It had been a hectic day already, and Ike and I needed a break- a smoke break that is. We're not proud of it, but we both seem to have a weakness for cigarettes whenever we are in Germany. The band was in town to play a showcase at the Berlin Country Music Messe and both of us needed a break from the completely weird scene. The Messe (Festival), is unlike anything you can imagine. Don't get me wrong, Germans LOVE their country music! And, for the most part, they've got their image right too- with gigantic Stetson hats, expensive (previously) cold-blooded reptile boots, and huge rodeo belt buckles in spades.
But something gets a little warped in the translation. Its like Americana in overdrive and tipped just slightly off center. Along with the sea of cowboys, there are mothers and teenage girls wearing matching Little House on the Prairie dresses. There are the omnipresent rock-a-billy cats in full leathers.
Then there are the mountain men in buckskins, and, strangest of all, the indians. Maybe I'm just oversensitive, but seeing white people dressed up in loin clothes and war paint speaking German totally freaks me out. Anyway, we'd both had enough of it, and pushed outside into the chilly Berlin air to roll up a couple of fine tobacco cigarettes.
There were still a lot of people milling around outside, so I said, "Hey, let's go over and have a smoke by the Wall." I pointed to a stretch of the Berlin Wall still standing as a monument to the cold war 100 yards from the entrance to the Messe. Ike said, "Why the hell not? Yeah let's go." We strolled out the gate over to the remains of the wall.
Looking at it up close, we were both surprised to see how thin it was...
Thanks BroPhil good to see a new blog...interesting pictures!!
ReplyDeleteBetty
Oh by the way I see what LVJ means now...I couldn't post under my google name...had to go for the "anonymous" to get it to print.
ReplyDeleteBetty
German's in loincloths... it's a story I could only hear from you Phil. Any of them in Mic-O-Say? :)
ReplyDeleteGood pic of you and Ike too. Immpressive beardage.
Long haired Donny
W H E R E I S E V E R Y O N E ?????
ReplyDeleteBetty
Good question. Maybe everyone are too busy? Or no idea, what can we write? Or tired? ...... BUT always with you and all the other bloggers and of course with our Wilders!
ReplyDeleteJutta
Now I know it! Everyone are in different bushes and without pc!! Oh no - no mouse potato!! .... we wait ..... listen to the music .... sun shine on the face .... or rain on the skin ...
ReplyDeleteJutta
A few days late, but the WILDERS kicked behind Saturday night. They played here in KC at Knuckleheads. Can you remember when you used to watch cartoons when you were little or not, and one of th cartoon characters would have his socks roll up and down? I thought so. Well, that's how I felt. My shins are chafed. So the WILDERS showed all present that they deserving of all awards, accolades and cash if you send it. Now I must go to "Select Profile" and "Post Comment". If successful, you will be reading this, if not please email. LVJ
ReplyDeleteHey, LVJ! Where were you? I was up by the stage, house right at a table with a bunch of other people who went to Jewell with Ike! When Ike had to change a string mid-song, he came over by us to do it (as he'd changed a string by us earlier and left his strings there). GREAT show! Made me wish I could go see more of them more often. Spent a bunch of money on CDs, though, so I get to listen to them a bunch.
ReplyDeleteIn other comment news, has V. been on here of late? I sent her an e-mail from my new account, but haven't heard back from her!
Heard the Wilders for the first time this week when they played for the Missouri Scholars Academy teacher appreciation night. The kids were dancing in the aisles. The energy level was amazing. You guys sounded great - thanks!
ReplyDeleteEye dude, I was in the back for a while, then I was over by the bar for most of the show. I had on my big old cowboy hat and a T shirt that said Low Life. I probably saw you a time or two, along with 300 other people I don't know. Haven't heard from V in a while. Hope she's OK. There aren't too many women on this here earth I would consider my second mom. She hasn't been answering my emails either, but then she knows I'm a low life, my shirt said so. LJV
ReplyDeleteWe received an e-mail from Vieta last week. She is fine.
ReplyDeleteBetty
Hey groopers, I'm sorry for causing concern, I didn't mean to. I'm just lookin for my nitch...
ReplyDelete(explanation)
Lynn is addicted to ice water, be it summer or winter she always has her insulated cup by her side.She keeps the ice bucket full. Gary and grandson Lou often use the last of the ice, but, never ever fill the bucket. One day when Lou was fixing a coke, I gently reminded him that it would be nice if he or Gary would refill it and suprise his mom.
Lou went over to his mom, put his arm around her and said, "mom, that is your nitch" she gave him a befuddled look and said, "ok". He finished with, "you know if you don't have a nitch you become extinct, therefor you should be happy that you have found yours" having solved that little dilemma he strolled off with a satisfied look on his face.
Ahhaa, teen age wisdom and problem solving, sooooo has everybody found their nitch?
Wilders wishing you a good tour.
besafe,bekind everyone/
v
V, I have figured out mine, I just can't explain it very well. I really enjoyed meeting the little grand daughter - Maybelle. I liked the hair cut. Slightly reminisent of Peter Boyle as Frankenstien in Young Frankenstien. Hey, keep writing. LVJ
ReplyDeleteLV, I know one something for sure, if one thing makes a nitch, we all have more nitches than we need, I'd like to drop a few of mine, shopping for groceries and supplies at Wally World would be #1 but...........there I go, extinct..Happy that you and eyryt got to see the Wildersin KC. eyryt if I ever figure out myspace. I'll see ya there. Lou knows that stuff, I'll ask him to help me.
ReplyDeleteI had planned to go to Columbia or KC but it was so hot, I don't handle heat very well so I missed my chance. Darn sorry about that but happy to hear they gave a Wilders fix and spread some good cheer.
Staycool,besafe,bekind,
v
Hooray! V made it! (I posted that, and then forgot to check back until now--well, I checked back the next day... but then after that got wrapped up in life).
ReplyDeleteBought a few CDs at the concert. Loved the new tracks on the two I already had, and loved "Throw Down"--and was thrilled to have recordings of the original tunes. Now I'm listening to "Someone's Got to Pay" over and over again in my car. Lovin' it!
Anyway, I'm on facebook more than myspace (have almost forgotten I've got a myspace), but mainly just wanted to let you know about the new digs, V, and to check in with you.
And my nitch is being around if someone needs something on a high shelf. Or if there's extra chocolate that needs eatin'.