A couple days ago I jumped on Facebook and saw that one of my Favorite artists Orla Gartland was going to be busking at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. I couldn't believe my luck! I always miss opportunities like these by a day early or a day late, but not this time.
Orla was every bit as amazing live as she is in her recordings and youtube videos. This is not common in all artists. I've seen many that sound much better on their albums than in person. Some hide behind reverb, or the several hundred takes it took to get the perfect one. But the body, texture and clarity of her voice was so distinct not even a barking dog in the park could cancel it out.
Cecilia loves listening to Orla. In fact Orla was the first song I ever heard her sing in it's entirety (well that is until the Frozen soundtrack came out). She has her latest EP on her playtime playlist. I've caught her singing in her room to "Roots" as loud as she can but just as I start to record her she catches me and begins to act all goofy. Little bugger.
It was wonderful the way Orla interacted with her fans. She stood and greeted each one, even if they arrived late. She answered questions, took requests, and was extremely accessible. Cecilia was tickled when Orla gave her a high five. It was the topic of conversation just as soon as we got home.
What made the experience at Hippie Hill all the more memorable was the company we enjoyed while there. We met some new friends, and reconnected with some old ones. About a year ago we met the kindest family while playing at a park in Petaluma. Cecilia played with their little one for only a short while, but they all left lasting impressions on our hearts. We exchanged information and hoped one day we would get to see one another again. A year later and the girls picked up right where they left off.
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| These two could not be more alike even if they tried |
While the girls played the Mommies visited over the picnic lunch. Our relationship seems to mirror that of our little ones. We have so many similarities it's uncanny. Overall it was just an enchanting afternoon and extremely therapeutic.
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| Little One. Isn't she Stunning!! |
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| Don't let the girlie exterior fool you, these girls know how to have fun. Only thing that would have made the day More Epic would have been Muddy Puddles! |
Living the coastie life you can start to loose faith in friendship, and the possibility of making them long lasting. Today strengthened that faith, and the kindness of strangers.
