10/25/24

Transitions

Summer here was very nice, but the transition to Fall has been almost non-existent, late October and we are still in the upper 80’s! I am not complaining, it’s warm, sunny, and not humid, I like that.
Mid Sept took a nice drive north around Eurika Springs and up to Pea Ridge. We saw Thorncrown Chapel and the Pea Ridge Battle Ground State Park, both were impressive and interesting.
Also visited Crystal Bridges, what a treat, a wonderful museum. It was my second time and I was probably more impressed this time around.

Been fishing a couple times (I love it), planted a maple tree, did some baking, spent evenings on the porch, and cast my first vote as an Arkansas resident. So far, so good.

A couple of my favorite bands introduced new material, and I am overjoyed.
Frost* released Life In The Wires, an ambitious double concept album (all good prog bands need a double album, right?). It has well exceeded my expectations, I absolutely love it. I was telling a friend the other day, I think this is their “Lamb Lies Down”. Many other Frost* records feel like a grouping of disparate singles to me (and I’m fine with that), but this record feels very focused from beginning to end, both musically and thematically. I have been listening in sequence, like I used to back in the old days, just put the record on and let it play.

Kerretta released Angelm, their first new album in 10 years. It differs from their early records, but the arc of their evolution is very clear. Always deliberate, always insistent, always determined, it doesn’t feel designed for a causal listen. They produce a great deal of sound for a three piece, and are sonically immersive, I find it a wonderful escape from many other things I listen to.

8/27/24

Settling In

I have been enjoying the new place and this area. It is different in many ways from the west coast, but not too big a cultural shift. The last couple months have been hot (and humid) but not Vegas hot! The surprise storms have been interesting, and an adjustment. The other day we were sunny and 90°, not a cloud in the sky. Received a “Severe Thunderstorm Warning” on my phone, 20 min later we took over 2” of rain and had 40+ mph winds, couple hours later, back to normal, crazy.
This area has an abundance of water and everything is very green, reminds me of Seattle in that respect. Lots of forest, rivers, and lakes, much different than I always thought AR would be. Things grow well, and fast. I mow once a week, and spend a fair amount of time tending to the flowers I’ve planted. I even started a small herb garden, including a couple from seed, and it is producing faster than I can use it.

Last week I turned 60, it’s a bit surreal. Wouldn’t say it was depressing, but has caused some introspection. I feel compelled to be more aggressive in pursuing the things I want to do, that can’t be a bad thing, right? I also reflected on all the positives in my life, and there are too many to count.
We had a nice party at my cousins place, lots of food and fun. I got some very cool gifts, including a homemade sourdough starter kit, and a fishing rod and reel. Excited to do more baking and start fishing! Speaking of, I have been doing more cooking and baking since I have been here. Baking for just myself always seemed a waste, I never eat everything I make, having family around to share with (pawn off on) has encouraged me, I am enjoying It.

Been taking a much needed break from playing and doing music related things. It feels good, and I think I will be much more inspired when it’s time to jump back in.

6/17/24

Summer Starting

Spent a week in the San Diego area, was really fun. Weather was cool and a little overcast on most days, it was a nice change. Flew from Fayetteville to Phoenix, and drove from there to Ocean Beach. We stayed in a cute little bungalow right by the beach. Wonderful location, lots of shops, beautiful walks, and great food.
First time I’ve been in San Diego as an adult, I really liked it. Ocean Beach was quirky and interesting, a relaxed feel I imagine would be easy to get used to.

A couple friends released new music this last week.
Kaytonsville 8 posted the first single from the upcoming full length, “Say This Never Ends”. Again, great songwriting, catchy, fun, and well executed. I love Jon Are’s voice and writing style; Kenny’s production (and key playing) also really shine. Excellent stuff!
VRA release a remixed version of Dinner Music from the 2017 record of the same name, and a reimagined take on a demo from the Paper Crown Parade album, “Sound of Japan”. I am truly enjoying where Jason is taking things over the last year. The crew he has around him are bringing out a new vibrance that really fits. Go check it!

6/2/24

A Long Ways

Made a long, fun, and interesting drive through the lower midsection of the country. Started in Vegas, drove to Phoenix, then up to I40, and followed that across to Arkansas. Two days of good weather made for an easy run. Thelma was really good in the car, just like the trip from Seattle to Vegas, but still does not like hotel rooms…
Was strange to say goodbye to Las Vegas. 1 3/4 years went by very quickly, and I enjoyed my time there. It was never the destination (if there is one) but it was perfect for my transition out of Seattle. Spent time with good friends, met some nice people, did some great hiking, and loved the weather.

Now I’m in a small town in NW Arkansas, from 2.8 mil in the LV metro area to about 7k. So far I am really enjoying it. I have family in the area, people are very nice, and pretty much anything I could need is close by. It’s quiet here, no traffic to speak of, good food is easy to find, and, dispite a lack of Trader Joe’s, some fun places to shop. I have been busy planting flowers, mowing the lawn, and unpacking.

The weather can (and does) change quickly, that’s new to me.

2/11/24

Beautiful Pre-Spring

Recently spent a few days in Sedona AZ. It is an amazing place, and really does feel spiritual/magical.
We hiked the Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop, including the spur up to the cave, it was an excellent hike. The terrain around Sedona is awe inspiring.
Visited the Amitabha Stupa and the Chapel Of The Holy Cross, both are interesting and peaceful places, I highly recommend seeing them if you get the chance.
Was also fun roaming around the little shops at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Son-Silver-West, and up and down the old town area.
Surprisingly, I had one of the best pizza’s I’ve ever had at Gerardo's Pizzeria, go figure!

Was only home for a couple days before heading back to Fayetteville AR again. Looks like I will be relocating to that area before too long, something I am looking forward to.

1/18/24

23 Was A Good Year

Seems like a lot more than a years worth of life happened in 2023.
I marked my first full year in LV, spent time in Arizona, Arkansas, and Switzerland, worked on some fun music, and went on some beautiful hikes. Made headway with a couple of my goals, and did strong work toward my resolutions. This year’s plan is to continue on the same path, not really adding anything new, more just a deliberate focus on what I have been working towards. That should be more than enough to keep me busy.

These are some of my favorite pictures from the last year, most have probably been posted before.

I’m helping my buddy Scott Taylor with a song his friend Steve sent over. Playing some bass on an old school metal tune is kinda fun and quite the workout!
I have helped them in the past with some cover songs and a couple Christmas songs.
Steve’s YT page
Also, my old friend John Yanes did some work with a band last year, Nothing FM, check it out