I feel helpless

The sirens screamed for several minutes, people were in their cars heading for cover and all I could do was sit behind the counter and wait; I felt absolutely helpless. The radio was giving a play by play of the destruction in Moore, there was a super cell spotted in or around Chandler heading towards Stroud -where I work - and still I could do nothing. I was powerless! The truth is - even though it’s hard to admit - we are most often powerless. When I made it home to my world all was well. My friends and family were safe, my home was warm and inviting, but for some reason, I still felt helpless. Scenes of the destruction in Moore where being played and replayed on my television, and again, I felt helpless. I suppose I could post pray for Oklahoma on my face book page, but what does that do? The fact is that my fellow Okies are in dire straits and I’m powerless to really help. Sure, I can and will donate supplies for relief efforts. But that will not bring back family members lost, homes destroyed and livelihoods devastated. Tonight I am truly powerless in the face of this storm.

The direction

I’ve been thinking about the direction this band will be taking in the future. With the forthcoming arrival of Jesse’s and Franklins daughter, and my granddaughter, the idea of playing in smoky bars is fast dwindling. We started this journey as an acoustic folk band and have evolved into (what I think is) a very good classic rock band. Our set list is full of cover tunes, but we also have many originals and a couple of CDs under our belt as well. Now, let me make something clear, I’m not against playing in bars per se. But I’m getting older, I don’t drink and cigarette smoke reeks havoc with my allergies. By the time I collect my fifty-dollars, load my five-thousand dollars of equipment - You see the sarcasm there, right? - pop some allergy pills, and drive the one hundred miles back home, I get to feeling that it’s somewhat counter productive. Besides that, were kind of in a holding pattern right now. Three out of the five members in this band are related, and the other two are adopted. We haven’t been actively seeking any bookings simply because were all waiting on my little granddaughter to be born. Life is good, and I am blessed far beyond what I deserve. In the mean time, were going to keep on practicing, do some recording, make a few videos and spoil the new family member rotten!!! And when the time comes - and it WILL come - will be out there mixing it up with the rest of these Okie bands, songwriters and all around mischief makers.

It is what it is!

My dad told me when I was around fourteen to follow my passions, and I have or at least tried too. I love songwriting; you could say it’s my passion! Most people pick up the guitar to emulate their favorite musician. For example, in my generation it was EddieVan halen, Richie Sambora, or anyone that played lead for Ozzy! You know, the guys that could play the blazing fast solos! The rockers! Me on the other hand, I just wanted to learn different chord changes. Nothing fancy, I just wanted to write cool songs!!! To me the sound of an acoustic guitar, honest lyrics, good melody and sparse arrangement - if done correctly - can cut to the bone. So, I strive to write a song that……well……cuts to the bone! I then rehearse with my band, book some gigs and take the show on the road…so to speak! We load our gear, drive to the venue (usually a half hour drive) set up the equipment, sound check and then proceed to perform a three hour set list. We usually play to a very small crowd, the pay barely covers travel expenses and we get home in time enough to catch a few hours sleep before work the next day. But here’s the thing, I still love doing this. Maybe I’m crazy. Maybe I have something to prove….at least to myself. Maybe I have a deep need for acceptance? I don’t know, but it is what it is, and I am what I am!

New song/video Misifits and rebels

New songs

Two new songs finished and several in the process. Recording is a long a tedious process; especially when you gear poor. But at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, It’s well worth it.

Today

Were not promised tomorrow. Hell, were not promised anything! Except for the fact were gonna die, life is pretty much a mystery. There is no past and there is no future. That’s all a construct of the mind. There is only now. I don’t know how this whole thing works, and I’m not sure I would want to if the answer was offered to me. All I really want to do is follow my bliss wherever it may lead. I’ve spent way too much time worrying about things I can never change, and too little time enjoying what I have in front of me. I have a beautiful wife, two really cool kids, a wonderful daughter in law, an older brother that takes an interest in my life, great friends, and I’m in a really good band! What else could I want? Life has a way of beating you up, especially when we lose sight of what’s truly important. Earlier this week my son and daughter in law hit a deer at highway speed. Fortunately it hit on the passenger side of the vehicle and deflected the deer from the car. If the deer the deer had been a foot over or they had arrived a minute sooner, it could have been much worse. Sure, the car has considerable damage, but that can be fixed. Losing a loved one cannot! Now, I’ve heard many people - in situations like this - state that God was watching over them. And I understand the sentiment, I really do, being thankful is the proper response in a situation like this. However, life has taught me that many good, honest and godly people have not been so fortunate. Like I stated earlier: Life promises us nothing. We have only this very moment. I don’t believe God is in the business of picking and choosing who gets to live and die. So, me praising god for sparing my loved ones seems a little arrogant, especially when I know those who have lost loved ones in freak accidents. I am, however, thankful for what I have, and I plan on living and loving them the best I can. I only have this moment, and I plan on enjoying it.

New band lineup

Will be debuting new band lineup next month at Kenney's Irish pub In Guthrie, OK. Very excited! Plus, Their Irish nachos are awesome. If your in the area, do yorself a favor, and check them out!!!!