Leonid & Friends: The Story So Far . . .

I just found this story about how Leonid & Friends got started.  An awesome story!

Enjoy!

Make Me Smile – Chicago (Leonid & Friends cover)

Another of my favorite Chicago songs performed by Leonid & Friends.



Enjoy!

Feelin' Stronger Every Day - Leonid & Friends (Chicago cover)

Has anyone else been enjoying the Leonid & Friends video's on YouTube?   This is a group of musicians from different parts of Russia.  I believed they've even toured the US for a short-time.

If I understand the story, Leonid wanted to do a video/recording of a Chicago song for his birthday.  It was posted on YouTube, and the rest is history.

Enjoy!

Xvive Wireless Components are worth to look . . .

This past Wednesday evening, I finally had the opportunity to go completely wireless for both vocals and guitar.

I set up my small PA system in our Fellowship Hall, and plugged in my Xvive U2 wireless guitar system and an Xvive wireless mic system.  The neat thing about the mic system, I was able to use my beloved Shure SM-58 mic that I've had for the past 10 years.

Both wireless system components include a transmitter that plugs into your mic and guitar, as well as receivers that plug into your amp or PA.  Each receiver works on one of four channels.  I had my mic on channel 1, and my guitar on channel 3.  No distortion or feedback whatsoever.   I didn't take two much time to dial in either the mic or guitar as I might have, as I was a little late setting up, but all in all, I was very pleased.

The range for both transmitters is supposedly around 75', a far greater distance than I have ever played away from an amp or PA.

For me, this system is a game changer.   Now I don't have to carry a backpack or rolling case with cables and other equipment.  Granted, I  mostly play in church fellowship halls, libraries, maybe in a city park or city square, and an occasional coffee house type setting.   For these venues, this system is going to work very well, in my opinion.   I haven't played on a stage in over 10 years . . . and sound techs can be fickle (or rather, highly opinionated).  However, I think this set up would work great.

The Xvive wireless mic system will run you around $199 at most places, and I've only seen it online so far, as I haven't been to a Guitar Center in at least 5 months.  The Xvive U2 wireless guitar system can be found between $129 - $149.   Let's round it off to $350 for both.  Those who know me know that I am not a spend thrift by any means.  For me personally, the money I forked out for the Xvive system was WELL SPENT!

You can find out more about Xviveaudio.com.   You can probably find a wireless guitar system for a cheaper price from another company.  They are out there.  I have no experience with any of them, but I am hearing good things.

100,000 views and counting . . . .

Well I'm be . . .

I just now noticed that this little blog thing of mine, which I started in 2005 (I accidentally deleted it in 2007 and had to start all over), finally made it to over 100,000 views!

Wow!  I am so surprised, and at a loss for words 

For the few of you who read this blog . . . thank you so much.  It means a lot.

I took up writing this blog at the suggestion and encouragement of Melissia Mason, a communications and social media expert and a very good writer in her own right.  We were on staff together at First United Methodist Church in Grapevine.  She got there a few months before I did.  When she asked me to write a blog, I had to ask her what a blog was!  I have to give credit where credit is due.  Melissia took the time to explain it and gave me the info I needed to start.  I think she knew I would enjoy it when I took the time to focus on it.

I don't really have an agenda for writing this blog other than it is very therapeutic to do so.  The more I write, the more I'm dealing with . . . or conversely, the more time I have to write.  The less I write means I am very busy with church, singing, and family stuff.  I'm churches I'm serving now have very strong lay leadership.  I actually have a little more spare time than I've had in the past. 

I recently decided that I would make some of my spare time available for writing.  I always enjoy writing about music.  I enjoy writing about new ministry ideas, and I enjoy writing about our occasional travels in our camper.  I will begin posting some pictures as well.  I've actually started carrying a camera in my day bag again.

I think I can easily generate at least 2-3 blogs entries a month.   

Let me know what you think. 

At my current pace, I should reach 200,000 views at age 75!

Hey . . . keep making music where ever you are!

Rick ><>

Your Daily Dose of Bruce Springsteen: Thunder Road (Live at the Hammersmith Odeon, London '75)

Oh Lordy . . .

This version of Thunder Road has to be one of the best performances of this Bruce Springsteen staple. I have always been so fond of singer songwriters "keeping it simple."   A singer, one or two instruments (in this version a harmonica and piano) and an emotion you can't describe . . . you can only feel it.

I know . . . you are a Springsteen fan or you aren't.  But this version of Thunder Road is one of the most magnificent pieces of music every written and performed in my humble opinion.

I hope you enjoy.  I did.

Keep making a joyful noise where ever you are!

Rick ><>

Xvive U2 Wireless Guitar System Review . . .

I used to review and recommend music related products when I blogged more often back in the days when I served at First United Methodist Church in Grapevine.  I was also involved in a local guitar store in Grapevine for part of that time, so I had access to a lot of instruments and equipment.

At one point I had about 16 guitars and various amps and pedals.

These days, I've paired down my instruments and  sound equipment quite a bit.  I have a good acoustic amp, and a great little German PA system.  I still use Shure SM58 mics, and doubt if I will ever charge.  I've got some pedals for my electric, but can't remember the last time I played my electric.  

I am very pleased with a wireless product purchase I recently made.  A trusted friend and musician recommended the Xvive U2 wireless guitar system to me.  I was skeptical at first, but he reminded me that he used it every Sunday in our early service in Comanche with his Taylor acoustic.  Truth be told, I like the sound of his guitar on Sunday mornings.  So, I did some review checking on the internet and YouTube.  I also went to the Xvive U2 webpage and learned more.  The "I've got to try this because it's neat" aspect of this product had to strong of a pull on me.

I purchased mine in combination with another order I placed through Amazon, so I got free shipping.  The price I paid for the Xvive was the same on MusiciansFriend.com.  I received it in about 5 days.  The box was pristine and everything was as promised.

To say that I am pleased is an understatement.  I've tried it out several times including singing for a fundraiser at the local Senior Center.  I used my Xvive system this morning playing guitar in the Comanche High School gym for the Veteran's Day program.  I walked into the gym with my guitar case and the Xvive units in my coat pocket.  I plugged in the receiver to the amp that was provided, and them plugged in the transmitter (1/4" jack) into my Rainsong BI Jumbo.  Turned on the power to both, did a quick sound check and was ready to go!

It was almost 45 minutes after we rehearsed before I got to play for another singer.  I had turned off the transmitter plugged into my guitar, but had not turned off the receiver that was plugged into the amp.  No problem.  The advertised battery life is between 4-5 hours of continuous use. 

I haven't used it on my other guitars yet, but as I said, I'm only playing the RainSong right now.  It is advertised that the units won't work well with an active pickup.  I need to confirm this with my Martin D-18 retro.  My sound hole pickup on my Martin J-40 has a passive / active switch, so I anticipate no problem with it. The unit should work just fine with my Strat according to various videos that I watched.

Speaking of video reviews, there are a lot of them . . . so you can learn more if this is something that interests you.  I quit watching "expert" videos because they get too critical.  I just watch videos of ordinary everyday guys like me who tried the product, and told me why they do or don't like it.  The number of people who like the Xvive seem to far outnumber the those who don't.

There is one disclaimer to make.  The Xvive U2 is probably one of the most expensive wireless guitar systems out right now.  You can buy some units for half-the-price.  Some of the review of the cheaper brands caused me to spend the extra $$ and get the Xvive.  I'm personally very glad I did.  I do not have any complaints so far.

I'm very happy with the product.  I am glad I made the purchase.

Keep making a joyful noise!

Rick ><>

Singing Update . . .

Since my arrival to Comanche County here in Texas, my therapeutic entertainment efforts (singing for senior citizens, etc.) has taken a back seat as I try to get in my stride being a pastor of a two-point charge for the first time in over 25 years.  Things are going well, and I seem to have my feet under me to the point that I've reached out and offered my services to area senior activity centers and nursing homes.

My first contact was Whitestone Assisted Living Center in Comanche.  I have two church members who are residents there.  This is a small assisted living center, and I am very proud to be associated with them as one of their entertainment volunteers.  I've sung there twice so far, and had a blast both times.  I try to work in a bit of comedy and story telling when I sing.  The folks at Whitestone seem to appreciate it.  They voted to have me come back!  I cherish that honor.  I will be singing there once a month.

I sang for the first time this past Wednesday at the Senior Center in Gustine.  The new director is a member at my church in Comanche.  We weren't sure how singing would be received.  The center is only open on Wednesdays, and the folks there sure enjoy their card games.  In fact, they are quite serious when they play.

When I arrived on Wednesday, I set up and announced that they should keep on playing cards, which they did.  However, they were paying attention, and some sang along with me, and most applauded after each of the songs.  They all thanked me, and seemed determine to confirm that I would come back.  Looks like I get the 12:20 PM slot every 2nd Wednesday of the month.

If I sound excited, I am.  Gustine is actually more of a village (by description) now than a town, although there is still a City Hall, Post Office, schools and a local bank.  There are a couple of shops, a few agricultural related businesses,  and a little gas station / store.   It feels good to plug into this community more than I have  been able too. I'm only in Gustine early on Sunday morning, and perhaps a couple hours each week.

I visited the Western Hills Nursing Home and Senior Center in Comanche several weeks back.  I will be returning soon to schedule singing at those locations.  

I've been invited to consider singing for a local community revitalization group sometime in November, but that hasn't been confirmed yet.   I'd imagine some older cowboy songs to be the order of the day for that event.

So . . . it looks like I will be singing at least 4 times a month for seniors adults.   I think that will be a good mix and work with my schedule.

Digital Update

Greetings all,

I thought since I haven't blogged in a while that I would do an update on my attempt to step into a totally digital work environment.

So far . . . so good.  It hasn't been easy, and I bought a new mechanical pencil the other day just to remind myself where I came from . . . but the transition is going smoother than I anticipated.

First, the iPad . . . I was able to purchase, on sale from Best Buy, an iPad Air 3 along with a Logi iPad and keyboard holder.  The neat thing is that the Logi keypad does not need Bluetooth.  It has a live magnetic connection to the iPad.  Battery on the iPad Air is great, a lot better than my now almost 10 year old iPad 3 9.7 inch, which was one heavy sucker!   The iPad Air is very light.  Mind you, I know when I have the iPad in my bag, but the weight is much lighter overall.

I am using the iPad when I preach.  I simply disconnect the iPad from the keyboard, and open up Google Docs and off I go.  Nice not having to print paper copies of a sermon or lesson.

I also purchased an Apple Pencil 1.  I thought to myself, "let's waste $99 and buy an Apple Pencil."  Well, I'm using it more and more, especially since I purchased the Good Notes 5 app.  Good Notes is more than I will ever use or figure out.  I pretty much take all my meeting and daily notes on the iPad Air using the Day One Journal app (Premium . . . $30+ a year).  Day One Journal has been an answer to a prayer I didn't know I was praying.  It is simply awesome, and I am journalling 10x more than I ever have in the past.  Its easy to review and the search function is the best.

However, I still like to write sometimes . . . that old school feel of pencil in hand.  So far I have been pleased with the Apple Pencil and Good Notes combination.  I will be exploring this relationship more.  I still have my KLYC brand Traveler's Notebook for personal private journaling.

The other app I purchased (also $30+ for Premium) was the Get It Done App.  If you like David Allen's GTD method, then this may be the app for you.  I used it for a month . . . and now I haven't used it since, but will be meeting with my professional coach soon to get some extra training.  He suggested that I try Get It Done.

For years I have used the Planner Pad, a professional planning notebook that lets you manage a week's worth of appointments and projects.   I've gotten used to it.   With the GID app, I had to do a deep review every night or early morning before stating the new day.  With some help, I'm sure I can make GID work.  But for the current time, I adapted a Trello spread to look like to top part of a Planner Pad spread.  Its been working great!

Most of the apps sync to all my devices, except the Day One Journal, which doesn't yet sync to a Windows computer.

With this new digital system, I only need to take my cell phone with me to appointments, and just the iPad to meetings as long as I have access to Wi-fi.

The effort to go digital has been successful so far.  I seem to be more focused on the right thing to do at the right time.  I'm getting a lot done, and still finding time to be in the community singing and visiting.

More to come!

Embracing Digital . . . I hope it's not too late!

I have recently embarked, at the encouragement of my ministry coach, Jerry Roberson, to embrace going fully digital when it comes to planning my day, taking journal entries, calendar, to-do lists . . .

I'm not that digitally or computer challenged as I once was.  I remember working with Melissia Mason at FUMC in Grapevine.  Oh, the look on her face when she realized that I didn't have a clue as to what she was talking about when I would ask her for help using Microsoft Word.  Bless her heart.  But I do appreciate everything she taught me, and things started to click when I started using an iPad (3rd generation).

Melissia is the one who first encouraged me to write a blog over 14 years ago.  She is a much more proficient, and effecient communicator and blog writer than I am.  But she planted the seed and I continue to nurture it along.

Well, back to what Jerry has encouraged me to do . . . apparantly his definition of going "all in" digitally is doing everything on an iPad.  Granted, Jerry is a professional ministry / clergy coach and consultant.  He speaks at conferences.  He recently gave a great Ted-Talk.  So he must know what he is talking about.  My experience with Jerry these past two years is that when he suggests something, it is usually to my benefit to take the time to consider his counsel.

For those serving full-time in ministry, I would encourage you to consider a relationship with a ministry / clergy coach.  If you put in the effort, you will be blessed.

So, I will be purchasing a new iPad Air 3 in the coming week.  At Jerry's suggestion, I have already been learning to use a couple of apps that I was able to download onto my Samsung S9.

The first app is "Get it Done."   I'm already willing to say that this app was well worth the $39 it cost. It works with those who are fond of David Allen's GTD (Get Things Done) approach.  It works for me so far.  I will get some further training on maximizing this app to the fullest.

The next app is the one I simply love . . . Day One Journal.  This app cost around $35 for the premium edition, and it might be a little less through the Google Play Store for the android version.

Where has this app been all my life?

On a shelf in my church office and in my home office, I have dozens of notebooks and journal of all sizes where I wrote my daily to-do lists along with contact, meeting and project notes. (By the way . . . I have horrible handwriting . . . so you already know where this is going.)

 It was only recently that I learned a method to index my journals, alas too little too late as the process is completely analog, in that you have to start with the fist journal and work through it to the next one . .  repeat . . . rinse . . . repeat again.  Unless I put a reminder note in Google Calendars, I had to grab the current journal or past journal and start thumbing through the pages to find the entry I was looking for.

Day One Journal allows me to make my entries, which are completely searchable by using a key word.  "Click" and there is my info.  Awesome.

Here is the kicker (positive consequence) to all this . . . I am now writing more!   Why?  Because I can instantly find what I wrote!

Day One Journal works with other database apps . . . so far . . . I am really impressed.  Every day I seem to discover something new about it.  As I said, this app has me writing more.

The only drawback is that it doesn't work with a Windows computer, just IOS, Mac and Android.  The new iPad runs on IOS 12, so no problem handling this app when I am out and about.

Who knows, perhaps as old dog (I'm 62 years old) can learn some new tricks.

Thank you Melissia Mason, for encouraging me to learn more about computers and Digital stuff.

Thank you Jerry Roberson, for encouraging me (actually daring me) to become more efficient
so I can have more time to be with my family, and the people I work for and work with.

All good!

Heeding the Call to a New Mission Field . . .

This past Sunday, it was announced that Liz and I will be leaving FUMC Crowley and moving in July to the West District to serve FUMC in Comanche and FUMC in Gustine. This is a surpise move for everyone concerned. However, I took a vow at my elder's ordination that I would go where I was needed. This is one of those moves, and we believe we are being called into a new mission field. There is sadness, and excitment. Those who have gone through this process better understand what I can't exactly put into words.

Liz and I truly treasure the people here in Crowley. They are working hard to become the church that Christ is calling them to be. The folks in Crowley stood by me, and gave me the time to recover, when my knees were replaced, and when I decided that I had to lose weight and regain my health in order to become the best husband, father, grandfather and pastor I can be.

I thought I couldn't love a church staff as much as I did when I served in Grapevine, but then I arrived at Crowley. Together we have plowed ahead depending on God to lead us where we needed to go and do what we needed to do. That applies to everyone who has served FUMC Crowley in leadership as well.

We will leave with numerous memories, and with the belief that Crowley was one of the best places that we have ever had the privilege to serve. Still two more months of transition . . . but I say this . . . Crowley, it has been an honor to be your pastor for 4 years!!!

Crowley Senior Center Performance - April 25, 2019

I had another opportunity to sing for my friends at the Crowley Senior Center.  They have a new location in the Crowley Recreation Center, which just happens to be across the street from my church.

Sweet!

This was my first public performance using my Rain Song BI jumbo.  So far so good using a 100% graphite guitar. 

I Finally Brought Home a RainSong . . .

Well, I've threatened to do it.  I've written about doing it.  Finally, I did it. 

I just brought home my RainSong Black Ice jumbo guitar.  This is my first venture into owning and playing a guitar that is constructed of graphite.

I got a great trade-in for my Taylor's, and even walked out with a very nice check for the difference in the price.  The Taylor's were probably the best and prettiest guitars I owned.  However, I never played them!  They were great gifts from a friend, who blessed my moving on from them.

I must say "so far so good."  The sound is a bit "purer" to me than that of a wooden guitar.  My Martin's are a bit louder, again to my ear, and I haven't yet played into a microphone to tell for sure.  My RainSong came with light guage bronze strings and I really prefer phosphor-bronze.  So I will be putting on a set of medium phoshor-bronze in a week or so.  RainSong customer service is pretty good.  I was told that I "might" have to adjust the neck a quarter-turn when I put the mediums on.   I've got the right tools to do it.  Should be no sweat.

This guitar is a keeper . . . I've already made that decision.  I've only had it for a couple of weeks, and I am just scratching the surface of what it can do, and what I can do when I play it. I have been pleasently surprised so far.  But I will admit, I went into this knowing it wasn't going to sound like a wooden guitar.

Oh, did I mention, it's one of the largest guitars that I now own, but it's also the lighest?   Oh, what a sincere pleasure it is to play this guitar for the usual 50-60 minutes of singing and playing that I do in front of senior adults in nursing homes or community centers. 

I'm certainly not a purist by any means.   I have no "relationship" with guitars like others do.  They are tools for what I need them to do. But this guitar is a "banger."  By that I mean it's a guitar that is impervious to humidity, heat and cold, which along with sunlight are the enemies of guitars that are made with wood.  A RainSong can supposedly be left in sunlight with no damage, not that I will ever try to find out if this is true. 

High humidity, low humidity, no change in sound.  That's good for me, as I'm in usually in New Mexico for a week or so in early fall.  Most of that time I play outside.  The case it came with fits nicely under the bed in our Grand Designs Imagine 2970rls travel trailer.   Looking, and sounding, good so far!

More to come. 

Crowley Senior Center performance . . .

I enjoyed singing today for the folks at the Crowley Senior Center at their new digs inside the Crowley Recreation Center.  There were about 15 in attendance.   It was good to reconnect with Ruby Harse (CSC Director) and the rest of the folks.  This location for their activities is really so much better than their old location, in my humble opinion.

I will sing for them again on the last Thursday of this month!

Is It All in a Name?

As you get older (in just a few months I'll be 62) you find yourself paying closer attention to the few things in your life that really matter to you.  I think this happens more earnestly when you come to the realization that you have less time left to live than you have lived so far.

Family, friends, faith . . . these are the big 3 in my life, and have been for some time.   Otherwise, when approached by those who want my help, or my business, my answer is simple, and hopefully loving . . . I'm not interested.  If something can't appropriately filter through family, friends and faith, then I know in my heart that it not a wise use of my time.  If something does not resonate with me, or in some way connect with my passions, then there is no connection, nor inclination to become involved.  I am a curious man, but my curiosity is limited to those things that bring me joy, and joy to others.

My wife and I share a passion for RVing.  We make time for it as often as we can. It's an activity that we enjoy doing together.  It's out way to relax and enjoy exploring the world around us.  I doubt that we will ever be full-timers, but I do see us embracing seasonal RVing after our retirement in the coming future. 

In the past few years, we have especially enjoyed camping in New Mexico, Colorado, Mississippi and Tennessee.  We've stayed in some great RV parks, and met some really great people.  Overall, it's been a positive activity for us.

In our travels these past months, we began to get the feeling that our Forest River MicroLite 25FKS was just too small for us and our two collies.  It was a great unit, and we made a good decision getting it for short get-a-ways and vacations. However, we have a possible opportunity after retirement to live in our camper seasonally in New Mexico from May through September.  We needed something with more kitchen space, more seating, and much more wardrobe space.

After looking at different dealerships and visiting RV shows in the DFW area for the past 3-4 months, we found a great fit for us . . . a Grand Designs Imagine 2970RLS.  We picked it up this past week, and were able to spend 3 nights in it before arriving back home.

I will be sharing more about this camper in future blogs.

What I wanted to write about today . . . was the brand name of the camper we purchased . . . Imagine.

The words of John Lennon's song of the same name ring true with many people.  Not so much with other people.  But the word itself strikes a chord with me.

Here's why.  I don't see much evidence of imagination in the lives of many of the people around me, most especially in children.  It's as if they either don't know how to engage in imagination, or have never been taught to seek the possibilities and discoveries in life that are all around them.  Perhaps it's because they seem so busy, and that they don't have the time.

Has imagination become something we don't have time for anymore?  Or is imagination now seen by many as a waste of the time they have?

I believe, in an effort to daily strive for personal health and wholeness in life (physically, relationally, emotionally and spiritually) one is aided by one's sense of imagination.  By imagination, I mean being able to see possible "future's".   I think the goals we set in life for ourselves are often rooted, or should be, in the possibilities we can imagine about our lives, including our dreams and our passions.  Life is supposed to be about discovery!   In almost 62 years, I have discovered so much about myself, my family, my friends and the world around me during my life.  I have learned some great lessons, and some painful ones as well.

It seems that so many people are hard-wired to a cultural reality these days . . . they seem to put so much effort and resources in striving toward a cultural definition of success and happiness.  But there is a problem.  A cultural definition of success and happiness does not work for most people.   This kind of definition is rooted in debt, acquiring possessions, and not giving a damn about anyone else.   Unless you look a certain way, dress a certain way, have a certain kind of job, house, car, spouse, etc. . . . you aren't happy.

Another problem with this way of thinking . . . you can never have enough, because the happiness or joy you feel after acquring something new, or checking off a to-do list, is short lived at best.  Something new, shining in the distance, will always attract your eye.

I know this from personal experience.  It is a costly way to live, in more ways than one.

My happiness, to my understanding, is totally and completely my responsibility.   I learned a long time ago, people can't make me happy.  Only I can make myself happy, and it won't ever happen by letting cultural definitions define or steer my life.   If I let this happen, then I am giving culture an unfair aspect of control over my life.  In other words, pleasing the majority dictates what I do.

It seems to me that a consequence of this belief is the crushing of one's imagination to imagine a perferred future.  Perhaps . . . living without imagination . . . is the death of one's soul.  Is that the desire of our culture, to form and shape us into a submissive understanding of what's important . . . and the expense of our very soul?

I believe the unfortunate answer to that question is "yes."  However, there is an alternative way to live!   We can live life with a goal of imagining possibilities . . . of what may be "out there" that we have yet to explore, but can if we will just get up and do so.  We must never lose sight of the fact that our imaginations are the birthplace of our dreams!!!

Imagine the possibilities.  That's the easy part.  Getting there is the hard part.  Doing so is always a risk of some sorts.  But then, we can't begin to explore what lies ahead of us in life if we don't put in some hard work and self-sacrifice.  A little sweat makes the experience that much richer.

Imagination . . .  never give up the ability, and your right, to imagine!

Maybe busy is bad . . .

Life has become quite busy since deciding and announcing that I had made the decision to purchase/trade for a Rainsong guitar.  In other words, I haven't been able to take the time to go to Guitar Center to work the trade and place an order.

Life gets that way . . . busy.  I see it in the lives of so many people, especially younger families.  Two parents often working two demanding jobs.  Children with busy schedules of their own, which have to be factored into the life of the parents.

Is it me, or do kids just seem tired all the time?   Is their fascination with cell phones, apps and the internet their way of escaping from reality long enough to take a short break?  If naps aren't an option, then maybe zoning out their brains is?

I've been legitimately busy.  We've entered the season of Lent.  Getting ready for Easter at a church takes a lot more time than you think.  Add that to the weekly responsibility of maintaining the older part of our building.  Our kids moved to a new home, and "grandpa" duty kept me busy.  Now that kind of busy I like!!!!

Today, I was hoping to head to the music stores, but we have personal errands to take care of.  And as always on a Saturday night, I will be finishing up my sermon for Sunday.

The question has to be asked . . . what have I accomplished this past week except to maintain the status quo?  The honest answer is "nothing much."   I did manage to get most of the things done on my weekly to-do list despite unplanned interruptions.  There is some satisfaction in that I guess.  However, what I really wanted to do, that had the opportunity to be enriching to my life . . . I wasn't able to begin any of it, let alone check it off the list.

In a few weeks my wife and I will take a few days off, something we try to do every year before Easter.   I'm confident I can do some reading and writing during that time away.  Perhaps I can reprioritize my to-do list for the next few months.  Perhaps I can strike through a few to-do list items because they really don't add value to my life.

Perhaps . . . I can come to understand that "busy" can be bad . . . if what's keeping yme busy is not enriching me in some good way.

Time for a Rainsong . . .

The quest has begun!  I've made the decision to get a Rainsong graphite guitar. 

Big deal, right?  For many, no.  For me, yes.  It is a big deal. 

I have come to the conclusion that I need a "beater."  You know, the guitar you can throw into a trunk.  You can beat-the-hell out of it and it stills plays loud and keeps in tune.   I've discovered that such a guitar, for me, is not one made of wood.  

I have some great guitars.  I have three Martin's, two Guild's and two Taylors  "both of which are build-to-order guitars).  I primarily play the Martin D-18 retro.  It's the lightest guitar I own and it's a pleasure to play for an hour, even after the repairs to the body that I recently had done after dropping it onto a tile floor at the church.  The weight of the guitar helps the strap not dig into my neck as much as it does with either of my Guild jumbo's. 

Ah, the Guild jumbo's, almost the perfect beaters.  I love my Guild F50R six string.  It's my New Mexico / Philmont Scout Ranch guitar.  Doesn't quite project in terms of volume as I would like it to, but a great guitar.  And, a heavy guitar.  But it's not the beater I don't have to worry about.  Low or high humidity will affect that guitar is seconds.  

My two Taylor's are simply the two nicest guitars I own.  Both are sinker redwood and mahogany.  I haven't played the GS in months, and can't remember the last time I played the T-5.  I ordered the T-5 back when I had cancer, and it was an emotional purchase because I thought I might be dying.

I know . . . sad.  Having a guitar and never playing it is a sad thing to a guitarist.  In truth, I am an acoustic player, even when plugged in.   

So . . . I would like a guitar that will humidity and temperatures will have minimal affect on.  I want a guitar that projects well, and I want it to be light.  

That narrows down the choice to a Rainsong dreadnaught or jumbo.  Probably the jumbo.  I'm still 6'6", but down in weight to 248.  A jumbo still looks about right.

More to come.

Rick ><>