Panic on the Streets of London (JUNE 20)

Somehow I forgot how fun the clouds are in person! And I found out that Sigur Ros is the only thing worth listening to thousands of feet above the Atlantic.

Landed and arrived to an overcast, brisk, 54 degree London morning. Since London is six hours ahead of Ohio, technically we time-warped on the way in. Spent a couple hours riding the subways, trains, and buses to find our hotel. We met a ton of legit Jewish men along the sidewalks. Walked around a bit and decided to have breakfast at Aran's Cafe. Ordered an omelet and chips. Very odd breakfast indeed, and my stomach thought so as well. My favorite part of London actually happened at this cafe/diner/establishment. We ate at a table with a family that was Indian. They were speaking French. And the dad said something to us in English and he had a really strong British accent. I loved it!

We took the bus downtown to London Bridge and walked along the River Thames down around Tower Bridge and back to London Bridge. During this time my omelet and chips kicked in really bad and, needless to say, I had to spend 20 pence on a public restroom. My jet-lag was also kicking in. We hopped on the bus and rode an hour back to our hotel.

Our hotel was this cool little bed and breakfast off Amhurst Street. It was nice to finally brush my teeth. We talked to the manager Chris in the back garden for an hour or so. He had a really neat perspective on England and the United States and other things. It was nice to see someone else's point of view. I think that's what I like about London... there are so many different people from so many different places speaking so many different languages.

Headed downtown again and wandered around for a couple more hours. Saw some gardens and old cemeteries and cool buildings. Then, again, back home towards the hotel. We had a dinner at the Surf Cafe next to the train station. There were a ton of dudes in there watching a Morocco v. Togo soccer game. They had great tuna panini. And the guy working told Andy and I we looked French! YES! (at least he didn't think we smelled French)

And that was about it for London. Showered. Went to bed. Got up super early. Walked in the ghetto to find a train station. Hung around in the airport, caught the plane.



It's a little hard for me to grasp that I used to live in England... for four years. I don't think I could do it again.

NOOK?

I am looking for a cubbyhole. I am looking for a quiet place to read and think and pray and think some more. My best option is to clean out my closet and install a light of some sort and get a nice, big pillow.



European excursion 1.5 weeks. Haven't really planned anything out yet, probably should? Rereading the hobbit for the Nth time. It's grand and I'm a wizard. Also, found out about some decisions friends have been making lately and it breaks my heart.... You know better.

COMPADRES!

It was not one of Wake Up Mordecai's better performances. But I believe it was by far our best show ever. And that is because of you! Your energy meant everything. So thank you very much for dancing and singing and being a dinosaur and supporting us and showing us love. You are lovely.



<3

Where it's at

These are a few of the things I need to realize and remember and live my life by - Jesus Christ is where it's at. Girls are not where it's at.

The poor are where it's at. As are bicycle rides at sunset. Light walls and bottomless cups of coffee and honest people with souls playing beautiful music. Friends in living rooms experiencing the presence of God together with pots and pans and cats on their laps. Sharing and giving. Writing letters. Getting letters. Innocence and purity and forgiveness and grace. Moving forward and time-traveling and reminiscing. Making things right.

This is where it's at.

Sidestepping

It's odd and awful how busy a person can get. It's been nearly a month since I last posted anything, I suppose I should explain.

Album. Finally finished. Spent a good two weeks where any and all free time went into recording and mixing. It was tedious, and frustrating, and slightly rewarding... but most of all, it is done. We sent it out last week to be duplicated. The record release party is May 23rd at the Dayton Dirt Collective. If you want to get a taste, there are some songs up on myspace. I'm happy with it, and I hope you will be too.

Weddings. My sister got married. By far the best wedding I've ever been to. It was simple, classy, spiritual, plus I saw the eight long months that went into planning it! I'm very excited for my sister and her stud of a husband.

School. Papers, BSEP, AP Tests, I'm done. Besides teachers that decide to be lame-o's and give homework, the rest of the year is merely a formality. Thank goodness. I used to be such a good student.

Hmmm, what else? So much has happened. Um, played a couple shows in Cincinnati and Kent and Dayton. Those were fun. Went to Autobahn and got super inspired by Joy Electric and Foxglove Hunt... didn't do anything with that inspiration, but it happened nonetheless. The Bro Shack opened back up!!!

Oh, and yesterday I went to see Star Trek with Mr. Oldfield, the astronomy teacher from school. I have never seen Star Trek before in my life, but Mr. Oldfield is way too cool for me to pass up such an invitation. IT WAS AWESOME! The experience... not necessarily the movie.

I haven't really read much, not enough time. I did read The Kite Runner again, one of the best. Been listening to a lot of Joy Electric, French Kicks, Firs, and, of course, the Pomegranates.

And I am for sure going to the University of Sinclair next year. I got a scholarship that is going to pretty much pay for everything (okay... so it's only $2,000 because it's a community college, but still... it's going to pay for everything!). I am very blessed.

You probably didn't read this. There was no need for you to. I think I'll be back on here more often now that I have a little more time. I don't expect you to read those either.

Live Long and Prosper,
Morti