The Night of Mumford

*From 9-23-13*

There are times when you feel a total need to do something but have no idea why.  That was the case leading up to last week's Saturday night Mumford & Sons adventure.

I've been in quite a funk lately--not even necessarily depressed, but just in a weird mood.  Things are very different today than they were at the start of the summer.  I've unintentionally alienated most of my friends here--or at least, that's basically what I've been accused of, OR severed all ties together with some back home which is probably for the best, but still a little painful.  As a result, I've been much more attentive to the people around me.  I'm building a new little circle of friends that are all amazingly talented--music, art, writing, film--and the have been vital in breathing life back into my pretty battered confidence.

Of these, there was 1 that I personally made more effort to explore.  I can't pinpoint my exact reasons.  I'm not sure if I just already trust them or just really want to, but there's just a simple connection there that I can really appreciate.  No weird signals, no sexual tension, just an odd sense of comfort and a great deal of intrigue.  Anyway, we finally made it happen to hang out last Saturday.  He suggested going to a sold out concert in St. Augustine and just seeing where the night takes us.  Not going to lie, it was an unhill battle with Terry trying to convince him to just trust the situation and do it (and pretty heavily criticized by family who think I shouldn't be making friends with other guys, even though my prior career was filled with them!).  We were sure we wouldn't be able to find a place to park, sure we wouldn't be able to afford tickets, and I was pretty nervous that it would turn into a total disaster and ruin a potential friendship that I already cared a great deal about.

My new friend put me at ease instantly.  He knew the area very well and made it clear that he wouldn't be devastated if it didn't work out perfectly.  He, like us, just wanted to see where the night took us.  Worst case scenario, we'd just go bar hopping in St. Augustine.

We parked in a random black guy's yard for $10 (as opposed to the $40 lots everywhere else), and we did some fireballs before we left the car (CHILLED fireballs, he had the liquor chilled in a bucket of ice...I was pretty impressed).  We were hearing CCR as we walked up to where the concert was, and come to find out, John Fogerty filled in at the last minute for the band Fun. because they had cancelled that day.  Our new friend inquired about what the tickets were originally going for and basically used that as a negotiation tool for people leaving the concert and selling their bracelets.  One couple was going to sell them to us for $25, but he rejected their offer and was sure we could get them for free.  He was TOTALLY right!  He and I got in, and then he took mine and went back to get Terry.

I've never really heard Mumford & Sons, but I loved the show.  Standing in the crowd, listening to them play and with each song building up to a great climactic moment with lightning flashing behind the stage, I was totally in awe.  It felt amazing.  It was exactly what my soul needed.  It was THAT awesome to me.  Plus, I loved the fact that I skated outside of my comfort zone and did something a little risky, because the reward was pretty sweet!

After the show we had dinner, then drinks and walked around St. Augustine a little...I'm not sure how I actually came across, because honestly, I'm a little intimidated by my new friend.  Not like in a scared sense, but I'm just really intrigued by him and maybe a little awe-stricken.  He'd probably think I'm nuts for thinking it, but it's sort of the theme with everyone I'm choosing to hang around lately. I just feel like it's all been for a reason, and I'll understand it all soon.  Something big is on the horizon, I can feel it.

Speaking of other intriguing friends, there's a woman one too!  She's an author (the guy is a musician), and I joined her go go dance troop to explore where that went.  After hanging out Monday and being silly and trying on go go dresses and wigs, I was once again inspired by a new person.  I confessed how I was initially intimidated by her and she said the feeling had been mutual....WHAT?! Nonetheless, I'm super excited to see where this friendship goes as well.  We have such amazing talks and haven't known each other very long.

I didn't get to see any of my Georgia friends when I went up this last time.  I hate it, I really do...but I'm thinking in the future I should stop involving them in my visits.  I'm doing more harm than go with my good intentions that I eventually spoil.

That's all on my mind for now...but it's enough!...well, it's all that I have the guts to write down!!