I'm a Primitive Girl

As a young teen, I learned a lot about boys, high school, and beauty by watching films like The Breakfast Club, Better Off Dead, and classic films like A Hard Day's Night. 

A Hard Day's Night was one of my favorites because it featured Ringo Starr, my first celebrity crush, but I never understood the passionate reactions the girls had to the Beatles -- the screaming, the crying, and the hysteria. Until last night. I finally had my Beatles experience last night at the M. Ward concert.

I've been an M.Ward fan since college, having first listened to him while working as a college DJ. At first, I liked his music, but I think I fell in love with his albums when I heard him interviewed on NPR. His songs capture an intelligence, kindness, and sensitivity that I began to project onto their creator.

Often, I find that concerts are a reality check: I finally get to hear and see the musician I've been listening to for months and sometimes years, only to realize that the person on the stage in front of me is nothing like I imagined him or her to be. I was expecting to have a similar reaction to M. Ward, so it surprised me when his comportment confirmed that he just may have the qualities that I projected on to him -- he appeared to be sensitive, intelligent, and funny...

and humble, 

and charismatic, 

and so very attractive.

Yes, I thought it, and I got ideas.

It was at that point, while I swaying to the sound, fighting the urge to rush the stage, that the giddy smile crept onto my face. And stayed there for the rest of the concert.

After the show, while the crowd thinned and people filed towards the door, I danced with Bridget and enjoyed the last few moments of bliss. While my reaction to seeing M. Ward perform embarrasses me, I'm also glad that I am a little goofy sometimes. Because goofy pairs well with awkward. And if I ever meet M. Ward, I guarantee you that the encounter will be awkward.