Names For These Things Are Slowly Becoming Harder.

Last weekend I travelled up to Rye to pay my grandma a visit. Usually when this happens, the time spent there is uneventful and boring, which she full acknowledges, but we're guilted into heading up there because 'it may be the last time we see her' which is a legitimate reason I suppose, but really, the amount of times I hear the same reason... Anyway...

But this time, the time spent there was a bit different. Much more interesting that usual. So much so that I may have come out of there with a new perspective of my grandmother.

Living in Rye, my grandma live extremely close to the beach. Beaches are things I've rarely been interested in. I don't enjoy sand, nor do I enjoy salt water very much. Boats, jet skis or surfing have never really interested me either. If anything, the thing I find most interesting about beaches are piers. I realised this when I decided to take a walk before the last bit of sunshine for the day slipped away. Walking around Rye helped get a better view of what a beachside suburb is like. I'm used to seeing these things from behind the car window.

Of course, I wasn't to thrilled with what I saw of Rye. Not much for music there, but coming out of there with a view was something at least. I probably wouldn't live there myself, but I can understand why people would want to live there. It's quaint. Not bustling or overly busy. Relaxed. The kind of place someone could imagine retiring to.

After my return to my grandma's abode, there was a lot of sitting wondering what to do, unavoidable when you're sitting in a house that isn't yours with no internet access sadly. In her lounge room (of sorts) she has this very cool old record player which I'd never played with before. I decided to peruse through all her records, something I'd done many times before, but this time, one certain record caught my eye, one I'd never seen before.

So I took a picture of it.

Incase you can't read it, it's called 'Phases of the Moon; Traditional Chinese Music'.

I had no idea my grandma was into such music. I asked if she minded me playing it so I could have a listen. She didn't mind. I'd listened to many eastern traditional musics, but Chinese was yet to protrude my ear canals.

I can't say that I was disappointed. This compilation of tunes from various provinces and times of China really got me hooked on the composition of the pieces, which varied in their own ways, but remained fairly similar within a few aspects. This record is actually available for download in various places around the internet if you know where to look.

I also may have caught a case of the vinyl bug. The feeling of being able to touch the music in a way was just... intriguing. Sadly, it's horribly hipster of me to like anything old. Damn you judging public, you've ruined yet another interest of mine.

Lawljokes, you think I actually care what you think? Gotcha my silly headed reader. I'd call you friend but I might not actually know you and I can't guarantee I'd like you.

Other than that, things are okay. I've emotionally reconstructed myself and I'm ready to kick life's ass. Time to be a functioning human being. Oh also, I don't think I told you, but I lost my job at the printing factory, but not to worry, I've also gotten over that. Except for Whitey, I miss Whitey. Rock on my friend, rock on.

'til next time.
Matt.