Some mornings, I transfer my musings to a local coffeehouse to be among other creatures of the day while I write and reflect, as an excuse to consume copious amounts of café noir – or vice-versa.  Yester-day as I sat among the variant chatter, toiling over my personal journal (that intimate dialogue with myself which I choose not to publicize), I noticed a French gentleman to whom I had been formerly introduced but had never spoken to at length.  In respect for his anonymity, I shall refer to him as ‘Monsieur Jacques Cartier’.  We two shook hands in mutual acknowledgement, and sat together for an energizing morning chat. 

It came to light that M. Cartier, who appeared to be in his sixties, had done no small amount of traveling in his days.  He carried about his aspect a particular aura of wisdom which can only be gleaned from empirical understandings.  He had a glowing intellect which was apparent even before he spake, but which traveled along his dialogue as though on a beam of light.  I listened intently as he described the wonders which his eyes had beheld.  We traveled together in discussion from the rainforests of Latin America to the great snow-banks of Canada, across mountains and fjords in Europe, over volcanoes in the South Pacific, into magnificent palaces in Asia, and through bustling Arab cities.  At each point along the path, a long-burning flame of desire within me was stoked, to eventually set all my senses ablaze!  I myself was an ardent traveler in my youth, though not to such a degree.  But, it was enough to establish an understanding that I am most contented when I am en route.  I have never tired of exploration, yea my passion for new cultures – the people, customs, art, music, architecture, and etcetera is only multiplied by their experience.  M. Cartier stood before me essentially no more alive than for having been around the world, but perhaps he had been around the world because he was more alive!  Nonetheless, I felt grateful for the gift of this interaction wherein I was immensely inspired to sail my ship out of this channel into an open sea where I might be unobstructed on all sides. 

I count this moment of awareness in-addition-to innumerable motivations to put my whole self into the making of our album.  There could not be more optimism on my part and by those who are set to be in attendance for next week-end’s sessions.  As I am currently in the midst of a dream come to life,  there is no cause to believe that I should wake up to any alternate reality now.  I therefore sail onward..

The Explorer,
Joseppi Hazelwood de l’Autre Monde