Josh’s Top 5 albums of 2009: #1 Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

So our wait is over, everybody. It’s come down to the top spot in the countdown…aaaaaaand nobody who’s talked to me for more than a minute this year about music will be surprised because I couldn’t shut my trap or not share approximately 295,730,933 videos on Facebook from this album and band this year. All apologies but this band went from being in, “Oh yeah, they’re great and I’m a big fan” territory to reaching pantheon (wow, that’s a Bill Simmons-ism...) status and might be in the discussion for top 5 all time artists for me, and that’s saying something, and this all came about because of the release at #1…

Josh’s Top 5 albums of 2009: #1 Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career



I first stumbled upon Camera Obscura about four years as they were one of a few bands in the “Belle & Sebastian” mold (twee/chamber pop/indie pop/whatever) and had been described as almost B&S with a female singer. That was enough for me, although I think that comparison is only skin deep. Anyway, beginning with their album debut in 2001 (Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi), they’ve consistently made crafted some of indie pop’s best moments, even if most of the rest of world hasn’t been listening. Debut single, Eighties Fan, still holds up remarkably well and their output has remained at a high level throughout the decade. Their second album, Underachievers Please Try Harder (great title, btw) deepened the topics and Campbell really started getting autobiographical and personal. Songs like Teenager, Before You Cry, Books Written For Girls, and Keep It Clean see a songwriter coming into her own. By the time we got to 2006’s Let’s Get Out Of This Country this guy was impressed enough that in one of those silly Facebook quizzes, when asked to list his top 25 albums of all time, that album made it. In fact, one review of that disc went, “Stepping fully out of the shadow of their onetime patrons Belle & Sebastian, the group has composed and performed an album that is comparable to B&S' best and ranks with the best indie pop albums ever.” They totally outdid themselves as songs such as Lloyd, Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken (one of my favorite singles of the decade), Tears For Affairs, If Looks Could Kill, Razzle Dazzle Rose and Let's Get Out Of This Country sounded like instant classics and I still never pass skip them when they come on. Having said all that, nothing prepared me for this release.

Love does funny things to people. We see through the cannon of popular music how through either the achievement or the loss of romantic love have shaped musical output as well as become the soundtrack of many lives. I remember reading a quote at some point where the writer stated that the majority of people don’t end up with the person who was their first choice and it is precisely because of this that pop music can have such sway over our lives. This album is no exception to this observation. In fact, through 11 songs, Miss Tracyanne Campbell somehow crams in every emotion under the sun and channeled these songs through the loss of a long term relationship of her own. Mind you, these are not laments of a teenager, as this subject matter tends gets relegated to, but remembrances of the process that love and it’s sometimes loss can have on a person. Emotions sway, sometimes very starkly, in the same song from fondness, to desperation, loneliness, manic infatuation, regret, but everything slowly moves the listener forward towards the conclusion I think Campbell tries to make in this album. You get songs of being adrift in places, loss, contemplation, moving forward and then going back, but through all of this one gets the sense that the proceedings are pointing to something. It’s the idea that even in the midst of personal struggle, all that is hazy will become clear again. It’s this almost naive (but not quite…although I’m a sap) view of romantic love that even through the muck of life, it’s ultimately worthwhile. Love wins out despite the valleys we go through and I think that’s ultimately what this album is about and with that said, here’s your guide through the valley. (Note that all songs are linked to a lovely clip of the band performing said song. Go ahead. Click away. You won’t regret it.)

Things get kicked off with lead single, French Navy, which details the moment in which two people stumble into love and have that mad rush, without quite thinking things through. She soon realizes this and spends the rest of song lamenting it’s passing and what she did wrong just as it started. This also continues a theme found in Traceyanne’s songs. This vacillation of emotions across the board gives her songs a genuine human element. She has this tendency to not merely dress her songs in overt feelings either way so it’s common to have things like joy, expectation, loss, and the lot in one song and so often that how these things go in real life.

The Sweetest Thing follows, in which (oh and I should state that this is not done in any chronological order) she gets out and dating with all the expectation of someone who hasn’t been loved in a long time. Remembrances of time past, where she would have to pay her way, taint the past love and is reminded of songs on the radio of this past. Despite all of this, hope remains even if it’s clouded love as can be seen on lyrics like, “When you’re lucid you’re the sweetest thing, I’d trade my mother just to hear you sing.”

You Told A Lie, is one of a number of songs that just hit my heart. The songs begins with the lines, “If you were a season you would be in bloom, I wish I had good reason to see you soon, no need to convince me you’re a catch, I’ve bought my ticket I’m sold at last.” This sentiment gets immediately dashed as it’s reveled that all that she believed about this person and their relationship were ultimately lies. There’s the notion of love conquering all but, she notes, it’s doesn’t add up if that’s the case. The tragedy of this song, is that even though she freely admits that’s the case, she’s still suck on him (and them) and hasn’t been able to yet become freed.

Away With Murder is about the creepiest tune in the set, but for good reason. This is a song of how one is at the lowest depths. When all hope is lost and you need someone there and you’re not sure if that someone will appear.

A couple songs later we get James (sorry, Swans, you’re my least favorite track on the album and I can’t say much about you), which is a devastating song for me because I’ve totally lived it. Love does something to people and even love that isn’t lasting. We fundamentally change in our hearts and soul and even with the best of intentions, post breakup, it can sometimes be impossible to be friends afterwords. That’s the tough one here. She CLEARY is still in love but is in that place where you still remember the love vividly and falsely believe that that should still count for something, and maybe even the creation of a new, but different kind of friendship. It doesn’t work as she still is pleading (“Can’t you see, you belong with me?”) that they should be together despite all signs to the contrary. Not only that, she’s still dealing with having things end without really knowing why and you can feel her heart break as she sings the chorus, “Oh James, you broke me. I thought I knew you well.”

Continuing this exact theme is Careless Love, but is one where it’s finally realized that they really can’t ever be friends again…and then she changes her mind and believes it can still happen. Oh love. You and your craziness you inflict on us. She goes back and forth so much you’re never sure what she’s going to decide but such is the confusion we can be thrown into after the dust has settled.

The title track, My Maudlin Career, is more of a summation of how all of this has her. She’s been able to evaluate the situation and declares, “This maudlin career must come to and end, I don’t want to be sad again.” It’s taken its toll and she’s done with all of it. Be it the noose around her neck of this previous relationship that still has a grip on her as well the stumbles of anything else on the horizon.

This leads into Other Towns And Cities, which is a contemplation in the wee hours of the morning. She’s drinking whiskey and wondering where her old love is and who they’re with while simultaneously remembering all the times he held her and the times they shared. Something tells me not to buy the final line as she sings, “You’re in another town or city, you mean nothing to me tonight.” Such are the things we tell ourselves to not go crazy.

Forests And Sands is the other one on this album that always gets me. It’s probably the one part in the album where a few lines remind me of an exact time and place in my life. My heart breaks when I hear her sing:

“Oh, and it feels like none of this is real
I pretend that my heart and my head are well
But if the blood pumping through my veins could freeze
Like a river in Toronto then I’d be pleased
You said I made you feel warm, said I made you feel warm inside”

Not only that, but in the first stanza we got, “I’ve been innocently learning your language, you’ve been taking full advantage, haven’t you? Don’t say it’s true.” It’s a song of the realization of a betrayal of trust and how that cuts to the core of someone. In the live clip I included, you can actually see her get emotional about the scene she’s painting. Tough stuff.

Now, if this is where the album ended, then this review ends differently. As opposed to many a great album, the lynch-pin of everything is the final song, Honey In The Sun. Not that it’s allllll sunny goodness, as there are nods to some of the stuff which preceded it, but the closer is a reaffirmation of the point I made at the beginning. Love can knock you around, make you lose your faith in humanity at times, and can leave you cold. However, love IS worth it and WILL find a way. It can flip cynics as is noted in this piece as she sings the chorus:

“I wish my heart was cold but it’s warmer than before
I wish my heart was as cold as the morning dew
But it’s as warm as saxophones and honey in the sun for you”

So despite the tragedy of the previous 10 songs, we see that life and love has a way of working itself out. Maybe it’s ultimately too idealistic but I’m a hopeless romantic idealist sort and this is my review. Anyway as a bonus, the iTunes version of the album comes with the very apt for everything else, The World Is Full Of Strangers and I highly recommend that as a download as well. Lastly, they put out as the B-side to The Sweetest Thing, a wonderful cover version of Bruce Springsteen’s Tougher Than The Rest that is also in step with the set.

One final note. Part of me isn’t entirely sure that this set is a better one than Let’s Get Out Of This Country, but for me it was released at the perfect time. I wholeheartedly believe in the healing power of music and this album was the most cathartic musical experience I have ever had. I’m sure I’ll never meet Traceyanne but this work she put together truly helped heal this little heart of mine and gave me a ring of hope right when I needed it. Say what you may about pop music being a “distraction from life” or some sort of put on, but when done with true humanity can have the power to enact change, goodness, and will alter lives for the better.

Here are the official videos:

French Navy



Honey In The Sun



The Sweetest Thing

Josh’s Top 5 albums of 2009: #2 God Help The Girl – God Help The Girl/Stills

Here we are, folks…anyone who knows my musical tastes my have noticed that a good number of my favorite bands hail from Scotland. I have no idea why this is so but it’s absolutely the case. The top two is no exception, although the decision on how to rank them was a no-brainer. This is not so much an indication how I feel about album #2, it’s just that album #1 in our grand countdown quickly hit my all time top 10 in short order. With that said, let’s get on with things…

Josh’s Top 5 albums of 2009: #2 God Help The Girl – God Help The Girl/Stills



Back a mere year or two ago, I remember reading that Stuart Murdoch, songwriter/band leader of Belle & Sebastian, was putting together something outside of the B&S banner centered around a nationwide hunt for female vocalists. I was intrigued. Not that this would be a total first, former band member Isobel Campbell as well as current member Sarah Martin, have lent their vocals to past songs. However, this was much more than bringing in a few female vocalists.

It turned out that Stuart had, over the course of a few years, organically written this story centered around a few female characters and when it came to look at bringing these songs to light decided that they fell outside of what the band normally does. So the search went out, and he found quite the set of singers (all previously, relatively, unknown) and work was started. What was crafted went beyond a mere set of songs, but a complete musical story. So much so that this project went from being “musical story” to soundtrack to an upcoming film (to be shot in 2010) that Murdock wrote a screenplay for.

As for the songs, the majority of them are sung by Catherine Ireton, who turns in an almost “star in the making” set and is THE revelation of the album. She plays the part of the main character, Eve, and it’s through her eyes that the story takes place. Other voices are strewn throughout but everything revolves around Eve. My only initial concern was that there were two songs from the last B&S album (Act of the Apostle and Funny Little Frog) that were both re-worked and I wasn’t sure how they would fit. Good news is that Act is arranged in a way that it becomes the prologue of the album and eases things in. Frog, stuck right in middle, feels a taaad odd just because it’s one of the few not sung by Ireton although by then it’s kind of good to have that change of pace. I think I changed my mind halfway through that sentence how I felt. Musically the proceedings wander from girl group, to slightly 80’s, doo-wop, very B&S, jazzy, but always very vocal centered, with good reason. Personal highlights for me include the title track, Hiding Neath My Umbrella, Musician, Please Take Heed, A Down and Dusky Blonde, as well as the Stills (more in that in a moment) tune The Psychiatrist Is In.

Oh and before we get to the vids, I found it odd that they then released a 5 song EP, Stills just a few months after the album when all of the songs from both can easily fit on one disc. *hmmmmmmm* The cynic in me wonders if this wasn’t a plot to get us “completists” to shell out a few more dollars for extra songs. I hope not. Although I’m not really a cynical fellow so there’s that. Anyway, in addition to the few clips I’ve included, check out the GHTG youtube channel for a fun four part set on the album if you’re so inclined. Enjoy the music. Here you go.


“We Play a Show” Documentary Part 1



“We Play a Show” Documentary Part 2



God Help The Girl

Josh’s Top 5 albums of 2009: #3 Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes – Up From Below

So here we are, back at it although before I get with things I have a confession to make. This list was always a top three list, but a top five just feels better than a top three list. It must be some kind of weird societal thing of having lists in fives and tens but that’s another topic. Anyway, three albums jumped out at me this year and here is number three (so it’s kind of a countdown within a countdown)…

Josh’s Top 5 albums of 2009: #3 Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes – Up From Below



Every once in awhile someone will point me in a musical direction totally unexpected and seemingly random all at the same time. My friend Jill casually referenced them to me on Facebook last summer and I was hooked after hearing one track on youtube. Sometimes that’s all it takes. It’s kind of like love.

More than almost anything else I just love the vibe of this band. As it is, there’s something like 50 people in the band (or less, but it’s quite the crowd), and they just exude a joy of life not found in too many acts out there. I think that means something. Also you have to love a bunch of latter day hippies making feel good music in an unapologetic sort of way. I think that since there appears to be a dearth of bands out there with this set of characteristics, so it make them shine even more so.

So let’s get to the music, shall we? As usual I’ll let a few of the numbers speak for themselves as I’ll share a few vids below (no pun intended) but I felt I should share a word or two. First of all, Home is one of the tracks of the year for me. Not only was their performance of it on the Letterman show my initial tasting of them but also…well…I’m a total sap and I find the concept of having someone be your metaphorical home appealing. I’m funny that way. It also helped that I went through a stretch in which I swore I woke up with the song in my head every other morning. I started to worry about myself.

Other than that, Janglin also burrowed its way into my brain as well (NOT complaining, btw) and carries such a late-sixties vibe that I would swear it was of the area. There’s also some oddly, shall I say “Anthemic” to Carries On and it’s one of those tracks I forget how much I love until it stumbles into my ears. Although I think I was sold when, upon listening the album a few weeks after getting it, and thinking halfway through, “This really *is* pretty fantastic isn’t it?” So for me I think Edward (or Alexander…whatever) is pretty magnetic (pun intended), Jade is adorable, feel-good folky/sixties inspired tunes never sounded better and I never go wrong throwing it in. What more could you ask for? Here are a few vids…

Home



Janglin’



40 Day Dream

Josh’s Top 5 albums of 2009: #4 7 Worlds Collide – The Sun Came Out

Welcome back, everybody. Lest you think I’ve been swallowed up with “stuff” as December can get a tad busy, you’re right but I would really like to get on with the countdown. Although at this pace, I’ll finish sometime next month…maybe. Now, as opposed to the drama, as it were, of my last selection of going with Outer South over Monsters of Folk, I think this one should be easier.

Josh’s Top 5 albums of 2009: #4 7 Worlds Collide – The Sun Came Out



Let’s step into the waaaaaaay back machine to 2001, shall we? Former Crowded House front man, Neil Finn, brings together a host of famous musician friends, (including Eddie Vedder, Johnny Marr, Ed O’Brien and Phil Selway of Radiohead, and Lisa Germano) and they record a live album, featuring songs mostly from Neil (either as a member of Split Enz, Crowded House and as a solo artist). Anyway, it’s a great listen and I’ve always loved all the different voices coming together to play and sing these songs.

Okay, so step back on the way back machine set that bad boy to about one year ago. Neil gets the idea to bring the band back together, but with a twist or two. Instead of simply having a number of concerts, how about they write and record an *entire album* of new material…in three weeks? How about everybody come down to New Zealand and bring the family? And not only that, but also have the proceeds go to charity (in this case, Oxfam)? Neil made the contacts and got most of the original participants back, but with a few extra friends (including most of Wilco and KT Tunstall) as well.

It was quite the undertaking and results are good…but a taaaaad uneven simply due to length. There is a lot of good stuff; it’s just a bit long to slug through but there a good number of diamonds along the way. If this were a single disc (to be fair, there *is* a single disc version but that doesn’t count as far as I’m concerned) and they had sifted out some of weaker tracks, it may have shot up a spot or two. So I suppose that even though it *was* possible to crank out an entire double disc of new songs, it may not have been the most advisable. Having said that, here are a few highlights (as always, Facebook friends, just visit my blog for the vids).


Here’s an overview of the project:



Here’s a brief bit on Oxfam from a couple of the performers:




The Ties That Bind



Learn To Crawl



Hazel Black

Josh's Top 5 Albums of 2009: #5 Outer South

Since the calendar has flipped to December, it’s made me think about not just how the past 12 months have gone in my life (in crazy and unpredictable ways, as usual) but it also reminds me that it’s time to put a list together. I know we’ve allllllllll been waiting for this and so it’s time to do “Josh’s top albums of the year” list. As opposed to last year’s list, this is going to be a top 5 one. There were apparently more new albums I got last year, which scares me a little bit because I don’t want to turn into, “Guy who’s settled into his music and no longer buys anything new because new music is weird/scary/stupid etc.” Anyway, I had a haaaard time even deciding on 5 so I though I should keep it at that…live with it.

However, before I get to #5, I wanted to say a word of two on a few that didn’t make it. I was looking forward to the New Flaming lips album, Embryonic, but at the end of the day it was a little too trippy for me (which is kind of saying something) and they have made a decided turn away from their style from earlier in the decade (so *not* anything like my fave, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, which is a shame) so they didn’t make it. I also had hopes for the Bad Lieutenant album, Never Cry Another Tear, which features Bernard Sumner of Joy Division and New Order fame. Even though I liked that was a surprisingly cooperative effort, most of the songs are good/fine enough, but nothing over the top so no dice there. And then, riiiiight at #6, was the Monsters of Folk (Jim James, M. Ward, Mike Mogis, and Conor Obest…look ‘em up) self titled album. The only real reason it didn’t get in was because of who I went with at #5. I liked the melding of four different music voices but at the end of the day, it turned out that one of these voices also put out his own album and so I went in that direction, which brings me to #5 so let’s get started…

Josh’s Top 5 albums of 2009: #5 Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band – Outer South

At the end of the day, I love Conor’s stuff and if I was going to choose between an album with a quarter of his songs next to one with 80% of his work (more on that in a minute) I was going to go with Outer South. His work as/with Bright Eyes is still some of my favorite musical moments from the past ten years and his first solo album (2008’s Conor Oberst) was in my top five last year so it’s no surprise I took rather well to this disc. Now I *did* mention this 80% business and one of things that threw people off when the album was released was that there are a few songs *not* written/sung by Conor on the disc (the audience is aghast). Now how are the results on that end? Mixed, I think. A few are perfectly great (Bloodline, Big Black Nothing, and Worldwide to name a few) although there’s a tune or two (Air Mattress and Snake Hill) sung by a guy who sounds a lot like the lead singer for Apples in Stereo and that’s not a compliment.

Now the Conor tunes are a slight progression from the last album although if you’re a Bright Eyes fan and hadn’t realized it, dude has changed gears although songs like Classic Cars (from the last Bright Eyes album, Cassadaga) would fit in perfectly with this set so it’s not a total about face. I think maybe some people would be bummed that his writing has moved away, to a degree, from hyper introspective songs to covering lots of other territory. I kind of think that you could into be *that* intense for so long before needing to move on artistically, if for no other reason than to gain some internal relief. Anyway, as for Outer South, as always it’s best to just take a listen or two so here are a few clips from the album:

Spoiled



Nicorette

Dylan at the Palladium

Now even though it’s been over three weeks ago now, I still think I should write something about this. The “this” being finally seeing Mr. Bob Dylan and his Band at the Hollywood Palladium on October 14th. I had waffled a bit in going initially simply because of the cost as it’s a pretty penny to see living legends these days. I had also heard a wide variety of things about his live shows these days (both perceived “good” and “bad”) but I still went ahead and went because…well because I wasn’t sure when I would have another opportunity to see him because I don’t always catch wind of bands coming through town (yes, even I’m surprised by that.). So I got my ticket and anxiously waited for the night to arrive…

I had made tentative plans to meet up with my friend Jean-Paul, who told me about the show, as I like to go to things with people. I know, I’m the self-professed introvert who hates doing things by himself. I just don’t like doing things alone, I suppose. Anyway, I made it to the venue and had gotten there before JP so I bought myself a beer because I needed to do *something* while waiting. Was I just going to stare at the wall? Anyway, I ordered a Newcastle (big size) and didn’t realize it was, ohhhhhhh, a $14 beer until that price rolled out of the bartender’s mouth. I wasn’t going to be a jerk about it, so I paid up and waited by the door. This went on until I just finished up and then heard rumblings from the stage that the “opener” was coming out. I then though, “Well I suppose I’ll watch the opener while I wait for JP” and then the loudspeakers blared, “Please welcome Columbia Records recording artist…Bob Dylan!” WHOA…no opener! And it’s just after 8:30! My kind of start time. So needless to say I didn’t meet-up with JP before the show but when Bob comes to the stage, you listen.

Anyway, as for the set (oh and smrt guy here didn’t get his new album…until the day before) he definitely leaned towards tracks from the last three albums although there were a few older goodies along the way such as show opener “Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat”, “Highway 61 Revisited”, “Balled of a Thin Man, and “Like a Rolling Stone” Now even though I’m not at as familiar with the new tunes, I still liked them even though I would have liked to have heard more 60’s stuff but I’m sure he’s a tad sick of playing much of the songs from that period. It’s only natural and I don’t fault that or for doing things like changing arrangements around. Oh and I also really liked that he still does all of the harmonica bits and hasn’t relegated those duties to someone else so that was a treat.

Anyway, here’s a video montage of some of the songs from the show:





Of course since I stumbled into things when I did I was relegated to the back and being a short guy was not helpful. I also have this tendency to be stuck behind either the tall guy or the guy with a big hat…or both. Anyway, after the set, I finally bumped into JP and we have a few minutes to talk about the show so things worked out on that end.

Now did I enjoy the show? Yes, actually, even if I had to position myself just perfectly to see Bob’s head on stage and the fact I wasn’t too familiar with the set. I will admit that I enjoyed the Camera Obscura show from June muuuuuuuch more but I’m slightly obsessed with them and the ticket cost a quarter of Bob’s and I was only 20 feet away from Tracyanne for that one, but I digress. Anyway, it was good times and I’m glad I went.

Anyway, sorry for the fairly late posting on this, but with being sick for a week not long ago as well as the general business of my life recently, my time seems to be eaten up more quickly these days. We’ll see if another show pops out of nowhere this year and if so, I’ll be sure to report. Thanks for your patience, my fellow Dylan fan friends on this.

This Week Is Looking Good

This week is looking good. I somehow survived week 1, which was one of the of the craziest one’s I’ve had in my fours years here at MI, and I almost think everything after that will be gravy. I’m more than overly thankful that not every week was like last week but now that it’s over, I can de-stress a bit and enjoy a few things coming up.

On that note, I’m still waiting to see how tonight will shape up. There was talk of getting tickets with my buddy Matt from church in seeing a couple members of Travis tonight at a small show but it’s not looking likely at the moment although if anything, I have the first televised Clipper’s pre-season game tonight to watch on the new HD TV…which is reason 49,025,902,357,230 why having a good woman in my life would do wonders for me. Anywho…so that’s tonight.

My Wednesday will see me catch Mr. Bob Dylan for my first foray into seeing the guy live. This had to have been the expensive concert ticket I’ve ever shelled out for, but it seemed worth it. Not to jump on the morbid train, but you never know how long he’ll be touring. Interpret that however you want. Regardless, I’ll have a review to work on beginning on Thursday so keep your eyes peeled.

I then have seemingly wrangled a good group together to head on over to Alpine Village to take in their Oktoberfest festivities this Saturday. So it should be a good night of food, fun, songs, brew, dancing and the lot. I’ll post pictures on FB as I’m sure I’ll have a good batch as I’m a snapping fool (Snapping Fool will be playing Coachella next year, btw).

In addition to getting things started off right by catching the Blue Sky Divide show last night at church, there is much to look forward to. I’m sure other stuff will shake out as my life has kind of worked that way this year. So things are looking good. More later.

Buying a Conspiracy

So I’ve concocted a crazy conspiracy (yay for alliteration, btw) and I need to share. I highly suspect that the good (or maybe not so good) people at Best Buy have laid a trap for me, which I’ve walked right into. Okay so follow me here…First of all, my computer suddenly stopping being able to connect to the internet and this required me to get a new computer. Now never mind that it was six and half years old and was on its last legs…don’t let the facts get in the way of a good conspiracy theory. Anyway, so I had my credit card maxed out, as it’s been one of those financial years, and so I opened up a Best Buy card if for no other reason than I knew I could get one interest free for 18 months. Plus since computers aren’t overly expensive right now I was fine enough with it. So no worries, right? Nope…

So this is the part when the story gets interesting…a few days later some horrible people broke onto our house and on top of getting away with three laptops also swiped my fairly expensive camera. So since photography has become quite the interest of mine I “had” to find a replacement so since I *already* had a BB card, I trudged my way back for an expensively similar replacement.

Now we get to last week and after turning the TV on and after fiddling about I discovered that the tube is in the process of going totally south on us. Other than needing to get up and slap the side of it every once in awhile, it’s still working but it’s on its last now. So the other night Christina and I went…yep…to Best Buy and I put an ungodly amount on the card for a 42” HD LCD TV. I think we thought that since the cost will be split we might as well get something good. So that happened the other night and we’ll be upgrading to HD DirecTV service as well as do the wall install…and just in time for hoops season so yay me. I can see my horrible basketball team in high clarity.

So this all, obviously, points to one thing; the best Buy team has been tracking me for awhile and has now sprung their trap. I mean it’s the only explanation. How else can one account for all these devices either going down unexpectedly or being stolen all around the same time? Oh and of course it was The Geek Squad who took the laptops and camera because, after all, they have those really cool cars which make for ideal escape cars. It’s all coming together. I will say that they’re really sneaky about coving up their tracks so, for now, I’ll have to sit on the sideline…and make my monthly minimum payments.

The New Digs

So in my camp blog, I mentioned the bedroom overhaul I encountered while away on the mountain for a week. The only real purpose of this is to share the aftermath although I should have had the foresight to have shown the beforemath but I didn’t think of snapping a few shots before I went away so oh well. In its stead just imagine worn down cream/bone colored carpet with dingy plain white walls with a lovely trim featuring pink ribbons. It was very manly ; ) Anyway, here are my new digs and I have to say it’s the best, and most “me”, room I think I’ve ever had to call my own.

Before anything else, here was the room as I came back from camp before I moved anything in:





I chose the color scheme with the three brown (I think it was called “Poplar Island” or some such) walls and the one blue (*hmmmmm* I can’t quite recall the name of that one. Let’s call it “Hipster Blue” How about that?) wall to provide a contrast. I think the blend worked well and I’ve garnered a few compliments on that…so yay, Josh. Anyway, here’s what the room looks like now:










Artwork wise I wanted to have a musical theme (I know, surprise surprise) so I went out and selected some prints I thought would either compliment the scheme or ones I just plain liked. Here’s what I found:

A Flaming Lips poster with artwork done by front man Wayne Coyne:



A mid-60’s shot of the Beach Boys inexplicably holding planks of wood in lieu of a surf board.



The Beatles walking on the side of the street where Paul obviously didn’t get the memo to wear the black suit.



A re-print of a Bob Dylan show from the 60’s.



Lastly, an original (it’s individually numbered, so I’m guessing) show poster promoting a Bright Eyes show.



Anyway, so that’s about it. I know I put these photos up on my Facebook page but I wanted to get something on my regular blog for the non-Facebook people in my life so there you go.

5 Years

It was 5 year ago today that everything changed for both good and bad in my life. It was, by far, one of the top 3 happiest days of my life and brought about a 2 ½ year stretch where I felt for sure that God really did love me in a personal way despite my previous feelings. Of course the flip side is that it has now brought 2 ½ years of some serious wilderness walking and I can only hope that I’m now in the middle of seeing this walk come to an end.

I know it’s taught me the importance of being patient and how much I need to trust in God although it’s been difficult. We speak about not leaning on our own understanding and that God has a plan and so on but it can be trying as one’s world comes crashing around them. God’s goodness can appear hidden and distant when all one sees is betrayal, loss of hope, and left questioning the how a good God can stand by and allow horrible things to happen. Although I know this is not a unique circumstance as many who have come before, and after, me have/will ponder the same.

Although for me the most difficult aspect to this has been the uncertainly if all of this is part of a larger plan that God has for me or if the world really is just horrible and God sits back on the sideline without playing a role in our lives. Ultimately I side with the first interpretation, not only because it provides comfort but because I DO see God working in other areas of my life and have done so this year in some pretty startling ways. God has put me in some crazy situations, and the summer that’s winding down has gone in some unexpected directions but I feel Him moving throughout even as I stumble around.

Now in the past I know I’ve spoken on this far too negatively (I’m only human after all) but it has been a time of growth as I’m soooooo much more plugged into His community am really active across the board and it hasn’t all been bad and I don’t know if I would be at this personal place if I wouldn’t have needed to deal with some major personal upheaval. It has made me stronger and it’s also reinforced personality traits I had before, namely this overwhelming belief in following His will wherever it may lead. Remember, I’m the guy who once was perfectly okay with doing crazy things like dropping my vocation and do mission work overseas because of this idea that if God shows you His will for your life, you follow. It’s pretty simple as God knows more than I do and if He makes himself apparent than there’s no real conversation; just action.

And I’m still this way and haven’t become cynical or jaded although I am more cautious than I used to me. In fact, the one thing I know I need to work on is regaining full trust in God and the people he puts in front of me. For a long time I felt I couldn’t trust God because I was so incredible sure about this past situation and couldn’t understand why he would offer me His complete peace and inner assurance if it was just going to blow up in my face. It’s also made me pause whenever I hear any pronouncements from anyone and whether or not they really mean what they’re saying or if they merely mean it *right now* with no guarantee as to the future and that’s been a day to day struggle. Erwin at Mosaic once said in one of her sermons that he believes that God can, and does, put people in your life to specifically break your heart and that through the process you can grow in relationship with Him, which will point to a greater future, even if the process can feel overwhelming at the time.

As for the process, I’ve had times in the last few years where I’ve been at my last wits (especially so just two months ago) and juuuuust ready to resign myself and God has swooped in right at an opportune moment to remind me, “Don’t worry, knucklehead…I’ve got this.” And I do need to be reminded of that…all the time in fact. And that’s what it’s about. He has shaped me through all of this, to become quite the well-rounded, loving, caring, and unwavering guy I am now and I know He’ll use me at His timing. Not mine. So I don’t know what’s to come in the 5 years (let alone the next 5 months) or how what I see before today will come about in the long run, but I know I’ll be ready for whatever (or whoever) comes my way. I think I’m ready, God. Guide me well and I won’t let you down. I know I’ve tried to believe you’ve let me down far too long, and for that I apologize, but through all this craziness I’m ready to go where you want me in whatever form that may take me. Mold me, use me and make me an embodiment of the love you have for each one of us as I move into wherever you’ll send me.

Summer Camp 2009

Hi everybody. So I do apologize for the delay in the creation and posting of this blog post…no, really. This was ridiculous. Don’t even ask me how it took me over a month to write and post this. I mean I know I can be a slight perfectionist but there’s really no excuse. Anyway so here I am to give one man’s account of working up at camp after 11 years away.

I left for camp on Saturday, August 1st although when I got up that morning I yet to either pack for camp or get my bedroom ready for work that was to happen while away. Our landlord had wanted to do work on my room and with me leaving for camp afforded the perfect time. More on the work that was done for a later post but regardless I still needed to move everything out of my room before I got on the road. It was weird as it felt like I was moving and I’m sure by the time I left I had a whole bunch of confused cats on my hands. Actually Christina said that even though she knew I was only going to be gone for a week that it still felt like I was moving out which was not making her happy. Anyway, once I made it up to camp and had settled in, we had a staff dinner (lasagna!!) prepared by my brother Seth (or Manuka). After dinner we somehow crammed a week’s worth of information in a mere few hours. It was a good refresher but I missed the “bonding time” you usually get from spending a week together. We had two distinct groups of former counselors and because of that nature it made it a little more difficult for folks to come together as your natural inclination is to talk to the people you already know which is a different animal than in past camp staffs I’ve experienced. Anyway, so after the staff training we had some good winding down and off to bed.

Sunday saw us meet up for breakfast and head on up to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church to attend church, which was one of the many things that didn’t change in terms of structure. After church was staff meeting, lunch and then we got ready to meet our campers in the early afternoon. One of the things I liked was that we all wore past camp staff shirts either based on when we had previously worked at camp or by way of whom we could get a shirt from. This made me feel like we in some all-star game where we’re wearing our regular jerseys and not the all-star ones. Is that analogy taken too far? *hmmmmmm* Anyway, I was one of four counselors (initially) who had Junior High Adventure and we had about 40 campers, which is a good number considering our total attendance of campers at camp was just over 100. We did have nervous time as we would have parents come in waves and we only had three of us there to coordinate things with our group. This is an issue because two of us need to stay at the lodge so we had one very tired Cody (Polaris) running capers and parents around. After check-in and orientation we had the traditional sing-alongs and burger dinner at the lodge. Camp pictures followed (Oh and anyone in the know, when will we be getting these, including the staff picture?) and we hiked up to the high school for Sunday Night Games. Now I would love to talk about the games but I had a camper with a stomach ache and didn’t quite make it all the way up. As for the first campfire of the week? It was familiar, yet different, but it still got to me the way campfire always does. Afterwards we headed off for bed, which started one of the trends for the week, which was how much work it is to get junior high school guys to get to sleep. I swear I wanted some kind of pacifier but in lieu of having one, I just tried my best and when my best wasn’t enough, then there’s always program staff help (thanks Honaw and Howakan).

Now heading into the week I liked that the schedule was pretty similar in structure to how things were when I was in my prime. It obviously works and I always liked how you get into a “camp rhythm” because of the schedule. I’m a pretty regimented guy so it fit my personality well. Anyway, the basic layout goes like this: breakfast, staff meeting/morning games (MAC time), morning activity, lunch, rest time, early afternoon activity, snack time, late afternoon activity, cabin time, dinner, Bible study, evening games/event, campfire, bedtime. I can set my watch to it and for that, I think it’s the best. If you’re a visual learner, then here was my schedule for the week:




On Monday our morning activity was the GIC course, which is where daft thing like “teamwork” are cultivated. We did, though, feel it necessary to run though another name game or two as faaaaaaaar too many of the campers (oh and maybe a few counselors) didn’t know each other’s names. So the first half of the “GIC course” wasn’t quite the norm but we did head out after feeling like we knew a little more about the group. The one activity we did do was one where the goal was to get the group to all balance on a wood rectangle (maybe 8’x10’ but I could be way off) that is set up a little “see saw-y” so coordination was important. After being frustrated with the going through a few times, Noelle (Oasis) told them that she’s seen over 40 do this before so it IS possible. We also got them to appoint a leader, as before it was almost 40 junior highers all talking to each other at once which resulted in mass confusion, and it helped them see how having someone coordinate a plan can help achieve a goal. So after a few attempts, they finally got things into balance and happiness abounded…which was great although I laughed when Oasis admitted she’s never seen over 40 people do this but wanted to give the group motivation. Good times! Here’s how the mass confusion looked like for a spell:




After lunch we made our way over to field/volleyball area for some good old water balloon volleyball. For the uninitiated, this game is just like volleyball…except for the sheets, water balloons and some rules differences. Other than that, it’s identical. Oh and here are a few pics.








I took the third option off for break and understand it was a rousing time at the pool. On my end, I took a crazy nap and then found myself utterly and completely drained. This then lead to me actually wondering if, at 34, I still had the physical strength to do this for a week. I was enjoying my time but suddenly I found myself sore, drained, and just not at the best place as I wanted to give my all and at that moment I was thiiiiiis close to seeing Susie (Vo’Evah, who was program director for the week) and saying, “I’m falling apart. What can we do?” Thankfully I was able to push through but it got interesting for a few minutes.

Wow…and I just realized that I can’t remember which All-Camp we did Monday night. I want to say it was Counselor Safari. Anyway, let’s pretend it was Counselor Safari…Anyway, this seemed to be a variation on a game that was banned (Counselor Hunt) back when I was a counselor in the ‘90’s but whatever, it was cool. Basically the counselors hide in the forest as some kind of “animal” (I was a mountain lion) and the campers, along with some counselor help, find and capture the “animals” and I somehow don’t think PETA would approve. I didn’t make the game up, btw. Other than that, the one thing I will about this was that I got the following shot. Yes, it’s a little “Endor-like” which suits me just fine.



Tuesday was highlighted by a trip to Lake Gregory but before I talk about that, I have a little back story to cover that must happen before I cover the rest of the week. On Sunday, right before we received our campers, Manuka gave us paperwork on one of the girls who happen to have Asperger Syndrome. We each read through her report but still didn’t know what to expect. However, after she arrived with her dad on Sunday, we didn’t see anything that might be of concern. We got through Monday and we noticed a couple things. First of all, she had made a friend who she was spending lots of time (a good thing) with and we also found out that she wanted people to call her Ian. Now I think the overall opinion was a “whatever she wants to be called is fine with us” and going into Tuesday I didn’t think much of it. So I got ready for the lake on Tuesday morning and didn’t even think about what shirt I was throwing (yes, this ties in) on but I decided to put on one of my (post-punk English band for the uninitiated) shirts and then headed to breakfast. Shortly after getting into the dining hall, Ian walked right up to me and said, “You like Joy Division too?! What’s your favorite album?” Yes folks, it turns out one of her interests (as those with the syndrome will hyper focus on certain interests and the like) happened to be one of my favorite bands. Who knew?! Of course I than put it together. Ian…like Ian Curtis…the late lead singer of the band. Right. I did feel bad as when we all got on the bus Ian told her friend who wanted to sit with her, “I’ll sit with you on the way back. I want to talk about Joy Division.” And so it began…now before you get the wrong idea. I thought it was great, as she was able to draw a connection with one of her counselors, and I’m sure it really helped her feel like she fit in more as camp situations can be difficult at times. Once again, there’s God stepping in…I had just bought this particular shirt about a month earlier, the fact I wore it when I did (as the impact wouldn’t have been as great should I had thrown it on Thursday) was interesting timing to say the least, and that I was assigned this particular group all made for nice timing. Maybe I’m the crazy one, but whenever I see a confluence of events all pointing to the same thing, I usually don’t dismiss it as coincidence as I believe we’re all put into each other’s path at just the right time for reasons we might not understand at the present moment…but that’s for another post. Anyway, for the rest of the week I found myself in a variety of conversations while on options with Ian and it became a good thing for her week.

Okay so that’s how my Tuesday started at breakfast but as far as the lake day, it was a nice change of pace from “regular camp” stuff so I was in. Now, as opposed to “my generation” (HA!) we left for the lake in the late morning instead of right after breakfast. I like that as even I do enjoy the lake, you (or I) do get “laked out” after awhile although seeing everyone splash down from the water slide was fun. Oh and we also had a new counselor join the group at the lake as Cody (Falcon) (yes…another Cody to the mix…but not to be confused with Codie, who was working one of the other groups) came on board to help out. Anyway, here’s how Lake Gregory looked that day.





Once back at camp, in the mid afternoon, we camp stored and hung out in the dorms until dinner…or they did as I was on break. Anyway, after dinner/Bible study we engaged in a rousing game of reverse scavenger hunt. You know. Grab a bunch of random items from the tipis/dorms and, in camp groups, try to match up the items with requests from the facilitators. Here’s what that looked like:





Wednesday morning we hit the Dogwood hike, which I haven’t done in over 10 years and certainly was in no position to lead. Thankfully, John (Honaw) agreed to lead the kids on this one and did fun things like tell about how Alice Algae and Freddie Fungus took a lichen to each other…get it? Algae. Fungus. Together. Lichen. Liken. Anyway…oh and we also saw this:



Good old fur and bone coughed up by a bird of prey…in case you’re wondering.

The notable afternoon option was the creation of survival huts that our group was to then sleep in at night. We had the campers divided into small groups/pairs and let them have at it with a variety of results. Here are some of their efforts:












They did need to be reminded to not do things like pull off branches of living trees to use and at one point, after one of the girls mistakenly pulled a branch out from an aforementioned living tree, I playfully corrected her. Some of you might be familiar with the Kevin and Bean show on KROQ and one of their recurring segments, “Kevin (or Bean) the Interview Killer!!” where one of them will just kill the flow of an interview with an ill timed question or something along those lines. Well right after I saw one of our campers pull out a branch I, without thinking, sang, “Lydia the forest destroyer!!!” in the same melody and all…hey, I was entertained.

So after survival huts were constructed, loosely speaking, we took a vote on whether or not we would sleep in them for the night and the “yes’s” juuuuuuust barely won out so away we left after campfire. Now I had been somewhat hesitant because the majority was a slight one which made me unsure as to how this was going to go over. Once the campers had settled in, I found a place to sleep…right under a tree…on an incline…that I didn’t prepare…It was also COLD and I slept in my jeans and jacket but hey, it was camp so why not. Anyway, the next morning we all got up and had breakfast and while talking to them, it seemed that they all appreciated the opportunity and like the experience, so it did work out in the end.

Thursday, the last full day, saw the group split up as we did rock climbing over the course of two options. In fact, it took so much time that my group (the first) didn’t get back until Lunch had just finished but it was well worth it. Chris (Howakan) and Honaw facilitated it and I loved seeing some of the campers. Especially so, our camper Ally tried it initially and had to quit as it had, at one part, gotten too difficult for her. However, after giving it another go, she was able to make it up and I was really happy and proud of her for not giving up. Other than that I tried my best to corral my boys as best as I could as they were simply determined to eat these ants (they taste like lemonade, btw) that lived in the tree trunks used as our bridge to the site. I thought it gross but I had to remember these are 12 year old boys we’re talking about. Anyway, here at a few shots from this activity.

On ant hunt



Ally making it to the top







Thursday evenings at camp are always hallmarked by two things: Formal dinner and a special evening all-camp. The formal dinner is fairly self-explanatory as all the counselors dress up and serve the campers, including clean up so they love that one. As for the special all-camp, we had a carnival which consisted of games, activities and plenty of music that lent itself to wild Lutheran dancing. Here are a few shots from the carnival:







The “old gang” back together




Friday morning saw another tradition: pajama breakfast. However, this guy forgot about it and didn’t even see it on the schedule. So it was great comedy to have me get up, shower, shave, and then start waking people up to have Falcon remind me that it was pajama breakfast. I then sheepishly put my pajamas on to give the illusion that I was on the ball and didn’t forget. After breakfast, we cleaned up the dorm and had affirmations with the campers. Lunch was followed by closing campfire where we had some crazy 6-7 guitar onslaught and I even had a chance to play the ever popular “Lost and Found” which was a song I co-wrote years ago back during my first time at camp. Shortly thereafter, all the campers where checked out and gone. It was really strange for a bit to not have anyone I was responsible for but Friday afternoons at camp are always that way.
That night was had a two-ish hour long “campfire” just playing lots of different songs, talking, and making s’mores. It was pretty magical and seemed to go on forever (in a good way). Here’s a few pics.






Anyway, before I wrap this up, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Bible studies for the week. The studies for the week centered on the Biblical use water as a metaphor with Christ as being the “Water of Life” as the lynchpin by which all the other studies pivoted. We were able to teach and show how, by using the “Water of Life” metaphor how the wellspring of this water feeds us, nourishes us and provides the way for us to have an impact on the world at large. In addition to the studies themselves each lesson used activities and visuals that helped drive these points home and I know this aspect made an impact.

Anyway, after having more than a month to reflect (once again, sorry about the delay) I am eagerly awaiting to see how things will unfurl for next summer. As far as I know the future of CALC staying as a camp once/should it be sold is up in the air so we might be moving elsewhere, which would break a LOT of hearts (including mine), but we’ll see. Oh and on that, I had on numerous occasions the thought that as I was engaging in the various activities that camp encapsulated that “so and so” might be the last time whatever it is might ever happen on those grounds. I think that thought was perhaps in the air as we huddled around the campfire circle that last night. Regardless, we did show that doing summer outdoor ministry IS still viable as we did quite well, as far as the bottom line, and have some nice resources to head into next summer so it was definitely blessed. To have this come from an idea in January to the reality that we have a full head of steam and a running start to next year is pretty amazing. I’m looking forward to it and if you would like to help in any way feel free to contact me as I can either provide what you’re looking for or I can point you in the right direction. I lastly want to think everyone for their support, especially those whose support was in the form or working beside me for a week. It was awesome, inspiring, and blessed and I can’t wait to next year or seeing some of you beforehand.

El Camino Pines Trip

Okay so I’ve been quite negligent in my blog. I apologize. I really do and if I somehow had more time in my day this would not be so yet here we are. I had been working on an all too massive post about my week at camp (CALC through PSD Outdoor Ministry) from earlier this month but after working on it for a couple days, it was tragically lost. Now in the meantime, I’ve have a bit of time on a re-write but I’m still not going to have it finished until next week. I hope. But you never know as my room can attest as it’s still not completely done. Anyway, the preamble to this post is starting to get preposterous so I should get to the point.

Point is, my life is still moving along and things are happening. In fact camp has been quite the theme this month and all this will continue tonight. For the last few years I’ve gone down to Mexico on a house building trip with my church at the end of August. However, things changed this year as it was decided that, due to violence south of the border, we would do something else. Despite my disappointment in not going down to Mexico, I love that we were able to raise enough money to purchase supplies for another group to build a house down in the area at some point so our efforts will still be positively effecting folks down in Mexico and for that, I’m thankful. Any the something became going up to El Camino Pines in Frazier Park for a work weekend.

Their summer program just wrapped up so we’ll (a good 45 of us, actually) be doing some much needed work around camp. I think it will be more of the “painting and the lot” variety but we’ll see. Whatever is needed and I’ll be there, as is my way, and I’m sure it will be a good thing. I’ll try to take some photos and post on Facebook so that should be on the way when I get back. It will be odd going to another camp, as if I’m committing a “camp affair” or “camp treason” but God’s kingdom is God’s kingdom. Anyway, we leave tonight and I’ll be back on Sunday. Pray for safe travels and that we can be as productive as we can be. Oh and who knows…maybe I’ll actually have the proper time to finish up my camp blog next week. Stay tuned.

Summer Camp 2009

Sorry about the lack of updates recently. And to think, I used to do daft things like blog three days a week. I think I’ve had more on my plate recently, which cuts both ways in the good/bad department. Anyway, even though I don’t think I’ve mentioned this in the blog yet, I know I’ve spoken about this with a good number of folks in the last few months. So here you go my adoring readers.

There is a little preface involved so let’s do that first…which makes sense because it IS a preface, after all. Anyway…back when I was working on my BA, I took four summers (1995-98) to work up at Arrowhead Lutheran Camp with the first summer working in the kitchen and the remaining summers as a senior counselor. Most of my memories of camp are really good ones and earlier this year during an exercise in a course I was taking through Mosaic, I commented that it was at camp where I felt the most impact I’ve had in terms of reaching out to a large number of people in ways both big and small. Through all the different experiences from the Chief camps sleeping in a tipi, to Sports Bonanza, Horsemanship, Ice Skating, Mountain Biking, Junior High Adventure, Archery, and the lot not only did I have a lot of experiences but was able to have many opportunities to have a positive affect on the lives of young people. It was also the place where I first learned to play guitar, which prepared me for what I do now in leading worship in my small group and being a part of music ministry at church. Of course I also remember that in each of the three summers I was a counselor I went through some “lady drama” as tends to happen at camp which resulted in a fair amount of heartache for me but that’s been kind of par for the course in my life but I think I learned much about myself through those experiences.

So fast forward to earlier this year, Seth informed me that camp, for the first time in a loooooong time was not going to have a summer program due to financial reasons and that he was working my friend Susie (who was a former Program Director) to put together a week of summer camp this summer. My immediate reaction was, “Well sign me up!” and was a total no brainer. I have those moments every once in awhile where something comes along where the answer on how to proceed is such a no brainer that doing anything else would be ridiculous and I seem to have a had a few instances like that this year. Kind of weird. Anyway, we had a few meetings during the spring to cover logistics, fund raisers were held, and in the course of all of this over 100 kids have been registered and camp will be next week.

With all that said, I have taken a week off from work and will be leaving on Saturday to work at camp for the first time since 1998. As far as I know, I will be doing Junior High Adventure and am really looking forward to it. The staff is mostly made up of former ALC counselors, including a good number of ones I worked with all those years ago, and I can’t imagine a better way to spend a week away from work. I’ll be sure to report back on how things went, although in the meantime I just ask for prayer that things run smoothly and that this proves not only fruitful next week but it can be a springboard for summers, and campers, to come.

A completely unbiased list of things that make Josh quite the catch

So I made a sandwich last night. Yeah, no biggie. I do it most nights before a work day but it’s funny how that sandwich has lead me to a blog post. You see I had my friends Josh and Dane, who I met at camp years ago, over at the place as they are from central coastal California and they needed a place to stay for the night as they were to catch a flight out of LAX today. Anyway, I was making a nice turkey sandwich and Dana said something along the lines of, “You should marry a teacher. They’ll appreciate your sandwich making abilities” This then prompted a conversation on all the other aspects that not only make me a good roommate now but will make for a good husband down the road. I then posted this quote as a part of my status update on Facebook and got a few comments back and one (from Anastasia) of them suggested I maybe put all these things down and have it ready, like some kind of resume, for future use. Hey and why not? I suppose it wouldn’t hurt so here goes…


A completely unbiased list of things that make Josh quite the catch

Domestic division

I take out the trash
I do my own laundry
I do the dishes
I can cook if given a recipe
I make a mean sandwich
I leave the toilet seat down

General “Life” division

I have a stable career and high level of responsibility
I’ve been at the same job for almost 4 years
I actually like what I do, which only adds to the aforementioned
I actually budget my money and allocate appropriately
I keep a nice balanced life and always have something going on without being overwhelmed.
I seek community and connection
I’m a cat owner. Doesn’t that count for something (no snarky comments)?

Spiritual division

I get into scripture every day
I’m an active member of two different church bodies
I have a healthy prayer life and keep a dialog with God going often
I use my gifts towards meeting His call from music to service to everything in-between
I ultimately will follow wherever God leads, regardless of what that looks like, and strongly believe we are to live a life open to His calling.


Personality division

I’m ridiculously committed and loyal to those who come into my life
I hear I’m funny
This guy knows a good song or 6,000
I have a heart the size of Texas which I’ve seen come out directly in the past month
I have a wide array of interests which means I have a lot of information going on in my noggin which means I’m not a total bore.
I’m quirky…in a good way.
Even though I have a schedule and a certain routine to my life, I can be flexible and will fully “roll with the punches” if anything out of left field comes my way.
I care about the stuff that matters. I want to make the world a better place than how I found it and I want to be plugged into finding solutions and how I can be a part of the answers and not just the questions.

Anyway, I don’t want to get toooooo self absorbed but that’s a good list, no? Of course I then ask myself, “What‘s MY problem?” or “What is the problem of every woman I’ve wanted to be with?” So I’m not sure if it’s a positive of a negative that I realize this about myself. Now I’m not a perfect guy either and I have my faults like everyone (no list to follow. HA!) but at the end of the day, you’re not going to find a more solid and grounded guy who is plugged in, active and earnestly trying to follow God wherever, safe in the knowledge that he won’t be ultimately let down. Now I just need to figure out what the deal is because I’ll be really right one day for someone and I’m a little sick of feeling like I’m ready but with no buyers…so buy me…please. I’m not scary. I don’t bite. I might be a bit shy but it’s cool…I’ll open up soon enough. You won’t be disappointed.

A String of Dreams

This might sound random but I've stumbled upon a weird stretch of time in my nocturnal life recently. Actually this all began two weeks ago today and to be specific the first night I was in Napa. I do need to give a little background first...I don't know about you but for most of my adult life I've been one of those people who remember their nightly dreams maybe a half dozen times per month. I have no clue if that's normal or not but what I've become used to.

Anyway this brings me to two weeks ago, during my first night in Napa, and I remembered a night of dreams. No big deal. It happens. Then it happens the next night. And the next. And the next. And you get the idea. I've now had almost two straight weeks where I've remembered my dreams and I don't know entirely what to make of it. My co-worker, Mila, thinks this has to do with me becoming more aligned with God's walk in the last six months. That because internally and externally I've become more attune to what God wants of me, so whatever used to make it so that I would only intermittently remember my dreams may have become dislodged. I don't know but I do know I haven't changed any physical things as I'm still eating as normal, sleeping my regular schedule, getting regular exercise and the lot.

Now having said that, I haven't been experiencing any real profound dreams during this stretch and the fact that I spent Wednesday night hanging out with several of the top NBA draft prospects can attest to this. Maybe this could be a precursor to something else down the way, which is a general frame of mind I've taken to in the past year or so. That what God is doing with us today is in direct preparation for tomorrow even if we don't see it right now. I know I’ve seen that happen with me very recently and I suppose I’ll just patiently wait to see where this will lead.

Stepping Up To The Call

The one thing I will say about life, and the situations God puts before us, is that you never know when He is going to call you for something specific. Because of that, we have to remember to be willing and OPEN to whatever direction He points us in. I was just reminded of this fact in the last few days and it’s had a profound affect on me. Because of the nature of this kind of forum, but most importantly because of the nature of the situation at hand, I’m not at a place to give any details here so be mindful of that. I can say that I found myself being the only person someone very close to me felt they could go to in a time of major crisis and after a few intense days of communication and patient waiting, it looks like the initial steps have been taken so they’ll receive the proper help.

It wasn’t how I though my week was going to shape up but sometimes we’re called to something specific and, with His guidance, you take the proper steps to follow that call. It actually was the first time in years where I felt the Holy Spirit move in my life profoundly and I innately was able to make all the proper calls without thinking twice about how to proceed. Also knowing the full situation now, things could have gone horribly wrong and I would have been completely devastated yet God stepped in right as the moment dictated and for that I’m eternally grateful. God called on me at, what has turned out to be, a life turning moment and I am aware that this will have an effect on the course of my life, even though I’m not quite sure how just yet. I witnessed, and was fully part of, a genuine miracle and that doesn’t happen every day.

Anyway I don’t want to go too long on this, all things considered, but I did want to say a few things. The power of prayer is amazing and God’s timing to coordinate things, even in the worst of circumstances, is breathtaking. Know that not matter what situation you find yourself in, that God finds a way despite our personal failings. Not only that, God has done a masterful job of putting together this community of believers who will stand up with (sometimes for) us right when it’s needed. Because of this community, we’re never truly alone even when the world seems desolate and that everything is crashing around us. Remember that God is good, that He always can find a way for us, and that through Him all things are possible.

Napa Trip June 2009

So it seems I promised a blog post on my trip to Napa from this past weekend so here goes…I’ll forego my usual narrative to instead pluck out bits and pieces. Let’s see how this goes.

The trip there and back was surprisingly traffic free. Apparently I went on the right weekend. With the weird exception of hitting some clogs on highway 29 (that takes you trough Napa), I just breezed on both ways. It was really helpful (and I was very thankful) that I was prepared with something like 14-15 hours of podcasts to pass the time because…well because the 5 is about the most boring drive invented by man. I also found it odd that I happened (and I really mean “happened”) to stop off at the 5 and 46 interchange to fuel up and grab some Arby’s without going west afterwards. It’s weird I still have these associations.

Saturday’s winery trip and Sunday’s winery trip were totally different. By design, Dawn (my sister) took me to primarily ones right off the highway in Napa on Saturday and then we went up to the Spring Mountain ones on Sunday. Things on Saturday started off well and we went to Ceja, where Dawn and Joel are wine club members and know a few of the people who run it so it was more personal than your average wine tasting. That was apparent as we heard stories about dogs running away and they pulled out future building plans. Hess was great, and I’ve been there before, and I love all the modern art so it was a good time. Then in the afternoon (shoot, I have turned it narrative…oh well) we picked up Shaina (my friend who I haven’t seen in four years) and we went out to BV and, eventually, Monticello. The “eventually” bit is because we had a run of getting shot down by wineries that were no longer doing the “Napa neighbors” program (i.e. free tasting for Napa residents and guests) which was just as well because they seemed to be ones that were fairly impersonal, crowded, and the lot so it was just as well. Sunday was a different story as we made reservations with Terra Valentine and Schweiger and I felt we were treated much more personally. This was especially true at Schweiger as we were the only people they were set to see that day and we were even the first people served by their new employee who this guy would have asked for a number if he had more of a spine but oh well. Oh and I came away with a nice $50 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that I decided will either be split with the next love of my life or I’m getting buried with it. I certainly hope it’s the former. Anyway, we ended things by going over to Gwilliams with the employees from Schweiger to end things. Anyway, you can go here to see the few photos I got from the various wineries.

Of course the best part was being able to see people from my life. I usually end up seeing Dawn and family at least once a year but it was good to double that amount at least this year. I like seeing how my nephew is a liiiiiitle more like Uncle Josh than I’m comfortable with. I will venture to guess that his #1 strength from the StrengthFinders would be Input as well because the kid’s recall is amazing. Now I also went up when I did because I knew Shaina was going to be up there so we coordinated things about a month ago and I’m glad it all worked out. In addition to taking in a few wineries together we also had a good evening up in Sonoma getting dinner and hanging out so it was well worth it. We’ll see if I’ll make it out to Funcie at some point.

Anyway, it was a fairly relaxing weekend of wine, friends, family, and podcasts. I’m glad it worked out well and I would like to make it out again sooner to Napa as well as figure a way for it not take four years between friends if mine. Good times everybody and I’ll see you when I see you (code for I’ll see you on Facebook).

Camera Obscura at The Fonda

So after blabbing about it incessantly over on my Facebook page for a few weeks I did, indeed, finally go see my buddies in Camera Obscura at the end of last week. I would have normally blogged about the show already but I was in Napa for vacation (post to come soon) from Friday to Monday and haven’t had the time until now. Oh and I wanted to wait for the creepy youtube people to post clips from the show which they graciously, and ably, put up in the days since the show. So without further ado, here’s a short-ish re-cap of the show.

I was able to catch the show (once again) with my friend Caryl from church as we met at the North Hollywood Red Line station and made our way down to Hollywood and Vine as the show was at the Henry Fonda Theatre. The tickets said the doors opened at 8:00 with the show starting at 9:00 but worried guy here started getting that way after hearing that people were lined up as early as 4:45. I began to think that maybe the show time had changed or some daft thing but alas it was my good friend worry as when we got in at around 8:30 we had more than enough time to grab a beer, talk for a bit with the show (surprise!) starting right at 9:00. And yes, I DO worry too much…

Anyway, these things tend to be about the music so let’s get to it. There were two opening acts with the first being the very delightful, and super talented, Anni Rossi. Anni plays the viola (NOT the violin…thanks Myspace page!) and is a one woman band as she will often alternate between plucking away and using the bow while keeping the rhythm by stomping. Even though it was presented in a manner one might not be familiar, her songs are structured really well and her voice is just a simple mini revelation. I don’t think we were properly prepared but sometimes that’s how it works. Now, there were no clips of her from this show, but here’s a good example of what she normally does:

Anni Rossi - Arctic Swing



After Anni’s set, I was instantly worried (there’s that “worry” business again) as I had done my research leading up to the show as I knew the name of the other band and was preparing for the worst. The other opener was a Sacramento based group called Agent Ribbons who…were terrifying. I’ll quote from Caryl’s Facebook page from right after the show: “Agent Ribbons: worst band ever” They are allegedly a, wait for it, Vaudevillian Punk group. They’re actually a really overly pretentious artsy group who dress somewhat Goth in baby doll dresses and do their best to scare the crap out of everybody. I knew I was in trouble when, after telling one of the library student employees who is from Sacramento, was told that he’s seen them a few times…playing in various back yards and basements. My question was how in the WORLD does a band like this get the opening slot for Camera Obscura? Anyway, I will not sully my blog by including a clip of theirs but feel free to knock yourself out on youtube.

Okay now on the headliners. Here are a few thoughts in no particular order…even though she’s not the most outgoing front woman (she’s known for having problems with stage fright), Tracyanne is every bit the singer and performer you would love to see. She’s brilliant, beautiful (and yes, I discovered I am indeed a fanboy in the lead-up to the show) and really deserves a larger audience. The rest of the group played well, with the exception here and there (not everyone was in the same key at the beginning of Eighties Fan and Tracyanne seemed a bit not alright with things during the beginning of If Looks Could Kill), and I loved the visual of seeing these two HUGE guys on one side of the stage being flanked by the two girls on the other. The audience was obviously filled with fans who went crazy just by hearing the first strum of some of the songs and I even called it on one even before they played a note. Tracyanne mentioned they would be heading down to Mexico the next day and that the next song was appropriate which then made me think, “Oh! Honey in the Sun mentions Mexico City. That’s the next tune.” And it was…I have problems. Oh and I also called the encore as when they came back I said to myself well they HAVE to at least do Lloyd, I’m Ready to be Heartbroken (one of their most popular songs) and Razzsle Dazzle Rose be the perfect closer…which is what exactly happened. Go Josh.

As far as the set list, they mostly drew from the last two albums with only one from the first album (the requisite Eighties Fan) and two from the second (the odd choice of Books Written For Girls and Teenager) so it was a little top heavy but I think that can be a good thing as it shows they really believe in the newer stuff and it holds up with the rest of their career…plus they have a new album to push. Other than that, my only disappointment was that it seemed a little on the short side (running about an hour and fifteen minutes). However, I’ll take and will be looking at the tour calendar to see when they’ll be back. Let’s see who I’ll nab next time. Anyway, here are a few clips I found online so you can get a vicarious concert experience (note to Facebook readers. The videos never transfer from my blog to FB notes, so if you want to take a look go over to my regular blog page. Enjoy:


My Maudlin Career (The show opener)



Honey in the Sun



French Navy




Teenager



Away With Murder



If Looks Could Kill