We, The Beautiful, Talented, Artists.

There the three of us sat at a wobbly table in three mismatched chairs. slightly disturbing paintings on the wall, yet beautiful in their odd ways. My brother talked about the "babe" at Guitar Center (where we'd stopped off before the Den.) I talked about the "babe of a waiter" who was just a little too skinny, but he charmed me all the  more. We ate the grilled cheese, macaroni, potato wedges, and stale bread. A "Down Town Brown" brewsky on my brother's side of the table, water on the other. We feasted like peasants, we laughed like kings. The open mic was stormed by characters and talent. Turtle necks, too-tight pants, painted coats, aged comedy about the TSA, major talent in thick- rimmed glasses, a threesome of well rehearsed tunes, and the "white Jimmy Hendrix." We were satisfied. Here, in this humble hole-in-the-wall abode was our place. Content, relaxed, and enjoying even the stale bread. We listened to each other, we supported the out-of-tune, and we were content. My brother made a comment that "We all look like a bunch of hobos" and I felt warm in that moment. We all belonged in each other's company no matter how over sized the sweater or how woodsman-like the beard...this was here. Today I looked back and couldn't remember every detail of last night's adventure, but maybe that's okay. I basked in it last night, I soaked up the atmosphere, and I felt nearer to myself. Everything is okay in these moments. I feel sheltered in all the right ways in these moments. I sit without nervously bumping my knee up and down. Instead I tap my foot to the beat of new melodies. My favorite moment of the night was as we were getting out of my brother's car and he said "Love you guys. Thanks for coming with me." Thing is, i had asked him to take ME to the den. I had asked him to drive ME 30.99 miles to get there. and in my perpetual insecurities I figured he took me only out of being a very good brother. he is a very good brother, but he took me because he wanted to. my asking him to bring me only fueled his interest in the location. so, he thanked us for "coming with him" on the adventure to The Artist's Village. the place where i'm sure my heart is happiest. at least it is where is has been the most content thus far.