Day 135 - Life Without Grandparents

I have never lived without grandparents. After laying my grandmother Naomi to rest today, that changed. Now, I realize some may look at this event and wonder why I'm including it in my "I have never..." year, and I understand how some would think this is one experience about which I shouldn't write. That stated, this journey was rooted in addressing my fear of facing time, and in many ways, mortality itself. As a result, the bulk of my exploration has been about facing new, and often life altering experiences in the name of discovering who I am as a person. For me, writing about the experiences has helped me understand their deeper meaning and reflect on the impact each event had, and will continue to have, on my life. Considering my Grandparents' role in teaching me to be the man I am today, I know today's experience will be one that will change me forever. Particularly, the kindness, dignity, courage, and love my Grandmother Naomi taught and showed me will be something I miss dearly and something I know my actions will now have to carry forward in her absence. She was everything to everyone whenever they needed it... and she did everything for everyone without hesitation, always maintaining her memorable smile and unmatched grace. She cared for every person she ever met and always opened her arms to those in need. She lived to care and to help others grow. That was her purpose. That was my Grandmother. Stated plainly, she was a saint.

So, as a result of the impact I know today's event will have on my life, I decided I would write about today's experience not to express my thoughts and feelings, but to honor the memory of my Grandmother. This is an event that will change me forever, I know. However, I also know that my Grandmother's legacy now lives in all of us that survive her, and it is now our responsibility to live up to the beautiful and amazing tenets by which she lived. It will be a tall task, but the only way for anyone reading this to understand just how tall of a task is to better understand the person my Grandmother was.

Remaining blog entry coming soon...

Day 134 - Gone With the Wind

I have never watched Gone with the Wind. Considering a part of my “I have never...” journey has focused on watching one classic film I have never seen each month, taking time to see Gone with the Wind was an obvious choice. After all, the movie is consistently listed as one of the top ten films of all time, and its role in cinematic history has been firmly established as one of advancing the art in a way that that continues to echo through film today. As a result of these factors, I added Gone with the Wind to my list of films to see some time ago, but it wasn’t until recently I was inspired to make it a priority in my “I have never...” journey.

Following the recent passing of my Grandmother, I reached out to my mother and her siblings to gather information regarding my Grandmother’s favorite movies. With intent to watch her favorite movie as my classic movie for this month, I figured such information would be readily known by at least one member of the family. Much to my surprise, there was some degree of uncertainty among the family regarding my Grandmother’s favorite film, but one title kept emerging as the best choice for my “I have never...” event, Gone with the Wind. Although I was unaware as to whether the movie was my Grandmother’s favorite, the frequency of its mentioning was enough to set into motion my plans to track down the film and watch it for the first time today.

Luckily, very little effort in tracking down the movie resulted in me obtaining a copy of Gone with the Wind from the local library. With Rachael’s help, I had a copy of Gone with the Wind in my hands by the end of this afternoon, and I was ready for another new cinematic experience in my “I have never...” journey. In turn, I grabbed a few snacks and took a seat in front of the television, ready to spend the next four hours watching one of the most storied movies in history. With thoughts of my Grandmother in my mind, I pressed play and let the story of Gone with the Wind begin to unfold before me.

Scarlett in her youth

Following the film’s extended overture, I found Gone with the Wind quick to delve into character development. The focus on Scarlett O’hara became immediately apparent as the film introduced the variety of characters that would inevitably construct the story around the female protagonist. As I watched the party of people celebrating the forthcoming Civil War at the O’hara family’s Georgia plantation, Tara, I couldn’t help but feel a slightly dismayed by the film’s portrayal of the glory and righteousness of the Old South. As people that relied on slavery for their wealth and way of life, the excitement with which the characters discussed the idea of war to defend such practices was nearly ubiquitous. Quite frankly, the underlying theme of that early portion of the film left me feeling somewhat disgusted by the story’s premise. Thankfully, the introduction of an opposition voice in the form of Rhett Butler provided some impetus to continue with the film.

As the film continued, Scarlett’s obvious desire the fiancé of her cousin Melanie, a man named Ashley, set the tone for the remaining parts of the film. After witnessing Scarlett make a plea to Ashley for his love, Rhett made his interest in Scarlett readily known, which led to outright rejection of the idea from Scarlett. Undeterred by her response and her obvious desire for Ashley, Rhett made his intentions to win her over known before returning to a party stirred to madness at a declaration of war with the North. In response to the pending uncertainty brought by war, Scarlett was quick to take the hand of another man in spite of Ashley and Melanie’s marriage, which left her disheartened as the men went off to war. Although Scarlett’s first husband quickly perished on the battlefield, it was clear her heart remained with Ashley. In fact, her lack of concern over the death of her husband was one of the most revealing aspects of Scarlett’s character development early in the film. It quickly became clear she was a woman that wanted what she wanted and that she was prepared to persevere long enough to obtain it.

Making the move...

Meanwhile, Rhett Butler took Scarlett’s quasi-mourning as an opportunity to grow closer to her, driven by his persistent desire for the woman. As their budding relationship developed, it quickly became clear Scarlett’s situation would become much more dramatic. After reiterating her feelings for Ashley while he was on Christmas furlough, he showed her signs of reciprocation, despite his marriage to Melanie, before returning to the battlefield. In response to the developing story, I started feeling like the film was taking a turn toward the sappy dramatic styling more attributable to modern day soap operas than one of the greatest films in history. Gone with the Wind was losing my interest quickly, and I didn’t know how much longer I would be willing to stick with the story.

After the Siege

Resolved to continue watching the film for several reasons, I refocused and did my best to find some points of interest in the continuing story. Luckily, the film’s shift to the siege on Atlanta breathed new life into the tale and forced Scarlett’s character to quickly develop from that of a privileged daughter to that of a true family member and a woman bent on springing back from the rubble of a war-torn nation. After surviving the siege with the help of Rhett Butler, Scarlett and her cousin Melanie began the trip back to Tara at Rhett’s side. The experience among such turmoil eventually brought Scarlett and Rhett closer, where they showed their first signs of a bond before Rhett parted with the women to join the Confederate forces outside of Atlanta. I watched on as the women were then left among the devastation of the war to find their way back to Tara as their only refuge from the ongoing war.

Eventually, their effort proved successful although they were left in tatters much the same as the Tara estate itself. It was easy to feel the heartache and loss that came with Scarlett’s journey as they traveled, which was worsened by news of the death of Scarlett’s mother during the rising tide of war. With her family, her home, and her future shattered, I quickly found myself becoming more involved in the film, curious about how Scarlett would emerge from destruction and start anew. As I watched Scarlett state her commitment to help her family make it through the hardship and resurface stronger, it started to become clear why the story and the film had gained its reputation over time. Although it felt a bit long in the tooth during the first part of the movie, I could see Scarlett becoming a different, more resolute person. From a life as a spoiled child, she was becoming a woman, and that transition was more than enough to keep me interested.

"I'll never go hungry again."

Roping Ashley in...

With the second half of the film came what I though was the most engaging part of Gone with the Wind. Through poverty and struggle, Scarlett rose from the ashes of the Civil War and began her life anew. Although some saw her actions as those of a sympathizer, Scarlett rose about stubborn pride, made sacrifices for her family’s well-being and moved forward to find success and well-being in a very new and very different world. With Ashley back from the battlefields, underlying tensions rattled some aspects of her home life, but Scarlett pushed past her desires and remained focused on reclaiming the life she had lost to war. Although she ended up in a loveless marriage to a man that originally has his heart set on Scarlett’s sister, I found Scarlett’s resilience and strength to make her way back to position of comfort and prosperity rather impressive, albeit self-centered by some accounts. Eventually, her efforts resulted in Ashley running Scarlett’s business on her behalf, led to an odd, periodic reliance on Rhett Butler, and drove Scarlett back to a position of privilege that would ultimately be her undoing.

Half-hearted love

I stayed glued to the story as I saw some predictable aspects of the tale, like the death of Scarlett’s second husband, unfold toward the conclusion. With Scarlett’s desires for Ashley persisting through each aspect of the remaining tale, I saw her enter a marriage with Rhett Butler built on a foundation of sand. Eventually, this drove Rhett to a position of jealousy and rage upon realizing he couldn’t overwhelm Scarlett’s feelings for Ashley with his love. Even when the couple had a child together, Scarlett remained a half-hearted partner, which showed in her actions and in the hollowness that existed in her relationship with Rhett. Although aspects of the final portion of the story felt like the plot of a soap opera again, the realness and heaviness that came with the final scenes of the movie were gripping, and the emergence of Melanie as a guiding light for a group of confused souls was enlightening.

Falling apart...

As the story progressed with the miscarriage of Scarlett and Rhett’s second child, the accidental death of their first child, and the unforeseen death of Melanie, I was left wondering how Scarlett, Rhett, and Ashley would move forward. Then, in one fell swoop the pieces fell together and Scarlett fell apart. After a somber rejection from Ashley in the wake of Melanie’s passing, Scarlett realization of making the most of what she had seemed a realization too late to correct the wrongs and misplaced feelings she had held for years. With her moment of awareness hitting her headlong, I couldn’t help but feel Scarlett had taken for granted the wonderful things and people she had in her life for the sake of her personal pursuits and desires. Then came one of the most memorable scenes I have ever seen in a movie. With Rhett telling Scarlett he was leaving her in the face of her half-hearted love and unending desire for another man, Scarlett turned the Rhett and said, “Where shall I go? What shall I do?” Passing through the front door of their palatial home, Rhett then stopped, looked Scarlett in the eye, and gave a response that plucked the thoughts right out of my mind, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

The perfect line...

Alone, Scarlett made one last decision to return to the Tara plantation and start anew before the film reached its a conclusion. With the movie finished, I took a few minutes to rehash all of the events that occurred throughout the course of the story. Although I initially didn’t feel as though the movie stood out among the best I have seen in my life, I quickly began to realize the ups and downs of Gone with the Wind was a story of strength, resilience, and change. The character development of the film was deep, and the underlying lessons that could be taken away from the undertone of heartache and discontent that followed Scarlett through the stages of her success and hardship were undeniable. Basically, I reached a conclusion that Gone with the Wind was not a glorification of material and wealth, but was instead a story about finding happiness in the people and things a person has, not in what they covet. In other words, the story focused on one simple truth; those that focus only on what they don’t have fail to recognize the amazing things in every aspect of their lives.

With those thoughts stirring in my mind, I turned off the television and sat for a brief moment in silence. My takeaway from the film made me think about why my Grandmother would like such a story, and then I realized it was likely because the conclusion I pulled from the story was everything my Grandmother was. She was a person that loved all of the time, and she never sought to obtain things she didn’t have and didn’t need. In fact, she spent most of her life doing things for others and helping those in need, putting her time and her heart in her actions as a Mother, as a Grandmother, and in her actions. She never wanted more than she needed, and she went out of her way to ensure those with less had what they needed. She always lived her life with the beliefs it took Scarlett O’Hara a lifetime to discover, never taking for granted the people and things in her life and always finding happiness in all things. Those realizations alone made it worth watching Gone with the Wind today. Sure, the story was one worth remembering, but the takeaway from the film’s conclusion made me realize a few things about life and living I might not have realized otherwise. That’s a powerful thing, and it’s something worth holding onto.

Day 133 - Visiting the Anderson Japanese Gardens

I have never been to the Anderson Japanese Gardens. In fact, I was unaware of this sprawling expanse of gardens inspired by Eastern traditions until I started doing research for my “I have never...” journey. Perhaps it was because the gardens are located in Rockford Illinois, or perhaps it was because I didn’t have a strong interest in such experiences prior to this year, but the Anderson Japanese Gardens were simply an unknown place to me until recently. Of course, after seeing photographs of the beautifully sculpted terrain contained within the garden’s walls, I knew I needed to make a trip to the Anderson Japanese Gardens sometime during my “I have never...” year.

Although I didn’t know exactly when I would make the trip, I eventually narrowed in on a few days that would permit me to make the trek down to the gardens. Eventually, that effort led me to decide today would be the day that I first visited the Anderson Japanese Gardens. Primarily, this decision was driven by the fact that I learned recently my Grandmother was facing her final days of life. As a result, I figured the trip would be a good way to occupy my mind with something I knew my Grandmother, who was a helping hand to my Grandfather the florist in her younger years and an active gardener in retirement, would enjoy if she was capable of making the trip. It was set to be a relaxing Sunday trip and a new experience, both of which I looked forward to after an otherwise busy weekend.

The entrance

As Rachael and I prepared to make the journey to the gardens this morning, I received word of my Grandmother’s passing from my Mother. My Mother was quick to tell me there was no immediate need for me to make the journey north for funeral preparations, and encouraged me to make the trip to the gardens as planned. “Grandma would have loved that,” my mother said with a soft, somber tone, “Go enjoy the gardens. Just keep her in your heart.” Understanding my mother’s intent, I worked through the rest of the morning as planned, and Rachael and I began our trip to Rockford. For the length of the trip, I rested quietly in the passenger seat moving in and out of deep thought on the meaning of my Grandmother’s passing. My heart was heavy and parts of me felt hollow at the thought of it all, but I knew my Mother was right in telling me to visit the Japanese Gardens today. I knew the memories from our time before the tranquil and beautiful space would be forever intertwined with my memories of my Grandmother, and that somehow made sense to me. It just seemed to fit, knowing that my Grandmother would be at the forefront of my mind while we walked the gardens. In a way, it made me feel as though a part of her would be there with us, and that meant a lot in the wake of today’s news.

The visitors' center

My thoughts carried me until Rachael and I arrived at the gates of the Anderson Japanese Gardens. After finding a parking space we entered the visitors’ center resting at the foot of the parking lot and gained our passes for the gardens. Although the property bordered a busy roadway, it felt as though we had moved far away from hustling streets as soon as we entered the gardens. A lush green space spread out before us and climbed up a hill on the opposite side of a series of waterways, with serpentine paths moving across the ground and disappearing behind tree cover. At first, Rachael and I paused to grab a drink of water and plot our course through the gardens. As we spoke, I took time to look over the space around us, which was rich with life happily basking in the midday sunlight. My first impression of the space left me in a state of reverie as Rachael made some final decisions on the direction we would take. Eventually snapping out of my distant gaze, I focused on Rachael’s final words of recommendation before we began our trip down one of the gardens’ paths.

Strolling

As we walked along the path mirroring the property’s border, Rachael and I pointed out some of the more unique plants and features we passed. The morning’s news made for a mostly quiet walk, but that gave us more opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the space around us. Birds sang from every direction, the sound of flowing water whirred in the distance, and the gentle breeze drew out applause from the thousands of leaves surrounding us. I still felt heavy, but I was in a good place and I was happy Rachael was at my side.

The east pond

Eventually our path took us to locations containing authentic Japanese monuments and structures scattered throughout the property. After passing a pillar of peace nestled in a low lying moss garden, we came upon a large pond bordered by dense greenery and a wooden walkway. As we came nearer the pond we saw massive koi fish breaking the surface of the water and responding to the presence of another group of people feeding the animals some of the available fish food. We paused briefly to look at the odd relationship the fish had developed with passersby, which caused them to mirror the movements of people around the body of water. It was strange, but completely understandable. After a short time at the pond, Rachael and I walked back through the garden until we met a traditional Japanese guest house hidden in the middle of the property. The structure was simple in its design but beautiful in its symmetry and openness. While we couldn’t enter the building, we took time to glance at its features and at the centric Japanese rock garden near the building’s rear. The whole of the sights made it easy to feel we were in another location entirely and made it easy to settle into a deeper state of relaxation as we continued through the gardens.

Our path took us deeper into the property until we ultimately reached a small wooden bridge stretching over wide, shallow river some distance below. On the other side of the bridge massive wooden gates opened to another expanse of garden space full of lush plant life climbing high above the ground. Rachael and I spent some time taking in the authentic teahouse nestled at the base of a steep hill before rounding a corner and meeting a cascade of water falling over a rock face nearly three stories tall. The stature of the waterfall was altogether unexpected, which caused Rachael and I to pause before it for some time. 

As we watched the water tumbling down into the stream at our feet, I found myself entering a state on contemplation similar to the one that gripped me when we first entered the garden grounds. As I thought about the meaning of the day, I shifted my eyes to the scenery surrounding the waterfall, which contained pockets of leaves licked with color at the first signs of autumn. On the hill in the distance, a small wooden bridge rested over the origin of the falls, which was nestled somewhere on the steep surface before us. I couldn’t help but think of how my Grandmother would feel to see the scene as we stood silent before the rushing water. While it wasn’t the most amazing sight I have encountered in my life, the waterfall created beauty and peace, and that’s exactly what I had hoped to find during today’s travels.

Leaving the falls...

After taking in the falls for some time Rachael and I continued down the garden path, which guided us back over the river and around the far side of a second body of water on the west side of the property. We passed a mediation space before finding ourselves walking down a narrow path ending in a small seating area overlooking the pond. With little discussion we took to the chairs to rest for a while, sitting before the panoramic view framed by the plants and trees springing from the ground resting at our feet. We chatted a bit as we took in the view, which seemed the perfect backdrop for that moment in our time at the gardens. While I could have stayed in that spot for the rest of the day, Rachael and I eventually decided it was time to move on and bring our first trip to the Anderson Japanese Gardens to a close.

The view from the pond shore

With other obligations pending back home, Rachael and I worked our way through the rest of the gardens past some familiar sights near the river and a massive pavilion structure on the opposite side of the pond. Eventually, our path took us back into the visitors’ center, which led back to our car. As we left the Anderson Japanese Gardens we talked about the obvious beauty contained within its walls and discussed how the changing seasons would likely bring an entirely new feel to the space. In short order, we decided a return trip to the gardens was needed in the future before we settled in for the drive back home. On the trip I shuffled through some of the photos I had taken while we were at the gardens and tried to predict what my Grandmother would have thought about the visit. While I knew she would have loved the beauty and serenity of such a place, I wondered what she would have found the most appealing about the gardens. Although I will never know what she would have thought, my mind kept drifting back to the chairs resting on the shore of the pond and the beautiful stillness that came with our brief stop at the location. There was something about that spot I knew my Grandmother would have loved, and it was where I wanted to feel her with us the most.

A woman standing alone in the pavillion

I stared at the photo of that moment in our trip for some time before sinking into my seat and drifting into a light sleep. My rest occupied me the remainder of the trip until Rachael stirred me to life just outside of Madison. As I snapped back into consciousness, a flood of thoughts hit me, but the calm from our earlier trip to the gardens quickly moved to the forefront of my mind. Although a persistent sadness from the morning’s news hung in the air, I knew making the trip to the Anderson Japanese Gardens was probably the best thing we could have done today. There is something about the place that cleared my mind and provided perspective on the meaning of today, which is exactly the kind of reflection I needed on a day like this.

Day 132 - Going on a Pirate Cruise

I have never been on a pirate themed cruise. In fact, I have never been on a cruise boat of any kind. While I have spent a lot of time on the water in my life, I have simply never pursued the opportunity to cruise around a body of water in a large boat, let alone doing so in pirate gear. However, in recent years several friends of mine have participated in such events, and each of them has independently told me how fun and memorable the experience has been. Realizing this was likely an experience that would be unrivaled in my "I have never..." year, I decided I would add "taking a pirate cruise" to my list of potential new experiences. When I learned a local outfit, Betty Lou Cruises, was offering such a cruise, with an open bar, on Lake Mendota in Madison this Saturday, I sprang at the idea and prepared to gain an experience unlike any other to date.

When I contacted Betty Lou Cruises to reserve spots on the cruise, the company made me aware there were very few spots remaining for today's event. I would later come to find that my reservation for two tickets were actually the last two tickets available, which made me feel incredibly lucky I was able to pull off today's event. Upon learning this was the case, Rachael stated she was fine with me using the two tickets to take a friend instead of the two of us going. Understanding her willingness to forego the experience was likely to let me engage in revelrous behavior without causing her real-time embarrassment, I told her I would invite a friend of mine, Justin, and that I would try to take relatively "easy" while I was on the cruise. That effort would prove an unsuccessful endeavor.

In preparation for the event this evening, I threw together a pirate costume and picked Justin up at his house around 7:00. We had a few drinks and chatted a bit before Rachael took us to port on the north shore of Lake Mendota for our scheduled 9:30 departure time. Upon arriving at the port, Justin and I found our way to a gathering group of people dressed in mostly gaudy, but periodically authentic, pirate gear. With "yargs!" aplenty, Justin and I waited with the rest of high-spirited group for several minutes until our captain arrived and gave us a breakdown on safety and cruise expectations.

Loading up!

With our preliminary chat complete, our group promptly took to the long floating dock to board our boat and start the cruise. One by one we shuffled down the narrow, uneven platform leading to a large, two-story boat resting quietly in the water. Together, Justin and I cracked jokes and gave out several pirate calls as we slowly walked toward the boat and prepared for the night's adventure to begin. As we approached the entrance to the boat, Justin took a brief moment betweens laughs to grab me by the shoulder and say, "Do you realize how ridiculous this night is going to be?" Considering the fun we having before we boarded the ship, it was easy to respond with a quick statement of affirmation. However, I must admit I didn't stop to think about how much fun we were likely to have until that very moment. As one of the best men I know, I realized I couldn't have picked a better person than Justin to accompany me on such a crazy little adventure, and I knew there was no way we were going to do anything but make the most of our two hour trip around the lake. With those thoughts in mind, I gave Justin a pat on the back and said, "Let's do this" as I stepped up onto the boat. With a chuckle Justin looked back at me and said, "Oh, it's on!" before ducking his head and entering the boat's cabin.

The boat

I followed Justin inside the cabin where we found a stirring group of cruise attendees grabbing hor d'oeuvres and waiting to place drink orders. Justin and I mingled with the crowd near the bar as the boat's engines fired up and the staff took their positions around the vessel. Just as we began leaving dock, Justin and I grabbed our first drinks and worked our way to the bow of the boat, which contained very few people and provided a clear view of the moonlit lake before us. As we sipped on our drinks, Justin and I took in the views of the glowing cityscape and caught up on life events. For several minutes we simply enjoyed the calm of the night and shared a few laughs until we decided it was time to rejoin the party and grab another round of drinks. From there, things got awesome really, really fast.

The crowd

After grabbing our second round of drinks, Justin and I made our way to the bridge deck and started chatting with other pirate cruise-goers. Considering everyone was ready to have a good time, it made it easy to interact with people and make quick friends. With music pumping through the onboard speakers, the cheerful group rapidly developed into a dance party, which sent me to the "dance floor" developing at the center of the deck. After dancing to a few songs and doing my best to get some reluctant onlookers on the dance floor, I decided to take a brief break from getting my groove on to rejoin Justin who was laughing hysterically on the sidelines. "If you're going to go, go big" I said to him as he latched onto my shoulder for support between laughs. He nodded his head in agreement before forcing out a short statement amid his laughter, "That's one way to do it!"

Getting people on the "dance floor."

After Justin caught his breath, we found our way back to the cabin to spend some time with the rest of the pirate crew. There we found the group happily nibbling away at appetizers and sipping their drinks. After some light conversation, Justin and I decided to walk around the boat the remainder of the cruise, taking in the views of the city and talking with other pirates on board. In our constant effort to make the most of the adventure, we spent the majority of our time talking wise with our shipmates and cracking jokes about a variety of topics. With nearly everybody on board in high spirits, it was easy to have a good time and enjoy the remaining moments of the cruise. Justin and I were having a laugh riot, and it was a perfect evening to be on the lake.  Things were just good, and that's all I hoped to gain from this new experience.

The capitol building from the lake

The only downside to tonight's experience was how quickly it came to an end. We started making our way back to port in what seemed like only a few moments after we departed, which left both us wishing the cruise had lasted longer. That stated, Justin and I both had more than enough to drink while we were on the boat, so the two hour cruise was probably an appropriate length for tonight's event. Thankfully, Rachael was more than happy to be our designated driver for the night, which ensured Justin and I both got back home OK, even if we were a little worse for wear. After my first pirate themed cruise, I can easily say I would make this a repeat event from my "I have never..." journey, but I would probably regulate my alcohol intake a bit better. That stated, I know Justin and I made the most of our experience on the cruise, and I know we both had some of the most fun we had all summer while we were on that boat tonight. If it says anything about tonight's experience, perhaps the below photo will give some idea of the ridiculousness we created on my first pirate cruise. Good times... Good times, indeed.

Ye heARRRt will go on...

Day 131 - Live on King Street

I have never been to a Live on King Street concert. For those that are unfamiliar, this annual concert series in Madison is essentially a monthly block party with performances from some of the best up and coming national acts during each summer. Basically, the city shuts down a block at the base of the capitol, sets up a stage, and lets everyone have a good time a listen to free live music once a month. As someone that has lived in Madison for some time, I don't know why I have never made it to this event before, which led me to conclude making it to a Live on King Street concert was long overdue. As a result, I planned to make it to my first Live on King Street concert sometime during my "I have never..." year, which led me to quickly narrow in on attending the Delta Spirit and PHOX show during the last Live on King Street concert of the year. At minimum, I knew the opportunity would give a new and memorable experience, but I also knew I would likely get a chance to spend some time with the PHOX crew after returning from their recent European tour. Considering both of those things are, well, awesome, it was obvious I couldn't lose at tonight's "I have never..." event.

YES.

Upon arriving to King Street, Rachael and I quickly made our way into the block party which contained a massive group of people standing before a stage at the opposite end of the street. It was clear PHOX was getting a warm, welcoming homecoming from the local scene with so many people ready to take in their set. After pausing a few moments to take in the scene, Rachael and I worked through the crowd in search of one of several beer carts scattered throughout the block party. Eventually, our efforts directed us to a cart near the back of the crowd where we found Madison's best bartender, Reanna, working hard to get drinks out to the ring of people surrounding the setup. She was prompt in getting us some drinks and wishing us a good time, which sent Rachael and I into the crowd to take in PHOX's set which had begun some minutes earlier.

Welcome back, PHOX!

On our way toward the stage we ran into some friends, Megan and Amanda, before we worked our way into the crowd to listen the remaining songs in PHOX's set. While I loved PHOX since Rachael and I saw their very first show, I will state plainly this was the best performance from the band I have seen to date. The band was tight, their front-woman, Monica, was on (and incredibly charismatic), and the group seemed synchronized in a way that was different than the last performance I saw from them... but in the best way possible. I don't know what Europe did to this six-pack of awesomeness, but whatever it did, it was good. Their style, energy, and talent made it easy to enjoy their set, and it made me realize how lucky I am to know some amazingly talented people. I've known PHOX is going places for quite some time, but seeing them on that stage tonight made me realize just how they are turning potential into success. Everyone around us was loving every minute of their performance, and for a group that does things their own way, it was great to see so many people embracing PHOX's music. While I normally don't use my blog entry's for promotion of any sort, I will say this; if you don't know PHOX yet, get to know them. You'll be happy you did.

Delta Spirit

Following PHOX's set, Rachael and I took a walk through the crowd to get some air and chat a bit. Our path took us back to Reanna's beer cart, where we grabbed another drink and settled in while we waited for Delta Spirit to take the stage. As the band prepared, we slowly worked our way back into the crowd, where we ran into some members of PHOX mingling among the crowd. With Delta Spirit working into the first songs of their set, I took time to catch up with the members of PHOX, who each told of their amazing trip through Europe and discussed their forthcoming national tour and album. It was great to hear their stories and to get some time to see most of them in person again (where were you, Matteo?). Honestly, that alone was enough to make my night.

It that a scruffy toddler drinking a beer?
No, it's Caleb and a 32 oz. can of PBR.

After chatting with PHOX for some time, Rachael and I worked our way back into the crowd where we ran into our friend James and caught back up with Megan and Amanda. We chatted with the group as Delta Spirit worked through the remainder of their set, which was a solid performance worthy of the last Live on King Street of the year. Eventually, the band wrapped up their performance as the night drew close to the 10:00 pm noise ordinance, which left Rachael and I debating what to do for the rest of the night. After some encouragement from Megan, Rachael and I decided to join her for the Railroad Earth performance inside the Majestic Theatre, which sat at the center of the King Street block party. With the Live on King Street crowd dispersing, Megan, Rachael, and I found our way into the theatre and grabbed some drinks before the second concert of the night began. While I didn't expect much from a typical trip to the bar, my first (and only) drink at the Majestic ended up providing me a second, smaller "I have never..." event for the day, drinking a 32 ounce can of PBR.

Railroad Earth

As the night progressed, our group took the dance floor with the terrific Bluegrass sounds of Railroad Earth guiding our feet. While I was skeptical about how much I would enjoy the band's performance before we entered the theatre tonight, Railroad Earth's infectious melodies and driving beats made it easy to have a great time. Although the style of music was very different than the first concert of the night, Railroad Earth provided the perfect way to cap off an eventful evening. After their first set Megan, Rachael, and I decided to call it a night, which sent our separate ways as we walked back to our homes. As Rachael and I continued home I looked back on the night and thought about how it all came together. In total, my first experience at Live on King Street was a great night with some amazing people that was made possible by simply going to the block party. While we didn't plan anything other than attending the PHOX show, Rachael and I ended up spending time with great people on a beautiful late summer evening. In my book, it doesn't get much better than that, which makes me glad I experienced Live on King Street for the very first time. I'll just have to make sure I set aside time to do it again in the future. After all, summer is only nine months away.

Day 130 - Attending a Nephew's Sporting Event

I have never attended a nephew’s sporting event. Honestly, I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I’ve never made the time to attend a sports event in which either of my nephews or my niece was participating. Now, I realize how ridiculous that is out of hand, but the realization I have never made time be there to support them in their athletic pursuits also makes me feel somewhat ashamed. After all, my niece and my nephews are growing up quickly, and they take great pride in their individual sports. The least I could do as their uncle is be there to cheer them on every once in a while.

With those thoughts in mind, I knew my efforts to learn and grow during my “I have never...” year provided a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the fact that attending one of their games or meets is long overdue and, most importantly, to do something about it. Considering my focus for this year is exploration for self-discovery, I decided I would act on attending a niece or nephew’s sporting event not only to gain a new experience, but to focus on being a better family member. In turn, I took a look over the sports schedules for each of my niece’s and nephews’ fall sports schedules and narrowed in on a few events that would work. My research resulted in my decision to attend my Nephew, Micah’s, football game this evening in Johnson Creek.

Although the day started with a bought of intense, rainy weather, I stayed optimistic about attending Micah’s football game as the day progressed. When the weather started clearing around midday, my optimism turned to anticipation of the forthcoming event this evening. After hearing about Micah’s terrific work on the field over the past few years, I knew attending his football game for the first time would be a memorable and exciting experience. As the remainder of my workday progressed thoughts about the game occupied my mind and created an enthusiasm that carried me through the rest of the workday. I was amped for Micah’s game, and I was looking forward to tackling (pun intended) another new experience.

As I prepared to wrap up my day at the office and hit the road, my excitement for the night’s event rapidly moved to concern. In the final hour of my workday I began to hear stirring around the office about incoming storms and pending terrible weather. The chatter caused me to take a quick look at the weather radar, which showed a massive red line of storms rapidly bearing down on south-central and southeast Wisconsin. Fearful Micah’s football game would be canceled in the face of such ominous storms, I contacted my sister, Sam, to confirm the game was still scheduled to occur. She promptly confirmed it was, but made a passing statement about a hope the weather would miss Johnson Creek. Although I knew it was unlikely, I echoed her sentiment before concluding our conversation and moving back to finalize my work for the day.

Eventually, I came to a point in my work that made it suitable to leave for the day. Although I was running a few minutes late already, I figured I could make up for lost time on the trip to Johnson Creek... and then I looked outside. A massive front of swirling black clouds was sweeping over the sky just outside my office building, and just behind the front obvious pockets of heavy rain could be seen pouring over the landscape. In response, I hurried to gather my things and head to my car before the storm began. In heavy winds and light rain, I bolted to my car, hopped in the driver’s seat, and began the journey toward Johnson Creek.

Immediately after leaving my office the clouds opened into a heavy, wind-driven rain. I drove steady through the storm until my route took me east ahead of the storm front. As I drove toward Johnson Creek I periodically glanced at the evolving storm in my rearview mirror, doing my best to gauge its track and speed as it tailed me over the terrain. In time, I gained some distance over the storm, which gave me some reassurance it might hold off long enough long enough to let Micah’s game go on as scheduled. Regardless, I knew if the storm had Johnson Creek in its sights it was likely going to affect the play of the game. As a result, I put the pedal down and pushed on to the Johnson Creek School football field.

Football!

I arrived at the football field just after kickoff. As I approached the field I saw the Johnson Creek Bluejays, in their bright blue uniforms, tearing down the field for a touchdown. Within seconds of me arriving at the field Micah and his team had taken an 8-0 lead over their competition, the Randolph Rockets. I quickly tracked down my sister in the stands and took a seat as the next series began. Sam greeted me as I sat down and provided guidance on Micah’s location on the field, pointing to the number 51 jersey playing the linebacker position in the defensive backfield. As soon as I found his position on the field I let out a round of applause and gave a short, sharp holler in his direction. I watched on as Micah and his team worked through the next few plays, during which Micah was in the game and aggressive in his defense. Eventually, his efforts paid off as a hole opened up in the defensive line and a Randolph running back made a break down the field. Fearless, Micah ran toward the running back, who stood nearly a foot taller than Micah, and drove into him with full force. With his shoulder in the running back’s ribs, Micah wrapped his arms around the player’s legs and laid him out on the ground. The play resulted in excited applause from the crowd and sent me to my feet cheering, even though I was among a small crowd of people gathered to watch the game.

Go Bluejays!

As I settled back into my spot on the bleachers, I talked with Sam about the weather as we watched the plays on the field. The looming gray clouds to the west of the field made it clear weather was coming, but we remained optimistic the storm would blow north of the field and let the game play to completion. As the game moved into the second quarter of play it was obvious our optimism was all for naught. With the second quarter progressing over a few series of play, members of the crowd began filtering out of the stands at the sight of the growing gray clouds over the western tree line. Holding firm, Sam and I stayed with a small pocket of attendees as the game continued through the increasing winds and sprinkles of rain. Out on the field, Micah began waving his arms in an up and down motion between plays as swirls of leaves rushed across the field around him and rain began increasing in intensity. His sole effort was to pump up the crowd in the changing weather conditions and to keep the remaining crowd in the game. Each time he would throw his hands into the air, Sam and I would lead the crowd with cheers and applause, which fed Micah’s spirit into each coming play. It was a sight to behold, and I was happy to be a part of it; even if it meant getting a little wet.

Micah in the backfield

Minutes later the rain grew to a downpour and distant flashes of lightning appeared in the clouds. As a result, the officials moved to suspend the game in hopes the weather would pass. In turn, those in the crowd immediately stood and began working our way toward the pavilion bordering the football field. We rested there a brief moment before we started making our course toward the school gymnasium, which had been opened to house the football teams and the crowd during the storm. Through the driving rain we scurried across water logged turf and onto a stretch of parking lot, where we found an overhang on the school’s roof. Soaked to the bone, Sam and I gathered underneath the cover of the nook with some friends and family as we waited to get confirmation the gymnasium was open for shelter. As we waited, Micah emerged from a nearby door in the building and walked toward us through the rain. Upon noticing me standing next to his mother, he shot me a bright smile that lit up the whole of his face. I said “hi” and gave him a quick pat on the back as he passed us following the rest of the team toward the gym. He nodded and gave an excited “hi” in return before racing off through the rain. It was clear he was more than happy to see me there. Sure, we were standing in the middle of a torrential downpour and Micah only got to play a quarter and a half of his game, but that moment and that smile made the entire trip worth it. I was there for my nephew, and it was clear that meant the world to him.

Huddling up before the game was called...

Ultimately, Sam and I found our way to the gymnasium where we gathered with our friends and family while we waited for an announcement on the game. After being granted a brief break from a team meeting, Micah found his way over to our location. I took the opportunity to talk to him briefly, letting him know I was happy I finally attended one of his games and recapping his awesome tackle at the start of the second quarter. He enthusiastically talked about his football season and gave me a little background on the Rockets until his coach moved to address the crowd. After announcing the game was officially cancelled due to inclement weather, Micah prepared to run back to the locker room to wrap up the game. Before leaving he ran back to me and asked quickly, “Can I come back here when I’m done?” I told him I would wait for him until he returned, which brought a smile to his face as he took off toward the gymnasium door.

RAIN.

While I waited, I made conversation with some of the remaining family members that stuck around well after the gym had all but emptied. Some minutes later Micah reemerged in the gymnasium without his gear. I talked with him and the rest of the crowd for a while until we received word there was a break in the rain. With everyone ready to return home and get dry, we drew our conversations to a close, with me giving Micah a fist bump and a pat on the back for his efforts. We both agreed I needed to make a trip to another football game in the future, and I knew I would be happy to do so; rain or shine.

Micah and I... Soaking wet.

Tonight’s experience at my nephew’s football game was much shorter than I expected, but it was definitely and experience worth having. Although I didn’t get to see Micah play a full four quarters, the weather made the event memorable, and it gave me a great opportunity to talk to my nephew about his game for an extended period. Additionally, the moments that made the night will remain for a long time. The plays, the weather, and that first smile on Micah’s face are the elements that will form the strongest memories from tonight’s experience. It was great to be at one of Micah’s football games, but it was even better to be at a game as memorable as this one. Sure, it wasn’t what anyone would call a “perfect” night for a game, but I wouldn’t change a thing about it if I could.