Last minute

I love winning in the last possible moment. My vikings did this today. Matt (49er fan) and I went to the bar that plays football and spent all day watching games we didn't care about, hoping that our game would be presented to us in the final moments. It happened, and the result couldn't have been more perfect. I'm pretty sure everyone there knows who I am now.

Either way, I leave for Patagonia tomorrow until Sat/Sun. 1 week hiatus. Deal.

Ram Bull

I never quite know what to say. Each day is different, bringing unique thoughts, feelings, and inspirations as fleeting as the days themselves. Thus far, I haven't had to look too far in coming up with material. Today is different. There are topics I plan on addressing that just don't fit in with now, so instead I guess I'll glance over some thoughts on expression and awareness.

Expression is an amazing practice, rewarding in itself, challenging, educating, and at the end of the day, relaxing. I don't necessarily know anything that may or may not be going on in this life or any other, but I do feel energy and the need to do what I can with it. When I ignore this energy, it seldom produces anything desirable. When I embrace and entertain it, I am, at the very least, presented with the satisfaction that honesty brings. This notion is what it comes down to: being in touch on a level that goes most easily ignored.

Expression is simple in theory, but in reality, like anything else, carries its own share of complexities. Even if the expressive actions themselves come without much effort, they still take along with them a chunk of personal spirit that is irreplaceable. For some, this spirit is understood to be regenerative. Others do not so easily part with this spirit. It is something kept close to the chest in fear of the unknown.

Comfort is an illusion. I say, do what feels right in accordance with your values (you don't have to listen to me). Most of us only get one ride in this rodeo. Numbers add up to nothing (Powderfinger). I try not to deliberately step on toes, but my feet are a little big, so naturally toes get in the way from time to time. I deal with it and move on. All we can do is keep ourselves in check. Another fear of mine is to wake up one morning and not recognize myself in the mirror. If I make it a daily task to see what's going on upstairs, the only surprises I'll get are the ones I can't help in the first place. As great as it is to escape from the familiar, you can never quite escape from yourself (ask me if you really need some examples). Might as well make it a cozy place to hang out.

It's really tough to do, and something I strive for everyday. Honk if you feel me.

Musica!

If the minutes/hours/days/weeks were compiled, I have no doubt in my mind the conclusions would show I have spent more time listening to music than I have devoted to any other single voluntary activity in my lifetime. If one looked even further, they would notice the music that has found its way to me ranges from all ends of the rhythm realm. Following, are some of the sounds I've been pumping into my head for the past short while:

I have loved reggae music for some time now. Everyone has their own opinions of reggae, but I've found that most people's exposure and experience with the music is very limited (Mr. Marley and various reggae/rock/pop outfits). I've spent days, maybe weeks, searching for and discovering reggae that never would've presented itself otherwise, educating myself about the culture and expanding my library in the process. Within the last 4 months, this exploration lead me to a whole new vein of related music. Afrobeat is a music born in Central Africa (Nigeria) during the 1970's, which blends traditional african sounds with sounds of jazz and funk. Aside from the incredibly difficult names, it's a music that speaks to me as strongly as any other I've ever fallen in love with. I urge everyone to give it a listen. Here are a few albums/examples of the reggae I love as well as the Afrobeat.

- Horace Andy is a Jamaican reggae artist with a classic sound and an amazing voice. "Something on My Mind" and "Riding for a Fall" are 2 of my favorites.

- Darker Than Blue is a compilation album of soul music made in Jamaica during the 1970's. The whole album is incredible, 2 goodies are "Ghetto Funk" and "Gypsy Woman".

- Nigeria 70 vol. 1 and Nigeria Special: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds and Nigerian Blues are my 2 favorite Afrobeat/Afrofunk compilations. If the covers alone don't sell you, listen to a couple of songs.

- The Indestructible Beat of the Soweto is a great compilation of South African township music (originally released in the mid 80's). Different from Afrobeat, but just as special. "Awungilobolele" by Udokotela Shange Namajaha (told you) is great. There is another song by the same artist "Sobabamba" that I enjoy more so listen to the sample on the album link page.

Now, taking a huge detour from the groove and funk of international sounds, comes an artist I've been listening to for a few years now, and a fair bit in the past couple of weeks.

Being a lover of word and thought, I've always been a sucker for the music of singer/songwriters whose lyrics oftentimes carry more weight than their melodies. Of all these artists, Townes Van Zandt has easily become a top contender in my book. Be Here to Love Me is a great documentary about his extraordinarily troubled life and times. He is a constant reminder that you can't take the peaks without the pitfalls. Life is an unavoidable blend of beauty and ugliness, happiness and despair. Impossible to understand, or even recognize, one without the other. Townes may be the most talented songwriter I have ever come across, as far as his ability to express this undeniable truth is concerned. "Tecumseh Valley", "Fare Thee Well, Miss Carousel" , "I'll be Here in the Morning", "Snake Mountain Blues", "Rake", and "Waitin' Around to Die" are a handful of my favorites.

Definitely watch the "Waitin' Around to Die" video, he is playing in his trailer home in Austin, TX. The old guy is his neighbor who's been a blacksmith his whole life. Immediately prior to this scene, the neighbor was making references to Townes about reforming his life, aware of all his talent and charisma. Its pretty touching and gives insight on the mindset of people who can't do much more than give up slowly (submitting to the pitfalls). Here is the longer version of the video which presents the whole picture.

Travel is a fluctuation of the soul, and through walking about the city, its not hard to see that this place has been dealt its own set of cards. The blending of my life and this new environment has made my ear gravitate towards this music because it fits, its beautiful, and it fills up all that space in my head.

Enjoy

Brief rundown of the trip so far

It has occurred to me I have yet to describe the experience so far. Since the 5th and final member of our group arrived today, it feels necessary now to do so. Here goes a highlight reel of what the past 21 days have held:

9/3-4 Days 1/2: Boarded my flight @ 10:30am, with a stopover in Atlanta. Managed to have 2 long, somewhat comfortable flights. Landed a good hour before Chew, Sean, and Smeal (3 of the 4 compadres). Upon their arrival we filled up a couple of taxis then made our way to the apartment.

Spent the next week exploring the neighborhood, meeting new friends, eating new places, cooking with the boys, laying low, doing my best to conserve funds (it's a marathon), and taking the occasional evening excursion. A bit hazy all in all, but whales o fun.

9/14 Day 12: This day is well documented due to the fact that I finally procured a functioning mobile device as well as a guitar.

9/16 Day 14: Enjoyed conversations with 2 new people (1 in English and 1 in my patented horribly broken Spanish/English) and took a nice long walk by myself initiated by a Subte (subway) breakdown. Bad weather came in the next day.

9/18-20 Days 16-18: Awoke very early Friday (8am) to more nasty weather, and in hope of retrieving my laptop from the hands of airport customs. Successful, I returned to the abode, took a nice nap, hit the town a little too hard, and spent the rest of the weekend in pain (forcing myself out of bed to watch football on Saturday).

9/21 Day 19: Unsuccessfully attempted to attend La Bomba de Tiempo, apparently a Monday night staple in the city consisting of a handful of ridiculous percussionists playing for 3 hours in the early evening (7-10pm). Needless to say, right up my alley. We still stood outside and listened while I salivated. Doing my best to restrain myself from grabbing any nearby object which I could use as a drum (my heart is broken, should've packed the djembe).

9/22 Day 20: More rain...

9/23 Yesterday: Visited Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA). Pretty coo museum with Latin American art ranging over the past 100 years. It consisted of 2 main floors, first floor was the main exhibit, top floor was an exhibition of works by Yente Prati (no idea) most of his works consisted of various geometric shapes and/or blank canvases containing 3 or 4 brush strokes. Somewhat disappointing for me, but thats the beauty of art.

9/24 Today: Woke up to one Matthew Ardoin (#5) entering my pitch black cave. He possessed the same energy we did 3 weeks ago when we arrived, although I still woke up in a fairly foul mood. Working out did the trick and the 6 of us (our world-traveling pal Kyle included) ventured toward the elusive Chinatown (2 or 3 square blocks, exactly what you'd expect) in order to make Chew's wildest dreams come alive. We had an excellent meal for an even better price, and then made our way back to where I'm sitting now.

Wanted to include some of the music I've been listening to while here, maybe tomorrow...

Pseudo-revelations I never should've forgotten after the first go-around

Travel is an adventure. In the rush of this adventure, there always seem to be previously understood notions, ideas, or items which initially go unaccounted for. These eventually return to the psyche as time unravels, events take place, mistakes are made, etc. Following are some personal examples of this common phenomenon from the last 2+ weeks.

-I love photos and intended on documenting this trip thus far, however, I have only taken one. I never take as many pictures as I tell myself I will. Never have I fulfilled my own expectations. Above is the only picture I have snapped in 19 days. It comes as no surprise to many who know me why I found this image appealing, but even I am shocked and saddened that after however many days of roaming the streets this is the only image I can claim. Granted, my camera is bulky and an easy target for any shady character looking for an easy payday. What else can I say? Me encanta.

-Alone time is very very necessary, everyday. I am far away from everyone I know... except the 4 good friends who came all this way with me. Like I said, these are good friends, but knowing myself as I do (I can't even spend a few days with my dog without feeling the need to break away) alone time is a must. I typically start off the day with a nice workout in the crate-sized room that is our resident gymnasio, and I fill out the rest of my designated solitude with drawing, writing, listening to music, reading, or attempting to teach myself the guitar. Spending quality productive time by myself is something I never did at home. It seems much easier to to take time for myself down here, and that is fine by me.

-I am a clean freak, at least when compared to the people I'm living with. This was the case through most of college as well, however I lived at home for the past year and forgot all about the dish-washing, floor-sweeping, counter-wiping pansy that I am. Those who took care of me throughout my upbringing will deny this until the day they die, but its true. I can't stand it when common areas are left unkempt. Its somewhat obsessive-compulsive, but I really can't do anything about it. Call me Maid Murph.

-It may be the American in me, but September comes around and find myself craving one thing... Football. I experienced this exact feeling 3 years ago when I was studying in Australia during the same time of the year, although NFL was much more accessible than it is here. So far I have not seen my beloved Vikings take a snap (other than grainy youtube highlights), but I know this is soon coming to an end. There is one bar (possibly 2) capable of broadcasting American Football here in Buenos Aires. Last weekend, I witnessed the much discussed Washington upset over USC, as well as a few other college games. One thing is on for sure: Vikings (with #4) vs. Packers Monday Night Football, October 5th. If you need to find me, I will most definitely be in that little bar with my Adrian Peterson jersey, shouting and cursing and praying that my own horned heroes don't let me down (fat chance).

-Large quantities of alcohol + Unfamiliar people/places = No beuno. I spent my entire college career (4 years of unfamiliar people/places) a drunken mess, often leaving a trail of disaster and/or embarrassment behind me, and it happened to be, more often than not, perfectly acceptable. It was a specific time and place, and I did a great job toning it down the year post-graduation, mostly. Nevertheless, the urge to drink until I don't know left from right returned upon touching down Argenintaway. Not proud to say, I have fallen short of my self-imposed expectations more than once so far (surprised?), but life is life and you can only try to not make the same mistake three or four times. At least I make it home each night safely without missing any valuables or appendages (one and the same). Aside from saying whatever I want here, this page gives me an opportunity to be honest and keep myself accountable (so that's what I'm doin).

-I miss my family more than anticipated. Of course, a factor in moving halfway across the world was to get some serious time and space away from my family for a greater sense of personal growth and identity development, but they enter my thoughts constantly. Its not a problem, especially when I've done my best to be there for everyone I love over the past 23 years. Leaving brings on a sense of guilt, possibly because my biggest fear in life is not being there if something terrible were to happen. Only natural, but needs to get handled. Still, it surprises me how much time I spend thinking about how they're doing or what their days entail.

-Spending time away from familiarity is overall, very peaceful. Traveling is a stressful practice, especially when you don't know what you're doing, where you're going, or what you think you may be saying. This trip has held its share of stressful moments, but there are numerous instances everyday where I find myself taking a breath, looking around, and appreciating the fact that I'm not where I've been forever doing what I've always done. It is a serene, wonderful, and beautiful thing. My life thus far has been full of ups and downs, ins and outs, and for once I sense the illusion of balance. From my experience, I should immediately bottle this up and try to preserve it forever (definitely not possible).

This being my 3rd, lamest, and most heartfelt post yet, I will leave you with some words I came across on my travels through Southeast Asia last January that I make a point to live by (unsuccessfully):

Yesterday is a memory. Tomorrow is the unknown. Now is the knowing.

Soak that up...

Working Title

First off, I am going to continue writing this as if I have a packed house audience focused on my every word. If this bothers you, then I hope you enjoy being bothered (eSmealio, as of now I'm pretty sure you're the only person who even knows this exists, and I know you LOVE to be bothered).

Alright, you may be asking yourself, what does a dead actor and a disney character (I'm well aware of her actual existence some 400 odd years ago) have to do with me: a boy named Ellery? Although I may be somehow related to both of these people, (I'm not, I don't think, 97% sure) I also happen to love a song (<-click there), among many others, by one Neil Young which contains the very lyric my title is in reference to. I guess I'm not creative enough to come up with my own title (not true), but I figured it was a befitting enough nomenclature for the collective of my mind puke.

What it really symbolizes is the not-so-scripted nature of my existence and/or thought process. Just wanted to clear that up for those of you who were wondering (nobody...yet).

This Time

At this very moment, I am typing these words with no real intent on ever making any sense whatsoever, so if sense is what you are looking for, you've found the right place! This is apparently a place that may sooner or later embody what I become, in the meantime it will represent nothing at all. This means many things. First, it means absolutely nothing. Second, it means that my thoughts and feelings will pour onto the page from time to time. This itself carries its own implications, most important of which being the extreme possibility of unintelligent, intelligent, offensive, defensive, light-hearted, deep-seeded, or even food related ramblings (feel free to speak your mind as well, I embrace the open-door policy in life). Third, it means that I will most definitely be inserting things I find interesting, and this could be ANYTHING from music to movies to doves to daisies. Finally, it means that you may want to stay tuned-in, because who knows what's in store for us (me). In short, if this is truly a product of Ellery, then it is sure to be consistently inconsistent.

Sooo, here we are, or I am, sitting in the Buenos Aires' apartment that is now temporarily home. Its a nice place by any standards: walls, floors, ceilings, doors, etc. Happens to contain various articles of padded furniture, electrical fixtures, and even a rain stick for the quiet times. This is the 18th day of my stay in this fine Capital Federal. I only reacquired my computer from the airport 5 days ago, so it took me just about 5 days to start what I told myself I'd start 18 days ago. Unfortunately for that plan, my computer fell under the weather 2 days before my departure, making it impossible for me to bring it with me. So while I was getting acclimated to the city's ways and sayings, my computer was getting shipped back and forth between states, countries, and continents before it finally arrived here fully functional and ready for my sweet embrace. And here we are (I am).

Maybe I'll fill in the blank that is the last 2.5 weeks soon, maybe not, but there will be something. I can promise you that.

PS- this is a link to my buddy/roommate Alex's blog with some pics of our apt as well as some descriptions of whats been goin downn