JAWing On – Life on Okinawa

Finally a free moment! As expected, Peaceful Love Rock Festival week was a constant challenge. We didn’t escape the second typhoon totally unscathed. All weekend, blankets of rain covered the island. Yet it didn’t seem to stop the determined fans who attended the concert. On Sunday, most of us ended-up with a wet bottom, at the least. And completely drenched at the worst. Fans were slip-sliding all over the outdoor stadium. On the good side, the rain kept the fire ants from attacking our feet this year. The bands bravely forged forward undaunted by the puddles that were accumulating on stage. Just as my husband’s band was three-fourths finished, the clouds began to break and the sky lightened. Unfortunately, his decision to have the failing veteran guitarist play did slightly slap him in the face, but it was survivable. I know it had to be difficult for him to risk his band’s reputation for the sake of allowing the guitarist to play what will probably be his last Peaceful Love gig. Although I didn’t agree with the decision, because the guitarist has continually shown total disregard for the band’s welfare. I understand and respect my husband for his choice…and life goes on!

When is enough, enough! For the past ten years my husband and the various drummers of his band have basically been carrying the lead guitarist. He once was one of the true naturally-talented guitarists around. Unfortunately, he can’t control his personal habits, mainly drinking. Year after year, the affects of his indulgences have increasingly disminished his musical capabilities. Four years ago, he ended-up in the hospital and was diagnosed with diabetes. Even this didn’t convince him to change his course. About one year ago, he fell off the stage and went into 4 seperate seizures. Once again, he continued on his deadly course. This year he has been in and out of the hospital twice already. Last night was his first night back since the latest stint in the hospital. He has finally reached a point where he can varily play one complete song. Still my husband refuses to even consider replacing him as the main guitarist, after all “old musician’s don’t die, they just fade away.” I understand that, maybe just maybe–with sugar on top–the guitarist might be able to return to some level of competency, if he is willing to put in a lot of practice time. But, there must be a point in a musician’s life when they, or their fellow band members, realize that it is time for the failing band member to step down. A time when the sentimentality has to give way to common sense. A time when each individual starts to take responsiblity for their own choices–if not for theirselves, for the good of the band and it’s fans. Tommorrow is the annual Okinawan Peaceful Love Rock Festival finale. My husband’s band will be one of the closing acts. The concert is being recorded in order to be aired on television and over the internet at later dates. All I can do is cross my fingers and hope that my husband’s decision doesn’t wind-up smacking him in the face! When is it time to put the horse out to pasture?

One of the good things about living on an island in the middle of nowhere is it teaches you to appreciate the little things in life. Take Kraft’s macaroni and cheese, for example. Coming from the states where every convenience is available at one’s fingertips, now-a-days that’s literally one’s computer mouse, many of you think finding this particular item is a no brainer. But over here, even in the 21st century, unless you have on-base commissary privileges, there is only one place where it can be found, sporadically. Some of you may think, well just have a friend buy it on base for you. But, I come from a time when friends don’t use friends, especially if it means the possibility of getting that friend in trouble. (Having someone buy commissary products for me could risk that person’s privileges.) But I digress. And even in the 21st century, the island lacks most other basics that make-up part of daily living stateside–wide-open roads, ample parking, a good zoo, amusement parks, decent camping sites, the theater (stage), big-name rock concerts (or big-name anything for that matter). So when I was finally able to find Kraft’s macaroni and cheese, I learned to savor the experience.