BATTLE OF THE BANDS

This is way off topic, but it does come under the umbrella of research about teens, so I'm not going to apologize! My boys - my son Trevor,his cousin Zack, and their friends Josh and Jeff - aka HYDRO HOT AND THE HYBRID BUFFALOES are the winners of the Oak Park High Battle of the Bands! My friend Tina promises that there is a story somewhere in this life experience - so that's my excuse for sharing!

The night was magical - the multi-purpose room brimming with teenagers are their parents, many of whom brought ear plugs. I must say, that each group was far more entertaining that I had imagined. It's not like I don't like rock music, I grew up in the rockin' 70's, after all! These kids were all terrific - full of energy and enthusiasm. Hydro played their set, and they were great - but I hear them playing in my garage on a regular basis. It's kind of like critiquing my own story. By the end of the night, we had no expectations for our boys. The final announcements were as exciting as an overtime play-off game. When all the bands had been announced, we realized Hydro was the only name left. I glanced over at the boys (who were of course not sitting with their parents.) I could only see Jeff's face. Jeff is normally pretty low-key, but his jaw dropped. The announcer said "First place goes to ...HYDRO HOT AND THE HYBRID BUFFALOES!" All the practicing, all the schlepping drums, all the pizza ...it was all worthwhile!

Someday a Battle of the Bands will find its way into a story, and you will know where I did my research! Until then, I'm looking for a reality show that will to turn my garage into a music studio - we've got work to do!

Finding Inspiration in All Places

Yesterday I attended the California Reader's Luncheon. It was a lovely event bringing together librarians, educators, young students, authors, illustrators and book lovers. California Readers is an organization that supports school libraries through grants which provides selected schools with books and author visits. The generosity of spirit in the room was palpable. These are all people who understand the gift of reading, and aspire to place good books in the hands of children. The bonus was seeing the beautiful multi-media displays created by schools who won grants last year. What an incredible inspiration! As a writer, I was reminded of the significant role that books play in the lives of children - and the importance of school libraries and librarians and those who support them! Many thanks to the California Reader's for their contributions to our community.

On a completely different note, I arrived home after the luncheon to find my son and his "garage band" friends playing their loud music in my cluttered garage turned amateur music studio. My daughter, a book lover like me, was upstairs seeking respite from the noise, I mean music, after her "Hello Dolly" rehearsal at the high school. Of course there were dishes in the sink, empty pizza boxes, the dogs were jumping on me, and my husband bless him - was hanging out in the garage with the boys who were practicing for the Battle of the Bands this coming weekend. Part of me wanted to retreat back to my car - to the solitary confinement of my velour interior. But then I took a deep breath - between the dogs and the teenaged boys it didn't smell so great - and I realized that the greatest source of inspiration was all around me. I have a virtual stockpile of story ideas and cast of characters right in my own backyard! I've got four long-haired boys who love the Red Hot Chili Peppers and eat pizza like it's a magic elixir. I've got a sweet, sensitive teenaged girl who is a vegan, devours books, writes from her heart when no one is looking, and has a penchant for collecting coupons! I've got three dogs - all of whom are obedience school drop-outs. I haven't even mentioned teen angst or sibling dynamics! If I really need inspiration - I need to stay home!

Now that I think about it, I have no reason for writer's block. On the other hand - I could use a little peace and quiet!

Happy Writing to us all!

PS - I case they ever make it big - you heard it here first - my boys' band is called Hydro Hot and the Hybrid Buffalos - no, I am not kidding!