Atlanta in Spring
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Life

The sun was sulking low in the sky, still only brushing it's teeth beofre the day could officially begin. The gargling even wafted down to my ears on a crowding interstate in Northern Georgia. I had left Ohio in fits of rain and spurts of snow. Snow! (nothing stuck, but it drifted around in the air to remind us of the complete lack of control we have in life). But the precipitation had ceased somewhere in lower Kentucky or Upper Tennessee. And here, where water is scarce, the rain is not. The ground was still wet, however from a rain the day before. Everything was immensely overjoyed by whatever rainfall had occured. The grass was green - that vibrant verte just after a storm, and the trees lifted up their branches in thanks, with even tiny buds popping out to taste the fragrence of dew and fresh rainfall.

And cars were still driving and crowding in. The highway system in Atlanta was built and designed too many years ago to be of great service. People keep moving in. And moving out - out of the city, and sprawling into the countryside. I have never seen so much development. Within almost every mile, you will pass a development that is being built, nearly finished, was just completed. Or perhaps a huge patch of all-emcompassingly cleared land, with an escew sign pointing that that lots are for sale. And yet, at the same time, you will drive past hundreds of for sale signs in lawns of small and large, older and newer homes.

The studio sits back a good 20-30 minutes form the nearest highway - a full 8 minutes from Kroger (the nearest grocer), pizza, or any other areas of commerce.

Occasionally this is a frustration. When in session, one doesn't want to have to take a 90 minute break just to get a quick bite. However, it is refreshing. I tend to bring and make my meals there, so the food bit doesn't bother me much. It is a harder and harder excercise to find places where there isn't a shopping mecca just down the road, or so many layers of traffic lights that sometimes the road looks like a christmas tree.

A place where there aren't the distractions of the claustrophobic city life. A place where there are stop signs. And horses. And the little farm stand selling whatever crop has just been harvested. It is refreshing. And worth breathing in a lungfull.

I was to spend the first 3 and a half days tracking my guitars, so it was just Nick (the engineer) and myself. We took the time experimenting with mic placements and guitars and effects. Getting things to sound close to what was playing in my head. These sessions all went by quickly. Long days, but quick days. Plus, I was able to run in the mornings, marking only the 3rd time I had run this year. The developments nearby were lovely running ground - they were seldom level. Up and down and around and up and down. A wonderful workout!

During one break, randomly on the TV in the lounge section was Get Smart! One of my favourite shows as a kid! I used to watch that and then Batman (what an awesome back-to-back line up!).

After the second night, I was put up in a house about 15 minutes from the studio. It was a friend of the studio's, who happened to not be home the first 2 nights of my stay. The first night there was nice. The sleeping pad was quite comfortable. Our session that day ending a little early, I decided to watch Amazing Grace, which I had brought with me in case of any extra down time.

As far as the movie and production values, it was okay. Some cheesy moemtns, some very well done bits, but the overall was deeply moving. And the overall is what counts, really. It's a story of the Abolitionist in England that finally got England to abolish the slave trade. This man was a deeply motivated man, with a hard will to succeed. The story was pretty moving and uplifting. By the end, you sit and say in 15 years, he stopped the slave trade, and what have I done? What can I do? Becasue that is the beuaty, there is always time. So you haven't acheived a goal or done some truely great deed, just start now.

The next day I had to drive to Birmingham to pick up Neil. It was the only place we could resonably get a flight in to. Neither of us had ever been to Alabama before. Not a bad place (along I-40). Home to Talladega. Birmingham also sits in central time. So, nice on the way in, and ugly on the way out. But the drive was nice and shrowded by forest and hills.

We made it back to the house late, and had to make use of my Kroger card to get in.

Neil plowed through the bass and knocked everything out wonderfully. We even got to experiment with a few sounds and ideas.      

During a break, the Dog Whisperer was on. Which is a strange show, kind of. This guy goes around and teaches people how to control their dogs. And what is amazing is seeing these dogs tottally out of control, and in 5 minutes with him, they are calm and wonderful. All in how he handles them, talks to them, body-language, etc. Pretty incredible. After the session, we had a few minutes to watch TV before turning in. Nothing was on, as is the case the vast majority of time, so we landed on a show called How It's Made. I forget what they were making at the beginning, but it then drifted into Spaghetti noodles. Spaghetti is actually Chineese - Marco Polo brought it back to Italy. But they make these huge noodles and then cut them. The lasagna noodles are 14 ft long at first! From there it went to bacon. And quite a disgusting few moments. They showed the meat (which is pork bellies) and put these huge metal hooks in them and move them around this huge factory, and eventually slice them into sections in what looks like a large woodchipper (and with the pork slab sticking out, it was very reminicent of the scene from Fargo). The highlight of that segment was that the add a lot of liquid smoke to the meat, and liquid smoke is fantastic! I love it! Mmm! I got hugry for some good Seitan doused in liquid smoke and other spices. Finally, from there it went to Rolls Royces. Quite a pairing I know. We were trying to find the connection, but had to give up once our heads were hurting too much. Everything on the Rolls is hand made, painted, glued etc, so no wonder they are rediculously expensive! The hood ornament actually decends into the hood on a motorized pully bit. And they spend extensive time testing that out to make sure it works properly beofre heading off the manufacturing floor. They even have an umbrella that is hidden in the door. The show ened, and as my mind was sore, I went off to sleep.

Running that next morning, I noticed how in bloom the trees and bushes were. All the trees had buds, some of the trees were evnt fully bloomed. There were many beautiful white and pink trees and along the highway some great red/purple flowers. It was so nice to see colour back in the world. Random little splotches of color dripped across the landscape. And much green. The grass had about died again by then, but the trees were very green.

We were happy the next night when the owner of the house was home, as he has a HUGE great dane named Rizza. She is a very happy and fun dog. and HUGE! She stands taller than Neil by a good half a foot or more, and when standing on all 4's, her head comes up almost to my shoulder. But her breathing can sometimes sound like a gale, her running around like a stampede, and her drinking water like you're on a ship whose side just cracked as water slurps in.

But this time she didnt sleep on either of us. Definitely a plus.

We finished recording and a nice jalepeno pizza and were soon on our way back. The day was picturesque -mid-70s and sunny, with fluffy clouds dotted in the baby blue sky. Threes in bloom everywhere, green everywhere. Mountains off in the distance, and hills all around.

We stopped in to a gas station for a cranberry juice (and they had Smores bars!!!!!!!) and we saw a sign outside the building on a newpaper dispenser that said:

"Do you realize that in 30 years there will be thousands of old lady with tattoos running around?"  

Underneath was a picture of this huched over little grandma covered in tattoos.

We went inside anyway. The cashier was nice, witha thick southern drawl. Upon leaving, she said be good. I wished her the same, to which she replied, "oh I wont."

The mountains of Tennessee were gorgeous, and the sun shone on them perfectly. Angled and right, making the greens even more fervid. Then we came upon the great exit in Tenessee. This exit has a huge billboard for an Adult Shop, and right off of that billboard is, slightly bigger, this massive white cross. And in between - you guessed it - a fireworks superstore.

Neil had never experienced waffle House, so we found one just after the Church crowd. He had also never had grits. So he eneded up enjoyng them both (how could you not, really?), and we decided to get a Smoothie King, another first for Neil. (The joys of Knoxville, TN).

Night fell and with it a blood red full moon hanging on the horizon life a hole in the sky. It slowly rose as we made our way up Ohio. By the time we reached Summit County, the clouds had caught up with it, clinging and draping, and finally conceiling.

The morning rose with no pomp and left me to my day. See you tonight at Wolf Creek.          

10:44 AM - 2 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Duck Tales
Current mood: nostalgic
Category: Music

That used to be one of my favourite shows as a kid. I would come home from school, to sit and watch Duck Tales and Tailspin many days of the school, year. It was never so high on my list as to decline doing other things, but I did enjoy those hours of cartoons.

And now, Looney Tunes is not fit to be shown in schools, as it is too violent. Too violent in a world where video games are more realistic and more graphic than many movies, and movies and tv shows all have sex and violence.

I would love to see a study of children from the 60s-80s who watched Loony tunes and see if they turned out more violent because of it. And a study of the video game generation to see their results. I bet it would be interesting and engaging if nothing else.

Any way, this is a long a weird tangent. Perhaps it is the sunlight, which i haven't seen in 5 months. And now i have too much Vitamin D swimming through my veins. And the smell drifting in from fresh cut grass. And the sound of my coat sighing from a closet, like a bear preparing for hibernation.

 Perhaps the more miles under foot, the more thoughts creep in about age and youth and time - all of which are non-existant. All of which are simply man-made words of measurement. They are like litres. Or centi-meters. And as undefinable.

I think from now on out, I should live my life in gallons and cups. I am two and a half gallons old next month...

Big lights and walls of signs and awnings makr the entrance to the City. What a place that can pack in millions of people into a 7 mile strip of land, and more buisness and restaurants than anywhere else in such a small size. Seeing the entrance to the Holland Tunnel is always a joyful moment. Driving under the river and crossing into the new world, the chaos of energy of the City is a moment of great hope, every time. No matter what my reason for traversing. Maybe I want a hot dog. But, what a great hot dog I will have!

The sun creeps back in in concentric circles until it has defeated the underworld. And we are swept out into the City as if caught in a jet stream or undertoe. The van exits the roundabout and wanders 5 line one-way streets to find the nook and crany to branch off into the one lane one-way alleys filled with some sort of construction, renovations, parked cars, and bicyclists. And people. 

TomTom is worthless in the City. She suddenly grows schizophrenic and one of the personalities is in the throws of alzheimers and the other is 4 year old.

I knew this already. There was no warning, just finding yourself driving in circles, while TomTom sobbed, was my only hint. However, this time each street near our destination was under concstruction and closed. And all the streets in the financial district are one way.

Needlesstosay, there is a circluar route that we slipped into, wearing a tread in the concrete. Good ol' FDR highway. A fog had encompassed the city, long before we had arrived. Much of the city was invisible to us on the Jersey sid eof the river. The Brooklyn bridge was shrouded in this cloak, which was hauntingly beautiful from our vantage point (all 6 times we ended up there). It seemed like something out of London. Or Sleepy Hollow.

After nearly 30 minutes or circular driving, we ended up a block from the club, and decided to unload and schlep our gear from there. The club was downstairs, and a large club once inside. The stage was in the very far back corner. It was in it's own little room. A room with a great mural behind the stage reminding us of the big hands from Foo Fighter's Everlong video. The loading went quickly and a spot was even opened up on the street only another block or so up the street.

The first act decided not to show, or showed and decided not to perform. So it was simply us and the band from Philadelphia. Our set was extened a song or so, which was fantastic! All the folks in the room dug our music and there was ever a good number of dancers! We had a decent number of people out to see us, folks from the city, the Upper West Side, Jeresy, Connecticut, and Ohio! (Those are the ones I know of).

The club sat on John Street, and standing outside the club looking due West, the street lead directly to Ground Zero, which was back lit, and cranes hung in the air.

(Speaking of cranes, we saw these two beautiful white cranes hangin out in this sledge pool pond in Jersey a few miles from the Holland Tunnel - the area of Jersey very industrial. They stood there in the ankle-high "water" and stared ahead, unphased by the passing traffic. The no doubt had a tough attitude. I could hear it saying as we passed it, "You lookin' at me?") 

Hauling our gear back to the van was a little more involved than unloading. And some of it got quite heavy by the time we reached the van. But it was good excercise. And the rain had ceased for us to load.

Michael took shotgun to help navigate out of the city as we shoved off after Midnight. Somehow we slipped back into our circular route and saw the FDR a few more times that night. We also passed the Staten Island Ferry station, a festively lit building/area.

As I drove Charlie, Neil, and Dominic got the desire to sing. Led by Charlie, they busted out all the hits: Living on a Prayer, You Are my Sunshine, The Right Stuff (yes New Kids on the Block - I was surprised Charlie even knew a verse of the song...), some Police, some other 80s. It was the perfect driving music. Even with laughing tears in my eyes.

Driving was a slow go as soon as we peeled out of the Tunnel. The rain had increased and had become an all out down pour. But we still made the trip to Chatham in 40 minutes or so. Freeways soon gave way to suburban roads, and finally neighborhoods. By the time we pulled up to Michael's relatives house, the rain fell more pitter-patter than all out.

They had the spread out for us: Hummos and pretzels, chips, and crackers. Salomi (i cant spell this meat - i rarely ever eat it. but it was good wrapped around a pretzel stick) and pretzels and fresh home-made motzerella. Then, out came dinner (at 2am) the Penne Pasta with a delicious butter Vodka sauce (all of which was quite tastey, but even better Veganized!).

And the morning came with 60 degree happiness, and took us away from the City. "None of us wanted to leave, that was perfectly clear" (as Weird Al sings in the Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnessota). But we had to be off.

Let me just say Pennsylvania is a long long long state.

But it was named after a Prime Minster of England, who had a hand in abolishing the slave trade. (or maybe it was another William Pitt).

No sooner was I home, then I was off to Atlanta to put rhythm and acoustic guitars on my record. During the drive, Tom Kent's new 70s show found my radio dial outside of Columbus and took me nearly to Cincinatti.

And so here I sit. In the 75 degree warmth. With sunlight parading in the windows, and the smell of fresh-cut grass wafting around the building. Guitar in hand. Bleeding my soul into ones and zeros. Screeming amps and crazy sounds. Tofu and Good dog breaks. Sipping on a Ginger Beer Soda.

Wondering why I live in Ohio.

But getting ready to drive to Birmingham to pick up my bassist from the airport.

Hoping that I am making someone smile.

Hoping that this music will bring joy and happiness to people. Many people.

Hoping that God still allows me to find inspiration in everything around me.

Hoping that my song helps someone get through their day.

Hoping that my song helps me get through my day.

But,

I am smiling.                

11:43 AM - 7 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Dancing with the Archangel
Current mood: enlightened
Category: Religion and Philosophy

I met Michael, the archangel.

And he’s a fan.

And an avid dancer.

Let me back up a little. Last night was my monthly return to Northside in Akron. The whole day was a good day - the sun came out for a minute, I got to work out for the first time in weeks or months, and I had some wonderful Luigi’s bread with Garlic dipping sauce!

Northisde is always a fun night for the band and myself because we experiment a bit and try things, and so each show is unique.

The night started with Dominic getting pulled over on the highway (he didnt get a ticket thought!) and then he missed the exit, and found himself off of Lover’s Lane in Akron (an area with a deal of one-way streets). So needlesstosay, he got somewhat lost.  But he made it to the show and was set up in time and soundchecked, so some kudos to him for that. And he did bring his peeps.

The blue and pink ones.

I think maybe we’ll throw them into the crowd in NYC!

Then we set into our set. About half way through, two guys wandered intothe main area of the room by the stage. When the song ended, the one announced "I am Michael the Archangel, and I am going to defeat Satan!"

At my show!

I’ve been  on a spiritual quest for the last several years now, and perhaps I am getting closer to my goal! Plus, now that I have Michael’s blessing, maybe things will move in ever growing cricles!

Anyway, so I shook his hand.

It is humbling to have my music be the soundtrack to defeating Satan! :)

We continued on with a few more upbeat numbers, which got Michael and his friend out to the dance floor. I have to say they had some good moves! They had no inhibitions, which is always refreshing to see. As children we dance whenever we feel like it. No one tells us - oh you can’t dance - or - oh you look stupid. We just let the music guide us. And then we grow up and "mature" and suddenly we care more about what random stranger think of us. We are afriad to be seen and judged by people that have no right to judge. Dancing is one of the most natural things to mankind. It has been with us since before pre-historic times, and will be with us until we are wiped off the planet. So why not embrace it?

Or as Prince says "shake it like a juicy juice"...

As they danced, I had this amazing vision of a dance off between good and evil. The archangel versus Satan. And I had a feeling the archangel had a few moves up his sleeve. 

Anway, so they dragged a few folks up to the dancefloor, and busted out a few moves I had never seen before (there must be some amazing dance parties in Heaven). This all made Ever After one of the best versions we have ever done!

Overall the show was pretty darn good musically. All of the tunes felt good and had a beautiful energy! I was even able to do a small interlude of Spread Your Wings by Queen (one of my favorite songs of theirs). 

By the time we got to Life, the crowd was mostly dancing. And the song just exploded. Our good friend Cameron was in attendance, dancing up a storm, and we got him up on stage to beat box. He does a fabulous beat box, if you’ve seen my first Pub show or the last special House Concert with Cory. The vibe pulled out some great beats and it was "fu-fu-fu-fu-funky!" Charlie blew out a blistering solo, and I had to dance with the crowd for a bit.

When Life had ended, the crowd was screaming and cheering for more.

And Michael, the archangel, shouted out, "Ok, no more Top 40!"

So we plowed into World on Fire, again one of the best versions we’ve done of it. Raw power came out, swirling aroun d the audience. Michael shouted out "Yeah! Alright!"

But we couldn’t end the night with the world on fire. Not with the Archangel in attendance. I felt we needed to go higher.

So we did an earlier request.

Michael approached the stage and shouted "Ok. Bring your A game! Bring your A game on this one! Bust it OUT!"

To which I replied, "We’ll bring our A game, but you best bring yours!"

He nodded agreement. "Alright!"

Then started a deeply spiritual rendition of Purple Rain, which I sang the first verse to the Archangel.

Charlie is a phenomenal guitarist. I have known this since the first time I heard him play. But he reached inside and brought out a solo for this song that melted everyone’s faces! It quite honestly was something that Prince WISHES he could have played. It dropped many a jaw to the floor.

And I think that Good beat Evil.

That night.

At least we all ended on a higher level.

I know I did.

Daily karma: Pay an unexpected visit to a friend.

And remember "The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another." (Jack Kornfield).

Until next time!    

9:36 PM - 4 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

ATL and Karma
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Back in the Ohio. At least the snow storm missed us and we only got rain.

But I’ve seen the sun a few times, so that’s a lovely thing!

Atlanta was a wonderful change of pace. We drove in and worked pretty well non-stop for 3 days. Of course stopping for some great Thai, Smoothie King, and Waffle House!

There are a lot of Pawn shops in Atlanta. Many more than I would have expected. We sifted through a few - always looking for some buried musical treasure! And Dominic was looking for an old Nintendo game system. Alas on both fronts, sadly, but I did find a Steve Martin vinyl and the one place had some crazy knife/swords (which was alittle frightening). But we were also in search of the Peachtree.

The actual tree.

There are 12,000 Peachtree streets in the ATL limits, and yet we hadn’t actually seen a peach tree. So we went looking in the alleys and pawn shops, in the little Five Points head shops, through the little downtown park, and off of the main Peachtree St (i think). The search continues. Perhaps our next trip down will land us a sighting of this imfamous creature.

Who knows?

Writing that made me feel like Indiana Jones. (from the 1st or 2nd movie). Not a bad feeling to have whilst sitting in front of a computer.

Daily Karma: Thank someone.

I’d like to take a minute to thank my band for working very hard over the last few months, and doing a great job that is getting better and better! 

Also, I don’t think I publicly thank Korrin as much as she deserves. She helps a ton with my web designing and graphics work and meets amazing deadlines and outdoes herself each time. Plus, she helps roadie some shows, dances like crazy (quite a mean polka!), and helps to brainstorm. On top of that, she helps me to eat better (I now eat garlic, tomatoes, and jalepenos - and I have tried mushrooms - they’re still disgusting), and to be more healthy in general! I can’t thank her enough!

Hope to see you soon! Also, we’re playing in NYC (the Big Apple) on Firday the 11th at the John Street Bar and Grille (as part of the Original Sessions Art House - 17 John St, between Broadway and Nassau) at 9:30pm! It’s the full band, and we will be rockin! Come out, bring your friends! Start up a road trip! You know you want to!  

10:13 AM - 1 Comments - 3 Kudos - Add Comment

ATL
Current mood: creative
Category: Music

It’s 70 in Atlant atoday.

Life is good.

And it’s 20 in Ohio.

Even better!

So the trip has been wonderful. We had a great drive down - snow in Tennessee? And it even snowed for three seconds in ATL as we sat in the driveway of the studio.

But we got in and had a lovely Waffle House breakfast to celebrate National Waffle Day. And some grits.

The first day of recording was a bit long, and we were a little weary from the road, but we knocked out 3 tunes in about 6 hours. Dominic really outdid himself this time. The drums were tracked in the huge drum room at Tree Sound, called the Cave. The drums sound wonderful and massive.

The next day we were able to get a little sleep. And we finished up the tracking of the drums. Dominic melted a few faces with some explosive fills! This record is going to be incredible! Seriously.Plus, we did get some Smoothie King to start off the day! Blueberry Heaven, mmm!

It was nice to spend a few minutes outside in the sunlight without a scarf and all bumdled up. (Next time, though, we’ve got to bring a basketball for the downtime).

We had an excellent dinner at Thai Star, up the road from the studio. Charlie got some great Chicken Curry, I had a Chili Cashew Nut dish, and Dom got the Pad Thai. And they satyed open later for us. Great folks here in the Atl!

We found some good Jamaican Ginger Beer, and a tiny Pumpkin Pie, and some great Grilled Mesquite Tofu!

Today we got to spend some time hopping around Atlanta Discount Music. Looking at some funky amps, a Rhodes (mmm) and some tube pedals. Then we drove downtown to Little Five points, the coolest little place with all sorts of crazy shops and things. We rumaged through Criminal Records, with Charlie finding a great vinyl of Ryan Adams. I would recommend this place if you’re stopping by Atl. Also, that area is beautiful. There is so much great open spaces and grenn spaces, I guess, in the city. It’s wonderful.

Time to go and work on some drum editing.

See you all Friday at the Barley House! 

1:11 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Karma
Current mood: creative
Category: Religion and Philosophy

"Each individual is master of his or her destiny: it is up to each person to create the causes of happiness." - The 14th Dalai Lama

Each time I sit down to blog, I want to write some thoughts on the daily karma or something to that effect, but I could never put so clearly as a thought as the above statement. So, I just post them, and let them speak for themselves. And hopefully shine light into everyone’s day and week! 

Karma: Spread your extra pennies.

Also, hold the door for someone.

This Friday is the Full Moon. To fully enjoy it, you should howl up at it. You dont have to do it super loud, or in front of anyone (though that could be cool!) but a little howl is a good time!

Enjoy!

Peace.

8:50 AM - 5 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Hello
Current mood: creative
Category: Music

Many of you have been asking over the last 2 years about a music video created by the folks who did the film Custody for the song Hello. Some of you were even in it! Well, here is the link for it!

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=30108622

Enjoy!

Also, a wonderful review of 1.19.2007 came out today in the online newsletter/blog Cool Cleveland! It will be posted on my website soon.

Another review/interview came out today: http://www.juniorscave.com/zach.html

Daily Karma: Tell a joke to a friend.

Some random Emo Phillips for your day:

If you can make one person laugh, then you are already doing better than Tony Danza

I was walking down the street, something caught my eye...and dragged it fifteen feet.

I don’t have to tell you folks about scuba diving. So, that’ll save some time.

Emo is really Swedish for, Honey, he bobbed to the surface again!

When I was ten, my parents moved to Downers Grove, Illinois. When I was 12, I found them.

You know, a lot of girls go out with me just to further their careers...damn anthropologists.

I love to go down to the schoolyard and watch all the little children jump up and down and run around yelling and screaming...They don’t know I’m only using blanks.

Enjoy!

11:31 AM - 4 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Video and Karma
Current mood: creative
Category: Religion and Philosophy

A video pf me performing Imagine at a big Peace rally for NOAC last month is up here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6vDPEQFY5Y

It was gorgeous to see so much snow. Will this be one of those storms we'll all mention like the "storm of 08" kind of thing when we're 50? I guess we got to experience what it's like to live in Buffalo, NY...

Tatanka!

I got to catch up on Curb Your Enthusiasm (I have a season on DVD and I get little time to watch), caught a great History Channel special about life in 10,000 BC. The Clovis civilization and and the ice age and meteors crashing into the planet. Very interesting.

Caught up on a little reading. I'm still way behind (and in the middle of I think 8 books now - not counting the 3 audio books I have on randomly). Ha!

I have to take a moment to reccomend The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge by Rainer Maria Rilke. It's his only novel. Brilliant!! Most all-encompassingly!

daily karma: Praise another's work!

Enjoy!

11:01 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Karma Pt 2
Current mood: cooky/wacky
Category: Religion and Philosophy

So I found this in a daily bit of Buddhist wisdom book. I found it beautiful and relevant to the whole daily karma topic:

"Do not take lightly small good deeds,
Believeing they can hardly help.
For drops of water, one by one,
In time can fill a giant pot."

- Patrul Rinpoche quoted by Joseph Goldstein

12:28 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Daily Karma
Current mood: creative
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Northside is always a fun night.

We did a special band show without drums last night. It was an interesting side of the music and the band. There were some great moments all night long!

And some great hugs! As yesterday was share a hug (for the daily karma), I hugged everyone in the audience during Manifest, and there was this one guy I didn't know, and as I came over to him, I thought this guys gonna be like "what's going on?" BUT he stood up before I even got to him with his arms outsretched! It was awesome!

Also, I think everyday should be share a hug. We have such little personal interaction anymore. Everyone stays in their own spaces and places, but we were meant to be social animals!

Daily Karma: Thank someone.

Somewhat off topic, I heard a very brave and wise man say that all good apologies have 3 parts:
Im sorry.
It's my fault.
What can I do to make it right?

I found that enlightening. You should check out this short inspiring piece:

http://video.stumbleupon.com/p=ithct48cqw

Enjoy!

11:07 AM - 2 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment