‘SUPERMENSCH’
11/17/18
12:47am Saturday Morning/Friday Night
I’m going to try to recapture the essence of my thoughts as I was driving North on Mopac-1 back to my condo from downtown Austin as Dave Brubeck’s ‘Take 5’ played through my Ford Focus’ stereo. I think a writer should prefer jazz over folk. Jazz is everywhere, chaotic. Like a mind in it’s purest form. It was only 5 minutes long but my mind was racing at a mile a minute and in order to attempt to catch it with words I pulled off at a 7-11 and ordered the tallest coffee they had. $2.15. A little pricey, but I’ll take it.
I was reflecting on the evening. I was ‘Sober Steve’ tonight. Photographer. Publicist. I began my evening at 8pm with an acoustic set of my friend Matt Schmidt at Hole in The Wall. Soulful singing with guitar chops for days. Headed from there to the Hen House to catch Nick Swift & friends playing a full-band jazzy, funky set. From there I went to Shiner Saloon and caught up with Benji Lamar, Matt MacDonald, & some friends jamming on Congress street. Took photos and documented each friend’s set.
I either said an Irish Goodbye (from my Mullarky blood) or made a French exit (from my Bushong blood) to many of my friends tonight. It’s nothing personal. I often don’t have time for proper goodbyes and hate the lingering feeling.
I feel very manic right now. But a controlled manic. Feels a bit like riding a horse (I’ve never rode a horse). I’ve always been the most creative in these manic states. I once read that Teddy Roosevelt had a somewhat manic energy that propelled him to write so many science books and be the overall badass that he was (my favorite president to this day, even though he tried to become a King or whatever). I think with some practice and meditation I can control my manic waves and become the Supermensch Nietzsche writes about. Supermensch. Word of the day.
I had a good day. Growth and productivity. I’m on a health kick. Lifted weights today. Pull-ups, bench, curls, rowing. Supplemented the exercise with bacon, eggs, and a protein shake. I feel strong. Mentally & physically. I’m taking a break from smoking of all substances and alcohol. It’s never too much of an issue for me according to my mom, but again, it’s not ideal and again, Supermensch.
I’m on a creative high. Riding that wave. Released two music videos over the past month. ‘Pop Cliches’ and ‘I Let You Down.’ I am very proud of the result but more proud of the fact that I finished them and can move on the next project. 5 music video by the end of the year. 40% of the way. 1.5 months to go.
Tonight I was sporting a Brixton train conductor hat ($10 thrift store), a 100% silk t shirt ($7 Goodwill), my famous J Crew wool jacket ($27 thrift store), American Eagle khakis (Christmas gift from my sister, Erin), and desert boots (~$70 department store). I feel very stylish. I paid for an expensive haircut yesterday and have a beard, and I feel and look good and healthy. I’m 27. Gotta soak up my youthful looks while I can, ya know?
I’m halfway through my coffee. 1:08am.
I had a thought as I walked from my car in East Austin to the Hen House. It was after I said ‘hello’ to a friend of mine who has a small business running a pop-up Photo Booth (AmurcaTX), and she invited me to join her for Thanksgiving after I mentioned I won’t be going back to Pennsylvania and had no plans of eating turkey. I was on my way to take photos of the band to chat with another old friend, Jeff, who I’d talked to briefly at the Hole in The Wall when he popped in for a minute. The thought was: I deeply love this city. I feel at home here. The quality and kindness of the people is unlike anywhere I’ve lived. And it’s affordable to live here, and warm (most of the time). I’m happy. I miss my mom every day but I’m doing my thing, carving my path. This is where I should be for now. It’s good to think that, now and again.
Anyways, that’s close to the essence of my thoughts during. ‘Take 5’ is a hell of a song. I love the drum solo. It’s so minimal. The dynamics. And the way everything falls back into place is amazing. I included it on my ‘Bill’s coffee and cigar jams’ playlist on ‘Bill Mullarky’ (follow me there too, 38 followers and counting [but who’s counting, right?]) and I think everyone is missing out if they have Spotify don’t let me DJ for them one day. Anyway, that’s the last of my self-promotion, I’m going to wash my dishes and take out the trash.
Goodnight.
Love,
-bill.
billmullarky.com
1:21am
