Dangergirl in NH

Who Are You?

2006-08-15T21:54:00.000-05:00

Holy crap....four and a half months since I've written anything here. What can I say..busy? quite. It was recently pointed out to me by a fellow friend and blogger that someone in my beloved state of New Hampshire has taken it upon themselves to review my blog. I am amused with the summation of their findings for sure, I'm "a typical New England farm girl, wannabe musician or perhaps I'll end up a member of the mounted police." Cute, but not exactly, except for the farm girl part, I can stand by that. I used to want to be a musician, for many years in fact. I started playing guitar when I was 12 but would start and stop for another 30 something years. There's always more to know and I like it that way. These days for some reason music is not ruling my life as it has in the past. Its kind of a relief at this point. Definitely a personal, creative thing for me. I don't mean to toss it off as unimportant...it has been quite important but I guess not as important as it used to be maybe.
For the last 6 years I have reconnected with the whole horse thing again. I could create a historical tree of all of my riding/horse related activity from 1969 until now and another with my education/work experience in law of various sorts from 1981 until now. However, the likelihood of becoming a mounted officer is not an option. Believe me...when I was in high school thinking about my future, the thought of being a mounted police officer in Boston was on the list. Lets just say that my interest in all things arty/music didn't quite mesh with the other.
At this point I am thrilled just to be able to be involved as a volunteer nevermind being on the force. So.....I am really tired now...and have to get up and feed the horses on my way to work..of course.

Clouds in my Coffee

2006-03-05T22:08:00.000-05:00

Ok...I am rather bummed out today..progressively. I am beginning to think that its that time again where I forget about playing music for a while. The deal with playing with others is way more complex than playing alone....but there is nothing quite like a good session where you feel you've landed on another planet.
However, the are other choices available to me such as riding. Nothing quite comes close to a good long ride to take you away and lift your spirits, (as long as all goes well... ;0 )
March means Winter is basically over. I'm ready for the change, but its been so helpful this year to have fewer days where I have to crack the ice out of frozen water buckets, vowing to get heated ones "next year" but I kept waiting to get fed up with it and it never really happened. I will count my blessings and hope for less humidity and fewer bugs this summer!!!

"We are The Queers"

2006-01-06T23:10:00.000-05:00

Heyyyy......long time no blog...yeah. I am tired, very tired. A long long work week topped off by none other than a rockin' show by hometown favorites The Queers and Hot Rod Fury!!! It was so good to see all of my buddies doing their thing. I love all of you but am so tired now that I really can't write anymore!!! So....XOXO to my pals....!

WINTER LIVES IN NH

2005-11-24T23:03:00.000-05:00

This morning I woke up to at least an inch of snow on the ground and so herein lies Winter before me. As I headed out to do the daily barn chores the roads were covered with snow and the trees started to collect snow on them and for the few hours it lasted we were in the magic of the Winter wonderland effect. Here in New England and especially seacoast NH the weather at any time of year or season can change drastically in either direction. Although this is a fact of life around here, I'll take it over hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes anyday. Throughout the morning at the barn the snow turned to sleet turned to rain. The low grey and white clouds were fast moving and it was beautiful to witness. Standing at the front entrance of the barn the scene to the left at this time of year is one of a mid-slope vantage point over the fields that we hay in the summer full hosting a flock of Canadian Geese, to a collection of trees, a pond and the sparkling sapphire view of a cove ultimately leading to Great Bay. By the time I left the air was mild and the snow had turned to slush. My thoughts turned to all of the people who had to drive today..and that would be many people. Thinking ahead I wondered what the drive home would have to offer in terms of road conditions. Turned out to be clear and not slippery for the most part although I had my eyes peeled for the all elusive black ice. Between Hampton Falls and Dover I witnessed varying levels of snowfall, puddles and dryness or lackthereof on the road. I made it back without incident and the finishing moment on a day that had Winter written all over it was that my driveway was a frozen solid mess of slush and ice, the kind that forces you to be ultra careful with every step you take. Well, time to get used to this routine for a good four months I would say. Happy trails!

Strat Girls Live

2005-11-07T10:02:00.000-05:00

Yeah, now that I have your attention....I must say I am pretty psyched about the outcome of my going out last weekend. Not only did I get to hang out with my friends at their gigs that I keep blowing off, but I am about to embark on a new musical venture that should totally kick my ass.
Sistah Pam and I are gonna be working with Wimpy soon which should prove to be downright entertaining...if not to anyone else to me for sure. For those of you not familiar with him he is the singer for The Jabbers, replacing the one and only GG Allin and a founding member of The Queers. Ok...way back in 1983 he also was the drummer for my first band Simple Assault, along with Tina Marconi of the Cadillac Hitmen on bass, and Dawn Pericles/guitar. Funny how we still all have the everlasting bond we made that long ago. Guess it does count for something but how do you even know that when you're 20-something!? Anyway.....time to think about work...it is Monday after all..yeah. Not to mention its also time to work that guitar. ;)

You Love Her, She Loves Him, He Loves Somebody Else....

2005-11-02T23:16:00.000-05:00

One of my frequently visited websites is Michael Lutin's Where's The Moon......I have gained a lot of insight here. For those of you who like a little edge to their astrology this guy delivers. He refers often to the triangles that exist with regard to relationships. I guess I'm beginning to learn and accept this basic concept as one of life's realities. It reminds me of being in high school, some things never change. I do appreciate that while he helps recognize our weaknesses he always offers the high road in terms of pulling ourselves together and overcoming the low points. Its ok that we all have thoughts and desires that take us to places that aren't what we need in life. Its how we act upon them I suppose that matters. No one wants to make an ass of themselves and especially not with those that they want to endear. I guess the true test of friendship is to go ahead and make a fool of yourself and know that no matter what you'll be understood and no one will hold it against you! Ah yes, the uncertainty of vulnerablility. A lesson in humility. All to make us stronger and wiser I suppose.

Riding After Dark

2005-10-05T15:44:00.000-05:00

Well, in spite of the fact that I have been sick for two days, first it was a cold then blossomed into the full blown flu, I managed with great determination to attend my riding evaluation for the Dover Mounted Police. I had been looking forward to this for a very long time. Longer in fact than the few months I've been in negotiations to set this whole thing up. Having ridden horses for the majority of my life, by the time I was in high school I had considered persuing the idea of being a mounted police officer, preferably in Boston for some reason. Most likely because I think this was the closest city to actually have a mounted police squad. I did end up taking some college criminal justice courses, worked for the Portsmouth Probabtion Dept, was a receptionist at a local alcohol/substance abuse clinic and did a stint as a counselor in an adolescent treatment facility. So with all of the above combined it sort of made sense that I would want to go this route. However just before all of the related work experience I sort of lost my interest in horses. Instead world travel, partying and college took precedence. Not necessarily in that order. So fast forward about 15 years....and long story short I am once again employed at a horse farm, belonging to my father, out of an emergency situation where they needed the help and one thing led to another and there I was in familiar, somewhat comforting territory as far as being around horses again was concerned. Within a few months I then met my horse Miss Ali who of course was for sale, and for a steal, so I was back in it again, happily! Needless to say the time spent away from horses enabled me to concentrate on other life experiences such as having a family. Of course the family is now well adjusted to the horse lifestyle thanks to me. My goal is to get them all riding, although my daughter is already there and has been for awhile. So, I must say that if I hadn't taken a big break from all things horse related for the time that I did I may not be where I am today with it. Its easy to burnout with all that's involved with the day to day upkeep and care. Which brings me back to now. So this opportunity to be an exercise rider for the Dover police is a perfect situation. I am able realize my long time dream of actually being able to ride their horses without having to become a police officer, perfect! This reminds me of being 12 years old when I would ride my pony Peanuts through the streets of Portsmouth, because I could then. I would ride him to my house on Miller Ave. from Little Harbor Rd. where I kept him, and sometimes even to the baseball field near the South playground. Ah yes those were the good ol' days. They say you can never go back, but this is going to be about as close as I can get by riding in Dover.
When I arrived at the stable last night at dusk I was feeling pretty lousy but determined to do my best. Now you must know that these are the biggest horses I've ever ridden. I rode TJ and Royal and they were both very well behaved. Riding Royal was like riding a couch he is so big and floaty and gentle. Maryann Davis from Hilltop Equestrian Center came down to do the evaluations. There were 3 of us riding. We walk, trot, cantered in both directions on each horse and she also had us stand in our stirrups while trotting to see how our balance was. Even though I was sick somehow the riding was comforting. Well in the end we were all approved to ride which was worth it even though I wasn't at the top of my game. I am really looking forward to hitting the streets, and the trail with these guys. A fun fact is that I live really close to the stable, and I often hear the clip-clop of their hooves when they go by. Another worthwhile note to mention is that Im able to contribute my time to the community doing something that I absolutely love. So, all in all this definitely a positive activity that I hope to be able to participate in for a long time. Happy trails~

My Space Sucks

2005-09-29T07:35:00.000-05:00

Hi all..today's bit is about the vast internet trash bag called My Space. I have a love/hate relationship with the site for sure. While its cool to gather friends and listen to music I also find the content somewhat annoying as hell. First of all, as we all know anything that we see, hear or read out there is to be taken with a grain of salt. Seems to me that its more of what pisses me off about this country, which is complete and utter bullshit. By this I mean that people are so goddamn busy keeping up appearances. I know if you don't like it don't read it or look at it etc...but I can't help but see the perpetual reinforcement of all of this crap thanks to all forms of communication, media and commericalism. This concept also knows no age boundries. I can't help but notice that a lot of these profiles are just free advertisments for porno stars, wannabe porno stars, dirty old men, desparate boys and girls and voyeurs of all kinds. Personally I have taken to gathering a lot of information about friends, aquaintences, and friends of friends and aquaintences. Being as you can access whatever so and so has decided to post about their lives at the click of your mouse. I also find that people tend to want to paint a picture of themselves that will make them more appealing to certain other people or groups of people with the hopes of bringing them closer to the warm fuzzy feeling of acceptance. Fuck this. Im all for solidarity but for some reason I am irritated. Who am I to pass judgement? Sure...whatever trips your trigger, go for it, have fun and all that happy crap. I am guessing that maybe I need to read the books that I just took out of the library and lay off the My Space for a bit. Its mighty addictive but I'm finding that the bullshit factor has got the best of me today. Ok...time for a break from it..I will try to stay away and calm down. Carry on soldiers.

Bad Girl

2005-09-27T12:47:00.000-05:00

Geez....I guess its not so nice to start out great guns with this blogging thing and drop it like I have. Anyway...lets pick up where I left off. Ok..so in the same week as the Rolling Stones I also attended two shows featuring one of my all time, not to mention local favorites, The Queers. I have some really fond memories of them seeing as my first show was back in 1983 ( I think), and not to mention they would play directly next door to the house I grew up in. So..you see, I really couldn't have missed them. It also happened that I had recently returned from a year of college in London with my mohawk intact and intent on continuing my thus far failed pursuit of starting a band by way of Santa Barbara before that. I did hook up with a couple of local like-minded girls that summer and we did form my first band, Simple Assault. We were lucky enough to enlist Wimpy (The Queers, The Jabbers) as our drummer. I have to say to this day he still recalls the fun we had and is contiually supportive of any of my musical ventures. I may have to think about revisiting that concept.
You know how we all long for aspects of our past experiences whether they be a time, place, food, seasons, people? I wondered after completely removing myself from that scene for so long, I assumed basically, that things would be different in an everchanging world. I was wrong. I even brought my 13 year old daughter with me to the recent shows and at first was a bit apprehensive but knew it couldn't possibly be as chaotic as I know it can get due to the fact that it was all ages admission. Sure the first one had a bar and the place was smoky and dripping with sweat and the other was none of the above. Point being, there were people from literally 5 to 65...all enjoying themselves. The most comforting aspect of all was the fact that anyone that chooses to go truly sees what the whole thing was about to begin with. Its not about how many people you can shove into one place, or how many tickets are sold. This is a rare opportunity these days, this band has been touring around the world for years, and years and remains true to the spirit of what punk rock is all about. You don't have to look like a freak, but you can if you want to, no one is going to judge you for it either way. Punk has become such a huge umbrella term and a vast commercially viable concept that most kids now would not really have a clue as to what is started out as. Yeah you can copy the style, read some books, listen to bands and so on, but if you really want to understand the idea of being your own person, lighten up and take in a Queers show, cause that should put a smile on your face...(oh yeah..punk is supposed to be mean, angry and violent right?)

Rock Rock and More Rock

2005-08-29T20:09:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been really busy with attending 3 rock shows in six days. Why...well because they have been lets say events that could not be missed. Not the usual oh lets see what is there to do type of moments but more of the indelible mark on my existence sort. I may find that I won't be able to fit it all into one blog but lets give it a shot. I find it also quite interesting that while I reflect on two very different experiences I am also bound to make some comparisons..in the end a compliment to both bands for sure. :)
My first show was in my opinion one of the best dare I say best rock bands in the entire world, the Rolling Stones. I saw them the second night they played at Fenway Park. This was my fourth Stones show in 24 years. So I can't say I hadn't had the experience but nothing can beat the rush of the band appearing on stage at the start of the show. Even though we are many yards away from the action the sight of them is enough to electrify the soul. I have admittedly had a crush on Keith Richards since at least 1973, at least that's when I became conscious of it. He has got to be the coolest guitar player that has ever walked the planet. Being a guitar player also, you just cannot explain the all encompassing aura that is Keith..ok enough about him. Being at Fenway Park is magic in and of itself and to see the Stones there was just amazing. I wont get into songs, and lights and all that technical stuff. One of the things I liked the most is that it was a truly down the earth delivery in terms of direction musically. It wasn't totally polished every second but shined when you knew that maybe Mick was gonna change some lyrics or where you expected a song to take a certain turn it went in another direction and that the seamless flow that exists between musicians that have played together for a long time was evident as they took us on a journey for the duration. That is the magic part for me. The stuff that's not rehearsed or planned that makes the particular show you were at special. Yes I will eventually get a bootleg of this show! I was grateful to be able to be there and knew all along that this would be a chance not to pass by given the opportunity. Some things are just meant to be as they say...and I was meant to be there. The whole experience went smoothly from parking to eating to finding the shirt I wanted to the ride home. Oh, and not to mention we were fortunate enough not to be within earshot of any drunken idiots...always a drawback at these sort of events. Ah yes....another fresh in the mind memory of the boys that invented rock and roll....and maybe as I've said before that will be the last chance I get...and maybe not. Now I have realized that there is really no way I can write about the next subject in this post so you'll just have to keep reading...onward.

Take Me to Hollywood

2005-08-19T13:07:00.000-05:00

Hi kids....last night I had the foolish pleasure of visiting a site referred to me by my loving sister. www.gofugyourself.typepad.com For those of you who are in awe of those that maintain celebrity status this site brings it all home. In reality the media does one crack up job in fooling society to believe that these people are so vastly different, special and better off than everyone else. I guess some want to believe it while others can see through the machine. In brief...you can view photos of the current "popular people" looking their very worst. If only the teenagers and ignorant people of the world could see these shots on the cover of their favorite magazines! Besides the visual the written comments are hysterical..I mean cmon now....don't some of us take this shit a little too seriously? If you can't find the humor in it than yeah...I'd say you need to lighten up. It seems to me that very few celebs really have the skill to put themselves together. The acting types seem to have the worst time. If random stylist doesn't do it for them than what usually results is pure fashion disaster. I mean these people really don't seem to have their own freakin' identity. Left to their own devices they turn out looking like crap. I suppose that makes some people feel better about themselves..cause if so and so isn't lookin' so hot they are less than superhuman. It all reminds me of being in high school. The truth is that most of them are really geeks and need to be told what to wear, what to buy and how to be cool. Its not cool, its gay. Our obssession with celebs is pathetic. We all do it to some extent. We've been brainwashed. I'll admit I don't watch a lot of TV but I will always be entranced with E! and True Hollywood Story, probably cause I want to see how foolish these people really are and how the hell they got to where they are. The common thread amongst them seems to be that at one point early on in their careers theymade fools of themselves. I guess one of the first steps to success is humility. Its not a bad lesson. Surely we must be able to forgive ourselves eventually and without having made a few mistakes we wouldn't be where we are today, right?!

Ever Been in a Band?

2005-08-16T13:01:00.000-05:00

Ok, being in a band is a lot like having a relationship. Now if your band happens to be comprised of members of the same sex its probably a bit easier than mixing it up. The dynamics of the group are quite interesting. Some like to take charge while others prefer to remain in the background. Its really hard to stereotype who takes on which role based on their role in the band. The singer doesn't always do all of the writing and the bass player isn't always the "quiet" one. The one that the most jokes seem to based on is usually the drummer. I would advise against playing in a band with anyone that you are personally involved with if you intend to remain involved with that person on that level. There are however some exceptions to that rule but they are mostly that..exceptions. If everyone can COMMUNICATE that helps enormously. Sometimes that involves a nice discussion and others can result in violent behavior both on and off stage. As long as you can express yourself and not keep things festering and hidden most conflicts can be brought to the table. It is always going to be a compromise because its not all about one person calling the shots, unless its one person's vision and the others know this and are willing to be puppets bascially and be told what to do. That usually works well when lots of money is involved and is understandable if that is your goal. My personal favorite arrangement is the all for one, one for all method. Much like a sports team approach. Ideally, if everyone can play, sing and be a spokeperson for the band to the public you have a fighting chance of surviving. You don't all necessarily have to have the same tastes in music or even like one another as human beings....as long as the music can happen and you can act civil to your pals you should be having fun while it lasts. Cmon...lets have some comments on this one...next time we can discuss being in a band with a family member!

Every Time I Try

2005-08-15T19:07:00.000-05:00

Ok, every time I try to make a plan to work from home I end up having serious access issues. I planned my whole work routine around the fact that I would be able to remote access to my work computer and of course, for the second time in a week I am unable to do it. Not only does it frustrate the hell out of me but it kinda cuts into the overall productivity which affects my earnings. On a brighter note, I was able to find some slight stress relief beforehand by riding my buddy Destiny. He is a 25 yr. old Morgan horse that I think must have had a bond with me in another life. As I exited the barn and called his name he answered me with a whinny and cantered across the paddock to meet me. Today was finally cool enough to ride so I decided to forego the saddle, put a bridle on him and headed down the road to a spot by Great Bay. I am really lucky to have a willing companion and a gorgeous place to ride. One of these days I will get my crazy horse Ali to act like him. Having just turned 8 and being a spirited girl the sight of the Bay is anything but relaxing to her. It might as well be a tidal wave that's going to swallow us up and carry us out to sea in her eyes. I did make a point to ride up to her in the paddock so that she could get a look at me riding another horse just to get the point across.

Saving CBGB's

2005-08-11T19:29:00.000-05:00

CBGB's our beloved punk rock landmark will see its current lease expire on August 31st. While its reputation has been unrivaled for many years once again we are up against the evil real estate empire. I had the experience of living in NYC in the late 80's and happened to frequent the club often. I was working for a music video distribution company at the time that produced compilation reels comprised of several indie label and underground bands. I had just graduated from college and after 2 years in Portsmouth couldn't wait to get out again. I sold my Guild S100 that I had dragged with me on previous moves to Santa Barbara CA and London England, where I went to college and decided that if I hadn't "done" anything with it by now I never would. So I promptly decided to sell it the day before I left for NY for a lousy $180. Of course as soon as I got to the city the only job I could fathom had to be music related, and not some glorified secretary type thing at that. My job was amazing. The video boom was in full flight and the whole concept of superimposing logos onto the screen had just started to be utilized. Yeah, that annoying little icon thing that we all wish would go away when we watch TV. I had the great fortune of meeting tons of musicians, attending CD and video releases, club openings, premiers, music conventions and private parties. Of all the pretentious bullshit that exists, I can still say that CBGB's is true to its soul. You go there because you want to feel the real thing, the down and dirty raw feeling that the only the most gut level true music can bring. Yes its true about the bathroom, unfortunately I can speak from personal experience. Who would have thought that it would now after all these years and countless precious shows taken its place in true American music history be threatened to cease to exist. Yeah they have talked about moving it, yes the very landlord opposing in court met his wife there on his first date with her. The latest is that they will not be evicted. Lets just hope that all of the positive that the place has done remains at the forefront of the issue. It was still a nasty part of town when I lived there and now its all up and coming and in demand with posh this that and the other thing all around it. That was just a matter of time and the whole Lower East Side has become something very different than it was. New York isn't exactly a rock and roll town. So at least let there be a few clubs that are open to bands and musicians so that those that want to play there and the fans that want to listen have somewhere to go. I just wanted to add that I did meet Hilly then and now, and after reading the posts on the AOL message board some people really don't get it.
I saw him some twenty years later with his woman at an Iggy Pop show in Boston selling their merch. How many people do you know in their 70's that are touring around supporting their friends music and themselves by lugging their shit around if they've been so successful and made so much money? Really!

Is She or Isn't She?

2005-08-10T13:58:00.000-05:00

Hi! Today's post will take an introspective look at women over 30(notably Mom's) and their style. I've noticed that at the elementary school level many women tend to let themselves go and pour their efforts into their kids, their homes and family while basically ignoring their looks. Those that have had kids know all too well the post preganancy weight gain. Some choose to not give a shit while others make strides to get back to where they were pre-baby or even improve upon that while they're at it. Moving up a level to middle school seems to be a different story. While some are still content with their stereotypical "PTA" type image, others seem to feel that now that their kids are becoming more fashion conscious and entering their teens its ok to be cool again. In fact to rank "cool mom" status is a fine line. Most kids don't want their parents looking like they are trying be 18 again and those that do stick out like a sore thumb. I guess the most accurate indicator of where Mom is at is the jeans. With the variety of options now available as far as style, cut, rise, etc...your jeans can tell it all. This isn't necessarily so much an age specfic observation I suppose. I know women in their 50's that look totally hot in the right pair of jeans. Its never too late to care about how you look and to do something about. Make yourself feel good and take a moment for yourself and do it. Just catch an episode of 'What Not to Wear' and don't watch 'Extreme Makeover' quite yet. A little goes a long way! Good luck and rock on!

Friends For Life

2005-08-09T20:20:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been finding out how invaluable my friends are. It seems that when times get tough and troubled you reach out to whom you think will be there for you unconditionally. Funny how they aren't always the people who are actually part of your every day life...or maybe they are people who you haven't known all that well but have shared jobs or interests or friends in common with. Within the last few weeks several people I have known over varying periods of time all in different places have let me know that they are there for me. How cool is that?! I guess it doesn't really matter about how or why or who. Just that they are.

Wild Horse Protection Policies and the BLM

2005-08-08T19:05:00.000-05:00

The Bureau of Land Management under the Burns amendment has recently removed the protection of wild horses over the age of 10. They also have seemed to ignore petitioned requests from various concerned groups nationwide to develop regulations regarding how these animals would be sold. Recently a buyer representing himself as a minister purchased six wild horses for a youth group. Within two days the horses were sent to a slaughtering plant in Illinois. At this point we can help by requesting regulation of these sales by contacting these representatives. Write or e-mail Secretary of State Norton at exsec@ios.doi.gov, Senator Burns and Senator Reid at http://www.congress.org click on US Congress and type in their names. For more info you can contact http://www.ispmb.org
International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros

Where did Portsmouth go?

2005-08-07T22:22:00.000-05:00

This will undoubtedly be the first of many future posts that address the issue of quality of life in Portsmouth. A city that will always be near and dear to my heart, my hometown. I am a native as they say which I find such an odd term to have to use considering that no one ever really did before lets say the early 90's. Of course I could get all nostalgic and long for the past but am thankful for the great memories I have. I guess that the most unsettling aspects of growth in Little River City that stand out are the inflated prices of everything from housing to parking to having too many bars with too many drunk idiots and rude transplanted residents with endless disposible income. In the process of all this expansion the city professes to be a great supporter of the arts but meanwhile no one is willing to back it up with anything solid. If your art has been displayed in Boston or NYC or your band has a label deal or a release great but if you are an independent operator good luck getting anyone to hang your work or book your band. Its all about business these days...that's where the big bucks are and that's what the city is after. Where's the balance?