Mystical, People.
I try to wrangle my mind as much as possible. It does wander. Predictable places and patterns. Usually not otherworldly. It will make some random connections and try to make sense of things that are beyond comprehension. I don’t want to drift. I’ve been delusional before.
Something happened in Ireland.
As many of you know that last time I was there was with Lynn. We both had some unexplained draw to the country. It held a magical space for both of us. Separately. It was something we found out we shared when we got to know each other. We both wanted to be there.
The trip we took was after we went to the Gijón Film Festival in Spain. We spent almost two weeks in the country at two different houses. It was beautiful. It was the first and only time we traveled together.
Going back I knew that the memories would be difficult. I knew that her absence would be felt. I stayed at the same hotel we stayed at in Dublin. I have pictures of her there. I could see where I took the picture. I could see her absence. I took a picture of a bench where she sat, empty.
I have played at Vicar Street many times. I like the venue. I liked the crowd. They were great last Wednesday. As I made my way through the act it was all going over great. Then I came to the part where I switch tones, go a bit deeper and talk about grief and Lynn’s passing. Toward the end of the main piece from that section which describes the day she died the stage lights started fluctuating, going on and off. It was jarring. The audience felt it. It happened just as I was talking about her death and kept happening for five minutes.
I said, ‘Hey, Lynn. Hi, baby.’ My eyes started tearing up. The audience was emotional.
When I got off stage the lighting person said that had never happened before.
When I got back to my hotel room I walked in, turned on the lamp on the desk and the bulb fizzled out.
I said, ‘Ok, Lynn. I miss you too. I’m glad you’re here. You wanted to be here.’
I had to invest these moments with the mystical meaning they commanded. I had to look at them as good magic. I had to believe she was just saying hello and that she was there. That is where she resides now. Ireland. That is where she wanted to be, that is where she is.
Why not?
Today I talk to Armando Iannucci about his career and humor and the world. Thursday, I talk to a pre-punched Chris Redd about his life and comedy. Great talks.
Enjoy!
Boomer, Monkey and LaFonda live!
Love,
Maron
Saying Hello.
