once upon a time, i was a young girl.

this would have been the equivalent of the college years for some people, if i had been in college. it was a wild time. this was before the onset of MTV; after the angst of high school and just prior to children and marraige. (in that order.)

i had an apartment with my brother, and there was much dancing, much singing, and much partying. (i know it's hard to believe i may have partied now and then, but it's true. heh.) it was probably one of the most carefree years of my life, although there was angst and drama aplenty, as can only be experienced by the young. many friends came and went, and there was a legendary halloween party during that year that changed my life.

but i digress.

this was the year i discovered many things about myself, and although i was sidetracked for a long, long time, this year has remained one of my favorites to remember.

i was able to break off a very damaging relationship i'd been involved in for five years. yes, i did get involved in another one, but this was later. for this year, i was strong and in charge, for the first time i could remember. (i just wish i had remembered that lesson a little longer.)

i learned it's not a good idea to make a date with two boys for the same night. polyamoury is really not for me.

i learned to appreciate when your brother makes you dinner, even if it's burned french fries, canned corn, and mushy spaghetti.

and, i discovered the music of Warren Zevon.

"Excitable Boy," his second album, was a staple in our apartment. we had a cat named Roland, for "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner." i can't pick a favorite song off the album because i love them all. there was frivolity and introspection -- and an invitation to look outside my small world to what was happening outside.

he was a brilliant songwriter. many demons, but that just made his music that much easier to relate to -- we all have them.

he had a long career, but never recieved the recognition he deserved. he died way too young, and there are times when i hear a song of his and tears fill my eyes. i have been, and always will be, a little bit in love with Warren Zevon.

this was one of his last performances:



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By Warren Zevon
c. 1995 Zevon Music BMI

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum
Hoist the mainsail - here I come
Ain't no room on board for the insincere
You're my witness
I'm your mutineer

I was born to rock the boat
Some may sink but we will float
Grab your coat - let's get out of here
You're my witness
I'm your mutineer

Long ago we laughed at shadows
Lightning flashed and thunder followed us
It could never find us here
You're my witness
I'm your mutineer

Long ago we laughed at shadows
Lightning flashed and thunder followed us
It could never find us here
You're my witness
I'm your mutineer

I was born to rock the boat
Some may sink but we will float
Grab your coat - let's get out of here
You're my witness
I'm your mutineer
You're my witness
I'm your mutineer
I'm your mutineer......

****

and if you're interested, here's a link to a couple of bios:

From VH1

Good old Wiki

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and, a video tribute:








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