Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

Here are some pictures from my first trip to Washington DC earlier this month. I'm not sure if it was the recent revival of my patriotism or my desperate need for a getaway, but I absolutely loved it there. I stayed with my friend Phil on the most charmingly quaint tree-lined street I have ever seen and, though my stay was short, the experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The following is an excerpt from my journal:

This city, whose old buildings still stand rooted and venerable, and whose streets and avenues have long existed both physically and symbolically as roads leading to revolution, equality and freedom, is also a final resting place for many. Memorials remind us in haunting beauty that, while we are beneficiaries of the glorious victories of our past, this nation rests upon sanguinary soil,  and every American life that has been taken is equal in sacrifice and deserves to be honored. The feeling in the air is one of solidarity and responsibility, of being connected to history and being a part of it. 

The Moral Paradox of Unclaimed Leftovers

Okay. It's the weekend and you're at home with your roommates. 

Hunger strikes.

You don't have any food because it's the end of the month, you're broke 

and you don't *ahem* CAN'T cook anything that requires more than 

boiling water or heating a saucepan.

Still, like the conditioned machine you are, 

you make your way to the kitchen

and open the refrigerator door.

Right away you see the delicious lasagna that has gone untouched

since one of your 'mates made it over a week ago.

You smell it...

it's still good!

And there's just enough left to assuage one hearty appetite.

You need it in your belly NOW

But you're no Hamburglar;

You wouldn't take someone's food without permission,

so you go to ask said roommate if she wouldn't mind you taking 

the last of the leftovers.

But hold the phone. 

Before you speak,

there's a dilemma:

If you ask to eat the leftovers, 

you will be reminding her of the yummy food she has neglected,

causing her to crave it for herself and, in all likelihood, deny your request 

(leaving your stomach empty and grumbling).

No bueno.

On the other hand, leaving them untouched would be a loss for all parties 

as forgotten leftovers always end up going bad and getting thrown out.

No bueno.

What to do?!

Well, behind door number three is the unethical, yet oh so satisfying alternative of eating the leftovers in secret, washing the incriminating evidence (tupperware), and retiring to your room before anyone knows the difference.

Ahhh, their ignorance is your carnal bliss.

Working on my EPK

(above) Photo by Nick Wolf

Pics from The Knitting Factory!

Bennett rocking out!

Our drummer Casey, as calm as can be : )

Josh, working those mallets. Yes, we have a glockenspiel!

*photos by Nick Wolf

"Just Act Natural"

I just started working on an EPK and tonight was the first night of filming. We shot an interview in the live room of the cozy recording studio, appropriately named, the Log Cabin. Okay, I don't know what it is about being in front of a camera, or just knowing that I'm being filmed, but it flips a switch in me and suddenly I don't know how to be myself! It's so silly, I mean how is it possible to forget how to be yourself, right? It doesn't matter if it's a home video, if I'm in a crowd of people or if it's just me in front of my computer ALONE in my room, I get weird lol. 

Other times I've gotten frustrated, even angry, but tonight I just had to laugh. And it's not that I get all nervous and fidgety, it's like I actually become another person. And this new person, she's nice and friendly and answers questions thoughtfully — but she's not Charley! Fortunately, everyone in the room was really cool and Andrew, who interviewed me, actually ended up making me feel more "myself" than I've ever felt in that situation. At least tonight, I think I might have shaken it.

November 5th: A New Beginning

Last night I stood among strangers and friends and felt the power of hope.

Together we watched as the results came in and the election was called;

We watched as the man we voted for spoke to us and for us.

Barack Obama. 

The first African-American president-elect, and worthy of the title. 

Proof that, while our dark past is not completely behind us, 

we have come so far.

Last night, alongside countless others, I wept tears of joy and relief. 

I saw the faces in the crowd around me and across the nation — 

a true melting pot.

Today, my faith in the American people is renewed 

and I am committed to the spirit of change that has brought us to this historic moment.

I am proud to be an American.

And It All Comes Down To This

Okay people, this is it. No excuses. Exercise your birthright and VOTE!!!

You can show your support however you'd like —

remind your friends and family to get to the polls,

wear your campaign shirt

or say a prayer,

but let YOUR VOICE be heard. 

I'll be holding my breath until a winner is declared.

OBAMA '08

Let's make history.

Another Great Halloween Parade

So yesterday I ended up with an assortment of red, white and blue clothing, and what started as a wonder woman costume quickly became another excuse to publicly proclaim my LOVE and support for Obama (whoo hoo!! Obama '08!!!). I ran around the parade in a red tutu, starry skirt, blue leotard, red tights, my Obama pins and a spirit of change. What could be more patriotic? Unfortunately, I forgot to bring along a camera, and so did everyone else, so I don't have any pictures to post. But I'm thinking about wearing it again on Tuesday for Election day. Heck, maybe I'll throw it on later just for fun.

Tonight I'm going to support a fellow artist, John Eichleay, who will be performing at Arlene's Grocery. He's awesome. If you have a moment, definitely check him out! www.myspace.com/johneichleay