Graduation, Walks, Records…

Last Friday night my wife, myself, both of our daughters, and my son’s girlfriend sat in the bleachers of the WCHS football field and watched as the boy shook hands with people we don’t know and received his diploma. Despite the near 90 degree heat we were relatively comfortable, our backs to the west as the sun sank.

This was our third high school graduation, and more than likely one of the last we’ll have to attend. I thought I’d be more emotional about that fact, but honestly I think it was more just relief than anything. I wasn’t concerned that our son wouldn’t graduate. He’s a pretty smart kid, and despite one awful year(his Freshman year, 2019-2020) he’s gotten good grades. He did graduate with Academic Honors, so there’s that.

The relief is from the fact that my wife and I made it. We got thru 18 years for three kids and didn’t muck it all up. In fact, it seems we raised three pretty great people. All very thoughtful, funny, compassionate, and empathetic individuals that I find great joy to be around. I’m not giving all the credit to mom and dad, but I think we did a lot to keep them on track so that they could figure the rest out for themselves. Others that deserve some credit, in no particular order: The Simpsons, Futurama, Baby Einstein, Maurice Sendak, The Beatles, George Romero, grandma and grandpa, Dr Dog, Brown County, Elmo, Adventure Time, Tim and Eric, and our dog Otto.

The summer walks are in full force. Is it summer yet? When the temp tickles 90 degrees it’s summer in my book. Despite the heat I’m hitting the pavement nearly every day. Between listening to books, playlists, and the occasional WTF episode, my ears are occupied so my feet can walk us right into nearly 4 miles per afternoon jaunt. I’m hitting on the average over 10,000 steps a day, fitting in little walks during my breaks at work. I definitely feel better. Walking nearly to the top of the bleachers last Friday was a breeze, even in the heat. I’m getting the summer farmer’s tan on my legs, the coloring stopping where my ankle socks begin.

Along with the exercise, I get a lot of good thinking time in on those afternoon walks. Everything from hashing out the daily grind and issues that come with that, to things I’d like to get into this summer(book ideas, future stories for the blog, album concepts) to just falling into whatever book I’m currently listening to. I’m nearly finished with Stephen King’s ‘Lisey’s Story’.

Last weekend I picked up some records from Karma Records of Warsaw. First was a 2023 RSD release that was still available to order, Tangerine Dream’s Live In Paris, Palais Des Congrès – March 6th, 1978. It’s a 3 LP set(colored vinyl, natch) of these amazing gigs they performed around the time of Encore and Cyclone being released. They’re not high quality, soundboard recordings but for bootleg live albums I think they sound pretty decent. Froese and Co at the height of their powers in the late 70s. Extremely happy to have it.

Next up is Steve Moore’s score for Joe Begos’ Christmas Bloody Christmas. A robot Santa goes on a bloody killing spree? And Zombi’s Steve Moore scores it? Take my money. The score is excellent, bringing to mind Carpenter’s Christine score. It oozes 80s horror and I love it. I’m a sucker for anything Steve Moore does, so this one was a no-brainer. Plus, I loved the movie when I watched back in December, ’22. Might even have to watch it again here soon.

Lastly is the latest from Detroit post-punk band Protomartyr. I’ve been a huge fan of this band since 2015s The Agent Intellect. Front man Joe Casey is like this dark poet, raving on the street corner about the world slowly decomposing before our eyes, while we all just ignore it and continue buying our Venti Lattes at Starbucks and scream for our favorite NFL team on Sundays. Between his incredible lyrics and delivery and the band locking in to some serious jagged post-punk vibes, Protomartyr is one of the most exciting bands I’ve heard in years.

Their new album Formal Growth In The Desert opens their sound significantly with the addition of pedal steel. It gives their songs a dreamier vibe, while still retaining the power and aggressiveness that came before.

Okay, so now you know what I’ve been up to. I’ve been on this emotional rollercoaster, between two birthdays(my oldest and middle kids), Mother’s Day, high school graduation, and still the impending doom of unemployment via my company closing shop here in my hometown. But I’ve got a system to help with all of that, between my daily walks of contemplation and perspiration and my music therapy. Of course, any time the wife and I can get away for a few hours by ourselves always works, too.

Hope you’re well, wherever you may be.