this artist life

Spring Break, Chapter 1

My first days of spring break are going well. But I must say the biggest lesson I’m learning is this: It’s easy to be lazy, but it’s really difficult trying to do nothing. And laziness is in no way relaxing or refreshing.

Doing nothing, however, is quite relaxing. The problem with doing nothing is that I’m naturally more prone to want to do things, to stay busy. Doing nothing, for a period of time, allows us to become comfortable with where our life is currently being lived.

Even when things are going rough there is the reassuring hope of stopping everything for a brief moment, or an entire day, of re-learning how to do very few things, but do those very few things well.

For the record, I will decidedly refrain from the pretense of secretly believing I will someday write a book about this thesis of mine. I will not write a book. Ever.

I’m working on a major project about prayer this week, about how prayer is meant to be practical and stir us to change, and challenge us to admit to ourselves we are deeply loved. Something like zat. I have about 4 more books to get through, including some Brad Jersak, Shane Claiborne, and Eugene Peterson.

Oh, and this past weekend I hit up a few Olympic concerts in Surrey (Sam Roberts, We Are The City, and Hey Ocean)!

On Saturday some friends and I arrived at the Olympic celebration site at Holland Park around 4, deciding to find a modest spot in front of the main-stage where Hey Ocean was playing. After relaxing and taking in some festivities we found a prime spot on the front-left part of the stage, and already people started piling in. By 8pm the concert tent was packed out, and there was a huge line all the way to entrance gate trying to get in! Not to mention the mass of people at the second stage. This just goes to show you kids, show up early if you want good seats.

With seeing these shows I’m also starting to rekindle my loving affection for concert etiquette, the divine gift of experience from going to some good shows in my 5 years of college life. Oh yes, if there is one thing I can feel good if not pretentious about it is my love for shows.

Speaking of shows, there is a free one this Saturday in Surrey! Hey Rosetta, Tokyo Police Club, You Say Party We Say Die, Wintersleep! If you are anywhere near Vancouver cancel your plans! This one is not to be missed. Plan to arrive before 5.

Alright. I’m ending this journal entry. Cheers.