First up, music. Bluegrass, Country, Gospel. Turns out I know the bass guitar/fiddle player, Eli, who acknowledges me, looks surprised and happy to see me. They’re rockin’ it pretty good when I arrive, but then they move into a slow song, and I signal to him that I will be back in a bit, and then wander off to investigate the other offerings.
First up a jewelry table. Purchases: $10.00 for (2) very unique necklaces, major splurge, but hey, I’m out on the town, let’s go nuts. Ten minutes later, I’ve seen every table there is, mostly food and kids’ crafts, so I mosey on back to the stage/dancing area. This is like a very-mini-Summerfest as far as people-watching goes, and I’m trying really hard to be open-minded. I could go into a detailed description, but I won’t, cuz I probably can’t be nice about it. Whatever trips your trigger, fine, but it’s not tripping mine. It is, however, better than being home alone, wondering what I’m missing. Now I know, and I do feel better.
The band is playing slow songs again, but conveniently there's another event fixin' to get started right here, next to the stage. Turtle Races! Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Really, it was fun for a minute. Exactly one minute.
I hang around till the band is done so I can chat with Eli. We have a long conversation about music, and I mention the fact that I’ve been having a (minor?) fantasy about renting out my barn to musicians as a rehearsal space. (I recently had almost the same exact conversation with another music person…I’m starting to see a trend, a path, an option…) To say Eli was excited would be an understatement. He’s got musicians, and gear, and a clear desire to give this a go. When I told him I was probably selling the place, he, like everyone else, said “sell the house, keep the barn.” (Over the years, several other people have expressed an interest in my barn, and the barn was actually the main selling point for me as well. The barn is awesome, it’s in better condition [and bigger] than the house, seriously, and has huge potential, but there is a survey issue because of the way the property is laid out. I should probably start investigating what would be involved in a re-survey…)
Anyway, Eli and I exchanged phone numbers and went on our ways. Hours later – now – as I’m sitting here, home alone, pondering my future, I have decided that this might be a venture worth investigating. I called Eli and left a message.
We’ll see…