Julia Marino: Retrospective Dos
When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine
One thing you will most likely never find in any town north of the Ohio River is a flower-man. Knoxville has a flower man, also known as Taylor. Not one night out on the town in either Market Square or Old City will go without the pleasant whiff of Taylor’s bouquet of roses. His roses come in all colors, scents and sizes and wander around prettily throughout the night as romantics and drunks alike purchase them.
Even towns that have a “flower man,” are not experiencing the same special openness, wisdom and essential friendship that can be found by knowing Taylor the flower man. Nights out since I’ve left Knoxville are not the same.
I’ve wondered many times what Knoxville is like through Taylor’s eyes, simply because he sees everything. He has witnessed virtually every nightly courtship, brawl and performance. I can’t even imagine the simple wisdom that might come from such intense observation.
I once asked Taylor if I could take a picture with him, and he politically declined due to philosophical and religious beliefs. I’m sure years of witnessing inebriated photograph taking might have added to this doctrine. And as I continued to see Taylor on visiting the World Grotto and the Pub and everywhere else downtown for that matter, I realized that he is like an ocean. No thought is too deep for his mind, no stretch of the imagination too wide. Poseidon would be proud.
When the stars make you drool just like a pasta fagiole
Oh how the blues transforms a person. I heard a live blues band for the first time on my birthday at Sassy Ann’s Blues House. The reverberating harmonies of Jon Worley’s harmonica resonated like a thundering cloud on a clear day. The stage stormed into dance and at times, quiet admiration of the haunting, emotional ride the Cornbred Blues Band was undertaking.
photo by Amber Cornett
I felt truly bless to be surrounded by astonishing sounds and friendly people on my birthday this year. Little Vicki even made me one of her famous margaritas – a swirling blend of sugary lime and extra strong tequila. A few others were also celebrating the Birthday blues and stood around reminiscing about the music, the night and the passed year. We resumed dancing at the good ole’ Sassy Ann’s Blues House until our feet hurt and the harmonica slowly hummed silent. And that’s what’s Amore I decided in that moment– the feeling of happiness after hearing and dancing to truly inspiring music with new Tennessee friends. The blues is like a river, flowing the far corners of the Tennessee emotive beauty and prosperity.
When you dance down the street with a cloud at your feet
Well I’m back at school in Ohio now. Unfortunately there’s no flower man, or little blues to speak of. Instead we have a Spoon man, amazing college 80s-insspired rock, as well as some Appalachian folk music.
Part of me is excited to get back into the swing of things in Athens, especially with the redesigning of my other baby, speakeasymag.com. But 520 festivities will be replaced with studying for midterm exams and research papers. Cocktails at Sapphire will be replaced with Halloween block parties and the annoying yells from the frat house next door.
How refreshing it was playing in the deep end with the big kids.
But perhaps returning home after spending the summer in a city is just like getting out of the blue water. You feel like a whole new person, and the next time you take a dive in the ocean or river, you won't be found in the kiddy pool.
photo by Yoiryos
When you walk in a dream but you know you're not dreaming signore!
Perhaps my admiration for Knoxville's nightlife can also be displayed through a little slideshow I put together last month called "Out Tonight With..." It never made it on the site last month, but I think it represents at least some of the fun that can be had in Knoxvegas so check it out!
Click play to view a classic night in downtown Knoxville
Comments
We miss you Jules! Thanks for the great article. It captures the enthusiam and sincerity that we all love about you. Best wishes to you back in Ohio.
Posted by: Debra | September 25, 2006 12:08 PM