But I went anyway.

Doug Hancock

Much to my delight, my fears were mostly unfounded. I was pleased to see some other gray-haired performers in the place and made a new acquaintance I hope to see again soon.  His name is Doug Hancock. He’s a veteran preforming singer-songwriter with an old bus to prove it. (Doug says he actually raised kids in that bus)  Today, Doug has a home in Tucson where he runs “Hancock Recording” and parks his bus. His website says he does mastering.  Doug and I might just have to talk about that! I’d also like to get him involved with TKMA because I think he’d enjoy the people.

For my part, I used the opportunity to debut, before a live audience, several new songs including ” Die Workin’ ” which I play on slide guitar and harmonica simultaneously.  As I said to the audience, for a singer-songwriter, playing both guitar and harmonica while singing is akin to rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time,,,while doing brain surgery and changing a tire on your car. It’s a bit complex.

But much to my surprise, I pulled it off. Here’s a photo of me in action.  I will soon produce a music web log of the song which I believe mighty just become an anthem for my generation or perhaps, the Occupy movement.

Yes it’s just the dream destroyed, for any Workin’ Man
It’s the long-term, under-employed, retirement plan:
Die Workin’, Die Workin’ Die Workin’
(If I’m lucky, I’ll Die Workin’)

We’re pretty stoked around here about having a new baby in the family. We could not be more proud of Rachel and Cody nor more grateful to God for such a blessing. And my mom is pretty pleased to have scored her first GREAT grandchild. Not a bad way to start the new year.  I suspect there will be some new songs on the horizon.

The recent  noise about “attack on Christmas” underscores an observation I made long ago: “When you KNOW someone loves you, they can say anything and it’s OK.  BUT, if you suspect ill-will then, even “hello” is a threat.”

So let’s take this opportunity, during this season of love and devotion expressed in many faiths to assume the best -if only for a week or two – and hear the best in every greeting.   It will help us all feel the spirit of unity just a little more deeply.

One of my earliest blogs was about “Christmas presents and Christmas Presence” (Dec 2008).  I said “Christmas Presence is what you receive when you OBSERVE Christmas with an eye toward the Human Spirit.  It’s not the toys given by our police officers to impoverished children; it’s the tear in their eye when they do so”

My mom - Katy Rodgers

I think you get the point already. The real gift is the “Presence” of that spirit that unites us all. And even if you are a hard science-oriented athiest or agnostic, you will likely recognise that organically, humanity is indeed all connected. The differences in our genetics is miniscule. So what harm is there in taking a seasonal “cease fire” in the war of words and attitudes?  None that I can see. 

This year we will visit with friends, old and new, and enjoy the company of my mother, 86 and going strong – perhaps the best gift a son can have.  I hope your holiday season is as joyful as you desire and that we might all, perhaps, carry “Christmas Presence”  forward into the new year.

Peace to you all.

Looked fun didn’t it?  Well, it was.  And you may not believe this, but all those drummers and dancers were actually sober! 

Did you notice, in the graduation photos, that my older daughter is quite pregnant? She’s expecting to deliver our first grandchild any day now (27 Dec target date).  Then I will have a ton mor photos and videos to share – for sure!

Take a look at my previous post for links to friends and events you mighht like to learn more about.  And if I don’t see you beforehand, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!