Wow

Ok, this weekend I had the high privilege of playing with some awwwwesome musicians from South America. Most also happened to be ordained ministers, so it was one of the most educated bands I've ever performed in. We played this past Saturday night as one of the features of my Church's global missions conference. We had a wonderful time and I hope to be able to play with the group again soon.

I find it absolutely amazing how many missionaries we have out in the field from Alamance Presbyterian. First there's Todd Luke, who isn't from APC but was one of the first sponsored missionaries we have in the field in South America. He is a former lawyer and while still pretty young decided to walk a path to help others. His mission in S.A. focuses on the construction of water cisterns to combat that areas dire need for fresh water. His project has helped build over 80 cisterns with a total storage capacity of over 28000 gallons. Incredible. But then we also have one of our young men getting ready to go to Egypt. Another doing medical mission work for India's untouchables caste. A young woman who will likely be signing up for 5 years of mission work in South Africa. Jacob, one of my fave peeps on this blue marble, has his hands full training other young missionaries for the job. Even our pastor's daughter goes abroad for mission.

The focus this week was on the parable of the samaritan. If you consider this world as being small, and I certainly do, then you need to occasionally stop in the middle of your journey to help the one in need that all others have passed by.

Ok, gotta go. Just deleted 6 rows of "j" after dosing off :) time for bed. g'nite.

Ok, so why all the food stuff?

Why not? How much of our faith, regardless of what faith it is that you belong to, involves the breaking of bread with our fellow humans? It is a commonality across cultures. Often, it is coupled with music, be it song or instrumental. But there is strength in the bonds created through fellowship, food and song. Ok, for shorthand, think of any traditional wedding in any culture you've ever seen. What's present? Faith, food and song.

We don't have to approach these moments with the fire of evangelism, going out to the fold with the express purpose of bringing another lamb into the body of Christ. Sometimes a simple seed of goodwill sown by the invitation to the table, and the hospitality given while hosting guests will be enough to spark the curiosity. We can not conquer or convert through fear, for if the fear ever disappates you lose the disciple. Overlording your guest shows lack of respect. And if no respect is received, none will be given in return. But if the new face witnesses the act of endless goodwill, selfless acts of kindness without the imposed burden of payback, then that new child will yearn to experience that feeling more and more.

Ok, so what about the visual? What is the metaphor? These are dim sum wrapped with bamboo leaves. There were atop a counter at an asian (not sure of the true nationality of the shop, but it's in the outdoor area across from the produce/flower stalls in Pike Place Market - Seattle) and by far one of the most visually stunning items in the store. But by being drawn to the counter by these beauties, I then wanted to see what the rest of the shelves and displays had to offer. And man! the smells coming out of this shop were intoxicating! So don't you think they worked?

Where is your banquet? And who's coming over to see what you have to offer?

getting back to blogging

Ok, Sept. has been a heck of a busy month. I do want to add some more photos though.

Here are some pics from the most fabulous crepe place I've ever been. This place has a small bar where you can watch the magic happen. Our crepe chef had a full mise en place of fresh, like whole sprigs of dill and sage hanging out in a flower vase, ingredients that he would cut, trim, or slice to order. There was a wonderful bechemel sauce served with our cold smoked salmon and dill crepe. And if you've never had the pleasure of enjoying nutello, a hazelnut/chocolate butter, you must make your first experience within the confines of this cafe.

We were fortunate enough to hit this market on it's 100 year anniversary. Sadly (yeah, I'm addicted to the most famous of coffee houses from Seattle, but I'm not really sorry that I missed the point of origin) we did not visit all the shops, but we hit as many of the most genuine looking establishments during our visit. If you are a true foody, and look for genuineness above price, then you must visit the Pike Place Market in Seattle. Period.

Some Photos from Pike's visit to Pike's Place Market - Vacation in Seattle

photos on this page

Just a BTW - all the photos on this page will be original artwork from your's truly :)

Enjoy

Recording again

Ok, laid down some final tracks for Garden this week and put down some scratch track bass lines for Turn Around. Doug's studio lost its air conditioning. For those not in the know, we're recording in central NC. Temperatures yesterday and today were 100 w/o heat index. Sweeeeeeeeet! (not) (update - still missing vocals in the final part of the song. some philosophical debate as to whether "ooh's" will suffice or if the section requires lyrics, or instrumental is fine as is. there is one section that cuts in a little early which is currently being fixed. will post when finished except for mastering. Feel free to weigh in with comments regarding what you think of the song.)

So we don't get started until about 9:30 pm - yeah I know, that's actually pretty early in this biz but we're talking small studio, not high volume big city - just so the place can cool down. Have you ever tried singing in an isolation booth in a studio w/o air? Must try it if you haven't. Bright spot - humidity in the room was really pretty easy on the voice. Bad spot - sauna's can make for uncomfortable places to sing. Secondary bright spot - if you're trying to lose weight it's a quick fix for a couple pounds :) Hopefully will have a good scratch for TA posted soon. (update - Doug's place has a new unit so the air is back up and running. I guess he thought that watching me come out drenched from the isolation booth was a bad thing LOL)

Hanging on for everything

Ok, so The Journey Itself is a story of passing. Our journey begins when all we know is wonder and discovery. We move through the pain of adolesence and disillusionment. We accept what some would call the burden of adulthood and responsibility - at least most of us make it to this link in the chain. Move on again to Autumn and the reliving of the glory days. Finally we come to the crossroads of life and death. We struggle to the last breath fighting to hang on to this world. Is it because we don't really believe, deep down, that what's coming next isn't better than what we have now. Is it because we can't see the ones that follow us as being able to make it on their own? Is it a fear that what's around the bend is hell rather than Heaven? What really is the thread that ties us to earth? No answers today, just a lot of questions. :)

Peace