Robert+Patty=JOY!

The Band of Joy

A pair of tickets had been sitting on my desk since earlier this year. It never quite seemed real that I would actually get to use them and go see one of my music idols, Robert Plant. This performance was definitely worthy of holy week, if I can say that without being too blasphemous. I was amazed at how nostalgic I felt for something I was never around to experience: the whole Led Zeppelin era, that is. I also enjoy Robert Plant's new music a lot as well and it has been eye-opening to see him take on such challenging and diverse projects. I've been a fan of Patty Griffin for a few years now, and the pairing between Robert and Patty was well-matched. I don't want to use any words like "magical" because in my mind, Robert could make almost anything work, and what he had with Zeppelin WAS magical. So now I think he's aging gracefully, remembering where he came from, but also allowing himself to explore new musical possibilities. In comparison with some of the older acts who keep pounding out albums and touring endlessly, sometimes it seems masochistic that they force themselves to relive the early years over and over again, without the comfort of youth or drugs to get them through it. I am proud of Robert for allowing himself to put that part of his life to rest. He seems truly happy and fulfilled through his music now and it comes through while he's performing. I couldn't help but feel that joy.

The highlights of the show for me were undeniably the new takes on old Zeppelin classics, probably because I am much more familiar with them, and I love the new energy behind them. As much as I enjoy Black Dog in its raw form, circa 1971, this older, polished version was... beautiful? It seems strange to say that, but it was. I couldn't have been more excited for Tangerine, Houses of the Holy, and the finale, Ramble On, which is undoubtedly my favorite Zep song. The whole performance was completely engaging and I wished I could have seen his facial expressions a bit closer, because he really puts himself completely into his music and it shows. I'm not much of a concert reviewer because I can't nitpick over something that I love this much, so I'll just end with that. It was wonderful.

Robert Plant and Patty Griffin

Dissecting love

When I was in 7th grade and we were dissecting a sheep's heart, I was the only one willing to make that first incision and wiggle my finger in the largest artery. After that it was chaos. I think pieces of the sheep's heart ended up on the classroom ceiling. I'm usually not the kind to jump into such a gruesome task, but if someone has to be first and there are no volunteers, I'll usually go ahead and do it, gloves or no gloves.

I wish this were my approach to relationships. As in, I wish I were more willing to take risks. Er, maybe it's a bad metaphor. Three months ago I think I was the most shut down about love that I have been in quite some time. Things have changed since then. I was in a short-lived relationship, but the result did not cause me to shut down again, which I'm grateful for. And it is a choice too; I know this now. I think it's more than okay to recognize that someone is a good person, but not THE person for you. It's okay to have different goals and see that it would cause conflict down the road and stop there, instead of getting in too deep. In fact, I think I'll make a list right now, since I'm in a good mindset, of the things I've learned in the past couple years about relationships:

1. Love is a choice, BUT...

2. Attraction is an inexplicable thing, and an important thing, not to be compromised on

3. Friendship is absolutely necessary, and it's possible to become friends fast, but it takes a while to really know someone

4. Men have to make the first move or they don't want what they're after bad enough

5. Men don't have to like everything I like or dance well or even dress well

6. Willingness is key in a relationship. If it's there, the possibilities are endless...

7. Reciprocation is also key. If it's there, you both will never want for affection, if not, you'll always be lonely

8. Talking is important, but so is kissing ;)

9. A man can take care of himself, but recognizes that he doesn't necessarily want to all the time

10. If you think you can do everything on your own, you might be right, but it's pretty lonely after a while

11. Money manners are important. You don't have to be rich, but don't act like you're poor

12. Men should absolutely open doors and pay for things

13. Physical affection is a poor substitute for lack of compatibility

14. Love should bring peace, not anxiety

15. If love songs make you sad when you're in a relationship, you aren't happy

16. Love isn't hoping for someone to finally make a certain change before you can hand them your heart

17. If he can't see your possibilities or you can't see his, find the person who can

18. Let go of preconceived notions of what he should look like

19. Find a person who makes you laugh hard

20. 99% of the time it won't work out, but you only need one person to love you for good