Invited to a Pickwick lake house for the 4th of July weekend – who says no? I vaguely remember adventures on the Tennessee River as a small child. Little moments brought me back when I least suspected. Goat Island, freshwater seashells, coolers full of beer. Nouveau riche comparing boats and liver function while their college children do better drugs more secretly.
My presence inoffensive, I kept quiet with my partner-in-crime and asked clarifying questions when people seemed agitated. Not drinking at a 2-day bender is its own kind of vacation. When I excused myself Friday night to go back to Memphis at 11pm the hostess responded with slack-jawed horror, “You, you… can’t do that.” For a moment I was genuinely frightened. Wondering what terror lay in wait on highway 45. Clarifying, she stated firmly, “They’ll be looking to pull people over.”
Assuring all that I would be safe I set out against all advice. I’m not sure if their fear is derived from getting pulled over or the terrifying prospect of the driving itself. Fortunately, I enjoy driving. I grew up traveling to and from various vacation spots at alarming high speeds. A race against not being in the present. Everyone pee, settle in and don’t distract dad while he’s driving. Make sure the fuzzbuster is turned on – it goes off when we pass the superstores because of the automatic doors. Hurtling past serene country roads. Only enough time to consider the humans that live there every day.
Now that I’m medicated, diving isn’t a chore. I look at that sky and cherish the chance to do something easy for a few hours. And if I do get bored – there’s music. My iPod was particularly good on the way home this morning. Perfect driving at 6am on a Sunday mix.
Here’s a sample…
Driving Sideways – Aimee Mann
How Can You Mend A Broken Heart – Al Green
Let Me Go – Haim
Heroine – Sinead O-Connor
Don’t Know What the Weather Will Be – Laura Mvula
Candy – Morphine
Pencil Skirt – Pulp
Ten Miles Back – The Crystal Method
Fuel My Fire – The Prodigy
Something In the Way – Nirvana
Wednesday Morning 3am – Simon & Garfunkel
Shattered – Rolling Stones
Natural Blues – Moby
Love and Peace or Else – U2
Winner’s Blues – Sonic Youth
Death Valley Blues – Mark Lannegan Band
She’s In Love with the Boy – Trisha Yearwood
Maybe – Marlango
Revolution – Beatles (Love soundtrack)
Pedestal – Portishead
Tap At My Window – Laura Marling
Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon – Urge Overkill