As the title shows today’s topic is compare and contrast House of Hamill and poutine. That saves me from correcting the 847 misunderstandings of medicine and economics I’ve read on FB this morning. I’m resisting even giving one liners, though many can be covered by, “I don’t think that word means what you think it means.” Today I’m not writing about what’s wrong with the world but two things that are right in the world, and even more on one of the driving forces in my life.
Last night’s streaming concert was by House of Hamill; when it was over I made poutine. That juxtaposition made me think about the similarities. Both are at least partially a Canadian import. They are both a combination of two great ingredients bound together by a secret sauce. In poutine it’s French fries and cheddar curds brought together by meat gravy. In House of Hamill it’s Brian Buchanan (The Canadian import) and Rose Baldino brought together by the secret sauce of Celtic music. House of Hamill and poutine are both savory and delicious.
None of that is what I was really thinking about, I just enjoyed finding those parallels as an intellectual game. The actual revelation was about how I respond to both of them and what that says about me. As I all too soon finished my poutine I licked the bowl to get every drop of deliciousness. This was pure joy; exactly what I felt after watching House of Hamill to the very last note. They both left me wanting more. It’s true joy, not just entertainment or sustenance. They kindle the secret fire within me. Once lit my reaction is a desire to share it with the world.
Back in 2002 Carey wrote a guest entry of Wise Madness, 50 fun facts about gordondondondondondondon . Number 14 is: “It’s Gordon’s fault that I’m a Hedwig fan and a total Buffy addict. And I’m sure many people could say similar things — like me, when Gordon finds something he loves, he wants to share it with everyone possible.” That’s still true and that’s how House of Hamill is like poutine. Most people have never even heard of House of Hamill or poutine. That’s tragic. I want everyone to be able to be able to experience the same joy that I do. It’s my moral duty to lead others to happiness. A world where everyone doesn’t know HoH or poutine needs to be made a more perfect union.
Beethoven said, “When I open my eyes I must sigh, for what I see is contrary to my religion, and I must despise the world which does not know that music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.” Beethoven wasn’t the nicest person. I don’t despise the world, I pity it. I want to help it. It’s my mission. So, I write this blog. I created Social Distancing Streaming Concerts. I do Gord’s Gold. I tell everyone about the things I love. People would be much happier if they listened to House of Hamill with a belly filled with poutine and being happier would be better people and make others happier.
Rose and Brian put on as good a streaming show as anyone. They understand the medium. Last night they were throwing in video clips including one of Rose in high school and another from the film, The Blob. The way they blend fiddle and guitar, or two fiddles appeals to the Bach part of my brain. Their singing and banter will entertain anyone. I’d enjoy just watching them talk the whole time. They have such wonderful chemistry. I told Rose they should get married. They are married. I was totally aware of that.
I love gushing about the things I love, and I love hearing others gush about their passions. I know we don’t all share the same taste and there’s nothing wrong with that. There really is if you don’t love HoH or poutine but I’m trying to be non-judgmental. What matters is not holding back, it’s loving with all your being. Accept joy as an unalloyed blessing.
Wise Madness 