So Thad and my husband go out bowling the other night and in the spirit of male bonding they make a wager on the game. Thad bets something he has wanted for a while now. A night with me in a hotel room. And My husband bets something that will benefit him, a deck…built by Thad. It comes down to the last frame and Thad wins. “I just won you in a bet.” I just laugh at the text and shake my head. Because I know now that my husband has lost he will likely rethink his agreance to the wager.

“Is it wrong that I just agreed to that?” This question is a trick. Because if I say no, then it put me in poor light that I feel I am just something to be won in a bowling bet. And if I say yes, then it makes my husband feel as though he did something wrong. So I don’t answer him. My true answer though? Is no. I don’t feel it was wrong. Why? Because Thad doesn’t have to “win” me. He is, for lack of better terms, my boyfriend.

Now Thad had shown me a few hotels online that he really liked way before this little wager was even a thought. A couple were too modern for my tastes. Cold, not welcoming. But in the line up was one called the Bellmont, of Dallas. WHy am I telling you this, well be patient and you will see.

Thad and I attended a Polyphonic Spree Christmas Show and it went something like this. . .

Like a childs toys scattered about, there were several people dressed as x-mas characters walking about the parkin lot before we entered. Frosty, Rudolph and Santa were all in attendance.

There was a very welcoming warm feeling as I walked into the confetti floored Granada. The scent of butterscotched cocktails brought the spirit of the holidays to life. Making our way into the theater we stand and watch center stage. One flute, one piano, a violin and one cello. Taking the shape of a waltz a tango and a few other standards before a cello solo snared my heart. Luckily for me it was a short solo.

After the classics it was time for the Christmas set. Tim, former Tripping Daisies member and now lead of the Polyphonic Spree, invited children up on stage and had them join in singing with him and the band. The set even included the Town Hall song from Nightmare Before Christmas.

Watching Tim was like wathing an infant cry. Fierce and intense, full of energy, every breath full hearted, as if his life depended on every note, every word. Tim has an infectious smile. When he smiles you can’t help but return the favor, and you could feel the entire theater of people smile along with him.

After the Christmas set I figure the show would become a bit more “Adult” ish. Having never seen the Poly before I just figured the kid set was all for show. But no, I was wrong. Tim nor the band ever broke character. Because they weren’t playing characters, they weren’t there to pretend infront of the kids, and then be real infront of the adults.They were  Completely genuine from start to finish.

As a show start, Tim stood in top hat and fragile army attire, behind a red fabric with a spot light shown brightly in dead center. A movement of the cloth revealed a shimmer, the shimmer came from a pair of scissors, and from the scissors came a heart shaped hole that Tim cut and looked through to welcome the crowed.

One heart stopping, energetic song after another played. I found it hard to pay attention to just one area of the stage. Tim of course being the ring leader of this wonderful holidy toybox, and then there was the flute player that had charisma enough to make her innocent flute seem like a rock and roll guitar.The back up singers/choir never stood still. They were in sync doing go go dancer like moves, looking side to side and tossing their hair. And of course there was the celloist, who was barely as tall as her cello. The only way I can describe her form was the way I picture Bach pounding out his masterpieces. So much passion and intensity it is border line maddening. She pulled that bow thicker than honey and moved the cello with her as she swayed.

I walked out feeling as though there was good in the world again. That passion is not just something of fairy tales.

 

 

 

Now during that said show there were raffles for various prizes. None of which Thad or I entered. But as Thad walked back outside to me with my butter rum drink, he did in fact have a prize in his hand. “Some guy won a raffle inside and din’t want. He was asking if anyone wanted it and I said sure I’ll take it.”  Now it may seem unbelievable, but I kid you not. The prize is a gift package for the Bellmont hotel. Thad and I both just grinned. I laughed because I couldn’t believe it. The chances of being in the right place at the right time seem to be high for Thad. Unlike for me.  For example I go to purchase a tee shirt and as soon as my card is swiped, the credit card system malfunctions.

 

 

To update things on a more personal level. My husband is finally on medication for his bi polar disorder. I told him I cant wait around and expect the changes that I have harped on for years any more. That I have to take the steps to know if this marriage doesnt work out, that I can do it on my own. I have to rid the chance that I am just trying to make this work because I am co dependant and have my children to think of. So after almost 5 years of being  jobless I am about to seek out employment.  I am not even sure what to look for. Office work? Retail? Waitressing? Guess you will just have to stay tuned.