I would like to thank Louis Armstrong for his continuing inspiration and beautiful voice. I would like to thank ukuleles for the happiness they bring the world. Tea for keeping my soul warm on the coldest days. Fuzzy blankets for the constant support. Breakfast food for always being such a comfort. And this bloke for putting a smile on my face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rfl3pavxzk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYK1b3htJQg
Good times at Alley Walk. Joey described it as “adding to the sound track of life.” One couple was interested in us playing for their daughter’s wedding. That felt great to hear. Even if nothing comes from it, just the thought of someone thinking we’re good enough to play at a wedding felt good and was encouraging.
I played an instrument for the first time in public. I’ll be honest. I totally messed up a song. But then I did better. And I’m sure I’ll continue to do better. I do love playing the ukulele!
Last Sunday my brother left for college. He is honestly the dumbest smart person I know. It really takes talent to not study and get A’s, let me tell ya. You’re such an amazing, kind-hearted guy, Nate. I’m going to miss you a lot. but more, I’m going to pray for you a lot. Live up to what you were created to be. I know you can do it.
I’m reminded of a song, a prayer, I wrote for the young men in my life over a year ago:
Father, teach him to be a man
Father, teach him to be strong
Father, teach him humbleness
Teach him; teach him
Father, teach him
Jesus, show him compassion
Jesus, show him forgiveness
Jesus, show him sacrifice
Show him; show him
Jesus, show him
Spirit, fill his heart
Spirit, fill his mind
Spirit, fill his soul
Fill him; fill him
Holy Spirit, fill him
Lord, train him to lead
Lord, train him to follow
Lord, train him to serve
Train him; train him
Lord, train him
Let him see you
Let him see your glory
Let him see the glory of your love
Teach him
Show him
Fill him
Train him
Love him
This is a — er– song… rap? I wrote late last year. Hopefully I can think up a melody and beat for it sometime. Any ideas?
Seeing each side
Knowing I lied
When I said I knew
Look I have no clue
I’ll watch each side
With my tongue tied
Smile for yes and no
And put on a good show
I have a standpoint without getting up
Sitting outside of the right club
Why should I bother myself with an opinion
When without I could persuade dominions
Passive is the new movement
There’s no need to represent
They just want your consent
To have no intent
Don’t understand, stay content
I’m not even a note in a song
Not even a pebble in a pond
I’m nothing and that’s something 2x
Who can say what went wrong
When it happened, where it started
Keep it that way
You’ll be glad you stayed
For knowledge is power
The power to cower
I have a viewpoint with closed eyes
Blinded by those blurred lines
Oh, they’re so easy to jump over
So I’ll just be a pushover
There are messed up people out there
That have a way of getting in your hair
So deny their existence; belie their resistance
What you don’t know will kill the rest of you
I get very into music. If the song is sad, I get serious or cry. If it’s happy, I prance about and make tea. If it’s powerful, I get all bad attitude. If it’s a swing song on, I want to dance. Well let’s be honest, I want to dance if it’s any song (except for a country one). To sum up, I feel music.
When I’m depressed there are a few songs that are my jam, my girl power, my victory dance music, and my “it’s okay” melodies. I thought I’d share some of them. So if you’re having a rough day, or even just want to feel fabulous, here you go!
1. Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys
2. This Thing Is Not Going To Break You by Christa Wells
3. King of Anything by Sarah Bareilles
4. I’ll Make a Man out of You from Mulan
5. I Feel Pretty the Sarah Vaughan version
6. Dirty by Audio Adrenaline
7. Happy by Pharrell Williams
8. Express Yourself the Labyrinth version
9. My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music
10. Moon by Sleeping at Last