EMP

            When I found out we were going to EMP, my first reaction was cynical. “Been there, done that, I’ve got work to do!”  But then the idea of a “field trip” reminded me of all the fun field trips I’d had during my childhood in hippy schools.  I was still a little disappointed that we didn’t get to drive up in a yellow school bus, but I got to ride in Sue’s super cool mini-van so that made up for it.  It would have been nice to all be together.  But hey, were we lucky or what to get such a gorgeous day and incredible views of Mt. Rainier!

            I really enjoyed my conversation with Adam on the ride up.  I love the authenticity and genuineness I see in the younger generation at Evergreen.  I have been consistently impressed by this throughout my time at TESC, and it really makes me feel optimistic about the future and like my “me-generation” comrades haven’t completely botched up parenting. Or maybe humans are just evolving.  Whatever, I like it.  I saw this again when Lacey and Chelsea dressed up in kid’s clothes and jumped up on the little kid’s stage to play rock and roll with fake drums and a fake guitar.  You guys rock!  I cherish that memory!  Jake, sorry the little blue jacket didn’t fit you buddy.  Lacey, it was very big of you to not try to steal the cool jacket.  You did look good in it!

            I also had a really great connection with Lynne during lunch, and that was quite meaningful for both of us.  Thanks Lynne!  I carry part of you in my heart now. 

            As far as the actual EMP exhibits go, I found that to look for various positive psychology attributes throughout the exhibits added a new level of experience for me.  And to my surprise, EMP was nothing like it was the last time I was there, so this really was a new experience!  I did miss the Jimi Hendrix exhibit, but a guard told me it will be coming back.  I was reminded of how much I love, and I mean really LOVE, Jimi Hendrix.  I got kind of goofy watching his performances in the little auditorium there, and could feel myself smiling up at the screen like a, well, groupie.  Thank god I wasn’t old enough to be a groupie when he was doing his thing or I would have gotten in a lot of trouble...

            I also really enjoyed guitar alley.  What struck me most, besides appreciating the obstacles that had to be overcome to produce really excellent electric guitars, was the amazing variation of tones that the featured guitarists could elicit from the same instrument.  I was dumbstruck by the brilliant playing of Chet Atkins and Roy Buchanan.  Who knew?  I tend to write off their style of music as uninteresting.  Not!  Albert King sent shivers up my spine and made the hairs on my arms stand up.  I could listen to that man play all day long… Son House has such an interesting strumming style.  Bonnie Raitt plays with such intent!

            I also really enjoyed learning about the making of the building, how the colors and shape of the building were inspired from various Fender guitars, and how the entire project was originally meant to be an homage to Jimi Hendrix.  I also loved the Sabor exhibit, both the layout and the content.  It was really informative and engaging.

            Lastly, I am getting involved in a new museum that is being built in Las Vegas.  I felt truly inspired by this museum and it made me feel very grateful to have this chance to participate in an unusual and new museum in Vegas, a city I usually don’t like but one that now holds new meaning and promise for me.

            All in all, this was a mind-opening experience for me on several fronts, and a really fun day.  Thanks Mark!