when i first heard LCD Soundsystem would no longer be together after their last show this saturday, i felt a little piece of me shut off. i have fond memories that i can directly link to their songs. i can place an entire summer that was set to their albums on repeat.

as much as i want to be in new york for the final show, i am super excited that pitchfork will be streaming the show live on the website. it reminds me of the last show the (original) Smashing Pumpkins played at metro. i wasn't there, but i sat in my bedroom that night, clutching the radio as they broadcast live.

farewell, old friend. i look forward to one last evening with you. and then i will wish you well and find something else to fill the void.

i took some time off to run away from the routine that is my life. i tucked away responsibilities i had to work, derby and winter and found myself on the beach in marco island, florida.

it was my first time there. we stayed in the condo that conor's parents owned that sat right on the beach. the sun was out every day and so were the residents—a league of retired citizens—who used to set alarms and put on shirts before stepping out the door. here, there was a new routine to live by. the only thing on the agenda was to make it outside, stay outside, and as the sun set, to call it a day.

the second night we were there we came out to the balcony to watch the sunset. little did we know that such a moment—one that we either didn't have time to watch or were stuck at our desks at work while it was happening—was part of life here. i looked around and found dozens of people on their balconies, ready to say goodnight. and as the sun began to sink into the glimmering ocean, an older gentleman began to play his trumpet. never had i seen such a tribute to something that i've always taken for granted.

sunset in marco island, florida from notalentbattle on Vimeo.

this trip brought to light a few things that i have forgotten and must now embrace. when i become old, move to the beach and turn my skin to leather, only then will i'll finally decide to share it with you.

april's poster features the manic attackers. good for them!

for example, take the ocean. you can stare out into it and say:

"i can handle this."

then you find yourself in it and say:

"yes, i can."

[if only the ocean could hear you.]

i've been doing my best to keep sunday free of work and derby. today's success: homemade bagels. BAGELS.

used this recipe, highly recommended.

a little reminder to myself to get back to my sewing machine.