Hodgepodge by Charlie Hodge – We are, after all, only human

Human beings tend to be a tad bit embarrassing, however we are also remarkably resilient and adaptive.

When my philosophical brain gets too much beer, herb or lofty thinking filtering through it, I often ponder how, based on our adaptability, it’s possible we’ve actually wandered this planet as a specie at least a time or three. There are many who suggest the world has turned itself over a few times (like an ocean or lake) due to one disaster or another, and that various flora and fauna have re-emerged in the rebound. Hence such mysteries and marvels as the pyramids, ancient civilizations with amazing technology, UFO’s, Yeti…

Regardless, there is no denying our propensity for the ability to adapt and move along – an apparent resilience allowing us to quickly forget the past.

In a heartbeat, so many of us have rebounded back from the lost year plus of COVID-19 without a blink. Tez and I enjoyed for our first ‘night out’ in a year and a half and boldly ventured into a pub, people, and music.

I was totally lost – like a fish out of water. I honestly felt awkward, slightly claustrophobic, and uncomfortable – though I faked it well. When Tez and I returned home I felt a tremendous sense of relief.

Turns out I was not alone. Tez felt the same way and so did another person I saw that night. However, we are now making plans for a trip out of town to see relatives, a dinner date, and a few other escapades.

How quickly we bounce back.

And what about Donald Trump? For two or three years the Orange One was easy fodder for columnists such as I to mock or rip apart. As a president he was a maniac nut bar that made the world very nervous. I am so thankful he was removed and shudder at the thought he might run again. However, look how quickly he simply disappeared from our purview.

Donald who?

Speaking of our night out, Tez and I thoroughly enjoyed Rann Barry’s Back Room Live show featuring Barry Mathers. As promised both played a number of original tunes, talked about the songs, and gave top shelf performances. Mathers’ vocals are amazing and improve with time. Remarkable songwriter.

Rann’s venue is odd but enjoyable and works for a series of small crowd shows each Sunday. Rann shares stage with selected musical friends. Other scheduled guests you will want to watch include:

  • Mike Jervis on July 25
  • Gary Smyth and Sean Bray perform Aug. 1
  • immy LeGuilloux set for Aug. 8\Rick Halisheff performs Aug. 15

For tickets go to The Ticket Link.

Finally, I would be remiss in not sending prayers and heartfelt wishes to the family and friends of the five people who died in the collapsed crane accident Monday. There are no words to capture the shock and broken hearts that such a scenario causes

This incident leaves so many wounded mentally, physically and emotionally. My prayers to all.

Previous articleMusicians Wanted! A chance to share the stage with with YUNGBLUD
Next articleCanadian singer-songwriter Sam Roberts on tour
Charlie Hodge is a best-selling author, writer, a current Kelowna City Councillor, and a Director on the Regional District of the Central Okanagan Board. He spent more than 25 years as a full-time newspaper journalist and has a diverse background in public relations, promotions, personal coaching, and strategic planning. A former managing editor, assistant editor, sports editor, entertainment editor, journalist, and photographer, Hodge also co-hosted a variety of radio talk shows and still writes a regular weekly newspaper column titled Hodge Podge, which he has crafted now for 41 years. His biography on Howie Meeker, titled Golly Gee It’s Me is a Canadian bestseller and his second book, Stop It There, Back It Up – 50 Years of the NHL garnered lots of attention from media and hockey fans alike. Charlie is currently working on a third hockey book, as well as a contracted historical/fiction novel. His creative promotional skills and strategic planning have been utilized for many years in the Canadian music industry, provincial, national, and international environmental fields, and municipal, provincial, and federal politics. Charlie is a skilled facilitator, a dynamic motivational speaker, and effective personal coach. His hobbies include gardening, canoeing, playing pool, and writing music. Charlie shares his Okanagan home with wife Teresa and five spoiled cats.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.