catching up
As promised, just because I'm now twittering doesn't mean I'll stop blogging. Twittering = fewer words more often; blogging = more words less often. It's all good, as they say. If you want to follow me on twitter, start here: http://twitter.com/curtsmith.
So, the first two shows at The Standard Hollywood are now behind me, I hope those who have been there (hello Eileen, Sheila, Hermest, Justine, to name a few) will agree a good time has been had by all. Some Twitterers (tweeple?) came all the way from Las Vegas to see the show last night - that would be Mike and Danny - and there was even somone there who had been at the NOTP show in Cologne! Anyway, if you took pictures and want to share, you can send them to us at csow (at) curtsmithofficial (dot) com and we'll put them online. We prefer 800x600 (or 600x800) and 72dpi (in other words, web resolution).
There are two shows left, on the 18th and 25th. The room tends to fill up so do call The Standard to book seats if you haven't already. The number is (323) 650-9090 x2921. If they tell you the Cactus Lounge is all booked, that's okay, ask for a seat on the deck which is lovely and you can see and hear just fine from there. And sometimes people cancel at the last minute so you're able to move to a seat in the Lounge after all.
The set list last night was the same as the one Arlene posted for the first week, although I did add Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know" (thank you for the suggestion Yara) to the beginning of the second set. We had literally only rehearsed it moments before, during the break between sets, but as it was fresh in our minds I was prevailed upon by Charlton and Doug to give it a try. It went rather well, if I do say so, and may be a keeper. We got a request for "Snow Hill," but both a shortage of time and the fact we hadn't rehearsed it meant we weren't able to work it in. Maybe next week...
There seems to be quite a buzz about the planned TFF West Coast tour this summer. This is NOT an official announcement, as contracts haven't been signed yet so far as I know and therefore things are subject to change. So with those caveats in mind, here are the likely dates:
July 10 - Seattle, WA
July 11 - Portland, OR
July 14 - Santa Rosa, CA
July 15 - Saratoga, CA
July 17 - Costa Mesa, CA
July 18 - Las Vegas, NV
July 20 - San Diego, CA
We'll probably also play in Vancouver either July 9 OR 12 - not clear yet. When everything is confirmed I'll post the news here. Before you ask - I don't know when the on-sale dates will be, you'll need to contact the respective venues/ticket agencies for information about when and how to get them.
In other news: those of you who frequented my previous website may remember that along with the lyrics, I included short stories about "Perfect Day" and "Halfway Pleased" as well as explanations of the lyrics. They're now rightfully restored to place here, along with the previously unpublished story / explanation for "Coming Out." Just go the pages for those tracks (in the "Music" section), the stories and such are beneath the lyrics if you scroll down.
Bella has been gone at puppy boot camp and will return shortly, more pictures of her once she's back. The house has been very quiet without her, but she was allowed a "home leave" visit the other night and the skills and control she's attained in a very short time away are remarkable.
I'm thrilled as you can imagine that Manchester United are atop the Premier League. I'll be glued to the screen as usual when they play Fulham next Wednesday (luckily, it won't conflict with my show). Hm, perhaps a good reason to rehearse "Snow Hill"...
Until next time.
EZEZ
Papa S.
Comments
ck2d ,
Wondering if that great idea would work for me too? =)
sweetbaboo85@gmail.com
Donna
Thanks, Eurydice,
That is what I was trying to get across to everyone. Embrace THIS moment, or whatever moment is offered to you. Because moments are sometimes fleeting and we never know when they are going to come back around again.
Carolyn
I did Vegas on my own when I was 27. I have a ten year cycle. When I was 17 I was an exchange student in Europe and just stayed there traveling around all summer (there's nothing like being caught in a snowstorm in the Alps in August). When I was 27 I made a conscious decision to do absolutely everything that struck my fancy and not limit myself. It was a great year! I wish I could remember what I was like when I was 7 - it must have been fabulous. (I had my first publication that year, precocious thing that I was.) I'm coming up on 37 (God help me, it's less than a month away!), and I just can't imagine what will happen this time. Well, actually, I can. :-) I have a career moment that is coming to a head and I think it's out of my hands now - I've just got to deal with it and sign the checks. No more standing in the shadows - time to come out blazing!
GAWD Carolyn, you nailed that one!!! There may be something brewing that can give me "leverage", so we'll see. I so very much want to go... if my daughter was older (she's 10) I'd bring her too! Who knows...
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
I've really enjoyed your posts today, Carolyn. I'm single and live alone, and sometimes take my freedom for granted. It's nice to think that some day, if there is a mister and some littleuns, I will be grateful for this time. Why, make martinis and provide my kickass backing vocals on Seven of Sundays for the millionth time? Don't miiiiind if I do! :) It's a sweet message for Valentine's Day - whether we are single or coupled, celebrate and enjoy the moment as much as possible.
Suzanne,
I am so glad that someone got what I was talking about.....the feeling of being in control of your life at that exact moment(s).
I traveled by myself, checked into the hotel by myself, etc...but I also balanced it by having Audra and her dear Mom show up a few day later and share my hotel room (and the concert experience). It was the best of both worlds, time by myself combined with time with kindred spirits....who were there to enjoy the same thing that I made the trip for in the first place.
Suzanne, please, please try to come see the guys this summer. Who knows when this will happen again?
I look at it this way..........
Life is short. Opportunities come up once in a while that I just can't pass up. Not to be morbid or anything, but I could drop dead tomorrow from a heart attack or whatever, so when something that I want to do is dangling in front of me now, I grab it. The older I get, the more I just want to do what I want to do and the consequences be damned.....I'll deal with them later. That is why I am going to make this trip again this summer and take my youngest daughter. If I don't take this chance to see TFF and share them with my daughter, who knows when the chance will come up again? Maybe this will be the last time the guys decide to perform, maybe it won't. Maybe if they do it again, maybe I will be in Summerland, so maybe I should just do it now. Who knows? I don't. And that is why I am grabbing the ring while it is in front of me. Because maybe the ring won't be there again, or maybe I won't be around to grab it if it is there again.
The older I get, the more I decide not to put off things.....I'm done with saying to myself, "oh, I'll do that in a couple years". I've lived 51 years now, and by Gawd, I DESERVE to do things that make me feel happy, content, and fulfilled. I am responsible for my own happiness, no one else is.
What follows is by NO means a slam or an insult to anyone that is married or in a relationship....but I am so glad that if I decide to fly to Vegas to see a band whose music I adore, I will do so, and not have to worry about what anyone else thinks about it. I've been married twice, so I know all about the pressure that a partner can put on their spouse, especially a spouse that doesn't understand how important something is to the other person. I learned a long time ago that living with another person involves compromise, but if it is one-sided, and one partner doesn't respect the other person's needs or wants, then it isn't compromise, it's a dictatorship.....not a partnership. This is one reason why I am happily single again.....and free to hop on a plane to Vegas to see TFF if I want to. I don't have to worry about asking a spouse if I can do it, I don't have to listen to the bitching about me doing it, I don't have to put up with guilt trips placed upon me. I just do it.
Dang this soapbox.....now climbing off of it.
Carolyn
Yeah! I don't have anyone special in my life Alissa so I don't know how it feels? :) I kind of wish I did have a sweetheart then I wouldn't need to wish everyone else a happy valentine's day. :) Maybe, if Frances doesn't mind, Curt can be my online sweetheart for now? And maybe he can give me some of that honey this way? ;) PLEASE CURT?!! ;)
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My mother calls me a "planner" often because I'm smart and I like to have a plan for everything that I do. I like to research the area that I'm going to before I make any definite plans to travel. Planning for a trip, especially when it's to see your favourite band in a place that you've never been to outside of your own boarders, is a great reason to plan ahead.
I try to find the most inexpensive way of getting from point A to point B and back to point A again. I love the idea of traveling outside of Canada because it gives me the freedom to do what I want, when I want, and how I want to do it.
Tears For Fears will be the one reason that I have for traveling outside of Canada this year. It's a blessing that Curt announced the tour dates the other night otherwise this amazing opportunity to travel by myself and see TFF live would have just sailed right by me.
So San Diego....... HERE I COME!! :)
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Carolyn - actually I know exactly what you mean. Last year when I went to Pampered Chef's National Conference (I go every summer - missing this summer, though) I flew by myself (roomed with 3 others, though). I had a schedule for the conference, but our off time I did what I wanted to do and it is a real treat. IF (and way big if, but ck2d, you have me thinking...I'll e-mail) I get to do this, it will be exactly what I will relish!
Lissa - HUSH! Chocolate does that to me too... hehehe. Oh, and it's THERE!
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Allison,
Taking a trip alone is the best experience ever. I did it a couple years ago to see the guys in Vegas and it was wonderful. I didn't have to worry about anyone but myself. I ate when I was hungry, took restroom breaks when I needed to, slept when I wanted to, ALL without having to take another person into consideration. I was responsible for no one but myself. I didn't need to entertain anyone, or make conversation unless I wanted to. I spent literally hours at the airport, casino, and hotel....just sitting and people watching. No pressure, no timetables, no itinerary. I have never felt so free in my life. There was no one looking out for me except me, and I didn't have to look out for anyone else, which was a refreshing break from work and being a Mom. I loved it.
I highly recommend traveling by one's self....especially when that person is traveling to see something they have wanted to see for a long time. It makes it all that more special. You are embarking on an undertaking all on your own, and not having to share it with anyone else. It makes the experience all YOUR own.
I'm sure that none of the above makes much sense to anyone but me.
OK I've got it all planned Jazz. Tell me what you think: We would have to rent 2 vans - 1 for us ladies and the other for all our kids...and it would have to be wheelchair accessible for my daughter...and we would need a few babysitters and someone would need to stay the week or so this endeavor would last and take my place bringing home a paycheck ( as my hubby got laid off a month ago from Fannie Mae - after 20 yrs !) and we would need a half dozen or so hotel rooms (does anyone know Elvis personally...maybe The King could get us a good deal) and.......and.......kind of takes the excitement out of it all now...sorry :(
I'd dare all you east coasters, that would be insane if this roadtrip ever comes to reality. We all could meet up in any of these shows!!! Looks like the planning is all on you Allison, better hop to it!! Check out www.CarRentals.com, you might get lucky with a deal and tell em' you're on a missionary trip so you get a discount!!! He He!!! LOL
I got my chocolates early from Todd this year - I am so damned impatient when it comes to sweets, they are my luxurious weakness. He always picks out the best and most lovable heart-shaped boxes, and not necessrily the most expensive ones either.
Count me in for those unable to fly out West for the shows - I SO wish I could, me and my husband. He's a good man, wish you could meet him after a show Papa Smith, you'd love him.
A kiss for my sweetheart, Celeste? You bet! but that's not the only thing he's gonna get - hee heee heeeee! I better hush now, I'll leave it at that, and the rest up to the imagination :)))). See what chocolate does to me ?????
To Curt and Frances and everyone who's celebrating this February 14th. Happy Valentine's Day. Don't forget to give your sweethearts a kiss. :)
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It really is starting to sink in...a TFF tour. That I haven't missed. Wow, I never thought it would happen (you know, the guys don't really have to tour, the album came out in '04, they paid their dues on the road). But to still go out and do it, for the fans, is so amazing and wonderful and kind on their part. I cannot thank Curt and Roland enough for giving me the opportunity to see live the music I so love and adore. I only hope things will come together and I will be able to make it out west. I don't really know anyone who would be willing to go with me, I don't have enough money, I never travelled anywhere by plane by myself...but I am willing to do so. Just talking about is making me scared! But I have to get there, I won't let this experience pass me by - I just can't!
Thank you so much for this chance,
Allison Gleeman
ok, except I don't know your email address. How about you email me - suziecooks4you@verizon.net
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Thanks for the ideas. Money isn't as much of an obstacle as the husband is. I don't want to say that I have to ask permission, because 1) I'm a grown woman and 2) I hate it when women say that. But the consequences of just up and going are the big problem. If it was closer (say NYC or DC) it wouldn't be as big an issue, but flying somewhere... so any ideas on that front? I guess I should wait and see when the actual dates are and then see.
Still, it would be so much easier if you guys would just come east!
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
I'm afraid the 9th of July is out for me. I forgot that's my grandfather's birthday on that day. He's turning 99 on that day and I want to be at home for his birthday.
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*Unless anyone has any billiant ideas on how to help me overcome some steep obstacles...*
Are you crafty? You could try making stuff and selling it on Etsy.
Or you could put some money into a high yield CD and let the interest you earn help you pay for the trip.
Sorry, not too brilliant, but hope those help,
Anitra
Ok, I need to follow Leanne's lead and stop checking this thread. It's just depressing me, since the chance of me heading west is so slim, it's transparent...it's really too hard to keep reading about the same people seeing you over and over when, well, sigh, nevermind...
Unless anyone has any billiant ideas on how to help me overcome some steep obstacles...
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Recent Posts
| 1 Sep | psych airs tonight! |
| 3 Aug | twitter chat |
| 29 Jul | As promised......... |
| 28 Jul | Updates? I've Got 'Em. |
| 12 Jul | a few things |


Suzanne,
If you very much want to go, then do it. If you want to bring your 10 year old daughter, then do it! What a great experience that would be for her....a special trip with her Mom, doing something that is important to her Mom, and her feeling special enough that Mom wants to share it with just her. Oh the special memories that would give her, memories that she will carry with her the rest of her life. Las Vegas isn't just for adults, there are soooo many things you two could enjoy together.
Keep the faith, Suzanne.....................and never let your dreams die.
Hugs,
Carolyn