[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Harry wrote:
> <<.then the article asks several writers to describe their own 'Mermaid
> Cafe' and a discussion on what a Mermaid Cafe is..."it can have no more than
> three wines on the wine list" and "the jukebox only plays the songs you want
> to hear and when you want to hear them", etc. >>
and now my description of our very own 'Mermaid' in Hamilton, Ontario where I
live. The Mermaid (Lounge) is a tiny place adorned by grey textured stone walls
which remind me of a cavern. A place which cannot help itself but create an
immediate sense of intimacy by the nature of its size. A place where you do need
to get there EARLY or else you will be left standing outside in the cold.
There are two very small seating areas, one directly in front of the stage, about
six tables there, another area tucked around a corner, out of sight, not a good
view at all. Then a big, curved bar which takes up a lot of space, directly
across from that second seating area. There are a few stools which stand hugging
one another close all along the front of that bar.
Overall, the atmosphere is dark, moody, cozy. Not a place to enter with the hope
of being incognito because all eyes are on you as you walk through the door and
navigate the low ceilings in hope of finding the perfect seat.
I am not sure about the juke box or the number of wines offered on the wine list.
What I am sure about is that I saw the incredibly gifted, talented Canadian
singer/songwriter Garnet Rogers there. He performed for solid two hours without a
break. He is incredible, mezmerizing, enchanting. He falls into the genre of folk
music.
Garnet is a natural, a story teller. He has a gorgeous baritone voice, soulful,
unforgettable, all these months later I still hear it. He grew up singing,
playing guitar and fiddle along side his big brother Stan. On that cold November
night at the Mermaid, he performed Lui Collin's gorgeous song Speaking Softly in
the Dark.
I heard it again when Brei brought the CD for me. I knew I needed to make these
words my signature to honour what we share. Hearing that song on that special
evening was the ultimate for me. The lyrics say it all in terms of how it feels
to have finally found the love of your life, to be touched by the grace of that
love in all the places deep inside your soul.
Whenever the subject of love comes around again, I sit up and take notice.
Inspired by the love in my own life and this most recent thread on love, I am
trying to put together some thoughts on Joni's different treatments of love,
especially within her song entitled Love (wtrf). Perhaps it would be easier to
keep my focus on one song for now. If only I could find the words to express what
resides in my heart.
Mags
--
And this loving is a drawing close,
a tuning in, an opening.
Until one perfect moment;
but how can it be expressed?
A receiving, an enfolding
as I cradle you in my arms.
Within my heart, within my soul,
You are my true love.
--Lui Collins
---
_~O
/ /\_,
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