Bird by Bird...

In my hiatus from blogging here, I've been spending my time doing all sorts of things like interviewing people with mixed results, working, wringing my hands as I ponder the future, and, oh yeah, reading. My friend, Matt, recommended that if I want to write it is probably a good idea to read some good books on the subject as well as just read in general. So, the holidays behind us, I've started to work on that.

The first book I picked up on the subject of writing was Anne Lamott's, Bird by Bird. This is a book I've been wanting to get for a long time but just never did. Lamott's Traveling Mercies changed and challenged the way I think about a lot and I was excited to see how she'd impact my thoughts on writing. Finally, I picked it up and here we are, finished and discussing it.

The book itself is great, offering solid advice accompanied by Lamott's signature wit and self-deprecation followed up with a big slice of poignancy here and there. She is one who truly loves the craft and wants to gift all who are willing to try with the tools and encouragement to take their pens in hand and put them to paper. If you're thinking about writing, if you are a writer, or if you're just curious about the whole process, this is a great book for you.

But that's not why I write this. In one of Lamott's chapters, she breaks out for just a moment, offering an example of how writers intrinsically have a message within their work. She's not advocating the world of "after school special" writing but rather the simple idea that we write to share our worldview and our thoughts. Inherent within are going to be value and moral judgements. It makes sense. As she shares this example, I was hit with the proverbial lightbulb going on. This was one of those things that just made me go, "YES! YES! YES!"

She writes:

"I'm not suggesting that you want to be an author who tells a story in order to teach a moral or deliver a message. If you have a message, as Samuel Goldwyn said, send a telegram. But we feel morally certain of some things, sure that we're right, even while we know how often we've been wrong, and we need to communicate these things. For instance, I used to think that paired opposites were a given, that love was the opposite of hate, right the opposite of wrong. But now I think we sometimes buy into these concepts because it is so much easier to embrace absolutes than to suffer reality. I don't think anything is the opposite of love. Reality is unforgivingly complex." (Note the italicized portion especially!)

Now, I'm going to leave you to think about that for a while. Stay tuned and I'll address my thoughts on it shortly!

My Little Miss Sunshine

Okay, I'm sure we've all been there. It's one of those times where you simply give your ascent to a friend or loved one about some random thing or circumstance because either (a) they're going to win the argument anyway or, (b) it's something you're just not that worried about one way or the other. This was me but a few short weeks ago as my wife approached me with the suggestion/declaration that we were going to enter our lovely daughter, Peyton, into the local Manatee County Fair baby contest.

"It'll be fun! She'll do so great! And we could win $100 AND free tickets to the fair next year!" she enthusiastically shared with me.

Apparently, I'm an idiot. I nodded, smiled, and thought nothing of it. Yet, the closer the days grew to the actual event, I began to have a few misgivings.

"Are you sure?" I asked, "Don't you remember our watching Little Miss Sunshine?" She'd simply laugh off my concerns and we'd go our separate ways on the issue.

Finally, we come to the day. We roll out of bed early and head over to the local fairgrounds. Actually, we're there before the fair actually opens because the pageant starts that early. Thankfully, the younger contestants were being judged first. So, we pull into the parking lot and proceed to gather our belongings to head on in. As we're doing so, we began to take notice that there are a bunch of cars already in the lot. And we're watching some of these folks gather up their belongings and kids. They're pulling virtual wardrobes out of the back of their cars, touching up their children's makeup as they head down the dusty trail to the large tent where the pageant is to be held. This was a cause for concern as we pushed our stroller toward the tent of doom.

It really should be taken as a sign when the tent we were headed to was directly across from a large livestock area which was used for the judging of cattle and swine. This irony was not lost on me as I pushed the stroller into the bowels of the tent and found a seat. My son squirmed and tugged and tried my every ounce of patience as I waited for Erin to finish checking Peyton in. I took the few moments I had between Tyler talking, poking me, or making a run for it, to look around and check out the competion. Upon doing so, I felt it was time to go.

Turning one way, I was a woman enter with a bundle of clothing, a child in tow, and a virtual pound of regalia she proceeded to begin applying to her child. Looking the other way only brought my eyes to a young lady, this one not much older than four or five, her hair up in curlers, as her mother adjusted her outfit and applied a bit of blush to her cheeks. There was no place to turn that really held any new view. I instantly began to feel sick to my stomach. This was not right!

Before long, it was time for judging. My wife stood in a long, long line of women and men with their prospective children as they were paraded before the board of judges. I won't lie; there were some cute kids. It's just that they were all dolled up and dressed up and made to look far more uncomfortable than any newborn or one year old should. These kids should have been crawling around, spitting raspberries at one another rather than being made to smile for the judging panel! And before long, the judging was over.

It was a short while and the judges reached their decision. I know it's a shock, especially after you see the picture, that Peyton didn't win. And truthfully, she didn't have a chance one way or another. We came to find out that there were a number of areas she could be entered in, best hair, best eyes, best outfit, and some other random ones as well. We only opted for best eyes because the kid's got some beautiful eyes and well, we're poor so ponying up more money for more categories to help fund the fair didn't really make sense. This automatically took her out of any real running outside of the entered category. Bummer.

Needless to say, we won't be entering Peyton into any more contests anytime soon. We'd just as soon have her recognized for just being a cool kid as opposed to being put up on a butcher block to be judged. What a world! We're a bunch of crazy people!

State of the Union

I am so, so, so very tired right now...

Needed Some New Backgrounds!

Review: Beautiful News - Matt Redman

This is a solid album but not Redman's best. Look for the songs to go big in churches though...

Beautiful News - Matt Redman

Review: Enter In - Chelsie Boyd

This is a great example of what happens when a young artist is seemingly being forced into a mold. The talent is clearly there but the album lacks heart.

Enter In - Chelsie Boyd

Review: Begin to Hope - Regina Spektor

I caught her video for "Fidelity" on VH1 one day and decided I had to pick up the album. I'm glad I did.

Begin to Hope - Regina Spektor

Review: Nashville - Solomon Burke

This is an amazing album and, had I heard it in 2006, would have had it on my Top 10 for the year!

Nashville - Solomon Burke

Review: Live at the Ryman - Marty Stuart

I'm pretty stoked that in a couple of days I'll be getting to do a phone interview with this legend. This live recording showcases the best that is Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives!

Live at the Ryman - Marty Stuart

Review: Like Red on a Rose - Alan Jackson

I know what you're thinking, "Alan Jackson?!" But give this one a shot. This is not the Jackson of old. Rather, he makes a nice turn and offers up some unconventional country on this release. Well worth your time.

Like Red on a Rose - Alan Jackson

Review: Johnny Cash Live in Ireland DVD

Great stuff from the Man in Black.

Johnny Cash Live in Ireland DVD

Secret Confessions

Okay, I have a brief confession to make. I suppose it's not so much a confession as it is a secret desire. Don't worry kids! This is totally PG but it's something that I've thought quite a bit about, the sadness of which will strike you later. Ready? Okay, here goes:

You know those machines that you find in your local grocery stores or pharmacies? The one's that they have their for you to check your blood pressure because you're bored out of your mind while you wait for your prescription to be filled? Okay, have you ever just happened to be in the store as people were sitting down in them? Keep in mind the instructions listed on the machine. "Do no talk during the procedure." "Do not move during the procedure." "Do not breathe during the procedure." Okay, maybe the last one's a stretch but you get the drift. So, these people are locked into these modern-day torture devices, and I do mean locked in, and you happen upon them. Even better, you happen upon them from behind. Now, my secret desire is this: To just run up from behind them and scare the living crap out of them, old or young. I want to freak people out.

Is this sick? Um, probably. Would it be funny? Um, yes. Will I do it? I'll never tell...

Kids Pics

Review: Floating World - Anathallo

Here's an album that you simply must hear! One of my top 5 of 2006!

Floating World - Anathallo

...And What Have You Done?

This is the question that has been bouncing around my head during the holidays and as we enter into a new year, courtesy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono as posted earlier.

What have you done?

It's a powerful question that has caused me to reflect back upon the year that has quickly faded and forward to the days charging toward us. Please allow me a few moments to share.

2006 was a very interesting year for us as a family. It brought to us the amazing gift of our beautiful baby girl, Peyton Brooke, as well as some solid milestones for us as well. Both Erin and I finally completed our bachelor's programs and will walk in May of 2007. I also continued to grow in my understanding of the faith, particularly in terms of the ancient church, and discovered a great collaborative friendship with my friends Richard and Fred. Renewed friendships also abounded as my good friend, Celena, and I picked up where we left off and have carried on. I found my passion for writing renewed and provided a venue with an opening at Infuze as a reviewer. This opening has probably afforded the greatest opportunity thus far as well as a great new friend in Matt Conner.

Obviously, there was a lot of good in the year and we are so very thankful for those times and people. God has truly blessed us with so much and we cannot say thanks enough.

Yet, even in the good times, a little rain must fall. 2006 saw the pulling back of certain friendships as well as continued dissonance with the insitutional church as a whole. Those two issues have certainly left an asterisk on the year, leaving me with questions. Friendships, I understand, will come and go as life ebbs and flows. Life situations will draw people together and apart as the time goes. I understand this but it still doesn't assuage the sadness within at the passing of the baton.

Yet, perhaps the toughest thing in the past year has been my struggle to come around to pushing ahead, to doing something. Renewed fervor for the church has eluded me yet I realize that to truly be whole it is something I need to dive back into. In addition to that struggle, I'm more and more convicted and convinced that 2007 is to be our year to strike out at the injustices of the world, offering our finances, support, and prayers to fighting for whatever causes we can, local and global. 2006, in hindsight, was a year spent in thought, cynicism, frustration, and busyness by and large and I aim to not make that mistake in 2007.

Review: How to Grow a Woman From the Ground - Chris Thile

Another review into the hopper. Great album from the Nickel Creek frontman.

How to Grow a Woman From the Ground - Chris Thile

Review: Son of the Most High: Songs from the Voice Vol. 2 - Various Artists

Here's a new review. Great and very different offering of songs for Christmas.

Son of the Most High: Songs from The Voice Vol. 2 - Various Artists

During This Christmastime...

This song has been pounding it's way through my head all Christmas season.

Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon

So this is Christmas

And what have you done

Another year over

And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas

I hope you have fun

The near and the dear one

The old and the young

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

And so this is Christmas

For weak and for strong

For rich and the poor ones

The world is so wrong

And so happy Christmas

For black and for white

For yellow and red ones

Let's stop all the fight

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

And so this is Christmas

And what have we done

Another year over

And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas

I hope you have fun

The near and the dear one

The old and the young

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

War is over over

If you want it

War is over

Now...

More to come...

One Last One!

I promise that soon some solid content is coming! Hang in there with me, faithful readers, all three of you!

Another One!

New Pics of Peyton

Review: Self-Titled - Daughtry

Okay, I admit it. I'm one of millions who tuned in to watch American Idol last season and was one of millions who couldn't believe it when North Carolina rocker Chris Daughtry got eliminated over mediocre competition. Here's my review of his debut album!

Self-Titled - Daughtry

Review: Gravity / Love - Sandra McCracken

This is a great album by someone who deserves to be heard by more! Check it out!

Gravity/Love - Sandra McCracken

Review: Christmas Treasures: McPherson Guitar Instrumentals

Here's a kind of rare review for me, a review of something I wasn't particularly enthused over. Feel free to check it out.

Christmas Treasures: McPherson Guitar Instrumentals - Various

My Pride & Joy!

Jesus Junk of the Year Award

Borrowing a page out of Marko's book, I'm offering up my nomination for "Jesus Junk of the Year Award." For my money, this is just wrong. I can just picture the commercial now....

"An emblem of suffering and shame...unforgettable torture and pain...in cherry, watermelon, pina colada, and other assorted fruity flavors! It's fun and yummy for the whole family!"

O Vanity Thy Name is America!

Romans 1:25 - (NASB) "For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."

Just recently I found myself watching "E", the channel devoted to celebrity gossip and worship because, well, I really like Joel McHale and "The Soup". I'm a sucker for keeping up on the latest meltdown by Danny DeVito or what Paris Hilton is up to just, because. But the other day, I was greeted with a bizarre story via a commercial for one of the channel's flagship shows, Dr. 90210. I watched, in the span of a commercial, as a young couple came to the doctor in "need" of some critical surgery. The need? She apparently suffered from a lopsided labia. His need? A saggy scrotum.

What is wrong with us? Is this what we've become? Time was, you were just glad to have someone interested in those most delicate of areas. Now we're even obsessed about their appearance? And this comes at what expense to us? And to our communities? I truly wonder how much money goes into genital-based plastic surgery. I wonder how many hungry mouths that may feed or how many Christmas gifts that may buy for underpriveleged kids. Even in light of the argument regarding self esteem and whatnot, the money would have been better spent on some type of therapy, helping these young people to love and appreciate who they are as opposed to having to artificially augment themselves. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves.

Review: Love Like a Mule - Stoll Vaughan

Here's a new review for you! For fans of solidly performed alt country, Stoll is a good guy to add to your playlists!

Love Like a Mule - Stoll Vaughan

New Kid Pics

So I'm a proud Dad! Sue me!

Stallone Speaks...

Here is a very interesting link that discusses a conference call Sylvester Stallone recently had with pastors and ministry leaders. Yes, I said Stallone. The Oscar-winner speaks about his new film, "Rocky Balboa", and the overarching Christian themes inherent within. He also discusses his personal faith journey and where he stands now. Very interesting ready, especially for someone who grew up on Rambo and Rocky!

Here's the link!

And for those of you who haven't yet caught the trailer for Rocky Balboa, you can check that out here!

Black Friday Musings

As I'm sure I've mentioned and as my three faithful readers know (Hi, guys!), I work in the Christian retail industry. Honestly, if I had my druthers, I'd rather not be affiliated with it but, at this point in time, it seems to be the place where the good Lord has planted me and where I'm to be for the time being. But, either way, I've had some general misgivings surrounding the concept of Christian retail around the Christmas season.

It's no secret that the Christmas season is known as the time where stores make a huge ton of money, hence the label of the day after Thanksgiving, "Black Friday", so named as the point at which retailers make the push out of the red into the black of profits. This is no different in the Christian industry. Yet, I wonder if this ought to be so. Now, I'm not totally condemning capitalism as a system nor saying that it is improper or sinful for Christian business owners to make money during this time of year. But, there seems to be a bit of a paradox inherent in the system at work. Let me explain.

Most Christians, and most people for that matter, realize that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ, the coming of the promised Messiah. Many will tell you of their frustration with the commercialization of the holiday, of the focus being placed upon gift giving and Santa Claus and "Happy Holidays" rather than upon the Christ child himself. Christian booksellers across the nation, and perhaps even the world sell buttons and ornamental items and whatnot emblazoned with slogans like "Jesus is the Reason for the Season", and "Keep Christ in Christmas". Now, I agree with these things to a degree. We do celebrate Christmas because of the birth of Christ and I think it's foolish to try and separate the two.

However...That's right. You knew it was coming. Well, here it is. Do we not make ourselves complicit in the commercialization of the season by selling these very products? By prepping for the rush and opening our doors early to the hordes of shoppers? Are our "Black Friday" sales geared toward, as some would say, spreading the good news or with breaking a profit margin? All too often I think that our eyes have shifted from God to mammon. It's not a conscious decision but it is a decision that has been made nonetheless.

My prayer is this. Please enjoy the season of Christmas. Rejoice in the times of fellowship with family and friends. Please partake in the rituals of giving and receiving gifts in honor of the One who was born so long ago. But, somewhere along the way, take a few moments and analyze the "why's" of what you're doing. Are you stressed out, frustrated, and overspent financially and physically? If so, you might need to do a motive check. Are you focused on what you're getting for Christmas this year? If so, you're either a teenager or someone who is struggling with selfishness and greed. Take time out and savor the moment and look to help someone in need. Allow this season to merely be a kickstart to that kind of lifestyle as we push forward toward the New Year. And, most of all, make Christmas about Christ. Don't make it about a bottom line, a profit margin, or pushing an agenda. Instead, let the amazing truth of the Incarnation sweep over you like a cool breeze, carrying you away to a place of love and grace that truly sets itself apart as the greatest story ever told.

Christmas Time is Here!

We are officially in the realm of Christmastime now and, well, I'm excited. I'm a sucker for the sappy music, the lovingly wrapped gifts, and all the cookies. I love Christmas time. I'm the kind of guy who still refuses to let my wife put out the presents until after I've gone to bed in order that I can get that whole "Santa's come!" kind of feeling when I arise in the morning. There's nothing like arising to a tree surrounded by a bevy of gifts and goodies! Anyway, being that we're at least at the dawn of the Christmas season, I thought I'd share this quick clip with you that lets you know how excited I am that it's this time of year!

Click here and check it out!

Review: Eyes Open - Snow Patrol

This one hasn't left the CD player much since I bought it! "Chasing Cars" is addictive and the rest of the album follows suit! Here's the review:

Eyes Open - Snow Patrol

Invigorating Friends

I've sort of been out of the loop lately as far as deeper thinking goes. It's not so much that those thoughts have left my mind or gotten to a place wherein they have disinterested me but, well, I just found myself getting a little overwhelmed. It's tough to imbibe so much information sometimes and to know what to do with it. So, I took a break. Lately I've been spending my free time devouring paperback novels and listening to music. Now, that's not going to change entirely, especially the music part, but I think I'm ready to wade back into the deep end of the pool.

The forces pushing me toward this again are twofold yet very much the same. Both are due to friendships I have, one forged over twenty-plus years and the other really less than a year old. One friend I talk to quite frequently and the other, well, only now and then. One was once a NASA engineer and the other is a musician and graphic design artist. What both of these friends have in common is a restless mind and a heart that keeps on giving. They both come from diverse backgrounds, have tasted of very different slices of life, but both continue to ferry on, thinking, pondering, loving, and living. I'm thankful for the challenges that their lives bring to me and for the contribution that they make to this great life of mine, whether they realize it or not.

So, to Ryan and Holly, and to Celena, here's to you!

Just FYI....
Ryan and Holly are featured on this week's Emergent Village podcast. You can check that out here!

And Celena and my conversation has just really begun to pick up steam over here as we discuss friendships, faith, life, and other sundry items! Please feel free to join us!

A Conversation Between Friends

Recently, although that really implies that its just been in the past couple of weeks or something which isn't the case, a wonderful longtime friend of mine from childhood and I have gotten back into touch and have been sharing our lives with one another. We are seriously friends from childhood too. We grew up a couple of miles away from one another, went to elementary, middle, and high school together. In fact, in high school, for a good amount of the time, she was my ride although sometimes it was a little unnerving. Our friendship has survived good times and bad, those awkward "is there more to this?" moments, and more. Ultimately, we've found ourselves having spent some time apart, lived vastly different yet similar lives, and are now back in touch. I love her very much and am so happy to see her happy with the life she has now.

A few months back Celena and I had this nifty idea to just kind of discuss some things, really whatever came to mind, but to do it in a blog format. The reason for this varies but partly we both wanted to keep working on our writing skills plus, let's just be honest, the blog world is kind of cool and any sort of additional input is more than welcome. So, I want to share that site with you. I'm going to add a link on the side as well so you, as well as I, can access it quickly if any of the three of you who read this so desire.

Please check it out!

A Conversation Between Friends

Review: Migrations - The Duhks

For fans of skilled acoustic performances and soulful vocals, the Duhks are a must listen!

Migrations - The Duhks

New Pics of the Kids...

I'm really going to be posting more, really! Please trust me! But, until then, here's some sweet, sweet eye candy!

Review: Songbird - Willie Nelson

I've become a huge fan the past year or two of this country legend and Ryan Adams only helps his star shine brighter here! Check it out!

Songbird - Willie Nelson

Bathroom Humor

Okay, in keeping with my committment to post something a tad more regularly, here's a quick thought that I had this week.

All righty, now stay with me here because this is going to unpack itself quick and well, might be a little off kilter. We've all certainly had this experience and I want to ask you how you feel about it. It deals with a certain number two and said number's relationship to public restrooms. No, I'm not trying to be vulgar or just gross here but, well, I'm curious. Have you ever had that moment where, well, despite all good intentions, you've just got to go and you're out and about? Of course you have. It's that bodily function nobody really wants to discuss but it's there. We can't escape it. And sometimes it takes us down in public.

So, we hurry off to the nearest restroom, Lord willing not at a roadside gas station or some other similar home of every disease known to man and God and enter in. Now, here's the part I'm particularly freaked out by. It's the part of the show where one must drop their britches and sit down. The freaky part is when you sit down to take care of the impending issue and the seat is warm. Warm! This should not be! This is a porcelein toilet bowl, not a towel fresh from the dryer nor something you really want to be warm. I'm not saying that I particularly enjoy the chilling feeling of a cold toilet seat but, in the confines of the public restroom, yes, that's what I want. Because if it is warm, then the obvious is apparent. Someone has been here. Someone has been here recently.

This is not a comforting thought to me. Some might think otherwise. They might contend that the commonness of our humanity via our waste functions and whatnot show a bond between all humans and that this sameness is a beautiful expression of who we are. They might state that to be freaked out by something so inane, so banal, is to simply deny being who you are. Well, to them I say, WHAT? I'm just not incredibly excited about allowing my hinder quarters to be sharing space with just anyone elses. It's one thing to share a seat, with a layer of clothing between us and whatnot and even then, sometimes, it's questionable. But to share something upon which my bare cheeks will rest, knowing that not minutes before, Joe Jones has rested his own very behind upon as well. Well, that disturbs me.

Thanks for listening.

Attention Faithful Readers...

Okay, I realize that I'm really just addressing myself here and maybe a few other people but, well, listen up anyway. I apologize for the lack of compelling material as of late. Pretty much all I've been able to do is to link to my reviews as of late and for that I am sorry. The good Lord willing, and this will be greatly dependent upon my powers of self control, I am going to attempt to post something, hopefully something more intelligent and significant, than what you've been seeing as of late. I just thought you should know.

(And if you've stumbled upon this, wondered why I'm addressing myself via the blog, it's just a bit of accountability! Maybe seeing myself tell, well, myself, that I'm going to keep writing will help!)

Review: Smoking City - David Condos

Keep your eye on this kid! He's got some good stuff to say and says it well!

Smoking City - David Condos

Review: Wintersong - Sarah McLachlan

I'm a sucker for the Christmas music! It's a nice, understated album perfect for curling up by the fire with a loved one!

Here's the review: Wintersong - Sarah McLachlan

Review: Germ - Robert Liparulo

If you like fast paced, action packed, "they have to make a movie of this"-type books, check this one out! Good stuff!

Germ - Robert Liparulo

Review: Ray Sings Basie Swings - Ray Charles

This was a terrific album! Here are my thoughts on it!

Ray Sings Basie Swings - Ray Charles

Pumpkin Pics

We took the kids (the other little girl our friend's kid!) out to a local pumpkin festival this past weekend! Here are some pics: