THE SUMMER OF LOST THINGS ———- by Steve Nadis
I realize, of course, that it is absurd to moan about lost sunglasses when tens to hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes and all earthly possessions. However, by that standard I wouldn’t have anything to moan about. “Then don’t moan,” you might say. Which is a legitimate point, though it would leave me with little to talk about in this blog. I can’t restrict myself to happy thoughts as I tend to be a brooder, a glass half-empty kind of guy. I like to complain. No matter how well things are going, they could always be better…
So getting back to “loss,” and now I mean real loss, the world evidently lost a great musician a couple of days back–one CLARENCE “GATEMOUTH” BROWN–who died at the age of 81 in Orange, Texas, after having left his home in New Orleans to flee Katrina. Brown was a versatile musician–a guitarist and singer who played many other instruments, excelling in blues, jazz, Cajun music, American standards, and other forms. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m not familiar with his work, as I’m more up on the bluesmen from Chicago, my hometown. From what I’ve read since Brown’s death, I absolutely should be familiar with his work. I’m writing this here, as a tribute of sorts, because of a frequent commenter (and regular bumper sticker contest winner) who goes by the moniker “Gatemouth.” I’ve always been curious where that name came from. I should have known. And now I do.
This is a nice piece–a refreshing change from some of that carping you often go in for. Keep it up!
Thank you, Lindsey. I always appreciate a compliment. And I’ll try not to "carp," though I’m sure it won’t be easy. And I may need a little help from my friends, from time to time, to steer me away from that sort of thing…
Do you mean that the Gatemouth who has been commenting on your blog isn’t the real Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown? Next thing you’ll be telling us that wasn’t the real "MarkoPolo" either. Or denying that I actually am Turd Blossom.
Now hold on there, TB, let’s not go overboard. I thought Gatemouth was the real item until he sent a comment after the demise of THE Gatemouth. I’m as surprised as everybody. As for MarkoPolo, I can vouch for his authenticity. And yours, TB, is not in doubt–at least to anyone within a mile downwind of you.
I like to think I look good in cheap sunglasses too. I guess the effect would be better without the Scooby Doo figure on the bridge.
Hi Doc — Scooby Doo would be a step up for me, style-wise.
Since I wear regular glasses, I splurged and got the kind that go dark in the sun. Which is fine until I have to go back indoors. Those first few minutes until the lenses clear up are hilarious as I stumble blindly around.
What makes y’all think I can’t blog from the grave?
Only thing I got to say to you, Snake, is if’n you don’t know Gatemouth, you don’t know nothing.
Get my albums or I’ll come do the Okie-Dokie Stomp on y’all. Ya hear?
Hi Gatemouth, I foolly agree. I said I didn’t know nothing, which is why I wrote something.