Here and gone

The weekend, I mean. Actually, the last four days have flown by. Wish I could have some of it back. But then we wouldn’t be closer to the end of school, now would we? I hope everyone enjoyed Mothers Day, whether functioning as a mom, a child, or both.

Last night, after the decidedly disappointing Cavaliers game (why a 6′ 1″ Celtics player was allowed to get 18 solo rebounds, I’ll never know), I watched one of my Mom’s Day gifts — This is It, the Michael Jackson movie. Impressive. He really still had most of his moves at 50, although the Thriller and I both noticed that a bit of the pizazz had mellowed. I know I couldn’t have kept up, though.

What struck me was how he got what he wanted out of the band, the singers and the dancers without once exhibiting “diva” behavior. I like that in an artist. The fact that everyone, including his director, was absolutely sycophantic in their admiration and devotion to him probably made it unnecessary, admittedly. Still, it was a pleasure to watch how what was in his brain translated to the stage. Watching the interviews with the dancers at the beginning showed what an impact MJ had on millions. There has never been anyone like him, like him or not.

Time to get back to reality, however. Performances coming up…

Did everyone have a lovely weekend?

Photo credit: Sony Pictures

Up and at ’em

Could have done with a few more Zs before the craziness starts this afternoon. Central Standard Time? No likey. I’m accustomed to getting up at 5 a.m. every day, so you can imagine…

No matter, though. God made caffeine for a reason, and the weather’s going to be gorgeous in southwest MO today — another good day for driving. And tomorrow’s not looking too bad, either.

How’s the weather back home?

I love the weird angle of this drive-by photo (I was watching the road; it’s been cropped within an inch of its life — I spared you the great view of my passenger door frame):

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Hey, happy Finkday! I’m sure my students are thrilled that I’m 700 miles away. Truth be told, I think we needed a “break from each other.” Heh.

Fink out (to I-44 again).

The shower, the Starbucks, the road

In that order.

For those who don’t know, I’m off to SW Missouri to do a seminar with some undergrad music education majors. I’m taking my time and enjoying the scenery — much of which I will enjoy a second time come July. I plan to take lots of photos to share with the Thriller, to get his opinion on what all we should do while in that lovely state.

The drive will be therapeutic. I’ll get to rock the 70s music, or sit in silence; think. You know — see what condition my condition [is] in. (Big ol’ Hershey bar to the first fiend who comes up with the band who recorded that lyric — MAVIS IS NOT ALLOWED TO PLAY. :P) The hotels are exceptionally delightful; I will feel extravagant. I’ll sleep sideways on the king size bed. Call room service for ice water. That kinda thing.

And on a completely unrelated, yet equally important, subject: Anyone else excited about this? It’s filming in San Pedro this week. LaaaaAaAaaaaaAAAA…

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Have a good Thurgsday — I’ll check in with you tomorrow.

Fink out (and out).

Photo credits: digital-topo-maps.com; jon-hamm.org

When all the wheels fall off

It’s happened to us all, I’m sure, at one point or another. Several personal instances come to mind:

  • Two weeks before a show, one of my leads comes down with a serious illness.
  • Blizzard-like weather cancels important rehearsals.
  • Both of our cars die in the same week.
  • Last night’s NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals game.

And did I mention last night’s NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals game? Shoulda seen it coming, when LeBron had like 11 points in the entire first half. Was it his elbow injury? Was the MVP pregame ceremony a jinx? Regardless, the nagging, sinking feeling returned:

The Cavs can’t win without him. Or at least they can’t win it all.

When’s the last Cleveland win with LeBron on the bench? March 2010, when they beat San Antonio. But their record this season without James: 1-9. The numbers tell the tale, as they will at the game Friday night in Boston, some of which I hope to see on TV in my Missouri hotel room.

I know that one day, Cleveland sports might bring home a championship. I’m just not sure it’ll be this year.

Blarg.

Photo credit: Gregory Shamus/NBAE/Getty Images