Zephyr Illusions photo by donna October 1992. The view atop Chasseral, Jura Mountains looking across Switzerland to The Alps on the horizon. Fog, intensely thick, rising from Lac Bienne and stretching its fingers high onto the Lignières-Plateau de Diesse after wholly filling the valley below the plateau.
Words are your tools Your weapons of choice Choose carefully to listen Hear Seek To understand and expect Unexpected truths Lie beneath the choice
Words are your power Your wellspring of strength Wield wisely the confidence gained Evaluate Contemplate Deliberate Conscience thought dictates The answer to the question To empower or to enslave
Words are your opportunity Your source of inspiration Brandish passionately to create Elate Reveal The beauty and innocence To fully embrace
Words are your wings Your journey unfolding Soar Explore Realize The blossoms of dreams The magic of hope Forever nourishing your soul
photo by donna, San Juan del Obispo, Guatemala 1986
I walk alone in the garden as twilight falls,
Shadows filling the thorn covered walls
Watching the sun go down on the day,
I wonder how things could go so astray
Once filled with the beauty of glorious flowers,
Being ever nourished by fresh Spring showers
The garden once so full of color and delight,
Has somehow become faded, no longer bright
What has caused this barren desert to appear,
Why has the sky become so cloudy and unclear
I tremble and quake as darkness closes in,
A cold sweat breaking out on my skin
From deep within me rises a churning fear,
I try to be strong and shed not a tear
It is too late, I have numbed all my senses,
And put into place all my last defenses
Trying to escape the darkness of this night,
All I feel through the numbness is cold fright
I begin to pray that I will find the path,
For I know I cannot endure any more wrath
I frantically begin to search for a way out,
My mind swimming with troubles and doubt
Making my way through the briers and thistle,
I think I hear what sounds like a whistle
I stop and listen looking into the night,
Off in the distance I see something glowing bright
Slowly, carefully I make my way toward the light,
A sparking of fire within me begins to ignite
The warmth of the fire causing my senses to excite,
I give way to my feelings, I worry not of my plight
Down the garden path I continue hoping that I might,
Find that each and every little thing will be alright
At the end of the path much to my delight,
I find the garden gate is covered in white
Sprays and bouquets of every beautiful white flower,
Placed there by an angel as a beacon of hope and power
White flowers of friendship, affection and love,
Light the way home like the stars above
Today the garden shows no trace,
Of what was once a barren place
No longer when I walk in the garden do I feel alone,
For the harmony of our friendship has blossomed and grown
No longer are there briers and thistle to fight for hours,
The garden is an endless sea of beautiful White Flowers
Written sometime in 2002 for Julia, my friend in St. Petersburg, Russia. Thank you, Julia, for being my friend... mostespecially, when I really needed one. :)
Harvest moon illuminates Powerful mystique casting illusion upon the horizon complete Visions of strangers amidst friends unknown Pass in the night like stars tossed upon an ocean of light Haunted by memories not yet mine Feeling adrift caught lost in time
Long is the road when nowhere bound What lies over the hill beyond the bend remains still To be found
photo by donna ~ above Guatemala, Central America 1986
I was with friends and my sisters... we were out walking... enjoying getting across a beautiful country park and gardens... Seeing everything we could see before the end of the day... We decided it would be better if we walked faster as we explored all along the way... We began to trot... then we began to jog... then we began to run... it was fun...
We were running and seeing a myriad of strange and common things... We were getting closer to being at the other side of the park by the end of day... when darkness would close in... We wouldn't see much of all the whirling world around us...
I discovered that if we shed our clothing and shoes we could run faster ... We were running barefoot and free of constricting clothing...
As we ran faster and faster, the park filled with natural wonders... We came to a pond covered in water lilies and I was running so fast I was in the middle of the pond... in water up to my neck before I could stop.... I thought of alligators and creatures under the water and turned as fast as I could and tried to swim quietly and very quickly to shore where I had entered the pond...
Even though it was just as far across to the unknown shore...
All was well and I caught up with my friends and sisters...
One of my sisters said that if she braided my hair, I would be able to run even faster because my hair wouldn't get in my eyes and blind my vision.... I agreed... She and one of the friends braided my hair with beautiful pastel-colored ribbons intertwined...it looked great...
A wind came up as they were doing my hair... They had to fight it a bit but they were able to braid my hair with great success.....We began running again and...
I was in the lead... I was running like I was the wind itself... the ribbons dangled a bit at the ends and fluttered in the breeze as I ran... I liked it... it wasn't distracting at all, but like a challenge to get the colorful ribbons to flutter into my field of vision... The ribbons looked like a rainbow and I was running along it...
I can't remember anything specific that happened next... except my clock radio went off waking me to some unrecognizably hard music...
I would have liked to have stayed running in that dream... it was enlightening and I saw soooooooo much along the way... and I was free...
In 1975 after graduating high school, I worked at Listening Booth, the local record shop, where it was store policy to play, at least once, every new release that came into inventory. It was also unwritten policy that the album liner notes were to be read so as to further familiarize ourselves with musical artists, their backgrounds, inspirations, etc., their possible studio associations with one another and to garner general knowledge of the world of music. What a dream come true for a music devotee.
It was in this way I was first introduced to the music of GerryRafferty.
A gifted songwriter/singer whose music blends the styles of Rock and radio-friendly Pop with heavy Folk music influences in the style of personal story telling in a manner to which the listener can relate. GerryRafferty may have drawn on his own personal complex dichotomies and experiences in his songs but, as every great songwriter, is able to make his deeply moving lyrics become universal and understood on not only on an intellectual level, but on an empathic level, as well. Whether by unintended accident or ironic design, GerryRafferty speaks to the tortured soul in all of us...
When Mtv first launched in 1981, I was captivated by the concept. Quickly, I became disenchanted with the unabashed commercialism of music via video interpretations and superficial portrayals conforming all to the latest look and trend.
Now, looking back at videos made during the peak of success of Mtv, I find a few video that are well made in an artistic and meaningful way doing justice to the song.
Here is one of my favorites from 1987 ,"Paper In Fire"by JohnMellencamp. I like how the Americana Music vibe and roots of Rock Music is brought forth in the video. Among other things, watch for the man buck dancing at 3:02 minute mark.
Even though a bit blurry, I love this video. What a great view!
I love it when at about 2:50 mark John looks over and does a double take right into the camera.
It is from this perspective that I have always dreamed to experience at a live show of a favorite performer/band.
Also, this is probably my favorite John Mellencamp song.
"She had a dream And boy it was a good one So she chased after her dream With much desire But when she got too close To her expectations Well the dream burned up Like paper in fire
Paper in fire Stinkin' up the ashtrays Paper in fire Smokin' up the alleyways Who's to say the way A man should spend his days Do you let them smolder Like paper in fire
He wanted love With no involvement So he chased the wind That's all his silly life required And the days of vanity Went on forever And he saw his days burn up Like paper in fire
Paper in fire Stinkin' up the ashtrays Paper in fire Smokin' up the alleyways Who's to say the way A man should spend his days Do you let them smolder Like paper in fire
There is a good life Right across the green field And each generation Stares at it from afar But we keep no check On our appetites So the green fields turn to brown Like paper in fire
Paper in fire Stinkin' up the ashtrays Paper in fire Smokin' up the alleyways Who's to say the way A man should spend his days Do you let them smolder Like paper in fire"
After a bit of a hiatus, I've discovered that I can still login here...
*check, check, 1,2,1,2, check*
Now, let's see if I can remember how to post entries...
Hey, my Flickr photo album still works; click on the photo album on right sidebar :o)
The Story Of Stuff Check out this well-made informational video addressing the impacts of capitalism and consumerism on the world, at large. more than 30 years after environmentalism first became a socially and culturally relevant movement and we are still trying to educate (remind?) ourselves against the dangers of misplaced priorities.
Putting aside pharmaceuticals and a pimping management, there is no better front man in rock and roll than was Elvis with his full range honey-smooth voice and sizzling sensuality.
from 1970, PolkSaladAnnie, my favorite Elvis video... on many levels, seems to capture so much about Elvis and his legacy...
The 2008 concert circuit is shaping up nicely... currently, i've got tickets to see Classic Rockers, Van Halen, at Hershey, Pennsylvania mid-March, Country Rock favorite, Hank Williams, Jr. with Southern Rockers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, early-April at Hershey, Pennsylvania, Rhythym & Blues great, Etta James, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania mid-April,
Berman, from Orlando, Florida. discovered Berman while i was preparing to leave Florida a couple of years ago. 3 excellent indie rock albums were written, recorded and self-produced/promoted from their home studio before Berman split and reformed with a new name, Buffalo Gun. If you can find their album 'Life In The Stars', pick it up and give a listen. it'll rock you.
This video, "Send Me To The End', is from Berman's 3rd album... (be sure to check out the masterfultappingtechnique at the 2 minute mark.)
Whew, finally took the time to figure out how to sign into this blog after Google changed the log in account. I hope to find some more time soon to do some updating... in case anybody out there still looks in here (hoi, Prof. :)!) The last 6 months or so have been filled with finding a job, losing that job and staying to close the office, moving into a new home, searching for a new job and going to some concerts (Nickleback, Styx, Foreigner, Def Leppard, Joe Bonamassa).
Stay tuned for more details and stories... coming soon... i hope... :p
I've heard a lot of good reports about The Hip, as they are affectionately known by their fans, and decided it is time to check them out for myself. Also, thinking of making a weekend of it and doing a little reconnaissance work around the greater Lancaster City area... maybe, there are jobs and affordable housing available. Lancaster is a large enough city to have an active nightclub scene, yet still small enough to feel 'country-fied'. and, the location is closer to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. giving me better opportunity to more easily enjoy live music... since, anymore, music is one of the few things in life that i still believe in and gives me pleasure... so, why not go for it!?
Recently, i was turned on to a great website that brings bands/musical artists and music fans together in a very grassroots way that is beneficial to both. check out Sellaband... Sure wish i would have come up with this idea for a way to promote the symbiotic relationship that is inherent with musicians and fans while offering a viable business opportunity for both entities. While it is true that the creators of Sellaband undoubtedly have strong business motivations of their own, this is a fantastic opportunity for music fans to promote artists that move fans via their musical talents and to be part of and to share in the band's/artist's financial success. After spending some time exploring the many bands and musical artists participating in SellaBand's plan, i decided to become a "Believer" of Slim Void, a rock/pop band from Norway. i think Slim Void has lots of potential to make a successful life in the music industry. After signing on to support Slim Void in their quest for a chance at the "big time", i was pleased to discover that Dennis van Leeuwen, guitarist for Dutch band Kane, also heard something special in Slim Void and is signed on as a "believer". Kane is a band that i've followed since 2002 and have watched them rocket to success (albeit with hard work and dedication) in Europe. knowing that vanLeeuwen, who has worked his way up to success, supports Slim Void somehow reinforces for me that Slim Void stands good chance at making it to the big time.... So, check out SellaBand and Slim Void and, if you agree, sign on as a "believer" of Slim Void... or any other band/artists that moves you with their music. i know i'm looking into other bands to "believe" in :)
highlights of 2006?... BRMC in Philadelphia and Tallahassee; The Raconteurs in Montreal; lots of local music; learning of the nuances and impact of sound in my life; met up with some good people; reconnected/disconnected with the past; worked like a dog; partied hardy; flew like a nightingale; continue downsizing; begin optimizing; ...
expectations for 2007?... more BRMC during new tour; visit another North American city on my places-to-see-wishlist; discover plenty more new music; find a quiet comfortable affordable place to live; hook up with good friends; look to the future; garner discipline; find a way to maximize investments; read some books; do more writing; find fulfilling means of supporting self; make celebratory trip to European destination; love family & friends; be happy;...
It's one thing for somebody my age and as jaded about life as i have become to break down and cry in frustration about the stranglehold that big business has on the media in the U.S.A., but it's quite another thing to see a young person with his whole life's aspirations ahead of him break down when addressing an issue that has very serious implications on our freedoms and personal expression.
the archives are very much well worth checking out... gorgeous photos and wonderful tales of living a simple honest life. (you can surf the author's archives by clicking on the site calendar)
sending out a big thank you vibe to photographer/writer/person-who-seems-to-have-it-together, Murray in New Zealand :) nice to find comfort in the positivity of a complete stranger who apparently chooses to focus on the beauty of life.
Been very busy lately looking for rewarding and fulfilling work and a new place to live while still keeping up with the usual stuff life throws at us on a daily basis. Turned down what would seem like a 'good' job with a major airline.... just decided that the job would be way too boring, the commute too costly and because of the nature of the job, wouldn't be able to take time off and make full advantage of the free flight benefits. maybe kinda crazy for a wanna-be gyspy to turn down such an offer, but i really think my best judgement was operating at peak efficiency this time. Will be moving into a smaller, very much less expensive rental property at the end of May... my current lease expires end of June, so i'll be able to make a leisurely move. hoping to take a bunch of possessions to auction in order to downsize the over-abundance of 'stuff' and raise a few dollars at the same time. hope the cats will like the new digs. and, me, too. we'll see. the lease is month-to-month... a good thing in case the very cheap rent is too good to be true!
And, the most exciting news is that i have taken a position as production assistant with one of my fav podcasts, All Florida Indies. Florida has a huge and active live music scene... one of the things i miss about living in Florida. i've listened to AFI Radio since June 2006 and have been turned on to lots of great music from independent musicians and musical artists from Florida. i've been working with Bing Futch, the host of AFI Radio, for only a couple of weeks, but i'm loving it.... as a lifelong music fan, i'm finding it a very cool experience to have contact with musicians on a business level.
Cannot help but to take a moment now to mention one of my absolute fav bands to be featured on AFI Radio.... Berman. i was totally hooked by Berman the first time i heard their song 'Lost Angeles' played on All Florida Indies podcast ([alert-link opens audio feed] show #9) and immediately purchased 2 copies of their first 2 albums, a copy for me and the others to send to a former musician and music fan friend in Europe. just recently purchased Berman's 3rd album (song 'Why Am I Still Here?' featured on ([alert-link opens audio feed]) show #38)... all three albums totally rock! besides hearing Berman on AFI Radio, you can check out audio and video on the Berman website. now, go have a listen! :)
"In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it." Robert Heinlein (1907 - 1988)
lately have realised that i make lots of wishes while busy with daily trivia. hmmmm...
One more B.R.M.C.-related item to share with you...
Another fan-made video from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's 8 February 2006 performance at the Metro in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The video features Peter Hayes singing 'Restless Sinner' while playing his beautiful Gibson acoustic guitar. I think 'Restless Sinner' has a Johnny Cash-esque sound.... and when Peter wears his hair slicked back, i get even more of that Johnny Cash vibe
Well, finally, i get around to writing about my overnight trip to Tallahassee, Florida on 4 March to attend another Black Rebel Motorcycle Club gig.... been busy getting caught up on work and visiting the B.R.M.C. website forums to network with other fans. it's fun to read fan reviews and see their concert photos and just generally share our experience when the band's touring.
My flight to Tallahassee went smoothly and without hitch. i found a taxi waiting outside the terminal and got a very pleasant ride to my hotel (one i will never recommend! take my advice and when in Tallahassee avoid the Days Inn @ 1350 Tennessee Street!!) with the driver taking me a route that showed me the easiest way for me to get from the hotel to the club, The Beta Bar. since it was a flat rate from airport to hotel, i thought it was really nice of the taxi driver to give me that informative tour.
It was barely midday when i checked into the hotel and the show wasn't scheduled to begin until something like 9:30PM. so, i had lots of time to fill and decided to walk the 2 miles to the club just to explore and see if i could find a place to grab some lunch and toss a cold beer or two. but, i was surprised to find that the few pubs i saw along the way were closed... surprised me since i was right beside the University of Florida campus. i asked a university student if i was on the right path to find The Beta Bar and was there a nearby pub open where i could get some lunch. she advised me that the town was nearly shut down because the University had just began Spring Break and confirmed that i was headed in the right direction to find The Beta Bar. so, i continued on my way and eventually found The Beta Bar which is located in a kinda rough area of town.
I got lucky and discovered that right next door to the club is a sandwich shop being run out of what appeared to be an old gas station. cool! i could get something for lunch while i sat under an umbrella (i was already becoming sunburnt from the sub-tropical Florida sun!) at one of the outside makeshift tables. and upon entering the shop i was happy to discover that they had an ice chest filled with ice and bottles of Corona! yippeee! i had scored and could get a sandwich and a beer. as the guy behind the counter made me a sandwich i noticed a promotional flyer taped to the window announcing that evening's B.R.M.C. gig at the club next door. i asked the sandwich guy if i could have it and he said "sure, go ahead". so, i happily sat in the shade of an umbrella in a warm Florida breeze outside the sandwich shop admiring the promo flyer as i leisurely ate my lunch and guzzled 3 ice cold Coronas feeling pretty mellow.
After lunch i walked back to the hotel and had a bit of a siesta before i set out again at late afternoon to walk back to The Beta Bar.... the weather was so nice and i decided that some exercise is good for me and didn't call a taxi. decided to save my taxi money for getting back to the hotel after the show.
This time on my way back to The Beta Bar, i found a bar which had opened for business and could hear a lively crowd cheering inside. i decided to go in and check it out... once in the door, i was approached by a 7 foot tall (no kidding!) bouncer and asked to pay a $8 cover fee. i charmingly told him that i was on my way to The Beta Bar for a show and could i please just have a beer to quench my thirst. he gave me a sidelong look and decided that i probably wouldn't want to stick around for the band once i heard them begin to play and allowed me in without paying. lmao, he was right... the band that took stage and began playing was a Death Metal band and as the place was filled with a bunch of nonsensical ear-piercing screaming vocals, frenzied guitar screeching and pounding drums the crowd charged wildly to the moshpit, some of them jumped atop the bar, and began flaying KungFu kicks and arm punches. i watched in amazement that nobody was killed or injuried. it was a sight to see, for sure... so, entertaining that i stayed for 2 beers. lol
Anyway, at around 7:45PM or so, i found myself at The Beta Bar and was happy to see a big tour bus parked alongside the building. i knew it had to be B.R.M.C.'s bus and that the club was getting set up for the show. i could see the back door open and decided to approach and try to take a look inside.
When i looked inside the doorway to see what i could see there was Peter Hayes, guitarist/vocalist and i suppose you could say pretty much the frontman of the band (although he and Robert Been really share the role of frontman), only a metre away from me. i took the chance to say "excuse me, this morning i flew 800 miles just for the night to see this show.... may i come in, please?"
Heheeeheeee, to my utter delight Peter flashed a smile and said "sure" and waved me in. as i entered the club to stand next to him, i proceeded to babble like an excited schoolgirl about how i attended the Philadelphia show 2 weeks prior and dug the show so much that i just had to fly to Florida for the gig that night. Peter said, "whoa, that's very cool", offered his hand to mine and said "i'm Peter". i giggled and said "i know who you are!!", shook his hand and introduced myself. lol! he is so very humble that he didn't think i recognised him!!! i asked if i might stay for sound-check and Peter informed me that BRMC had just finished their check and the opening bands were about to do their soundchecks, but i was welcome to hang around if i wanted. :) yup, i sure wanted!...
So, i spent the next hour leaning against the bar, smoking cigarettes and chatting with Peter about music, life on the road, interests outside of music and just generally shooting the breeze while he played video games and i was pinching myself to see if i was dreaming. i had my camera with me, but didn't want to spoil the cool vibe by acting the tourist and asking for a photo.... now i wish i had!!.... i did venture to break out my Sharpie marker and Peter did sign the promo flyer i had copped earlier that day, though. oh, yeah, reminds me...
i also was able to land a really nice promo poster for the album 'Howl' (the album the band is currently promoting on this tour) with the date, showtime and the name of the opening acts handwritten on it. it was thumb-tacked to the inside of the lady's restroom door and, well, since the poster would be outdated by morning, i decided to help the cleanup crew and rolled it neatly and brought it home with me. *grins*
Peter was so nice and down-to-earth and took interest in our conversation, looking me in the eyes as we spoke and laughing and smiling a lot.... it was so relaxed and chilled out and like hanging with a friend.
When it was time for the opening acts to take stage, Peter excused himself and joined his bandmates to do whatever it is that they do backstage awaiting their showtime.
Then after one kick-ass rock-and-roll show performed before an audience of about only 250 people (a real treat to see a fav band in a club so small and intimate!), i was again afforded the opportunity to approach Peter while outside in the club's parking lot where i awaited a taxi to take me back to my hotel. i joined a couple of other music fans to thank Peter for the totally kickass rocking show. he graciously acknowledged and returned the thanks for taking interest in the band's music.
Peter is a very genuine guy with a warm smile and truly seems to be a bit unimpressed with himself and his own talent... which is an immensely deep just well waiting to be tapped, imvho.
i've been an avid music fan all my life and have been attending live shows for 3 decades and have seen/heard/met lots of musicians... i've had some wonderful experiences and my evening at The Beta Bar with B.R.M.C performing live accentuated by meeting and chatting with Peter is now one of my fav memories... right up there with my september 2005 Golden Earring experience in Holland (see September Archives for that adventure).
Another cool thing is that i was able to record the entire show with my iRiver MP3 recorder using only the internal mic, but unfortunately i didn't know what i was doing as this is the first time i ever tried such a thing and my recording has a bad humming/buzzing sound. a friend who knows about such things says that i probably picked up some "large magnetic src in room..PA or main amps or lighting"... lol, what ever that means. all i know is that he said the bad humming probably cannot be filter out. oh well, even though i only got a photo of an equipment roadcase and not any of Peter and the band, i do have my badly made recording of the show, a promo poster, an autographed promo flyer, some souvenirs purchased at the Merch Stand and the memory of a GREAT evening :)
Anyway, i've gone on far too long about a great time i had last weekend... i could go on and on and on, but i'll end it here by saying that the flight home went smoothly and i still get a glow of happiness when i think about that B.R.M.C. gig. hope to see them play live again!
*EDIT (14 march 2006):
just found this video of the song 'In Like The Rose' made by a fan at the 13 March 2006 Los Angeles show...
watch this space for an update on my recent weekend adventure to Tallahassee, Florida, USA to see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club play a gig at The Beta Bar... lots of sun, fun and awesome live music.... and... i was fortunate enough to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with the undeniably charming, captivating and laid-back Peter Hayes! wow! :)
i'm still on a natural buzz from the best weekend i've had in a long time, but got to get caught up on work... will post update soon....
Early Saturday morning, March 4, i'll be flying to Tallahassee, Florida for an overnight adventure. why Tallahasse and what adventure might be found there, you might ask? well.....
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is scheduled to play at The Beta Bar in Tallahassee as they make their way across the country on their current tour. yup, B.R.M.C., the band i just saw in Philadelphia last weekend. i was ever so impressed with their Philly performance and haven't been able to stop listening to their albums and remembering how explosive is B.R.M.C. live that i just have to see them again while i can. i don't want to wait until their next tour. that might not be for another year or two and, after being thoroughly enchanted by their electrifying performance on 19 February that is too long for me to wait.
So, i found a pretty good airfare out of Harrisburg International Airport into Tallahassee Regional Airport, booked an inexpensive hotel near the club (also near Florida State University and Florida A&M University) and purchased a ticket to be picked up at the Will Call window at the club's box office. two opening bands are scheduled... 'New Roman Times' from Winter Park, Florida and 'Gettysburg' about which i cannot find any info but suspect are a local band. hopefully, they'll be good warm-up acts for B.R.M.C. After an evening of live music and partying with a few hundred university students, i'll spend Sunday chilling and will catch the evening flight back to Pennsylvania. should be in my front door around 1am Monday which will leave me about 6 hours to grab some sleep before getting ready to report to the office for work.
