A snippet from our forthcoming CD/DVD release...Tick-tock. Get the word out, yo.
A Fire Dragon living in The Year of the Dragon.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Remembering Grandma Roy
There's alot that has happened personally as of late that I have not shared on this blog. There are several reasons for that, I'm sure. But as I was making Malt-o-Meal this morning (which Holly tells me is just chemicals playing at being malted grains), I remembered my Grandma Roy who passed away a few weeks back.
She got sick from the flu and then took a fall, which caused some bleeding in the brain. For several reasons (known and unknown) she passed away a few weeks later.
Strange thing...wondering how you should feel about a person's death, nay, a family member's death. I never cried. And I don't know if that means I'm calloused or if it's hard to contrive emotions when I won't actually feel the impact until next Christmas comes around and she's not there.
I hope this doesn't sound cold; it's just real. The day after my Grandma Roy died, my father called me to tell me that his mom was being recommended for hospice. Wow. When it rains, it pours, I guess.
When you do this, do it in memory of me.
Grandma, I eat this bowl of Malt-o-Meal in memory of you...all those summers you would take us for a week down to San Antonio, make us banana milkshakes and Malt-o-Meal, take us to the pool. You are loved and missed.
What I've Been Consuming
While several in our community have been fasting from particular forms of consumption, I have been partaking. Honestly, it felt like it had been forever since I had seen LOST, or a film, or even picked up a book or magazine.
So, things I've been consuming in no particular order:
Video
The Business of Being Born
A Scanner Darkly
City of God
Into the Wild
LOST (Finally caught up)
Books/Mags
How to Make Wine
Everyday Zen
A Hedonist in the Wine Cellar
The Economist
Geez
It feels normal. And right now, that feels kinda nice.
So, things I've been consuming in no particular order:
Video
The Business of Being Born
A Scanner Darkly
City of God
Into the Wild
LOST (Finally caught up)
Books/Mags
How to Make Wine
Everyday Zen
A Hedonist in the Wine Cellar
The Economist
Geez
It feels normal. And right now, that feels kinda nice.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Hotel Utah
Well, it was an interesting night to say the least. I just dunno if The Cobalt Season is cut out for the average non-wine-serving bar. I think our stuff is just too nuanced for that environment. It was just so noisy. Peter Keller and the Wildwood Boys were great.
Anyway, at least they comped us with some MGD. Sick.
Get Your Tickets (and some mp3s, yo!)
If you buy your tickets in advance for the Album Release Party (April 18th), you can download all the new songs digitally...right now!
Yes, yes, you'll still be receiving the handsome CD/DVD set the night of the party. But you can satisfy your urge for hearing the new tunes now. How's that for instant gratification?
Just go here, get your tickets and I'll send you a link to start your download! Enjoy. And then come to the party, singing along!
(And don't worry, all you folks who already bought tickets will be receiving an email from me shortly!)
Yes, yes, you'll still be receiving the handsome CD/DVD set the night of the party. But you can satisfy your urge for hearing the new tunes now. How's that for instant gratification?
Just go here, get your tickets and I'll send you a link to start your download! Enjoy. And then come to the party, singing along!
(And don't worry, all you folks who already bought tickets will be receiving an email from me shortly!)
Monday, March 24, 2008
A Year of Firsts
This is a year of firsts...and I think it will continue to be so.I just started an IRA for both Holly and I. Soon we'll also set up an education fund for Paxton. These are things I first railed against, then grew ambivalent toward, and now am participating in.
But don't take me for some sell-out schmo. That is, I did my homework.
Best thing I found out there is PAXWORLD. And today, I set up accounts for Holly and I. They were/are the most responsible investment company I could find.
It does still grind against me somewhat...philosophically anyway. Doesn't sound much like lilies and sparrows and all. But I'm not sure what to do about that.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Some Chinese Wisdom
High Virtue is non-virtuous;
Therefore it has Virtue.
Low Virtue never frees itself from virtuousness;
Therefore it has no Virtue.
High Virtue makes no fuss and has no private ends to serve.
Low Virtue not only fusses, but also serves private ends.
Failing Tao, man resorts to Virtue.
Failing Virtue, man resorts to humanity.
Failing humanity, man resorts to morality.
Failing morality, man resorts to ceremony.
Now, ceremony is the merest husk of faith and loyalty.
It is the beginning of all confusion and disorder.
Tao te Ching (38)
Therefore it has Virtue.
Low Virtue never frees itself from virtuousness;
Therefore it has no Virtue.
High Virtue makes no fuss and has no private ends to serve.
Low Virtue not only fusses, but also serves private ends.
Failing Tao, man resorts to Virtue.
Failing Virtue, man resorts to humanity.
Failing humanity, man resorts to morality.
Failing morality, man resorts to ceremony.
Now, ceremony is the merest husk of faith and loyalty.
It is the beginning of all confusion and disorder.
Tao te Ching (38)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Open Shows
We have 2 available nights on our CA tour next month. If you're near one of these places and would like to host a show...or know someone who might, please email me.
Monday, 4/21 Central Coast
Friday, 4/25 Southern California (LA/Orange County)
Word. Hook us up!
Monday, 4/21 Central Coast
Friday, 4/25 Southern California (LA/Orange County)
Word. Hook us up!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Fire
Three-alarm fire in our neighborhood.
It's about 4 blocks from our house. Tons of us gathered to watch and see what was going to happen. It seemed like there was no threat of people being trapped inside. But certainly there will still be much to grieve...people losing their homes, the neighborhood having to rebuild, etc.
Friday, March 14, 2008
A Pastoral President
I was listening to NPR this afternoon. Commentators spoke of the impending recession, the falling dollar, the US governments inability to even catch up with the EU on reducing greenhouse emissions, etc.
And I thought at the end of the article, "What can I do?" Stop eating out? Or commit to eating out more and make less food at home? Commit to buying fewer or more new products? What will help my fellow man? And ought we stop touring? Or buy the new plug-in Prius when it comes out this fall?
People have complained about Obama being too much of a Carter, encouraging people to turn their heat down and wear sweaters. But honestly, is there any other way that this society will change? If we somehow expect to keep our same style of life, is there any way that real change will ever happen? And certainly I'm not waiting on the government to tell me how to "do my part." But still I feel that our next leader of the executive branch is going to have to pastor people into a better way.
Is this possible? I sure hope so...or we have dark days ahead.
And I thought at the end of the article, "What can I do?" Stop eating out? Or commit to eating out more and make less food at home? Commit to buying fewer or more new products? What will help my fellow man? And ought we stop touring? Or buy the new plug-in Prius when it comes out this fall?
People have complained about Obama being too much of a Carter, encouraging people to turn their heat down and wear sweaters. But honestly, is there any other way that this society will change? If we somehow expect to keep our same style of life, is there any way that real change will ever happen? And certainly I'm not waiting on the government to tell me how to "do my part." But still I feel that our next leader of the executive branch is going to have to pastor people into a better way.
Is this possible? I sure hope so...or we have dark days ahead.
Great Lake Swimmers
Thanks to Craig and Dan for turning me onto this Canadian jem. Nice, mellow, thoughtful. Perfect for a sunny day while you're inside. Also pairs nicely with rain.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Album Release Party
If you're planning on spending April 18th with us, best get your tickets here! And please, please...help get the word out!!!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Home.
Got in today. Geez, what time is it anyway?
Well it was a whirlwind of a weekend. We took off from SFO around 10pm PST and landed around 6am EST in Washington Dulles. Mike graciously picked us up from the airport, shuttled us around to Anita's New Mexican Restaurant to get fine breakfast burritos...then to Murky Coffee for a wonderful cappuccino. Mmm.
This is Friday that I'm referencing of course, a day that seems like weeks ago. We arrived to NY Ave Pres to set up for the Christian Peace Witness Service. It was wonderful to share the stage with such great people. We began to run over in time, and Brian McLaren trimmed his talk considerably. He's a very gracious person to work with.
Pretty much as soon as the service was over, we had to bail and drive 40 minutes south to N. Virginia to set up and rehearse for the EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE tour that The Cobalt Season was participating in. It was great to see friends who came out to this event and get to meet some new folks. That night, after our 40-hour stint, we headed back to DC to stay at the Leuckes (who were out of town). Up the next morning to get back to VA by 8am...stopping at the same breakfast burrito place on the way.
As soon as the conference was over, we bolted back to DC (this is now Saturday, mind you) for the Peace & Justice Coffee Shop. It was again fun to share the stage with some other great folks...David LaMotte and NativeDeen. Cool artists trying to make a difference out there.
We wrapped up and then headed back to the Leucke house to catch up on some rest.
Sunday morning came early (remember, it was Daylight Savings) and we headed back down to VA to participate in the Common Table's liturgy. It was a cool, provocative morning. We wrapped that up, grabbed lunch with some friends and then headed back to DC for a nap. Ahh.......
Woke up from that to do a podcast with Mike and then take off to find dinner with Jared...and then went back to sleep.
Up this morning at 5.15am EST (2.15am PST!) to hop on a plane (that we nearly missed because we were grabbing Dunkin' Donuts...geez) and head home.
It's been a long weekend, but one that I'm really glad we got to be a part of. So great to meet so many new folks that resonated with our music and message.
Now looking forward to our local shows this month across SF. And looking forward to wrapping up the new album.
Well it was a whirlwind of a weekend. We took off from SFO around 10pm PST and landed around 6am EST in Washington Dulles. Mike graciously picked us up from the airport, shuttled us around to Anita's New Mexican Restaurant to get fine breakfast burritos...then to Murky Coffee for a wonderful cappuccino. Mmm.
This is Friday that I'm referencing of course, a day that seems like weeks ago. We arrived to NY Ave Pres to set up for the Christian Peace Witness Service. It was wonderful to share the stage with such great people. We began to run over in time, and Brian McLaren trimmed his talk considerably. He's a very gracious person to work with.
Pretty much as soon as the service was over, we had to bail and drive 40 minutes south to N. Virginia to set up and rehearse for the EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE tour that The Cobalt Season was participating in. It was great to see friends who came out to this event and get to meet some new folks. That night, after our 40-hour stint, we headed back to DC to stay at the Leuckes (who were out of town). Up the next morning to get back to VA by 8am...stopping at the same breakfast burrito place on the way.
As soon as the conference was over, we bolted back to DC (this is now Saturday, mind you) for the Peace & Justice Coffee Shop. It was again fun to share the stage with some other great folks...David LaMotte and NativeDeen. Cool artists trying to make a difference out there.
We wrapped up and then headed back to the Leucke house to catch up on some rest.
Sunday morning came early (remember, it was Daylight Savings) and we headed back down to VA to participate in the Common Table's liturgy. It was a cool, provocative morning. We wrapped that up, grabbed lunch with some friends and then headed back to DC for a nap. Ahh.......
Woke up from that to do a podcast with Mike and then take off to find dinner with Jared...and then went back to sleep.
Up this morning at 5.15am EST (2.15am PST!) to hop on a plane (that we nearly missed because we were grabbing Dunkin' Donuts...geez) and head home.
It's been a long weekend, but one that I'm really glad we got to be a part of. So great to meet so many new folks that resonated with our music and message.
Now looking forward to our local shows this month across SF. And looking forward to wrapping up the new album.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Peace and Justice and Coffee
So tonight we played the Peace & Justice coffeehouse. I thought that it was ironic that we couldn't find FAIR TRADE COFFEE. Ha.
7am (4am)
Woke this morning at 7am. Man, I felt so well-rested. We're back at the Everything Must Change conference. I'm grateful that we can be here, but it's honestly a little strange to be back on a church stage, "leading worship" by backing up a worship leader. It's been years since I've done this.
Just strange.
Just strange.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Anyone else think this display misses the point?
My buddy Mike sent me this phone photo. It is messing with my mind.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Home.
We made it home at varying times yesterday. Holly and Pax took a flight out of SeaTac around 8.40, putting them in just after 11.30 yesterday morning. After Jared and I dropped them at the airport, we embarked (as was shared on the blog) on the long drive from Seattle to San Francisco. It actually was fun for me, though Jared nearly lost it a time or two.
It was a beautiful time in the northwest. We always tend to under-budget time for hanging with friends. We could have made it twice the trip, but alas, we simply did not have time. We have a rehearsal tonight and then head out east for the Christian Peace Witness and the Everything Must Change Conference. We'll also be spending a good deal of time with friends.
The next couple days will be fast and furious as we try to catch up on some SharpSeven work. I just received some really nice emails from folks about the Jesus for President design. It feels nice to have it out and in people's hands. And encouragement is always nice! Just today the book's editor told me it's #22 on Amazon in Politics (just above another favorite book of mine) and #28 in all Christian books (just above another book I've wanted to read).
Wow. Swell.
Have a good one.
It was a beautiful time in the northwest. We always tend to under-budget time for hanging with friends. We could have made it twice the trip, but alas, we simply did not have time. We have a rehearsal tonight and then head out east for the Christian Peace Witness and the Everything Must Change Conference. We'll also be spending a good deal of time with friends.
The next couple days will be fast and furious as we try to catch up on some SharpSeven work. I just received some really nice emails from folks about the Jesus for President design. It feels nice to have it out and in people's hands. And encouragement is always nice! Just today the book's editor told me it's #22 on Amazon in Politics (just above another favorite book of mine) and #28 in all Christian books (just above another book I've wanted to read).
Wow. Swell.
Have a good one.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
The Witching Hour
Every evening, Pax has had a major meltdown...which generally has led to Holly and I fighting. Bummer of a way to see the sun go down. But so it is.
If You're In/Near DC Next Week
Check this out. We'll be a part of the Christian Peace Witness in DC. Details on The Cobalt Season website.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Seattle
What a lovely evening. We braved Seattle traffic (ouch! 1 hour + for 14 miles) and dropped Pax off with some friends (where we'd come back to stay for the next 2 nights). We then drove back across the City to get to Mars Hill Graduate School, down near the water.
It was a beautiful evening...one of our better performances in a while. And, as Bryan Maz pointed out, it was fun to hear/see/feel/play our music in a larger-ish venue. I love house shows, but it's fun to bust out of that from time to time...perhaps in the future, even more? We'll see.
Aurora, et al came out for the evening, John, Adam, and several other good folks joined. Some of us wandered 1st and 2nd streets, looking for a place to whet our whistle after the show. After several blocks, we settled into a swell little Italian Bistro. Had some Tuscan Sangeovese and a local beer called Manny's.
Today, we're going into town after Pax's nap, meet some friends, drink some coffee and then head over to set up for our show tonight @ the Purple Door with Scandrettes and Adam.
Should be a fun night.
Oh, and what seems like the first time in weeks, Pax slept in 'til 7am. Wow.
It was a beautiful evening...one of our better performances in a while. And, as Bryan Maz pointed out, it was fun to hear/see/feel/play our music in a larger-ish venue. I love house shows, but it's fun to bust out of that from time to time...perhaps in the future, even more? We'll see.
Aurora, et al came out for the evening, John, Adam, and several other good folks joined. Some of us wandered 1st and 2nd streets, looking for a place to whet our whistle after the show. After several blocks, we settled into a swell little Italian Bistro. Had some Tuscan Sangeovese and a local beer called Manny's.
Today, we're going into town after Pax's nap, meet some friends, drink some coffee and then head over to set up for our show tonight @ the Purple Door with Scandrettes and Adam.
Should be a fun night.
Oh, and what seems like the first time in weeks, Pax slept in 'til 7am. Wow.
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