Donna

Dr. K I have missed! He wore both suspenders (and socks) this eve, sitting close by us playing only the piano. The 6 youngest dwarves and I went to choir rehearsal...Anna the eldest will be a shoo-in as far as interest and ability but we shall see how this plays out. We came home w/ two copies of The Mass of the Guardian Angels. There was present only one other female adult singer; and since this was the first intro to my girls, I sang soprano that they'd be sure to hear the melodies. When I get to D above middle C, my (maturing) voice -in this setting- holds such body....I was shocked to hear myself filling that whole church. little me!! Even standing on the main loft floor, not the "risers" (which is where the alto's go, but also short people else their mouth is level and the organ blocks the sound. At least I always thought it did. I would've bet my life it did! But it doesn't matter. Wow!) This reminds me of an anecdote about Bl. Pio Nono, the 19th century Pope. As he was giving the Papal Blessing to a group, a woman was struggling to get the roasry out of her pocket amidst her children. Pio Nono waved his hand and said, "never mind, Mother, the blessing goes into the pocket, too." That's what the voice did! The lack of choral singing these past months has taken its toll on the higher register. Something's happened where I seem to have choral and pop chops separate. I do not like this. I think it's lack of having been in choir. Which I aim to amend, if possible.

Jeff Porcaro Explains the "Rosanna" Beat Toto song Rosanna.

Great read and evening, Thom. Thanks a lot ~

~ Donna Dahl Links ~ listen originals An unusual and lovely birthday! Highlights of the fam ~ Damien gave me many toys of his; Gen, a soft nightgown; Mary will be treating me to a slurpee or ice cream cone; Melanie made 2 cards (one while in a cast from broken finger) and earlier this week gave chocolates and a tiny candle; Leah gave also multiple gifts, the 2nd of which are vintage earrings; Anna astounded me in making a necklace - it is 7 squares of plastic decoratively hung - each square contains the name of my child, in Japanese, and the squares are beautifully, colorfully inscripted; and Dylan will be taking me to see The Pretenders ! Mom and I will sup somewhere to come; Mia dropped off a girlfriend card - then appeared again w/ a FABULOUS fresh strawberry pie, several kinds chips and dips...it was so hot today this was a perfect meal. Kayla got this nice black frame, w/ a black treble cleff etched on the front and that will go on the wall behind my kit! It took awhile to wind down come evening and I gave myself time to do so. I was to pick up Kayla and Jeff F. but K. got sick Wed. so it was just me and Jeff. I was glad to see he brought his horn (tenor). His video stuff too, but there was a glitch somewhere and he'd only 25 minutes of "film". I feverntly hope he got vid. of himself sitting in w/ The Swampkings, and that he puts it up. The Schooner was a lovely place - not decor wise but honest w/ its particular patrons and ambiance. Dan Coffeen (recorded the MP3 w/ Jeff F in attendence at The Monitors' studio) was already there. He looked serene and something else I can't put my finger on. I felt glad for his company - protective-brother feeling, tho there was of course no danger or anything like that. Dan had been to Europe recently and he gave me a birthday present so special I don't want to say what it was. He had had some singular experiences there in Ireland. Something beautiful, I think, is happening for Dan related to his time in Europe with his family. Jeff F. warmed up on his horn while Dan and I thoroughly dug The Swampkings. O my dear Lord, they were so very good. Toby Lee Marshall (the Hammond King!!) was also on board. I couldn't believe it wasn't sro, but there ya go, the life of a musician. The familiarity of a long standing acquaintance is such a blessing! Simple things like commenting briefly on The Swampkings (esp. drummer Connor McRae), certain patrons, etc; and then I looked at Dan and said, "I miss JC...I really miss JC," (John Clegg tenor and bari, who died Feb '08). Dan said likewise and we toasted JC. Drummer Connor MCrae is 24 years old. He is accomplished and authoratative , so much that immediately I thought of Michael Bland, Stewart Copeland or others equally identifiable by mastery and personality on their instrument. The whole band was just very, very appreciated for their musicality by Dan, Jeff and I. Connor is left handed, completely fluent + lots of delight with his sticking on rims, cowbell, great hi-hat work, etc; I didn't sit in til last set, almost opted out entirely. I told Tom Harkness I didn't want to now that I knew they are even better live. Tom was very cool (reminds me so much of Mike Loonan in that!) and assured me Connor would switch his drums (and the mic) around, etc; Meanwhile, the first 2 sets, Jeff F was tearing it up with those guys. He continually astounds me, Jeff F does. One thing we have in common is both being late bloomers. Jeff seems in full flower yet I sense that the cat is just beginning to hit stride- there is def. more to come w/ him. Also in guitar, singing, writing, video and art. Plus God knows what else. He hadn't played his horn in months nor played out in forever. The band was bright and communicative in trading solos and lines, by turns Tom and Toby Lee echoing Jeff F, vice versa, everyone bring- ing each other higher. The drums were unmiced and Connor was delightful with his closed rolls, fiddling w/ the time and dynamics. Plus everyone looked healthy and good. They say that age 50 is "the new 30"...and I'm not sure what exactly these mid and upper age 40's are "supposed" to look like, but everyone on that stage looked good! Dan left mid 2nd set. When I was almost turning down Tom to sit in, Dan gave me that look and said, "you should." It was because it was Dan saying it, who's known me since I was 18 and in some particular struggles, that I could take it to the bank. As soon as I sat down and we began a rumba (?) I think, I wondered why I'd thought I couldn't fit w/ those guys - probably cause of the technical proficiency of either the musicians, songs or both. I don't have an answer - honestly I didn't think I could cop. It didn't even bum me out, took it as a point of fact like the sky is blue not purple. But it was evident that I'd been mistaken. I enjoyed playing with them very much. The bassist Matt Page was wonderful and inspiring, and ended up playing all but one song I think, of the last set. This is my 2nd time around I guess as a musician. The most recent thing I've to compare to is many years ago; and because the 80's was when I was last out there, my thoughts and comparisons automatically go hence. Thus, as I saw Connor sitting at his table and didn't feel anything as I used to when a younger player...wondering what he was thinking, seeking to impress, none of that! But rather...ya know when you're a kid just whipping around the playground or at the river giving it all you have on the rope swing w/ friends, acquaintances, chance-meeting kids for that day? THAT'S what it was like! Joie De Vivre. Ditto for when he jumped up to front some songs. This was obviously different from O'Gara's, which had a definite showcase-feel. Too, other players inspire me to the point I fear falling apart for being in awe of what they play at the moment. Esp. Jared's Hammond and Mischke singing! This also happened w/ my 1st pro-band reunion...so I figured that would be a factor particularly with The Swampkings. Yet tonight, even if that did happen which I doubt, I wouldn't have cared, there was something so relaxed about it all. Plus the audience was great. For the first time ever, tonight I equated the audience as a whole and individually being as important as the band is. It was almost palpable. [Edit Aug 17 - happy b-day Luch! - Wanto say more about new gleanings of the audience. Previous to Aug 14, I simply had not the level of awareness or take-it-in ability of what the listener or audience is. Even tho I, too, have spent a lifetime being a fan. Therefore presently I would answer no to the Zen question if a tree falls down in the woods does it make a sound if no one is there to hear it?] V. glad to sing - b/u plus a verse of Feeling' Alright and I copped as exactly as possible Danny Hutton's 2nd verse, devotion in my heart for 3DN! (From Three Dog Night: Captured Live At The Forum, 1969). By evening's end, Tom gave Jeff and I a CD...I told Tom I was going to learn all the songs, "I've already started learning them." I think his and my voices would sound v. good together. Ya know what can I say? He's great, as a guitarist, vocalist, writer. I want to think about his playing right now, not try to describe it. Connor gave me a pair of drumstiicks - and what really rocked, he presented them to me: "As a memento of your night with us, and happy birthday!" Afterward, Jeff F, Tom and I hung out for an hour or so...we wanted to go eat but nothing open that late. Actually pursued this in a caravan, but ended up chatting awhile by the side of the deserted late-night road when it became evident nothing was open. Jeff F. was his usual v. grateful-and-giddily-inspired self. At one point I said (simultaneously as Jeff bantered on) hey Tom, you see how this is - when w/ Jeff F one is required to not only listen and respond, but all the physical touch...because our hero, when inspired, constantly holds out a hand to shake it, or hgh five and etc; Tom asked us if we were free to get together next week. We'll be in touch on that. Tom mentioned wanting to play his acoustic more and I asked, would it be too many acoustics if all three of us got together and played? T. said not at all. So...my one free eve next week already taken up w/ a rehearsal of my 1st pro-band...I am going to see about freeing up another night. Now it is very early morning of "the next day" and I am content because I wanted this written while still fresh. PS: Jeff F. and I are going to the High School reunion this eve. Dylan will sit w/ his siblings. I expect to see dozens of people I know, JF will see hundreds, and some of mine newly connected. I wish we had an opp. to play, tho. But I'll be up for dancing, having a great time and an earlier evening.

I'm really into the S Kings right now

I agree w/ Nightwolf. (kinda forgot what the thread was about 'n that flew right past)

I'm having fun and doing good

This'll be hot, going to see Cajun Swamp Blues music! I knew Tom Harkness when he was a 10 yr old v. nice, shy trumpet player. Yegads, the guy's become this venerable blues master! We ran into each other on FB. No, I am not getting tired of old school and post-school friends now accomplished and/or gained noteriety. I am so darned happy for them, happy to know and behold how growed up fab they've become. Swampkings Music (Fav song right now is Joie De Vivre) And so, please join me at The Schooner Tavern in Mpls, August 14. Gig Info (no cover) I've already invited 9 friends and may post on my FB. I hope scads of pals can come to celebrate everything, including my birthday Fantastic band The Swampkings!

Yes Tom, exactly! (How ya doing, man?)

Well, my 1st pro band whom came over to jam, we have a gig. It's kind of 2 groups, because the boys have been playing w/ 3 others (guitarist, drummer and sax). But Mike (drummer) cannot make the little show I speak of. That's what I didn't count on and why my 1st reaction is, the thought of doing several hours of covers intimidates me! I want the time to practice that this deserves. Ditto rehearsals. I am going to pray about this! Trying to be docile and ask heaven to help me have fun and enjoy playing period.

----- I visited ____________ recently from whence we returned home one year ago. my people, my families...there are so many loves in this life...thank you... Jesu, Maria

In a weird sort of way. (I love it!) + Paint Samples on the walls

I'm gonna look up Manuok! (Tom I agree the drummer should play to the song. Funny I woulda said otherwise but just had the experience in studio of first drumming to the tracks w/click...then without. 2nd way worked, 1st one didn't - and I play often to the metronome in practice)

(My 21st century version to playing along w/ records is playing to live recordings from Youtube). Pleased to see I'm looking at things I haven't been comfy drumming. Everyone has them. It's about 50% objectively hard and 50% simple things which've been difficult for me. Been working w/ The Suburbs' Rattle My Bones. It's upbeat, driving, simple and deceptive to keep the groove going. The beat has the tiniest of breaks from constant 8th notes on the high hat - in the kind of "stop" I'd found impossible to do my whole drumming life until the past month or so. The recording strikes my fancy to the point I'd love to do it live, with a band. Same key, an octave up, I do think I could handle the chorus; and it's possible at least to sound alright an octave up. Tho going that high'd require an 8va below. ~ I need a band ~ Rattle My Bones 2nd thing, I revisited the 777-9311 drum tutorial. The artist (benno) had put up notation on his myspace page and I's licking my chops to print that out, but his scan didn't show up much at all (I'd the same issue trying to scan/post my score of Storm after I found it). So I scored the 4 measure beat. Difficult at first, but I think trying to listen to parts on records as a young 'un, or ditto w/ the tutorial is much more so. Work smarter not harder, yes? More bases covered, too, I get to work on notation and reading besides learning the part in 2, perhaps 3 dif. ways. The beat sounds better slowed down, interestingly. It got too late to attempt drumming it. But in between legal name-changing duties and van shopping tomorrow the 'sheet music' will be waiting for me and audio memory. Oh - it was cool speaking w/ my friend Beth today, a viola player decades now. Made perfect sense to her, even with hiatus to become a better player w/ age...believes whatever life experiences are responsible. I told her my unease w/ things in this regard those months back. After our family hanging out with her whole family + that conversation...further normalized things.

The experiences -several now- I've had w/ elecronic kits is disappointment. Yuk

My good buddies, We couldn't have known then, that 2008 would end so very good, w/ us all at home and the gig w/ Loo and Tommy at O'Gara's!

-I wanted to show this entry, but in doing so such entries are posted as being the most recent. 'Respite' was originally written Jan 4, 2008 - chronologically it goes on page 4, right before the entry "Graduates!" which recounts Dylan and Kayla finishing high school early, after the New year of 2008; "Graduates!" begins with an...intervention (John calls it an edit) that I had requested John to do, on or around April 8, 2008, in order to communicate that I was in hiding with the children. ______________________________________________________________ Hi.... Truly, where does one start? (Merry Christmas, Happy Nude er ah NEW Year, dear friends.) So much has happened...continuing to live between great darkness and great light; have stalwart support, particularly several friends who do not let me go...am living in my oldest daughters' room since November...presently personna non grata w/ certain family members...am trying to stay close to each child...they're less fearful since Nov. Have been providing a lot (God is doing that dear multiplying thing again), plus working my patootie major big time to keep this place in shape and these children are not into discipline... some OT book speaks of discipline initially being Chains around thee at first, you cannot stand its yoke, but here we are - to glean someday its lovely fruit. Not only providing for these 6 here, but able to get food/misc money for Dylan; shopping big time as in searching, esp 2nd hand but also not, yea searching and finding exceptional deal/value - for this house and these girls(+ Damien). I'm talking lamps and canopy and fun hampers; cofee table, organizational things (ones not cheap and icky looking), fuzzy socks (hey man over 25.00 worth - SEVEN of us now have 3 pair each), truffle holders, good candles, Martha kitchen linens, steady supply of 65% choclate (wiff them crunchy beans in it), clothes for me, clothes for each child (Big D. included) a great little wardrobe 2nd hand (blonde wood and some carving), fix the stupid car tire, keep up on some bills, and buy real heavy whipping cream for the little bunnies. Plus a lot more. It's cause I began working an extra shift-and-a-half at a different shop. I had the best time, my own Christmas shopping this year (he controls all the rest of the money), and Mass stipend, too. I got fired Dec. 21 from the 2nd job (at shift's end of course). This was an evening gig and all I could think was Wow Lord, you want me off nights - NOW. Finally I am off weekends and eves. Very exciting, they have (for example) a free children's building clinic on Saturdays and maybe even gilie girl Genevieve will build. Little D, M (9) and m (7) are way psyched. I'm taking m snow tubing alone in a couple weeks, she's the only one who I think won't be scared to. ...................................................... MIDNIGHT MASS Can't 'member last time I sang. Showed up, Dr. K's belt was madly askew...shoes off, hands a-flailin' in directing us. Male scola (swoon), they chanted the propers of the Mass...and this schola leader looked like a little accountant, at first I thought the guy had a microphone! He projected so well, and his voice was vibrato-less and smooth and rich. Heavenly... Double heaven because this newer alto, operatically trained, was absent. No offense, but impossible to blend with. I-i-i-i- began-n-n-n feeling-g-g-g my 'brato-o-o-o was nothingnexttohers! I felt like a jack hammer after that one mass. And then, I had one Jim Mils standing right next to me. Did I ever know Jim was so good? He was freaking me out, he was SO GOOD!!! I think I knew previously, that he sang, but don't recall him being up there (however I am quite new). And that nice chant leader, he liked what we did, we spoke briefly after Mass. Can't recall, if I ever knew, what Mass we sang that night. I was just very happy. Dylan, Kayla (her 1st Mas), L (11) and m (7) were below, and my voice was just fine, after doing nothing for 8 weeks? 12? I mean nothing sustained, like the hour-plus a high Mass is. ................................. There's so much I wanto say to you all. And music I wanto play to you, so to speak - but it has to be recorded and/or written first! I think all my callouses are gone by now. I guess writing here is a dif. kind of music. I really do sense people supporting me, that helps so much. I need a lot of help right now because it's terrible, for one thing Dylan and ____ have mutually disowned one another, it's active you know, on each others' parts, and people are taking sides or trying to discern what is true and who can be trusted. Sigh. Just, whatever may happen or not on this little page, know there's a damn good reason for it. Man your good will is really everything. Steve: I miss the boards fearsome...no I haven't been able to read anything until this night, it's that bad. Thank you for reaching out! Marry Christmastide right back to ya. -written from a friend's place, Jan 4, 2008

Am hearing from a number of old friends - as far as I'm concerned everyone is famous and/or accomplished. It is really cool. Hearing from one 10th grade friend - took playwrighting class with - and he's been a fim make-up artist plus God knows what else. Crazy. I didn't think when we were little, "oh, you'll be working w/ _____ someday, while she'll be sought after by ____ someday". I just knew there was an awful lot of talent buzzing around me - I think to the point it never entered my mind that anyone would stop doing art. A lot did, tho. But a lot didn't!! Lynn shot me some v. nice letters from Maui about the family (I knew all his children etc;), about former days, and about the ex-Willie Nelson guitarist's semi-permanent jam on the north (south?) side of the island and getting to jam w/ people whose records he grew up listening to. Everyone I hear from to a man is very glad the other is still playing.

http://forums.songstuff.com/index.php?showtopic=13595