Just find a state where everything’s passing by
Today is our last day in Sweden. We’ll jet off into the dark western sky for another hop over the North Sea. After landing in Heathrow we’re in for what is bound to be a harried race across London to Gatwick Airport - with slightly more luggage than we arrived in Sweden with ten days ago. Assuming that we manage that little jaunt we’ll be headed west again. And south as well this time, to the Sunshine State.
Florida, Florida, Florida - the most soporific of states. There’s a scene in the movie “Primary Colors” when Libby & Henry are driving to Miami to dig up some dirt on Jack Stanton’s new opposition. It’s wonderfully filmed, with the hazy muted colors that are so characteristic of Florida. It is the dialogue, however, that really nails the state of the Sunshine State. Libby speaks with lackadaisical resignation:
“We are in limbo now, Henry.”
“We are outside the mainstream.”
“We are in purgatory.”
“We are lost.”
“Libby, lf you don’t shut up, I’m going to kill myself.”
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But we’re still an ocean or two away from anodyne sunshine. Sweden has been Sweden. I’ve spent more time in Sweden than any other European country and I still don’t really have a feel for the place. It’s a lot like Canada, but with more Volvos and disturbingly attractive people. Most of what I’ve learned on this trip is about myself. I’ve learned that I am nowhere near as patient as I am going to need to be to make it through this parenthood gig. I’ve learned that anything that I do not want hurled to the floor with astonishing speed needs to be kept well out of range of young Z. This includes - but is not limited to - iPods, breakfast, telephones, glasses of Coke, and handheld gaming consoles. I’ve learned that I will never be as entertaining to Zach as kids nearer to his own age. This is true even if they descend on him in a mad, screaming horde like the Vikings from which they are descended.
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One other thing I’ve learned about Sweden, is that they have some great music. I’ve been featuring Swedish musicians over at my music blog for the time in which we’ve been in country. There is an astonishing number of oustanding independent pop bands coming from this not particularly large country. So, they’re good looking and talented. The Swedes are the people I hated in school. Bastards.
Yesterday, I posted an interview with what has become my new favorite band, and the soundtrack for this post, Moonbabies. They are a duo, in life as well as music, from Malmö. The music on their lates LP, “Moonbabies at the Ballroom” is catchy pop with a sauntering, dreamy tempo. If you’re a “Grey’s Anatomy” fan, you may recognize the song I’ve posted below. There’s more of the same on the album which is available from 
and Amazon
Popularity: 45% [?]
Hope you all have good luck with the Heathrow connection!
RichM’s last blog post..Roo on map on stamp on stamp
11 Apr 2008 at 12:48 pm
“This is true even if they descend on him in a mad, screaming horde like the Vikings from which they are descended.”
I just sprayed my coffee all over the computer screen. Hee hee.
Enjoy Florida! Im jealous, Germany has turned cold again!
11 Apr 2008 at 1:08 pm
Living in Iowa, I can fully identify with the title of this post.
And welcome back to the good ol’ US of A!
11 Apr 2008 at 3:08 pm
Good looking and talented? Huh, who knew I was Swedish? lol
Best of luck with your travels, and I hope you have a great time in Florida.
Jessica K’s last blog post..Daydream Believer
11 Apr 2008 at 4:26 pm
I do not envy you the airport and in-flight ordeals you are about to experience. I can only offer my support and the reminder that all of this will make for great blogging. If it doesn’t kill you.
Not Afraid To Use It’s last blog post..Honey, I Shot the Dog
11 Apr 2008 at 5:04 pm
Hope you’re not flying American…. They’ve basically grounded all their planes for the last 4-5 days now. It’s worse than traveling over Thanksgiving.
12 Apr 2008 at 4:05 am
You are in limbo but young Zach clearly is not! Those photos made me dizzy. I do love a tot in motion, especially one as dashing as he. Zoooooom!
Maggie, dammit’s last blog post..spring fever, dammit!
12 Apr 2008 at 10:56 pm
In Aus, Queensland is called the Sunshine State and their self effacing motto?’Beautiful one day, perfect the next.’ *heave* Don’t know how that compares to Florida…..
have a great trip.
arizaphale’s last blog post..Attrition and Abrasion of the Soul
13 Apr 2008 at 1:22 am
Ah, Florida. Sunny, hazy, crazy.
Go ‘Noles!
Gypsy’s last blog post..Easy targets
14 Apr 2008 at 4:10 pm
Rich - thanks for the well wishes.
Sherrie - thanks for appreciating my viking joke!
NB - Iowa is the state where everything passes you by. Except in January every four years.
Jess - you never know, the Swedes got around back in the day.
NATUI _ didn’t kill me, but left me too jetlagged for much blogging. I’m just now beginning to feel sane again.
Tom - I avoid American and all the other U.S. airlines like the plague. Unfortunately our next flight (to L.A.) is American… joy.
Maggie - I love these photos, dizzying, but that’s the way it is with them.
Ariza - I know have a bad impression of Queensland - The Sunshine State…
Gypsy - You get points for not being a Gator fan. God I hate the Gators!
15 Apr 2008 at 4:03 pm