Journal Re-Copy and Pics 12-28-06

12-28-06

Jim woke up early with horrible stomach pains. Betsy made him a cup of tea and gave him a couple of Motrins. He went back to sleep and We went off with Mark Mulkeen to shop on Melrose and to eat lunch at the Hard Rock Café. We had a wonderful time. The girls did some serious shopping and had a blast. Later in the evening we rejoined Jim and we went up to Hollywood Boulevard and checked out The Chinese Theater and The area around there. We walked down the blvd. It was essentially the same, maybe a bit nicer I guess. Not quite as seedy, but almost.

Journal Re-Copy and Pics 12-27-06

We went to the Beachwood Café for breakfast and then we went up in to the Hollywood Hills to drive around. We stopped by my dad’s grave. We then went to Pasadena to look around old town, but it started raining, so we ended up at the Glendale Galleria. The girls shopped all afternoon. For dinner we went to a wonderful Thai Barbeque place off of Western Avenue. We stayed home this evening and watched a cool movie called Shine. It was pretty good.

We are looking at a week left in our stay here. I would like to maximize the rest of the visit, but I have to understand that this trip is really for Katie and Brittany. Betsy and I are on the same page on this.

I got this cool little USB powered gooseneck lamp for the laptop today. It illuminates the keyboard in dark rooms so the lights don’t have to be on.

I think I have a bit of jet lag. I’m inordinately tired, but we have been on the go all day every day.

Journal Re-Copy and Pics 12-26-06

12/26/2006

We had a very busy day today. We started out at the Grove/Farmer’s market. The girls went shopping and we had a snack there. I also had a chance to check out the Apple Store. We then moved down Beverly Blvd en route to Kitson on Robertson, when we realized Jim had picked up a screw in one of his tires. We were very close to the Beverly Center so we took the car to a tire store just up the road and walked to the mall. The girls had time to scour one floor of the mall while the tire was getting repaired. I went in to the Apple Store there as well. When the car was ready, we proceeded to Kitson, passing a place called the Ivy on the way. As the girls were shopping I strolled up to the Ivy and got a picture of Keanu Reeves getting into a black Porsche. There were tons of paparazzi lurking about, and when I saw them getting rousted I got my camera out. The shot’s a bit fuzzy, but I got it nevertheless.

We went to dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory. It was a long wait, but because of the long wait, we got most of our check comped. That was a nice plus. Apparently they were doing some training and the place was in disarray. The staff was nice though. They were slated to tear down the entire block that the restaurant is on, but because the building is a historic building, they were exempted from demolition and their lease was renewed for another two years. That’s good to know because I have always loved the place and I was afraid this was to be the last time I would have dined there. When I was growing up and later as a young adult I enjoyed many lovely dinners there.

More fun tomorrow.

12-25-06

Merry Christmas!

It’s a bright, clear and sunny morning in Hollywood, and we’re all getting ready to hit the town to have a look around.

We had a good day. We drove around a lot. We went up into Bel Air and UCLA. We ate lunch at Jerry’s Famous Deli in Westwood. We went down so Santa Monica pier. We had a snack later at the House of Pies on Vermont.

We saw the Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith and his son. We went to the new theaters by the Cinerama Dome. It's called Arclight. It’s now surrounded by stores and other theaters.

I like it out here very much. The weather was absolutely beautiful. The only thing that bums me out is the sadness of humanity and so many without homes.

Back Home

We're back home safely, thank God. Time to get into gear for the new year.
Here are some daily journal entries from our trip, with some more pics.










12-24-06

6:20 PST

We are safe and sound in Hollywood. The flight was long and turbulent, but we are here, and we are looking forward to having a wonderful time with Jim.

Betsy and I took a walk around our old neighborhood this evening. It was fun. Music was emanating from many houses as we passed by. All kinds of music.

After a good night’s sleep we’ll all be feeling fine.

Homeward Bound

We're heading back to Myrtle Beach this morning. As I write this it's 4:14 AM.
I have tone of pictures from this trip and some commentary as well. I'll post it up when I get home.

Scenery

Here are some shots I liked for one reason or the other....

Keanu Spotting

Here's a shot I got of Keanu Reeves getting in to his car at The Ivy. I happened to be walking by at the time, as the girls were having a shop at Kitson.

This area of Hollywood has always been too trendy for me, but what the hell. It's odd to see the paparazzi scramble. What a life. Check 'em out at the left of the picture.

Nice car, dude. I'll trade you my Ford Escort Wagon any day!

Betsy, Katie and Brittany

L.A.

Well, we've been in LA a couple days now, and it's been a good time. This trip is basically a Christmas gift for Katie, and a welcome getaway for us as a family. The girls are having a great time. The only downside personally is that I probably won't be able to see everyone I wanted to re-connect with due to time constraints. This is a family trip, not a personal trip, so I am taking into consideration that it really isn't about me this time around! Mind you, I'm certainly not complaining. We are having fun. It's been beautiful so far.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to all!
May the Spirit of Christ energize you and fill you with joy and hope today and always!

Off To Hollyweird

We're off to Hollywood early tomorrow morning. We're looking forward to hanging out with my buddy Jim Alden, and re-connecting with my old friends and stomping ground! Betsy, Katie and her bud Brittany are in on this fun time. Blog ya from there!

A Little Folly

Me and Me!

MBHS ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT

Katie and her Grandfather, my Father-in-Law Jim Cass.

Katie and her pal Ivana.

My neice Taylor (R), and her friend Tais.

MBHS ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT

Katie and Brittany. It was Brittany's 17th birthday last night.


Brittany and Katie jamming!

Katie, my wonderful daughter

Darkening Glasses

Darkening Glasses

Check out this insightful guy.
I like his post entitled

Unfamiliar Lessons from a Familiar Story

From Dictionary.com

lib·er·tine /ˈlɪbərˌtin, -tɪn/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[lib-er-teen, -tin] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun

1.	a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained, esp. a dissolute man; a profligate; rake.

2.	a freethinker in religious matters.

3.	a person freed from slavery in ancient Rome.

–adjective

4.	free of moral, esp. sexual, restraint; dissolute; licentious.

5.	freethinking in religious matters.

6.	Archaic. unrestrained; uncontrolled.

---

[Origin: 1350–1400; ME libertyn <>lībertīnus of a freedman (adj.), freedman (n.), equiv. to lībert(us) freedman (appar. by reanalysis of liber-tās liberty as libert-ās) + -īnus -ine¹]

—Synonyms 1. roué, debauchee, lecher, sensualist. 4. amoral, sensual, lascivious, lewd.

—Antonyms 1. prude.

/ˈlɪbərˌtin, -tɪn/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled

1.	a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained, esp. a dissolute man; a profligate; rake.

2.	a freethinker in religious matters.

3.	a person freed from slavery in ancient Rome.

–adjective

4.	free of moral, esp. sexual, restraint; dissolute; licentious.

5.	freethinking in religious matters.

6.	Archaic. unrestrained; uncontrolled.

---

[Origin: 1350–1400; ME libertyn <>lībertīnus of a freedman (adj.), freedman (n.), equiv. to lībert(us) freedman (appar. by reanalysis of liber-tās liberty as libert-ās) + -īnus -ine¹]

—Synonyms 1. roué, debauchee, lecher, sensualist. 4. amoral, sensual, lascivious, lewd.

—Antonyms 1. prude.

Mystery

Life is shrouded in mystery. That is what it always was. Yes, we have faith and yes, we have reason, but to deny this basic fact of mystery is to deny the universe itself. All too often I want to figure it all out, out of fear or out of stubborn self-reliance. But it is what it is. What I strive to do is embrace the unknown, not cringe from it. I want to step out into the wild frontier. My soul is out there. My calling is out there. Out of Ur. Into the newness of the wild frontiers of the heart. I seek not the charted path. I seek to find myself in that place that is yet to be discovered. Not so much externally, but deep inside. In the places I am afraid of within myself.

AWE

I am in awe of the wonders of creation. And we have been bestowed with the wonderful ability to create ourselves. It is a tremendous power. It is an incredible gift. It is a sobering responsibility. It's also a whole lot of fun!

Interesting Book

Check this most interesting book out. It's long (over 800 pages. I had to renew it like two times), but it's a fun read. It captures the times and the life of Andy Warhol from 1977 to his death in 1987. I never knew all that much about Warhol, and this book made him human to me. Just another beating heart in time. Like yours. Like mine.

Currently reading : The Andy Warhol Diaries By Andy Warhol Release date: By 01 January, 1991

Advent

Advent is a time of hope. A time of hopeful anticipation. A time of expectation. A time of enthusiastic breathlessness at the dawn of the Christ-Child. The Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah, wrapped in swaddling clothes. The one whose DNA is the imprint of eternity. The image of the invisible God on the sleeping infant's beautiful face. We as believers should bear a striking family resemblance. More often than not, I do not.

Remove this veil from my heart, Lord, that I might truly see you this season, and always.

I await your arrival, Lord Jesus.

Twisted Vista

There’s a guy across the way on the roof of his doublewide trailer. He is putting some kind of tar on the roof. He is standing right beside the old fashioned TV antenna that is leaning just a bit to the side. That old man is up on that roof quite a bit. It’s an old, broken down affair, his trailer. Apparently he is always one step ahead of disaster. I suppose doing maintenance on one of those old things is not unlike the upkeep of an old submarine. He is both the Swabbie and the Captain of his landlocked vessel. He is the king of his tin can. Tin can man.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

Currently reading : What Should I Do with My Life?: The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question By Po Bronson Release date: By 30 December, 2003

Some Nice Quotes

Grateful Words for Today

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.

- Maya Angelou

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.

-Philo of Alexandria

As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world -- that is the myth of the "atomic age" -- as in being able to remake ourselves.

-Mahatma Gandhi

From www.gratefulness.org
WORD FOR THE DAY

Goodnight, Ed

I just found out Ed Bradley died. I have to say I'm shocked. I always liked Ed. God bless you Mr. Ed Bradley.

Tell 'Em Teddy!

New Toy

I got myself a much needed new toy for recording purposes. It's a Cavin B4 bass. I have been in the market for a bass for a while now, as the bass I was borrowing from a friend was returned to him. This thing was in stock at Carvin (you usually have to have them custom built), and it turned out to be exactly what I had in mind. It sounds very nice, and it's easy to play. I looked around town for something comparable, but found only either cheap crap or overpriced insruments.

I like playing the bass. As a songwriter, it puts me in a different headspace than guitar, and sort of frees my mind from the same old patterns. I start thinking of different arrangements and different licks. I don't feel as locked in to the usual. It's sort of hypnotic, writing on bass, and a lot of fun. Of course I have plenty of stuff already written that needs to be recorded. I'll post up some tunes as soon as I lay a few ideas down....

WAY TO GO, KATIE!

My daughter Katie was inducted into the National Honor Society last night. I just want to give her a shoutout! I love you, Kate, and I'm so very proud of you! You go, girl!

Soaker

It's been a soaker of a day all day long. The rain has settled in for the duration of the evening. Betsy and I are hanging out this evening. Probably going up to the China Buffet up the street. It's been a long while since we went up there and stuffed ourselves. Tonight will most likely be the night. See ya!

SOCIAL DISTORTION AT HOB

Betsy and I checked out the fantastic Social Distortion at the House of Blues last night with my buddy Jeff Schleuning and his sister April, who we just met prior to the show. Social D rocked!
I saw them a couple years back here with Jeff as well. The joint was jumpin. The openers were Blackpool Lights and The Supersuckers
Here's a crummy cell-phone pic...

Checking in
amidst the din
another wasted day
skirting grace
you run the race
and leave the past at bay

Loris Bog - Off

Like Chicken Bog? I do. Of course, when it comes to food, there's not much I don't like. Anyhow, The little town of Loris hosts an annual Bog-Off, in which those who fancy themselves bog experts compete against one another to make the best chicken bog in the land. It's an all day affair with entertainment and crafts and such. Loris is a nice little town. This is actually the first time we have had a chance to make it down there. It's a beautiful day, so, what the heck!

I had never heard of this dish until I became a resident of the Grand Strand. You don't find much chicken bog in Hollywood.

Here's a recipe from the Loris chamber of commerce website...

What is Chicken Bog: a southern delicacy with chicken, sausage, and rice. See the recipe below.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (3 pound) whole chicken
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage of your choice, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Italian-style seasoning
• 2 cubes chicken bouillon

Directions:

• Place water, salt and onion in a large pot. Add chicken and bring all to a boil; cook until chicken is tender, about 1 hour.
• Remove chicken from pot and let cool. Remove skin and bones and chop remaining meat into bite size pieces.
• Skim off fat from cooking liquid and measure 3 1/2 cups of this chicken broth into a 6-quart saucepan. Add rice, chicken pieces, sausage, herb seasoning and bouillon to this saucepan. Cook all together for 30 minutes; let come to a boil, then reduce heat to low, keeping pan covered the whole time. If mixture is too watery or juicy, cook over medium low heat, uncovered, until it reaches the desired consistency. Stir often while cooking.
  

There Is

There is
an air of understanding
in the space that
divides us
There is
an economy of words
in the silence that
protects us
There is
a yearning
in the hearts that
would unite us.
There is
a part of me
that can't bother
with this fuss.

you let yourself go
that might be true
now everyone's trying
to get back to you
they want a piece of what you've got
electrifying
and so damn hot

Easy

Nobody said it would be easy.
But nobody really said much at all
everybody's so miguided
everybody's bracing for a fall

I feel a coming into my own
after all these years
after so many missteps
which turned out to be
no misstep at all

there are no wrong turns
just sonic and/or visual vistas of the heart
the crazy footsteps
of a sure footed beast
coming to terms
with being

Podcast # 4

Here's a link to podcast #4

I hope you enjoy this quick episode.

In The Now

This is our time. This present moment is all that is real. Past and future are in our minds only. One need not postpone joy. Go ahead. Live a little. There's no shame in it. Eat a peach!

Abound

The Lord is able to make all grace abound toward those who fear Him.

"When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul"
Ps.94:19

I'm gonna build my house on the Rock. God's in charge, and that has freed me up to live and work under His provision. Oh, to get a glimpse of the things God has in mind for us.

Abba, I bask in your love. You are enough. I long to see your face; the face of eternal love. It amazes me that you seek us out, that you are proactive in your love for mankind.

Press into grace. You're gonna need it. Your tired soul needs refuge, ragamuffin man!

Alive

Sometimes I suffer from agonizing doubts. I need to hold on to what I believe. I know that on the other side of honest communication with God is peace beyond measure. I want each day to be an adventure in loving Him, and getting to know Him a bit better.

Four Year Old Drummer

You've gotta check this kid out!