My whole being just can't wait for summer. Summer is in my blood. My blood demands it much as the night owl in me shuns the sunlight. I hate wearing socks. (I've been wearing flipflops since March). I yearn to be barefoot in the sun unhampered by a dozen layers. Much as I hate to sweat (that's what anti-perspirants are for), I would gladly have it over my skin not being able to breathe. Summer is childhood, about discoveries and misadventures. Summer is about being stripped down to the essentials, flimsy clothing, and the promise of cooling waters and you're out the door.
There is something about a Janis Joplin song that just invokes the summer dieties. Is it that lazy raspy voice that constantly seems to wake up at high noon? Southern Comfort on ice? the reminder of the Summer of Love? the age of the Aquarius? or is it just stating the obvious, with her rendition of Summertime? Is it the harkening of longer days spent reading under a tree beside a clear stream? hot bare skin baking in UV rays and chill into either chlorinated or salty waters? or just the site of young lesser-clothed flesh? Or am I just hell-bent on enjoying this summer because last year's realities have obfuscated me from basking in last years's sun?
After taking a much deserved, longed-for trip to Toronto to reunite with my eldest sister (whom I haven't seen for ten years,), my aunt (eleven years,), and my best friend-since-birth (eight years), I have come to rethink of what I stand for. The values instilled in me by my roots, my family. Money has never been at the forefront of our priorities. Character is. Substance is. Money may bring you status but not respect nor bring some semblance of dignity ....or happiness. Being able to sleep with a clear conscience is greater than any glossy SUV. A shelter that provides peace, respite, satisfaction and laughter is a home not a sprawling manse or an unwitting clone of Wisteria Lane or Twin Peaks. No amount of fancy clothes or fancy electronics can steal the fact wether you have bought them with your own hard-earned, honest money. I've also realized that fate despite its many twists and turns, albeit random and painful, comes with good reason and often with interesting comeuppances. Sir Isaac Newton comes to mind.
As I look forward to baring my toes (among other things) and soaking up the sun, while driving to meet my roommate and her family for some chinese food and furniture shopping, I happened upon this song. If you haven't figured out by now I consider rock 'n roll as the voice of God. The Powers That Be seem to be telling me from the stereo of my Honda Civic, "You're doing well kid, hang in there." And I say, "Thank you Lord, I needed that."
Mercedes Benz
by Janis Joplin
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends.
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a color TV ?
Dialing For Dollars is trying to find me.
I wait for delivery each day until three,
So oh Lord, won’t you buy me a color TV ?
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a night on the town ?
I’m counting on you, Lord, please don’t let me down.
Prove that you love me and buy the next round,
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a night on the town ?
Everybody!
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends,
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
That’s it!
