Mills, Music and Movies

It pays to keep your eyes open as you drive around the country.  Not too far from where I live is the small town of Wolfe City.  If you happen to be passing by on Highway 11 you might spot this old building sitting off in the trees on the south side of the road.  The signage on the side (which you can barely see) says, "Texo Feeds."  It appears that it might have been an old feed dealership.  I have never walked out to the building and taken a closer look, but the height of the porch/dock at the larger door appears to be about right for a wagon loading dock.  I can just imagine an old farm wagon, pulled by mules, being loaded with bags of oats, or other feed.

Texo Feeds is interesting because it is associated with "Light Crust Flour."  If you happen to be north of Fort Worth on I-820 around I-35, you will see a large concrete grain terminal on the BNSF railroad tracks off in the distance.  On the side are printed the words, "Home of Light Crust Flour and Texo Feeds."  It is the old Burris Mill which was originally dedicated in 1936.  It is great advertisement for the small, but fast-growing city of Saginaw.*

Light Crust Flour was known far and wide because they also had a radio station which featured the "Light Crust Dough Boys."  The band was made up of Bob Wills, Herman Arnspiger and Milton Brown.  They later became the Texas Playboys and Bob Wills brought Texas Swing music to the world.

The Governor of Texas from 1939 to 1941 was W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel.  He later became a U.S. Senator in the controversial 1941 race in which he defeated Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson.  O'Daniel had previously been an official at the Burris Mill prior to being fired in 1935 after a series of disputes.  It was then that he formed his own band called the Hillbilly Boys and his own flour company.

Although their name more closely resembles that of the Foggy Mountain Boys, known for Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, the band from the hit film "O Brother, Where Art Thou," the Soggy Bottom Boys, is loosely based on the Hillbilly Boys band of "Pappy" O'Daniel who entertained likely voters in his quest for political office.  Although based in Mississippi, you may recall that the Governor in the hit movie was also named Pappy O'Daniel, who bolstered his popularity by offering a pardon to the members of the Soggy Bottom Boys.

I suppose my post this morning is a bit circuitous in nature, but there are plenty of dots to be connected.  There is a lot of interesting history just waiting to be discovered; it's almost covered up by trees and a bit out-of-the-way, but it's out there if you just look.

* Light Crust Flour

** O Brother Where Art Thou?

Country Music Awards

I watched the Academy of Country Music Awards last night.  For some reason my expectations for the show were fairly high -- perhaps it was because I knew they were giving George Strait a role.  It has been awhile since he has been on there.  Reba continues to be a mainstay, though.  Maybe she's better at the political landscape in Nashville these days than most of the older artists.

I was again disappointed.  There were some bright spots with a couple of acoustic performances -- the best of those was Chris Stapleton with him and his wife singing, him playing guitar, there was an upright bass and very light drum accompaniment.  I had a hard time hearing and understanding some of the words -- it was almost as if he was mumbling -- it makes me wonder if the alcohol and drug culture of by-gone days has made its return.  What I liked about his performance was the simplicity of it.  It was about the music, not the glitz and glamour, or the razzle-dazzle of performances such as that by Carrie Underwood and her pool party entrance to a not-country song.

It seems to me that music awards should be about the music.  I'm not too sure that's the case any more.  It seems it's more about the performance.  If that is how it is, maybe they should be receiving Academy Awards for their ability to act rather than music awards for their ability to play and sing music.

Although it was good to see him on the show, I must admit I was even a bit disappointed with "King George."  It was as though his song choices were designed to draw the greatest contrast possible between his style of music and that of the current mainstream country performers.  I have to say that I prefer his earlier work over that which I heard last night.  The instrumentation was as expected, but the delivery just seemed a bit flat.  Maybe it's just that he is aging.

There seems to be a clash of cultures going on in the country music world.  There are many performers charging ahead with the new "pop" style that still receives the country label while there seems to be some pushback among a handful of musicians that recognizes there are a large number of listeners who want something closer to an older era of country music.

The fractures within the industry have happened before.  The Outlaw movement of Waylon and a few others was an example.  I think Blake Shelton may be one of the few who is recognizing the desire of fans for more country and less pop in the music of the industry.  Maybe his work on The Voice is helping him to see beyond the tunnel that has focused the Nashville crowd into heading down the road they are on.  If so, good for him.

Sigh.  I guess I'll stick with the older stuff for the most part. 

Super Opportunity Lost

I must admit that I ended up watching the Super Bowl last night.  Well, that's not entirely accurate.  It was on in front of me but, I paid it little attention.  The only reason it was on is that we couldn't find a movie that interested us as an alternative.

The ads probably received more of my attention than the game, although they really were not particularly interesting.  The only one I thought had merit was the one set at an awards banquet which had all of the old players in attendance that ended up scrambling for the football.  It was creative and entertaining.  I don't know what they were advertising though.

I really wanted to see the halftime show and was much more focused on it than I was the game.  I wanted to hear the music and listen to the words.  All of the hype prior to the game had me expecting something a bit more profound.  What I heard instead was noise.  Lots of noise -- except of course the parts in which the profanity of the rappers was muted by the broadcaster -- thankfully.

I think every "successful" musician needs to periodically watch the movie "Pure Country" in which George Strait plays a musician that becomes lost amid the glitz and glamour of spectacular shows.  In the end the movie brings the message that it should be all about the music because it is the reason he took the path in the first place.

I had no idea who Adam Levine and Maroon 5 were until I saw him on The Voice.  I am not a fan of his music, but he is extremely talented both vocally and as a guitarist.  I didn't hear that last night.  What I saw was an attempt at "wowing" the crowd with fire and drones and a subtle social message of multiple races dancing and singing together on stage beneath a drone message of "one love."  I really just wanted to hear good music.  I couldn't even understand the words.

Probably the best concert I ever attended was Ricky Skaggs in which he did a purely acoustic set alone on stage.  There was no band to back him, no crazy lights or glitz and glamour -- just his pure, amazingly talented performance of music.  Nothing beats live music for lifting the spirits or, conveying a message.  Too bad the musicians themselves have lost that knowledge.

Some Musical History

The book I received for Christmas that includes 300 writing prompts is open beside me to this one:  "Who was your favorite band or singer when you were young?"  The question sends my mind into the murky past where half-remembered thoughts lead to other things and the connections are spotty from non-use.

I remember an old phonograph and a very few scratchy records -- vinyl of course -- that was in our room as children.  The only song I clearly recall is "Quick Draw is Coming to Your Town."  It was about Quick Draw McGraw, a cartoon character.  I suspect it came off the back of a cereal box.

I also remember some late night guitar playing at my grandparents.  One of my uncles played guitar and sometimes the family would gather in the big living room at my grandparents and sing late into the night.  There was a lot of Hank Williams and Jimmy Rodgers and other old country and western music.  After I learned to play, I would get to join the accompaniment.  Many of the songs I know today were learned from that uncle.

My grandparents had a very large cabinet stereo system that sat in that living room.  Occasionally we would get to listen to records on it.  It was the first place I heard the Beatles and Elvis Presley.

My grandmother's favorite was Ernest Tubbs, "Waltz Across Texas."

In High School, in the locker room there was almost always music.  That was my first exposure to the Rock music of the 70's.

John Denver was another important contributor to my musical background along with Chet Atkins who was one of the very few of whom my father approved.  Glenn Campbell was popular as were the musicians on Hee Haw such as Roy Clark.  Then there was Roy Rogers.  To me, his music never escaped the television because I rarely heard it except on his show which I watched religiously.

When I finally was able to begin developing my own sense of musical taste rather than just hearing what was "acceptable" to others, I gravitated toward Waylon Jennings.  I don't really know what drew me to his music, but I still appreciate the authenticity -- the honesty -- of his lyrics.  His "whiskey" voice and ready humor when interviewed reminds me of my roots even today.  He grew up only a short distance from my home town and played a few local dances before he became famous -- and long before I became aware of his existence.

On the rare occasions I pick up my guitar, I find myself still playing some of his music.

Another band that really influenced me was the Eagles.  Their early "country-rock" music is still my favorite of all time --  Tequila Sunrise, Take It Easy, Lyin' Eyes, Desperado and on and on.  I can hear them playing in my head as I type.

Some music endures while other fades quickly.  I think the most enduring is the music of our youth.  I don't know that it shapes us so much as it is incorporated into who we become.  It is a source of connections tying us to memories and events.

There are some amazing artists today, but you have to look beyond the mainstream to find them.  My kids have been good to occasionally point out musicians to me that are worthy of consideration.  I wouldn't have heard of Diana Krall, or Norah Jones or Sara Bareilles without them.

I don't know that I clearly answered the original question, but it did lead down a path into the past.  Who are your favorite musicians and why?

Musically Connected

Music inspires
Or, can sooth the soul
It tames the wild beast
Or, can rock and roll

It expresses our heart
Or, the thoughts in our mind
It can lighten our mood
Or, 'cause tears 'til we're blind

It can tear down the walls
Or, say, "leave me alone"
It can pierce our ear drums
Or, be mellower tones

It can be personal
Or, make us part of the crowd
It can be soft and low
Or, unbearably loud

It can be background noise
Or, the focus of all
It can be played alone
Or, a huge music hall

Music connects
One soul to another
It crosses all bounds
Makes us sister and brother

Moving Pianos

If you have moved many pianos you will know what I am talking about.  If not, you may think I'm crazy.

The grand piano in our church is down for repairs.  It has taken a pounding for years and needed a good deal of TLC.  It is going to be out for awhile because several parts had to be ordered.  It will be as good-as-new (we hope) when repaired.

In the meantime, we needed a stand-in piano.  Tonight, after choir rehearsal, we moved one of the studio pianos from the choir rehearsal room downstairs to the sanctuary.  Our trusty director asked for 6 or 7 volunteers.  Too many!!

It is easier for two men to move a studio piano than it is for six.  It is designed to be moved by two.  there is a handle at the end on the back for one hand and you can grip under the keyboard with the other.  One person on each end.  Besides, we rolled it the entire way except for the steps up to the stage.  With people on the sides (like a casket) you have problems with corners, with doors, with needing a wide passage, with coordination.....with one on each end, you just roll it to the steps, lift and carry.

Of course there was a short elevator ride in the middle to get from the basement level to the sanctuary level.  How many can you cram into an elevator along with a piano?  Too many.  Oh well, we got it moved.

I'm sure there is a life lesson in there somewhere.  Committees come to mind.  Too many chiefs and not enough Indians also comes to mind.  You need the right number of people to do a job -- not more than enough and not less than enough.

It doesn't look quite as nice as the grand piano, but, I'm sure it will do the job.....

Chris

Wednesdays are Choir Days

It's Wednesday and I am not traveling.  That's actually fairly rare during the biggest part of the year.  I frequently travel during the middle of the week.  It varies, of course.  There are times that I miss part of the weekend on the road, but, for the most part, my travel starts on Monday and ends on Friday.

It doesn't seem like a big deal that I am home on Wednesday, but, it is the day we have choir rehearsal for the church choir.  I usually make it for Sunday service but, frequently miss rehearsals during the middle of the week.  I am fortunate in that I make enough rehearsals that I've usually at least seen the piece(s) we are doing on Sunday but, sometimes that isn't the case.  There have been a few times I am sight-reading on Sunday morning.

I enjoy choir.  It is an escape.  Having rehearsal in the middle of the week is great because it is an interruption in the ho-hum that allows me an hour and a half of enjoyment (when I can make it).  You see, for those of you who don't sing, music is the language of the soul -- the heart.  It is a way to touch something divine for just a short period.

When we listen to music we want it to be good.  When we sing, it is often far less than perfect.  But, in a choral setting that doesn't really matter as much as you might think.  The combined voices often mask individual imperfections and the overall effect can be excellent even when the individuals involved are not. 

It's too bad that choral music is rarely heard any more.  Most churches have gone to praise bands.  Don't get me wrong, I like praise and worship music, but, often as not, praise bands aren't all that good.  They become exclusive because there are so few in the ensemble that only the "top" singers are selected to sing in them.  That leaves many very good singers out.  Choirs are not that way.  It is only in the very largest of churches that there is a level of exclusivity because of numbers.  In which case tryouts determine who joins and who does not.

Any way.  Tonight is choir practice.  I get to enjoy a tiny slice of the divine for awhile.  Maybe I'll even know the music!

"Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing."  Psalms 100:1-2


Chris

Shopping iTunes....

For Christmas I received $30 worth of gift cards to iTunes.  I thought -- no big deal.  I'll just load 'em up and buy some tunes.  I'm still shopping on that $30.

I don't know if it is because I'm too picky or what -- I have spent hours browsing songs and playing the brief snippets available to help you decide if it's what you want -- and I've only used about 1/2 of it up after all this time.  Holy Cow!  What does that say about my personality?

I like all kinds of music but there is only a small percentage of it that I would consider to be of enduring quality -- something that I want to listen to over and over again.  I don't want to just get best sellers, I want some eclectic stuff -- the ones that didn't make the Top 40 but, are still good.  I want some of the off-the-wall artists like the ones my daughter comes up with.

Then, after I've worked at it for a couple of hours and only chosen five songs, I wonder what makes it so difficult!  Oh, well, at least it generated a blog post.

Corporate Worship and the Praise Team

When I think about corporate worship -- and in a broader sense, the church in general -- the thought comes to mind that it is ideally much like an orchestra or a choir. The body of believers are the members, each performing his assigned part, while God directs the performance. As long as each individual does his part and follows the direction of the Director, the result is beautiful.

Now, a difficult question comes to mind. If each individual fails to perform his part, is the symphony ruined? In the case of a choir or orchestra the result is often less than satisfying -- perhaps incomplete would be a better description. In the case of the church does the same hold true?

I ask the question because God, being all-powerful, really has no need for us to fill all of the parts because He can supply anything that is missing and turn imperfection into perfection. But, does He? Or, does He choose to allow imperfection in order for those who are doing their part to grow by reaching out to those who are failing in their own?

When we hear a symphony or other type of musical performance we form a judgment. We either like/enjoy it, or we do not. Often our enjoyment is a function of our own attitude upon listening. However, there are times that we can come with low expectations and be lifted above our "mood" and into the realm of ecstasy. This typically occurs when a performance is executed virtually flawlessly -- technically, artistically, "energetically" and intellectually. It appeals to our sense of perfection, it pleases us aesthetically, it energizes us and it exercises our intellect.

One of the keys is that the parts are blended together in a balance that pleases our senses. If any part is not in balance with all of the others it distracts from the overall perfection of the piece. It distorts the performance.

In my post yesterday about "Energy and Music" I referred to our Praise Team in a manner that was less-than praiseworthy. I focused on the issue of energy. Perhaps part of the "draining" effect is due to a lack of balance. If each part is not performed in a manner that blends with the other parts, could that be the source of the draining effect?

Now, a critical question. Is it due to leadership style, lack of technical expertise, failure to follow, or some other factor? I don't see technical expertise as the issue. The level of talent in our Praise Team is exceptional. Leadership style could be a factor because there seems to be an unwillingness to confront the issue of individualism. It should be a corporate performance -- not a simultaneous set of individual performances. Ego comes into play. With the abundance of talent, it seems there is a universal attitude of "I'm the best so I need to really get-out-front on the music." That brings us to the issue of "failure to follow."

As I read the Gospel and focus on the ultimate message of Jesus I find that in a large sense it can be wrapped up in the statement -- it's all about denying self and glorifying God. Matthew 22:36-39 sums it up.

If we do this -- "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...and love your neighbor as yourself." -- we solve the issue of "failure to follow." Because we then realize that each of us must do our part and not "run over" others who are seeking to perform their part. We blend into the symphony rather than distract from it.

I don't know -- maybe my rambling is a bit of a stretch. I just know that it could be better. To get better one must first identify the problem.

If you ask someone on the Praise Team they are likely to say that it is a lack of participation on the part of the audience/congregation/worshippers. Could it be that they are merely a reflection of what is going on up front?

Much prayer is needed.

Energy and Music

Music is important to me. I would not consider it a driving passion as it is with many, however, I enjoy both listening and performing music.

I like many kinds of music. It often depends upon my mood.

I also enjoy silence, or the "music" of nature. Yesterday, I ate lunch at the park. The birds sang continuously.

I'm not one that must listen to music constantly. I don't go around with an iPod and headphones. Nor do I constantly play CD's or the radio as I drive -- and I drive a lot.

I am very particular about music. I like for it to be well executed. However, in a live performance, I do not expect perfection -- which brings me to the reason that I am creating this post.

Music in church.

There are two basic styles of worship music. There is Choral and there is Praise and Worship. I enjoy both when executed well. Therein is the issue.

What does it mean for music to be well-executed in a live performance? To me it is a combination of factors but the underlying strength of the performance resides in "heart." If the performer doesn't put their heart into the music it will lack energy -- even if executed flawlessly.

Our church choir generally puts a lot of heart into its performance -- especially the choir special or a special performance. There is a wide variety of levels of talent within the choir -- from exceptionally gifted to "nothing but heart." The thing that sets the choir apart however, is heart. Each of the individuals come together in a common concert of worship as they pour their hearts into the music -- not the performance. With rare exception, the performances generate energy. It is the result of each one pouring his heart into the musical offering. It is the product of the emotion.

Our Praise Team on the other hand is blessed with very gifted musicians. Each one does an exceptional job of executing the music. Therein lies a problem. When each of these gifted musicians performs on the "team" they are performing individually and concurrently. A couple of them put a measure of "heart" into their performance but they often are each "performing" individually and not pouring their heart into a worship experience. The result is often one in which it feels as though energy is being "sucked" out of the congregation. It becomes a draining experience rather than one in which we are energized.

Now I must clarify somewhat. The musicians playing instruments come together as a Team. The problem lies in the vocals. They each perform wonderfully -- but NOT as a Team. They are performing as individuals.

If any of those individuals should read this, I pray that it will be accepted not as a criticism of their skills, talents or performance. It is an offering from my heart of a desire for them to experience the power of worship as a team -- the power of worship as the body of Christ. When that happens in corporate worship the result is an amazing, energizing experience.

Just for Fun

What I like about Texas....Gary P. Nunn

TEXAS: Y'all Come!

Sunday evening we went out to Palo Duro Canyon to the amphitheater to view "TEXAS." It was great. It has been several years since I was out to the canyon for the play. The last time it was a different script. This year, they are back to the original.

The performance is about the earliest settlers in the Texas Panhandle. It is a musical that portrays the end of the "cattle empire" era and the beginning of the influx of farmers. "TEXAS" is in its 43rd Anniversary season.

Music and Western History in Common

This past weekend I attended the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Convention and Trade Show in Corpus Christi. During the afternoons of the two-day trade show, entertainment was provided by John Arthur Martinez and Mike Blakely. These guys are great musicians and talented writers as well. Click on their names for links to their websites. Besides performing his music Mike Blakely is an accomplished western writer.

On Saturday evening after the Trade Show was over, I discovered that the two of them and I were staying at the same motel. A good friend of mine who also has a couple of blogs (here and here) struck up a conversation with them as he was waiting for me to meet him for dinner. When I walked up and was introduced the conversation continued about music and history and kids and values and all of the things that we all seemed to have in common. Before it was time for dinner we discovered that John Arthur's wife knew the wife of one of my cousins who happens to live in the same town (Marble Falls, Texas, and the creative community of CastleRock) with them. As we talked, we discovered how small the world truly is. For great Texas flavor, both the music of John Arthur Martinez and the books and music of Mike Blakely, can't be beat. I recommend you try them out. Check out some of these links to Amazon.

Lone Starry Night - John Arthur Martinez

Stand Your Ground - John Arthur Martinez

Shortgrass Song - Mike Blakely

Moon Medicine - Mike Blakely

West of You - Mike Blakely (music)

Looking for Balance

Incognito has asked a question in response to An Appeal that has taken a lot of thought on my part. Her question is, "...as a creative Soul, how do you balance the need to express that creativity with the need to make a living?"

The short answer is that I don't do it very well. My job and responsibilities as a father, husband, and now grandfather often take a toll on the creative energies. Add to that responsibilities with my church and community and the demands of home ownership and the number of hours in the day that are available for creative endeavors diminishes quickly. So, I squeeze it in where I can. I make it a priority where possible, but often it falls low enough on the list that it is a struggle to fit it in.

Blogging has helped me to release that creative energy on a regular basis. I often am composing posts in my head throughout the day. Then, when I have time, I basically "dump" them into written form. Our mind is an amazing thing. If we will let it work, there are many tasks that can run "in the background" while we continue to deal with the "gotta deal with it right now" stuff. It adds a new dimension to effectively and efficiently utilizing the time that we are given.

Once upon a long time ago, a college professor told me, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." (apologies to you cat lovers) It is a phrase that I had heard all of my life, but for some reason, it had a deep impact on me at the time. It basically had to do with career choices. I took it to mean that there are multiple ways to pursue our dreams and that the direct path is not always the best or the only one. I tried to put that idea into the context of God's word.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." __Psalm 37:4

This basically told me that I needed to have my priorities right. When that was done, he would grant to me the desires of my heart. At the time I didn't realize that he would also be shaping and refining the desires of my heart.

I dropped out of college to figure out who I was. I came to the realization that working to make a living that would just barely get me by was the pits. I felt strongly that God wanted me to do something with my music. I had written a few songs and wanted to become a star. So, I packed up and headed toward Austin, Texas, to try and break into the music scene via 6th Street. I went through College Station to visit a friend of mine on the way to Austin and he suggested that College Station was as good a place as Austin for pursuing music. He offered me a place to live and suggested that while I was there anyway, I should take a few classes at A&M. Smart guy. I don't know that I've ever properly thanked him for that advice.

I started playing music in one of the local hangouts. Some of the others that were making their way through A&M at the same time were Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keene -- both of whom have gone on to successful careers in the music business. I preceded Lyle Lovett on stage one night and have received a few pointers from Robert Earl Keene. I'm sure that neither of them would remember me.

As I began to develop a sense of my musical self I began to think of next steps for pursuing such a career. It didn't take long for the realities of the music business to conflict with my pursuit of God's will for my life. He brought me to the realization that my plans did not fit His will for my life. I re-focused on getting a degree and a job.

During my Senior year in college I became engaged and ultimately married and had children. Music was pushed to the edges. It became therapeutic for me in many ways. It was my outlet and my escape. In time, it became an offering to God. That is what it is today. My musical outlet is through my church.

Writing music slowly evolved into poetry and prose. I have a couple of novels started, but not well developed. Poetry and song are very closely related. I have journaled at various times as an outlet. I call my entries "Random Thoughts." I have boxes full of notebooks and loose pages of things that I have written through the years. It is disorganized and probably rubbish. In the back of my mind however, something tells me not to throw it out. Perhaps my grand children will find a few gems in it someday.

Blogging has become my primary creative outlet. I have attempted to discipline myself to an entry per day. Sometimes there have been more, a few times I have missed. Some of it hopefully contains something of value to someone other than me, and some of it is done hurriedly because I am strapped for time. The best of it is inspired by God. Sometimes I look back over what I have written and think, "where did that come from?" Usually they are the better entries.

I don't know if I've answered your question, Incognito, but maybe I've given you some insight on where I find some level of balance. I strive to go where God leads. Any talent that I might have is a gift from Him. I pray that I will use it according to His will.

The Piano

There is an old piano
That sits in our house.
It was made around 1903.
It is showing its age
With scratches and scars
And the chips in some of the keys.

It is silent most days
Which brings sadness to me
For none of us here can play.
It was bought for my daughter
Who's married, in school,
And living a few towns away.

I remember when she
Was just learning to play
How she struggled with every note.
And then as she grew
How her hands fairly flew
Making the music to float

Throughout the house.
And I'd listen and listen
And listen some more
Until she grew tired of playing
And had to rest for awhile.
It filled something deep in my core.

Was it pride that caused me
To beg her for more or was
It filling some deeper need?
Was it that I was wishing
That it was me playing
Such beautiful music indeed?

Or was it the music itself
That I craved that drew
Me to beg her to play?
Was it a vicarious
Need that was being filled?
I just can't really say.

Perhaps it was all
Of these things and more
That gave me such a lift.
There is one thing certain;
It must have been God
That granted this beautiful gift.

Plumb Squirrely

I absolutely loved this article today -- printed in its entirety.

Squirrel goes on rampage, injures 3

Thu Jun 14, 2007 11:00AM EDT

BERLIN (Reuters) - An aggressive squirrel attacked and injured three people in a German town before a 72-year-old pensioner dispatched the rampaging animal with his crutch.
The squirrel first ran into a house in the southern town of Passau, leapt from behind on a 70-year-old woman, and sank its teeth into her hand, a local police spokesman said Thursday.
With the squirrel still hanging from her hand, the woman ran onto the street in panic, where she managed to shake it off.
The animal then entered a building site and jumped on a construction worker, injuring him on the hand and arm, before he managed to fight it off with a measuring pole.
"After that, the squirrel went into the 72-year-old man's garden and massively attacked him on the arms, hand and thigh," the spokesman said. "Then he killed it with his crutch."
The spokesman said experts thought the attack may have been linked to the mating season or because the squirrel was ill.

_________________________________

When I read this, I'll be all you "Rednecks" know exactly what came to mind. Ray Stevens. So, below are the words to his song.

__________________________________________

The Mississippi Squirrel Revival

Well, when I was a kid I'd take a trip every summer down the Mississippi
To visit my granny in her antebellum world
I'd run barefooted all day long climbin' trees free as a song
And one day I happened to catch myself a squirrel
Well, I stuffed him down in an old shoe box, punched a couple of holes in the top
And when Sunday came I snuck him into Church
I was sittin' way back in the very last pew showin' him to my good buddy Hugh
When that squirrel got loose and went totally berserk
Well, what happened next is hard to tell
Some thought it was heaven others thought it was hell
But the fact that something was among us was plain to see
As the choir sang "I Surrender All" the squirrel ran up Harv Newlan's coveralls
Harv leaped to his feet and said, "Somethin's got a hold on me", Yeow!

Chorus
The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In the sleepy little town of Pascagoula
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin' pews and shoutin' Hallelujah!

Well, Harv hit the aisles dancin' and screamin'
Some thought he had religion others thought he had a demon
And Harv thought he had a weed eater loose in his Fruit-Of-The-Looms
He fell to his knees to plead and beg and the squirrel ran out of his britches leg
Unobserved to the other side of the room
All the way down to the amen pew where sat Sister Bertha better-than-you
Who'd been watchin' all the commotion with sadistic glee
But you should've seen the look in her eyes
When that squirrel jumped her garters and crossed her thighs
She jumped to her feet and said "Lord have mercy on me"
As the squirrel made laps inside her dress
She began to cry and then to confess to sins that would make a sailor blush with shame
She told of gossip and church dissension but the thing that got the most attention
Was when she talked about her love life and then she started naming names

Chorus
The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In that sleepy little town of Pascagoula
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin' pews and shoutin' Hallelujah!

Well seven deacons and the pastor got saved,
Twenty-five thousand dollars was raised and fifty volunteered
For missions in the Congo on the spot
Even without an invitation there were at least five hundred rededications
And we all got baptized whether we needed it or not
Now you've heard the bible story I guess
How he parted the waters for Moses to pass
Oh the miracles God has wrought in this old world
But the one I'll remember 'til my dyin' day
Is how he put that Church back on the narrow way
With a half crazed Mississippi squirrel

Chorus
The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In the sleepy little town of Pascagoula
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They was jumpin' pews and shoutin' Hallelujah!


Written by: C.W. Kalb, Jr. and Carlene kalb
Published by: Ray Stevens Music
1707 Grand Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212

Inspiration and Sons

I had some interesting comments on my post below, "Bored -- No Extremes." They have caused me to think more about why I have found it difficult to sit and play the guitar or write music for quite some time now. There are many things that have pulled me away. They may be a product of getting older/more mature, or they may be something else.

The pull of job, family responsibilities, and other interests have probably been the greatest factor in dampening the allure of music to me. Perhaps the best description is that I've spread myself too thin. With the limited amount of time we have each day, we must prioritize our responsibilities and interests in the manner that best fits necessity first, and then desire. Music has fallen lower on the list of priorities than it once was. When I was younger and had dreams of performing professionally, or of selling a song, music was a higher priority. When it became purely recreation, the priority dropped. When I found other recreational pursuits to occupy my time, such as writing, it dropped even further.

Another issue, which is directly related to the factors listed above, is time. In order to not become bored with playing music, I need to spend time learning new songs. Otherwise, I become bored with playing the same old songs over and over again. In many ways, playing for myself -- even for escape -- has become stale.

Songwriting is a different endeavor entirely. It can be approached in one of two ways. First, it can be a disciplined effort during a time set aside for the sole purpose of writing -- just like blogging has become. This has never really been my approach. It probably should have been. I have been told numerous times by various people (some who should really know) that my talent in that area is above average and should be pursued. I've never had the "burn" for it though. Second, it can be the product of inspiration. Like most creative endeavors, such as painting, inspiration is crucial to the process. Even in a disciplined approach there must be inspiration to write on a particular subject. For me, it takes time for that inspiration to "cook." It takes about three days of relaxation/vacation/avoidance of work and other demands to reach a point of being ready to write music. That just doesn't seem to happen anymore.

Writing for this blog is both inspired and disciplined. Throughout my work day I often think about what I want to write about. I look for subjects in my workplace, in the areas that I travel, and in the people that I encounter throughout the day. Not always, but usually, I have a pretty good idea of the subject of my post long before I sit down to the computer. It is more difficult with songwriting. For me, I need my guitar in hand. That is because the melody usually comes with the words. They rarely come to me separately. Sometimes the subject of a song will "percolate" throughout the day, just like a subject for my blog entry, but the music that is in the environment often corrupts the melody that comes with the subject. That's when I need the time to relax and let it resurface in order to sit and compose.

Interestingly, my son inspired me to learn a new song today. He has not read my post and did not know of the struggle that I have had with my music lately. But, he came to me with a song that he wanted to learn last night and asked me to help him. His question to me was, "Dad, have you ever just listened to a song you want to learn and then learned it?" My response was that most of the music that I know was learned by writing down the words to songs that I heard on the radio or elsewhere and then working through the chords to them. He played the song for me and I started playing along with the CD. I think he was surprised. Today, I pulled the Tablature off of the Internet (something I didn't have when I was his age) and after work today, I sat down and played it for him. Then I gave him the Tabs and he showed me some "licks" that he had worked out on his own. He has a lot of talent. I hope that he never loses the inspiration to play and learn. Maybe he will inspire me to stay with it.

Bored -- No Extremes

For years, my guitar was my escape. I could go in my room, shut the door, and become completely absorbed into the music. I would sit and play and sing for hours at a time. I probably knew well over 100 songs by heart.

Sometimes I would be in the mood to write music. I have no idea how many songs I've written through the years. They are tucked into files and notebooks and desk drawers or lying loose in my guitar case. I don't know if I've written a hundred songs, but probably at least fifty.

It seems that for the last few years it has been very difficult to get in the mood to play music, let alone to write music. Music comes from the heart. My heart hasn't been in it.

The mood to play or write music seems to be tied to extremes. When I am happy, I play music. When I am melancholy or despondent, I write music. The writing is a release. It usually lifts me from my despondency.

I think that I have fallen into a rut of complacency; that is why the music doesn't hold me in thrall the way it does when the emotional pendulum is at an extreme. Perhaps it is a warning sign. Maybe extremes are designed to recharge us.

In a way, it's like the diversity around us -- both in nature and in humanity. It would certainly be boring if it was all the same. Without the swings, we would probably die of boredom.

Guitar and Drum

Tonight I had an interesting diversion. I've played the guitar and sang for about the past forty years. During my college days, I actually earned a little money doing so. Over the course of time though, I haven't really kept up my skills and rarely do I play in public anymore. A friend of mine the same age that I am, bought a drum set about a year ago and has been learning to play them. He has been "dying" to have someone come and "jam" with him. I consented to do so a few weeks ago because I remember how badly I always wanted someone to "jam" with when I started playing the guitar. Tonight we were finally able to fit it into our schedules. To make the story short, we had a blast. It was just good old fashioned fun. We may make it a regular weekly event. It would be nice if we could get some others to join us though!

Ramblings on Music

This is choir night and I'm in Garden City, Kansas. I guess it seems strange that I look forward to choir practice the way that I do. I always try to get home in time to make it there on Wednesday nights. Church choir is what I'm talking about. I enjoy singing.

Our choir is very good. Not professional level of course, but very good. Don't tell him, but I attribute a lot of the high quality of our choir to the director. He is very demanding -- almost militaristic in his approach to practice and to performance. He brings a discipline to us that I've not experienced with other directors. It is a good thing. It brings out our best.

We sing a wide variety of pieces in choir ranging from arrangements of some of the more contemporary pieces to the very difficult "high church" music from several hundred years ago. We are always challenged.

I think some of my favorite pieces are the Southern Gospel pieces. We don't do a lot of them, but I especially like some of the Bill Gaither arrangements. However, I just as much like some of the arrangements of the Chris Tomlin pieces, or -- well, just about anything we attempt. It is just a joy to sing with a choir that can handle about anything that is thrown at it.

I also sing in a small group called BASIC. It stands for Brothers And Sisters In Christ. We do mostly contemporary pieces. The group is small enough and the members adept enough that we can do some difficult harmonies effectively. The hardest part of singing in BASIC is that we have to memorize everything. I have let my memory skills decline with age and it is sometimes difficult for me to achieve the confidence level necessary to perform the songs from memory. I always want a crutch of some kind. Fortunately (or, unfortunately), our director does not allow us to use a crutch. No notes, no music, nothing.

I have sung with self-accompaniment on the guitar for years. The guitar has become my memory crutch. As long as I am playing the guitar, it seems I can remember the songs. Without it, the words seem to evaporate. I don't know what that is telling me. Probably that my mental discipline has lapsed through the years.

Suffice it to say, I love music. I like all kinds of music. If you looked at the collection of CD's in the console of my pickup, you wouldn't know what my favorite kind of music was. There is everything from Rachmaninov to Stevie Ray Vaugh, The Eagles to Steven Curtis Chapman, and everything in between. I like any "good" music. I don't care for most Rap and I don't care for Pop (Madonna, Michael Jackson, etc.), but I like Blues, Jazz, Contemporary Christian, old Rock, Rock and Roll, Classical, Big Band, Choral, Instrumental, Country, Blue Grass -- and just about anything else you can think of . I like music. I like strong lyrics and I like great music even if the words are so-so. Strong lyrics combined with strong music are a rarity.

I've written a little music through the years. I'm not very good at it, but it is fun to make the attempt. Who knows, maybe someday, I'll write something that people will enjoy. My goal is just for them to not know that I wrote it, but ask, "who wrote that?!!"

Writing music and writing poetry aren't all that different. Many poems can be set to music. Most contemporary music is written to a formula. That's not my goal. I don't think that writing to a formula is true art. It is closer to mathematics. When I write, I want it to convey a specific message. Sure, the lure of selling a hit is always there, but the art itself should be pure. If the art is good (just like a painting that is well done) it should sell.

There is music everywhere. I think God "broadcasts" songs to the earth. Different artists hear it and therefore express it differently. I think that is why there are often multiple songs released on a common theme at about the same time. Have you ever noticed that? When some artist releases a song with a new theme, there are often multiple songs with similar themes released in the same relatively short time-frame. The time-frame is too short for them to have been created in response to the first release -- they had to have been created virtually simultaneously. To me, that's God supplying the theme and the creative impulse of man revealing it to their brothers. Who knows? Maybe I'm right and your belief that it is just coincidence is merely your way of denying the truth. Ok, so I'm on a soap box. My point is -- I like music. I believe it expresses our deepest feelings and reveals our inermost truths.