The Weblog of Daniel Tashian

Couldn’t sleep last night. Maybe it’s the early mornings with Leslie, maybe I took too many naps, who knows, the point is, at 4:30 a.m., I found myself lying on the couch staring at my bookshelf, looking for something to read until I was tired again. For some reason, this turned out to be Brian Eno’s A Year (With Swollen Appendices), which was a very astute gift from my brother Carl a few years ago. The first effect this book had, was not the desired one (to put me back to sleep), but rather the opposite: I became entranced by Eno’s mind and his way of viewing the world. He sees things the way we all do, experiences the same things we all experience (which make us human), but it’s almost as if he has an additional lens through which he can view the world: A lens which filters these human experiences into fuel and energy for a certain kind of creativity. In short, i’m so glad to have re-discovered this book. Because you don’t just sit there reading it thinking: “Wow, Eno is so smart. ” I mean, you sort of do, but his way of viewing things becomes contagious, and you find little unexpected inspirations all around you. Everyone can be this way! (Well, maybe not everyone, but you know what I mean) He is truly a lovely human, very positive, very soulful, and I went back to sleep at 8:30! (4 hours later!) contentedly drowsy, and full of excitement about what the rest of the day might bring. So cheers, Brian. You’ve invented perpetual motion. You created a work of art which continually GIVES energy. Go and get this book if you haven’t read it, and if you HAVE read it, it’s even more interesting to read it again. 5 out of 5 stars.

We’ve just spent a week working on a new album for my friend and fellow songwriter, Amy Correia. Her last album, Lakeville, is a somewhat autobiographical LP, with some finely crafted portraits in there as well. She shares a love of the Ukulele with me, so we have at least this much in common. We have only written a handful of things, but they hint at a very promising album ahead! In other news, the Bees continue to astound me. We have a gig coming up at the mercy lounge on september 3rd. We also have been working hard on the new album, tenatively titled “High Society”. There is also a small chance the Bees may be scoring a film soon. Cross your fingers for us! Anyhow, there it is. The long and short of it. More soon.

Sounds like a movie with Macaulay Culkin. Wonder what’s up with that kid these days. Anyway:
Home at last is the most important thing. After a long month or so of touring with Josh Rouse. We played a variety of venues large and small. Now I am digging out the contents of my suitcase and trying to figure out what to do with all the chocolate I have. I guess things could be worse. Some marvellous tennis this afternoon with Andy Roddick being beaten by a young french guy I can’t remember his name right now, but it felt good to see Roddick lose. Why is that? I think they call it “schadenfraude” It’s a curious human emotion. Why do we sometimes rejoice in other’s misery? I read once that what’s so satisfying about Roald Dahl stories is that he paints these despicable characters and then you enjoy watching as they, one by one, get their comeuppance. But Roddick’s not despicable. He’s a great athelete, he is always gracious in interviews; I think what it is, is that he is sort of smug on the court. I really think that’s what it is, but what do I know? Anyway. Marc Pisapia calls it “The Humilitron” , as in: “He’s about to take a ride on the humilitron!” I think that’s hilarious.
I always worry when things are going really great for me, I worry that something horrible is about to happen. I know that sounds terrible, but I’m being honest. Alright. Life is a state of mind. I don’t know what that means, but it’s the last line in Hal Ashby’s “Being There”, so it must mean something.

What is it with me? Is it being half Armenian? I strongly dislike parting with cash! Especially for things which are not totally practical! I am writing this post-dragged around Valencia on an 8 hr. shopping odyssey with one of the world’s best shoppers- Leslie!! The Ramirez clan can really shop! 8 hrs is like a warm-up! I came away with some practicals, and some not-so-practicals. Here is a list of the day’s loot:
One Casio “Oceanus” Series watch – 69.00 Euros (discounted 40 percent)
Six Assorted Note Pads – 12.70
Effervescent Centrum Vitamins – 9.75
2 pr. Spanish leather Shoes – 138.00
4 T-shirts from Aldolpho Dominguez -76.00
Taxi / Food / Incedentals -50.00 Grand Total: 355.45 Euros!!!

This is all good stuff, but why do I feel so shallow, so materialistic?
Was I instilled with a sense of guilt as a child about spending money?
Did I not have a role model who shopped? Neither of my parents EVER shopped!
This is uncharted territory for me…I have no guidelines to go by, only the vague notion that shopping is the past time of the spiritually bankrupt. But surely this can’t be true! Nothing is ever this black and white! Or is it? Anyhow, the damage to my wallet has been done, so now, in the words of my very good friend and role model Greta Gaines: “You just gotta look good and move on.”
Greta, I haven’t forgotten about that two hundred bucks I owe you, I swear!