Album cover, “Hotel California” by the Eagles
The other day, Blake called and asked, “Dad, where should I stay on May 24th when I’m doing the Higher Path, We Need Rent Money 420 Tour in the Green Room in Sherman Oaks?”
“Blake, when I’m in the LA area, I recommend staying at the Hotel California. You’ll love it there.”
“Dad, why there?”
“Son, it’s the way they welcome you. Right from the start, when you get out of the car, the warm smell of colitas permeates your nostrils. It’s a lovely place, with a lovely face. At any time of the year, you can find plenty of rooms there. They actually do research on their guests before arrival. They know your tastes, your favorite music, foods and wine.
And when you get there, they announce your arrival by ringing the mission bell three times.”
“Why three times?”
“Because the number three is symbolic of success, creativity and passion.”
“Dad, that’s a classy touch.”
“And then a pretty blonde hostess greets you at the hotel doorway. She’s holding a lit yellow candle. She whispers, “Blake Laitner, award-winning movie director, welcome to the Hotel California.” Her soft voice melts your private parts. Her sexy body immediately makes you want to jump her bones. And as she escorts to you to your room, you walk down this long pink corridor, listening to the Eagles sing, “Welcome to the Hotel California, such a lovely place, with such a lovely face…”
“Blake, did you know that that 1976 song by Frey, Henley and Felder was awarded an Emmy. It’s regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. And it’s guitar coda was voted the best guitar solo of all time?”
“Dad, everybody knows that.”
“And when that song ends, the next tune up is the theme song from We Need Rent Money sung by Sampson Ray Simon and Megan Johns.”
“WOW! Now I get what you meant about them doing their homework. This pad sounds awesome.”
“Blake, there’s more. When you enter the courtyard, a projector posts your movie’s poster—the one where the guy in the black tee shirt taking a long drag on a joint. And when you turn on your TV, on the screen there’s a plug for We Need Rent Money being shown at the Greenroom on May 24th.
“Super WOW! I love it.”
“And in that courtyard, a bunch of pretty boys are dancing—some to remember and others to forget. Then this bell captain in full uniform—wearing a double-breasted jacket with silver and gray epaulets and shiny silver buttons—brings you a bottle of red wine. He says, “This wine is called, The Spirit of 1969.” And on the wine label, you’ll notice a version of the We Need Rent Money movie poster. The poster with Jason Lava’s, Sampson Ray Simon’s and Malakhai Schnell’s stoned laughing faces. The one where their eyes are dancing to the music.
“Dad, you’ve convinced me to book a room at the Hotel California. I can’t wait to get there.”
“But Blake, my successful, creative and passionate son, remember, at the Hotel California you are programmed to receive. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”
Remembering the lyrics, Blake cracked up and said, “Goodbye Dad. I love you.”
- Thumbs up.—Donna
- Thumbs up.—Joanne
- Thumbs up.—Joan
- Thumbs up.—Jan
- Thumbs up.—Howard
- Thumbs up.—Frank
- Thumbs up.—Blake
- Thumbs up.— Bobby
- Thumbs up.—Bonnie
- Thumbs up.—Jim
- Great story. —Marieanne
- Joan Hornbeck
- One of Paul’s favorite groups (Allman Bros. top the list!) The memories of he and I making jokes, singing this song, blasting it in the car for all those years…? Priceless to me. You did a great job on this Pally!!
- Perry, Thanks for sharing. Mort
- Thumbs up.—Joel
- Thumbs up.—Rosalyn
- Thumbs up.—Zeny
- Thumbs up.—Laurie
- Thumbs up.—Sandra
- Thumbs up.—Rita
- Thumbs up.—Edward
- Thumbs up.—Alan
- Nice.—Barbara
- Love it, Mort Too cool!—Ricki
- Thumbs up.—Gerri
- Thumbs up.—Johanna
- Thumbs up.—Jaz
- Thumbs up.—Jason
- Thumbs up.—Laurie
- Thumbs up.—Candice
- Thumbs up.—Aimee
- Thumbs up.—Edwin
- So clever and also so meaningful.—Aimee
- Thumbs up.—Marieanne
