Tuesday Musings (#29)

In four days I will have been married to the most amazing woman for twenty eight years. Yup, that's 28! I am so blessed to have met, dated, been engaged to and now married to this amazing person. In this blog, I refer to her as "my beloved". The reason for that is that she does not want her name used. Those of you who know me know her name and know who she is and what she is capable of. As part of this post, I will try and use some of the songs of our life as ways to describe how she has made me a better person.

She makes me smile (thank you Chicago). When I am away from her she is my absent friend (thank you Genesis). When we are together she is more than three times a lady (thank you Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores). She helped me become a father twice and we decided that two was better than three and two out of three ain't bad (thank you Meatloaf). Whenever I was ill (too many times in our 28 years), she made me feel brand new (thank you Stylistics). Most of all she has been my friend and I know that I've got a friend (thank you James Taylor) in her. 

In all that we have been through over these years we have remained committed to the vows that we made to each other on that rainy April day in 1981. We made a commitment to have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health from this day forward and then pledged our love to each other.

Have these days been perfect? Far from it. We have learned so much and it was in those times when life was the toughest that we learned that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. We committed each other to the ever loving God the Father who has always been there for us no matter what life threw at us. 

Twenty eight years is a long time. I have been blessed to have known this woman for so long and she has been one of the reasons that I have been able to succeed in life because I know that she is always waiting to encourage and build me up, no matter what.  

Happy Tuesday everyone

obscure lyric for the week of Mar. 30/09

Good morning music fans. I trust you enjoyed the weekend. Spring is still coming, however I saw ice and what was trying to be snow flying through the air yesterday. Along with spring comes a change in the month. April is almost here as is my 28th wedding anniversary. I am looking forward to continuing the celebration of our anniversary. I have been giving my beloved little gifts each day for almost 28 days now. I started at 28 days to go and have been giving her a small token of my love every day since then. As of today there are 5 days to our anniversary. The process is very much like putting pieces together of a giant anniversary card.

Because we are celebrating 28 years of love, I have chosen a love song for this weeks lyric. This song was released in 1972 and reached # 19 on the charts. The song was not written by a member of the band that made it famous. of all the songs from the album this song was found on, only one was written by a member of this band. A famous Italian born Canadian even wrote one of the songs from this album. Here are a few lines from this weeks song:

We knew no time for sadness

That's a road we each had crossed

We were living a time meant for us

And even when it would rain we would laugh it off

I would like to know the following: 

The name of the song:

The writer:

The name of the band:

The meaning of their name:

The Italian Canadian who also wrote a song for them:

Have a great week. Enjoy whatever this early spring brings to you. Remember someone once said, "April showers bring May flowers" which also bring the allergies. Take some time to stop and enjoy the journey you are on. I will try and send out some more hints(there are a few in this post) on Wednesday.       

The big reveal for the week of Mar.23/09

Good morning, Friday is finally here. It has been a long one and the newly added grey or is it gray skies have not helped. Apparently today and tomorrow are going to be sunny and warmer. I am definitely looking forward to that.

I only had two guesses this week. Both were from the same person, so Brad F. got the correct answers to the questions this week.

Here are your answers:

The singer: Larry Groce
The song: Junk Food Junkie
His current gig: he is the host of a National Public Radio program called Mountain Stage

Enjoy this video representation of the song:



Have a great weekend. Enjoy the rest and the sunshine.

"Play the music, not the instrument"

Tuesday Musings (#28)

It's Tuesday morning, outside my window the sun is beginning to break free of the darkness and barely perceptible beams of light are beginning to stream across the sky.

I love this time of the morning. I have never been a morning person. For most of my life I have had great difficulty getting up in the morning. Over the last two years I have chosen to make early rising a habit. I have begun to appreciate that the early morning hours are a great blessing.

So why the change? I decided some time ago that I would read through the bible in a year. There are lots of different versions and this year I am reading through the bible in a chronological order. There is also a sense of invigorating energy for me when I rise and get my day started. I am excited to see what events await me and what the demands of my way will be.

Making changes in ones life(my life) are not always easy. Choosing to take a different tack can be a challenge all in itself. getting out of a rut is a great thing. I have chosen by now being an early riser to see the sunrise, the start my day the way I want. I fight less traffic(there is barely any at the time I leave my house). I accomplish more in the day that I have in the past and while I am tired by the end of the day, I feel like I have done more than just go to work.

For me, this choice has empowered me to accomplish many things and I feel good about it.

Happy Tuesday everyone..................now get out of bed!

Obscure Lyric for the week of March 23/09

Good morning music fans. I have a great one for you this week. I have been in a sombre mood lately and it's time to drag the music into the world of smiles and laughter. I think this one is great, it's older (sorry Gary) you will just have to deal with it this week.

I can see the rays of sunshine coming over the buildings across the street and that is a beautiful sight. it looks like another week of sunshine which is great for making sap apparently. I saw the crescent moon this morning hanging low in the sky as I drove in, it was an awesomely powerful sight.

Here are this weeks lyrics:

Oh yeah, in the daytime I'm Mr. Natural

just as healthy as I can be

But when that clock strikes midnight

and I'm all by myself

I work that combination on my secret hideaway shelf

and I pull out some fritos corn chips

Dr. Pepper and an ole Moon Pie

This one is a strange one, it was the only "hit" by the writer and can be found on Dr. Demento's compilations. It was released in 1976. It's a funny song and deals with something that I have been known to enjoy once in a while. I will definitely try to have some hints on Wednesday.

I would like to know:

The name of the song:
The writer:
The writers current gig:

Have a great week. Enjoy the sunshine. Apparently, spring has arrived. I am not getting rid of snow tires yet. I am sure there will be a few more blasts of the white stuff. I certainly think we have had enough, but I'm not in charge of the weather.

Another senseless (is there an acceptable one) murder

It's Sunday morning. I'm reading yesterday's papers. I got home late last night and didn't have time to read them because we are at the Home and Garden show in the big city yesterday. Enough about my weekend.

The headline cries out "Justice for Stefanie" after a "teen" is convected of first degree murder. Because the murderer was a "teen" at the time of the death, her name or her co-accused cannot be named because of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

So here we go again, a jealous girl over what appears to be a prolonged period of time uses the withholding of sex from her boyfriend until he agrees to kill their target of the girls jealousy.

The cry for Justice should not be the question.

Why should be the question. What did this girl believe in that she determined that it was acceptable to force someone else to kill someone whom she clearly hated or was threatened by? This apparently "normal" kid with a 90% average in school somehow determined that this "rival" should be eliminated. What brings us to the place where the ending of the life of someone else is acceptable? More and more I see the stories of killing, brother against brother, nation against nation and wonder when God is going to step in?

There's the rub. I want God to step in, which by its very assumption means that I know better than God himself. Trust me, I do not and do not even mean to convey that I know better. My frail and very human heart and mind want it to stop. I think I know enough of the heart of God that He wants it to stop too.

God in His wisdom will set a timeline when all of this will end, and in the meantime, we are called to love Him and our neighbours with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. That would suggest that forgiveness rather than justice is required here.     

The big reveal for the week of Mar. 16/09

Good morning folks.

No guesses this week, I figured this one would be really easy. I'm gonna have to look closer at the songs I choose from now on. As noted in a previous post, I would like to hear from you, the readers if you have any ideas for the obscure lyrics. I have a really fun one for next week.

I have been on much of an emotional roller coaster the last few weeks starting on Valentines day. In fact, the last year has been kinda crazy. If you have been reading the blog for some time you will know some more about my state of mind. I am struggling with the insensitivity and carelessness of people (and I include myself as one who has been and continues to be careless with the feelings of others). More on my exploration and self reflection when the time comes.

Here are this weeks answers:

The name of the song: Mothers of the Disappeared.

Who sings it: kinda trick question: Bono of U2.

Who it is written about: The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina about the "children" who disappeared during their "dirty war". 

The album name: The Joshua Tree.

The album producers: Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.

I hope this inspires you to speak out.

   

Have a great weekend. Enjoy the peace we have in Canada. 

A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What one can be, one must be.

Sharing a moment with my boy

I had an awesome experience with my boy the other night. he told me about a piece of music on YouTube that he wanted me to hear and see. So, there we were, he in Virginia and I here at home watching the following video and both of us almost in tears because of the beauty of the music. It was one of those special "understanding" moments between me and my boy. We both love music and while he is a much better (by a long stretch) musician we enjoy it together. Seeing each other on Skype was just beautiful.

Of course, the singer is Josh Groban and the exquisitely talented violinist is Lucia Micarelli. I think you might also know the very famous Canadian on the piano. 

I don't think my Josh realizes how much I appreciated those almost 6 minutes of "silence" together. I miss him when he is away at school and moving on with his life and I also know that letting go began the moment I first held him. His entire life has been my learning to let him become the person he was designed to be.

Here is the video and the first verse in english of this beautiful love song:

I’ll miss you, if you go away

I’ll miss your serenity

Your words like songs in the wind

And Love, that you take away.

 

Getting close to a haircut

Apparently my stylist, barber, hair cutter person reads this blog every once in a while to see what crazy things are going on in my head. Usually she is concerned with what's going on, on my head, I am so pleased that she is concerned about what is going on in my head too.

If you knew her you would see that she is such a giver. She helped prepare this house for the big renovations and is one of the few (I think there are two) people that helped who would not let me take a photo. Oh well, when you read this give me a call and you can run your hands through my hair once again.

You see what happens when you go for a walk with my beloved.

Say hello to Ricky and maybe the two of you should come and visit and enjoy some "40 Creek" or is it Rum? I dunno, just no sour cream for Rick, right?  

See you soon, Mrs. C.

Tuesday Musings (#27)

Good Tuesday morning and happy St. Patricks day to all who are Irish and the rest of ye who wish you were Irish.

I've been doing some remembering lately. I'm not entirely sure why, but I've had a great deal of wonderful memories brought to the forefront of my mind over the last days and weeks. I have had memories from different part of my life just spring into my head and I have been enjoying them completely.

I was thinking about our family trips to Florida. When the kids were small we used to drive to Florida every other spring for a vacation with Oma and Opa(my wonderful in-laws) and we'd pull the kids out of school for approximately the last week of April and first week of May. We had awesome times, no visits to Mickey or other "attractions" just family fun on the beach or fishing in the inter coastal waterway just behind the tiny one floor motel we used to stay at.

This motel was originally part of a veterans hospital after the 2nd world war and was the coolest place(until the decided to keep snakes in the lobby). We got to know some of the regulars who were all retired and late afternoon they would meet in the "shop" out back and enjoy their pre-dinner drink. They would treat our kids to snacks and enjoy helping them fish and taught them where to buy a dozen shrimp for a buck (for bait).

Other memories have been related to music and the choir I used to sing in. I developed great friendships and had much fun at the expense of the basses. I miss those times and the weekly gatherings that meant so much to my learning and appreciation of chorale music.

They are all gone now, except in my memory. maybe that's the best place for them, the memories are all good and they all bring a smile.

Looking back, I have so much to be thankful for. I would guess that I have been able to do more in my life with my kids than most people have had the privilege to. My kids remember those times with fondness also. Which brings me to today. I remember going to the St. Patricks day Parade with my Dad and enjoying that time alone with him. Oh to have that time back, impossible in the real world, but very alive in my memory.

I think I need to create more memories for my family...........road trip anyone?

Happy Tuesday everyone

Obscure lyric for the week of Mar. 16/09

Good morning music fans, tomorrow is St. Patricks day. To all Irish and to those wish you were Irish, Happy St. Patricks day. Oh how I wish I was in Dublin and going to the parade. I'm not, so I'll just have to make do with enjoying some immense memories of days gone by.

I hope you like this weeks choice, it will be a lot easier than last weeks. I know that was bad to choose a song that was barely released, that was to counter the usual choices of songs sometimes released before some of you were born. I want to do something different after this weeks blog and I'm going to give you the readers the ability to submit ideas for the "Obscure lyric" either by way of a theme or a musical choice.

For this week though, we're still in Ireland. This song tells a tale that could be written about many countries in our world not just the one suggested by the author(s). In this continuing age of violence against peaceful people, the imagery is staggering and painful.

In the wind we hear their laughter

In the rain we see their tears

in the trees our sons stand naked

through the walls our daughters cry

If you have been reading this blog for the last while you will know that I have been struggling with the increased violence in this world. The people of Ireland, in spite of recent violence, has attempted to drag itself out of the muck and mire of hatred and for that the leaders need to be congratulated. When all has been said, it comes down to you and I with regards to hatred. Do we hold on to ancient grudges or do we forgive. Do we stand against those who would subjugate others for their own financial gain and other pleasures or do we sit in our comfortable pews and couches and ignore the pleas of the living. Now that I have that off my chest:

I would like to know the following:

The name of the song:

Who sings it:

Who it is written about:

The album name:

Who produced the album:

Have an awesome week. Find ways to bring peace to the world that you exist in. Enjoy all the glorious sunshine that is coming our way this week. And to all my family, friends and fellow sojourners on this path, I wish you:

"Beannactaí na Féile Pádraig ar ár muintir agus ar ár gcairde uile."

One of my heros

I don't ascribe the word hero to too many people. In fact, I can barely think on one or two that deserve to be referred to as a hero. Both of the two that come to mind have endured much in the way of physical illness and so far both are surviving.

One was diagnosed with a rare cancer a few years ago and the doctors cut a 10 pound tumor out of her. Today she is a walking, talking, teaching miracle. I haven't talked to her in a few weeks/months but need to in order to encourage her physically and spiritually. Our families have been close for many years and in spite of many changes our love for each other has grown over these years.

The other is a friend living in South Carolina. I talked to him this evening. He is young (65 years of age or so) and has recently had a few strokes. He is/has been in great physical shape. He always ate well, worked hard at his job, loved his family so much (and still does) and yet he has been stricken with the results of multiple strokes.

We used to attend the same church in St. Catharines and we also sang together in choir. While I was practicing with the choir for our Easter cantata this afternoon and then listening to it this evening, I was struck with the need to call him and chat. His usual strong voice was weak and almost whispery. I regaled him with my memories of times our families spent together and joked about our antics during choir practices and then reminded him of the immense impact that he has had on my life. 

His love for God and his family inspired me many years ago and his example has become part of the passion that burns within me for families today. 

I am reminded that this existence is but a flutter of butterfly wings and we are gone. I need to remind myself that my relationships and friendships are precious and that with the beating of the diaphanous wings time will end and this earthly vessel will be gone. 

In this time, so close to the one year anniversary of the loss of a friend, I am reminded of the precious need to value my friends and family. I have to go and make a few calls.

Ready to Die, Prepared to Live

I heard that or some form of that on a radio program last week, in essence it stated that "if you are ready to die then you are truly prepared to live.

I wonder if I am really prepared to die. I don't want to die and feel that I have much to do before I pass from this world. Are any of us really prepared to die? I know that the speaker was talking about a faith perspective, having made good ones relationship with God that life could truly be lived to the fullest no matter what even to the point of the advent of death.

If I am pursuing a full life of service to God and my fellow man/woman and child then in order to completely set aside that which hinders me and live fully, I must come to the place where I do not fear death or my absence from this world. I must look at my death in a different way.

I do look at death and mine in particular as different in some ways. I now need to decide if I want to live fully based on my beliefs and practice about death. 

More to come on this one, I think.

The big reveal for the week of Mar. 9/09

So sorry that this is so late. 

I have been swamped in the new gig and even with coming in almost 1 hr before starting time, I still have no time to complete the blog. I guess that I will either take a break(not very palatable) or do it(the blog) the night before which also cuts into the time I have planned for other things................tough life eh. This weeks choice was a trick, the album is brand new, completely obscure obviously, but certainly not old.

Here are your answers:

the name of the song: White as Snow

the name of the album: No line on the Horizon

The name of the band: U2

What city in Ireland they are from: Dublin

What city I was born in: Dublin (actually the suburb of Walkinstown)

I hope you had a great weekend. I am resting, well I will be. Slainte. And remember:

"It was a bold man who ate the first oyster"

The safety of anonymity

Those of you who read this blog know who I am.

I don't hide behind anonymity when I make my comments particularly about my concerns about the world. I am concerned about and for all people. I don't know who anonymous is, I have some ideas, but I'm not sure. If you are confused, read the "anonymous" comment to my Tuesday musings dated March 10/09.

I am so concerned about the state of the world. I don't care if it is because of "Lyme disease" or some graduated student in Germany or some "wanna be" police office that "murders" innocent people in Mississippi........................it is still wrong. Please challenge me on that one!

As a Christ follower, I am concerned for the sufferer of Lyme disease and any other disease. And to be really honest, I really struggle with the "concept" of "blaming" a disease for ones behaviour. Heaven knows that here in Elmira we have had our fill of disaster. If the defence of "disease" is used I will have significant difficulty in accepting it.

When are we going to accept that wrong is wrong? Or maybe that it what this is all about, situational ethics. It's ok for "anonymous" but not ok for me. If that is your position I am so sorely sad that I cannot appropriately describe the depth of my angst.  

Tuesday Musings (#26)

Good morning, it's Tuesday again. I have done something very different today. I have taken a day off. Actually I have taken some of the massive time in lieu my employer owes me so I can take my beloved to a specialist. It's still a day off, right?

I've been thinking about some of the evils in this world lately, there are lots of positives, but for some reason the really bad things have been brought to my attention and I want to do something about them. Even bringing them from my mind to the screen at least lets me get them "out". 

I read with great sadness about the Pastor Fred Winters from Maryville, Illinois who was assassinated/murdered/killed on Sunday as he was either preaching or preparing to preach in his church. I have said for many years now (and others agree) that we live in a "post christian" era. What I mean about this is that the value and impact that the "Christian" church has is diminished and in fact denigrated.

The Christian church needs to be known for what they are "caretakers of this world" not "wasters of the world resources" people who demonstrate the "love of Christ", not the "condemnation of people". People who are for "reaching out to others in love" not "saying things like: God hates you". By the way God does not Hate anyone, He says in His word that he loved the world so much he sent His son for us.

The church needs to stand up and say this is what we believe and I will die for my faith. I believe that there is one God, one saviour and one way to Heaven. It is those beliefs that are getting people killed right now. The world has lost it's respect for the church because the church has lost its' relevance. In addition, the church has swayed from it's true calling, the great commandments and the great commission, "love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and mind and love your neighbour as yourself and go into all the world and preach the gospel making disciples".

If we just got back to loving God(and knowing what that means), loving our neighbours (and knowing what than means) this world would be a different place. I fear that more and more, those who choose to live out that life will be persecuted for the faith because they do not fit into the world religion, a combination of humanism and atheism. 

We are not the answer, I did not come from either sludge or a monkey. I was created in His image and I choose to live out my life accordingly. I am looking forward to today and the future no matter what it holds, are you?

Happy Tuesday everyone      

Obscure lyric for the week of March 9/09

Wow, Monday already where did the weekend go? I rested a little, which I needed I read and got some extra sleep too. Nice to have the time to do that. Didn't get much reading or listening in, except during dinner and that's always a nice time. 

Welcome to the second stage of my journey through Ireland, I hope that you will enjoy the music, memories and challenges of the journey. Now that we're on secondary portion I hope that you will enjoy and get more out of my diverse second helpings. This week we're dealing with an Irish band. I have never owned any of their music, mind you I don't think I have any music of any "popular" Irish music. I guess I have (my beloved has) some Enya (who was born in Donegal) and some Loreena McKinnett(who is Canadian). However I'm writing about pop musicians, not traditional musicians.

The musicians I have chosen this week are pretty well known. They are not always well received and have probably mixed up most of us at some time during their career. They have been known for being both political and apolitical. Below you will find a portion of a relatively new song from them. I think this still fits the "obscure" feature of this blog. 

Where I came from there were no hills at all

The land was flat, the highways straight and wide

My brother and I would drive for hours

like years instead of days

I would like to know the following:

The name of the song:

The name of the album:

The name of the band:

What city in Ireland they are from:

What city I was born in:

Have a great week. Enjoy the continuing approaches of spring. While there is still snow and ice in the air, there is also warmth and new life. That is what spring is all about new life. Just on this weekend I marvelled at the sight of a flock of little chickadees swarming the berry tree next to my house. The desire for life and the joy that it brings is part of what spring is all about. I trust that you will marvel in the life awaiting you as you bid a much needed adieu to winter.

Hockeyville is finally over

That may sound like heresy from someone from Woolwich Township, but to be honest I don't care that Hockeyville 2009 is over and "we" didn't win. I am so glad that it is finally over. There was such an overarching feeling that everyone had to "buy" into this thing and to speak against it (there were a few brave souls) appeared to have been taken as a personal affront of enormous proportions.

Don't get me wrong, the extra money would have helped purchase some extras for the rink that hopefully the entire community would benefit from. I was quite fearful that when the NHL game came to town (and I like others predicted a Boston vs. Atlanta matchup, even though the area is populated with thousands of Leaf fans who would never get a chance to see their team play) that there would be no tickets for the many thousands who supported this bid but were not in the forefront or friends of same. Just to be clear, I was not planning on attending so don't go throwing sour grapes at me.  

I am no crazy hockey hater either. I served the community and Woolwich Minor Hockey for 8 years and 5 of those I was the Association President. I have two children both of whom played hockey here. I have been a fan for many years and in fact I remember watching my first hockey game on tv in the winter of 69/70 just after my family came to Canada. It's just that hockey, like other things has become an idol that is worshipped rather than a game that is enjoyed and my worship is dedicated towards someone much greater than a game.

I'm also not a grumpy old man with nothing better to do. I have priorities in life that do not involve things and I'm not interested in making a name for myself on the backs of others. My priorities are to serve God (He alone is the source of my worship), my family and my community and by doing so I will endeavour to improve the lot of my fellow man and woman.

If all the efforts expended over the last months on Hockeyville (not just here but across the country) were given to serve those who really need it then this world would be a better place. What will happen to the energy that is available? Will we put up signs that say stop the rapeand genocide in Darfur? I doubt it. Will we dress up mannequins on our front lawns to bring attention to the needs of starving children in all parts of the world? I doubt it. Will we do anything now that our efforts at getting another $100,00.00 for the rink have been thwarted? I doubt it. We will go back to our lives, sit in our fancy homes, watch hockey/NASCAR/baseball (you get the point) on our big screen tv's while the rest of the world starves and goes to Hell.

The greed of North American living has to stop.

One day there will be a reckoning.   

28 days to our 28th anniversary

In 28 days my beloved and I will celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary. When we reach twenty eight years it will be 336 months, 1455 weeks, 10, 184 days, 244,420 hours, 14665191 minutes and 879911424 seconds that we have been married.   

I have determined to take captive each second, minute, hour, day, week, month and year so that I can demonstrate to my beloved that I love her more and more as each second passes. I believe that the bible  tells me that I have the responsibility to "love" my wife and that means that I am to be patient, kind,  not envious, not boastful, not conceited, not rude, not selfish and not quick to take offense.

I strive to demonstrate that to my beloved. As we begin to celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary, I will take every day for 28 days before our anniversary and do something to show that I love her. Today, it's just a card, tomorrow a gift and for the remaining days I will present her with a small token of my love as a reminder that I love her.

"I am Yours Always in Love"  

The big reveal for the week of March 2/09

Happy Friday everyone and it's going to be 13 degrees(Canadian) today. I am so ready for warm(er) weather and the rest of the snow melting. Now don't go and think I have drank the Koolaid and believe that winter is over, it isn't. I'm taking advantage of every smidgen of sun and warmth that I can.

On to the big reveal. Not one guess this week,. I guess I started out hard on this one. Oy!(that's not Irish). Alright I promise to have something closer to ones knowledge for next week, good thing there are only 4 full weeks in March, I'll start the April theme on march 31. It is the "obscure" lyric for a reason though.

Here are you answers:

The writer: Elvis Costello (Declan Patrick MacManus)
The name of the song: Little Palaces
The name of the album: King of America
Where the artist was born: London, England (a trick question)

Famous musician he has co-written with: Paul McCartney



Have a great weekend. Enjoy your own little palace, hopefully your palace has nicer images than some of the things this song reminds us of. My weekend involves rest and bbq'ing and maybe some quite time with some great music. Most importantly tomorrow I begin to execute my plans for the celebration of my 28 years of marriage to my beloved. I'll write about my plans tomorrow so if you're interested, have a peek.

"every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity"

Tuesday Musings (#25)

Tomorrow is "army day" March 4Th. get it?

When I think of that play on words, I am reminded of two people in particular, one is no longer with is and the other is (thanks Chief). Years ago I called him Chief (and no it's not a derogatory term for a member of our first nations) when he was my boss and he began to call me Jimmy, as in the old Superman movies(or were they weekly episodes).

My memories of the people who have been instrumental in my personal and spiritual growth are amazing. I can think of so many people who have given so much of themselves to pour into me so that I could become the person that I am today. I am afraid to think what life would be like without these people. Some I see regularly, some I see annually, some I speak to online because we can never come up with a suitable date to gather our families together and some I see in person. Then there's my beloved who knows all about me(or just about all).

What's most interesting as I write this post is that there are very few people that I have regular contact with who have the depth of knowledge about me as do the ones that I rarely see. I wonder if I am holding back in my current friendships because I'm not sure that the relationship will be beneficial or is it due to a lack of trust? Why is it that men (I'm generalizing, and I think I'm correct) decline to develop deep relationships with other men? I accept that we have been created differently from women, but men (me) have needs to hear and be heard as well, don't we?

I recently spent some time (multiple meetings over two to three months) with a man who is old enough to be my father. It was so good to spend time with someone who listened, asked permission before dispensing advice and demonstrated that he heard me and that he truly cares about me. He has become my "Paul". In the new testament, Paul is a "mentor" to a younger man named Timothy and it is so nice to have someone trustworthy that I can go to and be listened to and heard.

To all my friends and you know who you are, thanks for everything that you have done for me over the years, I look forward to learning more from you as the years continue.

"Happy Tuesday Everyone"

Obscure lyric for the week of March 2, 2009

Monday is here, did you enjoy the sunshine on the weekend? I certainly did. I seem to feel so much better when the sun is shining. I rested and watched as the painters did their thing, I also enjoyed some great Italian food from Casa Rugantino. Consider that a plug (completely unpaid) for some of the best Italian food and family service in the region.

Welcome to March, and beware the ides of March too, especially if your name is Julius Caesar. We will celebrate St. Patrick's day this month, without green beer. I don't ever remember seeing green beer when I lived in Ireland. St. Patrick's day was a "holy" day and we went to mass and then to the Parade on O'Connell street. We wore shamrocks and other niceties but not like it's done in North America, I suppose I'm lamenting another holiday gone mad with commercialism.

Enough about that, you're here to hear some music, or at least read some until I find it on youtube. Here is this weeks choice. A great Irish (or is he, oops) singer, writer and musician, who has attracted the attention of many people including one with great gams. Here is a sample of some lyrics written and released in 1986.

That he twists with nicotine fingers

as he drops his cigarette ash

and someone comes and sweeps it up

and then he doffs his cap

I would like to know the following:

The writer:

The name of the song:

the name of the album:

Where this artist was born:

Which famous musician he has written multiple songs with:

Have a great week, enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. I hope you like my virtual musical trip to Ireland and elsewhere, I'll do my best not to make it too easy. I'll try to get some more hints(there are some in this post) on Wednesday.