Happy Father’s Day to the Moms

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My mother raised me by herself (without child support) on less than $10,000 a year, working two jobs to do it sometimes. I know that cannot be an easy job. Happy Father’s Day to all the single Mom’s pulling double duty. You guys are the bomb!

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Wow, what a ride…

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wow what a ride

There is a saying in my circles that drives me absolutely crazy some times.

“This Too Shall Pass.”

Honestly, when I’m in the middle of THIS, whatever it is, I’m not all that keen on seeing the temporary of my situation. All I can see is the now and the now stinketh much sometimes.

Take my right now for instance. I am 30 weeks into what started as a simple ankle replacement. I am still in part one of that. My tibia is still broken and we haven’t even gotten to the ankle part. People have commented about my positive attitude and I want to tell you, there are days where my prayers sound like King David’s “How long Oh Lord?”

Now I do know that my leg is going to heal and that life will pick up again and that like the saying goes this will pass. I know this because 10 years ago, it was my heart that was broken instead of my leg.

10-years ago, I didn’t believe this would pass. I felt stuck in a never-ending cycle of hurt and disappointment.

While I was still depressed over my circumstances, I chose to trust God with a single step. Nothing major, just make my bed. Then it was get dressed. Then take a walk. Quit my job. And then the scariest of all – make a new friend. And another. And another.

Over time things changed. I started doing things that scared me to death for a moment and produced wonderful results. (I failed at a lot of things as well, but you know… I kept going anyway)

tbt2

So beloved – where ever you are, whatever season you are in, know that things do pass, life does change, and if you take one small step of faith and courage great things will happen.

Be Brave
Be Bold
Dare to Live

Otherwise, it’s just complaining.

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joni mitchellI love Joni Mitchell, and I especially love this quote. I can think of so many things this applies to other than great songs. It applies to stories, comedy, and life in general.

My thoughts are not always my friends.

I’m on day 224 with this broken leg. I can normally stop my rambling brain by weeding my garden, going for a bike ride, or taking a walk. I don’t have that luxury right now. I’m really having to work on being more compassionate towards myself and my thinking.

My first perceptions and thoughts about a situation are usually incomplete. I need to remember take time to step back, listen, process, and find clarity. Otherwise, it’s just all noise.

 

 

Music Monday: Cory Johnson, Another Soldier’s Coming Home

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In Honor of Memorial Day – 
cory johnson
Click on the photo to go to Cory’s Webpage. Seriously — click on it – he is awesome.

I met Cory Johnson completely on accident. I had a comedy gig that night that got cancelled at the last-minute because my promoter forgot to pay the rent. (just in case you thought my life was glamorous.)  Rather than let the night go to waste, my husband and I decided to go out on a date to our favorite restaurant in Broken Arrow called The Main Street Tavern. We walked in on a CD release party. I had no idea. I’ve never heard of Cory before that. By the time the night was through, I sent my husband up to purchase a CD. (I was already in my boot by then.) This man is from Broken Arrow, I probably knew his mother, although I could be wrong about that. Johnson is a rather common name.

(Me: He looks just like the guy who’s working on Bernice’s house. I bet that’s her son. Him: He’s not the same guy. Me: Yes he is. I swear. — sigh. NOPE. oh well. Turns out I don’t know his mother. Or at least the woman I thought was, isn’t. Not that it matters,he’s still a good musician though.)

I spent the whole night, just blown away and I’ve pretty much worn out that CD. Good thing I uploaded it to ITunes. Cory wrote a special song for a young man in Claremore that never made it home. I think it’s absolutely beautiful. I was hoping to find a video of him performing it on Youtube, but the best I could find is sound cloud. This is the perfect song for today – I think it embodies what we are remembering. Click on the link below to hear it and when you are finished, please click on Cory’s photo and check out his web page. Oh mylanta, you will not be sorry. Have a great day you guys. Love you! Mean it!

 CLICK HERE to hear Cory’s song, Another Soldier’s Coming Home

You can find Cory Johnson at the following places Facebook: That Johnson Boy Web: That Johnson Boy’s Music Twitter: CoryTJB Order his CD : My Country Point of View

 FCC DISCLAIMER: No goods or services were given in exchange for this endorsement. I am not associated with Mr Johnson in any way, shape or form. Seriously, the guy has no idea I even exist. I just really love this song (and the CD) and think it’s perfect for Memorial Day and think you guys would like it. Enjoy. 

Proof that Banjo Is Cool: Neil Young

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“There is music you never hear unless you play it yourself.”
― Marty Rubin

banjo neil youngIf I could sum up the feel that I go for when playing banjo, this picture would be it. It’s Neil Young, circa 1970’s playing sitting quietly under a tree.

People usually make fun of banjo. My thoughts are if Neil Young plays, it must be cool.

Having a broken leg has it’s advantages. I was so busy last year that practicing my banjo was usually an after thought.  My teacher can probably attest to that. I’m pretty sure I annoyed the snot out of him many times by showing up without the songs memorized.

I’m presently on week 30 of my “12 week vacation” and I’ve found a lot of time to practice.

Go figure.

Today, I spend a whole lot of my day sitting and picking and learning and I love it.

I especially love the fact that I can pick up my banjo and create something that didn’t exist five minutes ago.

That is too cool.