Annie Rhiannon

Friday, November 14, 2008

Cold light of day

I stayed an extra day in Nashville; not because I wanted to, particularly, but just because I was too fucked up to find a way out again. I have to stop drinking soon; it's been thirty-two days now on the road. The guys I got a ride here with flew back home this morning. You wanna see Ohio, Annie Oakley? No, not today. I want to get back to a State with a railway line. I'm in a railway state of mind.

Nashville looks different in the cold light of day. Emptier, probably. This afternoon I sat by myself in a bar watching a girl with a guitar sing about heartbreak and pain. I wanna do right, but not right now. I know. And I'll stop drinking tomorrow. On my first night here the town was hosting the Country Music Awards, so every bar had been packed with cowboys. Did I ever really expect to see so many stetsons in one place? They make men walk differently, y'know. I saw Shania Twain get out of a limo. She don't impress me much, I'd said to the boys.

I have to tell ya, I never had so much fun in my whole life than I did in Nashville with you, Austin had said, sombrely, before they left. We tore up the town, dint we Annie, we tore it right up. Yes, we did, we tore it right up. See how much fun I am, Austin? It's getting kind of old.

21 comments:

  1. Ah, the wonders of alcohol.

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  3. Bless, sounds like you need to chill out in a hot tub and then sleep for a day or two. Your adventures in the US have been the best reading in Blogland ever, muchas gracias.

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  4. Austin (the city) beckons. Go for a swim in Barton Springs; it will renew you.

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  5. "And I'll stop drinking tomorrow"

    I just love your blog so much Annie. When I grow up I want to be just like you.

    So what happened on your night out?

    Did Austin press you up against a pick-up truck?

    I need to know.

    Mary: Wine in Wales sounds great!

    EW

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  6. Everybody keeps telling me to go to Austin (the city). I want to go, really, but it looks a long way on the map and I'm running out of money fast. Also, I am stranded in Nashville for ANOTHER night now. Although now that I've had a good night's sleep I feel much better about that. I'm almost ready to tear up the town again.

    Aidan: you're so welcome and thank you for saying so.

    EW: I just woke up from having a dream about you! We were walking down the street and you were saying that it annoys you when people ask you if you and Dave speak Welsh to each other. Austin (the guy) was a fine man. He says he'll be working in Houston next week but a) everybody tells me Houston is crap, and b) I'm a cowboy so I have to keep moving on. I'll email you.

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  7. Anonymous14.11.08

    I like that you say you've had a good night's sleep and were dreaming about me! I must be a calming influence.

    Keep moving, stay still, go back, whatever - if you stick a 'plan' (as in 'the plan for this trip is to keep moving') then that instantly makes this whole thing lest spontaneous anyway! Plans are made for changing if you're Annie Rhiannon!

    EW

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  8. Anonymous14.11.08

    I meant, "less spontaneous"

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  9. The only problem is that I'm having real trouble changing my flight. And it leaves New York in 3 days time so it's out of the question really. Gah, websites.

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  10. Anonymous14.11.08

    Do you realise that everything you write on this thing makes you less and less employable with every passing day...? Get home and get a job before its too late. There is an ecomical crisis going on you know. 'Blogging' is fun but in the long run it can be very damaging....

    Thoughts??

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  11. This is great stuff. I'm really enjoying following you across America.

    (Not in the stalker sense though).

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  12. Tell 'anonymous' to tie a knot in his knickers!

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  13. Tip across to DC pre-NY perhaps? Stroll round Barack's new 'hood? It's not nearly as dull as people make out (not at all dull, in fact).

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  14. I changed my flight to leave DC at the end of november. I'm going to hook up with Devin (Hanger Queen) and Tara (DC De Facto) hopefully.

    Anon: SUCK IT UP

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  15. How sad that Annie's big US adventure is souring. But a drunken debauch has a tendency to do that. The late 80's were like that for me (at least what I remember).

    There are so many glorious things to see and do other than imbibing in adult beverages. Of course, THAT's a valid choice as well.

    {/sermon}

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  16. Who are these folks who don't spit on their own porches but are happy to go round the neighbours to empty their gobs?

    DC and Devin's a good move, Annie.

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  17. hmm... if mine is one of the gobs in question, I hope you don't take my pontificating in the wrong way. 'Tis not intended to be anything other than concern for you and your enjoyment.

    :(

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  18. As Aidan says, your US chronicles have been brilliant blogging - wry and atmospheric. It'll be a shame when you have to fly back.

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  19. Can I call you Jack?

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  20. 'I wanna do right, but not right now'

    That wasn't like THE Gillian Welch singing to you, was it? Cos I would just omigod die of jealousy!

    Best of luck, take care of yourself

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  21. Ha, no, it was some chick singing covers. I am looking out for Gillian everywhere though, believe me.

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