“A Rose, Revisited”

c. 2010 Rod Ice
All rights reserved
(11-10)





Late last year, I wrote about Geauga County resident Christy Hoefler and her startup business, ‘Soul Of The Rose.’ Her intention was to offer a unique variety of products, including cosmetic-makeup & jewelry cases. Each item carried a bit of Rock & Roll flair, as interpreted by this unique local designer.

I pondered over her online catalog with much interest. Eventually, I wrote a ‘soul’ essay that took inspiration from her work.

More recently, I enjoyed a random encounter with Christy in Chardon, while shopping for household goods. It was a happy coincidence that once again unleashed my curiosity.

With the holiday season approaching, I asked about her progress. She mentioned a new line of ‘mini’ cases, and showed me her personal iPhone cover, one that carried a familiar Union Jack design.

I flashed on mental pictures of The Who, and Pete Townshend performing a windmill guitar strum. The item made me smile.

Later that day, I revisited Christy’s website. I had expected to be dazzled by slick new product photos. But beyond those images, the descriptions that were included had me wide-eyed and eager for more creative prose:


Brit Baby Guitar Case

“LET IT ROCK UK STYLE! Only from Soul of the Rose would accessories get this Haute! Chic rock couture style handcrafted case with a generous amount of space to hold all your essentials. Constructed of black faux patent with a Union Jack design sewn on top. Jeweled elements and complimented with the Soul of the Rose logo medallion. Lined with gorgeous leopard lining with chromed Soul of the Rose Signature name plate.”


Peace Keeper

“Your Wish…Keeping The Peace - This sleek high gloss black and hot pink peace sign hand crafted case is so sharp! What a great way to show off your wish for peace and carry your stuff at the same time! This case is beautifully detailed with Soul Of The Rose’s signature charms and metal zipper on the exterior. The interior is lined with luxurious faux leopard fabric. There is plenty of room inside this tubular carryall for all kinds of essentials.”

Rockabilly Princess ‘Mini’

“High octane energy with your petal to the metal! Love struck all the way to finding your rock and roll Romeo! This hand crafted makeup, cosmetic or jewelry case will help get you there! Designed with LOVE in every detail. Lined in luxurious faux Zebra fabric complete with sewn in pouch, satin lipstick holders and heart shaped mirror. Go for it… Soul Of The Rose™ designed this makeup accessory case to make sure there was plenty of room in this baby for all your sweet necessities. A uniquely perfect gift for someone special!”

Electric Guitar Case

“Go for it - pick it up and play! This hot electric guitar makeup, cosmetic accessory or jewelry case will be center stage in your rock and roll band! Lined in luxurious leopard fabric with a sewn in pouch and hot pink satin covered lipstick holders, for added storage. This haute case is just screaming for your cosmetics or jewelry!”

Rebel

“WHAT SETS YOU FREE? Soul of the Rose Signature Series - Free to go wherever you roam! This hand crafted makeup and cosmetic accessory case will take you from daybreak to the midnight hour! This studded purse styled cosmetics case has a heart shaped mirror and two compartments to carry your can’t live with outs! Designed with ‘heavy metal details’ and chromatic embroidery. Perfect for gift giving! When you want more… Soul of the Rose delivers! Woo yeah little baby…more, more, more, more!”

Daydreamer

“Sweet Dreams… Lover of life, with an imagination that feels… that's you… Daydreamer… Love, Peace and Friendship Always… Soul Of The Rose. This sweet and simply beautiful hand crafted makeup, cosmetic or jewelry case is the perfect gift. Hand Made with Love and has our signature heart shaped mirror and beautiful purple velvet lining. Keep your dreams and treasures in our Daydreamer Guitar Case!”

Songbird ‘Mini’

Country Girl or City Girl! All things sweet and beautiful! This sweet and simply beautiful hand crafted makeup or jewelry case is perfect for that peaceful easy feeling. Perfect addition for your everyday makeup or jewelry collection, this case has our signature heart shaped mirror and beautiful turquoise blue soft crushed velvet line this case with a matching pouch and blue satin lipstick holders to keep all your beauty picks together.

The writing on Christy’s website was fun and energetic. A tip of the hat to ‘new age’ liberated wordsmithing.

My only regret was that SOTR had no ‘male-oriented’ line. I wondered about a 12-pack beer cooler made of black leather, with chrome studs. Or perhaps, bottle openers fashioned from leftover automobile parts?

These notions faded with the sunset.

Now, it was time to begin working on my next newspaper column!

Comments about Thoughts At Large may be sent to: icewritesforyou@gmail.com
Visit us at: www.thoughtsatlarge.com

“Retrophonic, Part Two.”

c. 2010 Rod Ice
All rights reserved
(10-10)




Readers of this column have heard much about my long-distance friendship with legendary guitarist Davie Allan. He achieved iconic status in the 1960’s because of recordings featured in rebellious cycle-film soundtracks. Yet this talented axeman has also remained active throughout the decades that have followed.

With each new recording, I have typically written down ‘first impressions’ from each song in real time, while listening.

What follows here are bits of prose inspired by Allan’s latest release:

RETROPHONIC 2: THE HOME DEMOS - First Impressions

1. DEAD END TOWN – Theme from an imaginary western. Played with a plectrum six-gun. It gets the job done. Dust on the wind, a new life begins. Boot heels click - the cowboy rides with a sorcerer’s trick.

2. EAST WIND – Ramblin’ and rumblin’ across the fretboard. The Fuzz King makes a lasso out of a guitar string. Words capture the moment. Hear the silent voice sing.

3. EVERYTIME I SEE YOU – A ballad sung softly. A fretboard fantasy carried on the breeze. An old heart delivers what young minds receive. Turn the stereo to ‘ten’ and you will believe.

4. SEE THE WAY – Tender riffs, sunrise over the cliffs. She walks out of the morning without warning. My heart is hers. And the love I feel is sure. Dance maiden, to my rhyming verse.

5. SHE’S MY WOMAN – A bluesy throwdown. A promise of things not yet begun. A bit of ELO? No one seems to know. That girl keeps me hangin’ on. All I’ve got left is this song.

6. WORLD OF YESTERDAY – A spoonful of truth. Take the melody in your ears and let it bear fruit. Watch the world turn. There’s a lesson to be learned.

7. DO YOU SEE WHAT YOU’RE DOING TO ME – You make me feel so fine, like the flavor-blush of a California wine. Like the tuneful pluck of an instrument keeping time. But there is more I desire. Got the need. I feel the fire.

8. GET AWAY FROM ME – Something young and new, like a jester with kazoo. A harlequin dance. C’mon wallflower, take a chance. Get away, seize the day. You won’t break my heart. It’s time for a second start. Listen to the song I play.

9. IT’S RIGHT ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE – Morning has broken. I’ve got words to be spoken. Have I said this before? My heart is on the floor. Gonna take my guitar and walk out the door.

10. LIKE SANDS THROUGH THE HOURGLASS – A drama played out against the cosmos. Twinkling stars cause a lump in my throat. I remember sweet sadness from another age. When young souls in denim bravely took the stage. A generation was inspired. Fuzz and reverb fueled the fire. But that was yesterday…

11. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE – Lift up your voice. You have a choice. Go forward with the fearless. His words ring true. Don’t fear the reaper. Don’t hide out like a midnight creeper. May the fuzz be with you!

12. MAYBE I’LL JUST MOVE ALONG – A day in the sun. Skin kissed by the bright essence of Sol in the sky. No need to wonder why. We are here, that is enough. Don’t make it rough. Tune up your guitar and slide away.

13. SHE’S MY GIRL – She’s my vision. My reason for strumming chords in the first position. No need to explain – her voice comes in the wind and her kisses in the rain. Now I’m feelin’ no pain.

14. THIS BURNING FLAME OF LOVE – A simple arc of light. It moves poets and painters with boldness and might. This is her secret. She wears it well. But don’t ask her to tell. Just cherish this fleeting moment in the spotlight.

15. A WONDROUS LOVE – My dreams of her live on, from dusk to dawn. She walks in sun and shadows. Her memory is pure. For a thousand years, her touch will endure.

16. LOS CABOS – Give your troubles a slip. Join me at the hideaway - it’s a place where the guitars play. Uncork the jug, and jam on a Spanish tune. C’mon drifter, there’s a place here for you.

17. FUNNY LITTLE EMPTY FEELIN’ – A twist in my belly. A tingle on my skin. They tell me I’m not over you. Can we do this again?

18. I’M GETTING TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT – Taking a fall. There’s something ringing in my head. Soaring free and wild, but my wings turn to lead. Forgive me if I say – my wanderlust has gone away. Could it be you’re the one? My ramblin’ days are done.

19. CRUEL WORLD – Feel the leather on my back. There’s more in my heart. I’m a cowboy careening through life. Know that from the start. Don’t try to change me. I’m a Ramone on the telephone. Better leave me alone.

20. EACH DAWN I DIE – As the morning awakens, my secret is told. I am nothing without you. The wind is so cold. Come again, please be my friend.

21. I KNOW ABOUT YOU – Your game is sweet. But look here, girl. I’m fast on my feet. I know what you are. A high-flying, love superstar. Do your dance, take a chance. It won’t get you far.

22. LONELY IS THE HUNTER – On the run, a guitar is my gun. Riding solo, but there’s a trophy to be won. Give me your heart. I’ll be gentle with the prize. Listen to my song. Look deep into my eyes.

23. RUN TO HER – Sunset in the sky. And I feel it in my soul. She smiles, sweetly. Now I lose all control.

24. SHE’LL COME BACK TO ME – Time is my friend. That girl will be here again. If I play my cards, and this old guitar, she will know it’s right. Gonna be here tonight. On the last train to Clarksville. I love her still.

25. THAT’S WHY I LOVE BEING WITH YOU – I love your smile. I love your laugh. I love the way you groove on Johnny Cash. Saddle up, girl. Lonely days are in the past.

26. YOU’RE GONNA CRY – It’s guaranteed. You’ll feel the need. One of these days, you’ll miss living at light-speed. That’s the day when you’ll say: ‘Come home cowboy. Pick a tune for me!’

27. I DIDN’T KNOW LOVE – Learning slowly about opening my heart. Be gentle, girl. This is where a new life starts. Take it easy with me. Don’t thrill me quick just to set me free.

28. OH BUDDY, WE MISS YOU SO – Ode to a yonder hero. A life lived too fast. But the legacy lingers. This mood hasn’t passed. Your spirit endures. Raise high the glass!

For more information, look at: www.davieallan.com.

Comments about Thoughts At Large may be sent to: icewritesforyou@gmail.com
Visit us at: www.thoughtsatlarge.com