I had one of the best weekends in recent memory. It didn't start off so hot, since we had to get up early to make the 5 hour drive to Moscow, ID, but once we got there it was pure magic. The ride up wasn't even that bad. It gave my mom and I a lot of time to talk and time to listen to some great music.

We got to the University of Idaho campus and took some time to walk around and buy our tickets for the evening's concert. We had plenty of time to kill, so I called Benny to see if he was free. Luckily he was just relaxing in his room, so my mom and I were able to spend quite some time with him and had a wonderful visit. Each time I see him, I realize what a good person he is and how much he loves me. I am certain that we will be friends until the death. I think it was also good for my mom and Benny to talk. They never got to know each other so well when Benny and I were dating since we were always travelling. All-in-all our time together was exactly what I hoped for.

The concert that night was nothing short of spectacular. Nowhere but Idaho can you get 3 1/2 hours of amazing music for a mere $25. The house rhythm section was comprised of Benny, guitarist Russell Malone, bassist John Clayton, and drummer Jeff Hamilton. Guests would come in and play a tune or two with the guys. It was great to see James Moody play and sing. Even at 80 years old he is such an entertainer. His first tune was "Eternal Triangle" and they played it at like 1,000 bpm. Just kidding, but any guy that can play that many choruses and still have something to say is a legend. The second two-thirds of the concert were great too. Some of the highlights were: a beautiful ballad sung by Dee Daniels, accompanied by Benny, Hank Jones with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Band, a "scat off" between James Moody and Roberta Gambarini, Slide Hampton. . .

Probably the best parts of the festival were the two clinics we went to Saturday afternoon. The first was with the Jeff Hamilton Trio. Jeff, with Christof Luty on bass and Tamir Hendelman on piano. I was surprised with the lack of stupid questions. Usually some middle or high schooler asks something really dumb, but Saturday we lucked out! The guys played great and Jeff was a comedian. The next clinic was with Benny, Russell, John, Jeff, and Hank Jones!! The clinic couldn't have been any better unless it was longer. I'm never going to forget hearing Hank Jones play a stride version of "Ain't Misbehavin'" while I sat 15 feet away. It was so inspiring to hear a man at 88 still play with such technical facility as a young person with the musicality and brillance that only develops with time. Benny sat behind Mr. Jones when he played and took in every note. It was like watching a kid in a candy store, his eyes wide with awe and amazement.

Besides a wonderful musical experiencce, I think I took something deeper away from the festival. Ez and I were talking the other night about age and "success." He was saying that the longer you stick with something, the better you'll get and even the youngin's won't be able to catch you. It seems like a simple concept, but I, like a lot of people, want immediate success. It was beautiful to see men on stage that had been playing their instruments for at least 35 years. Hank Jones has been playing piano for 75 years! Of course I can't compare myself with them. I haven't done ANYTHING for 35 years, not even breathe. I need to cut myself some slack while still pushing forward. I'm not looking to be some kind of pop star where age is a big deal. As Benny says "Be good to the music and the music will be good to you." I'm trying to be good.

On an entirely different topic. . .I'm going back to the chiropractor tomorrow. He ran a ton of tests last Thursday and we will be going over the results. Already he has taken more time to figure out what's wrong with me. He's really into mind, body, and spiritual health, which I like. Since traditional (and even some non-traditional) doctors haven't helped much, I know there's something deeper happening than just tendonitis or thorasis outlet syndrome. I'm feeling optimistic for the first time in a long while. I will get well. Mind, body, and soul.

I feel good being in Boise. Just not being in school has taken so much pressure off of me. I feel lighter and capable of actually taking care of myself. I am lucky to have a mother who is willing to change how she's been living to help me. She has taken me in with open arms and an open heart. I am grateful for this opportunity to heal and get my life on track. Good things will happen. I will have a happy life. I'm now on the path.