the new sound

I know I focus on Rush songs a lot, but that is me. But beieve it or not I do listen to other things. Foo Fighter's new album is on now and I do like where it takes me. I know this may seem mean to the grunge era but Kirk's early passing in life really worked out well for the rest of us. From the harder rock to some wonderful accoustic tracks. Come Alive is a track on the new album I really like...... ALBUM? How old am i? "you saved me the day you came alive" wow chills. You know, if I was to write everything I thought...... yeah. You know I should take the time to learn to play the guitar. Should have kept singing who knows, this American Idol thing really makes you think.....I'm Bart Simpson, see a Simpsons fan would be with me. OK, I'm back drifted for a moment. I like the real ramble feeling I have here, must be feeling good tonight. Now my mind clicked to "tonite tonite tonite" Genesis and "ramblin man" Steve Martin and then King Tut, special on the exibit on PBS and the Mummy was on TV last night. Sweet. There is only one person in my life that can follow this thought pattern and he knows who he is. "meet me in the summer time" ah summer, we hardly knew ya. I guess it is time to wrap this up. I would like to thank you for coming and making it to the end.

Lost in a Sea of Monkeys

Did you ever go to the zoo and visit with the primates? I have to say it always breaks my heart. What crime did they commit that forced them into lifelong incarceration? You can see the intelligence, wisdom and sadness in their eyes. I wonder if they wish for freedom, a place to call their own with the privacy to fling their poop without the prying eyes of the pale hairless apes that point, laugh and photograph them. Years ago now Peter Gabriel had a unique opportunity to play music with the Bonobo apes. They actually enjoyed playing instruments although not great musicians but then their are plenty of our kind that can't carry a tune in a bucket. Which forces the question of sea monkeys. They of course are not monkeys at all. They are brine shrimp. They got their name because of the long monkey like tail they have and when you are talking shrimp I have to mention my favorite shrimp Pepe the king prawn. Was that to far of a trip just to get to a shameless plug for my favorite Muppet?

Bravest Face

Another week another hotel in another city. Armed with my Mountain Dew and snack I am left to ramble at my computer. This year marks 20 years out of high school. A milestone indeed but sometimes I still feel like that little kid passing through those big doors for the first time. As I took that first step inside I recall putting on that bravest face as I headed into the unknown. That same feeling flooded over me again today as I left the relative comfort of my new home and headed to the airport. I guess we never lose that fear that can paralyze us, but that is when we try to fool those around us and put on that bravest face.

To the ships that have passed....

Thank you. The list is long and everyone has left their mark. If there is one major issue I have ever had with myself, it is how easily I let the relationships slip away. I have justified this with thinking "who will miss me" slip in slip out, leave them laughing and wanting more. Which brings up the Grammy acceptance speech. Where do you start and what order do you thank people and if you forget someone will they be upset.

Thanking God of course is an easy one and who knows if he is watching your speech. I mean really there must be more interesting things he can be doing.

So, I guess you thank your spouse, family, dog, 2nd cousins twice removed....not sure who they are but of course once the lottery check clears they will be calling.

Here is where it gets bit tougher. On one hand you think of the people who inspire you, and then the people you actually know who inspired you:

Teachers, only music ones come to mind of course. With out them where would I be. Still here I guess but without the love of all kinds of music. ( Ms. Travis, Mr Cook, and still my favorite teacher and friend, Jack Plovanich. Thank you for keeping it cool.) Now see there is a good example of who did I leave out and who didn't get the props they deserve.

Now you have to make that list of friends. Easy right? Pick a decade, who was in it? As time has been spinning out of control I am rapidly finishing my 3rd. Time has never been an issue to me before, it went its way and I went mine. Recently it dawned on me that I was old enough now to have an adult child...but I digress.

How does one grade their friendships. I still feel close, attached, separated but never apart. I can clearly see every feature, the sound of each voice, their sent and personality that has left its impact on my life.

So as any award show maybe you have categories:

First Friend: This goes to Damon Holt, Can't go much further back than the first day on the bus to kindergarten.

Friend of many firsts: Rob (Robbie) McGowan, we grew up together from grade to high school.

Then there was high school, having multiple personalities came in helpful. The next three have no order now priority they all have pieces of my personality disorder.

Kenny Durkin, Kris Roberson, Dell Francis. Brothers! no relation.

I would never be where and who I am with each of you. Thank you!