Inspired by myth, but entirely real, these handmade guitars may be the most exquisitely beautiful musical instruments I’ve ever seen.
Music and mythology have a long, rich history together. Sculptor William Jeffrey Jones has taken that tradition to a whole new level by creating a marriage of craftsmanship and design to mythology and music in the form of high-end professional grade guitars. I’m in awe.
Wouldn’t you just love to hear these played by a master…? They’re so special you can almost hear an Irish ballad playing itself ~ but in the hands of a musician like my brother, or Clapton or Santana or Kottke, oh, what musical beauty would roll.
You can explore Jones’ website to learn more about how he made these pieces of art, as well as the philosophy and heart behind them.
A friend posted this video the other night. It had the unusual effect of actually lifting my spirits (which until then, I hadn’t realized needing lifting ~ although, considering the past few weeks of planning a funeral and being consumed with worry over the Colorado fires where I have family smack dab in the line of Mother Nature’s wild ride, plus a dear friend moving away, along with the usual work/life/home/bills/meals/laundry/parenting, I suppose it wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to see that, well, maybe I did).
Watching these musicians, all of them great, stirring up this great big crowd with the simplest of songs ~ the energy was palpable, even on a computer. It had me smiling. Ah, yes. “All we need is love”…. from time to time I truly believe that.
But sometimes we also need an entertainment break. You know, to give the overactive mind a rest and put a temporary halt to the to-do’s. I try, I really try. Trouble is, I’d usually rather be doing something creative, even in my downtime ~but, next to a good book, I do love a good movie. The kind that captivates, takes you away, where there’s no room for remembering the dirty dishes in the sink.
So just the other night a movie was decided upon. (Not always an easy task itself.) Then we discover that it’s not “on demand”; so we try “redbox”. It’s not there either. So I finally bite the bullet and register for Netflix, which I’ve wanted to do for a long time anyway. I’m excited now, not being a “watch TV” kind of person, knowing the relatively teeny investment will be well-spent on entertainment I might actually use.
Then comes the realization: I still have an old-fashioned TV. A step or two up from the rabbit-eared kind. Which means I can’t access my new-found entertainment unless I’m on the computer. I don’t want to watch a movie on a computer. I want to get away from my computers.
So I call the Netflix people. Turns out there’s a way I still can watch on my antiquated set, because we have a Wii! Oh boy! “Is it complicated?” I ask. “Oh, no! It’s easy, I can talk you through it!” says the very cheerful voice from Netflix. (Really cheerful – he must be from the midwest.) Unfortunately wires and I don’t get along (which reminds me, I am so happy to be living in a time period where ‘wireless’ exists!) so I enlist the help of my daughter, who became frustrated almost immediately, and I tell the guy I’ll call him back. Oh, he can email me the instructions? “Even better”, I say, “how nice!”
By this time, though, I’ve had my fill of spontaneous adventure, and retreat to a book. But I’m still unsettled. So the next day I throw caution to the wind and decide to fully join the 21st century by getting an HD (High Definition) TV, because I remember the prices have gone way down from a few years ago. And then I can watch movies from Netflix.
Of course I’m now faced with the Plasma, LCD, LED dilemma. (Not even considering the 3D road.) This brand, that brand. Everybody has an opinion. Good grief already. And, of course, an old cable-tv box will need to be traded in for a new HD one, and there’s a fancy new cable – but it’s so much easier and better! And, you know, I’m sure it will be when all is said and done.
It’s just that, please, all I wanted to do was watch a good movie. If I’d have lived in another time, I’d have walked over to hear the storyteller. It shouldn’t be so complicated. (But it is. Like travel. Don’t get me started on that one…)
And so I remind myself, all you need is love.
And Netflix.
And maybe a garden, and chocolate, and pencils and paper and paints, and a villa in Tuscany. (I have to sell a lot more books for that to happen, though I’m sure you would agree that Tuscany would suit me well, yes?) And time. But of course “time” is an illusion..
Wow. I need a vacation. Guess I’ll settle for a movie. Watched, lovingly, on my old tv (for now).
While I’ve got Wittenberg on the brain, let me tell you about Allie. She’s a smart, energetic, bluesy-voiced, extremely talented 20-something-year-old ~ and yes, another graduate of Wittenberg University. And she may very well be bound for stardom since making her way from Ohio farm country to the big city life about a year ago.
allie persinger and her awesome band
I met Allie through a mutual friend, several months before she finished her years at Witt, when she was thinking about heading to NYC after graduation. We clicked on a bunch of levels, and it was clear that she was very bright, full of passion and brains and guts. The world was out there waiting and she was ready to grab it with gusto.
She chose Los Angeles over NY, and chose music over some of her other gifts ~ and she’s out there now living her dream in full shiny color. The hard knocks, the awesome opportunities. Working hard, reaching for the stars. I hope she reaches them. I think she just might.
So here’s an introduction, through a video with her (very cool, very talented) band. And below that is a quieter, a capella piece she recorded on a visit back home. (I know Allie, it’s not perfect ~ but it’s really good!!) Both are well worth a listen. Enjoy, and keep a lookout for this rising star!
Because it’s the official “International Day of Peace”, and I seem to have a thing for peace, I thought I’d share some peacefulness with you … in the form of one of my paintings, and in the form of music, by my brother. It won’t save the world from its madness, but fitting some gentleness into one’s day sure can’t hurt. So take a moment, some nice deep breaths, and enjoy.
(click arrow to hear music)
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First established in 1981, September 21 is designated as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The UN invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
Bob Dylan’s piercing blue eyes defy his understated presence; his talent for song defines him.
In some ways, Dylan is an acquired taste. So rough around the edges, but so genuinely gifted. You like him or you don’t, but you always admire.
Looming larger than life during the 60’s folk music revolution, his scratchy, often off-key voice reconfigured our concept of singer-songwriter. His words resonating with millions, he always seemed a bit reticent on stage. Like he had someplace he’d rather be. Not a big smiler.
But we love his realness, his mind, his lyrics.
Some call him the greatest poet of our time. And when the poetry lines up with a simple acoustic tune, something close to magical happens. He’s every bit as remarkable as they say.
Philosopher, poet, revolutionary, freedom-lover, troubadour, balladeer, prolific songwriter, living legend. Who would have thought Bob Dylan would be anything but forever young? But then again, he‘s had a lot of work to do, and we’re glad he’s stuck around.
From TED: Musical innovator Andrew Bird winds together his trademark violin technique with xylophone, vocals and sophisticated electronic looping. Add in his uncanny ability to whistle anything, and he becomes a riveting one-man orchestra.
On a personal note, it’s interesting that I discovered this, and a few days later, my teen shared one of her favorites songs from … Andrew Bird. Bells went off, and I thought about how cool that we unknowingly shared this appreciation. I also happen to really like the cover of his CD. I’m a fan.
