#stuart murdoch

Without exception, we all grow old and lose many things. Things change, we can do nothing about it.

But as we age, our appearance seems to decline, yet at the same time, our inner selves become fuller. So many wonderful experiences beautifully illuminate the path we have traveled. Even if it will end someday, our life's journey continues until then.

Dear my buddy, Hug. You and I are still alive.

So let's walk together on this our beloved Green Road. As long as possible.

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Dear my Tumblr's friends.

Sorry for not posting or contacting you for so long.

From May to June, Hug wasn't in the best of health, but on the days when she was feeling well, she was in a good mood and could enjoy long walks. However, now that July has come and the hot weather has continued day after day, she has lost her energy again. Then in August, she developed an acute inflammation accompanied by a high fever, and was temporarily in critical condition.

Fortunately, she recovered, but after extensive medical examination, it was discovered that Hug had a malignant disease. (This was very brutal results, as a regular health check-up in early spring had shown no problems…) And for several reasons, it seems unlikely that she will ever be cured completely, so she will have to live with this nasty disease.

Currently, her condition is very calm. And today, she has safely reached her 14th birthday, which brings me great emotion. Seeing her smile so broadly makes me really really happy and I can't help but express my heartfelt gratitude.

“It is not length of life, but depth of life.”

 -Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is a phrase I always hold dear, and DOGS live in the “NOW” without worrying about the future. While respecting such dog's way and dignity, I continue to stay close Hug's life.

Happy birthday, Hug!

You keep a smile on your face no matter what the situation.

I am always saved by you, my sweet dear❤️

大変ご無沙汰しております。

春先以降もハグの体調があまり芳しくなく、長らくTumblr活動をお休みしてしまいました。８月には高熱を伴う急性の炎症を起こし、一時は危ない状態にまで陥ったハグですが、回復したのちに不調の原因を探るため色々な検査をしたところ悪性の疾患に罹っていることが判明しました。春に受けた定期健康診断では特に問題がなかったので、それはとても残酷な結果であり、またいくつかの理由から完治のためのハードルが高く、今後はその厄介で忌まわしい病と折り合いをつけながら暮らしてゆくことになります。

幸い、現在は落ち着いた状態を保てており、本日無事に14歳の誕生日を迎えられたことを心からうれしく感じています。どんなときも絶やすことなく僕に向けてくれる彼女の笑顔は本当に宝物でしかありません。

この先は、いつまた身体の変化が悪い方に転んでしまうのか明確には予想がつかないものの、14歳の一年はきっと大きな試練が待ち受ける年になるでしょう。しかし元々イヌの〈犬生〉が短いことは自明であって、だからこそ僕が常々大切にしてきたのは“どのくらい生きるか”ではなく“どのように生きるか”、すなわち犬生の「長さ」ではなく「深さ」なので、今後もその考えを更に強く胸に抱きながら、ハグとともに僕らの愛するグリーン・ロードを一歩一歩踏みしめつつ、「いま」「この瞬間」を楽しみ、ひたすら歩いてゆくだけです。

i love my room, i'm getting used to sleeping

sometimes i really like to lie awake

and how'd you get my number?

... well why dont you guide me?

you be the driver."

Belle and Sebastian's debut album was released on 6 June 1996, with only 1,000 copies (it was re-released in 1999).

Stuart Murdoch and bassist Stuart David met in 1994 through Glasgow's program to help unemployed musicians (funded by Stow College) and in 1996 enlisted guitarist Stevie Jackson, drummer Richard Colburn, keyboardist Chris Geddes, and cellist Isobel Campbell. All of the musicians had not played together until they entered the studio to record the album, which they did in 3 days.

This was my 9th time seeing Glasgow, Scotland's chamber pop band Belle & Sebastian (and I've seen them in 6 different states). They're one of my all-time favorites, and I did not want to miss their Miami show. Leader/singer/occasional guitarist Stuart Murdoch was in extra good spirits this night (he usually is), as was the rest of the band (guitarist Stevie Jackson looked quite dapper in his suit).  As always with their live shows, it was one for the ages.

On this tour, the 30th anniversary show, they were doing two nights in most cities, doing their debut Tigermilk on one night and then If You're Feeling Sinister on the next night. In Miami, they only did one night, ...Sinister, but I wasn't going to complain.

They played ..Sinister from beginning 'til end and it was pure joy to hear classics like "Seeing Other People," "Me and the Major" (with Stevie Jackson blowing a mean harmonica), "Get Me Away From Here I'm Dying" and "Judy and the Dream of Horses" (see the pic below of Stuart with the horse head on during this one) to name but a few (there's but honestly not a band song on the record, in fact, most are classics). 

They then came back out and did a sort of greatest hits/requests set and we got to hear "Dog on Wheels" (real early single), "I'm a Cuckoo," "The Boy with the Arab Strap' (always a fan favorite), and ended it with a gorgeous rendition of "Sleep the Clock Around" (another one of my all-time faves). 

....but it didn't end there. 

They came out for two more "Piazza New York Catcher" and "Funny Little Frog" before bidding adieu to the very appreciative Miami crowd. This bunch never puts on a bad show. They didn't when I first saw them in 2001, and they didn't on this night. 

Do not miss this band, ever.