Then to Casa Burnett for a house show. Incredible to see so many folks...meet some new people and reconnect with old friends.
A Fire Dragon living in The Year of the Dragon.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Yesterday and Last Night
What a day. Went to the Coppola winery. Had 2 complimentary glasses of $100/bottle wine. Mmm.
Then to Casa Burnett for a house show. Incredible to see so many folks...meet some new people and reconnect with old friends.
Then to Casa Burnett for a house show. Incredible to see so many folks...meet some new people and reconnect with old friends.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Oakland, Baby, Yah!
Been spending a good deal of time in Oakland between the Petersen's and the Burnett's (and here.) Wonderful people. A wonderful time. Productive and inspiring. And it's been beautifully clear outside.
And today, lunch with Mr. Toy, a great conversationalist.
Some pics...
...and tomorrow (Friday) night is a house show at Casa Burnett at 7pm. Join us if you can.
And just before that we will go to the Coppola Winery.
And today, lunch with Mr. Toy, a great conversationalist.
Some pics...
...and tomorrow (Friday) night is a house show at Casa Burnett at 7pm. Join us if you can.
And just before that we will go to the Coppola Winery.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Parker Palmer and Me
Parker Palmer will be giving a free lecture in San Rafael. If you're around the Bay this Sunday, you might consider connecting with some of us who are planning to go hear him speak.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The Role I Play
I have been asking several people along the trip what they think the role of people of privilege is. I ask it, knowing that the term privilege is subjective and perhaps telling of the actual systemic perception of a off-balance, arrogant culture. Still, the question has been one that I have asked several people.
And it's led to some interesting conversation...most of the time frustrating my simple mind, shaking me from my simplistic understandings of the world and its systems.
I hear a guy say, "I aim to make as much money as I can so that I can help give it away to people." I stare at him and wonder if he's serious. And perhaps he is. And perhaps he's goodhearted about it. But I can't help but think people who gather riches are inclined to protect them. Perhaps I am him in more than a few ways. "What good is a poor man to the poor? The Gospel is good news to the poor." I wasn't quite sure what he meant, but he seemed convinced.
I heard a friend say that we as white people in America are not necessarily people of privilege. That perhaps, as some conservatives have suggested in converesations past, the scales are tipped not in our favor. Perhaps the liberals have slighted the common white man.
Is there a marginalized people? I think so. Do I think the poor should be bumped up to middle class, enjoying the things all normal American folks enjoy?
I hope that's not the point. I think the masses could learn something from the working poor...that you don't need everything you want.
But where am I in all this? I am among the richest by the world's standards. Ought I pull a Sidhartha and leave it all? Isn't that what Jesus essentially did? And perhaps what he commanded some folks to do?
Is it a command to all of us? It was for Sidhartha's early disciples.
Or perhaps my question of privilege doesn't have so much to do with money as it has to do with power.
What is the role of a person of power, I could ask. In our globalised world, do I make bigger decisions in the fate of the world than my Thai friends who are fine to live day to day, concerned with their families and country.
Is it American to be concerned with the fate of the rest of the world? A western thing? A Christian thing? A rich, white thing?
Or is it best to avoid money and power at all cost? To go away from the power centers?
My friend Hugh says, "Change yourself and you change the world." He might just be right...or is there more?
And it's led to some interesting conversation...most of the time frustrating my simple mind, shaking me from my simplistic understandings of the world and its systems.
I hear a guy say, "I aim to make as much money as I can so that I can help give it away to people." I stare at him and wonder if he's serious. And perhaps he is. And perhaps he's goodhearted about it. But I can't help but think people who gather riches are inclined to protect them. Perhaps I am him in more than a few ways. "What good is a poor man to the poor? The Gospel is good news to the poor." I wasn't quite sure what he meant, but he seemed convinced.
I heard a friend say that we as white people in America are not necessarily people of privilege. That perhaps, as some conservatives have suggested in converesations past, the scales are tipped not in our favor. Perhaps the liberals have slighted the common white man.
Is there a marginalized people? I think so. Do I think the poor should be bumped up to middle class, enjoying the things all normal American folks enjoy?
I hope that's not the point. I think the masses could learn something from the working poor...that you don't need everything you want.
But where am I in all this? I am among the richest by the world's standards. Ought I pull a Sidhartha and leave it all? Isn't that what Jesus essentially did? And perhaps what he commanded some folks to do?
Is it a command to all of us? It was for Sidhartha's early disciples.
Or perhaps my question of privilege doesn't have so much to do with money as it has to do with power.
What is the role of a person of power, I could ask. In our globalised world, do I make bigger decisions in the fate of the world than my Thai friends who are fine to live day to day, concerned with their families and country.
Is it American to be concerned with the fate of the rest of the world? A western thing? A Christian thing? A rich, white thing?
Or is it best to avoid money and power at all cost? To go away from the power centers?
My friend Hugh says, "Change yourself and you change the world." He might just be right...or is there more?
Monday, January 16, 2006
Track 3: Dream
DOWNLOAD MP3 • ART FOR A VISUAL BACKGROUND
NOTES:
This is the one pure love song on the album...for my beloved. To be able to travel this journey with the one I love has made all the difference, weighted all the decisions, upped the ante.
Every year is a bit of a cycle for us. In Winter we seem to lay dormant, and Spring provides new growth and life. Summer sits slowly sometimes. It seems that the advent of our year is October, in early Autumn, when the leaves are a changin' and our lives follow suit.
Looking back over the last several years, each fall has been a time of transition into the next 'thing' for us, whatever that may be. Large life changes have seemed to hover around the Summer/Fall break.
LYRICS:
The cynicism falls from my eyes
As I lie here with you, my love
And this beauty surrounds me
Your beauty surrounds me
Your beauty confounds me
So I drink it all in
Seems it's that time of year again
When dark clouds give way
To brighter passages
And this feeling I notice
This feeling I know it's
The one that I've waited for
All my life, I've waited for you
Now you're here with me
Would you pinch my skin
If this is just a dream
Don't wake me up
All those who came before me
And those who were before you
They all are behind us and memory reminds us
Why we are who we are
Who we are
Love, who we are
Everything within
Leads my heart to you
Words cannot begin
To show you
GET THE ALBUM
NOTES:
This is the one pure love song on the album...for my beloved. To be able to travel this journey with the one I love has made all the difference, weighted all the decisions, upped the ante.
Every year is a bit of a cycle for us. In Winter we seem to lay dormant, and Spring provides new growth and life. Summer sits slowly sometimes. It seems that the advent of our year is October, in early Autumn, when the leaves are a changin' and our lives follow suit.
Looking back over the last several years, each fall has been a time of transition into the next 'thing' for us, whatever that may be. Large life changes have seemed to hover around the Summer/Fall break.
LYRICS:
The cynicism falls from my eyes
As I lie here with you, my love
And this beauty surrounds me
Your beauty surrounds me
Your beauty confounds me
So I drink it all in
Seems it's that time of year again
When dark clouds give way
To brighter passages
And this feeling I notice
This feeling I know it's
The one that I've waited for
All my life, I've waited for you
Now you're here with me
Would you pinch my skin
If this is just a dream
Don't wake me up
All those who came before me
And those who were before you
They all are behind us and memory reminds us
Why we are who we are
Who we are
Love, who we are
Everything within
Leads my heart to you
Words cannot begin
To show you
GET THE ALBUM
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Welcome Mr. Samuel Hoff
This afternoon, at...
...my wife and her parents jumped for joy...
...because this little fella was born...
Sammy Hoff, my nephew.
...my wife and her parents jumped for joy...
...because this little fella was born...
Sammy Hoff, my nephew.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Mark's Story of the Sharps
Señor Scandrette recounts our week with them here. As we left their place this morning to head to what has become our local coffee house, we saw that the Scandrette's rear car window has been smashed to bits and their stereo was gone. That's no good.But aside from that incident, it was a good week in the enchanted town of San Francisco.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Remember 3 Things
On New Year's Eve (my beloved's birthday), I sat at the corner of a table with my sister and my wife, drinking Fat Tire from the tap. Man that beer is so much better from the tap!We attempted conversation amidst the crowded sonic space. Irish bars are notorious for that I guess. Still, we tried out a liturgy together that Holly and I did last year: Write 3 words that defined 2005 for you and write 3 words that you hope to define 2006 for you.
I remember last years experiment with this, sitting in Heath and Rhianon's living room, squeezed into their new couch set. Friends shared their 3 2004-words and their 3 2005-words. I only vaguely recollect mine...
My words for how I hope 2006 to be are... centered (which I think is a repeat of last year), reconciled, and actualized. I hope all 3 of those define this year.
CENTERED - I tend to operate things in a sort of chaotic, external sort of way sometimes, with the inner-life being neglected. I want to operate out of a very deep core...a developed sense of self and clarity in my vocation.
RECONCILED - 2005 has made me all the more aware of my own need for reconciliation to myself, my past, my family and friends. Most of you have shared in conversations about this very thing. If I want shalom to come into the world, let it begin with reconciliation in my own world.
ACTUALIZED - I an an idea-consumer, deriving energy from concepts and ideals. This year, I hope to place these ideas in real, living contexts. I want my life to be an ongoing experiment with truth, actualizing the things deep within me, discontent to just sit and talk about things.
I aim to remember these 3 things this year. Yes, I do.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Oh San Francisco
Holly and I are in San Francisco this week. Walked the town last night with some friends. Went to MacWorld today.
I had thought January would be a sort of month of processing for us, but it's been hard to flip the 'input' switch to the 'off' position. Some folks have asked us what the difference between our pilgrimage and this month is. I guess I had hoped for some sort of digestion and writing and real processing this month, but perhaps that was a kind of romantic, compartmentalized notion.
Perhaps the pilgrimage doesn't stop when I tell it to...
I had thought January would be a sort of month of processing for us, but it's been hard to flip the 'input' switch to the 'off' position. Some folks have asked us what the difference between our pilgrimage and this month is. I guess I had hoped for some sort of digestion and writing and real processing this month, but perhaps that was a kind of romantic, compartmentalized notion.
Perhaps the pilgrimage doesn't stop when I tell it to...
Monday, January 09, 2006
Track 2: American Empire
DOWNLOAD MP3
NOTES:
The American Dream operates as a hook for so many folks. It's the idea of having anything you could want or need: security, wealth, nice things, more stuff. Most people that get on that track can't seem to find their way off. I know it's been hard for us to take our name off that list...to secede from the American Dream. But we're trying.
It's allure is hollow and shallow and worthless on some levels. A way of life supported only be the colonialization and oppression of 'weaker' peoples throughout the world. The American way of life is not sustainable.
Perhaps you've wanted to secede as well? To get off-track? Take heart. There's a whole group of us trying to do that...so know that you're not alone. Not alone...
LYRICS:
Well you take me out and you drag me around
But I'd do anything 'cause all I've found in you
In you
You broke my heart with my soul laid bare
But you didn't know, didn't care, now did ya?
Even care?
Still I followed you
'Cause you promised me
More than I ever really wanted
Well damn this American Empire
We all overpaid to be sure I know it
But even still
All these needs and wants and toys and taunts
They follow me everywhere
Everywhere
But still I followed you
'Cause you promised me
More than I ever really wanted and now
I wanna get my money back
I wanna get my life off-track
I wanna find my one true friend
If I could just begin again
I want to find my way back home
I want to find I'm not alone
And I'm not alone
Not alone...
Well the money's in the plate and your life's in my hands
And you wonder if I'd even understand your situation
In this great nation
Where the sick heal the sick and us blind lead the blind
Maybe together we can find what we're looking for
What was it we were looking for?
So don't follow me
'Cause I'd promise you
Nothing more than what you need and
You'd wanna get your money back
You'd wanna get your life off-track
You'd wanna find your one true friend
If you could just begin again
You'd wanna find your way back home
You'd wanna find you're not alone
Friend, you're not alone
Not alone...
Here's hopin' I find my way back to you
Here's hopin' that one day I'll follow through
Here's hopin' they read me between the lines
Until then I'm fine, I'm fine, we're all fine
So we don't get our money back
Let's get our lives off this track
Maybe you're my one true friend
Here we go, let's begin again
Maybe we'll find our way back home
Now that we know we're not alone
Not alone...
GET THE ALBUM
NOTES:
The American Dream operates as a hook for so many folks. It's the idea of having anything you could want or need: security, wealth, nice things, more stuff. Most people that get on that track can't seem to find their way off. I know it's been hard for us to take our name off that list...to secede from the American Dream. But we're trying.
It's allure is hollow and shallow and worthless on some levels. A way of life supported only be the colonialization and oppression of 'weaker' peoples throughout the world. The American way of life is not sustainable.
Perhaps you've wanted to secede as well? To get off-track? Take heart. There's a whole group of us trying to do that...so know that you're not alone. Not alone...
LYRICS:
Well you take me out and you drag me around
But I'd do anything 'cause all I've found in you
In you
You broke my heart with my soul laid bare
But you didn't know, didn't care, now did ya?
Even care?
Still I followed you
'Cause you promised me
More than I ever really wanted
Well damn this American Empire
We all overpaid to be sure I know it
But even still
All these needs and wants and toys and taunts
They follow me everywhere
Everywhere
But still I followed you
'Cause you promised me
More than I ever really wanted and now
I wanna get my money back
I wanna get my life off-track
I wanna find my one true friend
If I could just begin again
I want to find my way back home
I want to find I'm not alone
And I'm not alone
Not alone...
Well the money's in the plate and your life's in my hands
And you wonder if I'd even understand your situation
In this great nation
Where the sick heal the sick and us blind lead the blind
Maybe together we can find what we're looking for
What was it we were looking for?
So don't follow me
'Cause I'd promise you
Nothing more than what you need and
You'd wanna get your money back
You'd wanna get your life off-track
You'd wanna find your one true friend
If you could just begin again
You'd wanna find your way back home
You'd wanna find you're not alone
Friend, you're not alone
Not alone...
Here's hopin' I find my way back to you
Here's hopin' that one day I'll follow through
Here's hopin' they read me between the lines
Until then I'm fine, I'm fine, we're all fine
So we don't get our money back
Let's get our lives off this track
Maybe you're my one true friend
Here we go, let's begin again
Maybe we'll find our way back home
Now that we know we're not alone
Not alone...
GET THE ALBUM
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Podcastic!
Here is an interview with me and CraigBob in which we discuss a great many things that the album touches on...faith, love, politics, life, economics, relationships...and Holly and I do a couple live performances of some of the songs...
Craig is a good friend and if you do not already know about his podcast, it will be worth your time to catch up on the last 24 episodes.
Enjoy!
Craig is a good friend and if you do not already know about his podcast, it will be worth your time to catch up on the last 24 episodes.
Enjoy!
Friday, January 06, 2006
Chris on Pacifism
Chris shares some great thoughts on pacifism here.
Oscar Romero: You do not pray anymore.
Revolutionary Guerrilla: Of course, I still pray Father.
Oscar Romero: Then why do you carry a gun?"
Oscar Romero: You do not pray anymore.
Revolutionary Guerrilla: Of course, I still pray Father.
Oscar Romero: Then why do you carry a gun?"
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Continued Journey
We left Santa Cruz a couple days ago to head to Oakland and San Francisco, where we'll be for the next several weeks. Traveling (even short distances) instantly energizes us sometimes. Strange.
There is a faint stinky smell in our car that we hope to get rid of. Geez.
If you're a Bay-Area-n and you're around Jan 20th, make plans to hook up with some of us in Oakland for a house show. Just email me for directions. It's gonna be at the Burnett's home. Should be a spectacular time of conversation and song. We hope to record this concert as the first of 4 or 5 shows that will comprise the new live album that we hope to have done in March or April. Be on the look out!
Not much else. Work. Sleep. Conversation. Reading.
There is a faint stinky smell in our car that we hope to get rid of. Geez.
If you're a Bay-Area-n and you're around Jan 20th, make plans to hook up with some of us in Oakland for a house show. Just email me for directions. It's gonna be at the Burnett's home. Should be a spectacular time of conversation and song. We hope to record this concert as the first of 4 or 5 shows that will comprise the new live album that we hope to have done in March or April. Be on the look out!
Not much else. Work. Sleep. Conversation. Reading.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Jack Up Your Perspective in '06
Some books to read...
The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile
Collapse
A People's History of the United States
Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire
The Politics of Jesus
Some articles to read...
Peace Corps and NGOs
NGOs: Enemies of Allies?
Climate Options
War
Some movies to see...
Syriana
The Corporation
Anyone have any other suggestions for having your mind/heart blown open? Resources to help see how we are all complicit in what is going on in the world...either by blindly supporting it or by saying that we have nothing to do with it? Feel free to respond.
The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile
Collapse
A People's History of the United States
Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire
The Politics of Jesus
Some articles to read...
Peace Corps and NGOs
NGOs: Enemies of Allies?
Climate Options
War
Some movies to see...
Syriana
The Corporation
Anyone have any other suggestions for having your mind/heart blown open? Resources to help see how we are all complicit in what is going on in the world...either by blindly supporting it or by saying that we have nothing to do with it? Feel free to respond.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Track 1: Like Jesus
DOWNLOAD MP3
NOTES:
This is probably the most honest song I've written to date. It is a vulnerable confession of how hard it is for me to live generously and lovingly. I find myself strung between hope and despair all too often, wondering how to do the most good with my life.
These words also stem from a feeling of failure from various attempts in life...and then coming to grips with those things and helping redeeming them without being cliché.
Sometimes tackling unhealth (socially, spiritually, physically, politically, ecologically, etc.) is so hard that it feels like no matter what you do, it will make no difference. It's maddening how easy it is to wade between beautiful pure idealism and thick base consumerism. Damn.
But alas, there is a hope for the cycles of history. If only our collective memory would incarnate goodness and honesty and generosity and, above all, Love. I think it begins by admitting that we are the problem as much as we are the solution.
LYRICS:
Well yesterday seems so far from me now
Gotta close my eyes to see
I swear to God it seems I've been here before
Why'm I back again?
It seems out of fashion to be right
So I guess that I'll be wrong
And wear it like a badge across my chest
Let it bleed from my arm
When everything's for granted
Nothing is for sure
Let's take the Metro south of here
Search for something more
And all that was forgotten
Seems to crawl back into my head
And I'm wonderin' what's ahead
Well Mom, I only wanted to be like Jesus
But it seems that I keep fucking up
And Dad, don't write me off just yet
I think I might be onto something here
And friends, Romans, countrymen
Won't you lend me your ears
This Holy American Empire
Gotta tell you it's crumblin' down
To the ground
'cause everything's for granted
And nothing is for sure
So let's grab a Starbucks baby
And just spend a little more
Forget about the dreams we had
Just work and sleep until we're dead
Are we blind to what's ahead
When memory's for granted
Nothing is for sure
And history goes round and round
As we long for something more
We lie and wait for better days
With hope and fear and joy and dread
Or sheer ambivalance to what's ahead
GET THE ALBUM
NOTES:
This is probably the most honest song I've written to date. It is a vulnerable confession of how hard it is for me to live generously and lovingly. I find myself strung between hope and despair all too often, wondering how to do the most good with my life.
These words also stem from a feeling of failure from various attempts in life...and then coming to grips with those things and helping redeeming them without being cliché.
Sometimes tackling unhealth (socially, spiritually, physically, politically, ecologically, etc.) is so hard that it feels like no matter what you do, it will make no difference. It's maddening how easy it is to wade between beautiful pure idealism and thick base consumerism. Damn.
But alas, there is a hope for the cycles of history. If only our collective memory would incarnate goodness and honesty and generosity and, above all, Love. I think it begins by admitting that we are the problem as much as we are the solution.
LYRICS:
Well yesterday seems so far from me now
Gotta close my eyes to see
I swear to God it seems I've been here before
Why'm I back again?
It seems out of fashion to be right
So I guess that I'll be wrong
And wear it like a badge across my chest
Let it bleed from my arm
When everything's for granted
Nothing is for sure
Let's take the Metro south of here
Search for something more
And all that was forgotten
Seems to crawl back into my head
And I'm wonderin' what's ahead
Well Mom, I only wanted to be like Jesus
But it seems that I keep fucking up
And Dad, don't write me off just yet
I think I might be onto something here
And friends, Romans, countrymen
Won't you lend me your ears
This Holy American Empire
Gotta tell you it's crumblin' down
To the ground
'cause everything's for granted
And nothing is for sure
So let's grab a Starbucks baby
And just spend a little more
Forget about the dreams we had
Just work and sleep until we're dead
Are we blind to what's ahead
When memory's for granted
Nothing is for sure
And history goes round and round
As we long for something more
We lie and wait for better days
With hope and fear and joy and dread
Or sheer ambivalance to what's ahead
GET THE ALBUM
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Album Notes
We have sold and given away about 350 of the new albums (The Cobalt Season - But I Tell You). Sweet. I have recouped costs (relatively speaking), so I thought I would post the songs individually on the blog with some notes so you can download them for free. I'll do a song per week, in the order of the album track list.
For those who have purchased the CD–either at concerts or on the web–thank you, thank you, thank you. Wow. Your support has helped to make this possible for me to now share these songs with others. Thank you.
The album will remain for sale on the web and at concerts in the case that you don't want to wait 11 weeks for all the tracks or in the case that you just want to support me, the artist. :)
Either way, enjoy! And Happy New Year!
For those who have purchased the CD–either at concerts or on the web–thank you, thank you, thank you. Wow. Your support has helped to make this possible for me to now share these songs with others. Thank you.
The album will remain for sale on the web and at concerts in the case that you don't want to wait 11 weeks for all the tracks or in the case that you just want to support me, the artist. :)
Either way, enjoy! And Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
My Beloved's Birthday
Today is Holly's 27th birthday. I love multiples of 9, so I think this will be an especially good year for her!
If you've time, email her a Happy Birthday message.
And to all of you, Happy New Year. May this new year be one of justice, peace, and love. And may we all take part in understanding our place in God's work of redemption throughout the world. Shalom!
Friday, December 30, 2005
The Other Side of Capitalism
Thanks to Emma for passing this first image to me...
Some others I found as well...
These images are interesting to consider while reading Arundhati Roy's The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile, which offers an Indian female's insight to Globalised Capitalism and it's effects on other parts of the world.
Also, a friend just passed this article to me. Always interesting to attempt to understand how systems work and see what we can do to change things or re-route our resources. More on that later...
Some others I found as well...
These images are interesting to consider while reading Arundhati Roy's The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile, which offers an Indian female's insight to Globalised Capitalism and it's effects on other parts of the world.
Also, a friend just passed this article to me. Always interesting to attempt to understand how systems work and see what we can do to change things or re-route our resources. More on that later...
Thursday, December 29, 2005
An End of the Year Quote
How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.
- Annie Dillard
Been thinking a great deal about this quote. It has been probing my very soul...
- Annie Dillard
Been thinking a great deal about this quote. It has been probing my very soul...
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Some of Holly's New Pieces
Some of Holly's new paintings are up on her blog. Good stuff and worth your time to check out her stuff.
A sample...
These are paintings done along this leg of the pilgrimage. The leaves turned out to be examples of our own changing of colors. The trees are the second in a series of Wedding Blessings. The couple are some friends who left the city for the organic farm...and now are back in the city.
Just little windows into the trip for you...
A sample...
These are paintings done along this leg of the pilgrimage. The leaves turned out to be examples of our own changing of colors. The trees are the second in a series of Wedding Blessings. The couple are some friends who left the city for the organic farm...and now are back in the city.
Just little windows into the trip for you...
Monday, December 26, 2005
Tsunami Anniversary
Today marks the anniversary of the 2005 Asian Tsunami. Wow. What a year. I remember sitting and watching the news last Christmas and saying to Holly, "We're going to go help out. They are our neighbors." Wow. What a year.
We're in Santa Cruz now with Holly's family. Lots to catch up on and relax from. More soon...
We're in Santa Cruz now with Holly's family. Lots to catch up on and relax from. More soon...
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Quick reflections on Florida while in Dallas getting ready to leave for Santa Cruz
I enjoyed our time in Florida for a few reasons: 1) It was a nice break from cold weather (although Holly was not a fan of this)... 2) It was good to see old and new friends... and 3) I got to see one of the most hilarious looking dogs I have ever seen...
Found this puppy with owner at a coffee house we were at for a bit near Orlando. I love that snaggle-tooth smile!
We had a very short time in Florida. A day near Orlando, a day or so in Bradenton, and a day in Tampa.
Bradenton was great because we got to meet some new friends. People who knew me from way back when (so to speak). Andrew is a fellow sojourner who asking some of the big questions we have been asking. It was good to hear their stories and get to know them a bit better.
After Bradenton, we headed up to Tampa for a day and night with Rick and Kristi Bennett. Great folks. Wonderful dog named Marley...
We know these guys through our yearly Emergent Gathering... well, we knew Rick that way, but up until this point, we had never met Kristi. It was great to finally meet his other half...
We played a wonderful house show... a great ending to this leg of our pilgrimage. Holly helped make these sugar-encrusted cranberries for the party...
And we got a picture with them the next morning just before we left...
I am constantly so grateful to God for the relationships that we have developed through our Emergent network of friends. Wow.
Now in Dallas, but leaving in a matter of minutes for CA... 2-3 day trip. We shall see.
Happy Holidays friends. Happy Winter Solstice. Happy Kwanza. Happy Hannukah. Happy Advent Season. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. And other reasons to celebrate Dec 25th! :)
Found this puppy with owner at a coffee house we were at for a bit near Orlando. I love that snaggle-tooth smile!
We had a very short time in Florida. A day near Orlando, a day or so in Bradenton, and a day in Tampa.
Bradenton was great because we got to meet some new friends. People who knew me from way back when (so to speak). Andrew is a fellow sojourner who asking some of the big questions we have been asking. It was good to hear their stories and get to know them a bit better.
After Bradenton, we headed up to Tampa for a day and night with Rick and Kristi Bennett. Great folks. Wonderful dog named Marley...
We know these guys through our yearly Emergent Gathering... well, we knew Rick that way, but up until this point, we had never met Kristi. It was great to finally meet his other half...
We played a wonderful house show... a great ending to this leg of our pilgrimage. Holly helped make these sugar-encrusted cranberries for the party...
And we got a picture with them the next morning just before we left...
I am constantly so grateful to God for the relationships that we have developed through our Emergent network of friends. Wow.
Now in Dallas, but leaving in a matter of minutes for CA... 2-3 day trip. We shall see.
Happy Holidays friends. Happy Winter Solstice. Happy Kwanza. Happy Hannukah. Happy Advent Season. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. And other reasons to celebrate Dec 25th! :)
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Day 70-72: Florida
I'm keeping it brief right now because I am very tired, and we have to wake up early to get on the road to head to Dallas. About 1300 miles to get there in 2 days. No prob. But tired.
Lots to reflect on, but now is not the time.
This leg of our pilgrimage is drawing to an end. It's been beautiful, but it'll nice to have some downtime in the Bay area for a few weeks following the holidays.
More to come...
Lots to reflect on, but now is not the time.
This leg of our pilgrimage is drawing to an end. It's been beautiful, but it'll nice to have some downtime in the Bay area for a few weeks following the holidays.
More to come...
Friday, December 16, 2005
Update on CPT on Aljazeera
Just found this article thanks to Sojourners email.
According to an al Jazeera report Tuesday, their Web site has been flooded with messages of support for the four Christian Peacemaker Teams members who were abducted in Iraq on Nov. 26. Their report also quotes the grand mufti of Palestine, Shaikh Ikrima Sabri, as yet another prominent Muslim leader seeking the safe return of these Christian activists. "It is our duty to support them and to issue a vigorous appeal to the kidnappers to free them," Sabri said. Also, the Iraq Islamic party said in a statement, "The party calls on the captors to free them because their kidnapping is a dream opportunity for the supporters of the war against our country who say that Iraqis cannot tell the difference between those who support them and those who oppose them."
I hope that this is a time to help the world separate the actions of the State from the teachings of Jesus. That this war is a play of capitalistic domination and empire expansion and protecting the 'security' of an elite few...which has nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus.
Lord, have mercy.
According to an al Jazeera report Tuesday, their Web site has been flooded with messages of support for the four Christian Peacemaker Teams members who were abducted in Iraq on Nov. 26. Their report also quotes the grand mufti of Palestine, Shaikh Ikrima Sabri, as yet another prominent Muslim leader seeking the safe return of these Christian activists. "It is our duty to support them and to issue a vigorous appeal to the kidnappers to free them," Sabri said. Also, the Iraq Islamic party said in a statement, "The party calls on the captors to free them because their kidnapping is a dream opportunity for the supporters of the war against our country who say that Iraqis cannot tell the difference between those who support them and those who oppose them."
I hope that this is a time to help the world separate the actions of the State from the teachings of Jesus. That this war is a play of capitalistic domination and empire expansion and protecting the 'security' of an elite few...which has nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus.
Lord, have mercy.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
On Narnia
So Holly and I got to catch the new Narnia film a few days ago. It was entertaining and a much more compelling children's fantasy film than Harry Potter, but as Rick points out, it was no Lord of the Rings. And you couldn't help but compare the two because Narnia too was shot in New Zealand, the music sounded similar, and the war scenes were reminiscent.
But that's not really my point in this post.
Now certainly this is simply an allegory, not a person-for-person or event-for-event translation of Biblical texts, but you must know that the story is so full of Christian allusion from Aslan dying and raising again to him saying, "It is finished" to...well, you get the point.
It's been some time since I have read the Narnia series...perhaps 10 years even. I honestly did not remember the battle scenes as they were in the film, but my memory of them is not the point. My point is how evil was defeated and health and life restored to Narnia.
You see, in the Biblical narrative, Jesus (and Paul) commands his followers to overcome evil with good...or with love...and in the case of his life, Jesus himself overcomes evil by death. I think we stand at a fascinating time in history when many who claim his name think it's honorable to overcome evil by killing or violence or fear-making...overcoming evil with evil. And that's what this post is about.
As the battle scenes roared in the film, I saw the history (past and current) of the church...and I saw Aslan almost congratulate it in a way that I have yet to see Jesus do...and that made me sad and uncomfortable. These battle scenes waged on, endorsing violence and death to bring peace and life in Narnia...and it's simply not what is in the Gospels.
So perhaps this is a bit of an over-reaction, but perhaps it's not. We stand at a time when the American Empire is legitimized by a good deal of the Christian community, who is urging the government, "Use whatever it takes to bring about the peace...kill, slaughter, rape lands, destroy cultures, dominate until peace is accomplished and democracy implemented."
I think most people of Christian faith could stand to go back and meditate on the Sermon on the Mount and take a thoughtful look at what's going on in the world today.
I'll leave you with some of the Master's words...
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
But that's not really my point in this post.
Now certainly this is simply an allegory, not a person-for-person or event-for-event translation of Biblical texts, but you must know that the story is so full of Christian allusion from Aslan dying and raising again to him saying, "It is finished" to...well, you get the point.
It's been some time since I have read the Narnia series...perhaps 10 years even. I honestly did not remember the battle scenes as they were in the film, but my memory of them is not the point. My point is how evil was defeated and health and life restored to Narnia.
You see, in the Biblical narrative, Jesus (and Paul) commands his followers to overcome evil with good...or with love...and in the case of his life, Jesus himself overcomes evil by death. I think we stand at a fascinating time in history when many who claim his name think it's honorable to overcome evil by killing or violence or fear-making...overcoming evil with evil. And that's what this post is about.
As the battle scenes roared in the film, I saw the history (past and current) of the church...and I saw Aslan almost congratulate it in a way that I have yet to see Jesus do...and that made me sad and uncomfortable. These battle scenes waged on, endorsing violence and death to bring peace and life in Narnia...and it's simply not what is in the Gospels.
So perhaps this is a bit of an over-reaction, but perhaps it's not. We stand at a time when the American Empire is legitimized by a good deal of the Christian community, who is urging the government, "Use whatever it takes to bring about the peace...kill, slaughter, rape lands, destroy cultures, dominate until peace is accomplished and democracy implemented."
I think most people of Christian faith could stand to go back and meditate on the Sermon on the Mount and take a thoughtful look at what's going on in the world today.
I'll leave you with some of the Master's words...
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Day 68-69: Atlanta, GA
What a great time with the Bronsink family in Atlanta. Sad to leave. Time spent in great conversation about his experiences living in urban Atlanta (the city that was primed to be the capitol of the Confederacy, mind you) and it's challenges and beauties.
Our time there pretty much consisted of conversation, coffee, conversation, some music, food, and conversation. And a little sleep thrown in for good measure.
The last night we were there, Melvin (a new friend) came over and did an interview with Troy and Holly and I about the album and about our pilgrimage. It was nice to articulate some of the things we have been processing. The hope is to get it edited and ready for radio. Perhaps if it gets cleaned up soon, I'll post it up here for all you pod-casting folks.
So, we headed down to Florida today where we'll be until Sunday. Then we'll head back across the US to sort of conclude this leg of our pilgrimage. Still have a few things to do... working on some paintings still, gotta get new tires and an oil change, lots of work stuff to finish up before the Holidays.
Hope you're well. What a strange time. Advent. This hopeful expectation that next year will be different. That someone will intervene on our behalf. That life will come from winter's death. Still, everyone seems to be running around like madmen and murderers. Perhaps the air is ionized?
Our time there pretty much consisted of conversation, coffee, conversation, some music, food, and conversation. And a little sleep thrown in for good measure.
The last night we were there, Melvin (a new friend) came over and did an interview with Troy and Holly and I about the album and about our pilgrimage. It was nice to articulate some of the things we have been processing. The hope is to get it edited and ready for radio. Perhaps if it gets cleaned up soon, I'll post it up here for all you pod-casting folks.
So, we headed down to Florida today where we'll be until Sunday. Then we'll head back across the US to sort of conclude this leg of our pilgrimage. Still have a few things to do... working on some paintings still, gotta get new tires and an oil change, lots of work stuff to finish up before the Holidays.
Hope you're well. What a strange time. Advent. This hopeful expectation that next year will be different. That someone will intervene on our behalf. That life will come from winter's death. Still, everyone seems to be running around like madmen and murderers. Perhaps the air is ionized?
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
The Christian Paradox
Thanks to Mike for this article.
A brief excerpt...
Here is a statistic that does matter: Three quarters of Americans believe the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves. That is, three out of four Americans believe that this uber-American idea, a notion at the core of our current individualist politics and culture, which was in fact uttered by Ben Franklin, actually appears in Holy Scripture. The thing is, not only is Franklin's wisdom not biblical; it's counter-biblical. Few ideas could be further from the gospel message, with its radical summons to love of neighbor.
Good article. Perhaps a bit old, but some good thoughts.
A brief excerpt...
Here is a statistic that does matter: Three quarters of Americans believe the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves. That is, three out of four Americans believe that this uber-American idea, a notion at the core of our current individualist politics and culture, which was in fact uttered by Ben Franklin, actually appears in Holy Scripture. The thing is, not only is Franklin's wisdom not biblical; it's counter-biblical. Few ideas could be further from the gospel message, with its radical summons to love of neighbor.
Good article. Perhaps a bit old, but some good thoughts.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Day 65-67: Atlanta, GA
Drove from North Carolina to Atlanta, GA... all the while listening to Bill McKibben's Wandering Home on audio CD... thanks to Chris back in Austin. Wonderful book to listen to.
Holly took off Sunday morning for a party back in San Diego. Friends flew her back for a night. Wow.
Got into Atlanta to stay with Troy and Kelly Bronsink (and daughter Eve). Met some wonderful people at a Christmas party and then spent Sunday prepping and playing for an event that was a benefit concert for the Sullivan Center, a non-profit in Atlanta that helps to support homelessness prevention.
Some pics from the day...
Wrapped up the day as it was getting chilly. Went home and crashed.
Holly gets back tonight. I'm just chillin', doin' work at Troy's coffee shop, meeting people as they come in, hearing their stories, and writing this BLOG entry.
Holly took off Sunday morning for a party back in San Diego. Friends flew her back for a night. Wow.
Got into Atlanta to stay with Troy and Kelly Bronsink (and daughter Eve). Met some wonderful people at a Christmas party and then spent Sunday prepping and playing for an event that was a benefit concert for the Sullivan Center, a non-profit in Atlanta that helps to support homelessness prevention.
Some pics from the day...
Wrapped up the day as it was getting chilly. Went home and crashed.
Holly gets back tonight. I'm just chillin', doin' work at Troy's coffee shop, meeting people as they come in, hearing their stories, and writing this BLOG entry.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Day 64: Raleigh, NC
Cool to be with folks in the Raleigh-Durham area, #5 in the nation of cities most populated by creative types. Cool area. Beautiful drive through tall trees to get there.
Arrived in time to see the new Narnia movie. More thoughts on that later. Still processing some of that stuff.
We grabbed a fine dinner (artichoke sandwiches) and headed into Raleigh for a house show. The night was one-part music and one-part conversation. Nice. Ken (one of the folks at the house show) mentioned that he has a Make Poverty History banner on his site (like I do there in the upper left-hand corner). He said he was asking himself just the other day, "What have I done in my own life to actually make poverty history?" This spawned an entire conversation about the things we advocate and how if they stay as 'issues' then they never have to affect our own lives. Like somehow throwing a banner on my blog for the ONE campaign frees me from having to do anything else...and somehow poverty will become history. Interesting.
So we began dialoguing about this and its implications for our lives and what Jesus meant when he said, "Blessed are the poor." Perhaps it's not about making everyone in the world like Americans...living lavish lives of with disposable incomes and things we don't need. Certainly poverty is a tragedy...particularly because God's economy is an economy of abundance, not of scarcity. "There is enough for every man's need, but not every man's greed," the saying goes. So the goal is not to bring every one up to American par, but rather that the mountains be made low and the valleys raised up, you know?
So perhaps a counter campaign to Make Poverty History would be Make Deccadence History. Perhaps it's not just about the government sending more aid to those in need. Perhaps it's about living off less and consuming less...and giving away more.
And perhaps that means supporting folks who are doing good in the world...but perhaps it also means being in relationship with those who are not in your income bracket. And personally figuring out with them how to share resources. And learning from those who live off less than you. I could learn a thing or two.
If that just struck a chord in you and you are interested in being a part of a community that is seeking to do just that, you might check out the Relational Tithe website for ideas or perhaps to become a part of something like that.
Okay, enough preaching. Off to Atlanta we go!
Arrived in time to see the new Narnia movie. More thoughts on that later. Still processing some of that stuff.
We grabbed a fine dinner (artichoke sandwiches) and headed into Raleigh for a house show. The night was one-part music and one-part conversation. Nice. Ken (one of the folks at the house show) mentioned that he has a Make Poverty History banner on his site (like I do there in the upper left-hand corner). He said he was asking himself just the other day, "What have I done in my own life to actually make poverty history?" This spawned an entire conversation about the things we advocate and how if they stay as 'issues' then they never have to affect our own lives. Like somehow throwing a banner on my blog for the ONE campaign frees me from having to do anything else...and somehow poverty will become history. Interesting.
So we began dialoguing about this and its implications for our lives and what Jesus meant when he said, "Blessed are the poor." Perhaps it's not about making everyone in the world like Americans...living lavish lives of with disposable incomes and things we don't need. Certainly poverty is a tragedy...particularly because God's economy is an economy of abundance, not of scarcity. "There is enough for every man's need, but not every man's greed," the saying goes. So the goal is not to bring every one up to American par, but rather that the mountains be made low and the valleys raised up, you know?
So perhaps a counter campaign to Make Poverty History would be Make Deccadence History. Perhaps it's not just about the government sending more aid to those in need. Perhaps it's about living off less and consuming less...and giving away more.
And perhaps that means supporting folks who are doing good in the world...but perhaps it also means being in relationship with those who are not in your income bracket. And personally figuring out with them how to share resources. And learning from those who live off less than you. I could learn a thing or two.
If that just struck a chord in you and you are interested in being a part of a community that is seeking to do just that, you might check out the Relational Tithe website for ideas or perhaps to become a part of something like that.
Okay, enough preaching. Off to Atlanta we go!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Our Pilgrimage
So, I was talking with my friend Jon this evening. He and I met here in cyberspace through each other's blogs. He asked how the trip was going and what it was all about. And I thought during the conversation that I might not have explained on my blog why we are doing what we are doing... that is, what this trip is for us...
I have realized that one of the limitations of a blog is that it can never sum up a life, a whole person's thoughts or intentions or ideas or whatnot. It is never exhaustive... at least mine never is.
So a little catch up just in case you've been in the dark as well...
A little over a month ago, my wife and I packed our stuff into storage, moved out of our apartment in Oceanside, and left Southern California. Where were we going? Didn't really know. Who were we going to see? Had hoped to see certain people scattered across the US.
We call it our pilgrimage. A sort of spiritual endeavor that isn't as much about the end destination as it is about the journey...the experience...the ride. Being blown by the wind.
And what a ride it has been thus far. We're into our 3rd month of the trip. Wow. The stories we carry with us. The folks we have met along the way. The lives we have been inspired by. The generosity that has been shown to us. The friendships we have forged.
Where does it all lead? No idea. Hopefully closer to living it right. But geographically? No idea. We think we'll keep traveling for at least several more months, but who knows where from there.
In the end, our hope was to get a fuller perspective of what was going on in our world (particularly domestically this time around). To see what others see. To attempt to live as others live. To participate and partake.
Of course, one of the challenges along the way is that we are working along the way. That is, we're not on an extended vacation as it were. We're still doing SharpSeven Design stuff and I am of course playing my music along the way.
Sustainability has been a tricky thing, as we are trying to take in so much. To drink in this experience. To live fully in the communities we are sharing in. But there are times when the trip has left us tired and in need of retreat. Man, I sometimes wonder if I'm some closet introvert posing as an extrovert. So doing this sustainably has been an interesting experiment in boundaries and limits.
A spiritual pilgrimage. A chance to see friends and others whose lives have inspired us. A chance to share our art along the way. A chance to further this hope we have of a different kind of world. Yah, that's what this trip's about.
I have realized that one of the limitations of a blog is that it can never sum up a life, a whole person's thoughts or intentions or ideas or whatnot. It is never exhaustive... at least mine never is.
So a little catch up just in case you've been in the dark as well...
A little over a month ago, my wife and I packed our stuff into storage, moved out of our apartment in Oceanside, and left Southern California. Where were we going? Didn't really know. Who were we going to see? Had hoped to see certain people scattered across the US.We call it our pilgrimage. A sort of spiritual endeavor that isn't as much about the end destination as it is about the journey...the experience...the ride. Being blown by the wind.
And what a ride it has been thus far. We're into our 3rd month of the trip. Wow. The stories we carry with us. The folks we have met along the way. The lives we have been inspired by. The generosity that has been shown to us. The friendships we have forged.
Where does it all lead? No idea. Hopefully closer to living it right. But geographically? No idea. We think we'll keep traveling for at least several more months, but who knows where from there.
In the end, our hope was to get a fuller perspective of what was going on in our world (particularly domestically this time around). To see what others see. To attempt to live as others live. To participate and partake.
Of course, one of the challenges along the way is that we are working along the way. That is, we're not on an extended vacation as it were. We're still doing SharpSeven Design stuff and I am of course playing my music along the way.
Sustainability has been a tricky thing, as we are trying to take in so much. To drink in this experience. To live fully in the communities we are sharing in. But there are times when the trip has left us tired and in need of retreat. Man, I sometimes wonder if I'm some closet introvert posing as an extrovert. So doing this sustainably has been an interesting experiment in boundaries and limits.
A spiritual pilgrimage. A chance to see friends and others whose lives have inspired us. A chance to share our art along the way. A chance to further this hope we have of a different kind of world. Yah, that's what this trip's about.
My Friend Rick
I have a friend named Rick. I know a good many of you know him or check out his blog from time to time (if not religiously), but I thought I'd take this space to introduce you to him and his blog because he has so many good links and things to say, that I think you should know him.
That was a very long run-on sentence.
So, instead of copying and pasting alot of his content here and giving him a hat-tip, I'll just put his blog link here. Check it out.
That was a very long run-on sentence.
So, instead of copying and pasting alot of his content here and giving him a hat-tip, I'll just put his blog link here. Check it out.
Update on CPT
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Stocking Stuffer
So, I hate to promote my own goods (wink, wink), but here goes anyway...
ADVENT SPECIAL!!!
The Cobalt Season - But I Tell You CD for only $10 (including shipping). Just click below if you want it...
ADVENT SPECIAL!!!
The Cobalt Season - But I Tell You CD for only $10 (including shipping). Just click below if you want it...
Upcoming shows...
A few more shows this year. Catch us if you can.
First, we head south to Raleigh, NC for a show on Friday night, Dec 9th.
Then a show in Atlanta on Sunday afternoon, Dec 11th.
Then a Friday night show in Bradenton, FL (Dec 16th) and Saturday night in Tampa, FL (Dec 17th).
If you're interested in any of these, email me and I can get you details.
First, we head south to Raleigh, NC for a show on Friday night, Dec 9th.
Then a show in Atlanta on Sunday afternoon, Dec 11th.
Then a Friday night show in Bradenton, FL (Dec 16th) and Saturday night in Tampa, FL (Dec 17th).
If you're interested in any of these, email me and I can get you details.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Day 60: NYC
What a day. Slept in a bit. Grabbed some breakfast and some coffee from Dean and Deluca. We walked for a while. I was on a conference call for an hour and a half while Holly just sat, staring at her coffee.
Got a hold of Zach and Kat for lunch. Had good sushi. My first experience with sashami. Mmm.
Visited the World Trade Center site. Wow. Heavy.
Went to the theatre district to get tix for RENT. The deal is that if you arrive 2 hours before show time, they do a lottery for the 1st 2 rows...at $20 a ticket! We won the lottery and sat 2nd row.
In between getting the tix and seeing the show, we had amazing pizza. Mmm.
After an incredible show (What a play!), we walked outside and it was snowing. Soft flakes on our faces.
We ran to get our luggage out of baggage check at the hotel, got our car out of the parking garage. And got on the freeway eventually. Except it wasn't a freeway, it was a tollway...as to be expected in New Jersey!
Heading south now to crash at a Super 8 Motel for a few days to get some work done, rest, and re-center. This last part of the trip has certainly been fun, but I am tired. Tired. And have been fighting off a cold. Both of us. And feeling a little behind. Actually alot behind. And I need some time for catch-up and recharge. Thanks for the prayers.
Oh yah, tomorrow marks 2 months since we left. Wow.
Got a hold of Zach and Kat for lunch. Had good sushi. My first experience with sashami. Mmm.
Visited the World Trade Center site. Wow. Heavy.
Went to the theatre district to get tix for RENT. The deal is that if you arrive 2 hours before show time, they do a lottery for the 1st 2 rows...at $20 a ticket! We won the lottery and sat 2nd row.
In between getting the tix and seeing the show, we had amazing pizza. Mmm.
After an incredible show (What a play!), we walked outside and it was snowing. Soft flakes on our faces.
We ran to get our luggage out of baggage check at the hotel, got our car out of the parking garage. And got on the freeway eventually. Except it wasn't a freeway, it was a tollway...as to be expected in New Jersey!
Heading south now to crash at a Super 8 Motel for a few days to get some work done, rest, and re-center. This last part of the trip has certainly been fun, but I am tired. Tired. And have been fighting off a cold. Both of us. And feeling a little behind. Actually alot behind. And I need some time for catch-up and recharge. Thanks for the prayers.
Oh yah, tomorrow marks 2 months since we left. Wow.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Day 58-59: NYC
Got in late to NYC and crashed. Super 8 Hotel in midtown. Brilliant!
Got an early start on the day. Grabbed some coffee (from Caesar) and then headed to Central Park for a stroll...
Then headed south on the Subway to the Empire State Building. We waited in line for 2.5 hours in this...
...to see this...
...and this...
Yes, it got dark by the time we were done up there. Cold, too. But beautiful views.
Played a house show in upper Manhattan with some friends of friends. That was fun. Real quaint. One of the folks there asked me to play one of my songs at their Mass the next morning, so we obliged. After all, the residing priest wrote his dissertation on Oscar Romero. Wow.
Woke up Sunday morning to this...
...and this...
Beautiful! Expecting another 6-8 inches on Monday.
Played at the church service on Sunday morning at St. Marks in the Bowery. A beautiful place (205 year old building) and beautiful people (very diverse, ecumenical, peace-promoting). I played "The Great Inversion" from the album. It seemed to vibe...
My cousin and his wife (Joel and Rebekah) met us for a late, late lunch. We then chased musicals for tickets with no luck. Oh well, great frozen hot chocolates and teas and drinks all around. Wonderful conversation, good times, great food.
Not entirely sure what our next few days are looking like... we'll see...
Got an early start on the day. Grabbed some coffee (from Caesar) and then headed to Central Park for a stroll...
Then headed south on the Subway to the Empire State Building. We waited in line for 2.5 hours in this...
...to see this...
...and this...
Yes, it got dark by the time we were done up there. Cold, too. But beautiful views.
Played a house show in upper Manhattan with some friends of friends. That was fun. Real quaint. One of the folks there asked me to play one of my songs at their Mass the next morning, so we obliged. After all, the residing priest wrote his dissertation on Oscar Romero. Wow.
Woke up Sunday morning to this...
...and this...
Beautiful! Expecting another 6-8 inches on Monday.
Played at the church service on Sunday morning at St. Marks in the Bowery. A beautiful place (205 year old building) and beautiful people (very diverse, ecumenical, peace-promoting). I played "The Great Inversion" from the album. It seemed to vibe...
My cousin and his wife (Joel and Rebekah) met us for a late, late lunch. We then chased musicals for tickets with no luck. Oh well, great frozen hot chocolates and teas and drinks all around. Wonderful conversation, good times, great food.
Not entirely sure what our next few days are looking like... we'll see...
Friday, December 02, 2005
Day 56-57: Virginia
Headed out of Camden, NJ to head south about 4 hours to Fredricksburg to hook up with some new friends and play a show at a local pub. Great fun.
Left the next morning from Fredricksburg, just after a 30-minute snow flurry storm. Ah, winter is ahead...
We then drove about an hour north to see some of our favorite people, Mike and Stacy Stavlund. Holly calls them Generosity Bullies. They are. Beautiful people, they are.
Then we sat in this for 7 hours heading up to NYC...
NYC, here we come!
Left the next morning from Fredricksburg, just after a 30-minute snow flurry storm. Ah, winter is ahead...
We then drove about an hour north to see some of our favorite people, Mike and Stacy Stavlund. Holly calls them Generosity Bullies. They are. Beautiful people, they are.
Then we sat in this for 7 hours heading up to NYC...
NYC, here we come!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
On Storytelling...
I have been thinking a great deal about stories versus facts the last several weeks. Part of this stirring in my imagination began with hearing Douglas Rushkoff speak.
He made this comment that those who tell the best stories captivate and compell the people. He referenced the Ewoks. Remember that when boys landed on their planet with R2-D2 and C3PO in tow, the Ewoks took them prisoner. But by the time they were done telling stories (mainly C3PO and R2-D2), they had new allies in fighting the "evil Empire"? Rushkoff asked, "What if Darth Vader and his cronies arrived on the planet first? Would the Ewoks have been compelled by their plight to join them? After all, the Republic had become unmanageable and the rebels were causing such a stink. Would the Ewoks have served the Dark Side instead?"
This got me to thinking about how people change. I have always felt that truth might have the strongest potency in helping people live their lives. That is, I always thought truth would be the most compelling thing to people simply because it is...well...true.
So I gathered scattered facts (thinking that fact and truth are the same...ha!) and presented my case to people. I never understood why telling people that thousands of people are dying in africa everyday seldom compelled people to live off less and give away more. I guess this also helps shed light on how–even after so many facts about the Bush cronies and their policies and the corruptions are presented–people are still behind their guy.
My point is that sheer fact does little to nothing in getting people to change their paradigms or lives.
But story does.
So Rushkoff said it's time to re-learn the sacred art of storytelling...and stop telling the same damn story. Allow your imagination to re-imagine and re-create the world, to frame the questions differently, to remind you that you don't need that... or perhaps even want that. Stop settling for what everyone's saying... that that's just the way life goes or that's just they way things work. Perhaps it doesn't have to go that way.
Stop swallowing their cliché, as if it's the only way, it's overplayed...
And support artists, writers, screenwriters, poets who are creative subversive art, who are telling new stories.
He made this comment that those who tell the best stories captivate and compell the people. He referenced the Ewoks. Remember that when boys landed on their planet with R2-D2 and C3PO in tow, the Ewoks took them prisoner. But by the time they were done telling stories (mainly C3PO and R2-D2), they had new allies in fighting the "evil Empire"? Rushkoff asked, "What if Darth Vader and his cronies arrived on the planet first? Would the Ewoks have been compelled by their plight to join them? After all, the Republic had become unmanageable and the rebels were causing such a stink. Would the Ewoks have served the Dark Side instead?"This got me to thinking about how people change. I have always felt that truth might have the strongest potency in helping people live their lives. That is, I always thought truth would be the most compelling thing to people simply because it is...well...true.
So I gathered scattered facts (thinking that fact and truth are the same...ha!) and presented my case to people. I never understood why telling people that thousands of people are dying in africa everyday seldom compelled people to live off less and give away more. I guess this also helps shed light on how–even after so many facts about the Bush cronies and their policies and the corruptions are presented–people are still behind their guy.
My point is that sheer fact does little to nothing in getting people to change their paradigms or lives.
But story does.
So Rushkoff said it's time to re-learn the sacred art of storytelling...and stop telling the same damn story. Allow your imagination to re-imagine and re-create the world, to frame the questions differently, to remind you that you don't need that... or perhaps even want that. Stop settling for what everyone's saying... that that's just the way life goes or that's just they way things work. Perhaps it doesn't have to go that way.
Stop swallowing their cliché, as if it's the only way, it's overplayed...
And support artists, writers, screenwriters, poets who are creative subversive art, who are telling new stories.
4 Peacemakers Abducted
If you have not heard, 4 humanitarian workers from Christian Peacemaker Teams have been abducted in Iraq. These are friends of friends.
Lord, have mercy.
As Rick points out, these are folks who actually believe that when Jesus said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," that he actually meant it and that followers should do it.
This from the Christian Peacemaker Teams website...
We are very worried about our four friends. We fear that whoever is holding them has made a mistake. Norman, Tom, James and Harmeet are four men who came to Iraq to work for peace and explain their opposition to the occupation. They are not spies. – CPT Iraq Team
Lord, have mercy.
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