HOUSE HUNTING

We have been nosing around for a house as we have absolutely outgrown our townhouse which is under 1000 square feet. My music gear is strewn everywhere and I don't have a dedicated studio space per se. Closet space is just overflowing and we are quite hemmed in. I believe it's time, if we can find a nice place with enough room at a reasonable price. Real estate in Myrtle Beach has gone nuts, and if we don't act soon we'll be locked out of the market at our income level.

MIXING

I have spent the afternoon mixing Famous Last Words. It's a tedious process but it's coming along. Just me and the cats around the house today. I have decided to record a few more songs before I commit to track selection on the CD. I am not playing out at the moment which gives me the freedom to create at this time with no worries. The music will tell me when it's ready.

Cell phone post.

SMOKERS AND DEPRESSION

This is interesting. Click on the title link. Oh man. I think all you cigar smokers are exempt unless you inhale compulsively like a fiend, in which case you are abusing the leaf and not in it for the flavor. This may just be anti-smoking propaganda, or it may be the case. Decide for yourselves objectively...as you enjoy a smoke or not. Or, just smoke pot (or nothing) and avoid this tobacco bullshit entirely. And brood about it! Besides, I'd rather get in a car with a stoner driving (if I must) Than a lush behind the wheel anytime. Actually, I would piss test anyone before I say, Baby You Can Drive My Car. Beep beep m beep beep hell yeah! Me? I'm only sleeping, but I'll take a chain-smoking London cabbie to a drunken friend in any scenario. If they are one in the same....get outta tha cab!
Besides, I'll take a Chateau Fuente over a Marlboro Light (or Bud Light or anything light) any day!

Got Tix!

I got tickets to the Dylan/Nelson show! I was going to get them online but there was, of course, a problem with the server. I took a chance and drove down to the box office and to my surprise I walked right up to a cashier window just like that! They had already worked the crowd down by 10:30! amazing. I had visions of a restless yet excited sea of humanity in front of me but not so.

Boy am I stoked. I have seen Dylan once before at the Greek Theatre in Hollywood. I was right up front and though I was pleased to be there the show was lackluster. It seemed Mr. Dylan didn't want to be there. Hey, I can dig it, but c'mon Bob, show a little enthusiasm. From what I understand the fire's back, as evidenced in his new Book Chronicles vol 1. He seems to be excited again and I truly hope that's the case.

I've never had the pleasure of seeing Willie before and I have missed him the few times he has played in the area.

These are two icons of mine and I'm thrilled.

BOB DYLAN/WILLIE NELSON COMING TO TOWN!

I can't believe what I found out the other day. Dylan and Willie Nelson are coming to town in June! They will be playing the Coastal Federal Field here in Myrtle Beach. Icons rarely used to pass through here but I guess things are changing. It's about bloody time! I tried to win tickets three times on two different radio stations, one rock, the other country (both owned by the same corporate giant of course) but crapped out.

I guess I'm gonna have to buy!

Audio Test

The Tyranny Of Self

I am so tired of the tyranny of self. It starts off innocently enough; simple wants and perhaps the desire for creature comforts, but ever so subtly it encroaches on more and more of the heart and crowds out any inclination for selflessness, until one is so bound up in one's own mean little cage, isolation and separateness become one's lot. But the cage is comfortable and oh so familiar. In time one forgets there was any life outside it at all.

wasteland

Snaking through a spiritual wasteland of broken dreams and promises, and disillusionment with things as they are.

Don't think that I'm a fool
if I don't believe the way you do
I just can't reconcile
what you take for granted
with what bears itself out
in my heart-life;
in what I have seen.

This endless struggle is wearing me thin

The big picture is there on the horizon, over that next hill.

It's wide, like letterbox; one struggles to take it all in.

Its majesty and scope are practically incomprehensible unless we back up off of it and observe it from a distance.

Outside the realm of selfish ambition is a pleasant place where freedon dwells, but in my self-absorbtion I don't see it very well.

God help my unbelief.

Now I've Seen It All

Ok, now I've seen it all. Limited edition celebrity ketchup?
Gimme a break!
Here's one to consider,
A special John Kerry loser's edition!

or,

A George W. Bush deficit maker's special edition, with proceeds going to build more bombs for a war we didn't need, and obviously can't afford.

Roger in da house!

My twin brother Roger was here for a couple days and we had a great time playing music and discussing the possibilities of a musical reunion. The man rocks and it would be very cool to be doing music with him again. My brother can play the piano like nobody's business! I look forward to continue dialog with him when he gets back from a business trip to Los Angeles. If he moves to Myrtle Beach and we team up it would be awesome.

18th Anniversary!

Today Betsy and I celebrate our 18th anniversary. Man. The years just tripped on by but it has been a wonderful journey so far. Betsy, Katie and I are going to dinner at Miyabi, our favorite Japanese steakhouse. Yum! I have been blessed beyond measure.

JOHN PAUL II HAS DIED

John Paul II has died. Gone on to his reward. My prayers are with him among the prayers of the faithful.