells me I want to see it in person. I want it on my "to see" list. Yep, I am writing it down. Things only ever happen if I write it down.

Last night was Date Night. I love Date Night. It takes something that is good and makes it even better, each and every single stinkin' time. Mr. Right is still overly tired from way too much overtime and time away and stress. By making the effort to plan a special night, by honestly and thoughtfully putting your thinking cap on snugly on your noggin...........Date Night always makes you feel really good about the choice you made so many moons ago.

He planned Date Night about 8 weeks ago. His plan was dinner out and then into the big city so we could enjoy a concert. Crosby and Nash to be exact. As one friend, gently pointed out, gee, you two aren't frequent concert goers? This is true. When we plan a date night we try and make it about us, not a venue where we can't talk to each other, say, like a movie or a concert.

Our dinner was Thai. Then a little shopping to fiddle away some time & generally goof off. Turns out, our little shopping detour became very fruitful for some little grand girlie. Her Easter basket just got a little more full. It will be overflowing with the most adorable, glitter covered, silk lined, pale, pale pink, polka dot ribbon, festooned tutu. With matching incredibly soft bunny. Back to my
story of the day.....

Crosby and Nash. Pretty much sums it up. When you are in the Rock and Roll hall of fame, people know who you are and what you do. What they might not know, is that their voices are just as pure if not stronger than many moons ago. It was a privilege to be completely enveloped in their music and spirit of Peace, Love and Joy for over THREE hours. I will also say, Mr. Crosby's son, James, is extremely talented and their voices harmonize with complete and utter perfection.

Right smack dab in the middle of the concert, there came a song. A song about Jesus and Rio and (Peace, Love and Joy) and Giving Grace. That's what I said, Giving Grace. The statue has wide open arms and is Giving away Grace. Mr. Graham Nash, reminded all of us, in this insane time of our world of war and leaking chemicals and ugliness...........there is Grace to be had.

I liked the fact, well, because it makes me feel comfortable, that the songs and comments and yes, grace seemed to randomly jump all around and back. In actuality, there was a set play list, a method to their madness. It just seemed random with thoughts and messages and ideas tossed musically with flourish. Sometimes, I wish music played what my brain was thinking and swirling and twirling all over the place.

My ears are still ringing. As if my magic, three hours of loud, heart thumping, drum pounding, melodious voices running the scales.....it fills up your empty pitcher, it restores your soul. In a very unique way, it is so loud and rhythmic and joyous and fun and all encompassing it sort of puts up a solid brick wall. All your worries and troubles and "problems" are on one side of the wall and there you are immersed in pure energy and you are caught up in the moment (or three hours). You feel better when it is over. You have to process it. You just feel so darn much better for setting aside "life" for a bit and relaxing and allowing yourself the pleasure of being in the moment.

Very predictable, yet so welcomed, the second curtain call, the audience "twisted" their arms and yes Virginia, they played "the" song. Today for me, the soundtrack in my head that will be on a loop and play over and over and over all day long with the lyrics of "Teach Your Children Well". Now that I mentioned it, maybe it will play in your head all day as well?

Somehow maybe music will help sooth the beast. The beast being our insane world right now.

Rock on. (Albeit Gracefully) Rock on.