As a respite from the constant moaning that tends to make up most of my blogs, I thought it would be a pleasant change to talk about one of the more uplifting moments in my life.
A couple of days ago I went to The Downs Festival, an afternoon / evening music and community festival in Bristol.
Not quite as ‘community’ as the Bristol festivals of old used to be, and with a lot more rules, but the sun was shining, I was with my son and adopted family – long story for those out of the loop – and the crowds were smiling.
And it wasn’t a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ as far as everything that is wrong with this world. There was an area set aside for discussions about all that concerns, upsets, angers us.
But it was polite, and honest, and full sentences rather than sound bites. Nuance ruled!
And all were there, young activists from all sides, private individuals who just decided they COULD make a difference, varied and diverse groups all with the aim of making at least one small corner of the globe a better place.
With a smile. And a rap. Or a poem. And an occasional joke. And a few obscenities.
And on the two stages, music. A lot, I will admit, not within my particular orbit of first preference, but people danced, and smiled, and came together.
And from nowhere, I was approached by possibly the worst shirt in the world, and was asked for a selfie by the owner because I looked like his grandfather. Okay, save the jokes for later.
And my dear son decided that this was the best thing, ever. He made a sign, ‘Want a selfie with my dad?’. Without approaching anyone, people kept saying yes. When asked for a reason, and being told that it was purely for his amusement, they all agreed.
Total strangers, smiling with total strangers, for the amusement of one. Well, to be fair, the humour of it seemed to spread a little further, but the fundamental remained. To smile, to connect for a moment, is sufficient reason.
And the afternoon moved on, and the music – for me – improved. And I got to see a toddler, not yet 2, really getting her groove on. And later, her mother getting her own groove on, even though the night was getting a little chilly.
And I met the co-founder of ‘MakeVotesMatter’, who was young and modest, and made me feel very humble. And definitely is destined for great things.
And people came together to sing, and wave, and cheer a stage streaker who waltzed with the singer – briefly. And, with the extended chorus of the penultimate song I couldn’t sing because my vision was blurred by tears of simple happiness.
And a day came to an end, in the company of two of the best I know.
In a crowd of diversity, but all with the ability to come together and find happiness in the open air. And share simple pleasures, and hugs with strangers, and positivity for tomorrow.
And today is Monday, and reality bites hard. But the memory, and the memory of the promise of something better, is still there.
Groove On!!
cherokoffdotcom 