I, Myself And Me!

"Gone But Not Forgotten"...painting by Lee

This morning a friend visited. Together we shared some wine, cheese, salami, olives and smoked mussels as we chatted, laughed and listened to music. He gave me a CD of his for me to burn for my enjoyment...Doug Ashdown "A Career Collection 1965-2000". It includes "Winter In America", which is one of my all-time favourite songs.

Years ago, my first husband Mervyn and I shared a table with two strangers late one night in a candle-lit, small, downstairs club in Brisbane called the "De Brazil". The four of us talked as we sipped on scotch for an hour or so until suddenly the two left our table and suddenly appeared on the small stage. It was then we discovered our fellow imbibers were Doug Ashdown and Lee Conway. I will never forget that evening. It was one of the greatest "jam sessions" I've ever witnessed. They propped themselves on a couple of stools, guitars in hand, and branched out into song. The "De Brazil" didn't open its doors until 10pm, closing around 3.00am. It was a fun place owned and operated by one, Johnny Morris, who performed nightly at the National Hotel until 10pm, after which he then proceeded onto his own club to do similar interspersed with guest artists.

I've gone a little crazy with Amazon at present. A delivery arrived about an hour ago of CDs I had on order. "Bruce Springsteen Live In Dublin", a double CD set, which is blasting forth from my stereo at present, to be followed by Lucinda Williams' latest, "West". I'm awaiting the arrival of several CDs. Two each by Ricky Van Shelton, Rodney Crowell, Jerry Jeff Walker and The Marshall Tucker Band. I've got a few more in mind, as well, including a couple by Shel Silverstein, Lee Hazelwood and Guy Clark. It's time I added to my music collection because I've not bought any CDs for a while. Amazon and others of its ilk seem to be the most suitable way for me to purchase music as I'm not one who likes to frequent shopping centres. Plus, it is far cheaper buy on-line, even including the freight charges. Not only that, there is a far wider and more varied choice than what is available in stores. I like to veer off the "mainstream" in most cases.

So, here I sit...music entertaining me, not quite in the background, more in the foreground, a glass of red wine to the right of me and feeling quite at ease with my immediate surroundings. I think I'll have a little party with me and me. It's been a while. It's due!

I'm in one of those "moods". "He" whom I wish was here, is not here. "He" is but a fantasy. "He" is never here! I think "he" doesn't exist, but in my own mind. It's probably the best place for "him" to be! There's no room in my bed, even though it's a king-size. With the cats and me...there's no room for anyone else!

Don't misunderstand me...I'm in a mellow mood, a good mood. After a few more wines, I'll even be better!

In my fridge a thick rump steak awaits my attention. Some fresh mushrooms also are begging to be sauteed alongside the steak. My mouth waters at the thought, but it will have to continue doing so for a while as I'm not yet ready to begin cooking or eating. The time now is for music and partying...all that can come later.

After all it is Friday...time to party!