tragedy & memories

Most people in my geographical area know what happened over the weekend at the Indiana State Fairgrounds right before Sugarland was to take the stage.  The wind blew the stage down and 5 people died, many more were injured. 

I went to the fair last night.  I kept looking at the crumpled rigging of the stage, the blue tarp lying there, the seats have all been removed, and the trailers that hauled the Sugarland stage still parked, looking abandoned.  The sun was setting and it looked so eerie, quiet and the scene demanded some respect.  A band that was at a peak in their career, shocked, shaken, by mother nature's wrath.  Families mourning, worrying about those still in the hospital.  Professionals and the public wondering how this happened, why this happened, and can it happen again.

I'm a veteran of about 300 concerts in my lifetime at all sorts of venues, indoors and outdoors.  I've been to the state fair grandstands to see concerts more times than I can count right now, I've gone nearly every year since I was a teenager.  I stood at the fence looking at the crumpled stage and all I could think was how many times I had been close to that stage, or up in the grandstands watching, knowing exactly where the video screens were placed (removed by last night), looking at the steel rigging that supported the lights, speakers and the canopy that covered the stage and knowing where the bands come and go to the green room.  I could see it all unfold in my mind, aided by several views of the amateur videos on Youtube. 

There was nothing to say out loud.  A night that should have been filled with fun, singing along, and a great performance ended before it had barely begun.  A girlfriend and I were talking how it could have happened to either of us at one of the shows we've been to.  Something can always go wrong and when it involves mother nature then there's nothing you can do.  I've gone to shows in rain storms, cold weather, scorching hot days, jumped in the mosh pit (ok, 20+ years ago, but I did it), and camped out all night to get in back in the days of general admission seating.  I've been lucky and I know it.

Tragic events are not foreign to the Indiana State Fair nor to concerts in general.  I hope it doesn't prevent the state fair from holding concerts on those grounds again.  I hope the space, after a season, doesn't become an unused venue.  A monument to the lives lost would be appropriate, but celebrate what drew people together in the first place - music.  Music and art are the world's language, transcending ethnicity, geography and grief.  Let healing begin with music in the open air again at the state fair.

Parades, art, roller coasters and life

Wow, it's been awhile.  Where do I start?  Things are going great with my new guy.  Can't believe how fast time has moved this summer.  Its been very hot, but a very good summer.  Drive-in theater, Oranje Peel parties, art shows, indoor movies, family visits, go karts, we've done it all.

I've been really jazzed about the Fountain Square Art Squared event.  I've been working to recruit volunteers, participants for the art fair, and participants to march in our parade.  I'm working on Star Wars, Star Trek, and Ghost Buster characters.  I've got the junior roller derby team confirmed, waiting on the adult teams to confirm.  I've sent a request to Sammy Terry, legendary local t.v. scary man and to the jugglers group.  This art council is so much fun to be a part of and has inspired me to apply for my event management certification following my travel planning certification.

Erik and I are headed to Kings Island for a long weekend on the 6th.  Our first travel adventure together.  This trip and the one on Labor Day weekend to Dale Hollow Lake with my cousins will be test to see if we can move on to longer trips.  I believe we'll be just fine.  We get on so well. 

Now that the NFL lockout is over and we will have a super bowl, my volunteer activities for that event have begun.  I'll have that event overlapping with the Fountain Square event and Oranje Art and Music Fest.  The Humane Society 2012 Mutt Strutt committees start meeting around October of this year.  I'm already on the merchandising committee for the 2012 BMW Golf Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Course.  I'm all over this volunteer thing!  I do love it.

I have had to give up some things - like the FFA Convention and jobs at both race tracks.  The NBA is on lockout so I won't have that for awhile.  The Indiana Repertory Theater is the only part-time job I'll be working consistently for awhile, luckily it is my favorite.

Two classes this semester and one of them requires my attendance on campus, ugh!  Online works much better with my life, but it wasn't an option this go round.  Its all worth it.  I could be a part time student forever.

I make to-do lists every week.  I don't always complete them.  I try.  Maybe I'm being an over achiever.  Life is short though and there's so much to do, see, and experience.  Erik is wonderful about helping me to relax.  He calms me down in a lot of ways and supports my efforts.  Its a tough job, but he's up for it!

"...So bless me father yes I have sinned
Given the chance I’ll prob’ly do it again
I don’t need absolution just a simple solution will do...
...
And I don’t know what I’m supposed to do
Maybe have me a boat drink or two
It’s good for coastal confessions I hear
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
I’ve got some coastal confessions to make
How ‘bout you
How ‘bout you
How ‘bout you
How ‘bout you ..."