The Eclectic Spider Web.

So I have to admit, I had my doubts.

There have been so many times when an a larger-than-life idea created a horribly stressful situation and I bite off more than I can chew. There were no other submitters besides those in Mr. Andy's classes and that definitely made me nervous.

What if nobody was going to come to the conference?

Or even to the CONCERT??


Let's not dwell on the old stresses. The conference as a whole was amazing. Those present were stimulated intellectually for the entirety of the event; well, I was anyway. First, the topic of the influence of rock-n-roll and music in general... then, to the Twilight madness... The most general idea discussed, though, was American consumers' hunger for culture-free popular culture and the industries that feed them the hollowed-out crap that we see on TV and movies, hear on the radio, and read in books.

The presentation and discussions proved to be invigorating, and I was sad to know that there would be no more discussing =[ BUT! Andy Smith saved me by inviting Lauren and I to his table. Between Andy and Genie, Erin and Sierra, Alex and Austin and I, we had very involved conversations ranging from Harry Potter to His Dark Materials to the main aspects of religion, spirituality and belief. It was so amazing to hear different perspectives and share my own, and just know that there were college students interested in talking about something that possesses some substance, some depth. Ahh. I was even sad to break up that whole sub-event to go to the concert.

WHICH WAS STUPID! The bands were remarkable, and it was perfect to get a taste of real live and thriving art after discussing it all day. The energy of the Pursuits was contagious, but I couldn't really hear the lyrics of their songs, which turned me off. The music was good and strong, but I was searching for message. THIS IS LUKE BLEW ME AWAY! I wish I could express my excitement with out bouncing and squealing. I myself have always tended to gravitate away from Christian bands. I don't really know why... but anyway these guys expressed themselves. their love for what they do, and their love for God in a superior manner. Their songs were packed full of messages and the audience could sense their depth. As well as Cory Wheeler's heat waves emanating off of the stage. Oh. Em. Gee. I realize now why he is called the heartthrob of the Upper Cumberland. While the band was setting up, I introduced myself and told them that at the conference earlier, I presented my paper about classic rock. My final powerful musical blow in the paper was Don't Stop Believing. I said that I had seen their cover of it, and I asked if they could possibly play it (as long as it didn't screw up their set list.) Wheeler exclaimed an "oh yeah, it's definitely happening then! (Insert blinding smile)" and I squeeled and thanked them.

Now I feel like I'm doing a Backstreet Boys memoir lol.

I anticipated for the lead-in of my song and I almost peed myself when it finally came about.
Ahh.
Ok I'm getting WAY too into this. I have too much work to do to think about Cory Wheeler singing my request all night lol.


Overall, this was an experience I never would have had if Dr. Kurt Eisen didn't place me in Andy's class. I'm pretty sure the Universe really pushed this one lol. But I hope that Andy and I will continue to be friends through my time at Tech, and that I will have other awe-inspiring experiences like this one.

WOOT to the WOOT.
Kati