In broad daylight even the sounds shine. On the repose of the wide field they linger. It rustles, the breeze silent. I have wanted, like sounds, to live by things And not be theirs, a winged consequence Carrying the real far.
empty the magnums in to the pitcher. then 2 oz of teguila and 2 of cointreau. then cut up the lemon lime and 2 oranges into fours squeeze the juice and put half the squeezed rinds in.
Add sugar to taste.. use a bit of splenda if you are worried about carbs/calories
also please let the flavors get to know each other....in the fridge... add ice to chill when you pour.
"Music is, to me, proof of the existence of God. It is so extraordinarily full of magic, and in tough times of my life I can listen to music and it makes such a difference". Kurt Vonnegut
"History forbids us to hope this side of the grave. But once in a lifetime, the longed-for tide of justice can arise and hope and history rhyme." - Seamus Heaney
a beautiful quote that can be applied or looked at through the lens of current political, economic, or social events... or all three.
Hey y'all So I made a recent itunes IMIX. Check it out. I included a few songs that have been ratting around inside my head as of late. There are a few that didnt make the list cause they aren't in the official I-tunes store. ...and thanks again for all the support you have given since I released the E.P. this summer. If you haven't, taken a listen! Hop over here to check it out! Or here to get it in the itunes store. "I'ld by that for a dollar!"
time shoots on by... days turn to days and weeks into weeks
new great souls have come into my life and the band... first of all, welcome to Bernardo Aumond who has jumped on board to apply his mind to the Low-end Theory of Bilvox.
with more announcements soon, please check back often!
woke up pulled myself out of bed & as my heal hit the pavement a hunger set in an empty space a gaping hole same faces useless spaces wasted hours of these in-between days there's got to be way, another way.
I want something, Something more A broken heart an aborted start I want something, something more
years lived in vein pursuit of happiness - it's all the same trade your hours for a chunk of change dreams left behind settle down, then you wont mind
inside, a hunger to walk on a different path to awaken my dreams make all these hopes last
I want something, Something more A broken heart an aborted start I want something, something more
and sure your parents all 'made a go' with a great life to show but in your heart you know the score you want something, something more.
There is a way you can not only support bilvox... but also look great while doing it. How? oh oh oh by of course browsing my online shop and finding a treat for yourself. The Bilvox Online Store! The Merc is great quality and nicely designed. a mug, a shirt, a sticker? Its all there. Enjoy ~bilvox
giving someone a mix-tape is better than hearing I love you, I miss you, I dig you...
Making them... Oh the anxious twist of the stomach as you time your favorite songs to play out and fill both sides... you pick the perfect order - one complimenting the next.. the tempo crescendos the melancholy lulls...
the perfect songs - to say all the things you ever wanted... to find the perfect song - music - lyrics that could encapsulate all the complex feelings and thoughts you feel and think about this person... the world... the future.
nervous to reveal so much to someone
revealing 60 minutes of your heart on a plastic maxell type II tape.
you remind me of some Jean-Luc Godard film with your cropped hair and your casual sex your dreams you want realized and the terms in which you want them unfiltered cigarettes and a pan-am tote you carry your world in a handbag
you'd run away to italy with your world under-arm oh, but not with me I'm a criminal, a thief, a liar out on the hunt all men lay at your feet the city lights, the city of night light your way and the hunting are running
sprawled out calling out drawn out Im haunted by your bohemian ways by your never-ending days your mascara that never runs what are you running from?
To not involve oneself in politics can be tricky On one hand if you stay ignorant of what goes on in your capital buildings you claim innocence as you disassociate yourself from the the dirty, greedy, the unjust, and unrepresentative decisions made. On the other hand you end up surrendering your voice, and your life from being aware of events that shape the geo-political future... and eventually your own. Ignorance is no excuse, to be un-invloved is one thing... but to be aware holds accountability to those in power to the very people that give it to them.
the autumn breeze is flowing through these city streets the temperature turns pull your collar up cover you chilled neck look back at the sinking sun its lower today than it was yesterday
memories of the summer sun burned images of late warm nights; your arm around my waist we stumbled and wandered guided by smells of cooling streets and closing cafes
and these seasons change its always the same These Seasons, Seasons in the city. You want me to stay the same but these seasons change me Seasons in the City
Comments:
Yo Bill,
Yea, the changing of the seasons is one thing that I do miss about Boston. It gave you a real sense of time passing. Weather is always nice in L.A., so time seems to move on by...until you realize years have gone by.
A great man in the world of music passed away Friday, Tony Wilson Founder of Factory Records. He is often regarded as helping spark the fire of the "Madchester" movement originating from Manchester England in the 80s and early 90s. A movement that was partly fathered from the energy of punk, dance and ecstasy. He is responsible for finds such acts like Joy Divison & New Order, The Happy Mondays, and also starting the whole DJ club phenomenon from his infamous and now defunked Manchester club The Hacienda. A hallowed venue to music fans; where bands like The Stone Roses, The Smiths, and Primal Screem all got their start. He is immortalized in the film "24 Hour Party People" about the fall of punk and the rise of post-punk and the effect it had on music around the world. He has since remained a constant force in the music industry heading up a renown festival in the UK and NYC called "In The City". All musicians today owe him a debt of gratitude, including myself. Men like him rarely come along and push things forward as much has he did for the music scene and the recording arts in general. He was a man that sometimes underestimated his role as a catalyst for a great movement and founder and promoter of great musicians.
"I'm a minor player in my own life story." Tony Wilson
... and what a life story it was Tony. Anothy Wilson passed away Friday after a battle with cancer. Thanks Tony for all... -Bv
Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half-light, I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet, Tread softly because you tread on my dreams
We contain all the passions and all the vices and all the suns and stars, chasms and heights, trees, animals, forests, streams. This is what we are. Our experience lies in our veins, in our nerves. We stagger. Burning between grey blocks of houses. On bridges of steel. Light from a thousand tubes flows around us, and a thousand violet nights etch sharp wrinkles in our faces.
I saw today a picture of a friend's daughter sitting upon a rocking horse a care-free sweet innocent smile on her face framed by pudgy cheeks a moment passes, I catch myself staring deep into this picture and I wonder... what if I was a father, what if I had a daughter, a son what if I had someone depend so deeply on me what if I had someone to show, to teach how beautiful the colors are in this world. What if I had someone that from before their first breath I loved unconditionally
fears? Would I ever ignore them not engage myself in to the wonder of their world? listen to their sounds and colors they have to show me? Would I ever squash their joy? Would I never reach out, appreciate them? Would I be my father?
all I hope is when that day comes... these questions these fears keep me vigilant from this.
I have yet to meet my wife or to hold my children but I know this... My heart is so in love with them all.
My heart is with you on this day, my heart is with you down all the days, my heart is with you since I met you all those days ago. Happy Valentine's Day Love -me
mexico a cooling ocean breeze under the hot cruel sun I stood on the balcony below the ocean lapped on the rocks above the day turned to night a billion shining points of light fell on me above, the moon with its silky light, lit my path the path that lay before me one for a healing heart a brand new start in a new year a new me
So you remember that older album, a sort of greatest hits of our old material... You know "Muse", "Take Me Away(an angel passes)", "The Stranger".. wait you don't have them???
Well finally, and we mean finally! After a glitch has been fixed on apple's part, our album with all those songs is now available on the Itunes store!
We are very excited about this cause this gives us a chance for broader digital distribution than before. I know you asked Santa for bv and modern stereo on your ipod for Christmas.. so now your Holiday wishes can come true!
Follow this link for "Bilvox: A Stranger in a Strange Land"...
I once had a lover and she was so sweet she had flowers in her hair and the world at her feet she taught me to live taught me to love I felt the sun ya heaven
I had a lover with flowers in her hair the world at her feet oh she didn't care
with a sullen smile and a sudden smirk she felt the world slip away
accelerator under foot road under her tires she's on the the street
the wishes they flew away and troubles ran from mind as she pulled away she pulled away
I wish there was a way for me to make you stay to have you turn around and say that you'll stay the night 'till the moon fades into the light and in the new day I will feel new my only thought, my only want is of you
I want a lover Who will stay with me through the night To hold my heavy head and say “It will be alright” One with a kiss that could undo all harm And with one smile could disarm All the heavens, all on earth would see Their only want Is me
If there was a way to undo All the pain that fell on you To take the chains off your heart To give you and I a brand-new start If there was another way I would take your hand and we could run away Cause my only want Is you
If I could make this moment forever We could dream up a new world to live in A new world for you and me
so you look at the man on stage... "He wants the world to love him." you say no he probably wants one person to love him, and everyone has to hear about it.
"The difference between a tourist and a traveler is that a tourist seeks only comfort while a traveler seeks discovery. They take more risks. They get pleasure in overcoming difficulties and discomforts, and they seek out the people."--Lea Lane.
Someone asked, "Tell me one album you would recomend to someone who would listen to your music and a sentence why you like it?" Travis: I'd have to go with Late for the Sky by Jackson Browne because it's a beautiful album that you'll listen to today, and understand a little more at a time, as you get older i just liked the music when I was 19 now I GET it. if that makes sense (yes, I know that was like 11 sentences)
Bilvox: Good question! I have been listening to a slew of random music. I recently bought "Death in Vegas's" 'Scorpio Rising' I find the mix of genres and electronic beats with rock music very cool. BUT I have been really into Lily Allen's "Alright, Still" Its an amazing album sort of bubble gum with razor-blades in it of brilliant lyrics and great genre mixing. (I think that was like 20 sentences!)
something to think about today comes from a conversation I just had...
"i think one of the most important, influential and inspirational questions we must ask ourselves is, "if my life were to be cut short for some reason, what would i be most disappointed in not accomplishing?" it's a very different question that, "what do i want to do before i die?" it puts emphasis on the present and cuts through to what is really important. " -j
think about that... now do something about that...
survived the night.. the emergence of being back on the radar for many of my past that I have run from a full circle between then and now the distance run and returned
ten years went by and I'm older my memories they fade, they smolder
the laughs the chemistry -quiet understanding of a shared experience was found that bonded us all there together
beneath some faces hid the 'tumultuous twenties', those inner demons wrestled with. quiet scars from that battle left on their smile
some faces unchanged yet a life moved forward for them; children, husbands a family being grown and nurtured
paths followed -some similar to each other, but mostly unique
Stories abound of the invisible ghosts, rumors of a life elsewhere...
Could haves & should haves considered and pondered all really just enjoying the now & then.
"Sometimes I wanna take a pill and hide Sometimes I wanna shut down and ride And go where no man should go Go where no man should go Go where no man should go Go where no man should go Could it be, every really be, alright" -Daniel Lanois
The previous are lyrics from a song I absolutely love, and lately reflect a bit what I feel... Everyone needs distance, time alone, time inside one's head so that your voice is the only one there. Sometimes we get in a rut, or feel we are spinning wheels furiously as no movement is being made. It can be so frustrating. Maybe this is reflected in your job, in your day-to-day, or even your life you lead. Sometimes there is too much noise, too much static. That's when it is best to take that "pill n hide" or more appropriately... turn your cell phone off go for a walk in the city, stay in on a weekend night and write, get to know yourself better have some 'me" time... tell your friends you will be disappeared for a bit and enjoy the silence. It's a normal and healthy thing to do, to have your "me" time. And although some people in your life might take it personally, hopefully they will understand and when you come back will be accepting of it.
So thus I have been absent from this blog for a while.. and from a few other things in my life. Perhaps because this is the time, as my birthday approaches, where I look into that mirror, the one that another 'go around the sun' has you reflect in to. So what do I see? 365 days, a few relationships, some heartbreak, some healing, some growing, new friends, new family... and some souls that walked away. Love felt, tasted, and known. Love twisted, broken, and unknown... and all in between... The distance I have gone.. do I see this in the bending of light? Where am I now, as I stand?
Ever deeper I stare, wide-eyed, silent, wondering... My heart, it sits in my chest an old friend, scarred, broken, and healing... It sits full with so much to share. An old friend at times I abandoned, in-search of pure passion and pleasure without depth. And in my heart's abandon and upon finding this thin meaningless passion you broke. To you my tender, tender, giving heart I apologize... I sought you out again and found the fire in you still burning, burning so hot... it's been so cold without you. With your flame we will set fire to this night... the fire will spread. All the while, through all the hours of this journey friends and lovers have accompanied me and at some-point held my head, hand, and heart. Now I need to walk alone and feel the weight of this life... for these steps I can only go alone. Into a new year of existence, a new day. At night I will fall asleep then wake a newborn to this new year, these new hours. A new day, a birth day.
mute the inside, quiet the voice of your heart the love you feel the sadness and isolation of life the awkward situations a muted existence, walled in closely guarded and defined the humor of it all the hilarious situations this opera plays out the rising tide of passion crying
to feel something more... for only so long you can dull your pen, strain your voice, until with a clear head, a bursting heart, and a strong voice you want to sing out
should haves could haves needs and wants "desirous of everything at the same time*" hungry for life for motion emotion pure laughter with a head tilted up laughing to the heavens crying out a single soul in a sea of passing lives don't just live i don't just want to simply exist
I want you, I want it all life beauty i want... all
Opps I did it again.. I think I wrote a smiths song last night... -bv
I've been looking for treasure under the trash looking for truth in the digital noise and all these men with their voices on the radio they dont speak to me speak for me or say anything really at all
I've been looking for a reason to believe in this world Looking for a place that i fit maybe somewhere or with someone that I could start over with and begin and new life
then I heard your voice over em all and it shined and it sang and it said something true to me and it sang something sweet to me
life really isnt that bad after all it really isnt bad oh with someone like you. oh with someone like you.
I was standing at the back of the darkened club looking for a friend, oh someone that didnt lie and all these people with their gestures their posing and their easy lives they do nothing and have nothing to say nothing to say to me
then I heard your voice over em all and it shined and it sang and it said something true to me and it sang something sweet to me
life really isnt that bad after all it really isnt bad oh with someone like you. oh with someone like you.
life really isnt that bad oh with someone like you. oh with someone like you.
to my friends: This monday... Because one voice alone is quiet and meek but one voice of many is so very loud and strong it's not about right & wrong, it's not black and white it is about peace... ya what a fantastic idea so my Boston friends join me this Monday the 6th of Aug. I hope to see you there @ a vigil for peace
In past weeks we have seen the catastrophic events of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon unfold and magnify into a devastating series of violent atrocities and war crimes. We hear of the hundreds of lives lost, the homes destroyed, the many thousands made homeless, families torn apart and livelihoods crushed. This evening, Amnesty International members around the world, our supporters, our friends and our fellow partner organizations all stand together in solidarity with those who have suffered in this conflict. We mourn deeply for the victims and our hearts reach out to their families to wish them strength in this time of chaos. Our thoughts also stay closely with those surviving the conflict in the face of extreme danger, to whom we wish courage and immediate safety. We call on Israel and Hizbullah to start respecting the lives and the human rights of innocent people. And we implore other governments around the world to intervene to help the people of Israel and Lebanon - and to join our call for an end to this senseless violence. Today we stand together with a simple message: For all our sakes, ceasefire.
I could say you were selfish. I could detail your suddenly cruelty; the pursuit you aborted. the distortion of our relationship's reality for your own device. denying truth to quell that small voice of your conscience, the one that whispers 'believe in the unseen'
I could fill volumes detailing my frustration and anger your cold cruel response to my understanding, my open arms, this heart that cared. I could say all these things and pages more..
but now with distance gained I look now with clarity and calm see all how it was, the good - the bad the sweet - the selfish and the truth of it all: you were just so very uninspiring and I'm sorry for that
It has been an interesting month personally and ( in a welcomed diversion) with the world cup. It was a great tourney all around I must say. I was routing for the home team (Germany, above, third place winners) and to see them improve and defeat expectations was fantastic. There were some great examples of wonderful soccer playing, and some unfortunate examples of not-so-wonderful (zidane). All-in-all I met some great people from all different backgrounds and supporting various national teams. We all shared the enjoyment of a great sport. Cheers to everyone I met and everyone around the world who played and enjoyed this month as well. stay well -bv
"The task of art today is to bring order to chaos" -Theodor Ardorno
In such a strange time, where there is so much war, poverty, and pain... I think art truly can be this. It can be healing to our bitter hearts and misunderstood words.
I just would picture from these times there should and would be art rising up, culture overcoming this chaos. First the chaos in our hearts, then it becomes a spark to set the flame in everyone else. In times of uncertainty wherein our humanistic ways are challenged is when movements are created, philosophies are born. People, saddened by what is real, dream up a new world to live in. I think that's truly what we should all do now... If you dream of peace, live in that dream If you dream of love, understanding, live that dream Dream it so loud the rest of the world is woken up by it. Wake up. Dream up a new world to live in.
Coming Down, but you've got me so high Coming Down Don't want to make that fall tonight Coming Down but my feet just left the ground When I look at this world it gets my head spinning 'round but your kiss gives me rise
Falling Down Don't say you've lost your way Falling down Don't wanna say they're right (call out!) the truth you believe (call out!) it's okay to where your heart on your sleeve
Outside the colors are fading Outside the world is burning there's no us there's no them there's no beginning to this end. and some of us still cry some of us still wonder why oh why?
Finally when summer weather arrives, the sun warms your skin and leaves you tanned and relaxed... then it is so very easy to understand why civilizations used to worship the sun. Yet we still do... beaches, resorts, and tropical vacations... all so we can raise our faces to the mighty life-giving orb so high in the summer sky and let its rays permeate our skin. After a relaxed weekend of some sun worship, cooling cocktails, sweet summer music... I think I am ready to do this for the next few months for sure.
Together, Hand in hand we roam these city streets, lounge in the gardens. Silence. Contentment. I smell the sweet aroma of your hair when I kiss your temple. Breathe deep. I inhale and take you in.
You fill my lungs with song, my heart with your infectious laughter.
Next to you, safe, I let go. Let it all go, a bruised heart, a doubting soul, all fades from my grasp.
Next to you, I'm safe, I let go. I could slip into a safe slumber and forever dream next to you.
Hey Y'all! Hope this finds everyone well... Last night I ventured out to Cambridge area to the Lizard Lounge for what always is not only a great venue but a wonderful evening that showcases a lot of talent... I played The Stranger and Stay Tonight for the crew there and walked away from the performance feeling really good about it. If you have not gotten a chance to go there, please do. Its a wonderful venue to experience live music and to see what talent this city offers. I was a bit uncertain how I would do, it being a while since I have played out... but I feel it went well, and I am hoping to get back there some time soon to play. Where have I been? recording and writing... I am focusing on finishing up and having a new album this year. Since I put out and completed my old album "Stranger In a Strange Land" last year, I have written and been developing a slew of tunes. I look at "Stranger in a.." as a record I am proud of but, it is more of a compilation. It chronicles of my emergence as a singer and songwriter and the time of growth and development after "The Spark" broke up. I feel much of the material is sophomoric and raw... and I feel its more of a compilation, unlike my new material. The songs are coming along nicely and they generally all sound of the same heart and time period... and with some help of my friends... the finished product will be great. I am also looking into outside production and recording help so as to help develop my sound and these songs to their full potential. So that's the news for now... email me at bilvox(at)bilvox(dot)com to be added to mailing lists or for general harassment. muchas lovage -bv
The city before me hushed in a drape of moonlight so thin delicate against the neon. Murmurs of day echo in quiet corners where memories of the day fade hide in shadows The sway of branches now still become silent scaffolding against the sky. Sky-scrapers twinkle crystalline like christmas trees dotted across the urban field.
Footsteps; staccato and sweet sexy and swift like an unfamiliar dance rhythm pepper the alleyway turn heads, and perk ears
Lovers arms intwined duck into shadow to find warmth against the evening's sunless chill.
The old queen bellowing laughter holding court with a keen eye on passing pedestrians.
The idiot with yellowed teeth bared eyes tight debates an invisible enemy and shuffles out of site.
In this solitary city night I wander, I seek a hand to hold a cheek to kiss
pause I recognize all the while I walk I am held in the palm of the city
It's that time of year again. I love how the earth awakens from the long cold slumber of winter. Those fragrances of spring once again hang in the air; The cool pine, the damp soil, fresh with kisses from the spring rain. The scent finds me, touches my nose, fills my lungs, and warms my heart.
Life, the green slowly returns. Life wins today, the grey fades.
Change in season, a change of heart, hope for renewal, a brand new start.
A blank slate An empty lot Haunted by lies Your cruel way A twist of your whim The last touch of our skin
My hand you grabbed Our faces a kiss apart Into your kiss I fell And that moment, I tasted a last kiss one last time I would fall into you
In my ears you whispered In my hands you were held In my bed you slept But pretend never lasts Cause it will always be me when you open those eyes Oh if only you'd never open those eyes
You said, "I'll see you soon" then I realized I never would
Stranger at the Paradise Bilvox & Modern Stereo will be appearing Tuesday February 7th 7:30pm The Paradise Lounge 969 Comm Ave, Allston MA www.thedise.com
We will be playing songs from the up coming release "Stranger in a Strange Land" and a few other surprises. It's a night that features some of the best Singer/Song Writers in Boston. Come on down to the infamous Paradise Lounge for your earfull of ... (what 'they' say)
"Bilvox's heartfelt lyrics balance both imagery and poetry while echoing those of traditional pop music. The chiming and lyric guitars are haunting and catchy amongst the backdrop of the melodies. The music is Boston and America's answer to the movement that blends poetry, folk, and post punk rock while adding a groove or "hips".
I am so looking forward to it... Hope you all can make it love -bv
the perfect human, is there one the touch of the skin the soft behind the knee as i reached there, held you that way was the whisper for me, the one at the end of your breath as you slept so silently the flame, the white burn in the heart that tiny white point in the coeur someday, a few from now I will understand, will I understand? Narrate to me how I walk across the room sketch my image for me you see in your mind the image that stays with you, the one you see 4 months from the last time you saw my face the bottle of wine just out of reach sartre, just out of grasp did you sketch me with the walls up? did you do that so as to shine a light on the gaps? the safe distance, the length of a lens your hand in the small of my back, wince, bend, move, remove, frame, stay your figure, like ballet, a perfect form silence comes reach for me the perfect human, we can be for a moment, so perfect
ahh the magic 20 questions I agreed to play this game and post it here... enjoy
01. Is there any song you listened to back-to-back-to-back-to-back this year? couple.. Ghosts by mark Geary, rewind by the stereophonics, are you gonna wait forever by u2, lua by brighteyes, weekends by the perishers, such great heights by postal service, swallowed in the sea by coldplay... gees there's a bunch I really was thirsty to listen to...
02. What was the single most beautiful physical, geographic place you found yourself in? So I was in Barcelona for a week in June by my lonesome. The whole city is lovely and amazing, but one memory I hope stays in my noggin is when after meeting some great folks we strolled to the beach and watched the sun rise over the med. Its like such an amazing moment. It was like watching a hushed birth of a new day.
03. Who is a delightful person you met this year? I met a lot of wonderful people from new friends, lovers found and lost, people I admire and look up to and then even a new family.
04. What was the biggest point of upheaval or change in your life since last December? Had some dark times some bright times... Umm finishing the album was a labor of love for sure.. and there were moments I thought I wasn't going to do it or had it in me. But now with it done.. and a slew of new tunes in the back burner I am ready for two-zero-zero-six!
05. What was a really, really good time in which you had a lot of fun with people? gees just one? ;-) I had some great times like in Barcelona dancing all night and meeting nice folks and watching the sunrise. Oh def the time there in BCN when I got on stage and sang with the hiphop-jazz fusion band... mind blowing. I had some really great times bonding with my friends this year too.
06. Who do you think you talked with the most over the last year? probably Travis he is very close to me
07. What is your favorite material belonging you acquired over the past year? I didn't really get anything big this year.. rediscovering my love for Photography was pretty huge for me. That's a great gift for sure. But ya I didn't get like some big amazing cool 'thing'.
08. Did you fall in love this year? Say something about it? If not, what sorts of crushes or relationships or hobbies did you prefer? haha, Im always falling in love! um.. let's see this year began with some major heartbreak... then healing happened. Had a super crush on a friend, made some mistakes, but met someone I thought was perfect for me.. but timing was off and I was wrong I guess. Recently, I have met a really sweet and interesting person, I look forward to knowing them more. ;-)
09. What food item / beverage / illicit drug was your most characteristic this year? I think this was the year of the Rioja Red Wine. :-)
10. What was your best blooper reel moment? Ummm. I'm not sure I have one, more like 20. ha I always do silly things.
11. Describe a conversation you had this year that you will never forget. There were couple... I love good conversations. Okay, there was one where I completely found myself connected with another person, and after not feeling that for a while it was nice. One where I was able to bond with a like minded musical artist that I look up to. Another where my friend urged me to start not being so hard on myself. ha, ha we'll see about that one.
12. What was the funniest inside joke of the year? oh man I have a bunch not fit to print or others to read... okay maybe "oh, it will be fully operational when your friends arrive!" yeah. You're scratching your head... but its funny to those on the "in" don't cha wish you were there? ha.
13. What was your most expensive purchase of the year? my week in Spain.
14. What was your favorite live performance (a play, a band, an orchestra, the ice capades) that you attended this year? Are you kidding me? Oh god... Um I saw some amazing shows this year. The big ones: Coldplay, U2, David Gray, Bloc Party, Snow patrol. The shows that cut to me the most were ones where the performers would let go and teach me how to do the same by their example, like Mark Geary. Oh and how can I forget saw the Stereophonics. That was so much fun. They rock out and really can put on a show with so many dynamics from rockin to tender. That was very fun.
15. What song will always remind you of this year? one song? yipes... um Probably the ones I wrote this year. October Remains is a big one for me. It's not on "Stranger in a Strange Land". It's a newer one... but it is a mood and moment I captured that when now I listen to it... I am humbled by how strong the spirit or muse can move one. Why? Its seems beyond my skill or talent... but its not I guess.. just I was able to dig deep for it and it shows... Plus personally the lyric is great and describes a lot of those relationship breaking and making scenes. It is a good tune... I wont cut it up to pieces like my lot of others.
16. What is a big lesson you learned this year? Been a couple of Personal ones. Recently; some people we demonfy aren't really all that bad... just might be in a bad place. Now it doesn't mean you have to forgive what they have done, but helps make you understand how or why. Another; I am stronger than I thought I was, and am not all that bad... and friends can be the best people in the world to carry you or to be your mirror to show you this. Also; How to let go when performing... how to transcend the moment... and really just hit em with your heart.
17. What was the phone number you called most frequently this year? my voice mail? ha um my close friends Kevin or Travis
18. Describe one instant this year in which you were giddily, grinningly happy. After talking to and meeting Mark Geary he helped re-spark the light I thought went out when I was halfway finished with the album. Another? After smootching someone, I thought my heart checked out for good... it was nice to feel my stomach flip and heart beat again. Oh and definitely after some performances, they get me so naturally high... I love it!
19. What place, thing, person, creative outlet, etc. did you turn to when you needed cheering? First is music. I also like to turn inward stroll the city and write. I found the perfect writing nook in a park near me... its my place.
20. What did you do this year you'd like to do more of in the future?: Live, Love, Laugh. I definitely am a thirsty person for all these things... I want to taste life, kiss sweet lips, fall down laughing... I want to see the world and the world in people... okay.. Im going to stop now. ha...
Thanks, cool stuff: No Thank You and Happy New Year.. Here's to 2006!
The belief in the unseen, holiday. damp pines clean crisp smell of the winter air breathe freezes mouths hide in layers of scarf frozen finger tips the pain of those frozen fingertips thawing by fire inside, the smell of scotch tape and the Christmas roast dance in your nose the children's hopes, the gift of their laughter fills our ears as the warmth of the Christmas meal and the effective result of grandpa's revered eggnog recipe fills our bellies. the twinkle in a child's eye brightens the night further adds the hope of magic to the evening I could swear the star then on the tree seems brighter their joy spreads infectiously from child to elder. Christmas bells ring out eyes widen and love, for the day, rules.
the war in Iraq has at the very least cost 200 billion dollars, an amount which according to the world health organisation could provide clean and safe drinking water for everyone on the planet.
I woke up this morning to the lovely site of a perfect blurred soft white blanket gently covering my patio. the city is hushed the sound of the falling the snowflakes is all that reaches my ear this gentle white skin like a balancing act clings to the thin and wavering branches of a bare shrub the chilled but damp air smells of something a new. a fresh winter hangs in the air and falls to me here with the gentle cold kisses of tiny frozen crystals kissing my face this fresh aire of brisk newness to the day invigorates my lungs fills my face with a smile.
Indian summer stays with us here some nights and its so wonderful to walk these city streets, these pavement fields at night. the lights of shop's windows line the path. lyrics form in my head melody falls from my tongue I love this feeling letting my unclouded thoughts free to breathe free to fall on my moleskine's pages I save these nuggets some get lost in other thoughts some lost in the walk at night some stay with me and become song
greys whites the blurring sand twisted metal and a relentless sound sea and foam grain amber in the sun setting as it lies its color yellows and gold a single tone streaks across the window a tinny voice, a tone forgot the blue for you is my red too simple too few choose, but choose for you let it drip let it lie where it might metallic black fall where it might it will bring you back to a time a day a life you knew would arrive like a dream remembered a now understood hold this time in your arms these means, these ways from withen this modern age emerges a form your beautiful beautiful form
surrender, I don't need you to, surrender, what for? where you are is where I want to be is where I want to live where you kneel is the spot I want to steal maybe my heart some day will surrender will feel what makes you real Fighting in this life for a piece of my own and I know I know that voice in your head, your heart I once heard so loud I could walk with a foot that landed firm a step that was sure these steps now, yes, they stumble but its my own way at least I would like to think, well that's what I say to myself to keep this controlled fall free from falling free. only with these words, my soul's light I dive into this darkness I feel my way I shine, flicker, fade in, fade out it's all trying to find out what it's all about. really
Hola... slower than molases on a friday morning in boston... but you can read in the staging area recent news http://www.bilvox.com/stage/ I know, its been way too long these new pages being coded, but its coming... I'm just thinking to myself as I trudge to work on a 22degree morning how 24 hours ago I woke, went for a run, dove in a pool to cool off, then proceeded to lay in the sun for 2 hours. I have certainly waken from vacation visiting fam in fla. Back in the office smell, floresent lights, shite coffee, and multimedia-ing needed to get multi-media-ed more later *yawn*
so i sip on a rioja, relax now that I am packed and on my way shortly to a new city... at least to me Sioux Falls South Dakota... My Father is getting remarried... quite an interesting weekend indeed... a new place, new people... excellent
I watched as she moved her hair from one side of her shoulder to the other in her hand the neck of a rich amber and chestnut violin she lifted the chin pad to her neck closed her eyes let go and played the instrument it played through her I thought it was beautiful she was lovely music can be so lovely
So my best friend Eric has been supporting his novella with many interviews etc. check this one... I get a very generous line about the song I wrote for him... :-) yay
album of the month or at least second half of the month is U2's October... do check it out Although the new franz ferdinand and david gray are on super heavy rotation... and the best new albums this last month to gace my ears etc...
1.) have flat in Berlin, Paris, south of France, Barcelona, and Prague and in the states NYC and Boston 2.) I would open a wine/cheese shop slash wine/cheese bar, one in SOHO NYC, and one in the south end of Boston. 3.) produce records, start a record company and scout out acts I dig and I know have talent. 4.) but not before or sacrificing producing and putting out my own record and touring band. 5.) have a clothes label and design cool clothing for the 5'7", 135 pound male so everyone could look like a rock star too. I would call it "Bilvoxian Wear". 6.) of course I would be a goodwill ambassador for amnesty international, oxfam, and unicef 7.) have an entourage. and sometimes flavor flav will make an appearance in it. 8.) have a foundation that provided clubfoot surgery for less-fortunate club-footed children 9.) have a really cool vespa, and ducatti motor cycle to appeal to the mod and the rocker in me. 10.) I would do an around the world journey 11) ask the girl I dig out.
I watch you walk away, slowly turn away every kiss is the last kiss goodbye im stuck in this railway station on the departure ramp we are like fading memories dreams not remembered if everymorning is sunshine and everynight is a death will you kiss me with your angel wings
I watch you walk away slowly turn away if moments are the things that matter most in this world how many moments can you take how many must we share before you want to share this life.
this city is a railway station a departure ramp say hello, say goodbye we could have had so much more.
I watch you walk away slowly turn away I watch you walk away slowly turn away you're walking away.
So I happened to Catch the Ritchie Valens Story... aka La Bamba last night and it got me thinking. I was impressed how rock n roll could take a poor Mexican-American kid and help him transcend the walls around him. Race, Class, education levels, etc.. Were all overcome and scaled by his dreams and talent. It got me think how that embodies the American Dream if you will. Where the pauper can rise to the level of King. The story is similar in Elvis, Warhol, and continues on. I always noticed in my town growing up of class difference and covert class and racism... These things you could transcend by be talented in sports and arts. You could earn your welcome into their palace of wisdom and wealth. yes freedom exists in a school book... but talent can help you climb these walls in our society. ya Rock n Roll, it's the American Dream ya My Life was Saved by Rock n Roll.
My horoscope could not be more of a truism for not just today but... from this day on: Isn't it time you connected with some people who want to change the world as much as you do? Eclectic, creative types like yourself thrive when they're surrounded by similar mental and emotional energy, so look for ways to hook up with others who have the same kind of altruistic impulses that you do. The stars definitely say that being grounded in some satisfying group interaction is exactly what you need at this time.
While lost in a city, or losing yourself somewhere you're exploring the gold you find are those unexpected moments where you are witness to a brief second where time stands still and the world hushes.. and you know it, you know that moment just added to the color of your soul, it could be a change of temperature, a smiled shared lovers stealing a kiss or discovering your reflection in some corner of the world unknown. yes I like those moments
This song is for someone I care about... I was moved about where they are in their life. A closing of one door and an opening of another... but what's on the other side of the door is always hard to know. That cloud of the unknown that can sit so still infront of us can be daunting to even approach, let alone dive right into. "if its okay" So this is a song letting her know, its okay... enjoy
the sun rose a tune played to welcome me to today "after the years you give in vain reaching out to feel again I can give you what your looking for well I know its coming someday in the pit of every morning well I know it all too well know it all too well" a glass of water quenched my dry throat the shower was hot on my spine, sore from the weight on my shoulders. a look at my birthday suit "Is that what a 28 year old looks like?" press a shirt dress search for my protective eyewear, "there are my sunglasses." grab my bag - out the door
a world opens to me laughter echoes in the front stoop as children giggle and chase each other to school. the sun is warm on my face and shielded by my sunglasses. I smile up to the heavens air of elegance, perfume of a passing lady fills my nose my heal hits brick in a controlled fall I make my way to the work day silence and calm surrounds me by the time I am in the middle of the park even as hustle fills the pathways then distant bells ring out, are they ringing out for me? a squirrel stops right in front of me, I nearly trip over him I stop, smile, lean forward to looks at him, "hello, there!" the excited animal runs a circle around me and off again. "that was quite a Disney moment!" I muse. on my way "who said by the time one is 28, one has become who one will be for the rest of one's life?" I wonder as I gaze into an image of me reflected in the polished steel of the elevator doors, "Is that so?" Maybe not for this life. Another day forward another day wanting a kiss another day trying to exorcise my words, my songs, my dreams from my heart to make them physical make it real to make this life so much more.
the day of my birth, the anniversary of when I entered this light when the first gasping gulp of air entered my lungs and filled them with song so I sing on this day happy birthday.
so often I write songs, where i am trying to sort out the grays of this world... cause this world is not black n white. Then sometimes, rarely, someone comes along and fills my heart with song... and then it overfills... and I sing... so monday night I was overflowing... and recorded this... yes its sweet and very happy... and rough. (with lots of melodica) "if it's okay" Umm I think it starts about 56 seconds into the song... I tried to set it to in Itunes... dont know if it stays when you listen... anyways enjoy.
Hola all just a quick post... I had an absolute great time Friday night at the Paradise Lounge... I appreciate all who came to hear me, and then just generally enjoy the evening and other acts. So what did you miss? Well I worked out some acoustic versions of my tunes (stars above, stranger, muse), and despite some technical difficulties with my acoustic's pick-ups, the show went on, and went well. Best news of this is that in October I will be a featured act there (I believe the 5th). That means I will get to perform a slew of my favorite tunes for you all in a great venue. Also, I plan to get some friends to pick up some instruments and back me up to help fill out the sound. Anyways... I hope this finds you all well and you all had a wonderful long weekend like I did. Ciao -bv
This friday any time after 8 (as I dont know the exact time) I will be playing the singer-songwriter open showcase at the paradise lounge. www.thedise.com I think I will be doing two tunes... Come and show support if you can, stay for a drink or two, and lets have a grand ol time out music and a lovely summer night. If things go well there is a possibility of playing the show case in a month or two (5-6 songs) The sound system is brilliant, the scene is great, and Bilvox will be back in it.
when am I going to find out find out what its all about in all these hopes and all these dreams I want to feel all the beauty you see don't loose your voice the voice in your head you gotta dream up a new world to live in.
If you cant break or tear down these walls paint them with your soul the spectrum of your heart the streets you walk crack underfoot your head's in the sand and a berlin wall's in your heart my arms around the world trying to carry this weight some day I will learn to let go until then will you wait?
Last night I had an amazing evening. I was able to catch my favorite singer songwriter at the paradise, and he just put on a wonderful show, which just inspires and encourages me further. Mark Geary, he is on itunes... so buy his record, see him live, write him fan mail etc... I had the great chance of meeting him months and months ago after he opened up for a great Irish band 'The Frames'. He arrived from NY then in a hurry and nearly had a car accident and was rather flustered, but still was able to transcend that and let go.. to put on a great show. His lyrics and songwriting impressed me and blew me away. I was at a time after being wounded from a break-up in a creative and emotional lull. I was spent. He helped me, sparked the creative side in me again. After that show I picked up his album and on the way out ran into him and had to say cheers and thank you... Well we ended up talking for a while about performing, creating, connecting to the audience.. and letting go to do this... He wouldn't have guessed how much I needed that conversation, and how valuable it was to me. ...and I wouldn't of guessed he would have remembered my face, name, or whoever this admirer and musician was. so from this... I pushed things forward.. encouraged and energized. I spent a day at the mfa found myself in the middle of an empty room surrounded by Edward Hopper's paintings... from a line of his I wrote of my ordeal etc... "I lost a Lover". It all came out, all the lyrics flowed from my heart. It was art inspiring other art... so to him I am indebted, and thankful. That's what I planned to say to him if I had the chance to meet him again. Thank You. I was signed up for a Unitedway 5k race last night and once I received an email about him coming to Boston last night I ditched it for his show. Once again he put on a wonderful show. His ability to connect with the crowd, move them with his rhythm, his heart, chords, amazing strumming style and lovely lyrics once again impressed and moved me. (and all there) After the show I went with CD in hand planning to give it to him and say thanks, after of course reintroducing myself. I was taken back, he remembered my face and all we had to do was catch up... Once again it was great to talk further with him... and I did my best to convince him to come back to Boston as soon as he can. Its such a great thing to make these connections to like minded artists, song writers... it all connects to my want to have all like-minded positive artists to have alike a loose group of support and creative encouragement a scene of sorts... (please scoll to entry from date 3-29-2004) Painters, musicians (classical and modern), poets, filmmakers, designers, philosophers... band together... Helping each other out with projects in anyway.. pushing a collective movement and positive artistic force forward. this world, my world need this. Yours too... drop a line if you wanna join the scene... negatives, downtrodders, energy vampires need not apply...
Broken and lost on your path Your footsteps scattered across this town This century's so young but wears so old It's too early for you to lose the plot I'ld open your heart Try to pull it apart Make your eyes shine bright To make the endless static cease
These hands were made to heal To heal your heart To make right what was broke and lost in the night
we're all looking for colors in the sound we're all lost in this turning sea
but I'ld pull a star from the night just to see your eyes be the light in my life ya I'ld pull the stars from the night just to see your eyes be the stars in my life Ooo you're the one Ive wanted You're the one I need Just wait for me one more day.
the streets you walk crack underfoot under the weight of your heart your head's in the sand and a berlin wall's in your heart my arms around the world trying to carry this weight reaching for you on the otherside some day I will learn to let go until then will you wait?
soon the symphony will surge and the sea will swell will you be my guiding light home?
I'll pull the stars from the night just to see your eyes be the light in my life ya I'ld pull the stars from the night just to see your eyes be the stars in my life Ooo you're the one Ive wanted You're the one I need Just wait for me one more day.
the willows begin to sway nothing precious nothing gold can stay
weeding a garden, lowes, painting, moving... yikes what am I an old man? so yeah, I am headlong into fixing up my new place. weeding the patio, the garden, planting, painting, fixing, all this and im only renting! well it will be a good place once all is set.. i hope... today I move the big stuff... so if you wanna help... all I can promise and pay you in is alcohol, and sing you a song... yeah... peanuts I know... oh well. ;-)
How could you turn so quick turn to not care laying in deafening silence this welcome quiet soon the symphony will surge and this surrounding sea will swell and you will drift away as i swim against this tide of your heart drown in the cold cause I can't breathe you in your warm heart
so I a need not only a body guard, a personal assistant, but also a handeler now... someone to sit me down and slap me around when i have waves of doubt and anxiety. Currently I live with my best mate. We have a wonderful time, enjoy each other's company etc... and have a sweet flat. So I am over the next month doing a gradual move to a new place that I will be living in solo. So last nnight I walked into it and had so much frustration and anxiety cause its not as nice and new as my current place, is a fixer-upper, needs paint, some repair and a lot of weeding and planting in the garden and patio. Luckily a friend calmed me down last night as I doubted living alone, leaving my last two years living with my best friend, not being happy with the condition of the plumbing, paint job etc. So I relaxed after weeding half the patio, went inside and was okay. Worried a little more... then decided to go back to the sexy sweet bachelor establishment. As I decended the font stoop-stairs I remembered to check my mail, and low and behold I had the sweetest letter welcoming me to my place and wishing me luck in my move as I opened a new door to this next chaapter of my life. exhale sitting down, I relaxed finally and took in the cool damp summer air, the beauty of Charles street at night, and smiled. maybe it wont be so bad. This morning I awoke, to the beautiful summer rising sun as it filled my apartment. The beautiful wood-work was accentuated, the light filled my room and woke me gently. The clean and modern fixtures, the available space and comfort all threw me back to that ruch of anxiety.... thus where my handeler needs to enter and sit me down and slap me about.
I saw your eyes flash in the blink of the disco's light. memories fall from me so easy yet those Iberian eyes could burn through any darkness in my mind could shine throughout the midnight hour
so... I'm related to this dude so I guess music runs in the neiders... does this mean i should try to do comtemporary versions of wagner? ya I dont think so either.
I sit on the edge of this still water a pond carved elegantly by the hands of man. the water, a wavering mirror with tremors caused by the breathe of the evening the mirror bends and reflects the heaven above deepens the blues subtle with purple highlights of orange and gold they are all enhanced, enriched by this reflective pond.
In the eye the air the clouds above seem to pose for all the passed impressionists -the only ones to ever do these environs justice.
The clouds of crystals weighted with moisture smile with the first golden light of sunset. The ghosts of the Impressionists, the only ones to ever make the lovely mother of nature blush, haunt these gardens. echoes of their colors find my eye. For a moment silence falls around me I sit motionless and I swear I just heard the day sigh.
I have spent the last few weeks accumulating a mass of business cards from realtors, viewing at least 16 apartments, singing a lease on one... backing out cause it wasn't me and had bad karma all over it. I almost paid 4,200$ in one pop for a hot place that in the end would be a very lonely place by my lonesome. It did have an awesome skylight, in great condition and was huge!... It would be the kind of place that if I had a hot little lady to live with it would be great for us. Lots of dumps, barely livable spaces, and a few nice... but way out of my price range. (That’s if I wanted to still wear decent clothes, eat, and go out once in a while.) Things I have discovered while apartment hunting... It’s a ruthless busines Jerky realtors will edge out co-workers with less experience or seniority and pressure you in to a financially big decision that last at least 12 months. Don’t forget the double talk, misspeak, and lingo... Cozy means small Garden-level means basement Great space means its weirdly shaped and awkward apartment that no normal furniture will fit in. In good repair means its a sh%t-hole and needs repairs. High ceilings mean the ceilings are higher than the room is wide. A professionally managed building means some company is just barely making livable conditions for college kids that don't care or will be too drunk to notice how crappy it is. Steps from everything means it’s not near a damn thing you need. Subway at your front door means the entrance to the T station is adjacent to your front door and you will only be able to sleep between quiet periods when the train isn’t running. No matter what listing you find and ask to see you will probably see it only after seeing 4 other crap ones or never, possibly getting the excuse "OH that is an old listing, you wouldn’t like it anyways." THEN WHY THE HELL do you have it on your website, on craigslist, AND posted on your front door!? If you see something you're mildly interested in you will be told its about to go, someone else was going to put a down payment on it in an hour, or this is a real gem never lasts long. OH! The best is the baiting techniques: "I don’t know if you would be interested in this but..." is a common phrase. Or "this just came on the market today... I shouldn’t really be showing it yet, but for you..." The best realtor I met was honest, cool, and not pushy. If you need a guy ask me, I will send you his email, he will tell you what he has and like it is, while being nice and not pushy. So it looks like I found something, so cross your fingers... and what brilliant, amazing, dynamic, looking-out-for-you realtor ended up finding me this brilliant place??? craigslist... fo sure! The flat is perfect for me, a good size, right in the thick of things, good condition, I can be loud as all hell because surrounding me are day businesses, AND... has a building sized back yard patio it’s freakin huge and amazing.. and its only for my use. You could have room for patio furniture, a huge grill, an above ground pool, and an herb-flower garden. so if I get it... Gatsby party my place! Wow, we'll see... :-) Seriously though... keep the closest weekend to sept. 19th (my b-day) open, and maybe biltoberfest in October. yeeah
Comments:
there are no flats in boston...only apartments -- cozy ones at that.
Any of those things were you list your favorite bands and musicians is so hard for me... so to get a sense of what I like, here is a snap shot of what I am listening to. This is my current summer 2005 ipod play list (so far): (If you will my "Summer is Easy" mix or my "I've got soul but im not a soldier" mix)
Dimitri from Paris - Prologue The Killers - All these Things That I've Done Elkland - Talking On the Phone Stereophonics - Dakota The Eels - Mr. E's Faboulous Blues Travis - Walking In the Sun Oasis - Love Like A Bomb The Verve - This Could be My Moment The Doors - I looked at You Coldplay - Fix You Bright Eyes - One Foot in Front of Another U2 - Whose Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses (Temple Bar Remix) Bloc Party - This Modern Love Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc. Chris Issak - South of the Border Damien Rice - Cannonball Dimitri from Paris - Un Termede Passengers - Theme from Let's Go Native Royksopp - Poor Leno The Stone Roses - Shoot you Down (Soul Hooligan Mix) Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye Mark Geary - It Beats Me Stan Getz/Astrud Gilberto - Girl From Impanema Primal Scream - Star David Gray - Forever is Tomorrow is Today
My heart today is with the people of London. I am so sorry that terror and fear have planted a deadly and vicious seed today. In a world where we are all hungry for peace, its sad to see extremes and absolutes block the sunshine with such dark clouds.
this exibit very much embodies the hope I have... for what we need is an understanding of a coexistence
Make poverty History In this time in our world when it has become so small and we truely are a global people... we should start living that way... tare down these walls that divide. check these sites out... read the info... make something happen... god sakes let's do something that really matters for once... we're only human, all of us... and its only us here... take those blinders off. http://www.makepovertyhistory.org/ http://www.one.org/
The gap between the world's rich and poor has never been wider. Malnutrition, AIDS, conflict and illiteracy are a daily reality for millions.
But it isn't chance or bad luck that keeps people trapped in bitter, unrelenting poverty. It's man-made factors like a glaringly unjust global trade system, a debt burden so great that it suffocates any chance of recovery and insufficient and ineffective aid.
via spain: 6-12-05 Last night I had the most delicious sangria and tried some of the local rioja wine. The Sangria was perfectly sweet and cooling in the warm summer night. Up Las Ramblas a cool mediterranian summer breeze made its way to to me sitting in a cafe. On Las Ramblas I sat with a chilled drink in hand while the sounds of excitement and smells of spice were a mix all around. As this breeze found me and together with this sweet spainish beverage I felt my soul sigh. For a brief moment, here in my life, the world on my sholders fell away and I released all I held on to. The smile that found me stayed on my face for the night as I sat, sipped, and watched this world around me. Prime people watching; Dramas playing out, lovers lost in each other, revelry of friends old and new... in this spainish night. After my sangria mixed with people watching I wandered the quieting streets of the drunk Saturday night. I was drunk not on just the sangria but the mediterraian air, the friendly faces, and Barcelona itself... an intoxicating place. I turned a corner and then I found myself upon a soccer game in a medieval cobble-stone square. One side you see tables and chairs locked up for the night, a modern building highlighting some local artists and then in another side a church and buildings rich with character older than my country stood, beautifully aged and an amazing testiment to the city's rich history. In one area of this vast square a gaggle of guys from various ages, countries, and of fitness levels were engaged in a friendly game of soccer. Watching for a few minutes and marveling at this... I realised: I've got to join up! I motioned for me to join and in hand jestures and smiles they greated me and had me join up. It was brilliant. We played for quite a while. Heading, faking out, sprinting, sweating, laughing, scoring, cheering, slapping backs and hands in approval and joy of scoring, it was pure enjoyment of the sport and each other. I don't think we were people who might agree on politics, music, or religion.. but for one hour this night we all we united and bonded by the sport and the pure enjoyment of this soccer game. After we all nearly collapsing from exhaustion we sat in the square introduced each other, shook hands, laughed a bit and then all parted ways into the night. I made it back to my flat, undressed and fell onto my bed shaking my head and laughing to myself. Such a great night... one of many great nights here in Barcelona. I then stood up on my bed looked out at the city alight with the glow of the street lamps, below the people making their way home from their night out; singing arm in arm, laughing, and stumbling. Past the people and the city, towards the sea, I could see sunlight just breaking through the night about to kiss this city. inhale, exhale and then flat on my back again... happy.
via spain: 6-12-05 I just realised something; not a single person knows where I am or what I am doing right now... wow, what a liberating Idea... all I can do is smile at the thought of this freedom. absolutely brilliant!
sometimes I wish I was someone else... maybe then we could meet again, and I could maybe get things right this time. appreciate your smile a little more... kiss your face once more take in the perfume on your skin again not let go of you as we slept next to each other if we met again maybe i could get something right
but me Im just a green eyed boy with green eyed wishes
Wow, I saw a bullfight... I found this antiquated massive brick and tile arena after some wandering through the city for an hour. There it was with many little old Spanish affectianos for the sport gathering in one area to discuss the pending match, the better matadors etc... and another area the super touristy looking crowd; cameras around neck, fanny-packs, and guide books for all to see. I wandered over to where the ticket windows are to have one of the old affectianos approach me, "only general admission left." "oh, I'm sorry, what's that?" I respond completely confused. He said he could tell I was a tourist looking to see a bull fight and if I really wanted to see it, he would sell me one of his tickets. He showed me a picture where I would be if i went to the ticket window and purchased a G.A. ticket, then where his seat was... so I decided to go for his ticket... we haggled on the price in a good natured way. In parting he did a weird tug-pinch of the cheek thing to me and told me to enjoy it and said he know i would. So I made my way in and wow, my seat was great! I was close to the ring and had good view of the bull entrance, from where the various matadors and horses entered, and could see where the master of the bullfight/judge sat. I was a little weary that i might find it gruesome or unbearable, but i completely was enthralled by the spectacle and show of it all. it was quite an amazing experience, like from another time and place completely. "the Sun Also Rises" totally prepared me for it and what to look for in a good and bad bull as well as a good and bad matador. It was the Sunday night event for the attendees, the upper class all dressed up and ready, the old affectianos with their papers and programs. Then of course the random foreigner, not sure what to expect or if it will be gruesome. BTW when the matador and bull were top form... it was a graceful waltz with the matador leading the Bull in this dance. The talented matadors were so very entertaining and played off of the drama of the event and drew the crowd in and held us all in his hand. We yelled out in hope and relief "Ole!" as the bull swiped near the Matador and missed. The bulls were so very fierce and very very deadly. They swiped their horns like Hemmingway says; like boxer swinging out for a K.O. You could hear the echo and thud as the bull made contact with the wood the matador would leap behind for safety, it was that sort of thud that permeated your body and chilled your spine. When the first matador finished the bull in one swipe of the sword, he did it with such accuracy that the bull dropped dead almost immediately. The Matador after the death strike, turned walked away as the area vibrated with the irruption of cheers and clapping from the crowd. Then he half turned back to the still standing bull, waved his red cape, and with that movement the bull fell dead. The Crowd roared and everyone took out their handkerchiefs and waved them in approval. Then every attendee looked to the judge... was he going to give his approval to the matador as one of honor? Yes Of course... the crowd irrupted again, and the matador made his way around the arena as he passed areas flowers and bladders of wine were thrown to him. Ladies would throw their scarfs and he would throw back. (For you animal lovers.... they have a butchery in the back and immediately carve it up and feed the poor, I know for me I was concerned about a possibility of cruelty, but the animal was feared and respected.) So it was an amazing experience... Tonight there is some club that has jazz hiphop fusion... I will let you know how that goes... I am sad to be leaving this wonderful city. I have met many great people, seen beautiful sights, faces, and hearts... and all it does is add to the hues I work from as I write, as I live... ah barcelona... you beautiful gem. -bv
"Stranger In a Strange Land"