Running on Empty

My daughter and I went to see Jackson in Indianapolis in mid August, had great seats, saw a great show, and then I was lucky enough to get this picture of her meeting Jackson after the show.  It was a beautiful night, and those of us waiting were told that Jackson would not be stopping to talk, sign, or take pictures as they had a long drive that night, but we could take pictures as he walked to the bus if we wanted to wait. Jackson, however, came out and walked directly to the fans who were waiting, posing for pictures, signing autographs, and talking with the crowd.  I personally have always wondered just how many of those black shirts he owns, as every time I have seen him in concert in the past two years, as well as in many You Tube videos he is wearing the faithful black button down.  My daughter indulged me and asked him, while I was attempting to take the picture as my phone battery was "running on empty".  The answer is three.  I then suggested that since my daughter will be a college graduate in need of employment, maybe she could be hired to wash and iron those shirts for him.  He told us he was responsible for that task!

I have taken my daughter to see Jackson several times, and each time we have, what I feel is a magical time.  The music of Jackson is something she enjoys, she has always found magic in music, and the healing power in songs, and singing.  So at this time in our lives we can deeply connect through a trip to a Jackson Browne concert.  I cherish this trips, at a time when my daughter is heading off in her own direction as a young adult, these moments are priceless.

I titled this post Running on Empty, which Jackson has described as being written about a time in life where he was "chasing the dream", and then "living the dream" and wondering if this is what he was looking for after all.

Many an afternoon or evening I can be found either walking with my I pod, volume turned way up, listening to Jackson Browne songs, sometimes the same one over and over, as I absorb the words and meanings, as they apply to my life; or watching YouTube on my computer, and enjoying the variety of Jackson Browne videos available for my viewing pleasure. 

Today while walking, listening to "Looking Into You" on repeat, as well as a few other favorites, I realized how lucky I am.  Even when I am "Running on Empty" which has been fairly constant over the past year or so, I have a place to go to figure things out.  I go to the words and music of Jackson Browne, and I listen, really listen to the words and what he is saying, and somehow I can always find comfort and peace.

I realize that not everyone has a special "safe place", a place to put reality into perspective.  I feel really blessed to have found this place as a teenager, and still have it today.  I am particularly thankful that Jackson has continue to write songs, to provide wisdom and thought provoking material over the past 30 plus years to provide a consistency in my life, and that I have had the opportunity to meet him and see what a genuine human being he seems to be.  In a world where many seem to be out to get what they need for themselves, it is really inspiring to see that there are still people who care about what happens outside of their personal bubble.

My personal goal would be to eventually tell him the impact his work has had on my life, and thank him.  As well as to have my husband and son also have their picture taken with him, to complete the set! 

 

Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun
But I'm running behind

..............................................



Running on
You know I don't even know what I'm hoping to find
Running behind
Running into the sun but I'm running behind

 

 

At times I have thought that I was living my "dream", making a difference, changing someone else's life for the better, making an impact on the community in which I live; only to find that maybe it was a fantasy. 

 

Today I know that whatever I do, if I have honest intentions I can't go wrong.  When I don't know where I am "hoping to find", I can pop those head phones in my ears, and turn up the music, and soon I will feel at peace.