After the show, someone pointed and said, “Go get your CD signed.”  There had been no commotion, no sign that something special was happening.  I turned to see Tom Rush standing in the middle of the room chatting it up.  NEVER in all my concert-going years… We got in the short line and suddenly, it was our turn.  No hurry.  No forced conversation.  It was like seeing an old friend.  Maybe he’s a really good actor, but I’d bet money he just really loves his fans.  A little while later, Bob thought of something else he wished he’d said to Tom, so he walked back over to him.   I had a feeling I’d be inspired seeing Tom Rush in concert for the first time, but I had no idea.

Peace~          

Spring = Hope. 

It’s the season of optimism, of new beginnings, of starting over. 

Starting over isn’t always easy. When you lose the words you’ve written because the power suddenly goes out or forget the last number you entered in the calculator, it’s inconvenient and frustrating, but simple. Other times, it isn’t.  Sometimes it’s a fight for life.  

As many know, I’ve faced the fight for life more than once.  My family and friends have been forced to face it with me.  Last April, we were swallowed up more intensely than ever before.  Each day brought new uncertainty and many times, fear had the upper hand.  My brilliant surgeon found the answer and saved my life—again.  As I think back, it was a kind of gauntlet we ran.  By the time May arrived, I was battered physically, but we were all battered emotionally.  Starting over wasn’t so simple.

And now, it’s April again. With it comes a crazy mix of emotions.  Trying to get back, I pushed limits and did my best to ignore the heartache of the setback. Mostly, I think I won that battle. Even so, as I mark the anniversaries of so many dark days and a year of incredible trial, I find myself strangely fearful. Many days feel harder instead of easier.  What is it about anniversaries?   If you’re not careful, they can reach out and smack you. 

Yes, it’s April again and I’ve been starting over—again.  So much, I don’t know. But, one thing is certain.  However the day may find me, fearful or hopeful, I’m grateful to find myself in it.

Peace~

Orchard Street Daffodils, April 2010

“I met her on my lonesome day.”  It’s so true. 

A week after yet another brain surgery operation, in the Fall of 2006, I met Georgia Allen.  I was missing half of my hair & had covered my baldness & stitches with Erin’s wide knit American flag headband.  Somehow, I felt stronger with it on.  I was determined that the guitar-picking nails of my right hand would not be lost like my hair, like so many dreams I once had, in a blink.  I knew that I didn’t have the fine motor ability at that point to save them, so I braved potential embarrassment & went to the salon.  I didn’t talk to anyone or look at anyone.  It was a perfect misery.  Suddenly, there was Georgia—and she was talking to me!  Her energy and (eventually) her love of music came at me full force.  Georgia, hailing from the great state of Alabama, showed me pictures of herself with the members of the band… ALABAMA!  Amazing.  I noticed her NASCAR coffee mug & commented on it.  She turned to pictures of herself with famous race car drivers…

Georgia was a treasure.  She turned my lonesome day & many days after that into something wonderful.  My outlook that first day became hopeful again, almost in an instant.  I was able to see “beyond the rainbow in my head.”  Yes, I was once again starting all over, fighting my way back, but I knew I could do it. 

I hope there is someone like Georgia in your world.  For some people, as with my dear grandmother, Catherine, 82 years of a wonderful life seems not nearly long enough.   But, this I know:  “In a world that might not care, close your eyes.  She’ll be right there.”

Peace~ 

“Multi-tasking” is a trendy word now. We’ve taken it to a new level. With everything at our fingertips, does the good outweigh the bad?  One study suggests we’re becoming dumber, not smarter. 

I find it hard to resist the temptation to reach into my pocket when I feel the hum of my muted phone during a movie, a dinner, a meeting—or anything. Can I be undistracted? Am I capable of having an undistracted conversation?  I can’t say that I’ve had one lately.  So, I wonder.  Is singular focus impossible?  (I might miss something!) There’s a bit of sadness in that thought.  What do you think?   

"The Juggler" by Michael Parkes, Oil on Wood, 1985

I’m sitting at the computer as the wind makes ocean sounds & the rain smacks my windows.  It’s cold & dreary.  Lord knows, my mood is close to matching the day.  But, I’m thinking about Brett.  Although I haven’t heard an interview today, I would bet money that he’s not throwing blame for the loss somewhere else or wallowing in the “what ifs.”  I’m guessing that his disappointment cuts deep & that his body is killing him, but I also have a feeling he’s thankful.  His season was miraculous & inspiring.  He has to know it.  I truly hope he’s thinking about his next great opportunity. 

Brett Lessons.  Why let the burdens of this gray day rule the day?   Disappointments & frustrations with people & circumstances will pass. 

They say it’s going to rain for days.  And no doubt, the Monday Morning Quarterbacks are having their say.  No doubt they are. 

Peace~

I was standing in my favorite corner at Rossi's & I was doing what I love to do.  I was playing music.  People wandered in.  I knew many of them & came to know many others.  Somehow, the rush of Life felt far away.  I was conscious of just those moments, of doing just that one thing. 

It's cold & snowy today, a good day for reflection.  More slow moments are what I hope the new decade will bring me.

Peace!

So much is happening so quickly.  My mind spins thanks to the new "tweets & blogs" cyber mentality.  I think I'd better get used to it, though.  It IS what's happening.  You need to be LinkedIn, Facebooked, MySpaced & you'd better be Tweeting or you're just... well... out of it. 

I'm still trying to understand how HootSuite can save me.   Can it? 

Stay tuned!

Peace.