That Jolie Girl

Saul Williams at Doug Fir

I have been a fan of Saul Williams for over 15 years now. I was thrilled when my brother-in-law suggested we see Saul at Doug Fir. Greg and I have seen Saul twice before backed with his band. here is my post about seeing him in 2008 at the Aladdin. This time, he stood alone on stage and did spoken poetry. It was an intimate and incredible night. I'm so glad I was able to attend this concert.

We got to Doug Fir just after the doors opened. Only a few people were around and we were able to get a table close to the stage.

Jason Graham of MOsley WOtta was the opening act. He started by having the packed room stand up and stretch. 

This immediately made the crowd relaxed and happy. We were all in this together.

At one point Jason talked about how giddy he was to open for Saul. Saul came out and stood on the sidelines to see the last pieces Jason performed.

Saul started the night by inviting people from the audience to perform their own poems. I was amazed that about 8 people headed on stage. So brave. The first performer was this girl. I was completely blown away. I wish I would have remembered her name. Everyone had great poems and the crowd was attentive and supportive.

The rest of the evening was filled with his poems and questions from the audience. He said early in that we could do whatever we wanted in this small setting. He took a few requests from the audience and even told stories about how those pieces were created. He gave freely of himself and the crowd was most appreciative. It was a wonderful experience and I lef that night feeling connected to the greater whole.

Off to College

 

I had the privilege of driving my neice to college this September. It's been such a joy to watch her grow up over the years. I lived with her for the first year of her life and then I've lived about 10 minutes away from her ever since. She is such a great person and it's been a joy to see her grow and change over the years. 

I gave my niece my old bike, so she can ride around campus. Luckily, all of her stuff fit in my car including a mini fridge.

It took no time to get her checked in and unpacked. Her dorm room is tiny! I never had the dorm experience since I went to PCC and then PSU. I'm hoping to live vicariously through her. Her roommate was super nice and I think they will be great friends.

We picked up non-perishable groceries and then had dinner with all of the other freshman and their parents. After dinner, I said good-bye as she joined her adventure team. The next day she would go on a rafting and mountain climbing adventure to bond with her new classmates. 

I headed for a hotel close by campus. It's amazing, but this was the first time I've spent a night alone in a hotel room. It was really quite nice.

Having an actual key to the room was a nice change. I can't remember the last time I wasn't handed a key card. The 5 hours back home wasn't bad and it gave me lots of time to think about my niece and that time of life and all the great things ahead for her.