The Plush Chronicles, P3

In Which We Consider A Single Moment

Today, a drum stick.

I had considered doing a full concert review, but you all know how that went. Both bands were great, they played loud and we were exhausted and our throats were sore and that’s how it should be.

But I’m looking for more, and I think I found it.

This is the first time most people are seeing these photos, taken by concert photographer John Duncan, who was there photographing Sorrowfuse. John was standing nearly next to us for part of the show and I didn’t know he had taken these shots until a couple days ago when he sent them to me.

This is Little Bean's reaction to the drummer of Sorrowfuse, Kris Landon, giving her his drum stick after the band’s set.

That's it man, a drum stick.

Pure joy bundled into such a simple act. I’ve spent all her life trying to capture moments like this, essential moments, those moments that make it ALL worth it. John did it in two snaps.

Music can be transcendent. I think, maybe, music SHOULD be transcendent. The art is bigger than mere notes. Or words. Or paint for that matter.

Chasing a dream like those bands are doing is tough work, trust me when I tell you this. I've written enough books to know that it can be lonely and frustrating sometimes. But then, look at her face.

Music is making a difference in her life. Whether she pursues it as a musician, or whether she just loves it. (I can certainly tell you, personally, that our musical adventures have re-invigorated my own love of music.)

Do you remember how that felt? Do you remember when you were a kid and a new song or new album by your favorite artist felt personal? Do you remember how you felt scoring that ticket? How that thunderous bass line felt in your chest? How important that was.

I’d lost that. Then came a little girl, with a drawer of picks and stickers, and sewing patches onto a jean jacket, and giving a recital in an echoing church, and it all feels important again.

Indeed, how it IS important again. Even if it's just the act of a little girl getting a beat up drum stick from one of her favorite bands. It matters. A lot.

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Housekeeping: Welcome one and all - especially all you new Plush fans - to Day By Day, a daily (mostly) journal of discovery where we talk about all manner of things: books, music, libraries, history, rocks and sometimes miracles and mortality as well. We are free so subscribe, and all our archives are free as well!

For Part One of this series, click here: Plush Chronicles P1. For Part Two of this series, click here: Plush Chronicles P2.

For a link to see photographer John Duncan’s work, click here: John Duncan Photography. You can also visit John’s publisher here: Islandport Press.

And if you enjoy this little musical side adventure, please share to pages that might have an interest, or you’re own social media. Or bring a friends on board. We love growing our community!

If you’re new to Day By Day, you can find out more about me and my books at my bookstore here: Dan’s Bookstore. Mine and Little Bean’s rocks field guides can be found there as well.

Day By Day is a free journal of essays, expressions and story-telling. No subscription cost. No ads. No algorithms. But if you’d like to buy me a cup of joe or Little Bean a juice box to keep us awake - much to my joy - you can do so here: Buy Us Some Caffeine or Sugar.

Tomorrow, Part 4 in which we Don’t want to leave. Join us!