Memory

Is such a funny thing. You never know what is going to act as a prompt, to bring back moments you didn’t realise you’d forgotten. As I’ve said before, music can be one such prompt. In my experience I’ve found that hearing a song you haven’t heard for ages not only brings back people and places but also how you were feeling at the time. Worried, stressed and sad or young, carefree and joyful. It doesn’t matter. It brings it all back.

So why all the reflection? Well I spent the last weekend running around what felt like all of Perth (seriously, we went everywhere) with a childhood friend who is back in Australia for a year. Joined by my sister and her boyfriend we had a great time as we did some of the tourist things that you never do in your own city. Of course we spent a fair amount of time in the car which means one thing – road trip music! Of course we played all the greatest hits from our childhood, singing along (terribly, all that mattered was volume), adding in the occasional dance move (look, I never said we were cool).

Now those songs hold even more for me (other than questionable late 90s/early 00s fashion and dance moves that were daggy the first time around). Positive reinforcement if you will. Every generation has its own soundtrack that will always bring the past flooding back. Every person has their own greatest hits album with songs they will always sing along to. So what makes your top 10?

Now on the 18th September, you’ll have your own chance to add to your memory bank. That afternoon you’ll find us at Araluen Botanic Park, playing music that you know and love and some that you’re yet to be introduced to (and will hopefully love). Hopefully the weather will be perfect (cross everything!). Because an afternoon lazing in the sun, in a beautiful location while music dances through the air sounds like a wonderful day to hold onto. Definitely bring everyone you like with you.

Here’s to memories old and new – because it’s what we’re doing each and every day.

Oblivion

I’m back! Well, sort of. I might be back in the country but haven’t been back to band yet so I’m not entirely sure what’s been going on. Though through the power of technology I have heard our concert went very well – everyone loved the music, it was entertaining and we played well. All up a really good night. I knew it! (Maybe I should investigate the strength of my psychic powers further).

Since I can’t tell you what the band is up to, I’ll just have to bore you with what I’ve been up to instead (no, that is not an invitation to close this screen!). As you may know, I’ve been having a jolly old time gallivanting around Italy and Greece (it was as awful as it sounds). Surprisingly I’ve come back feeling really relaxed. Normally after a holiday like this where you start each day early and finish late to fit in all the sights and sounds and experiences (you don’t want to miss anything. Do you know how long that flight is?) you come back feeling like you could do with another holiday to recover (this second holiday always features beaches and candy coloured drinks. With little umbrellas. (Pointless but somehow necessary).

So what was it then? Was it rushing around Rome to soak up the history? Was it drinking in the views along the Amalfi coast or swimming in the Tyrrhenian sea? Or was it cruising around the Greek islands? (Actually, the last one probably has a lot to do with it). But the whole time I was away I did not have access to the Internet or my phone (gasp!). It. Was. Fabulous. Yes, I did have my phone with me but I was utilising it as a very expensive camera and mp3 player. No, I did not have access to a phone network, purchase any data or connect to available Wi-Fi spots (for a start the connection was allegedly rubbish). I was lucky enough to be travelling with others who took care of the whole phone home thing and kindly let anyone who was interested in knowing that I was alive. It was great. No text messages, no email. No Facebook, no group messages. No voice messages from people in Queensland telling me my blackberry jam is ready to collect (that one confused me too).

There’s really something about getting it away from it all (and a buzzing piece of technology that demands your attention so you can ignore the people sitting in the same room as you). When that distraction is gone you can take everything in and focus on what is right in front of you. Really take it in and notice things you’ve never noticed before. Actually live in the moment and not worry about what’s happening next week or the stupid thing you said the other day (I never let that worry me. If I did I’d be one giant worry line by now).

Of course now that I’m back I’m completely out of the loop. That’s okay. I’m sure people will tell me what I need to know or send me the digital version of cliff notes. I’ll be caught up in no time.

Still. There’s something to be said for living in oblivion.