I’ve been hoping to blog for a while now, but have had immense struggles with focus
lately; my mind feels lost in an impenetrable cloud – and I’m
unsure why. Such deterioration of concentration can be slightly disconcerting – and at first I thought it was due to my noisy
neighbours, so I decided to get away to try and work on some writing
projects... Since I bought a bunch of used books at Powell’s Books
in Portland (a multi-story bookstore that takes up an entire city
block), I’ve been longing to try my hand at some longer pieces:
novellas, possibly even a book; the dog-eared silky worn-out covers have left me inspired. Keeping budgets in mind, one of the
least expensive travel options for me was to fly to Las Vegas... what
was I thinking?!
Needless
to say, I got nothing finished, or even started – and it would have
been a dizzying achievement if I even took a comma out and put one
back in. The only writing I accomplished was signing drinks in the
casino bar up to my hotel room. As for gambling, let’s not delve
any further into how cute slot machine games with sparkly
meowing kittens can be utterly treacherous – whoever invented such things has cracked my
weaknesses for adorable – and temptation.
At
least I got to finally check out downtown Lost Vegas – Fremont
Street led to a breathless, weepy panic attack – too many people,
and complete overstimulation for an introvert like me. I do like the
“no-such-thing-as-normal” dynamic, however, as everyone from
palmists to topless nuns tread that burning desert pavement. I was
also able to visit Vegenation – a fantastic little Vegan spot which
I definitely recommend!
With
European dates on the horizon, as well as single releases of All The Young People Must Fall In Love and Back On The Chain Gang, we now have something to truly get
excited about for this summer. Manchester shows are always special,
and the venue in Sweden looks unique. Dalhalla arena in Rattvik
stands in an old limestone quarry, 200 ft deep, and in some configurations there is what appears to be a moat around the stage.
People have already joked about bringing their swimsuits to try to
get a handshake! I also look forward to returning to Manchester, and
hopefully will have a chance to see Southern Cemetery for longer
this time, as I’ve been visiting cemeteries during my travels when
I can, now finding them peaceful, rather than anxiety-provoking places (a
view I tended towards in my youth).
Photo of Dalhalla via http://www.visitdalarna.se/en/ |
As for Berlin, I loved it last time I was there. It’s a haven for Vegan food, the birthplace of timelessly glamorous Marlene Dietrich, and is steeped in history (for North Americans, or at least speaking for myself, this is fascinating, because our history does not run so deep). Also, as a philosophy nerd, I find Germany compelling – as so many philosophers hail from German soil. I’ve decided to bring out my German language app – but am prepared for my inevitable failures due to laziness and... lack of focus.
Along
with the tour news, Morrissey Central has also been a welcome
addition – it’s wonderful for Moz to have a more personalized website
once again. One recent update is photos of
Morrissey visiting Nico's grave in Grunewald Forest, by SER. The photographs are undeniably beautiful, with Moz knelt at Nico's resting place, surrounded by candles and
wildflowers. Morrissey has been an admirer of Nico since his teenage years: in Autobiography he describes her singing voice as "the sound of a body falling downstairs, and [her speaking voice] as if the hangman's hands are at her throat... I treasure her four studio albums, none of which contain the faintest hint of hope." [pg 132].
Photo by Sam Esty Rayner via https://www.morrisseycentral.com/gallery |
A
Warhol muse, Nico was reknowned for her forlorn and ultra-cool blonde beauty, but like many
artists, especially female ones, she felt her appearance drew
more attention than her art. A new biopic, Nico, 1988, will address this theme – as she aged, she felt freer
from the trappings of glamour, rather than lamenting over any time-worn decline
in external beauty. Yes, drug addiction, particularly heroin, undoubtedly played a huge factor throughout her later years, but her art remains relevant and spellbinding. It is often the most troubled souls who create the most beautiful works.
And now, with upcoming Morrissey tour dates, the next question is – will more be announced?
I’m reluctant to book travel quite yet, just in case. And
so many other unanswered questions lie ahead, to get our anticipation blossoming:
What
will Moz sing? (We’ve been treated to a number of glorious
surprises lately, like November Spawned A Monster, I Started
Something I Couldn’t Finish, and Back On The Chain Gang. Will there be surprises from the new album? In Your Lap hasn't been sung live yet.
What
will he wear? Dashing jackets? Smashing cardigans? Speaking of which,
a while ago I made an Instagram poll, a Glitter vs. Peacocks Fashion
Poll (I know I have too much time on my hands, you don’t have to
tell me) and here are the results:
Round
1:
39 votes for Peacock
31 votes for Sparkly
Peacock Jacket won with 55% of the votes
Deluxe Cardigan Battle
31
votes for Peacock
43
votes for Sparkly
Sparkly
cardigan won with 57% of the votes
Finals:
38
votes for Peacock Jacket
24
votes for Sparkly Cardigan
Peacock
Jacket won with 61% of the votes
I love the Peacock Jacket, but yes, you can vote on your own polls, and yes, I of course voted for my favourite, the Sparkly cardigan!
I’ll
leave you with this gorgeous “lost track” - By The Time I Get
To Wherever I’m Going: