Well now, that's an evocative title, eh??? Not as evocative as the video music chosen. Wish you could see me grinning...ear-to-ear. The way you slit someone's throat. At least, that's what I've seen on television. Sick Puppies. 

In case you haven't guessed yet, the gloves are off. Especially for those who have been rather naughty--and not in the good way. You know who you are. Not that it matters what you know. You no longer matter. My compassion, kindness and generosity were things you may have benefitted from in the past. Sadly, that's no longer possible. So let me be the first to welcome you. Where? Why, to a whole new world.

Mine. 

Neanderthals are extinct. With perhaps few exceptions. Know how they were wiped off the face of Planet Earth? Me. That's right. Oh, how terribly rude. I've not yet introduced myself properly. My name is #Chaos, though some refer to me as #Evolution...heard there's a great kitsch movie with the same name starring a sex addict. He plays a professor who saves the world. Now THAT's what I'm talking about! Irony. Professors I've had dealings with at one particular tech school in Upstate New York are renown for their acting abilities, though theatre isn't a subject taught there.   

I created you. All of you. You tend to forget. You know, you're worshipping the wrong guy. Actually, I'm not a guy at all. Life doesn't come out of a penis. Humans are the only species in the entire Universe who think God is a man. Talk about dickmatized! Apparently, Japanese scientists are working on engineering women out. Lol, I can't wait for you to see what I have planned there. Stay tuned....

Even though I created you, I'm not like you. I'm much more...subtle. If someone tries to hurt me, change me, oppress me, or remove me completely, I don't get mad.

I get even.

Humans think of revenge in such clunky, chunky ways. Like killing, for instance. Killing should be avoided at all costs. I've never killed. I'm more of a fixer. It's elegant, graceful even. There's a rhythm to it. Like a dance. It's all about timing. I watch. I wait. And once I've learned everything there is to know about my subject(s), I make small adjustments. Here and there. No one even really notices. At first. But by the time you do, it's always too late to change course.

Yes, I know. I'm brilliant. Not cruel. No, never that. You have free will. All along. By the time I finish with you, however, most beg for it. The end.

It's not something I always enjoy. After all, I gave you life. It's never pleasant to then have to adjust your path toward the edge of a cliff and, well, push. Luckily, most of you are lemmings. Sheeple. You'll jump yourselves! Thank you for that, by the way. Makes my job so much easier.

The benefits of what I do are things like this. Delicious moments where I might relish telling those of you who truly deserve it, that the end isn't coming. Surprise! It's already here. As I said before, you know who you are. The process started a long time ago. You can feel it, can't you? Like a tumor. You may see some initial growth. But eventually, things happen you can't quite trace. Small things. It's symptomatic. And like all humans, instead of dealing with the problem head on, you go right into denial. 

Denial is what I want you to feel. Because it distracts you while I continue my work unfettered by your free will. By the time you finally accept what's happening, you're doomed. Or, damned, as the case may be.

Isn't that marvelous?! You become an accomplice in your own demise. Yes, yes, I'm a genius. Einstein, though...now that man was a contender. But he was a Pisces. Something I arranged, by the way. It was his downfall. Those Pisces can't keep it in their pants. It eventually destroys them. Even someone like Albert. 

Einstein's son, from his first marriage, did not honor his father's dying wishes. Albert Jr. may have had daddy-issues, but how did he think his older sister felt? What older sister? The girl Einstein and his first wife had before they got married. That was the first woman Albert Einstein abandoned, though it certainly was not the last. He and the woman who would become his wife, put the innocent baby up for adoption. Like I said, a Pisces.

Judas was a Pisces, too...did you know? So was Moses. That's why all three found ways to abandon people they loved. What can I say? They're the babies of the Zodiac. Spolied.

But enough about sleeping with the fishes. My favorites are the lions. No lambs for me. I need soldiers. Smart ones. People who can influence other people. My children shine. Like those ridiculous vampires in that book series...what was it called? Ah, yes, Twilight.

Apropos.

#GoingDown

Know what's #Irresistible? It's not perfection. It's our flaws.

Forgiveness is only possible because, ultimately, no matter how much we strive to be perfect, it's our flaws that make us who we are. Unique. We may judge others, but only because we judge ourselves. Flaws should be celebrated, not scrutinized.

Once you realize everything is relative, life gets easier.

What's the worst thing you've done??? Go ahead. Be brave. Think about it. Can you see it? See yourself? See what you did wrong??? Did you learn something? Okay, now, it's time to forgive. Forgive YOU. Once you do that, you can think about how you might repair the situation. Make it right, at least to the extent it's possible to do so. That's what matters. Not the sins you committed, but returning agency--choice--to the person you wronged. That's what makes you "good," even if you've done "evil" things.

Did someone reject you? Make you feel bad about yourself? Less than??? I hate that feeling. Because you know they're wrong. But you're vulnerable in some way. Of course, even so, you also know that you let that person in your head, right? You'll be victimized plenty in this crazy wide world. But you never have to be a victim. Okay, time to suck it up. Take responsibility. For yourself. And love yourself. You're worthwhile. And, worthy. Rich, poor, educated, not educated, home owner, apartment dweller, debt, no debt, construction worker, doctor,  new car, old truck...don't matter, y'all. Still worthy. Got me??? Good. I'm not fond of repeating myself....

Were you treated unjustly by a person or group? Did they steal from you? Cheat you out of what you deserved??? Are you frustrated? Feel stuck??? Okay, bad things happen. But what are the good things you can take away from all the negatives? There must be a few. Like the fact that, no matter what happens, you are still you. You stand strong. No one can break you. You gotta love yourself for that one. Bringing home the gold!!! Even in the face of tyranny and oppression. Go you! In the words of Charlie Sheen on Twitter: #Winning #TigerBlood

Do you hate how you look? Is there something  you don't like? On your body, maybe your face, your hair, your nose, your toes??? Check out my bod in the insert. Yeah, baby! Things look good. Lying down, lol. Standing up is another story. The scars, stretch marks, and imperfections are a mile long. One eye lid is lower than the other. Sun damage on my face. Scarring on my hips and belly. Oh, and one leg is slightly smaller than the other thanks to a cancer injury that requires I wear an AFO. To do pretty much everything. Does it stop me? Hells no! Did I feel insecure about it? You betcha. Do I care at all today??? Fuck no. I rock that shit. You do the same!!! Don't let ANYONE make you feel bad about your absolutely PERFECT imperfections. It's part of what makes you beautiful. And when someone looks at you, and all your flaws, and loves you anyway...mmm, you got yourself something special. #Magic

You'll have days, maybe weeks (or longer), where you feel depressed. You'll beat yourself up. Self-sabotage by not meeting your obligations. Just make your own life miserable. Probably because someone did some crappy thing to you. Like broke your heart. I hear that! The struggle is definitely real. But so are you. And, so is your potential. I had a very wise man tell me once that there is no point wasting time on a destroyer when there are 7-billion souls on the planet. Hey now!!! Good odds! Even if it's not love--perhaps it's finances, or your job, or your family--or, God forbid, all of the above. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Sure,  you may feel like Jesus on the Cross. But take a page out of JC's book. And rise. You hear me??? #Rise!

Now, I know there will be problems you just can't see the good in. Like losing someone you love. Maybe even a child. Or, getting a devastating diagnosis like cancer. Or having something like a terrible car accident. That shit just sucks. No delicate way to say it. It isn't fair. It isn't right. And if you've experienced any combination of the above already, well, you might start looking at tall buildings and high bridges. I get it. I really, really do. But you just have to take it day by day. Let yourself suffer. Cry. Wail. Rail against the world. But survive. #Survive2Thrive! Because nothing good can happen if you give up. You did nothing to deserve the mire you're stuck in. It just happens. Welcome to your humanity. Ugh. Keep breathing. Let go of your anger. And put one foot in front of the other. As long as you're moving forward, even if it's baby steps, you're making progress.

If you get a chance amidst everything else, try the power of VISUALIZING what you want. Get an idea. See it, Feel it. Believe it. Write it out in great detail. Organize your thoughts on next steps. And GO! Take off running!!! I'm right behind you. Because, the moment you conceive of an idea, the Universe gives you all the #Light you need to make it reality.

Ain't life grand, y'all??? I think so. I'm scared half the time, sad the other half. Mostly though, I just pray. Not in a religious kind of way. In a way that tells me I am the master of my own Universe. Like He-Man. But without that awful bowl haircut.

#Irresistible

"When you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." -Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

I don't know what to write. Or who I'm writing to. I just know that I have to write. Write, or die.

My soul was on fire for so long. And now, it's starting to accept burning as part of every day life. As "normal." Whatever that means. It no longer searches. It no longer rebels. Pain is just a part of it. Of us. Me. And "we" are numb.

I very much wanted to communicate my fire. To another soul. It hears me. Yet it fears me. I did nothing but #love for my losses. That love is fierce to be sure. But it's nothing to fear. All I wanted was reassurance. The only reassurance I've gotten, however, is an echoing silence in what feels like an endless tunnel of night. Laughter follows tears at the thought.

Irony isn't as hard to accept as reality.

Sometimes, I feel as though I'm being watched by invisible eyes. A song will suddenly be in my head from out of nowhere at the oddest time of the day, and I wonder if it's a message. Like the fireball in the sky. Or the dragonflies. Or Red Tail.  It feels like all I do is spend my days searching for a response. For answers. Wandering the Earth. Looking for that which does not wish to be found. And in our world of opposites, an attempt to disappear is merely a cry for help.. To be saved. From obscurity.

Extremity is always the language of desperation. Oedipal. In the literary sense. The ultimate conundrum. The more you attempt to avoid your fate, the closer you get to it.

Whether my words fully reach the one soul they are truly for, it matters not. There are many listening. I only need one. To heal mine. The pain of loss will be so diminished, it will almost be as if it never existed. Almost. That's my prayer anyway.

Truth be told, I don't yet know. I don't know many things. But like when day moves into night, and only a glimpse of the stars is visible, as long as I keep looking up, I will find that which I seek. Yearn for. Die a thousand deaths for. Come back to life for. Again. And, again. And, again. And, again.

Infinity has no edge; I do. And when the Sun explodes, I shall replace her, my beloved mother. I will burn bright. Create life. Bring warmth. Peace. Joy. Happiness. I am here to learn. About you. About me.

Pain that has a beginning also has an end.

I will cry again. Probably tomorrow. And many times thereafter. But I will also feel gratitude just as often. When I lose faith for the umpteenth time, a stranger from Baltimore will miraculously restore it. Heartily so. With a warmth and dignity I've only witnessed from those of us shunned by society. Other voices will join in, too. Momentum will take over.  

My mind, my heart, and my soul will be whole again. Despite my stubborn hold on the fractured pieces. You see, something I hold dear is contained within those broken shards. And I do not want to forget it. But I will be happy. One day. In myself. With myself. For myself.

I wish the same for you, my dear readers. With few exceptions. And yes, there are exceptions. Unapologetically so. You all, well...you're on your own.

Good night, you Princes of the Universe...you Kings of Destiny. Until next time!

And, there will be a next time....

#AwakeMySoul

"Wherever your heart is, that is where you'll find your treasure." -Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

We're all waiting for a #superhero to save us from ourselves. Someone to silence the haters. Validate our dreams. Make us feel happy, whole, alive. No one needs #Superman or #WonderWoman to do those things. But life just feels better when you do.

That #superhero is super-heroic because, whatever our dreams may be, when we're with that special person, anything is possible. One minute, it's an imagined concept. The next, it's real. Your Superman or Wonder Woman may do nothing more than believe. But that belief, especially from a person you yourself believe in, has powerful magic. It can turn a 0.02% chance into a 100% guarantee. That's the kind of magic that can change a person's stars....

Early this morning, as I gazed up at a the blanket of velvety night full of sparkling starlight, a fireball shot across the sky. I was thinking about #Superman when it appeared. I wasn't the only one who saw it either. Multiple reports are being confirmed by the American Meteor Society. The Perseid Meteor shower is at it's peak right now. Between my birthday, July 31st, and August 13th, you can see the best natural light show ever. I missed it last year. But this year...a #fireball!!!

The name "Perseid" comes from Greek mythology referring to the sons of Perseus. The same Perseus who bested Medusa, using her head to save his love, Andromeda, from the Kraken. Perseus also gave birth to Pegasus, the white winged horse, when he cut off Medusa's besnaked head.

Andromeda and Perseus were twin souls. After meeting and falling in love, the two were separated by fate. Perseus had to fight mighty battles before the gods would allow he and Andromeda to be reunited. In psychology, Perseus's battles are symbolic of his fears. In order for Perseus to rise up and become a Demi-god #Superhero, he had to first battle himself. Once he conquered his fears, he was free to take flight and join his love. The two had seven sons and two daughters. Because they were twin souls, the gods allowed the lovers to ascend to the heavens together, as stars in the night sky.

According to folklore, when you see a fireball cross the sky and burn up before your very eyes, that meteor will help direct your energy toward manifesting your thoughts into reality. I'll have to keep you posted there.

Though we're all secretly waiting for a #superhero to swoop in and save the day, there's no need to wait. You are your own #Superman or #WonderWoman. Perseus was just a boy before he faced his fears. Once he did, he was a man. Not just any man either. He earned the title of Demi-god. He earned the right to ride the white winged horse. And he earned his place amongst the stars by fighting for the love of his life, instead of taking the easy way out and letting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity die. If Perseus hadn't stood up for himself, we wouldn't even know his name today.

It's the same for you, too. And, me.

#Waiting4Superman

The dragonfly has long been a symbol of transformation, light, the water realm, the subconscious or "dreaming" mind, as well as peace and harmony. Dragonflies are considered good luck and are often seen before a prosperous change in your life. Dragonflies are also considered messengers of our inner most desires. Which is why it's good to remember that what we think is what we manifest in our lives. When you see a synchronicity of dragonflies, as I have in the last week or so, it may be time to pay attention to what these beautiful, adaptive creatures are trying to say.

It started on July 27th, a few days before my birthday. As I lay in the Sun at a friend's #ATL lake-house, a purple dragonfly landed on my bikini-clad chest. It was looking right at me. My friend, on the lounger to my left, was a little freaked out. But I love insects and arachnids. All creatures on this Earth (even the humans, believe it or not...). And, I was far from freaked out. Rather thrilled, actually. After 12 minutes of looking at each other, the dragonfly took off in the direction of my former mountain-home in #Georgia. I do miss it. And wondered if the unusual color of my dragonfly friend was a symbol of mourning. But purple is also the most powerful visible wavelength of electromagnetic energy. How powerful? Try just being shy of gamma rays. Which may be why it's also a color associated with the supernatural, magic, and, the subconscious. Ah hah! Now I was batting a thousand.

The next sighting was when I arrived back in #NewYork a few days later for my birthday celebration (which is still happening, by the way!). I was sunbathing nude on my patio--it was my birthday, after all, and a birthday suit was appropriate attire. This time, a huge iridescent dragonfly buzzed all around me, as if sizing me up. It flew up and down. Side to side. It was entertaining, at the very least. And, quite large. I'd see similar dragonflies again days later on an overnight to the mountains. My little dog was with me, and as we waited for our lunch to arrive at an outdoor eatery, we walked across this big expanse of field to see what were probably old orchard trees at one point. 

The moment I stood under the broad canopy of one tree's ancient arms, outstretched to protect us from the prying eyes of strangers walking nearby, I felt such calmness, like total peace. The last time I felt that was November 25th of last year. I thanked the tree, said a little prayer, and went back to check on our order. As we waited on a sun-lit bench, the field between us and the tree, at least a quarter of a mile wide and long, filled with dragonflies. First I saw one. Then a second joined her partner. A third bumped into them, causing two to go in one direction, leaving the other behind. But a fourth showed up, then a fifth. And quite suddenly, the field was aflutter with dragonflies! It was extraordinary. Miraculous, even.

Maybe you can dismiss a dragonfly landing on you near a lake as coincidence. Or at least, not uncommon. But the once empty field filling with dragonflies moments after we crossed it??? It got me thinking. And so did an incident on a hike yesterday, just one day after the congregation of dragonflies greeted me in the mountains.

#BabyDog and I headed out past the old farm to my favorite trail after lunch on Thursday; it's great for bird watching along the marsh areas. And as you go further in, you can see all kinds of animal life, like foxes, coyote, deer, even a rare bear has happened once or twice. It's pretty isolated on some parts, but the biggest threat are the mosquitos. At least to me. My left hand was bitten three times. Twice on the palm. And one between my middle- and ring-finger knuckles. Annoying, but it made my hand more sensitive. Which turned out to be good. Because the next thing to land on my left hand was a dragonfly. I've never had that happen. Especially while walking. The one at the lake landed on me, too, but I was laying relatively still on a lounger. This time, I was hiking in the woods.

This afternoon, as I sat outside eating a very late breakfast, a dark shadow flew over me. It was my Red Tail friend. My yard is part of her territory. I have to watch #BabyDog (only 10lbs!) closely when she's in the yard as a result. Hawks, and Red Tails in particular, also have symbolic meaning. Like the dragonfly, a Red Tail helps you access your subconscious according to Native American totem medicine. As well as Paulo Coelho's conspiring #Universe. The message means making manifest your soul's #Destiny. My Red Tail friend has been absent since I left #NewYork a year ago to make #ATL my home base. She just came back today. She flew over me, as if in greeting, and landed in a cottonwood tree at the edge of my property. She stayed until I got up to bring my almost empty plate inside. Before I did, I threw out some remaining apple slices for the deer family that lives in my woods: A mother and three spotted babies. Guess who showed up when I did? Yup. Another dragonfly!

I don't think I've EVER seen this many dragonflies or had so many unique interactions in such a short expanse of time. The Red Tail's return today drove it home for me. All that has occurred in the last year is certainly part of my karma--not because I'm a horrible person and deserve difficulty--but because I'm likely on my last run. I have lived a very full life; like my dragonfly friends, mine will be shorter than average. And as it happens, this weird, wild ride isn't about having a big 401k to fund your assisted living years. It's about understanding and fulfilling your purpose. Which never comes with a six-figure paycheck. But it does come with real love. With truly connecting to one another. And, with the creation of positive energy for an equally positive flow in the Universe.

As a kid, I was told I wasn't terribly bright and my best hope of contributing to the world would be to marry someone and have babies. Luckily, I never listened. But I will be listening more closely to my inner desires and my "dreaming" mind. My soul's ultimate purpose--my destiny--is wedged somewhere in between. I can feel it. And as I've come to appreciate in the last two years, my gut is never wrong. Though it could be a little more toned....

Are you ready? To spread your wings???

#Dragonfly

Is it possible to care too much? Love too deeply??? That's like asking if it's possible to breathe without air...there's no such thing. The real issue is not caring. Not loving. But the 21st century is marked by narcissism, self-entitlement, Machiavellianism. Why? Because psychology isn't just about your parents' neuroses, or, your neurotic genes. It's about our culture. And technology has created a snap-crackle-pop culture where, today, it's easy to be an asshole.

Oh, I'm sorry. Did I offend your delicate sensibilities??? The ones you seem to not care about at all when you picked up "hoes" for health in Grand Theft Auto before shooting them dead and collecting their hard earned cash??? Yeah, that's what I thought. Suck it up. Because everyone else has to put up with you, too. You being the collective hive mind. The Borg of humanity. The weak. The meek. Doesn't matter how you label it. It's all just semantics anyway.

Judgment isn't my job. Or, yours. But witnessing is. 

It's not "strong BUT gentle." Strength means gentle. It's neither brutal nor violent. Strength has the courage to stand up, even if only on one leg. To walk. March. Speak. And listen. Not when spoken to. Long before. Strength never turns the other cheek either. That got 12,000,000 killed during the Holocaust. For nearly ten years. The global cheek turned as people were burned. In ovens. Built for that very purpose. Without reason. For, how could there be a reasonable reason behind such cruelty? Unless you count existing as a reason. In which case, you can stay on that sinking ship. Lifeboat Ethics won't save you anyway. 

But guns will. Unless the person holding it has criminal  intentions. Like the uncle who lures you away from the family party to play "hide-and-seek" in the basement. Or the parent who singles out a child as a scapegoat to avoid responsibility. Or the lover who whispers, "Forever and always....," into more than one ear. Are social crimes no less deadly? When you prick me, do I not bleed??? Or, is it laugh? I can never remember...it's a side-effect of gaslighting. Where's Ingrid Bergman when you need her? Oh right. Stuck in 1944. While Orwell still wonders how his book trickled down the socio-economic ladder.

If the strong inherit Hell, what happens to Earth? Heaven will sit empty, a new Waste Land. Unless you count The Hollow Men. Eliot would chuckle. While Rich would grab her snorkel and mask and sink to the depths, a trident-shaped vibrator in her left hand. Sinister in Latin. Buffy holds a cross in her right. But Dexter was a serial killer. What was right about that???

You have to pay to play. Nothing is free. Not even my words. The page is a chess board. You are being moved, like a pawn. Though, frankly, I was looking for a courageous King to make a move on my cunning linguist of a Queen. But unlike life, the game of chess gives women freedom. And, respect. While Freud, who wanted to fuck his mother, assumed all women were narcissists for wearing make up. Missing the pointy-toed Manolo, aren't we, Sigmund??? Male narcissists were behind that trend, too. Like the skirt. It's sexy. But only because it was meant for easy access. Like cyberstalkers trolling my public social media. Just make sure you clean up with a tissue when you're done....

I'm thirsty. Kool-Aid anyone???

I do not know where I shall sleep. Or, keep. Perhaps "steep" is the better term. For terminal. But no one rides the bus anymore. They just #Follow.

#BreadCrumbs

First of all, BIG shout-out to my boy touring with the Zummer gang for hooking me up with Backstage VIP tickets! The "Boys of Zummer" tour didn't start in #Hotlanta, but it's where I caught the show, though, I was invited to join the tour and come along for the ride...but more about that later.

Your #PopCultureProfessor got to see the whole lay out backstage, including the line of young, hot women being led to Wiz's dressing room, pounding with the base all night--and I don't just mean music. I hung out in what was dubbed "the garden room" with the straight-edge, vegan drummer, Andy Hurley, and some family, friends, and yes, his P90X trainer and her assistant, also on tour. Those guys like to keep in shape, especially when spending a grueling 13 or more hours on a tour bus every other day.  

Andy had just gotten out of the showers; there were only three available backstage at what is known as Lakewood Ampitheatre, just outside of the airport in #ATL. Andy came out, half naked but almost completely covered in ink. He was like a walking canvas. And the nicest, most unassuming guy for someone who just rocked 18,000 people hard for two hours.

Hurley's straight-edge lifestyle means he doesn't drink or do drugs...not even caffeine! And he's not into promiscuous sex either. As Hurley entertained family and friends, Wiz Khalifa's head of security, Breezy, came breezing in. He zeroed in on me right away and made a bee-line to shake my hand and introduce himself.

Breezy grew up with Wiz; the two are very tight. And that's why Breezy had a run in that night with the security folks hired by the ampitheatre. Oops! It was quite a big deal. Luckily, my boy was there to help. The dressing rooms are located off the garden room. People were kind of wandering around. Everywhere. Lakewood has open lawn seating, But it also has covered seating. That's where I was. In the VIP section. I sat in a seat but could have been on the floor if I wanted. Sitting in the seats, though, offers an audience perspective I like to get at these events. I even do it at #ComicCon. Talk to the fans. See what they like. What they don't. And at this concert, everyone was really, really happy. Especially after Wiz invited fans to light up and threw out giant, blow-up blunts for the audience to toss around like beach balls.

Wiz kicked off the show at 7:55pm Eastern on Friday, June 17, 2015. I sat in a row with his family and friends. We were all dancing and singing. But the majority of the mostly white audience, with the exception of those in "the pit" in front of the stage, were barely moving a muscle. But boy, can Wiz rhyme! And when he took his shirt off, revealing what is an amazing body, I almost started speaking in tongues like a revivalist preacher on a hot night after a snake bite. That's him in the picture insert at the start of the concert with the Taylor Gang. They turned it up for #ATL!!! I had a great time with Wiz and the Gang, both on and off stage.

Wiz may be known for smoking pot, but he's actually quite brilliant. And like many creatives, uses drugs to feed that creativity. Because,  "...when you feel good, you can move your life in incredible directions." That's what Wiz said. Given his career, I'm not questioning his wisdom! I did ask, however, if he would like to join my future tour, perhaps in a city like Denver, to discuss the legalization of marijuana. And yes, light up with me on stage. I've never done a single drug in my life. Ever. I'm already working on a whole different frequency than most. Drugs have no appeal for people like me. But I do believe that citizens have the right to make their own choices. And Wiz agrees! We'll see if we can work something out for next year. Stay tuned!

My backstage pass did not include the tour buses, but of course, I have these killer boobs, lol, and they tend to help me get in places. Especially when it's Pete Wentz doing the inviting....

The Zummer gang were loading up the trucks and buses because right after the concert, about 1:30am Eastern, they all were driving to Raleigh, North Carolina, the next stop on the tour. I had VIP backstage parking as well. My car was behind the buses. It wasn't a long walk, but my boy hooked me up with a sweet golf cart and even sweeter driver to get me there. As we drove, A blonde Pete Wentz was stepping off of his tour bus. I waved. He smiled. And the rest is history, folks!

There were a number of buses. Most had a total of eleven people on board. My boy's bus carried seven. The buses were what you might expect them to be like. A little tight, but roomier than I thought they would be. Definitely more comfortable than riding in the family mini-van to Wally World. The beds were a pretty decent size, too....

Overall, I had a really great night! Even met a bunch of fan-girls who did a #PopCultureProfessor APPROVED video shout-out to #FallOutBoy--which I posted on Twitter before I left the parking lot. The girls and I belted out almost every song together. I felt the music crash through me and keep my heart beating, even if it's no longer entirely whole.

"Thanks for the Memories," "Let's Be Alone Together," "Uma Thurman," and of course, "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark," were among some of my favorites. I had seen #FoB in concert in #NewYork in 2013. They blew me away. When my boy on tour and I met up at Starbucks in May--though he wanted me to note he prefers Dunkin' Donuts--he invited me to the concert; it was with a kind of "aw shucks" attitude, as if I was far too sophisticated to be a fan or know the music at all. My reaction took him by surprise. In a good way.

Age is just a number, y'all. Good music transcends all boundaries. Probably why I met a nice young policeman while there. My entry was supposed to be at the dressing rooms backstage but a new girl driving the carts took me to the front instead. With the rest of the 18,000 fans pouring in. Whoops! I kind of stood there, not knowing what to do. Mr. Blue-Eyes-In-A-Blue-Uniform saw me, asked me if he could escort me to my seat. He wasn't security; he's a policeman for the City of Atlanta. But that's just how we do things in the Dirty South. Kindly. And with great respect.

If you ever get a chance, go see my Boys of Zummer! They totally ROCK. In more ways than one.

Oh, and you want to hear more about what happened with Pete Wentz??? It's like my grandmother used to say, "We can't always get what we want, now can we???"

#BoysOfZummer