All I

have is

It's Wednesday. It's 10:22 AM.

I just finished Walden this morning under the Nashville morning sun as flies and abstract (only because they often go unnoticed) insects were occasionally crawling and landing on my skin. At times functional, at other times rambling, Thoreau's last chapter, aptly titled Conclusion, included all of the points I wanted to hear about his time in the wild.

We've heard it all our life, owning little means having a lot, but many of these simple proverbs pass through one ear, get applied directly to something at that moment, and retreat out of the brain linearly. At least that's how it often works for me. But living presently, enjoying warmth from love, not clothes, and realizing the potential for happiness at any given time is something that I'd like to apply to my life until it passes.

Also, watch this trailer.




Reading: Big Ideas, Small Buildings - Phyllis Richardson
Listening: Sympathy - Scatteredtrees
Viewing: Ponyo - Hayao Miyazaki

A Leaf Has Fallen

Raking leaves in February is a different experience, coming from someone who usually does this task in October. Wisconsin has a definite season. Tennessee knows both hot and cold, snow, rain, all of it. But they don't know the same process of climate. Of course, the same can be said about me, but I would argue that there's little process to be aware of here. 60s in January? February the coldest month? 6 inches of snow and the next day it's gone?

That's why I went out to rake leaves. Disrupting processes and routines is one of my favorite things in life. Though, with that said...I would still say that one of my favorite experiences in life is waking up in the morning with a cup of coffee and a newspaper. Granted, I don't have a newspaper right now. That'll change when I reach the peak of my elderly years. Some people think I'm already in my prime. Nah. Mountains, brandy and newspapers will happen more often when I'm there. And a special lady.

To The Side

Getting through the first 100 pages of a book is my own mental milestone of "yep, good book". I'm starting to notice in my daily life that certain timetables, like the one above, exist routinely. A few bites of pasta. Latest Britney single. Scion's new car. Or even that puzzling building (is this fake?)

But not love. Love is instantaneous. Loving something you wrote, loving a photograph you took, or loving a person you met. I would argue with anyone if they told me love grows over time for something that you're personally invested in (past the obvious investment, monetary value). Love was there, and maybe it does grow, but growing into love doesn't exist. That's learned admiration and approval. That's love made entirely of denial. 

Wool

I used to think that there were songs for specific times and places. Re:Stacks is an upheaval of that thought. I was in Wisconsin in the lull of Winter when I realized how amazing it was. There was a definite attachment from then on with a cold, cold atmosphere that somehow was always inviting. Though that's still a thought in my head, here in Nashville, the song has never felt better. It's felt this good. But not better.

It's a great song. That's what I'm after.

Grey Cup Ring

The past week has been a conscious, collective effort to write songs. We have seven demoed songs so far and it's really starting to open up. Yesterday we wrote two that are very strong. As I said to the guys last night, this time has been the most musically productive week I've lived. At times it was heavy. Parts to be written, songs to assemble. The weight of putting so much effort into something may cause aches, but the aches are a means to an end, their own solution. Pain management is the pain itself, in this circumstance.

On another note, there's snow in Nashville and I miss the person where it came from. 

There's Music to be Heard

Donovan Woods has a voice. I came upon him like many other artists, by word of mouth. This was more of a forced acquisition, though. A quiet night drive and his songs made me wish for things. That feeling often pulls me to music. 

I have little to say about his songs. The feeling he portrays is one of nostalgia, and romance. Not necessarily a romantic idea between two lovers, but a world filled with desperation. 

Too much already said. You'll be happy if you search Donovan Woods.