Sunday Reflections

A bit ago my Grandfather passed away and although I didn't know him that well, I can't help have a strong sense of respect for him. The reason I didn't know him well is he on my fathers side of the family. My mother and father divorced each other when I was 5. My father has taught me a lot - a lot in how not to lead one's life. Because of this I often feel a bit out of place with this side of the family. But beside this, I feel happy to have got to known my grandfather before he passed, especially the times Helen and I stopped by to visit. I remember a story he told me. My grandfather liked to work on restoring older cars - the model A types. Well car parts are a bit scarce to find in Iowa, but apparently he found the part he needed from a person in Nebraska. So he drove there and sure enough the man had the part. Negotiation and haggling of sort began. The guys price was too high my grandfather added. Instead of leaving without his needed part he simply told the guy, "Look. I'm the only son of a bitch around here that will buy this part. Now you will sell me that part for what I'm going to give ya!" And that's my Grandpa. No B.S. and straight to the point. I know his soul rests in a better place. :)


I have to mention a musician I am really enjoying named James Blunt. If you get a chance check out his album "Back to Bedlam". His lyrics are penetrating and real - and beautifully put together.

James Blunt - Goodbye My Lover Lyrics
Did I disappoint you or let you down?
Should I be feeling guilty or let the judges frown?'
Cause I saw the end before we'd begun,Yes I saw you were blinded and I knew I had won.
So I took what's mine by eternal right.
Took your soul out into the night.
It may be over but it won't stop there,I am here for you if you'd only care.
You touched my heart you touched my soul.
You changed my life and all my goals.
And love is blind and that I knew when,My heart was blinded by you.
I've kissed your lips and held your head.
Shared your dreams and shared your bed.
I know you well, I know your smell.I've been addicted to you.


Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.


I am a dreamer but when I wake,You can't break my spirit - it's my dreams you take.
And as you move on, remember me,Remember us and all we used to beI've seen you cry, I've seen you smile.
I've watched you sleeping for a while.
I'd be the father of your child.
I'd spend a lifetime with you.
I know your fears and you know mine.
We've had our doubts but now we're fine,And I love you, I swear that's true.
I cannot live without you.



Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

And I still hold your hand in mine.
In mine when I'm asleep.
And I will bear my soul in time,When I'm kneeling at your feet.
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.
I'm so hollow, baby, I'm so hollow.
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so hollow.


This guy scrapes the soul, and raw emotion comes out in his music. Yummy - do I dare say as effective as Bob Dylan?

I was able to attend a free Friday art critique at the Seattle Academy of Fine Art. I often forget the value of having fresh eyes look at your work. It's like piece of writing - which in college I learned that having input by persons you respected as good writers contributed to the effectiveness of the writing. Remember you always don't have to agree with critique feedback. But often suggestions of others are helpful - its kinda like looking at a video of yourself where you see your actions and immediatley you can identify aspects or points you can imrove on.

Ok, so I've been a little missing in action. This past week I've been in celebratory mode of my Pittsburgh Steelers winning the superbowl. My brother Justin and I have been following the Steelers since an early age, and we often mimicked our steeler heroes during pick up football games growing up. Some of my fondest memories are playing football on Sunday afternoons in open yard next to the trailer court we grew up. All the neighbor kids would come down on the weekends as they could always count on some game going on. I know football is overadvertised and hyped, but it's my indulgence and we have all those don't we?

Helen and I have our tickets for Peru and Bolivia - leaving in April. :)