Touring Bands -There's Always Drama

I can't believe the perpetual drama
that is second nature in a touring
rock band.
There is a nonstop babysitting program
with new members or road crew when-
ever a band hits the road.
If there isn't an alcohol or drug issue
there must be some kind of dialog
with a clubowner, fan or other band.
On the way to being a professional
musician what does it take for every-
one to act grown up and not sabotage
the band trying to make music a career?

Wishing You Someone in Your 'Amen' Corner

There are a few people in my 'Amen' corner.
Some have been there longer than others.
In turn I am in their 'Amen' corner.
Maybe you aren't familiar with that term.
It only means that they are there to say,
"Well Done' when you complete a dauting
task or finally achieve something whether
it be big or small.
Then you have those people who can't wait
to tell you that your newest idea or venture
is plain old stupid. If it fails they are the
first to say they were right rather than let
you know it took courage to attempt something
new. When your venture is successful they
don't even acknowledge it.
Cherish those folks in your 'Amen Corner'
and they will keep you positive on a day to
day basis.

Mixtape #1

Recently I picked up a book at the Dollar Tree
called, 'Love is a Mixtape' by Rolling Stone
contributing editor, Rob Sheffield. It chronicals
his love story with his wild and carefree wife
by creating cassette mixtapes as their love
grows. Each chapter reflects a time when a
certain bunch a songs were lumped together
on a cassette tape for his/their listening
pleasure. The book was a great read!

I am using the same theory to occasionally
add my mixtapes to this blog -as I would
want them played.

This mixtape can be created online at many
free listening sites like Reverbnation, Playlist.com
or the individual artist's myspace -if not then
lyrics can probably be found at lyrics.com.

This sort of reveals where I am at this point in my
life and reflects some of the places I may reside
emotionally but always hopeful for a better day!

MIXTAPE # 1

BAND/ARTIST --SONG

Collective Soul-- How Do You Love?
Collective Soul --All That I Know
Collective Soul --December

Brand New Sin-- Days Are Numbered
Brand New Sin --Enjoy the Ride
Brand New Sin-- My Loved Ones
Brand New Sin-- Fly
Brand New Sin-- Hideous
Brand New Sin-- Once in a Lifetime

Tom Waits-- Heart of Saturday Night
Tom Waits-- Low Down

James Morrison-- You Give Me Something
James Morrison-- One Night Only
James Morrison-- It's A Wonderful World
James Morrison --This Boy
James Morrison-- Call the Police
James Morrison-- One Last Chance

Loudon Wainwright III-- Say That You Love Me
Loudon Wainwright III-- Unrequited

Bruce Cockburn-- Different When It Comes to You

Pink --So What

Kristin Hoffmann --3 am

Zakk Wylde-- Throwing it all away
Zakk Wylde --Way Beyond Empty

Rob Thomas-- Real World
Rob Thomas-- Mockingbird
Rob Thomas-- Someday

Bruce Springsteen --Trapped (live version)

Tantric-- Hero

Lynyrd Skynyrd-- Still Unbroken

Dating Abuse Schwag

Dating Abuse Schwag

Shared via AddThis

I saw this on the Schwag blog and thought the message
should get out there. This fact is quite alarming.

Birthday Wishes

There is someone having a special birthday.
I am wishing that dear friend fond 'Birthday Wishes'

Did we long ago think we would ever be this old?

I don't celebrate all the years either but am glad we
reached them and still share our ups & downs with each other.

Remembering a budding friendship where I was so lost and my
heart was so closed to the possibilities of caring for anyone except
my child you made me see who I was -to you and others around me.
Maybe I did the same for you and didn't even realize it.

You made decisions for both of us that endur to this day.
You kept our friendship alive when I almost closed the door.

From that time I no longer have any cards, letters for fear they would
fall into the wrong hands.
I realize now that the brain stores the best of our pictures as memories.
I can review those memories daily if I choose to do so.

Your strength and courage to face each day's challenges head on has
mentored me in my daily endeavors. Today after reading a letter this
summer from my Pastor she made me understand that courageous
people are those who wake up to a new day and accept what they need
to do that day.

I have no regrets about any decisions we made together except maybe
being smart enough to walk away from a 'bad' situation. You never made
that decison for me -to stay or leave was always on me.

When times are tough or seemingly unbearable I have wonderful memories
of shared conversations both past and present to carry me over the rough
spells. Today you always remind me of the grandson who is the light of my
life.

I now find that once broken-now mended hearts can bring peace to others
and help raise wonderful children.

So to use this Beatles song the only chance I get is now!

'Will you still need me -will you still feed me when I'm 64?'

Of course, dear friend I'll still need you when you're 64

Let's Not Pay Quality Teachers

I was totally amazed recently to find that some of our most
prestigious college prep schools in this country just do not
want to pay decent salaries to incoming quality teachers.
Their illustrious websites boast an outstanding education
for students while never revealing the meager stipends
they are willing to pay their newly hired staff members.
If your student feels they excel in a certain area but you
notice your $30,000 yr tuition doesn't provide the same
faculty from year to year you may want to question the
school. Why can't they keep the passionate teachers who
make a difference in a student's life & future? Could it be
a living wage? It's something teachers need!

401K Loans -Just Do it!

I can not believe the 'stupid' financial tips out there.
Think twice if you want to tap your 401k for a loan.
The 'experts' always say 'Don't do it' 'You'll be double
taxed' 'You'll lose your compounding interest'
Yes to all of these but what about these options:
It's YOUR money.
What better place to borrow quickly? The bank 'Of Me'
I call it. If you borrow from a bank or loan company what
kind of money do you pay with -your taxed income? Who
gets the interest? The bank or loan company.
401k loan who gets the interest? You do -you payback the Bank of Me!
You don't usually have to wait a long time to be approved with
your 401k and can select your own payments.
In many cases a short term loan from your 401k should not
make you feel all guilty. Do so if you want.