Band on the Diaper Run: Lone Stars
In Dallas, our two-year-old does her best Bob Dylan.
by Mates of State
May 10, 2007
Magnolia sang the whole time on the flight. We recently learned some Bob Dylan songs back home. She likes to change the words to "Blowin' in the Wind." Her version goes something like this: "How many roads must Rhue (our cat) walk down, before you can call her a cat . . . " It's the never-ending version. She can substitute in everyone she knows. And those are her favorite kind of songs, the ones where she can include every name she can think of in the lyrics. She sang loud. She sang proud. I think I could see some passengers' eyes rolling after ten minutes, but there was no way in hell I was going to tell her to stop singing. Because that would mean the whining and crying would start. I tried to teach her what "inside singing" should sound like. But, come on, she's seen us sing inside a number of times. And there is no whispering involved when we sing. So those people had to deal with a a helium version of Dylan for a portion of their plane ride. Big deal. We thought it was funny. We are annoying parents.
In Dallas, we stayed with a friend Jason grew up with. His family has a huge swing set, tons of toys, princess dress-up clothes, smoked food and a nice house. They also have a mini four-wheeler, which their kids actually ride it in their fenced-in backyard, with helmets. The best part, though, was the Texas heat: when we walked off the plane, it felt like we were going on a spring break vacation. You could even smell flowers.
The oldest child 
Magnolia hanging with her new Dallas friends. there took Magnolia under her wing and they pretended to be sisters the whole weekend. The little boy, who changed his clothes every five minutes, drank syrup from the fridge and had more energy than anyone I'd ever met, filled Maggie's head with all sorts of new ideas. We really loved having her around two little ones, albeit a brother and sister who have night and day personalities. We debated adopting a six-year-old girl after spending the weekend there. I forgot that kids can go play in a totally different part of the house, while the adults sit around and talk. The idea of another child is starting to settle with me more now. However, touring with two kids? Impossible, I think. Although I know Kristen Hersch does it. And I know Low does it. But I wonder how hard it is.
Next time: We play our first acoustic show!
©2007 Mates of State and Nerve Media
About the Author
|
|
Related Articles
|
 |
Kori Gardner is the organ-playing half of the band Mates of State; her husband, Jason Hammel, plays drums. Known for their vocal harmonies and euphoric melodies, Mates of State has been described by critics as "unabashed joy", "honesty at its best", a "two piece with balls", and "a band that you must see live." Their daughter, Magnolia, was born in 2004 and started touring with the band at 10 weeks. Hear their latest album, Bring it Back, at www.matesofstate.com. |
|
|
-
by Mates of State
In Dallas, our two-year-old does her best Bob Dylan.
-
by Mates of State
From a packed concert hall to a sudden funeral, we keep singing.
-
by Mates of State
Magnolia magically transforms into "friendly airport kid."
-
by Mates of State
With our Seattle tour approaching, our daughter fights her binky addiction.
|
