Step Inside This House
Here's a book of poems I got
From a girl I used to know
I guess I read it front to back
Fifty times or so
It's all about the good life
And stayin' at ease with the world
It's funny how I love that book
And I never loved that girl
- taken from Step Inside This House by Lyle Lovett
The first time I ever heard and recognized Lyle Lovett was at Aunt Shelly's condo in California. The song was She's No Lady, She's My Wife. I had to be about 10 years old at the time. That song has been sort of an unofficial family anthem. It's been played at every wedding since it's release.
When I was growing up, and the adults had gotten good an liquored up in Granny and Gramp's kitchen, they would put on country music and two-step--that is not an exaggeration at all, just a straight forward fact from my nouveau shit-kicker childhood. She's No Lady was probably the song that got the most play. I heard Step Inside This House this morning on the radio. So I had to write something about Lyle and his music.
The image of "step inside this house" was also appropriate in light of my friend's house burning down. It seems like every decade or period of a person's life could be qualified as a "house," or a completed section of events and memories. The possessions seem to just be reminders of times and places spent with the people we care about. The rest is just crap that is taking up space. Maybe a "fire" is good once and awhile to clear out all the crap we have accumulated, and to remember why we are holding on to certain things. I'm not suggesting arson here, just a good mindful cleaning from time to time.
The other thing I have been thinking about this morning is Scotch whiskey. In college my roommate and I would break out the Scotch and have "brain trust" meetings. It was basically us getting loaded on Scotch and talking about what we hoped our futures would be. That's probably why I have a deep soft-spot in my soul for a good bottle of Scotch. When I get depressed or have had a super-bad day, I'll had to Beverages and More and just look at the Scotch botttles. For some reason it always makes me feel better.
Right now my big dream is to have a Fortress of Solitude in New Zealand. The idea is to have about 20 to 30 acres outside of a major town, build a modest ranch style house, and possibly raise sheep on the property. The crowning achievement of the property will be a big, beautiful bar and numerous bottles of high-end Scotch. I figure I am about 30 or 40 years away from creating such a place, but the thought is nice. At the very least, it's something that I can think about while I sip a fine Scotch after a long day at the office.
From a girl I used to know
I guess I read it front to back
Fifty times or so
It's all about the good life
And stayin' at ease with the world
It's funny how I love that book
And I never loved that girl
- taken from Step Inside This House by Lyle Lovett
The first time I ever heard and recognized Lyle Lovett was at Aunt Shelly's condo in California. The song was She's No Lady, She's My Wife. I had to be about 10 years old at the time. That song has been sort of an unofficial family anthem. It's been played at every wedding since it's release.
When I was growing up, and the adults had gotten good an liquored up in Granny and Gramp's kitchen, they would put on country music and two-step--that is not an exaggeration at all, just a straight forward fact from my nouveau shit-kicker childhood. She's No Lady was probably the song that got the most play. I heard Step Inside This House this morning on the radio. So I had to write something about Lyle and his music.
The image of "step inside this house" was also appropriate in light of my friend's house burning down. It seems like every decade or period of a person's life could be qualified as a "house," or a completed section of events and memories. The possessions seem to just be reminders of times and places spent with the people we care about. The rest is just crap that is taking up space. Maybe a "fire" is good once and awhile to clear out all the crap we have accumulated, and to remember why we are holding on to certain things. I'm not suggesting arson here, just a good mindful cleaning from time to time.
The other thing I have been thinking about this morning is Scotch whiskey. In college my roommate and I would break out the Scotch and have "brain trust" meetings. It was basically us getting loaded on Scotch and talking about what we hoped our futures would be. That's probably why I have a deep soft-spot in my soul for a good bottle of Scotch. When I get depressed or have had a super-bad day, I'll had to Beverages and More and just look at the Scotch botttles. For some reason it always makes me feel better.
Right now my big dream is to have a Fortress of Solitude in New Zealand. The idea is to have about 20 to 30 acres outside of a major town, build a modest ranch style house, and possibly raise sheep on the property. The crowning achievement of the property will be a big, beautiful bar and numerous bottles of high-end Scotch. I figure I am about 30 or 40 years away from creating such a place, but the thought is nice. At the very least, it's something that I can think about while I sip a fine Scotch after a long day at the office.
posted by Zen_Accountant at 12:14 PM
1 Comments:
Coming from someone who has raised sheep for many-a-year, I would stay away. They are more trouble than they're worth unless you have some kids to do all the chores. Although I've tasted few finer things than lamb fresh from the field.
I like your analogy, "each decade is a house." Using that framework I believe it is absolutely necessary to burn down your "house" every now and again. Save the items near and dear to your heart and your well being, and let go of the rest. Too bad it is easier said than done. (And you don't get any insurance proceeds for burning down your mental house)
As for the fortress of solitude. I'm right there with you. I think most people in the rat-race dream of leaving it for a peaceful existance where we have few responsibilities and no boss. Unfortunately most of us don't get there. We keep spending what we earn and end up just hoping to be able to retire without working. I hope you find your dream.
MAD
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