Thursday, September 25, 2014

Never to Young for Music.

Music has always been important in my family.
My parents were both excellent singers.
Not professionally, just churchally, weddingally, funerally and car radioally.
We used to perform and entertain as a family for groups around town when my sister and I were young and adorable.
As we got older my sister and I played guitar and sang occasionally for school groups, friends weddings and camp-outs.
We can harmonize like nobody's business.
Inspiration began early as my father played the harmonies of Sons of the Pioneers and Smothers Brothers for hours on end and reminded us repeatedly that they were fabulous.

My children grew up hearing and loving music of all kinds as well and are talented in their own right, but there is a now grandchild in the mix and it is agreed that he is going to start his music education early.
He already pays rapt attention to anybody singing a real song or making one up about a stinky dog pooty, so when my son was playing guitar on the floor with him he was immediately curious and attentive.
So I wanted to share with you, Jeplen's first music lesson at Grammy's house:



First, you grab it and try to make it yours....



Second, you make sure you're not in trouble....



Third, you eat it...or at least see what it tastes like!!!

First lesson complete.
He is well on his way.

'Music is Life, that's why our hearts have beats!'


Smothers Brothers Bonus Video!!:


Sons of the Pioneers Bonus Video!!


Thanks for being here !

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Speck in my eye....

A few folks have asked why I don't post articles about religion or spiritual things on my blog, especially since I'm a preachers wife and all.
Well there might come a day when I do, but I can't see it happening any time soon....or in this lifetime.
My experience has taught me that no matter what I say or how I say it, someone will interpret it wrong and all backwards, claiming that I am misguided and contrary, which invariably reflects on my husband. The Preacher.
My husband and I disagree on more things than you can shake a stick at, but we do not spew venom at each other for being on opposite sides of the fence on a selected topic.
There is an understanding that we are mentally, spiritually, emotionally, mistakenly ;), or whatever, in a different place on said subject and we move on.

But a lot of people that disagree with the preacher and/or his wife, don't move on.
Somehow they have to verbalize and remind folks repeatedly that we are in disagreement.
Somehow we have to fit into a preconceived notion or box.
Somehow they believe that ministers and their families should behave and act a certain way and they know which way God intended.
They feel the need to point out our differences, discrepancies and where we fall short, all the while insisting that it is done in love.
Hmmmmmm.
I think I would call it judgment.
Is that what will bridge the differences.....More judgement?
Is that what will change my mind and my thoughts.....More judgement?

Not in my world.

That said, I will not be any sort of reflection on my preacher husband who more often than not, works 100 hour weeks, is on call 24/7 and has to be at every celebration, tragedy, baptism and funeral all the while remaining compassionate, caring, spiritual and positive.
His job is hard enough without having to deal with what people might think of my thoughts.

So anyway, I can't go there.
I will not speak to you of spiritual things.
Nope. Not gonna happen.
Been there.
Done that.
Didn't work out.

Thanks for being here.
Now I've gotta go get a log outta my eye.