You are currently browsing the monthly archive for September 2011.
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KBJ Ranch
Fall into history
Diabetic Connect Newsletter
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This morning when I woke, I was greeted by another two dozen well-wishers. Facbook’s new format cannot be too difficult, or too hateful, as I received over 700 birthday greetings. I was so touched by the greetings, and some of the special comments that made the day all the more happy. I am humbled by the enormous wave of affection that greeted me on my birthday.
Thank you!
Darin was born on this date at 6:03 PM. He weighed 8 lbs 3 1/4 ozs and 21″.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARIN.
Destin, Have a safe trip to Indy today.
Hope Parker feels better today.
Love you both
The mother of one of my former long-time piano, saxophone and drum-major students is pictured in her drum-major uniform, about the fourth photo below. Jill Cordonnier, who studied with me for twelve years, is currently attending college at Bowling Green State University.
Good times!
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2011 Bands of America Championships are under way!
BOA’s Podcast returns! Break Ranks! with Dan Potter
Watch BOA Championships Online at MFA Fan Network
Show Your Support at Grand Nationals Through a Special Tribute Message
Would you like to be part of the Grand Nationals Finale?
Save with Student Group Ticket Discount to BOA Championships
BOA Championship Online Fan Guides: Now for Mobile
You can still order your Grand National Finals Tickets
Program Sponsor Center X represented at BOA events
Percussive Arts Society Marching Percussion Festival: November 11-12 in Indianapolis
Parent/Booster Award Deadline extended to October 1
Learn more about America’s Camp!
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nships are under way
I woke this morning to the sound of rain smacking the pavement outside my bedroom window. The sky was a cold grey, and having had a restless night of sleep, I was feeling the weight pull down my energy. However, since I have been feeling so much better these past several days, I was not about to have my eagerness to rejoin the familiar world yanked out from under me this day.
After being nudged from the warmth of the blankets into the dull chill of the room by three wet noses eager to potty and eat, I began the day with growing enthusiasm. Nothing special about the day itself, just wanting to be productive. Navi dove onto the deck, obviously delighted with the rain. After finishing her business in the back yard, she immediately began searching for worms to eat – one of her favorite past-times. Chief, on the other hand, is not a fan of rain, and stood in the open doorway of my study, hesitating what to do – potty, or wait out the rain. Flyer always waits to potty after eating her first meal.
Getting back to my writing on the musical has been a welcome reunion, and for the first time in several months I have actually felt well enough to sit up and concentrate. After ninety minutes of editing, I was slightly fatigued. I returned to my bedroom, searched things of interest on the internet, added things to Facebook, and listened to music.
By 1:30pm, the teaching day had begun. By 6:00pm it had concluded. The gentleman who worked on my mower called to let me know it was fixed. The Friday prior to Labor Day was the last I had mowed, and the recent rains had thickened it to the point I figured I would need a baler. Upon my return with the mower I began on the front yard. Several times the mower stopped due to thick clumps of wet grass. Within 45 minutes I had finished a 20 minute job. Trimming and blowing completed the process, and the yard was neat, and trim, once again!
A trip to Kroger finished off the bulk of the evening activities. Quintin is at an away game with the marching band, and I am sitting in my room listening to collected tunes on the new Facebook tune-thing, and simply relaxing. Tomorrow I will
- assist Quintin with some morning yard work before he has to be at a 12:30pm marching band rehearsal
- fix myself at my desk for more editing
- prepare a lunch for the tailgate party at the stadium to watch the band’s final run-through of the show
- hurry home to feed and potty the dogs
- walk back to the high school to leave with the buses at 5:45pm for Grove City High School in Columbus for the evening band contest, returning around 1:30am
Sunday is my 47th birthday. I have no plans other than to chat with Mother for our Sunday ritual. I will probably wait to call her in the evening since she always calls me at 6:03pm – the time of my birth.
Other than that, the focal point of the weekend is marching band, as it shall be for the remaining six weeks.
Oscar Hammerstein’s original draft for “The Sound of Music” from THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
I hear the echo of a far off chime
As it flies from a church on a breeze.
I hear the clatter of a cloud of birds
As they rise from the lake to the trees.
Today the sky is filled with music,
The sound of music,
The summer music.
And when the sky is filled with music
My heart wants to hear every song that it hears.
A dog is barking and a brown bird calls
As he swings on the branch of a pine.
A brook is singing on the way to the sea
With a faith that I wish could be mine.
Today the earth is filled with music
The sound of music,
Unwritten music.
The sounds of summer on a hillside
Will still be the same in a thousand years.
I hear the silence at the end of the day
When the sun finds a hill and departs.
And in the silence you can hear a sound
Like the beat of a few million hearts.
And now the night is filled with music,
The sound of music,
Of starlight music.
And when the night is filled with music
My heart wants to sing,
My heart wants to sing,
My heart wants to sing every song it hears.
‘There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open… No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.'”
This is a “listen” for all of us…
Derek Clark shared with Family By Design his triumphant life through 13 years of foster care and being declared mentally challenged to living the life of his dreams. Derek now inspires and motivates foster youth, foster/adoptive parents, foster/adoption professionals, youth groups and business leaders all over the US.
Listen to Derek’s interview by clicking on this link: Interview with Derek Clark
Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
Follow the three Rs:
· Respect for self
· Respect for others and
· Responsibility for all your actions.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
Be gentle with the earth.
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
I started watching GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER? at midnight. I logged on to Netflix to watch COMMANDER IN CHIEF for forty-three minutes but my eye caught “Movies We Recommend For You.” Netflix knows me!
The artistry of GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER? is incredible.
Today is the 1st birthday of my beautiful little niece, Carolyne.
The morning arrived with the sound of cars driving on wet pavement. Rain is supposed to remain with us today.
Eager to write this morning – but first things first: dogs fed and pottied, power walk, meds, breakfast.
Enjoy the day!
Arghh… for over a week I thought my blood sugar readings were excellent. Now, I am uncertain.
I purchased a new glucometer, FreeStyle Lite, and for over a week the blood sugar readings were fantastic. One night, my reading was 59, but I did not feel any of the general side effects. I pulled out my old glucometer, ReliOn Ultra, and checked my test against the FreeStyle Lite. The ReliOn read 149!
Calibrating each did nothing.
Very frustrating!
Epithalamium
I SAW two clouds at morning,
Tinged with the rising sun;
And in the dawn they floated on,
And mingled into one:
I thought that morning cloud was blest,
It moved so sweetly to the west.
I saw two summer currents,
Flow smoothly to their meeting,
And join their course, with silent force,
In peace each other greeting:
Calm was their course through banks of green,
While dimpling eddies play’d between.
Such be your gentle motion,
Till life’s last pulse shall beat;
Like summer’s beam, and summer’s stream,
Float on, in joy, to meet
A calmer sea, where storms shall cease–
A purer sky, where all is peace.
John Gardiner Calkins Brainard
You won’t want to miss this big music sale!!!
…McCutcheon Music…
We’re overstocked on print music!
Over 8000 pieces in stock
40% off all print music
One week only September 18th-24th
Store Hours:
Monday thru Thursday 11:00am-8:00pm
Fri 11:00am-7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday 1:00-5:00pm
In Centerville at 38 Marco Lane
(Off 48 across from the new Kroger store)
3rd building on the right
937-435-2900
This morning while walking Chief around the school’s enormous campus, I saw a senior-sized couple exit Trent Arena’s recreational center. The little lady, looking especially classy in her white and pink running outfit walked up to a gold car, and waited. Her husband ambled on, not really paying notice to his wife waiting.
As he moved a few paces beyond the car, she shouted, “Will you unlock my door, please?”
The tall gentleman, slightly bent with age, but still plodding along, did not turn, nor speak to acknowledge her request. He moved further away.
“Will you unlock the car? Are you deaf?” she demanded, with impatience, and growing aggravation. “Where are you going?”
“To our car, you blind bat.”
She gave a little huff, attempting to recapture some dignity, and move away from the twin car.
“Top Ten Signs You Joined a Lame Fraternity or Sorority”
10. Your fraternity pledge is to call your mother every night at 9:00
9. Your brothers are actually your brothers
8. Everyone walks with a cane
7. You really can’t tell if it’s a fraternity or a sorority
6. Instead of a “Toga Party,” they’re throwing a “Yoga Party”
5. The official mascot: bedbugs
4. Rush Week was keynoted by a guy named Limbaugh
3. Their version of “going Greek” means losing all your money and ruining your credit rating
2. Your sorority’s house mom is Michele Bachmann
1. They let you in
Growing up in the late 1960’s, I was surrounded with many familiar words, or terms…
DMZ (demilitarized zone)
KIA
MIA
Viet Cong
Cambodia
POW
Tet Offensive
Ho Chi Minh Trail
On the evening news there were television images of helicopters and jungles. I was glued to these images – not by a macabre force – but by the hope of seeing my uncle, Garry Jolliff, in those jungles or riding around in one of those nifty helicopters. I can remember the thrill of having Uncle Garry’s letters read to me allowed by my parents. I had a little rubber American GI doll that I called, ‘Uncle Garry.’ I watched the Bob Hope Specials, and sat close to the television set so I could search the crowds for Uncle Garry.
I was sure he would be there to see Bob Hope.
One night during one of the Bob Hope shows, I remember turning to Mother, who was standing behind the ironing board while the sweet smell of Spray Starch filled the air.
“Will I have to go to war?”
Since I was a very small boy, I am sure she was relieved to answer, “I hope not.” However, there was also an expression on her face that was seared into my mind, and still vivid forty-odd years later. I know that expression well. My nineteen year old son is finishing up basic training, and the possibility of going to battle for an uncertain purpose looms in the near future.
Now, it is my turn to say, “I hope not.”
This evening, my sixteen year old son and I sat in my sitting room to watch GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM. I knew most of the Vietnamese War jargon would be over his head, but I was certain he would enjoy Robin Williams’ portrayal of Adrian Cronauer. And he did. He asked how old I was when the movie came out… twenty-three years old. Did I like the movie when it came out? Most certainly! Robin Williams was a box office draw, and I returned to watch the movie several times while it was still in theaters.
Tonight, the movie was still hilarious, but I truly saw the movie for the first time. It cried out to me like the musical, MISS SAIGON: ‘those living reminders of all the good we failed to do.’
Sunday, the tenth anniversary of 9/11, I did not post anything on Facebook in regard to the modern day of infamy. The same rhetoric was appearing over, and over on status updates, and nothing really spoke to me. I am not saying I was not moved by the heart-breaking scenes that were linked across many of the television channels, I simply chose to remain silent.
Always remember…
Never forget…
Tonight, when I finished watching the movie I thought back to my early youth when Vietnam was nothing but a very long, drawn-out, agonizing form of 9/11. The dark foreboding of families fearing “the news” might be delivered seemed to linger, and in our own home, as well. The nightly news tallied the number of soldiers killed that day. Images of bombings, fires, tanks, helicopters, wounded soldiers blazed from the television set each night. News of distant family and friends losing a loved-one in combat stuck in the air like the repetitive-scratchy sound of a record player that has run its course in playing a record. There were scenes of destruction, scenes of a young spy being executed, scenes of Buddhist monks being engulfed in suicidal flames, scenes of… always, more scenes. The day of 9/11 I saw the scenes live – much like scenes broadcast during Vietnam. The days following 9/11, the scenes were repeated with numbness.
During 9/11, and especially this Sunday I heard about one hero after another. As a young child, I do not recall hearing about heroes of Vietnam. I remember Uncle Garry’s stories on the battlefield, and the story of the fellow soldier beside him on the helicopter who placed his own St. Christopher’s medal around my seriously wounded uncle’s neck – my uncle survived, but the soldier did not – but I cannot recall ever hearing anyone from that era referred to as a hero.
As I sit here in my study, typing out my thoughts of the movie, a National Geographic documentary on Henry Kissinger is rolling. That voice, coupled with so many photos and video clips of the Vietnam era seems to be a sign that I will be conducting more soul-searching, more research. For what purpose, I do not know. Too many God-winks all in one evening.
The scars of WWII and the Korean War have all but vanished. The scalding scars of Vietnam are healing, but will probably not be entirely extinguished in my life-time. Two other wars have occurred since Vietnam. But these wars talk openly about heroes. It seems as though the Vietnam war had its own ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy but obviously nothing to do with Gays in the military.
I knew one particular hero who served in the Vietnam War. He died nine years ago, physically crippled by wounds received in Vietnam, but a spirit that rose far beyond the jungles in which he fought. When completely crippled veterans were only receiving 10% disability funding, Uncle Garry embarked on a mission far greater, far nobler than the mission he was coerced to serve as a twenty-one year old young man. The veterans – those oft ignored heroes of ‘that’ war – now have full disability coverage. However, I am confident they still live with those scars. May God bless them, and aide them in their continued healing.
“And I think to my self, ‘what a wonderful world.'”
Tom Schedit, 63, one of the Miami Valley’s most popularly known performers, died Monday morning from injuries sustained in an accident. Tom was a popular bag piper, guitarist, vocalist and storyteller who brought to life many incredible characters, especially, MacGregor The Pirate, through Time Machine Productions and Fannigans Isle.
“Tom… may a shipload of rollicking, fun-filled, musical angel pirates sing thee to thy rest.”
Abide With Me orchestration featuring bagpipes
Celtic Commandments
Give thou thine heart to the wild magic,
To the Lord and the Lady of Nature,
Beyond any consideration of this world.
Do not covet large or small,
Do not despise weakling or poor,
Semblance of evil allow not near thee,
Never give nor earn thou shame.
The Ancient Harmonies are given thee,
Understand them early and prove,
Be one with the power of the elements,
Put behind thee dishonour and lies.
Be loyal to the Lord of the Wild Wood,
Be true to the Lady of the Stars,
Be true to thine own self besides,
True to the magic of Nature above all else.
Do not thou curse anyone,
Lest thou threefold cursed shouldst be,
And shouldst thou travel ocean and earth,
Follow the very step of the ancient trackways.
—From the carmina gadelica, ancient celtic oral tradition
Pagan Carmina Gadelica by Mike Nichols
Original Carmina Gadelica in full
Deep Peace to You
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.
– Adapted from ancient Gaelic runes
“Top Ten Signs You’ve Had A Bad Summer ”
10. Having your entry make this list is the best thing that happened
9. The only fireworks you saw were from a Seal Team storming your compound
8. You were riding high, then Rick Perry got into the race
7. You are head of security for The Ed Sullivan Theater
6. Your big comeback movie was about a guy who talks through a beaver hand puppet
5. You were able to get tickets to Letterman
4. Not only is your 401k underwater but so is your house
3. You got evicted and in your rush to move out, you forgot to pack your photo album of Condoleezza Rice
2. Five weeks into Dr. Bachmann’s “treatment” center and, if anything, you’re gayer
1. First your workplace was vandalized, then a fatwa was issued against your life
A Navajo Indian Prayer
The simplest and most obvious prayer is a request to God that the adversity end and that one be restored to health. Such prayers often involve “affirmations.” There is a considerable psychological literature on the healing power of affirmations, and many cancer patients use them. Here is a beautiful Navajo prayer that uses affirmation:
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O you who dwell In the house made of the dawn,In the house made of the evening twilight . . .Where the dark mist curtains the doorway,The path to which is on the rainbow . . .I have made your sacrifice.I have prepared a smoke for you. My feet restore for me.My limbs restore for me.My body restore for me.My mind restore for me.My voice restore for me. Today, take away your spell from me.Away from me you have taken it.Far Off from me you have taken it. Happily I recover.Happily my interior becomes cool.Happily my eyes regain their power.Happily my head becomes cool.Happily my limbs regain their power.Happily I hear again.Happily for me the spell is taken Off. Happily I walk.Impervious to pain, I walk.Feeling light within, I walk . . .In beauty I walk.With beauty before me, I walk.With beauty behind me, I walk.With beauty below me, I walk.With beauty all around me, I walk. It is finished in beauty.It is finished in beauty.It is finished in beauty |
By last Sunday night, my list for the pre-holiday week was set, and I was ready to tackle what is generally my annual fall cleaning as I prepare to welcome my family from Indiana. Due to some serious health issues that dropped in my lap Tuesday morning by the doctor, I had the wind knocked out of my sails. Without going into great detail, my diabetes had a major set-back, and this has contributed to several other fairly severe health issues.
However, in the words of Sir Winston Churchill: “Bugger on.”
Most of my list of house-cleaning chores fell by the wayside, and since Quintin had a full load of homework (and he is pulling all A’s at the moment), plus marching band, I did not pull him into a bulk of the work I would normally list.
Mother arrived Friday morning at 11am. We ran some errands, and by 6:45pm we had landed at the Fairmont Football Stadium for the game against Miamisburg. Mother got to feel the thundering vibrations of the band passing beneath the bleachers upon their entry. Destin, Stacia and their children arrived shortly before half-time, and this was a treat for them to see Fairmont’s “Pride of Kettering,” and especially, Quintin.
Once everyone was settled back at the Haasienda, Mother, Destin, Quintin and I sat on the deck until 1:00am. I love these moments best, perhaps.
Saturday morning was a breakfast of egg-wraps, fruit, and sausage. After showers we hit the Air Force Museum, returned to Kettering for Marion’s Pizza, and then moved on to Carillon Park where we spent two hours in the newest exhibit – Parker and Freddie had a blast!
Dinner on the deck consisted of Mother’s Sloppy Joe recipe, courtesy of my Latin teacher, Diana Garner, mac & cheese, fresh corn from Indiana, veggies/dip, and chips/salsa.
After the table was cleared we ventured on to Indian Riffle Park. While Quintin enjoyed time at the Skate Plaza, the kids played on the great playground equipment.
Until the rain ran us inside a short while ago, we enjoyed another several hours on the deck.
Tomorrow’s breakfast is still undetermined, but we will take in some of the Holiday At Home festivities before everyone heads West back to Hoosierland.
I so enjoy this particular weekend. Destin & Stacia kick off the start of summer with Parker’s birthday the first weekend of June, and my family closes summer with Labor Day. This weekend was more special since it was the first time I have seen Destin & Stacia, and their children, since Christmas… due to heavy career/family schedules, tires blowing out on the way to commencement, and other schedule conflicts, we have failed at every turn to get together.
This was a wonderful weekend! Tomorrow, and most of Monday I will rest, watch the parade, teach some lessons Monday afternoon/evening, and begin restructuring life as I now know it with these health concerns. It must be done, and by golly, I will do it!
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National Parks Conservation Association
