Goodbye Summer, Hello Edward

I’ve been moaning ceaselessly these last few weeks about the end of summer and all that it means to me. The end of swimming, the end of totally effortless dressing, the end of weather lifted spirits in general, and I really haven’t been too zen about the whole thing. I’ve been kicking and screaming like a toddler, hanging onto the cuff of summer’s pants, being dragged on my stomach through the hallway of life, as it walks out the door telling me “Settle down, I’ll be back!” and it’s apparent now that summer has gone- the door is shut, it’s all over.

However,

Yesterday I went for a walk and I was happy to find my favourite kind of weather had blown in. It had rained the night before and the sun had come out in the morning so every smell was augmented and was being whipped around by the wild wind. The smells, the warm sun on my face, and the crisp wind which was sending the trees bending over in all directions- everything about this kind of weather wakes my body up. It’s almost like my blood becomes excited. It’s a purely physical reaction. You know when you feel like your heart is swelling- well that was how I felt, and I started thinking about all the things I love about autumn and winter- ugg boots, soup, knitting, port, chocolate, doona snuggling, fires. Yesterday I made my peace with the change of the seasons.

My transition was aided greatly by the excellent night I had the night before. Billy took me to see Edward Sharpe and the Magnetc Zeros at the Metro, and it was lovely. I’ve never reviewed a gig before so I’m going to Appraise ESATMZ on a points basis. If you please…

1 point for energy. With 11 people on stage, all bouncing around, the lead singers jumping on the speakers and down into the audience on a regular basis, I was well and truly bouncing too.

1 point for beards. Several of the men were sporting attractive beards, some in flannelette shirts and some in Shearer’s singlets- this combined with musical ability is pretty much everything I look for in a man, in fact-

1 extra point for the piano player- who combined all of this with long hair. He was dreamy.

1 point for instruments. Amongst the diverse range of instruments were a piano accordion, toy keyboard, big enormous tambourine thing with a drum skin on it, trumpet, and percussion worthy of a primary school music day. It got my wallet burning that’s for sure. There’s so much I need to spend money on.

1 point for the songs in general. I have the album, and truthfully only one or two songs get me excited, but on Tuesday night I loved every song they played. ESATMZ are definitely a “live” band, if you get my drift. They really have to be seen to get what they are all about.

1 point for the bartender- who was free pouring spirits rather heavy handed-ly. Frankly, when you’re paying gig prices for drinks I would expect nothing less but it’s nice to see some generosity every now and again. Mind you, I still drank VB.

1 point for Home. I love that song, and I wasn’t disappointed.

1 point for audience participation. On the second last song he got about 30 people on stage with him and everyone in the theatre sat on the ground at his direction. “Ok” he said “It’s story time” and sang a beautiful and gentle song.

1 point for inspiring me. They aren’t exactly musical geniuses, nothing ESATMZ do is groundbreaking but they are a great big bunch of people who get along and all come together to do something creative, which is exciting to me. It really did seem to be about doing something they love and having a great time doing it, which is inspiring, and something I want more of in my life.

1 point for the excellent car park we found.

-1 point for having to line up in the rain. It was really packed.

So there you have it, 9 points out of… well let’s say 10 for argument’s sake. Most importantly it reminded me of a sense of joy I haven’t experienced in a while, and that’s an important feeling to try and hang onto. Whatever does it for you, find it where you can. Have a joyful autumn every one.