a night out

I think it was high school.

And it was because of my older brother Danny.

I heard this band called the Indigo Girls.

I have loved, admired, respected their music ever since.

Two women who sing with such incredibly beautiful harmony.  And their lyrics.  My word – their lyrics have been defining bits and pieces of my life for more than two decades.

When I saw that these women, still writing and singing songs together after all these years, were coming to Asheville’s Orange Peel for a show, I just had to drive up to see them.

Concerts aren’t too much fun alone.  I was so glad that I was able to enjoy some catch up time with my lovely and entertaining friend Laura and take in the concert with her – another since-high-school fan of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray.

First there was the food.

Because, why bother driving to Asheville if you aren’t planning to eat there?

A new to me choice – Sunny Point Cafe.  I will definitely be back.  I mean – look at this chicken sandwich with melted brie across it.

And then the French Broad Chocolate Lounge.

Because, again, Asheville and chocolate and a liquid truffle.  I mean, it’s practically required.

I always get the exact same thing.  Maple with smoked sea salt liquid truffle.

And then, of course – the real reason for the evening ….. the concert.

Standing room only (which reminded me that I am old) and crowded and kind of hot, but yes – completely worthwhile.

I was all fancy for the night – it seemed an occasion worth celebrating.

And by fancy I mean that I broke out the Texas cowboy boots and the dress from the mall trip with Hilary and my favorite gold leaf Julius Casear headband – all on the same night!

The lines and lyrics this musical duo has crafted over so many decades of writing together are just outstanding.

…….begin my studies with this paper and this pencil and I’m working through the grammar of my fears.  What I won’t give to have the things that mean the most not to mean the things I miss.

The thin horizon of a plan is almost clear.
My friends and I have had a tough time.
Bruising our brains, hard up against change.
All the old dogs and the magician.

Now I see we’re in the boat in two-by-two’s,
Only the heart that we have for a tool we could use.
And the very close quarters are hard to get used to,
Love weighs the hull down with its weight.

But the wood is tired, and the wood is old
And we’ll make it fine, if the weather holds.
But if the weather holds, we’ll have missed the point,
That’s where I need to go.

No way construction of this tricky plan
Was built by other than a greater hand
With a love that passes all our understanding
Watching closely over the journey.

Yeah, but what it takes to cross the great divide
Seems more that all the courage I can muster up inside.
But we got to have some answers when we reach the other side.
The prize is always worth the rocky ride.

But the wood is tired, and the wood is old
And we’ll make it fine, if the weather holds
But if the weather holds, we’ll have missed the point,
That’s where I need to go.

Sometimes I ask to sneak a closer look,
Skip to the final chapter of the book.
And then maybe steer us clear from some of the pain it took
To get us where we are this far, this far.

But the question drowns in its futility.
Even I have got to laugh at me.
No one gets to miss the storm of what will be,
Just holding on for the ride.

But the wood is tired, and the wood is old
And we’ll make it fine, if the weather holds
But if the weather holds, we’ll have missed the point,
That’s where I need to go.

________

It was a good good night!