MistressDarkArt
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LL, done. Sending my very best healing wishes for your friend. It seems so many people are facing the cancer challenge. Every time I turn around it's someone I know. 2 in the last week. 
The long-timers here may remember that I lost my band last fall due to cancer of a mate, with her husband also dropping out to care for her. I was devastated, and have been grieving the last six months in no-band hell. My bands become my families and main focus, so I was lost and heartbroken.
A few weeks ago I did a yoga class that focused on heart-opening asanas. While in the posture, I gradually felt something lift inside and depart, leaving a light, open space.
The next day, I felt compelled to research Scotland. Suddenly it was vitally important to google the Hebrides Islands and examine every tiny little wave on the beach. I took a virtual boat ride around an ancient castle. I imagined yanking the kilt off one of those silver-tongued brogue-whispering bodice-ripping dudes and having my dastardly dommely way with him. I was drawn to that place like bees to nectar.
The day after that, something directed me to read the CL musician board for my area, which I rarely do. A 2-month old ad was up seeking a fiddler for a Scottish/Irish/Celtic band. I wrote. They replied, wanting to meet. When I found out who they were, my jaw dropped to the floor that they would even consider me; this is a well-known, highly sought-after group of the highest caliber. Turns out I've been casually acquainted with one of them for 20 years through contra dancing.
We rehearsed together several times, and those moments have been the most magical of my life. These four totally fun-loving guys are consummate professionals; their amazing level of musicianship is completely natural. Heck, they don't even use music and a couple of them can't read it anyway. Every time I play with them, I'm dumbfounded at their innate talent and cohesive chemistry. They are multi-instrumentalists, even multi-genre, write for the band and sing. They take care of their own sound, recording and equipment. Best of all, they sound just as authentic on stage or unplugged in a living room as they do in the studio.
They work every weekend (sometimes 3 gigs a day in different parts of our large county!) as well as a one or two 3 hour practices during the week, and it's been the equivalent of a more-than-full-time job for me. They've been together 5 years, and I have a lot of catching up to do, even as they're turning out new tunes every week. Since they don't use music, all I can do to learn the repertoire is record the practices and buckle down to memorizing them. If I'm not in the shower, I have headphones in my ears. I'm coming off a year of double rotator cuff hell so I hope I can physically keep up with touring/performing demands. And I would like my level on both the instruments I play for them to come up with a quickness, though they kindly tell me my playing is 'mighty fine'.
My first gig with them is in 8 days, and I've been practicing with them a mere 2 weeks on 4 CDs worth of material. Trial by fire! I've been floating on this endorphin flood since this whole thing started and I'm delightfully terrified! And they asked if I'm having FUN!!
This is the challenge I've been waiting for. My dream band. All the prior band heartbreaks over the years (some of you may remember them) have lead to this insanely wonderful moment. You know what? Middle age is suddenly awesome!! 
In other news, S and I are enjoying caring for our thriving garden and look forward to harvest mid-Sept, if not sooner. It should be an exceptionally good one this year.
Darling Huck is battling a problem back, and I'm amazed he is able to work as much as he does. Yet, he still offers to drive 250 miles south to roadie for me!! You just can't keep a good man down, and he's the best man I could ask for.
Hope everyone's summer is full of love and light!
< Message edited by MistressDarkArt -- 8/1/2014 11:20:59 AM >
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