1998

There's gonna be lots of 10th anniversaries this year and they're all under everybody's radars. It's what makes them special; to have a profound and personal love/understanding for something that was overlooked or quickly forgotten. Those that did raise alarms, at least, are understood and respected; like the passing of my dearest friend. I was fortunate enough to savor what little time that we had left before he passed away, something that is not often afforded to most when dealing with death's fell swoop. And despite the imminent loss, those were exceptionally joyous days. Several albums came out that year that were also completely cast aside but I've treasured them since as the soundtrack of that year's summer/autumn seasons. 10 years later, demos and rareties leak as nostalgia and a renewed interest settles in, but I've been on the lookout ever since. It was one of those that came into my hands last year in September at the 9th anniversary (which was also a new chapter of drastic change), the song's lyrics had a litteral mention of my experience. I knew somehow, back in '98, that I was at a fortunate turning point in my life, unburdened by any responsibilites but also in a critical period to establish a role for myself in the years to come. These choices shaped the ten years that followed. Here I am again, in love, contemplating the next ten.

black and white glimpse of a personal painting for roma