flicker and fail

Contrary to what the sign says, I was at the Chicago theater for Laura Marling. Florence and the Machine just happened to be there. I got down to the theater quite early, hoping I could spot Ms. Marling, but then I decided I didn't want that to happen, because in all honesty, I wouldn't be able to speak. I'd probably just stand there and cry. So then I decided I needed to write her a letter instead (just because I'm like that) and went into Potbelly's to do so. They wouldn't let me borrow a pen, which was upsetting because I could see a pen just sitting there, waiting to be used. So, I went out to locate a pen when I look across the street and I see her. Laura Marling.

I stopped dead in my tracks and immediately turned around. She was walking into the theater and I just couldn't restrain myself and yell out, "Excuse me? Laura?" Her friend, who I recognized as one of her band members, turns around and tells me that she's sorry, but they're late for a sound check. And in a winning move, I just blurt out, "I just want to say I love your music!" and Laura turns around, gives me a smile, and in her pleasant British accent says, "Thank you!" and disappeared into the theater. I was immediately filled with self-loathing, and one of the theater employees turns to me and says, "You know that's the opening act, right?"

I eventually found a pen in Dunkin Donuts (quality) and I wrote the most heartfelt thing I think I've ever written. I didn't even think of what I was writing, it was like my hand and brain had already written this a year ago, when I first started listening to her music. Before the show I walked to the stage door and an employee was walking out. I say, "Excuse me? Do you work the the theater? Because I would be eternally grateful if you could give this to Laura Marling for me." I hand him my letter that I was so proud of, and he just looks at me, "A napkin? You want me to give her a napkin?" "It's absurd, I know. But I just want her to have that." He gives me a long look and says, "I'll make sure she gets it." and turns around to walk back in the theater. Good to know there are nice people in this city.

That being said, the concert was amazing. Laura was amazing, duh, and Florence is just such a performer, there was no way to not be entertained. She was pretty cute too, spinning in circles while singing and even pointed out a couple who was making out in the balcony, "Those two were kissing the entire time during one of my songs! That's awesome!"