Just like wedding season there's also a birthday season. For me, I feel like March-May is the first birthday season, then August-October is the second birthday season.
In the midst of the 2nd Birthday Season, I am lucky to have a grouping of birthdays that are close enough to have one big celebration! Last year, we had a lovely 3-way Birthday Party, and I baked Tres Leches Cupcakes. This year, we had a last minute addition, turning the party into a 4-Way Birthday Party.
On Monday, August 17th, Tori Amos ended her Sinful Attraction Tour in Boston at the Bank of America Pavilion.
I decided to treat myself for the day and call in sick.
The last time I saw Tori, it was October 17th, 2007, at The Orpheum. She had 2 shows that week, and her Meet & Greet was on Day 2. Unfortunately, I couldn't get out of work that day. But I might have to call in sick if she plays on another weekday.
Back in 2005, Tori came to the Pavilion, and that's where I went to my first Meet & Greet. Everyone was so nice! I told people it was my first Meet & Greet, and they made me feel so welcomed. They even made sure that I was able to meet and greet Tori!
Tori and me! 2005
This time around, I recognized a couple of faces and made new friends. It was in the same area that it was last year, around the same time. It was sweltering in 2005, and it was just as gross if not worse in 2009. But, just like before, the wait was absolutely worth it.
Tori's cute outfit and gardening hat!
Yay!!!! Tori and me, 2009
While I was waiting my turn, it felt like all the people before me had so much to say to her. I feel like it must be tough for her to hear people's personal stories, especially if they're survivors as Tori is a survivor herself. I would love to tell her how much her music means to me. But that's also such a general thing to say. I saw people give her presents, and I thought, what can I take off myself to give to her? "Tori, I love you!" That's what my heart and my ears say.
But when I went up to her, I said, "Hi Tori!! I'm Cecilia. I feel like everyone's prepared a speech, but I got nothing!" She leaned back and laughed! I made Tori laugh...!!!!!!!!! It was too awesome. I think I also said something like, "I hope you have a good show!" Hahahaha...what? What a weird thing to say to a freakin' rock star....
She was so nice, though! She just said, "Well, you're here now. I hope you enjoy yourself." She also complemented my necklace. I love my necklace even more now!! I put my arm around her and her new bodyguard took our picture.
Oh man....it was amazing!!!! What a fabulous reason to skip work!
I had a ticket for Section 2, Row Z, Seat 20. It was in the back of the center front section...smack dab in the middle!!! I thought it was amazing, even if the 2 people in front of me had no idea what they were getting themselves into and left early :) Better view for me!
Here's the set list with my pictures from the most AMAZING show:
ACT I: Tori w/band
Give
Big Wheel
Cornflake Girl
Bells For Her
Space Dog
Flavor
Hotel
Tear In Your Hand
Welcome To England
*Lizard Lounge*
Silent All These Years (AMAZING Solo)
"I Gotta Go" improv (which talked a bit about her recording songs for her Christmas album, supposedly) / Cool On Your Island
Lady In Blue (band returns)
The Power Of Orange Knickers
Talula
Digital Ghost
Precious Things
Strong Black Vine
ACT II: SANTA
Raspberry Swirl
She's Your Cocaine
Body and Soul
Sometimes, when I read the forums, I feel like there's a lot of negative people on there. I'm not saying I love her unconditionally...there are definitely songs I can do without - one of which she played during this set. The last two albums have been very different. Some songs I love, and some I don't particularly favor. But, there's always a ton of people who are never happy about how she plays something, what she plays, what she wears, what's happening on stage. I know you can't please everybody. But it bums me out when the so many fans on the forums have to be so negative. You're on the forums for a reason, hopefully being that you love Tori. If you weren't there at the show, you probably won't have any idea whether you liked the song or not. Even the song I don't particularly like, I was rocking out to.
There are also the folks who go from show to show, following her around the country and around the world. It's amazing to me. I don't know how they have the money to do it. Even if I had the money, I probably would be spending it to live comfortably. I've never been a big fan of being a groupie like that, to be honest. It seems like people tend to get a big head about it. "Oh, well, Tori knows me. Watch me strut around like I'm the shiznit." Well, I mean, that's cool that Tori knows you. But you ain't better than any of us who can only afford 1 ticket. Love is love. But to devote yourself wholly to one person like that...it leaves no room for yourself. I'm sure even Tori would shake her finger at that.
Then, there are the people who had no idea what Tori is like live. They might like a couple of songs here and there...or maybe they didn't know anything at all, and they got tickets from someone else. These 2 girls sat in front of me. They sat there, pointing out people who were absolutely enjoying themselves and making snide comments. They left soon near the end. I couldn't believe these girls sat in front of me. I could have been in their seat..someone who LOVES her could be in that seat. Why waste the money to have expensive beers and sit in the humidity?
But here are my two cents:
Overall, the show was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I truly felt like the music and the lyrics were my religion for that evening. I swayed back and forth to the beat. I fanned myself to the beat. I cried, absolutely not expecting to.
When she started playing Silent All These Years, I couldn't help but feel my heart pour out of itself. That song has so much meaning for me. "But what if I'm a mermaid in these jeans of his with her name still on it..." The way she sang it, it felt so solemn..there was so much feeling in it. I couldn't help but cry during the whole song. Then she brought out Cool On Your Island...I just about melted in the heat of the night. "If you don't treat me better, baby I'll just run away..." Those first words in the song helped me so much in the hardest of times.
Then, Santa came out. Oh Santa...I don't know who my favorite American Doll Posse is, but Santa definitely stole my heart last night. AND she ended the night with one of my new favorites, Body and Soul. "These devils of yours they need love." It's been my anthem these past couple of trying times.
It's literally like she found me in the middle of the Pavilion. I love that she played songs from throughout her career. I love that she sang songs that mean a lot to me.
And with that, I leave you with what I could record of Silent All These Years.
I know it's only been 2 weeks. But I'll be honest..the orange started to hurt my eyes a little :) It was just such a BRIGHT shade! Really fun, actually! I'd get them that bright again...but I needed some familiarity...
I also needed to get them done to match the bellydance costume I plan on wearing for my Lola's 90th Birthday Party :)
Designed by Thuy at Star Nails, Allston, MA
Color: Sally Hansen Hi-Def #4070-04
Occasion: Bellydance
August 2009
I used to go to Star Nails often when I was in school. A cute couple owned it and worked in it together. But since the management changed, I haven't really gone very often. They don't have anyone trained in doing the super cute designs. So they usually hand me a palette of fake nails, and I point to the one I like the most. This month, the design isn't as cute, but it's green now :D
I alsodecided to get a manicure as well. I don't do them often because I do so much with my hands, that it never lasts long. You can somewhat see it in the picture, but I already have a little scuff on my thumb which I got from taking the lock off my bike. Also, I got some of the Mermaid FLASH along the top of the French tip. It's really cute, actually! There's this subtle shimmer on them if you look closely at the picture.
Designed by Thuy at Star Nails, Allston, MA
Color: aura science - Mermaid FLASH + OPI Alpine Snow - Matte
Occasion: Bellydance
I've never gotten French tip nails before. When I got my nails done last month, I went with my lovely sister and she got French tip on her hands with a gold glitter line at the top. I wanted to give it a try while adding my own personal style. But I feel super dainty with them! It's like I have to be super careful now...but I know I'm going to mess them up within a week. Thuy also made my nails look super long! I feel like I'm all deceitful...like it's early Halloween! And I love Halloween! I'm definitely enjoying my nails this month!
In general, I like Star Nails because of it's proximity, but I would probably stick with Dana's Nails - if only for the super super cute designs the girls there do without needing a template!
I find it really interesting what the nail staff are watching. In some salons, they've got on the news. In others, like Dana's, they have a movie or a DVD of Madonna's or Christina Aguilera's tour. The women in Star Nails were watching some Vietnamese TV, which was showing some Chinese drama dubbed in Vietnamese. But the commercials had my full attention...they were RIDICULOUS! There were a variety of random massage products, from the feet massage, to some weird belt-like massager, to the ever-hilarious Hula Chair. It was even MORE random and hilarious in Vietnamese. What's that? You don't know about the awesomeness that IS the Hula Chair? Well...here you go...
You're welcome.
Next month: September and Fall and a new academic year! Colors I relate to that are oranges and browns and golds. Don't know if I'll stick to that palette...but maybe I'll just surprise you all.
