It's as if for a few days my life in Philadelphia never existed; sort of like a movie you vaguely remember seeing. The Rosetta van pulled up to my school around 3pm on Friday to leave for our Canadian shows with Kylesa. It's now Wednesday and I'm administering finals to my students. Only 5 hours ago(5am), Bj dropped me off at my mothers house only a few blocks from the school where she graciously allowed me the use of her shower and the privilege to raid her fridge for much needed calories.
HHS let me take two personal days off from school to do the tour, so I had review work for the kids here. For once I was not stressed out about what they were doing, who was here with them, or if any trouble was about. For once I was able to let go and enjoy tour for what it was. For once I was able to live in a moment.
More often than not I feel like I'm never “here”. “Here” being where my body is at any given time. Most nights while playing shows my head is at home, or in this case, here at school. While I'm at home or at school my head out on the road.
For once I was able to enjoy the time that I had in a new place, and truly give my full attention to the new people I was interacting with. Canada was rad. Sold out shows, good crowds, good people, terrible pizza.
It's the people keep me doing this. It's them that keep me motivated to get in a van at 11pm and drive to Philadelphia, to teach at 6am, only to get back in said van at 3pm to play another show at 9pm. Then, we do it all over again. Without the individuals that put us up at night, offer us their food, floor space, and shower, without you we would never do this. Without the people who thank us for coming, we would never leave our homes in the first place.
There were so many great interactions with new people, never environments, and new ideas on this tour. Ideas that I've quickly adapted into my life and routines. For example, Dave and I attended a Yoga class in Toronto that a family member of his teaches. A few of her exercises for detox and stress relief have made their way into my warm up exercises before we play.
The family we stayed with in Ottawa were especially memorable. The interaction between the husband and wife were particularly amazing to watch. I meet so many couples that work together in order to survive. While they were not different in this aspect(survival is key especially in any family unit), they spoke a lot of influencing one another in realms of entertainment and thought. They worked to survive and support their three children, but they never lost the passion for one another that allows them to share experiences and ideas. It was refreshing. I envy that passion, and thank you for your kindness and warmth.
