The Next Chapter

OK, I've been reading everyone and their mother's blogs for quite some time now.

Now I think I may have something to say. Really.

I'm kind of one of those people that lurks in the shadows and reads all the message boards, reads Twitter, reads, observes, and reads some more. But I recently decided to take the leap and jump on the bandwagon called Facebook, or as many affectionately call it, "FB". And..."Hello, my name is Hope, and I'm a Facebook-aholic."

So what is this thing called "Twitter"? I'm trying to take small sips and acquire a taste. Maybe someday it too will call me from the shadows and suck up all my time. Whatever happened to t.v. rotting our brains?

I'm finding that in the few days since my beloved band, BNL, separated from Steven Page, I need a new hobby. A hobby other than reading the latest BNL news or viewing the latest SDV photos. Or reading the latest rants and raves and mourning notes from fans. Of which I am one.

So, Blogger, meet Hope.

I was on that cruise. Thankfully. I personally saw the last bow of five Ladies. And I have to say, my gut told me then what I now know to be true. It was the last bow of five I would see.

I know bands can't last forever. This isn't the first Ladies member to leave the band. But I have only known BNL as they have existed in the last 11 years. I am mourning a huge loss.

But this isn't the end. Or at least that is what all the radio interviews and newspaper article are telling me. I think what I have to do is choose to ignore what Steve and Ed are saying. OR, believe them. It's my choice. I don't want to lose this very important vice in my life.

BNL has spurred on the teen inside of this 35+ year old body. Every one of the 26+ shows I have been to has given me sheer joy. The joy you feel when...I don't know when. It's unique joy. Enjoying BNL keeps me youthful. Their lyrics, energy and musical genius inspire me. Is there a greater gift?

And now I see my three year old showing signs of being as much as a BNL junkie as I am. Every time she sings "Raisins come from grapes, people come from apes, I come from CANADA!" a wave of joy ripples through me.

I haven't told her yet. I haven't told her that BNL is now...what...different? I guess that is what it is. BNL is turning the page. Starting a new chapter. I guess they are allowed that...aren't we all allowed that luxury? I know I've turned the page many times in my life. Steve is allowed that. Ed is allowed that. Kevin is allowed that. Ty is allowed that. Jim is allowed that. Right?

OK. I'm choosing to accept it. I have to. I have to accept this change if I want to continue soak up all the energy and continue to smile when I see those AWESOME words on the ticket confirmation, "Row A". It really doesn't get any better than "Row A" at a Ladies show.

So I'm choosing to click on the reading light, crack open the cover, thumb through the title page, flip through to chapter 21, and start reading. Thanks for the past 21 chapters Ladies. I axiously await the next chapter.

And to you, Steve, you will always be a Lady. Your next chapter is promising. I can't wait to crack the cover.