Appearances can be decieving

I've talked a little bit about my day job. I work at a little coffeehouse in an equally as little town. Also like the town the Mill House is full of personality. And lately we've really taken big leaps forward as far as progression. One of the many things I was brought on to helm was planning, booking and executing a live music series. (hello dream job anyone?) I've had SO.MUCH.FUN doing this. This past friday we had this incredibly talent group of kids come in. Halfway through their show the town drunk (sorry folks there really is no other term he's known by) stumbled in to try and sell some nasty velvet horse tapestry. (don't ask) This guy, is known for being quite mean (I've seen it) He's incredibly nasty, rude and arrogant. He also has a horrible drug and alcohol problem. Almost immediately upon moving here you are guarrenteed a Ralph experience and learn about his ways rather quickly.

Suddenly I see him approach these kids and reach for their guitar. Keep in mind they range in ages from 15-17 so the mother bear in me kicks in and I run over to escort him out. But the kids are cool with it. They don't mind him playing. And let me tell you something, what happened next was nothing short of magic. Even gacked out of his head he still knocked my socks off with his talent. What has really stuck with me, was that I was witness to something that was truly special to those kids. That show, at my coffeehouse, will be the setting for a story they tell for years to come. I feel very honored that the fates aligned so that night.


And now...I look at Ralph in a whole new light...don't get me wrong I still know what's up. But now I know there's something much deeper there and I feel a bit of shame for assuming that he was just some asshole junkie. He is, but he's a TALENTED asshole junkie.

The quality isn't the best and I didn't capture the best song he did. With that said, I think you'll agree that there was something in the air at the Mill House this past Friday.