Balance

Balance.

Friday, October 9, 2009.

The title is a dead give-away about this post. I am sorry for my lack of concealing the theme.

I have recently found out that there is a Nationwide event that is slowly sweeping the country. This event recently stopped in Austin and I made my way to it. I was planning on possibly attending when I first heard about it. But, when I found out “White Ghost Shivers” were playing for the event, of course I was on board. The event was “Lebowski Fest.”

As this life I lead spirals into random directions that go from happy to sad in moments I have found out something. As I read that I laugh as I make it sound like I have only one piece of knowledge and when I think of that thought, it is pretty accurate. This piece of information that I am about to enrich your life with is the understanding of balance.

“Lebwoski Fest” is a festival devoted to the film “The Big Lebowski.” This festival started in Kentucky and is now mobile. The festival consists of two evening. The first evening provides entertainment with a musical band followed by the viewing of the film. The second evening consists of bowling and lots of it. Both evening have the undertone of excessive drinking with the drink of choice to be that of a “White Russian.”

Balance is a very important element in surviving. I understand this now as there have been many moments when I have lost balance and my survival failed. I am still alive, yes, but I have many not so proud moments that can be linked with childish behavior that I have hurt people with when I have not acted in a mature manner. I will not get into further details, but understand that balance is the most crucial part to existing, as without it, life can be overwhelming.

I arrived at Stubb’s warmed up with a few Shiner’s and was ready to find bar to enjoy a few white Russians. I walked through the crowd and noticed many fans clad in their favorite character wardrobe. There were a few Dude’s and many a Walter’s. This made me think of how awesome people are and a good time was most certainly in order.

A balance is created with work and school. A balance between work and social commitments. A balance of chemicals in your brain. A balance between work and play. There is a balance for everything in this world. There is a balance for the thoughts in my brain and a balance for the actions that I have done. Good and bad is never an issue as that is always up for negotiation. The issue with this balance is how are you going to get through your life.

I walked in the bar to find the amazing Cella and Steven. We chatted for a little bit before they excused themselves to take care of some business. There was a television in the corner of the establishment. This television was playing a game with my beloved Yankees against the Minnesota Twins. In the past, I would be glued to the television, sitting there hanging on every pitch. But, on this evening as has become part of my new life in Austin, I did not care as much and turned past it to order my white Russian. A shift had occurred in my chemical make-up.

The importance of this theme of balance and “Lebowski fest” is that the film is the perfect balance. It is the great balance of humor and tragedy. It utilizes a structure that has forever been known for mystery and spun it on its head to create a masterpiece. It has a perfect balance of clever, dumb humor and societal themes that make it a study into the human condition.

A half dozen white Russians in I was feeling warm. The weather was very chilly and was the coldest day that I had experienced in Austin. I enjoyed a very engaging conversation with Stephen about Flagstaff, AZ. It concluded with the fact of avoid the train tracks when you have been drinking in excess. I think that is a good idea for life actually. Outside the bar, the Shivers were off to another amazing performance. The energy that band can create on that stage can overwhelm the most lost of hearts.

I would happily say that “The Big Lebowski” is my favorite comedy of all time. If you have never seen the film, I have just ruined it for you. If you agree with me, then you my friend, are a smart person. Let me explain, I have ruined the film for those who have not watched it as it is not “The Hangover.” I know, I know, everyone loved that film. It was so funny and just perfect. I agree, I enjoyed the film. But, that film has no staying power. It was great for its time, but it is something that will fade in time.

The thing with “Lebowski,” is it betters with age. You cannot sit down and watch that film one time with the expectations of it being great, because it will not be. Trust me, I did that. The first time I watched the film I did not like it. I did not understand it and everyone else liked it so much, I felt like I had to hate it. What I have discovered over time is that the film is so brilliant in terms of its societal themes and humor. I will not continue to rant, but if you would like to sit down and enjoy a pitcher of beer, I would love to go through each scene with how complex it is.

The Shivers concluded their set, which was amazing, to a very raucous crowd. There were a pair of dancing bowling pins and a gentleman that danced the entire show. Now, I do not know if these three people were strategically placed in the crowd, but I doubt it. I do know this, the Shivers made many new fans that night and I am becoming a hardcore groupie.

Wrapping this short piece up I will say fight for the balance. Know the balance that is needed in your life to fulfill your maximum potential. Do not settle for less than what you are as the balance between your conscious and heart will know about it. Enjoy “Lebowski” as it found the balance between making a tragedy into a comedy.

Remember that everything we do on this planet is really not that important. Each of us is fighting our own battles on a daily basis. Be there to help each other, not hurt. Everyone on this planet is good, there are moments we are bad when the balance doesn’t work. Don’t dwell in those areas. Don’t work too much. Don’t play too much. Don’t drink too much. Don’t think too much.

Let it just flow baby.

The above was more of a assertion to my own spirit and mind then it was to anyone else who is reading.

Moral: “Lebowski Fest” is a very good time. “White Ghost Shivers” would be able to rock out a nursing home with the positive energy they have. Keep the balance in your life.