You Dirty Dogs!

Their first bath & not a moment too soon. They smelled like rank, little, mobile, Texas style feed lots (shore 'nuff!). Just hope Mrs. Chessking doesn't mind the fact I bathed them in our tub (shhhhh...it'll be our little secret!). Oh well, as they always say, easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. It's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it. Which is why I enlisted 2 foot soldiers (Kristen & Caleb) while I mostly "barked" commands from afar (pardon the pun).



Just joking.



My shirt was completely soaked by the time it was all said & done & now my hands are itching off. A small price to pay for the loyal companionship they'll provide for years to come. Wooden shoe agree? ;-) woOF! WOOF!





all4now.

Childlike Faith

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.

Gospel of Luke 2: 8-14

From our family to yours: May God's blessings be yours this Christmas day & in the New Year to come.

cK

Samuel & Sarah

Christmas may have come early for C & K squared, but it was darn near 20 years in the making for yours truly. That was the last time I was a proud dog owner. So with great anticipation & joy, Natalie & I surprised some very happy toe heads this morning with a couple of collars wrapped in a box. Then we all took a twenty minute drive to the city of Panhandle, TX, where we added two new members to the fam. "Samuel" (the dark one) is named after the Biblical Prophet...as well as the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams (hehehee). "Sarah" (white) is....do I really need to explain the inspiration behind this name? (plus it's also a good Biblical name as well).

They are a Lab & Boxer mix, & are said to be good with children, & posses critical problem solving skills. Great. I guess this means they can help out with Kristen's homework math problems when I'm busy or stumped. Eh? ;-)

And so the journey begins. I admit, I got a little slushy ripping open my first bag of dried dog food since I can't remember. That all too familiar permeating aroma immediately took me back to my childhood days in southeastern Oklahoma, with my dog, "Angel".

How I miss her.

Take care of them while they're here. It goes by fast.


p.s. Happy Anniversary Natalie...we'll celebrate at some point when planets align & schedules allow. :0/

Birthday Wishes

I won't bore you with yet another "In a perfect world..." song & dance, as we have all been down that elusive, disheartening road before (yawn, sleep, slumber, shut-eye, ZZzzz...).

That being acknowledged, I don't think it's asking too much to have a legitimate shot at eight uninterrupted hours of sleep, four nights a week, or enough financial cushion not sweat the electric bill, or the occasional value meal from Braum's- particularly when you have a high pressure terribly time consuming career that involves routine procedures like saving someone's life. Wooden shoe agree?

I also think it would be really groovy not to be treated like a dog. You know, with hateful condescending one word commands like "Sit!" or "Stay!"

And now that I think about it, it would be truly invigorating if there were a few hours in the day for an unhurried Birthday celebration... nothing elaborate, just some cake, ice cream perhaps, a nice quiet home cooked meal prior to, a few gifts...I dunno.

I think an 80 hour work week is also more than enough hours of work. Remember, we work to live, not the other way around.

I also sincerely believe that eight long years of formal training, serious debt with interest, & staying awake for over 30 consecutive hours on a weekly basis should also ensure that accusations like "slacker" don't get thrown our way.

I believe those that questioned our responsibility & commitment levels to our family & particularly, offspring, during ugly, lean years of preparation, need not expect the benefits of free as air medical care, or advice, any ol' time of day, once the degree & knowledge is attained.

When your daughter's Christmas choir concert has been on the calendar for several months, with enough notice, I think the parents should be able to attend the event without backlash/negative consequences from work...particularly when the concert itself is less than an hour in duration.

While I'm being Johny Raincloud, I also feel strongly that Doctors should be able to have time to eat a working lunch, as their digestive tracts have the same needs as yours & mine. Besides, I don't want a famished, grossly underpaid, sleep deprived, bitter Doctor cutting on me. Do you?

Lastly, a bathroom break say every 12 hours, would also be a nice perk to the gig.

So to Recap:

1.) No more than an 80 hour work week

2.) At least a shot at eight hours of sleep 4 nights (or days) a week (Cuz Momma always said if ya don't take care of yourself no one else will!)

3.) Small, no frills, yet unhurried Birthday Party (doesn't even have to be on the actual day as we're very flexible)

4.) Wages to equal the amount of work performed & years of training (I realize this is a lot to ask but the electric company nor landlord simply won't accept IOU's)

5.) Common decency from friends, family, & co-workers (not to be mistaken with "respect", "admiration", etc. -not asking for a butt kissing over here).

6.) Lunch


& last but not least...

7.) 1 bathroom break every 12 hours

While I'm dreaming, I'd also like a shiny new pony, the cure to AIDS, a BB gun rifle for Christmas, & peace in the Middle East.

For the record, my faith in the goodness & decency in my fellow man to do the right thing is at an all time low. Then again, maybe I just need a nap.

:0\

The Chollies at Christmas

The finest children's Christmas special of all time bar none. I always appreciated & identified with Charlie Brown's melancholly tendencies. As stated in earlier blogs, I'll take the sincerity of a hurting soul (be it unpleasant) over contrived fabrication any day. I also dig the jazz (a first for its time btw for children's specials), the slighty out of tune kid's choir (adds depth, honesty, & color...three things today's recordings know nothing about), & of course snoopy's seamless moves on ice.

Artistry & Choreography

I distinctly remember sitting in front of the television set at my Mother-In-Law's home in the late summer of 1995, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, as the 1995 NFL season kicked off. It was one of the most lethargic, ho-hum, anticlimactic moments of my life, as it marked the first time in 15 years the NFL would be without the great one...the immortal Joe Montana, who had retired that previous off season.

I found myself staring off into space, wishing the meaningless game would hurry up & reach its conclusion (which is precisely the way my wife feels about any game involving a ball & a hired squad of overpaid, muscular goons).

It's probably the way the city of Chicago also felt after Jordan hung it up for good, as there are just some shoes that can never be filled.

That being acknowledged, I was once again reminded of such greatness last night. The New England Patriots are about the closest facsimile one will find to the 1980's 49ers Dynasty/finely tuned machine led by Unstoppable Joe.

I could brag about Tom "Terrific" Brady. I could go on & on about the aloof wizard/mad scientist, Bill Belichick, who conjurs up his terribly complex defensive schemes from the sidelines with the greatest of ease. I could also point out the Pats put Randy Moss, the best (& hands down most eccentric) receiver in the league, on the chop block earlier this season.

I could also add (am I boring you?) that the Patriot defense is very young & suspect, & their running game is comprised of anything but household names (aka "Danny Woodhead" Val: Who? Chess: Precisely!).

And all that being stated, they beat...no...they annihilated...a very, very, good football team last night in the New York Jets. And on a side note, thank goodness for the technology of pausing live T.V. or I would have never been able to witness the bloody execution (while flying solo with a house full of needy little ones & a wife on nights).

Artistry & Choreography are by no means two words that are synonymous with smash mouth, up the gut, pro football. But it's what your favorite blogger & mine appreciate most in the sport. And it was on full display yesterday evening in rare form.

Reminds me of how it wasn't good enough for Montana to hit Rice in stride on a go route in practice.

No.

Coach Walsh wanted the ball to arrive on the top right hand corner of the "8" on Rice's jersey when the route was run to the right, & on the top right hand corner of the "0" of the jersey when the route was to the left.

That's deadly, eye of the needle, precision, folks. And Few there be that find it.

I'm not a huge Brady fan. His off the field decisions have disappointed me. Then again, my off the field decisions have disappointed me. To err is human...

Furthermore, last night was but one game. Anything can & will happen once the frigid playoffs in January arrive. But what I witnessed yesterday evening was nothing short of perfection. So for that, my hat is off to the New England organization.

We live in a world that not only celebrates, but relishes mediocrity (i.e. the music industry). So when the closest thing to "self actualization" comes along regardless the profession, I feel as though I'm witnessing a rare treat. Hence today's blog.

A Thanksgiving Message to All 57 States

My fellow Americans in all 57 states, the time has changed for come. With our country founded more than 20 centuries ago, we have much to celebrate – from the FBI’s 100 days to the reforms that bring greater inefficiencies to our health care system. We know that countries like Europe are willing to stand with us in our fight to halt the rise of privacy, and Israel is a strong friend of Israel’s. And let’s face it, everybody knows that it makes no sense that you send a kid to the emergency room for a treatable illness like asthma and they end up taking up a hospital bed. It costs, when, if you, they just gave, you gave them treatment early, and they got some treatment, and ah, a breathalyzer, or an inhalator. I mean, not a breathalyzer, ah, I don’t know what the term is in Austrian for that…



Of course, the paragraph above is based on a series of misstatements and verbal gaffes made by Barack Obama (I didn’t have enough time to do one for Joe Biden). YouTube links are provided just in case you doubt the accuracy of these all too human slips-of-the-tongue. If you can’t remember hearing about them, that’s because for the most part the media didn’t consider them newsworthy. I have no complaint about that. Everybody makes the occasional verbal gaffe – even news anchors.



Obviously, I would have been even more impressed if the media showed some consistency on this issue. Unfortunately, it seems they couldn’t resist the temptation to turn a simple one word slip-of-the-tongue of mine into a major political headline. The one word slip occurred yesterday during one of my seven back-to-back interviews wherein I was privileged to speak to the American public about the important, world-changing issues before us.



If the media had bothered to actually listen to all of my remarks on Glenn Beck’s radio show, they would have noticed that I refer to South Korea as our ally throughout, that I corrected myself seconds after my slip-of-the-tongue, and that I made it abundantly clear that pressure should be put on China to restrict energy exports to the North Korean regime. The media could even have done due diligence and checked my previous statements on the subject, which have always been consistent, and in fact even ahead of the curve. But why let the facts get in the way of a good story? (And for that matter, why not just make up stories out of thin air – like the totally false hard news story which has run for three days now reporting that I lobbied the producers of “Dancing with the Stars” to cast a former Senate candidate on their show. That lie is further clear proof that the media completely makes things up without doing even rudimentary fact-checking.)



“Hope springs eternal” as the poet says. Let’s hope that perhaps, just maybe, they might get it right next time. When we the people are effective in holding America’s free press accountable for responsible and truthful reporting, then we shall all have even more to be thankful for!



Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!



- Sarah Palin




.

Time Out

Hiromi Uehara hits yet another home run with her original composition "Time Out". My wife & I are head over heals in love with her unprecedented deadly precision, felicitous depth of expression, & second to none chops of raw steel. MAN.... can this chick swing a hard groove. Talkin' serious time in the practice room. Still...IT'S JUST NOT FAIR TO THE REST OF US MERE MUSICAL MORTALS! ;-) But alas, the music is much bigger than the individual & the true star of the show. It was here before we got here & will endure long after we're gone. So as I wipe the drool from my chin, I sincerely hope this delicious groove jump starts your manic monday as it has mine. Nothing like 21st century fusion jazz, cold weather threatening, & a piping hot cup o' Joe to get me in the mood for some upcoming dried out Turkey & bland dressing. Wooden shoe agree? Game on!

Picturesque

Years that I have longed to see

Winter weather welcome me

Frozen ponds & woolen caps

These are the days for nice long naps!

;-)

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)

Alegria Desenfrenada!

Tonight, the world stood still for just one moment (my entire family included) to witness perhaps the most successful rescue operation in human history. Hard to fight the tears of immense joy after seeing humanity at its very best. If you don't know the story, don't worry, book deals are in the making as we speak.

Now, at the risk of patting my country on the back (too late), it should be duly noted the drilling company providing the advanced technological know how/early relief effort, hailed from Berlin, Pennsylvania. The capsule used to free the entrapped miners from their dour confines, as well as their special liquid diet, was created & provided via NASA. Even the protective eye wear was furnished by the good people of Oakley Eyewear, in scenic Foothill Ranch, California.

For all of our nation's imperfections & darkest chapters, we always deliver in times of global crisis. When tsunamis devastate southeast Asia, when earthquakes level Haiti, When an unprecedented AIDS epidemic threatens Africa, let there be no doubt, The United States of America responds like no other!


(clears lump from throat).


One final observation: It was reported many of the miners had a new perspective on life. Almost all claimed to have a renewed commitment to their families. So encouraging to hear. Particularly since I have yet to meet one terminally ill person on their death bed who wishes they had spent more time at the office. Have you? ;-)

Kristen's Haiku

Summer blockbuster
Overpriced snacks & candy
Sneaks Skittles from purse

;-)

Sooners' Booming

If you think that extra little spring in my step, & overly, annoyingly, joyous disposition has everything to do with the outcome of Saturday's Red River Rivalry...you would be correctamundo! ;-) The cooler weather that moved in this weekend didn't hurt either. But rest assured, a notch in the dubya column for Stoop's Troops sure does renew the soul, & chase away all that ails me! Wooden shoe agree?

P.S. DeMarco Murray for Governor!

The Red Oktober

"A great day comrades, we sail into history!" - Captain Marko Ramius (aka Sean Connery, in "The Hunt for Red October")

If you've never experienced the simple pleasure of playing with a baking powder submarine, you seriously need to rethink your life. ;-)

I purchased this little ridiculously inexpensive model at my local Hobby Lobby late last week for my son's 9th birthday. We had fun watching it silently submerge & reemerge for the better half of fifteen minutes in our kitchen sink the other night (while I shamelessly made those classic high pitched submarine "pinging" noises) I guess old school toys like this probably pale in comparison to the more popular & sophisticated xboxes & wii's of the day.

That's alright.

Not only is it easier on the pocket book, it allows me time for meaningful conversation with my son about important topics... like periscopes, port side, starboard bound, The Cold War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Caspar Weinberger, President Reagan, etc. ;-)

Now diving officer (Caleb) submerge the ship! Make it One, five, zero feet! (or in our case... 5 inches) ;-)

Dive!

Dive!

(and avoid the drain at all costs) ;-)

Pitch, Cubits & Gopherwood

Amidst the struggles of a very trying & tiring week, found a few quiet moments one afternoon mid week, to share with Kael (condensed Cliffs Notes version mind you due to highly abbreviated attention span) the timeless story of Noah's Ark. He listened well for the most part. Having a toy ark on hand to further illustrate your story never hurts either eh? Time well spent. ;-)

Braveheart

I suppose there was that life defining moment when young "Wolfy" came face to face with his first harpsichord, or lil' Danica settled in behind the wheel of her first go-kart. There simply must be that magical moment in each of us, when time slows, countless endorphins release, & a crystal clear path beckons our hearts to follow. But I confess, I'm not certain when or where my oldest son became completely devoted to some of our planet's greatest mysteries. What I do know is over the course of his brief life, the fascination has only intensified. I mean, I might be wrong, but I doubt there are too many other eight year old boys who, out of the clear blue, petition their father on the validity of the Pangaea Theory in the middle of the Wal-Mart bakery section while hanging onto the opposite end of the shopping cart for dear life.

Without question, if this interest persists into a future field of study, he will have an uphill battle. Reason being: modern science not only rejects Creationism, it scoffs in the face of it.

But much like his feisty, head strong, Irish, never-say-die mother stated after the crippling Obamacare passed the House & Senate, ensuring a much more difficult road in her chosen profession...''GAME ON!''

Though now entering only his tenth year of life, this little one is no stranger to adversity. Never be afraid to go it alone my precious son. The truth will sustain you forever. Happy Birthday Caleb.

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. Psalm 119:30 NIV

Rise of the Pink Elephant

In case you've been detained, out of office, under the weather, or just flat out disengaged from the American congressional election process, the political equivalent of the "Thrilla in Manila" went down in the state of Delaware yesterday evening.

Once again, the puzzling arrogance of the corrupt media, & those taking up residence in our nation's Beltway, have underestimated the veracious power of John Q. Public.

Only lately, it's coming more & more in the form of Jane Q. Public.

Cynic w/ eyelids half shut: Now Chessking, why does some dull primary up in Yankeeville have anything to do with the cost of wheat down here in lil' ol' Bugtussel, Oklahoma? Besides, the ball game was on last night.

Chessking: Well, it's quite simple mate. You see, those drab elections way up yonder determine which candidates move on to congress who then determine not only the cost of that there wheat up theres in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, but what methods they are legally allowed to grow, harvest, & sell it to the good folks over there in Toad Suck, Arkansas...pawd-nuh.

Point #2: Elections are a nation's report card. For better or worse, they reflect the current pulse of our values (which is also why politics & religion are joined at the hip). Therefore, we the people largely determine our own fate by our actions OR INACTIONS. Simply put: we deserve the candidates we elect... Duh.

As I write, the worst congress in United State's history with the lowest approval rating ever, is about to be dethroned in roughly six weeks (God willin' & da creek don't rise!). And as I stated in a recent blog about insects come fall, "Good riddance to you all!" (with the exception of Minnesota's Michele Bachmann, who has managed not to lose her soul amidst the sea of corruption, back door deals, & unprecedented greed).

Christine O'Donell's unlikely victory last night, indicates a slumbering nation is awakening. She is but one of an unparalleled number of conservative female candidates on the ballet this November. True, some are billionaire ebay founders, but many are average housewives terrified of the direction our nation is heading.

I can't speak for you, but if I'm given the choice of a carefully groomed out of touch ivy league elitist, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, or a soccer mom who knows the hardships of shuttling children to & fro while roasting a chicken in the oven, while simultaneously dealing with more month left over at the end of her paycheck, I'll choose the battle tested mom every time!

I hope you will too. Your future, but more importantly, our children's future, depends on it.

You can help Christine O'Donnell by clicking here http://www.christine2010.com/

What Really Lies At the End of the Rainbow

Ladies & gentlemen of the jury, I present to you three joyous, jubilant jumping beans...which begs the question "Who needs a pot of gold when you have a trampoline? Eh? I'll bet most rational three-year-olds would concur with my thought process on this matter. Come to think, why are there so many, songs about trampolines? And what's on the other side? ;0) I'll be here all weekend. Be sure to tip your waiters & waitresses. (du-dump-chhhh).

Nine One

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. It signifies the end of my least favorite month, & the beginning of the end of Summer. Hurray! And as Calvin, from "Calvin & Hobbes" says, "Bugs are dying by the truckloads! Good riddance to you all!"

My sentiments exactly.

Pictured: A typical late Summer West Texas Sunset. Our clouds & sunsets are second to none!

Founders' Fridays

He's been accused of finding a conspiracy under every rock. His antics are nothing short of hysterical & borderline inappropriate on live T.V. The back of one his best selling books contain the vilest personal insults from well known "journalists" (& I use that term in its loosest sense) & famous personalities, while he mockingly sheds a tear in the background. He eats Chinese takeout on the air, out of a little decorative white cardboard box, with chopsticks (& noodles hanging out of his mouth) while conducting serious interviews with his guests. He has a shiny red phone that only the White House has the number to, should they ever choose to call & correct his reportings (might have a long wait). He's also a devout Mormon, a recovering alcoholic, & unapoligetically cries at the drop of a hat.

Hard to believe I had never heard his name before he came to cable television.

Upon first impressions, he seemed like a bit of a sensationalist (I know, I know, "Said the pot to the kettle" coming from the likes of me).


But love him or hate him, no one can deny Glenn Lee Beck has turned an otherwise death sentence of a time slot, 4:00 p.m. central standard time (thank goodness for DVR's eh?) into the kind of ratings that have surpassed even that of Queen Oprah herself.

The icing on the cake came however, when Beck introduced his "Founders' Fridays" segment this past spring. That's when I officially became a "Benn Gleck" junkie. ;-)

Not only was I hooked, I was completely dumbfounded at the topics & information allowed to air on national television. At times, I didn't know whether I was watching a news station or the old timey suh-thun gospel hour (minus the corniness & big hair mind you).

It was hands down the most educational, jaw dropping, inspirational, programming I have ever witnessed. From "Samuel Adams" (the dude, not the beer) to "Women of the American Revolution", to "African-American Founding Fathers" (his highest rated show ever I might add), I was beyond impressed with the highly knowledgeable guests, (including Dr. Martin Luther King's niece, who oozed the love of Christ Jesus all over his studio right there on national t.v. mind you!), the material, & how it was all carefully packaged & presented in a one hour segment.


Yes, I soon came to realize "Founders' Fridays" alone, was worth the entire cost of my monthly Dish Network bill.

And while I'm handing out kudos, much praise to David Barton, of http://www.wallbuilders.com/, & actress Janine Turner (Northern Exposure) & founder of http://www.constitutingamerica.org/, for their invaluable contributions to the show as well. Both Barton & Turner are raising considerable awareness to new generations of Americans about our cherished history.

As if all the above wasn't impressive enough, thousands will gather tomorrow at the The Lincoln Memorial for Beck's much anticipated "8-28 Restoring Honor" project which you can learn more about by clicking here www.glennbeck.com/828/

In an increasingly critical hour in our nation's story, wars abound, debt skyrockets, & economic collapse threatens within. But despite the never ceasing turmoil, Glenn Beck has managed to become a resounding beacon of light, by simply reminding us of our past... one Friday at a time.

The Wonder Years

Year 1, Act 1, Scene 1: And...rolling...

Tense morning. Sausage undercooked, infant tears, baby bottles on the fly, sun in my eyes, wired traffic, overloaded backpacks, allergies flaring, multiple alarm clocks sounding, nose bleeding, miscommunication, blasted speed bumps, sun STILL in my eyes, soccer mom behind me in overpriced, self indulgent, gas hog of an SUV who clearly got her driver's license out of box of kiddie cereal. And last but certainly not least, I just swatted a mosquito on my neck & a thick, tarry, dark brown substance splattered everywhere.

Repugnant, yet pitiful.

None of the above however has the slightest to do with me being the least bit nervous about dropping my children off at their strange, entirely foreign, tax payer funded institutions of higher learning for the first time... or my daughter's first day of junior high. Did I mention she's the apple of her daddy's eye? Did I mention there are BOYS at her school???? Well...DID I???? AND YOU KNOW WHAT HAVING BOYS AT A SCHOOL MIXED WITH GIRLS CAN ONLY LEAD TO!!!!??!!

Daddy needs a sedative. :0(

Here In America

In the mid summer of 1998, I had the good fortune of spending a week on a Navajo Indian Reservation in Leupp, Arizona. I remember becoming quite anxious nearing our arrival about potential culture barriers & gaining the community's acceptance.

Fortunately, the Lord provided me a very teachable moment upon arrival, while conversing with the pastor of the church we would be working with.

I shared with him my concerns of the perception of bringing "white man's" religion to the reservation. He quickly corrected me stating "Christianity isn't white man's religion. Think of who & where it was founded & who its first followers were."

He was exactly right.

And just like that, the pressure was lifted off this pudgy white boy from Anytown, U.S.A.

So good to be reminded that regardless of location, skin color, nationality, etc., the love of Christ is for all.

Indeed, as the song below states..."The Holy King of Israel loves me here...in America."

I'm posting this less than ideal recording over the studio version because in my humble but accurate opinion it's more raw & honest, & captures the essence of the song with just Rich at the ivories over the professionally produced version.

Just my $.02

Here's hoping the extraordinary lyrics of this song speak to you as much as they have to me over the course of this week.



Words & Music: Rich Mullins, for the album "Here in America" (c) 1986

Man of Steel

July 9, 1755: The French & Indian War, an extension of the European Seven Years War, was roughly a year underway in the New World. On this particular day, A young 23 year old colonel found himself on the losing end of what would become known as The Battle of Monongahela.

For two terrifying hours, the colonel rode back & forth on the battlefield, delivering the general's orders to various officers & troops. The officers had been a specific target for the Indians. Of the eighty-six British & American officers, sixty-three would lose their lives that day. But this young man would be the only officer on horseback not shot down.

Following the battle, a note penned to the soldier's brother would state:

"By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, & two horses shot under me, yet I escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!"


The journals of Benjamin Franklin & other noted historians through the years would bring further testimony of the event. But perhaps the best witness would come from none other than the opposition itself... some fifteen years later.


"I am chief & ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes & to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long & weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of our forest that I first beheld this chief ...I called to my young men & said...Quick, let your aim be certain, & he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss--'twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded you...I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, & who can never die in battle."


But this would not be the only time the young colonel would defy bullets & certain destruction. It was stated years later during the American Revolution he again was thrust to the front lines on horseback during the Battle of Monmouth. Again the enemy sharp shooters took careful aim, but to no avail.

The subject in question you ask? None other than the father of our country-General George Washington. Who says God isn't on our side? ;0)

Pictured: Prayer at Valley Forge

Fugue in C

So I'm on a Rich Mullins kick. So sue me. ;-) I will never forget learning of his death (car accident) on that fateful morning in 1997 in Kansas City, Mo. A colleague of mine rushed into class sharing the news. At the time I didn't realize the giant of a musician he was. Clearly, his compositions have more than endured through the years & evolved into new arrangements for entirely new audiences.

This particular work was a jury (final exam for college music majors). The story goes he walked into the recital hall full of stoic music professors, began playing...& just kept going! :0D

Hope it blesses your Monday as it has mine. Who is like the Lord our God? Sing Your Praise!

Sometimes By Step

"He lived much of his life on an Indian reservation. He was largely unaware of his own success. One of the few old souls who kept their innocence. . . a lost treasure-- some people leave this planet way too early." -Randall L. Taylor on the untimely passing of Rich Mullins. Well stated friend. Hope revisiting this timeless treasure encourages you on this friday morning.

Restoration

He renews my soul...
Psalm 23:3 GWT











Pictured: Drift wood I came across one late afternoon on Galveston, Island, TX in summer of 2009.

Westward Move

Greetings, Salutations yadi-yadi-yaduh.

I feel it necessary to open this highly anticipated blog entry with a quote from Samuel Langhorne Clemens, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." ;0)

Well my friends, it would appear Blue skies are upon us once again. The hours of daylight are decidedly longer here. A crystal clear Big Dipper silently hangs above my roof each evening. In the wee small hours of the morning it's actually (dare I say it?) a tad nippy at times.

What else?

What else?

Oh yes... a trampoline has invaded my backyard much to the delight of three squeedunks. The entire staff at the local Chick-fil-A blanketed my family with excessive suh-thun' hospitali-tay. A Cessna could probably safely land in my incredibly elongated driveway (thinkin' ten cars could fit in it. Too bad I don't live near a stadium or I could turn a buck for parking). There are multiple undeveloped acres of land within our city limits containing miles upon miles of...nutin'.

Lessons I have learned during my time away: The internet changes rapidly. A cool summer breeze is something no amount of money can purchase & should never be taken for granted. The panhandle sky really is bigger & bluer perhaps giving the state of Montana a run for its money. It's "cacti" not "cactuses". A Tropical depression sitting in the Gulf of Mexico is no longer a concern to me. And finally, Valgal is the only human on the face of this planet reading my blog. That's okay. 'ts cool. As they say in the music world, "Live for an audience of one!"

More to follow. Stay tuned.

Farewell Forest Bend

June 28, 2006 - June 14, 2010

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

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Our pens are at the end of the page, but our story's just beginning.

Something About Mary

The year was 2006 & I had just landed in my new tropical home not knowing a single solitary soul in this overgrown metropolitan jungle called "Houston".

In those early days, I walked my children to school, because my wife needed our only working vehicle to get her to her necessary classes. It was this less than ideal situation that led to the meeting of one of our children's elementary school cross guards along our new awkward & unfamiliar morning path.

For the sake of anonymity, we'll call her "Mary". ;o)

From our first encounter (crossing), I learned very quickly that she was excellent at her work, possessing the delicate balance of precision in her traffic directing, while simultaneously connecting with each of her passing pedestrians...in a single bound!

Recognizing that we were newcomers, she made it a point to learn my children's names that first day, which is always a quick way to win over a dad like me. She even learned my son's stuffed animal's name..."Aurora". Now that's dedication you can't buy folks!

I was curious what the next day/crossing would bring. I was not disappointed. Only this time she added the role of encourager/cheerleader to her job description. I will never forget her jubilantly barking out warm wishes that second day like "Happy Tuesday everybody! Have a wonderful second day of school!" while carefully guiding that anxious/late for work Dodge Dakota out of the school premises & safely onto the street.

As the years passed our family grew to know & love Mary all the more. We talked most every week & even prayed for each other & our respective families during times of need.

Sadly, our time together has concluded as our family begins a new chapter many miles away.

The whistle you see pictured, is something she gave me on the last day of school to remember her by.

Without question, our family was beyond blessed to know Mary these past four years. She redefined her position & raised the bar exceedingly high for all future cross guards.

We all know the professional work place can be an all too often cold & cruel environment. So consider yourself highly fortunate if you come across a "Mary" in your daily routine. For I assure you, they are the exception, not the norm.

Saying Goodbye

Slipped away this late afternoon with the fam for one last promised trip to Galveston Island, before our final departure. While walking the shoreline in the radiant sunset, I found myself surprisingly overcome with emotion. Glad I was wearing the ol' dark protective eye wear. ;0)

For all the natural beauty on this island that I never tire of experiencing, these were certainly lean years, full of monumental trials & great unknowns.

Could have been worse.

I suspect however, even the most battle hardened journeyman would eventually tire after four years of gruelling tests & great uncertainty.

I won't miss those days. But I will miss the simple joy of holding my wife's hand while gazing at our children being thoroughly satisifed by relentless waves, wet sand, washed up treasures, & fearless birds demanding our leftovers.

Saying goodbye to familiar backdrops & close friends is never easy. Nevertheless, time stops for no one. Almost time to begin a new chapter. Almost time indeed.

Graduation Day

When words fail me on the rarest of mornings such as today, I am thankful to be a musician (see new tune entitled "Graduation Day" in music player to the right written & recorded in celebration of this morning's commencement ceremony). Congratulations Dr. Ward!

Self Preservation Release

After an almost six year hiatus, I look forward to finally sharing these songs with you in a live setting.

Just let me get moved first. ;0)

A very special "Thank you" goes out to John Baldwin, of Lubbock, Texas, for spending unimaginable amounts of time mastering this musical body of work. His tireless attention to even the smallest detail, without question, helped take this album to the next level.

Much more to follow (i.e. virtual liner notes about each song, concerts, etc.)

The work is currently available via Amazon.com & will be available at other online stores soon (itunes, napster, etc.) Also, a physical "CD on demand" purchase option will be available in the near future via Amazon, for those of you who want a physical copy.

Thank you for taking the time to read these words & for your support through the years it took to create this album. Hope you enjoy the music, come back often, & will share with others.

Much grace & peace,

cW