Winter Weather Advisory

From the floor of the Grand Canyon, to hiking up to the summit of Pike's Peak on Barr Trail (through two plus feet of snow at times in February mind you!), these old leather hiking boots have been with me for more than a handful of years now. And Like a close friend, they just get better with age.

So it seemed only appropriate to dig them out, & slip them on, when a most peculiar snow/thunderstorm surprised us yesterday morning early. After all, it was the first official snow in our new home, not to mention I've been looking for an excuse to wear them.

And while it wasn't an enormous amount of accumulation, our children were quite excited, as they have not seen, nor remember snow like this in many years, if ever.

When I wore a younger man's clothes, I was assured I would grow to detest days like yesterday, as they are dangerous, messy, & apparently a real nuisance once you become a responsible, hard working, cynical, battle hardened, member of the rat race.

Well, I'm staring 40 in the face, & my love of dreary, frigid mornings, blanketed in arctic white, still posses that magic ability to put a smile on my face, & a welcome burst of energy for the day ahead.

Admittedly, the morning commute was much longer than usual, & difficult at times to navigate. But over the years I've come to the conclusion I'm simply far more in my element on days like yesterday, than the 90 plus degree scorchers with high humidity & annoying insects galore.

I regret to inform you, however, the day took a turn for the worse later that afternoon, when I lifted my three year old into his car seat. It was at that moment I felt my back muscles all but say "Ut-uh".

And that was that.

Had to pull over several times on the way to & from picking up the children from school, due to immense spasms, which at times, brought forth tears I'm embarrassed to admit. I'm a skosh better now (& thanks for asking! ;-) as I got home & put some medicine & hot coffee in me, & dozed for a few hours on a heating pad.

What can I say? Getting old isn't for wimps. But it's not like we have any say in the matter.

All4now.

Place to Be

I admit, for the duration of my time on this planet, I've never been all that impressed with virtuoso concert pianists. I think it's partially for the same reason my classically trained wife doesn't enjoy 12 minute Eddie Van Halen lead guitar solos, as they tend to destroy the listener by throwing everything at them in addition to the kitchen sink.

So why so critical? I believe it's because those types of flashy performers/performances generally tend to be long on technique, & short on heart (which furthers my belief that just because you can, doesn't mean you should!).

Now I certainly appreciate technique as much as the next musician, as slop never moves me, no matter how cool he or she looks holding the guitar. But at the end of the day (or tune), I want to be emotionally moved by a musical body of work, & 32nd note runs executed to perfection by some little southeast Asian tyke still in diapers, whose parents obviously have their priorities out of whack, just doesn't cut it for me.

Besides, some of the most beautiful melodies in the world are the simplest in terms of chord structure & melody.

But all that changed last night.

My friend Randy (difficult as it is to admit) has once again shown me the light. Kudos to the Randall boy.

Enters one Hiromi Uehara. If ever the the phrase "Unfairly gifted" applied, it would be to this young lady.

But wait! She's merely a programmed robot who can only spit out classics like Rachmaninoff & Liszt!...Shyeah...when she was three maybe. Well...I'll bet there isn't a jazz bone in her body! Chhhh....in essence...she IS jazz! Yabut I bet she doesn't compose her own material, play anything deliciously contemporary, or slow & methodical.

Swing & a miss! Strike three, you're out dawg! Have a seat!

Okay, so she makes wacky faces & guttural noises when she plays. So do you & I in the course of everyday life (particularly after a big meal) & we don't even have a 9 foot Yamaha concert grand in front of us to pin the blame on.

In my book, when you play like Uehara, you can make all the bizarre noises & zany faces you please!

Without question, it's rare to discover someone with this much talent & technique, AS WELL AS depth/heart.

An extraordinary, delicate & priceless Crocus, to be certain.

Hope you enjoy the below video, "Place to Be" as much as I have. If not, you're obviously a Justin Bieber fan! ;-)

Beginnings

A special thank you goes out to each of you who attended our dinner & live music event last Thursday night. Be it small/intimate, the night was five years in the making & an enormous personal milestone in my life. It was also wonderful to break bread with each of you, hear your feedback, & to finally share some of my original material with you in a live setting. Would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to percussionist, Bobby Bailey, for all of his hard work behind the scenes, as moving an entire drum kit across town a handful of times is a monstrous task indeed (not to mention set up & tear down). ;-) I look forward to next month's event. Check my facebook page for updates. www.facebook.com/chessward Until then...

Peace Out,

C.

House Cleaning

I find myself in a surprisingly melancholy mood
this morning, unable to thoroughly rejoice in last night's referendum. Perhaps after two years of unprecedented fiscal impairment, it's simply unreasonable to merely flip a switch, put on a contrived smiley face, & expel a much needed sigh of relief. After all, we are anything but out of the woods.

I believe House Minority Leader, John Boehner, expressed it best yesterday, when he stated (Chess paraphrasing) "This is no time to celebrate." He went on to remind Republicans of their second chance they have been given, & how no one should rejoice until jobs return, debt is lowered, & the bleeding stops (again, Chess paraphrasing).

Surprisingly, emotions overcame the Congressman at one point during his victory speech. Good to see, as I dig weakness & vulnerability...particularly in older, stoic, battle hardened men, such as Boehner. But I digress.

It has been stated, without the desert, we would never appreciate the rain. What a gruelling, exhausting, two years it has been for our crippled nation. But after last night, twenty twelve is looking better every day.

Autumn Grey

Big week ahead. So it's comforting to know that it's encased in one of my favorite times of the year.

I took this photo yesterday evening as my children were heading out for trick-or-treating. By now I know I sound like a broken record (particularly to my offspring), but I continue to be thoroughly amazed at the clouds, sunsets, & sunrises available each day here in blue sky country, for my viewing pleasure.

It's almost as if each morning the Lord says "Oh you thought yesterday's sunrise was impressive? Have a look at this!" ;0)

It's getting to the point that I can't leave the house without my camera.

I am not alone in my appreciation either, as I have learned a handful of Hollywood movie producers travel here on occasion for the express purpose of capturing the unexceeded, artistic hand of God on film.

We should all be so lucky. :0)

Here's hoping my week goes as smoothly & peacefully, as this beautifully subdued, silky skyline, at day's end.

Managed Chaos

Tonight I find myself roughly a week away from my first serious live musical endeavor in over five years. It's a good feeling as I have been quietly building this dream for many years now. Though older now, I've also grown a little wiser than in my previous tour of duty.

That being said, those memories seem like a lifetime ago.

So with this new chapter about to unfold, I'm trying to allow for room to grow, rather than the previous "shock & awe" effect right out of the gate.

Yes, this time around, it's okay not to have every weensy detail accounted for. Okay, it's not entirely okay, but it's also not the end of the world either. Besides, good art is forever & always a work in progress. Indeed, growth is messy, painful...even scary at times. Nevertheless, full steam ahead.

Small steps now, better choices. I know we'll make it in time.

In Lieu of Flowers

Atta boy Donald!

Now that's what I

call going down fighting!

My sentiments precisely!

(Click pic to enlarge if you're

blind like me)