Donna

Here's Granny w/ her cane saying young man, I been playing 145 years and my first pro band when I was 17, knew what they were about getting me who was 10 and up to 20 years younger than various band members. I was fresh outta high school. Their very mild manner of encouragment took me from drummer to lead singing drummer. That's quite a step, and I mention it to illustrate how a fertile musical enviornment can make a young musician to soar! There's just no way to get experience but by getting it. You'll be OK - unless maybe you remain not playing w/ others. That'd be a world of regret, over time. And not necessary at all! PS: the 1st band I was in, at 13 or 14 as an adjunct drummer/b/u singer, played the 2112 album in toto. I still very much like Yes, ELP, all of that. PPS: let us know how it goes when you begin jamming w/ others.

What a nice reality check. The memorial special I saw this eve had John Denver singing a song called This Old Guitar. He prefaced by saying his guitar has been his closest companion; that as great as it'd been playing w/ an orchestra backing him or "w/ a really hot band"...what he loved esp. was singing while playing that guitar. The lyric spoke of how that guitar "taught me to sing" - just as I'm finding out first hand that the best way for me to sing a song as in learning it, is to play the thing. (Which I did recently - guess what I learned? Superwoman by A. Keys. That came outta nowhere!) I think it's also getting to a point where to enjoy singing, let loose, or refine, is while playing. That has not been my experience so far in taking up this instrument, until last week- end. Maybe...maybe that wonderful next horizon is coming, past the initial beginner's struggle plateau. This old guitar (he sang) taught me to sing To laugh, to cry And made a sweet space "For me and you to meet" (his audience) And what a companion on a cold, lonely night! The tune ended w/ his bright face and beautiful voice: "I love to sing my songs for you." It wasn't schmaltzy. That guy (I think many would agree) was sincere. I like love songs about music. After the cares of the day, seeing John Denver's smiling face was lovely. Seeing him singing w/ others. His sound was fine and rounded, not a thing missing playing solo, usually only strumming. (Too cool - gig time very soon and looks like a couple of my cousins - the fox in her 50's and the medical beauty who would check in on Dylan while he was so ill - shall be there) And P.S. Part of me is still remembering in a vivid way, the sound of Tommy's piano and Jared's Leslie. I just don't know if I'll have the opp. past O'Gara's to be in among that enthralling sound.

We were 4-piece tonight, first time. No guitars. Rather piano and Jared's "not B3" organ (he called it an A-something or other, "it's just like a B3"). The B3 sat in a different corner of the studio, being a stand for the large mixer. There were two other pianos in the room, one a baby grand I think. And Bill Evans' drummer's kit. (Lazz, it was Marty Morell's I finally found out). The drums were so very bright (and so very loud). I put dish towels over them. At Tommy's, I covered the very-ringing floor tom one day w/ the only thing available from their laundry room, a pair of jeans. On MM's kit, it was too much muffle with towels, and not bearable for volume without. Hmm, now I do have a word to say. If I didn't have to (my whole drumming life practically) muffle the drums I'd be a lot better. I think about this, and often it seems to me I should just practice with a wrinkled woven-fabric shirt, kinda folded and not smooth or taut at all, laid on top of carpet. THEN practice surface would approximate actual drums. It was a good night and I don't have much to say. Maybe "it" has all been spent for this evening, anyway. I'm changing...things are getting settled and I am, too. Never played modern music w/ no guitars, I don't think. I really like the sound. Certain pieces seem made for double keys, boy when it's on, it's on. We were loud tonight. At Jared's, so lotsa gear and full sound PA wise. Mike and I had full view of J. and many a delighted eyebrow raised between each other, hearing that organ. I loved the set up, I had full view of everyone! The Leslie took my attention away and I fell apart a couple times. Or was it Mischke a-hollering? Mike's melodic runs? Or was it the crash and stampede of playing full w/ great players? Tolkien and Lewis wrote books in part because of an absence of good books. This seems to me a good reason to write. Kinda feel like that w/ us four; if I had to wait til we're all growed up to be able to have this night, and that sound, well some good 1st drafts went down. I keep forgetting to mention that Mike's instruments are piano and guitar - not bass. Yet he's the bassist! I'd never know bass is not his main deal (well I would actually, cause I know him). We did my song again tonight...omg, it surely is a different and haunting piece now. I wanto say it sounds... celestial...which is what the song is about. Me oh my I love it anew. Mike may've done things to his purpose, as in the past I think he's favored my ballads. Sneaky Man I'm glad! We've taken at least one of Tommy's ballads, and from the first locked into something quite different - it's grand. We'd been discussing one other of his tunes, and Mischke said I have it: Donna, you sing the verses and I'll sing on choruses with you. Er um...are you sure? So that's one duet scrapped. Jared did not have a mic. Why aren't you singing, pal? I asked. I don't sing, said he. O comeon you can't be serious. Well I'll set up a litte mic at O'Gara's and stomp here and there. I did get to see Aunt Mary (J's auntie), who is very special. She did not hold my hands tonight and come close to me, but the dog was very cute and affectionate, and Aunt Mary gave me a spoon for my soup, and a banana. J's family homestead is gorgeous, w/ land and gardens and a little bridge. The stars were out really cold and deep midnight bluesky (which it gets this time of year by 6:00 pm).

This is a lengthy freak out! Can't help it, music is the only thing that is really mine, as in "mine alone". It's honeymoon time for me. Things are heating up yet settling in. Communication and rehearsals to me are like having a blast back on the playground (in my case going to the river, cruising on the rope swing). Everybody I think plays better than ever. Better than when we were in our twenties, or thirties. The best though isn't chops...it's like a whole-person-rounded kind of deal. The energy is the same, but better. See I never really got to play w/ these guys before. I wanted to, but it never happened. Just quick projects (like quick-breads, but now it's like we're preparing a menu for a month). I'm just so grateful for a goal, and work to be done, and friends to do it with. It's fabulous for me, this whole experience. Tommy and I as individuals have more time and we each are hitting the practicing (him quite a lot). Duet vocals coming on nice. Having had to learn and relearn his catalogue, my appreciation for his singing, writing and playing increases. It's just really cool. We kind of followed a similar timeline, in that Whistlestop came out around "post 7th baby" when in one month, saying not much at all, I set up the drums, took out the 4 track, found Songstuff, began making my way back. I knew Mischke was "ahead", ya know, more realized as an artist, but I also knew myself and my worth. Semed to me like he was coming back, too, at that time, just at a dif. levels. Ever since recording at Mike's, I was interested in where Mischke was headed. Ever since I re-met Mike at that high school party, I was interested in where HE was headed. I didn't forget about either of 'em. I always wanted them to bloom. It never surprised me the strides they each made, I expected them to. These two are special to me, cause we all grew up in the same neighborhood, even tho we didn't hang out. There's a neighborhood kinship that does exist. They're special also because they are bona fide writers. I personally know few writers. Nice to have company. Tommy seems now happy and settled - boy does it show in the playing. And singing! Gol that cat has it all over. Mike and I spent yesterday and this eve, getting a kick out of Tommy. We must look at him a lot, to know where the heck he's going, make sure he stays there - but also Mischke's so damn jolly when he sings. A friend asks "what'd you do at rehearsal?" I feel like answering, "Me and Loo looked at Mischke all night long, and just enjoyed doing that." I have never had so much fun playing music, ever! God bless John Moxey!! I mean it fierce; and Steve, and Rudi and Lazz and Hari and HH (RIP) and Alistair and Nick and Prometheus and a-wooo The Wolf - all you guys continually encouraging ppl like me. That is really all I needed. Well, and to flee the terrible situation. But that encouragement, that help to gain confidence, no money can procur such a gift. And now, I'm seeing fruit from the hard work. From the waiting. From the longing, you guys know how die hard I am for music, it's basically all I talk about in here, yeah it's my husband, sho 'nuff, since I was 7 years old. This'll sound vain, probably is, but last few rehearsals Mike was digging what I was doing. He had never heard me play drums to this extent. He made continued comments, and then asked when I'd stopped playing pretty much ("2nd baby"); when I picked it up again ("post 7th baby"). We did my song first time tonight, him on piano. Wow. Different flavor altogether, perhaps stunning. I was abashed because my buddy Loo really does like that song. He made it lush...wheras alone I gritted. He said man this needs to be recorded. Yep. They all do. I fear we kept the Mischke household up late this eve, but there I was relaxed (yes!) playing guitar, and then Loo jumped back on the drums and we did 2 others of mine. It's a curious, rare, unthreatening musical friendship we have...all of a sudden it seemed to me like he was the little brother again, exploring and enjoying the twinkly lights. Wondering all about them. Yet then he'll give me (always respectful) direction. And it happens 3-way, w/ Tommy, too. We three all give and accept musical direction from one another. No weirdness, and blessed be, a true and admirable respect for one another. We just get so much done as well, imo. I'd told them before years ago, it's rare the vibe going w/ us. I repeated this tonight...don't just forget about it...

Lazz, pardon for no pm on the teacher recommendations yet (consider this to be it). My word, but I think I know one of these teacher's students. Crazy! Thank you for doing my homework I think vol 42 is where it's at for me...er...yeah. Blues. Love the idea of playing w/ the cd. OK, it's been a week since those chord drills began, I see. I should be heartened. Have gotten from about minus 38 on the metronome to about 66. That's for the cover song, the unfamilar chords. Found out today Mike won't be playing guitars w/ me, he'll be on piano. Let's just keep upping the anty, no fair. I don't like the thought of me out front alone. But I guess providence does. It's just...hitting me finally, that there'll be an audience of hundreds and I've only played out several tunes, and that was about 15 months ago. Well, tomorrow I'll go shopping for slippers and parmesan! That'll give the correct perspective.

Bizarre! How'd this entry get here? It used to be, and does belong, on page 2 or 3... __________________________________________________________________________ I am exhausted. But did play drums for an hour, and guitar for an hour, this week. ..................................................................................... Dear All, Thanks for following Dylan's illness. It means a lot to him. He's received mail from Fargo [North Dakota in the US] to England! Either Thurs the 19th or Fri. the 20th, we were told he was having renal failure. After double checking the labs, an ultrasound was done and kidney specialist called in (Dr. Kim). Dylan was very tired a couple of those days understandably, and here and there, since. Dr. Kim said it was the contrast dyes used - which leeriness had been mentioned to the techs w/ the first scan weeks ago... Other than this setback, he continues slowly progressing with lung improvement. His appetite is coming back (sigh of relief), at least some period during the day, if not at all 3 mealtimes. This week was the first time an esitimated discharge was mentioned. It may happen early next week. There was some stress (?) testing he was to do today, breathing exercises and etc; but after each attempt to inhale deeply was accompanied by coughing, he was told he's not ready to do this testing. It will be something to see him put on the weight again; his wrists and forearms are looking pretty delicate. He is understandably feeble, weak, sometimes quite pale. But his spirits have been good when he's not being blasted by some symptom... Gratefully yours, Donna ................................................... ~July 24 Jokes~ Omigosh, tonight he had me in stitches. First, the child is quite tall (and now too skinny), with very dark, long-ish hair, and huge (but well shaped) feet. He's just so long, even in the hospital bed. So big and little, as it were. Dylan wears a smaller version of horn-rimmed glasses. When he jokes, often it's in a true Minnesotan rythym: he takes time in speaking the words, and there are full pauses between phrases. There's a mild quality in the tone of voice, almost apologetic. We were arguing about who was going to read the TV listings in the fast fading daylight, and during this exchange the Nurse came in, so I asked her "Where's the light?" Dylan always wants it darkened, and we've never had the light on! She turns a switch and all three of us jump from the florescent brutally bright. I say, "try that switch..." and she nods at me, but Dylan says weakly, holding up a finger: "No: there is to be No Light In My Room...I will read the listing." Then the nurse spies a wall scone right above my head and I say, "duh, how'd I miss that?" I turned on the wall lamp and purused the list. Dylan held the nurse control switch in his hand and observed, while running fingertips over each section of the remote, while he spoke of it: "There's Braille where the "Nurse" button is... "And there's Braille where the "TV" button is." He pauses til he sees me looking at him. "But," he concludes, "there is no Braille for the "Light" button...because...the blind...don't...need the light....because...they can't see." A special friend brought him a new stuffed puppy, which is small and sort of copper colored, very cute and cuddly. "You wanna know what I named my new dog?" Again, he pauses til he sees I'm looking at him. "What?" I ask. "Peanut Brittle." That's the exact color of the dog. Everytime a medication runs out, his IV monitor makes a loud BEEP. And continues BEEPing til the nurse comes in. But sometimes there a five point series of BEEPS, in two different tones. I don't think Dylan knows what that one is for (I sure don't). Tonight it began going off. After about the 4th series of BEEPS, Dylan slowly pushes the "Nurse" button. "Can I help you?" she asks crisply via the intercom Dylan speaks into the remote, in a serious, mild and bewildered voice: "I can't stop BEEPing..." They call again. "I can't stop BEEPing," he repeats in a sort of helpless voice, yet wanting to get to the bottom of it. Then two of them come in. They're unable to quiet the noise. "I can't stop BEEPing," Dylan explains, speaking to them, and into the Nurse remote at the same time. He pushes the Nurse button while they're in there, holding the remote up to his mouth: "I can't stop BEEPing.." I suggested this eve that we take a walk and he was amaible to the suggestion, even seemed eager to. So I pushed the IV monitor and we made our way around 1/2 the floor, about a block in all. As we ambled past patient rooms I asked, "have you talked to any of the other children here...?" and realized how dumb the question was before it came out. "No... there's not much fra..ternization here... it's not like we're bored... and so we knock at each other's rooms, to play Scrabble." (We both started cracking up) "No," I agreed, stifling a giggle, "y'all are too sick."

That's right! Plus the video shows...will and way of getting drums, w/out actually having drums, nma (no matter what)

Gentlemen, Also, I've looked at most of your links. Nick, I get it...have done this variation (carefully thought out as the article says) on the 8-parter song I've yet to record. Many versions/styles of that song, I like it so well I wanto do an EP of nothing but. There's versions of sections and whole song, too in somba, folk, 80's dance, kind of hip-hop and Donna Dahl. I love the idea of breaking small sections down, crafting a dif. but recognizeable version. I think that's a great way to expand on guitar, to find those melodies/riffs to sing. Oh Lazz that vol 3 and 42 look really good. What instrument (voice?) did you learn 'em on? The Baker page totally reminds me of a jazz player I once knew well. He recently passed away...I think of him and pray, ya know? That cat got to travel even to Asia w/ his community big band. He used to sit in w/ Husker Du at First Avenue, and loved playing bari sax. This man (John Clegg) didn't begin playing til he was 26 years old and ppl gave him a hard time for that. Went out as a music teacher, full roster of past and present students, played with just excellent players cause he became one. Wow. So he learned his ii v7 i's...

Lazz, yes, please find out. The cover, I realized, must be done a whole step down. Meaning I'm avoiding the finger breaking as we spe - er um presently taking a break from drilling chords I'm not well versed on. Yep, tis drills at this point. And yet another opportunity to grow. So I began taking this breather by playing my tune, and I 'sang' a couple bits, picking them out on guitar. Making every note count, putting soul into it. Lo and behold, other riffs began coming out as well. Comforting. Fun!

Hey~ Not sure what you mean by hearing it in your head , quickly record it, but then hear it "without" playing it... Do you mean you put it down too quickly/imprecisely? At any rate, have had mucho disappointments in being unable to capture (record) what I hear in my head. O well. I think most of us who've not constant resources/phenomenal talent, may always experience this trial to a certain degree. OTOH, time and persistence have taught me that I can get a decent amt of stuff down when I take my time to do it (learn it) right. -Donna PS: I was gone a long time, too. Welcome back!

This sucks - I lost my original post (no worries Mon Capitaine, twas moi not yoi). Hey! Where IS Didier anyway, that French Connection? Off puddle jumping wiff Finn in Norway, I suppose. Or maybe - off to some seedy graveyard with Prometheus (sniff I miss ya man) and his singing band-mate. Anyway, now I'll have to do shorthand, just overlook what may seem an abrupt tone. Believe-you-me gentlemen, I am tickled verily from the wealth of your answers! All I did was a-chop wood and mother these children last few days, and boy whatta night cap your replies is. Especially taking thy time and touting: SONG above all. Lazz: guitar I'm talking. Nick and Lazz: sing the solo/riff, very good this is confirmation, it's how my mind works anyway. Max, your experience does help. I've done some of the expolratory stuff you mention, more stuff to glean here from your post. I do agree w/ your ideas about self-teaching. (And I do run scales). Specifically, for this Dec 4 gig, I had wanted to do a BIT more guitar-wise. There'll be an interlude where I'm not drumming, 2 songs w/ Loo also on acoustic, me singing lead both, one cover, one original. On my tune I wanted to open up more. It may not be practical though - I'll know more once Mike and I actually play thru the thing. But for the future, too, an overall approach. (And, there is an open mic I've been eyeing, coming up soon). Anyone remotely knowing my situation knows I lack musicians and mostly can only count on playing alone. Which should at some point, I think, include a little more interest/craft than strum -n- sing. I hate that! Unless necessary, as a beginner, etc; But not to aspire to! Unless artistry somehow demanded it. I cannot however think HOW, not as a a one-person soloist. Don't misunderstand, not nec. saying playing lead "while" singing lead. Just that my attention shall be on 2 things. Well, I'm looking foward to playing again and letting the meandering melodies in my head jumpoutbymagic; then, not be imidated but get thee sharpened (chewed on, whittled down by many children o' mine) pencil and write them notes. That's as good as "Chevron 7 - LOCKED" - know what I mean? Once I write it down, it's pretty much there in memory for good. Thanks again! (PS: another good rehearsal, it's so good to know ONE instument anyway. Lazz, I think I should break the heads and the more, maybe, for the gig. Each rehearsal the drums/cymbals are increasingly screwed up worse, yet I play better each time this happens - and I've got the reahrsal tapes to prove it!)

Liking that acoustic thing!

Hey Joe, No magic words here; just wanto say your game plans in this and other entries help me feel like I don't walk alone. And have someone further on up to show what to do. As re: supporting a family, I am learning to take this a day at a time. Respect, Donna

Hey all, Maybe this came up before, but I'm seeking practical able-to-apply helps. Like Tom Hess' article spoke of, to apply what one's learned. Is there a formula any of you used, as a beginner, like go up the blues scale in time alotted, for whatever chord? Explicit, written out examples or links much appreciated! As are formulas which can be applied accross the board. t/y kindly~ Hey and PS! We in the States get an extra hour tonight. I thought about how to use that extra hour and chose to use it for playing guitar.

Firearms instruction? I would not have expected even an opinion for 30 bucks, M. Farrow, knowing that!

Though toned down in mood [er, me that is], I felt deeper satisfaction playing the 2nd time w/ Loonan and Mischke. Somehow this doesn't seem possible; however, taking any and all gifts, thank 'ee. (Edit to add...DOH! A big part due to Mike playing bass this rehearsal. And I could barely hear him! Thankfully, Tommy is percussive to no end. We'll have to switch those monitors next time. Don't say switch the cords - this is a situation like when we were 16...the cords cannot be switched, we'd blow somefinn out - cords ain't long enough anyway to switch. It's meatball mechanics ala The Red Green Show. Oh yeah, and I was down a high hat - or more precisely high-hat action, which I heavily rely upon. But took thee lemons, made lemonade. Another happy accident which made me a better player. I LOVE music! I LOVE MUSICILOVEITILOVEMUSIC). And a word about dynamics: thank you, all my teachers and conductors and bandmates and bar owners and mother, brothers and neighbors who'd all said at one point turn that shit down! Your plea has been answered! I know how to do it. I am very grateful for this. My rehearsing mates are grateful, too. I'd taped the 1st rehearsal, noticed a warp with my playing , sought to correct it. And I did. There is beauty in knowing how to do this! I love the maturity with a sweet tenderness. I love it in musicians, and esp. my friends. I am so happy drumming again, and being a singing-drummer. It is one area in which I feel uniquely suited, masterful even, to know 100% I can make something good. We played some standards - gosh that sounds boring, except Angel From Montgomery is like a part of my soul. I will layer Raitt upon Prime & Tommy Mischke. Tommy likes the idea of Mike and I playing acoustics alone for a couple songs; they want to showcase me, I am humbled by this. So it looks like we'll do a cover, then one of mine. I found a song suitable for that night, and played it for Tommy. Callouses are once again becoming a welcome part of life and am beginning to practice guitar again, which y'all know means so much to me. Took a break during rehearsal, listened to those two wailing thru the house walls while I drank Rosie's near beer, spoke to the children via phone and ate brocolli from the garden. Later, basking in the satisfaction/commradery of 2nd rehearsal, thoughts came to me of the experience of having to actually flee my home with my many children. I cried. In the midst of this I felt surrounded by love, the love of my children especially, and again I cried. It's been nearly seven months since fleeing. Seven months! I know what it is to lay down my life. Someone is giving me it back again.

Oh Gosh, Rudi! Your good will toward Stan says everything to me... Thank you for the real-deal, enjoyable newsy entry. Heroic. Even if y'all didn't pick the situation, what Blown Out did with it, is. Donna

It doesn't get better than this... Back when we recorded Mischke's A Better Man, there was fire (I thought) in the room, us three; as I recall it was mainly Tommy (Mischke) and me siinging and Mike producing/engineering. This week when we rehearsed Tommy was playing keys, Mike guitar and me drums, all of us singing. I'd forgotten - yet not forgotten - the curious musical magic of Tommy. He's his own island; some people are like that, they're theatrical FOR REAL. And so, one is aware of being given entrance into their world. With Mike, there's been so much history...his is a different kind of magic, very solid and down to earth...initially he consciously lays back to see the bigger picture. And before you know it, is soaring you. Not soaring OVER you; but the support and fantastic ideas/knowledge/ability to play...in that way, Mike can play (soar) a fellow musician. Mischke wants us to bust open, sing as much as possible. So I LOVE this, getting to arrange and improv, to support, join and stand alone. Jared and his B3 will be onstage as well. So FOUR singers, and a masterfully played hammond (!!!!!!) It is heavenly, friends. This rehearsal was shortly before returning to court over the very sad and serious WRECKAGE. Lined face and all, I am forever a young player. There is no consolation without desolation - principle of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Wolf, How edifying to read your love of the truth. It is a gift to receive this love. Semper Fi~ Donna

Mon Capitain, yes, a shot in thee arm It'd be extra fun if there were recording/video capabilities.

We Fall Alone

Mischke is playing live for his CD release party - and he left me a message saying, "I'm calling to ask ya to join a band." With Mike Loonan! OMG...so Dorothy re-fell in love w/ all her ppl after the Oz dream. I know what she feels like. History Mike used to be the younger kid looking in the bsmt windows when I was with Krystal - the older-teenaged-guys-band who performed the whole 2112 album; there were spots for me and Patty - I drummed easier stuff, maybe Badfinger, some of the Yes. Patty sang very well Heart and all that. I learned a bit to sing back up. We were totally into Yes. I was 14 at the time, and soon to be thrown into playing speed punk, Bowie and funk at school, and avant garde jazz w/ thee most heavy players/theorists I've (still) ever met. At one of these parties is Loonan, and I'm going wow has HE grown up! Grew up to top all of us writing, multi instrumentalist, producing, sings everything. And still admires each of us in Krystal, how cool. I remember meeting (re-meeting??) Tommy - he, Loo and I in Loo's living room (8-track days), recording Tommy's first collection A Better Man (I think right before he landed his talk show this happened). Then a local guitarist Dee Rocker died. I asked Tommy if I could sing his Walking Songs at her tribute. That was the first time as an adult I sang lead on a big stage, as myself, doing an original (knowing the writer personally was close enough to it being an "original" for me). "as myself" - that is, no new wave or whatever persona, but me unaffected. Tommy was there, Loonan video'd it, and I recall all three of us being very happy how it turned out. Loo and I before and after Better Man recorded, and I became very spolied...I'd lay down a vocal and come back the next day...there'd be this orchestrated, nuanced beauty he'd done. He played everything man, engineered, arranged, produced. Mike put out CD's and gigged extensively, very prolific writer. And we lost track of each other as I was in baby exile, then he went into it, and I missed Mike badly. Tommy then put out Whistlestop - actually asked me to sing on it during an on-air conversation when I called him out of the blue one day...just like when I turned on the radio summer of '07 and he and Loo were on Garrison Keilor's show! It just happens, just get in touch w/ each other at the right time. Back To Kansas The coolest part is that I'll be playing with Loonan - he'll be bassist...in a trio w/Mischke. A trio! Singing-drummer time, back to where I starteed once the artistry began gelling. A trio is the most challenging. And with my good music buddies, I am one very grateful person for this opportunity. Hey - the last time I played out w/ Tommy (forgot to mention that gig above), Michael Bland was the drummer! This is a happening town... Will keep posting on this +++ -listening to Always On My Mind (Moxey re-mix) in OPLH (our peaceful little home)

So Peaceful An Evening The children are asleep - they are beautiful. They are so beautiful So beautiful are they Jesu Amour The night breeze is perfect, the candles aglow; house is in good shape, we enjoy it everyday. The new scheme of things, arrangements, placements. There's never been so much space, yet more comfy and inviting at the same time. 8 yr old Mary was drawing tonight and I taped up her picture in a prominent spot. 'Sign your name, and the year' I said as I always do. She wanted one of us to pose, but everyone was too comfy to move closer to her and she wanted her pose-er to be near. 'I'm learning shading from the manga' she told me. About 10 days ago she was walking around, art book in hand, marveling out loud about the work, how it made her think, what she was learning from studying it. This I'd never seen her do and was ecstatic she'd glommed onto this illustrator's work. Witnessing her as a young artist being inspired made me so happy, and gives me such a lot to think about. Update (musical musings) If they keep what was put down, I've a couple b/u choruses and what not on Mischke's upcoming CD. The call came out of the blue and I was happy indeed to get it. There was a drum kit set up in Jared's studio this time (doh - Lazz I cannot remember for certain, but I wanto say Bill Evans' drummer's kit at one time). That was the first time in many months I'd played and I sounded like a busy little pseudo jazz drummer. Context being, later listening to the sparse, effective guy Mischke's recording's has. Anyway, Jared said, "I didn't know you were a drummer." This is good, I thought. "Tommy still banging?" I asked. J. didn't know. It's funny, I told him. The first half of life, no one knows me as a singer, the 2nd half no one knows me as a drummer. I've got best friends who've never heard me play drums. Jared is Berkely trained, plays more than one instrument, produces, writes, arranges, engineers - and that's only what I know of him in our few brief sessions. Maybe it's the way of providence that I hook up with monster artists. Truly larger than life people outstanding in more than one field (y'all should hear Mischke on his show o' talk - no one is like him). It serves to inspire but also it has un-intimidated me, which is really cool. I see that they can see (and perform) all the way around - and I freak out, I'm right there in beholding. Mischke out of choice didn't play piano on his last recording Whistlestop. But he'll kick it live and how! I'd wanto play instruments on my stuff, in the studio, unless there was a real problem holding the pocket. I've my own personality, something to say on those drums or whatever and tend to think the strength of personality most important. OTOH, much more can be done, faster, the more competent players involved (at least in theory). Tommy Mischke I hope will begin playing live - the guy is famous in the Twin Cities for his talk radio show so I'm sure if he wanted to, could have a revolving line up of friend-players, and it wouldn't have to be a big deal. Small venues are fine. He and Loo (this was great) last summer of '07, I's sittin on the patio and turned on the radio which happened to be Keilor's Prarie Home Companion taping live from the MN State Fair. And who's a singing and playing? Mischke and Loonan. So I sat there in the backyard listening to my music pals on the radio doing the bigtime. It was really quiet. And really quiet how I found out about it. This is how a mother with 7 dwarves gets catched-up in the loop. -listening to Munmun's The World Has Let It's Children Down, in our peaceful little home

Did it work, this posting?

Exactly. That is why one ought to listen to and watch the lead singer. (PS Anne, do you in your choral arrangements avoid thee dreaded parallel fifths?)