My therapist canceled yesterday which meant finding other ways to care for my mental health. Good thing I already had one planned, seeing Sharon Goldman at Free Music Fridays at the American Folk Art Museum. When I taught a few blocks away I was a regular at the series. It’s still convenient and as Lara Ewen books many great acts I still go when one plays. I had interesting timing, as I was about to walk in, I heard my phone play, Gentle Arms of Eden by Dave and Tracy. That meant that Bri was calling, and I always take calls from Bri. I had time as Sharon was the second act to go on and I didn’t know the first. I sat in the vestibule to talk with her and didn’t go in till we finished our conversation. I was there early so I still got to catch half of the first act, my future business partner, Matt Wheeler. I’ll explain that later.
Inside I found Jeff and of course Sharon. I sat with them until Jeff’s wife Carol showed up, I gave her my seat and moved to the seat in the second row I had been eyeing since I came in. A little later Ellen showed up. I usually don’t run into friends at these shows so that was nice.
I’ve known Sharon for ages, seen her perform scores of times, but actually came up with something new to say about her. The boilerplate comment I make on musicians and other artists is, “It’s so you.” That can mean, “It’s so you, boring and untalented.” But in Sharon’s case it’s a sincere and enthusiastic compliment. It means, “Your music expresses all the things I love about you.” Her music was made me want to be friends with her. How could I not love someone whose mind worked like that? She writes these personal songs that are universal, that see the universe in a grain of sand. They sound simple but have hidden complexities. Like Dar, anyone who tried to write like Sharon would fail. It only works for her. It’s not just because of who she is but because of her craft. She knows how to use exactly the right word.
I’m still me so my favorite song is her silly one about her father being a collector. He collects all sorts of things, fluorescent rocks, calendars, bottle caps, and weirdest of all, stickers that go on fruit.
After dinner we all went out to eat at the West Side Restaurant. All included not just my friends and Sharon but my future business partner Matt. He not only appreciated an idea for a business that I’ve had for 30 years but came up with a name for it! I can’t give away the idea, it’s worth millions, no, billions, but I can give you the name he came up with, Zero Sum! He even made a logo for us.
Oh no. Today is the volunteer party for the Hudson West Festival. It’s a potluck and I bought Trader Joe’s Mandarin chicken to make. I made the preparations I need to bring it to the part in Jersey City. Why the oh no? I just now, I mean this minute, got the start of a Crohn’s attack. Maybe it will pass. If it doesn’t, I can’t go. Wish me luck. I’m going to cut this short and will the obstruction to pass. Sometimes that works. In other words, sometimes it passes quickly on its own. My willing has nothing to do with it. Resting quietly might.
Wise Madness 