9:10

Monday morning bliss

Can we all agree that Neil Peart's iconic drum solo in the middle of Rush's 'Tom Sawyer' (with volume set North of 7 mind you) is far more effective at lifting one's energy level and mood than any cup of cortisol-spiking cup of joe ever could?

Thank Canada for Rush.

Leonard Cohen Live at the Long Center

Something truly special happened to me this last week. Only a week before I was to be a daddy for the first time, I had the honor and pleasure to experience another life-changing event.

I saw, heard, and felt Leonard Cohen and his immensely talented band in concert at the lovely Long Center. To say that this was anything less than the musical thrill-of-a-lifetime for me would be a major understatement. To experience the magic of Leonard Cohen with my wife and our soon to be born child- snug-fit and kicking for life's awakening-  was as special a prelude to parenthood as could have been scripted.

A full six days later and I still cannot release the memory of the sights, sounds, and spiritual energy from the show. Leonard's regal presence, energy and sheer mastery of the microphone was inspirational. His brilliant lyrical lullabies supported by an expert band of musicians and angelic backup singers had me firmly in a trance for the entire three-plus hour duration.  

For the record, there is not a Leonard Cohen song (or penned word for that matter) that I do not like, but the highlights that night were "Everybody Knows", "I'm Your Man", "Who By Fire", "Suzanne", "Democracy", "First We Take Manhattan", "If It Be Your Will", and "Closing Time". The only song not played that I felt longing for was "Waiting For The Miracle", but it was only one. 

Leonard, dapper as always, with his double breasted suit and cocked fedora, kneeled humbly to the crowd, offered constant kudos to his band mates, and pranced around the stage like a man half his age. Part iconic front man, part storyteller, part spiritual healer, Leonard had the undivided attention of every face in the crowd- long time fans and newcomers alike. In short, it was the most touching spiritual experience- church or otherwise- in my adult life.

Thank you Leonard Cohen, Roscoe Beck, Neil Larsen, Bob Metzger, Javier Mas, Rafael Gayol, Dino Soldo, Sharon Robinson, and Hattie & Charley Webb. Thank you for helping to prepare me for the greatest challenge yet and second act of my life. 

That's about all I can muster to describe an experience that words cannot begin to justify. Only the hallowed words still living within Leonard Cohen's songs and poems can truly explain the feelings I now have and will take forward with me until the end of time.

Tuesday night at Jo's

On a night usually reserved for watching House, I ventured out on a beautiful October evening to take in a couple bands at the new Jo's on 2nd St.   A friend of mine, Joshua Binghamon was opening up for Amy Cook at Jo's Coffee. They do a great job creating a nice atmosphere for gigs every Tuesday night.  Candles were glowing, the lights were just right and the live music volume was just right to sit back with some red wine and enjoy Amy's sweet vocals.

A couple friends, Alex and Ronny met me down there.  Negar, was visiting parents up in Round Rock, so I was flying solo. After catching most of the gig we all walked around exploring some of the new shops on 2nd st. The weather was just perfect to be walking outside and we just kept going up to 4th st and then back down to 2nd talking and observing all the new boutiques and restaurants setting up shop.  Seems like a new shop opens every week in downtown Austin now.  Incredible growth happening right now and a privilege to experience.

We decided t grab a final drink at a new bar on 6th called the Key Bar.  What a great experience.  It was about 11pm when we arrived there and there were probably only about a dozen other people there.  It's a really neat open air design with an outdoor bar covered by a roof and then a section of cool low slung lawn chairs sitting atop a nicely designed rock garden.   After sitting down in the rock garden, it only took a few minutes for a very pleasant (and cute) waitress to take our order of margarita's. We talked about a wide variety of topics (per usual)-- most interestingly, the subject of children-- and specifically, when we were going to have them and how it will change our lives.  A great subject to discuss with a slight buzz, I might add.  It was just a perfect setting and one that I wish Negar was able to join us for. 

Maybe next Tuesday....

Nice job by the Key Bar- look forward to coming back.