lessons from lollapalooza.

i started to get really blue last night. and this was more than your average sunday-night-blues. this was an intense feeling of not wanting to return. not-wanting-to-return-to-the-real-world-blues. these past few days have been so very good to me--good for me. and i am aware that some of what transpired will never be spoken aloud (words only go so far, you know?) and most of what transpired will be left in chicago frozen in some glorious moment in time. but i also thought, some of what made these past few days so wonderful could certainly be introduced into my real-world-life, no? so what i offer below are my lessons from lollapalooza:


1. sometimes a morning mimosa is the only way to begin a day, lattes be damed! or heck, have them both if you so fancy.

2. an umbrella is a versatile thing.

3. there's a fine line between looking ridiculous and looking unbelievably cool. it's a confidence thing.

4. it's okay to flirt, to not give a damn, to eat whatever you want. (all three in moderation, of course).

5. when the sky opens up, dance. and laugh--laugh, a lot. (and if you're so lucky that music is playing, do sing along, won't you).

6. people in restaurants, on the train, even those standing three feet away from you for the three hours leading up to local natives--it's okay to talk to them. they won't bite. and heaven help me, a smile goes a long way.

7. a twenty-dollar dress can be a girl's best friend.

8. the really good stuff, music or not--everyone will stop to listen.

9. you have to show up. because it's when you least expect it that you find yourself at the very best concert.