Farewell Forest Bend

June 28, 2006 - June 14, 2010

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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

Both Sides Now

Bows & flows of angel hair & ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere, i've looked at clouds that way.
But now they only block the sun, they rain & snow on everyone.
So many things i would have done but clouds got in my way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now,
From up & down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions i recall.
I really don't know clouds at all.

Moons & junes & ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real; i've looked at love that way.
But now it's just another show. you leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away.

I've looked at love from both sides now,
From give & take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions i recall.
I really don't know love at all.

Tears & fears & feeling proud to say "i love you" right out loud,
Dreams & schemes and circus crowds, i've looked at life that way.
But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say
I've changed.
Something's lost but something's gained in living every day.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From win & lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions i recall.
I really don't know life at all.

-J. Mitchell. For the album "Clouds" 1969.

In a week that has been eight years in the making, this tune speaks to my emotions at this time.