"Smile Everyday" by my Summer School Songwriting Class
Current mood: grateful

Hey Friend,

I just completed a couple weeks of teaching awesome kids the fun art of writing songs...In discussing why people write songs, I played "Imagine" by John Lennon for them...and informed them that people sometimes write songs to make their lives better...so we came up with a peace song of our own...we wrote some ideas about what we could do in the "now" and the first idea that was mentioned was that we could smile!
more ideas followed...and presto...a song!
"Smile Everyday" was written by 5 second graders, 1 sixth grader, and a seventh grader(he played the piano part)... w/ my guidance. I had a blast...a true gift for me to be part of their musical experience!
May the song put a smile on your face!!

Enjoy!
Cheers and Love,

Todd

Lyrics:

We can smile every day.
We can think of good things to say.
We can protect the earth.

We can live our wildest dreams.
Inspire each other, be light beams.
Shine on to show the way.

Everbody's got to help each other
by the things we do and say.
It's our time, it's our destiny
to create a world worth living in.

Let's smile every day.
Let's take time to play with one another.
Put out the fires.
Plant a tree.
Feed the hungry
Take a knee down to the earth that gives us life.

10:34 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Recording baby!
Current mood: blessed

Hey Friend,

I am kind of disappearing from most of reality...yet, I am creating a new one...living life in the recording studio...Last week we tracked drums-- Michael Jerome is awesome...and bud, David Mann, engineered and kept me honest! I am tracking at Jerry Brunskill’s studio-- Wow & Flutter in Santa Monica-- this place is awesome! I am just taking a break from "I’ll Run Beside You"-- it sounds freekin’ big! Verbed out guitars, Michael’s mighty drumming, etc. This project may take a few months...my goal is a song a week...I have 10 songs...plus I know that other breaks will come in to play as well-- I am heading back to Minneapolis for a week at the end of May to play a reunion show w/ my old band, WOOD, and do a couple solo performances as well...looking forward to seeing old pals, cronies, cohorts, and the like.

Anyway...Spring is off to a great start! A time that new creation comes to life!
May you,too, be enjoying creating something wonderful.
I feel completely blessed to be doing this!
Cheers and Love,
Todd

9:25 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

A few things I learned in 2007
Current mood: grateful

Friday, Dec 28, 2007 4:13pm EST

Anna Maria, FL

Many years ago, about 25 years ago, Grandpa Beeson gave me some pointers to enjoy life. He did so as we were sitting around the dinner table at his lake home in Minnesota. I was chomping on food and rushing through my dinner. Grandpa observed me and knew that it was a habit of mine. With love and wisdom pouring out, he offered up respectfully, "Stop, taste and chew your food. Slow down." I knew he was right. I was rushing. He then went on to say, "Learn something new every day and write it down."
Grandpa passed away 21 years ago this month, but I am here right now because of him…not only because he fathered my father, but because I am at his other home, in Anna Maria, Florida, on an island in the Gulf just off the coast of Bradenton, and about an hour south of Tampa. I have celebrated many Christmas's with my family- Grandma, Mom, Pops, Uncle and Brother- in Anna Maria. Grandpa discovered Anna Maria by chance as he was hitchhiking during the '40's and caught a ride with a doctor who ended up going to this serene and sweet place.
As most of you know, I turned out to be a songwriter…perhaps it was due to my grandpa fueling me to journal, my mother's innate musical ability, and my pops' ability to lead and have something to say. I have a great family! I do write most days and as it is year's end and as I assess this year, a few points of wisdom come to mind. In no particular order, here are a few things I learned, or had to re-learn. Some of them I learned the hard way…but even in that, I am grateful!
(1) Do not offer advice if it has not been asked for. I have been on both sides of this this year. It is safe to say that I learned this best when I was on the receiving side of such advice. I found it to be intrusive and disrespectful. It can be damaging if you wish to give out such unwanted advice, thinking that someone else may not be living up to your standards of intelligence…besides, they can't help be as possibly smart nor as enlightening as yourself anyway(insert laughter here). Even still, I know that my friend had good intentions…he is a great person.
(2) Enjoy the wonderful freedom of not having to "get" everything or everyone. I live more trustingly if I don't have a reason to care and know why on earth that girl did not call me or why I did not get selected to be on that tv show, etc. There are so many factors that are none of your business. If someone is doing something to you that is deliberately and intentionally disrespectful, then you have an issue, but if someone is not deliberately intending to mess with you, remember that person is a good person.
(3) Be the change that you wish to see. -- Ghandi said it best. It really helps balance out the first two that I listed out above. There is no need to control anyone…instead be inspired to do that which you think the other should do.
(4) Take a vacation-- A week's vacation from the day-to-day is a wonderful thing. I am blessed to be able to do that and thensome. I have family that I get to visit in beautiful locations—Colorado, Florida, and Spain. Taking a day off a week is good too. Just as we need to sleep each night to renew, you gotta get away to refresh as well. Getting away gives you perspective. It is hard to see things that are so closely in front of you…you get a better view of the whole when you step back. A break gives you that possibility to step-out and take a different look.
(5) Exercise… and change up the exercise routine. I get a lot of great thoughts as I circulate my blood, sending endorphins throughout my body! I did burn out on running a bit this year and got back into doing some power yoga. It was great to change up my routine! When I picked up running again, I loved it, as I was on the island in Florida. Song lyrics were pouring forth as I jogged on the beautiful white sand and took in the sun and the calming, sparkling sea.
(6) "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got."- Sheryl Crowe. True, very true. This is another way of lining up your consciousness with gratitude. I have so many beautiful blessings in my life—you know if you know me…or even have just read how fortunate it is that I have wonderful health, talents, family, and friends. I have a truly rich life! Yeah, so I don't have a family of my own or the house of my dreams yet…no point in clinging onto that which I supposedly lack…I still might get to experience that! Time is flying by, so enjoy the moments and people that we have in our lives while we have them!
(7) Keep getting up! Get up on the inside! The world might get you down or disappoint you, don't let it steal your thunder! You always have access to something great inside you…find away to dial into that channel or else it can get ugly. Example: Kurt Cobain. Man, I have no idea what shoes he walked in, but I do know, he did write a song where he sang in the chorus over and over again the line: "I think I'm dumb." I used to love the rocking and ripping feeling I got by listening to Nirvana 10-15 years ago. Kurt sat and swam in his own feces. I know for me, it is better when I might experience the crap of life to flush it down the toilet, and shower myself clean rather than bathe in it. Keep it up on the inside by staying positive!
(8) There are good people in the world—find them—appreciate them—connect with them—hang with them as you can, while you can! I believe that you subconsciously become like the ones that you hang with…many times married couples start to look like each other…same with owners of their dogs…you take on the traits of those you with which you hang! Pick the good, positive peeps!
(9) Try something new. It expands you. You meet new people. Do something that interests you. This year I took an improv class at the Groundlings. It was a blast—fun, creative, humbling. I met some great peeps!
(10) Say "No" to others more and say "Yes" to yourself. Especially in LA, there is so much to go, do, and see/be seen. If you get the habit of going, going and going to everyone's things, the person you are will completely disappear. I felt like I was a spinning top this past six weeks of holiday time—definitely felt a bit dizzy and not like my higher self. I went away to Anna Maria where I could be with my core again—family, relaxation and got back to myself. I took time out for the day…to write this…which benefited me….and perhaps it benefited you, the reader, too.
It is not my hope to change you, the reader. Rather this is just a metaphorical jog for me. It makes me feel good. If my "jogging" inspires you, great! If you just see it as, "There Todd goes…jogging" and you have no reaction…that is great too…it is just where you are…and I was glad to be where I was when I started writing this…in a beautiful place, Anna Maria. It was a beautiful Christmas Grandpa. Thanks for hitchhiking that day many, many years ago…by chance you happened to be led to Anna Maria. I am grateful that you did that…A White Christmas by white sand. I am better for it!! Thanks for your wisdom and love. Not only is it just while I eat food that I benefit in the ways you suggested, but it is also in my time of writing that I get to slow down life, taste it and enjoy my favorite people, moments, feelings, events and learn the lessons that I need to learn to walk this world as a better person...I'm eternally grateful!

Todd

Ps—Of course, these are things that I have learned…now the goal is to practice these for the New Year…and create them to be habits! Easier said than done. Wish me luck!
Cheers to you—Have a great '08!!

4:30 PM - 5 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Me and my awesomely talented creative friends!!

hey friendly reader.

just wanted to tell you what i have been up to and my future plans.

i have had a nice day--working on my computer inputting my finances in my Quicken program whilst some of my favorite songs have been pleasing me in the process:
"Lets Go Crazy" by Prince, "Blue" by The Jayhawks, Jeff Buckley's version of the Leonard Cohen song "Hallelujah," "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2 and "Sugar" by Dan Wilson. It is nice to know that I am financially ahead while being able to live a creative life in the City of Angels!

Autumn is clearly in the air in LA today...I love wearing a fleece jacket while I drive to get my morning coffee and move on to getting groceries on my Monday morning Trader Joe's ritual-- i was even hearing good music there...singing "The Finest Worksong" by R.E.M. in the aisles.

I am in the process of feeling out where I should go:

I have had 16 chapters finished to my autobiographic life wonderment book of which I will reveal the title upon completion..I have another 8 chapters of material that I need to enter...and then tighten up. If you are curious about the material, you can read my blog about Rick Allen/Lindsey Buckingham that I posted about a year ago.

I have written a short film that I have been wanting to get off the ground for about 2 1/2 years now...I have been talking to the Docter brothers about directing this funny li' piece...perhaps we'll give that a crack!

Of course, there is my ongoing songwriting. I have a few ideas that are closing upon completion. After playing about a dozen performances between May and October, I am opting for a break so that I may deliver new material! Also, would it not be cool if I had my book ready for those shows?!

If someone wants to hire me for a motivational conference...give me a shout...my material will be fresh for you...I promise!

The Lift is connecting w/ peeps about placements...no gigs planned in the immediate future. Chris O'Brien is still composing for tv. Jason and Matt may have sold a commercial that they directed to Spike TV...so all the boys are keeping busy in creative ways!



My old Minneapolis band, Wood, is planning a reunion show in late May of next year...check out the tunes-- see my friends list! We broke up about 10 years ago...always special to get together w/ old pals and play the tunes-- we recorded 3 cd's in the mid-90's.


Shout outs:

Brother Brett is back in Spain-- he is leading the league in scoring again. This is now his 11th year of playing proball overseas...amazing! In his career, he has won a title in France(he played 3 years there), and MVP of his league in: Switzerland(2 years of living there), Israel(2 yrs) and Spain(starting his 4th yr there). If you want to send him a shout out, see him on my profile. I sent an email to the Star Trib...perhaps they can write something about him that sheds a positive light on a wonderful basketball career(rather than all that negative Kobe behavior, etc.). You think Sid will get back to me? Brett did star at Eden Prairie, MN and Moorhead State, MN(where he was D-II player of the year and led all the NCAA in scoring w/ 33.3 ppg in 1996)...
anyways...just want to give my bro some props for an amazing career that continues to be amazing and he will be 35 this month...and is still dropping in over 24 ppg!!!

Cheers to Jennifer, Brett's girlfriend, for flying to Spain. Travelocity messed up the reservation, so she had a hard time getting out of LAX and then on her first full day in Spain, Brett's car broke down about an hour from his place...what an adventure...May the rest of the trip be smooth sailing!
Friends:

I had a blast watching Willie Wisely deliver a commanding performance that the Hotel Cafe on Friday. Wonderful to be in crowd of Minnesota-ex pats to welcome Willie back from a nation-wide 6 week tour!

I am digging my buddies' band Last Exit. My bud, Spence, has connected w/ awesome musicians...and I have enjoyed being buds w/ Josh, Reg, and Rayne...phenomal players...man, the hardest working band in LA...I expect that the world will hear of them! They have some catchy rockin tunes...definitely!

It's been fun to see bud's Dotson and PJ make some tv appearances. Terrific people and actors! PJ has a film that is coming out this week...go to his site(on my profile) for the details.

Lee Travathan always has some daredevil healing advice to help you fly...go check out her blogs...some good daily medicine! Jurene always makes me smile too!

I went to Children's Creative Center's play "When In Rome" at the Lillian Theater in Hollywood yesterday-- It was written by best buds Braden Nagel, directed by Jason Pace, and starring a bunch of awesome kids that I have the pleasure of knowing!

Chris Kennedy wrote a book about his experience as a Wisconsin Badger football player...going from the bottom of the Big Ten...to the Rose Bowl in 4 years. Chris is a great dude and kick ass writer...you'll find him on my profile too!

It's been awesome connecting w/ Nerida Wu--she is a kick-ass drummer who plays in many bands including the psycho-billy band, Bridgitte Handley and the Dark Shadows. She was touring in the States when I saw her smile and delightfully met her! I wanna rock with her!

Chris Harrington is putting together a one-man show called Virtual CH. He has all the main instruments on stage-- guitar, bass, and a full drum kit...he goes around accompainies he and himself while the other instruments are being played by he and himself on a screen! Cool-- dude is talented!

Dan Wilson is touring behind his record...finally came out... "Free Life." Dan is awesome-- big time psyched to catch one of his shows at the Troubadour next week...I don't know who all is in the band...I heard that Munson is playing bass!

Frontman of The Lift, Matt Docter directed an Alanis Morrissette video titled "Underneath" which premiered at the Elevate Film Festival at the Kodak Theater in September. Other pals involved in the festival: Otis Mannick directed a documentary. Johnne Perez and Charlie Campagna had music in a few pieces as well. Cool!

This summer., I played bass on a track on sweet and talented friend, Linda Good's, upcoming solo album. I know she had a goal of completing the album by the end of the year...looking foward to hearing it. I shared the rhythm section recording w/ drummer, Brian Young, of Fountains of Wayne...we recorded at different times, but I did hang w/ Brian a few weeks ago-- great dude! FOW just got back from touring Japan!

A couple weeks ago I had fun being part of the Classic Rock Singalong at the MBar-- it was sweet to share bass duties w/ Jon Button-- dude is a bass monster!

Jim Cushinery's(Cush) directorial debut "Blue Bunny" was fun-- it was at the Cinespace a couple weeks ago...it is in the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival-- I think it is month.

Benno Nelson directed some Goo Goo Dolls interviews footage of the trio talking about their collection of music videos. "Broadway" is one of their faves...(Of course, because I am in it...if you have "pause" on your player, you might even see me!)

The Melismatics came rolling into town to play another set at Molly Malone's in Sept. They also recorded some killer tracks with producer, John Fields...dude is so freaking talented. Will somebody please sign these guys?!!

Lastly, if you didn't make it to my most recent solo show, you are in luck.
You can view it in its entirety at:
http://www.liveatthegig.com/gig/index.php?c..watch
go to: Todd Beeson on Oct 21, 2007 and click on that...wait...and hit play!

Baby announcement:
Alex Oana is the father of a baby girl-- Veta Safina Oana-- born last month!

Wedding announcement:
John Reistetter just married his lady Camilla Berggren-- she is Swedish-- met her dad, Lars, at the reception...he told me about a movie of Swedes moving to Minnesota...yep, lots of Swedes in me olde homelande!


Off the top of my head...that's all for now!

I love my creative life...and my great family and talented friends!

Cheers and Love y'all,

Todd

1:04 AM - 4 Comments - 7 Kudos - Add Comment

Driving in LA
Current mood: amused

Since nobody walks in LA, you would think that they would have the driving part down.
Why is it that only 25% of drivers do not know to "get into the intersection" upon waiting to take a left turn? I don't think I am alone in noticing this.
(By the way, I don't experience road rage...I am pretty chill in my car-- got good tunes cranking and am a master at timing my drive to my destination.)

Also, why do smokers think that the street is a garbage can??...they just freely throw their smoking butts out their window...It's really challenging for my mind to understand that one... Is putting that butt in an ash tray gonna smell up the car? They are already puffing smoke all over their moving metal box....

Cheers yo....and drive safe,

T

11:04 AM - 5 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Valley Fever Awareness

My friend, Lee Travathan, has been experiencing a battle with Valley Fever...and it is not about the hot temps in the San Fernando Valley...read on to know more about it:


Body: Hello to all. Okay, I'm getting booted off here... central nervous system and eye issues today from VF damage. Time to do some meditations and rest. We did get some site changes in - new blog and videos. Please learn more about VF and spread the word. Gonna let everyone have the day off, but I'll check in later when I can. Don't be afraid, be aware. The VF secret is out. Keep it in the eye of the beholder.

To all reposting, I love you like there is no tomorrow!!!

Tons of love to my extraordinary friends, Lee xxx

Please repost the text below. Just hit response, copy it and paste to a new blog or bulletin. To my radio and tv, and entertainment friends... time to step to the plate and speak up, just don't come from fear, please. Special thanks to Julian Lennon and Todd Beeson for taking the first steps. Yep, you boyz rock!!!
***************************************************

Add your site and spread the word. Repost, please

Body: Hello to all my awesome myspace friends,

I'm here to ask a favor and I'd be so honored if you'd help me out. There is a new site for Valley Fever Awareness on Myspace.

You can find it on my top 24 at www.myspace.com/leetravathan and you can also read about my own issues with this "dirty little secret" disease now well out of the closet and out of control. Much like the beginnings of the AIDS crisis long ago, it has reduced people to begging for awareness and aid. Little is being done, money sits in hold, and is not released as it wreakes havoc on the lives of people unfortunate enough to breathe in the dangerous spores floating in the air. I'm one of those. I live each day with the damage it has done and work to get my life back. Still, I refuse to allow this nasty disease to steal my joy, my light, my love, my work, my soul.

You may not live in the Southwest US (not the only area infected, but a main hub)... in fact, you may not visit here, but everyone needs to know because you may know people who know people... etc. I'm asking if you will please go to the site and take a look, add your name and show support of awareness and information. Awareness could have saved my health, my lifestyle, and my friends and family from all we have been through and still go through with it.

Please repost this bulletin in full and just go over now and put in for an add. Become a subscriber so you can get immediate updates. Ask your friends to do the same. Self-honor means awareness for all. Please copy and paste this text, top to bottom, in email form to as many friends as you can or add it to your site. A banner is coming soon that you can put on site to show support. Be aware and show you care.

Unlimited thanks to all,
Lee Travathan
www.myspace.com/leetravathan

12:18 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

it's time to rock
Current mood: cheerful

hey special friend.

i am sitting at home on a sunday night in sweet southern california. what a day! i went to the beach for the first time this year! it rocked hanging w/ my bro and a few pals--throwin the football in the sand--i got a blister on my foot.
i have my computer back up-and-running again...still haven't figured out how to get all my files in its correct places yet though. having my computer down really rocked my world in a few ways-- kind of noticed i was a bit of an email addict. journal writing transpired...heck, i even mailed a couple letters! i went out and lived my life a lot lately--- it is amazing how many interesting people you can meet when you go out a few times a week...
after a lot of 'in' time-- making music, writing, reading, etc, i feel the winds blowing-- sweet graceful changes on the horizon. perhaps the wind has already blown-- and now i am just seeing what is showing up. (does this make sense-- just some random poetic metaphorical thoughts...) it is time to go out and celebrate...and what a way to do it:
this friday, i am super psyched to play the viper room...it was way cool to receive so many lovely notes from fans all across the world when the band i am in, the lift, was featured on myspace. we have the cds in our hands now...and we will be playing a special show that will surely rock-- the rehearsals have been a blast-- many rocking moments full of goosebumpy sweet chills...
hope you can make the show...or be there in spirit at the least.
drop me a line and let me know how you are doing.
i may not be able to get back to you right away...but i appreciate you-- and your sweet cheers!

love and cheeers to you,

todd

11:00 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

...Because its Easter/Passover, lets free ourselves over these imagined walls...
Current mood: contemplative

I have been subbing at a very special school for me...doing a long term teacher's assistant gig in the first grade. It is Easter time at this Episcopal school. I just recently, in fact, played Jesus in a Saturday Night service at the church it is a part of. A very lovely, loving church I must say.
Today, one of my first graders came crying to me. She had gotten in an argument with a couple of other first graders over why Jesus died...the question came up among classmates as they were making crosses during Religion class. By the way, they do speak about all religions and compare/contrast them all...and find a commong meeting ground-- again, lovely.
Back to the argument...a couple first graders told her that the reason Jesus died was simply because people didn't like him. To her, this simple reason seemed wrong. It was her truth that Jesus died to save us from our sins. The argument went back and forth...til she started crying.
As the class head out to the playground for PE, she trailed and still cried. I asked her why she was crying, and she explained to me the above. She further went on to say that her priest, which is from a different church than the school I work at by the way, had told her that Jesus died for our sins. Then she went on to say the line that always kills me inside...that if you don't believe in Jesus, you will go to Hell. She was horrified as she explained this...I am not sure if it was her concern for her classmates that had her upset, or that she was unsure of what to believe...
But can you not see the contradiction that is being taught generation upon generation:
Jesus died for our sins...yet, if you don't believe in him you go to hell?
What?!!!
If you don't believe in him, would that not be a sin that would be absolved?
For is it really your sin that you can't believe or accept everything that the Bible says as truth?
Life is the real experiencer...you can only truly know from experience.
The celebration of the Passover is all about finding freedom.
God, Life, Spirit goes through all of us...not because Jesus died...
Lets remember the celebration of Easter as a great emancipation to finding new life in us...and cherish the love that we already have to give away...
not the fear of not believing something.
I may not be Jesus...but I have played one...and you and everyone does every time you are in line with loving truth of love over fear.

Cheers and Salutations!

Todd

10:40 PM - 5 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

going for it
Current mood: contemplative

it is thanksgiving...a time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. i am so blessed to have you as a reader, reading me right now! i am so blessed to be able to have the health and wealth to do my art of music and writing and performing! thank you!
as i write this, i was drawn to tell a story of going for it...following your heart. it came to me as i typed my brother to help him heal as he got his eye poked in his basketbally game last night. he is wearing an eye patch for a few days...it will surely heal. i was reminded that i, too, did wear an eye patch a little over a year ago. i woke up one morning, just like any morning when i was going to work, and was almost out the door when i felt something in my eye...and it wouldn't come out...it may have been some sleep. as i tried to get it out by opening and closing my eye, my eye got severely scratched and i felt a sharp pain...i could neither close my eye(due to something being in it) nor keep it open(extreme light sensitivity). i was in intense pain for 2 hours before i could see a professional.
you will see that i have a point here, very shortly...
it happened to be on a day where i would earn about $300...and now that opportunity would be gone...and instead i would have to pay a bill costing my $300...a $600 money swing!!
it occured on or the day after my mom's 60th birthday. i had previously entertained the idea of surprising her on her birthday by flying to see her in Colorado...but then i thought, "well, i don't know if i have the money." you know what, I did. i managed to pay for my eye! it is entirely possible that i would not have woken up in colorado with that eye pain!

point being...follow your heart...life is precious, time is sacred....
and now as we edge forward in this holiday season, i am also reminded of my grandmother's passing a couple years ago just after christmas. i flew to colorado to see her and had altered my holiday plans to do so...
she passed a few days later...it wasn't known at the time that it would be her last couple weeks. i am thankful that my family helped me arrange my schedule to be there with her and that i followed my heart and live without regret.

so, friend, what are you waiting for...
keep going for it! follow your heart.

i know both my brother and i feel so blessed to be living our passions...but that is because we made the decision to LIVE the passion...me with music, and brett with basketball.

cheers y'all!
keep up the good work and PLAY!

love,

Todd

9:10 PM - 4 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

More musical gifts
Current mood: awake

I can't sleep...I feel like a detective possessed by solving a mystery...kind of like they do in the movies...the person has no real home life, they just have to solve the mystery. i kind of romanticize that notion(if you know me, what don't I romanticize....well, cheeseburgers I guess-- well, then again I might want one of those sliders at White Castle next time back in the midwest after a few brews).

Ever since the Rick Allen incident, I have been followed by Def Leppard music. Lately it has turned itself up a notch...the songs come flying at me instaneaously.
Check out these recent events involving DL and a few companions...I will type this up in a chronological form.
1)Oct 9th- I envision a Def Leppard concert that I saw in August whilst driving back from El Capitan Canyon, north of Santa Barbara. I pull over to go to the can...meet the Def Leppard drummer, Rick Allen(listen to "Whistle on the Pot" or see previous blog for the whole story)
2) I started hearing DL songs everywhere
3) Friday, Nov 3. I drive over to a sweet girl's place...my choice of car music, U2 "Unforgettable Fire"
4)ooops...I left a mark on her neck
5)Sunday, Nov 5. While walking in Trader Joe's I hear "Love Bites" by Def Leppard-- Laugh out loud...now that is funny!
6)Monday, Nov 6. My radio alarm clock wakes me up to "Foolin'" by Def Leppard
7)Just before bed time, I send an email to a sweet girl w/ the song "Sugar" in it by Dan Wilson and express that this sweetheart was beautiful when she mentioned the word "Surrender" to me a few weeks previous.
8)Tuesday, Nov 7. I wake to a song called "Bad" by U2 from their "Unforgettable Fire" record just before Bono sings the line "Surrender."
9)In the evening, I enter my studio w/ my Itunes playing the song, "Pour Some Sugar On Me" by Def Leppard...thousands of songs and it happens to be a DL song w/ the word "Sugar" in it.
10)Wed, Nov 8. Sweet girl calls to say she heard a song at yoga class and wanted to know what it was...she sang a few lyrics, I knew it to be "Landslide" by Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham. I tell SG that Lindsey Buckingham is actually playing the Wiltern and that I will mail her an mp3 of "Landslide." I find "Landslide" on "The Dance" cd of Fleetwood Mac. Also on it, an amazing version of Lindsey playing and singing "Big Love" acoustically and forward that song as well.
11)Thurs, Nov 9. I teach "Blackbird" and "Eight Days a Week" to a guitar student. I IM w/ w a friend who happens to be emailing w/ Sir Paul at the time. 12)I visit a friend's place and tell him that I am reading the book "Living, Loving, and Learning" by Leo Bascaglia...he then points to a bunch of furniture ih his home that used to belong to Leo. 13) I make arrangements to attend the Lindsey Buckingham concert...which I gracefully get to attend for free.
14)Friday, Nov 10. I attend the LB show...walked into it late...but perfectly about 10 minutes before LB plays "Big Love." He performs it intensely and the crowd erupts...I sit and stand in wonder.
15)Sat, Nov 11. Upon returning home from the health club in my car, I listen to a radio station that was going to play a song by a band called Wired All Wrong...I turn the station because I think that name choice is not very ultimate(my band has a song called Wired- -which is about being connected to peeps) and turn it to a station that is playing "You Can Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac, sung by LB...and performed by him the night before...now that is the station for me! The next song, "Pour Some Sugar On Me." okay...I am starting to go thru the roof with this...thankfully, I was driving my bro's convertible!
16)Sun, Nov 12. I tell a few friends all these stories...including my bud, Braden.
17)Mon, Nov 13. I get in my car to go teach children...I turn on the radio to find a re-broadcast of the in-studio appearance w/ Lindsey Buckingham-- within a minute he is playing "Big Love" live...I call Braden to tell him...he happens to be listening to "Landslide" at the time. HOLY FREEKIN &()*!
18)I emailed a few peeps about ..15- including my bro...
19)A girl I know mentions that her uncle wrote and recorded a popular movie soundtrack song from the mid 80's-- I told her that I happen to know him and that his wife is my modeling agent.
20) Ten minutes later, I call my brother to get his reaction from 1-18...he then says, "I don't know what to think about it, though I did hear a song twice today, and I had not heard that song in years." That song happens to be the song in ..19.

Other musical, lyrical stuff from this year:
*I started teaching "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt in the Spring time...only to run into him a couple weeks later outside of Barney's Beanery.
*I happened to hear the song "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure a few times over the course of a week in February...even having it start my day and end my day randomly...and then had a guitar student ask out of the blue to learn that song...and all she ever really wanted to learn before were classic rock songs!
*On a Sunday in May, I learned "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon...the next day, I happened to be taking a guitar student home from school and then give her a lesson...on the drive to her place, this 3rd grade girl started singing "Your So Vain."
*Once before the same 3rd grade girl quoted Shakespeare's "To thine ownself be true" just a day after I heard a gifted speaker start his speech with that line.

All this is true...I swear to you!

What does this make you think/feel...
Keep your thoughts loving...as loving as you truly are at your core...cut yourself grace if you don't understand life at the time. Love you, gently and joyfully.
Is not everyone divine for this to occur...you know, I am not the only one involved in all this happening...yet, I am focused on an awareness that love is making itself known to me thru music!

I appreciate you, my friend, you help my music and art shine...now go shine on!

Cheers and Love,

Todd

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