Rob Sheffield's book is part memoir, part pop culture non-fiction. While the memoir part (Sheffield writes about his relationship with his wife and her unexpected death) touched me, much more than I expected it would, it was the pop culture, mix tape part that really, truly spoke to me. All those mix tapes! Many made, many received. Wow. The musical memories that this book brings back. But not just those formed around mix tapes. I remember whole albums that defined certain periods in my life; those that intensified specific moments or emotions. Certain singles, too, have had the same effect. Wow, again. That music has always been important in my life is entirely unquestionable. That I never realized how intertwined it is to my memories is surprising. Who knew that my life had a soundtrack! I'm not sure how this book ended up on my must-read list and why, once it did, it was ordered immediately. But I'm so glad that it did.
A few years ago, our friends Dona and Paul took a rustic vacation to a little place called Rock Eddy Bluff Farm which is located near Dixon, MO along the Gasconade River. After they talked so positively about the time that they spent there, I'd always wanted to go. We finally got the chance last weekend and we had a wonderful time! We rented Turkey Ridge Cottage, an intimately roomy three bedroom cabin with most of the modern conveniences except TV (actually, there is one in one of the bedrooms but it's mostly a DVD player for the kids). Oh, and Turkey Ridge has no internet access! Admittedly, I have a cell phone with a data plan so my email, news, and Facebook was never too far away :) But, really, you don't need to be plugged in while you're here. It's beautiful. It's peaceful. It's isolated. It begs you to relax and cleanse your body and soul. I highly recommend going. In fact, I know that we'll go back again this winter. I'm sure that it will be even lovelier. For those of you that might an even more rustic experience, like our friends Dona and Paul, you can rent one of two cabins that are much more primitive and off the grid. Your choice. Either way, just go. You won't regret it.
