Backup Experience

   Calling up creativity, can be harder than summoning courage.  I took off a couple of months from Bloging.  It wasn’t that I couldn’t think of anything to write about!  It is so often the opposite.   Perhaps I can claim the well had run dry, though I know better.  I haven’t been idle.  I actually struggle with ideas that I don’t know how to talk about, least not without risk.  Not talking has consequences too.

     I read a fair number of books on Parenting prior to becoming a Father.  My partner and I took a couple different Birth classes, watched videos, even met with other soon to be’s.  No regrets there.  A Marine, who’d sired several souls, gave the briefest synopsis I’ve heard, “It is good to have a Birth Plan, Fella’s, You’re basically Yes Men!” 

    Without doubt, the two most happy moments of my life were the births of my children.  Plenty of the runner’s up’s I would likely embarrass self and or others, with further attempt.  That said, we all have our gifts.   My daughter has started High School, I am very proud of her.  My son as well, they are such bright souls!  They have a great mother.  She’s has the Patience!  Not that she never runs out!  She Way More than Puts up with us!  We, her Family are better for her efforts. There are way too many times, when she doesn’t get thanked properly, cooking, cleaning, and paying bills.  Not a lot of Glory!

   My best friend, hasn’t always had the best from me, though we have shared many special times. I can be rather complicated, don’t we know.  We do talk.  Part of our commitment, is to talk about the things that matter.  It has helped us through much Terra Incognito. We have camped, biked, traveled to other countries. She has my gratitude, trust and more.  We worked together, for a few weeks, at her work, some months back.  I was hired to help with a large remodel of an old church.  I enjoyed being able to help with many parts of the process, and I like my wife’s co-workers.  I told her though, I really don’t want her to be my Boss, all the time! 

    I mentioned reading some books on parenting, especially for those Expecting.  I do find myself occasionally telling Fathers to Be, that perhaps a Boxing Coach is a useful image, regarding their Role.  Rub their shoulders, keep them hydrated, remind them to breathe and pace themselves.  Don’t try it by yourselves for heaven’s sake, a pair more, will do. 

    The thing that most surprised me, about parenting, was how much it changed our relationship, as a Couple.  I am not sure of all the reasons, though I felt/feel somewhat lied to, or at least am willing to Level Charges of Complicity, toward several Authorities in the Family Advice  Business.  Maybe the Statute of Limitations has run out; Let Me be clear to all raising children: There will be harm done! There will be change. There are many, many blessing too. 

   I recall one night doing dishes, I quipped, to the Mrs. “I knew parenting was about setting limits, and boundaries.., though I thought we, would get to decide!”  Kids seem to want boundaries, and I have found this with teenagers and most adults as well.  I studied Faust in college, and our teacher John Milton, had a great summation of the story; “There are limits to freedom, and freedom in limits!”

    Funny I hadn’t thought of it, though Limiting, is the main thing I do with working with music, both Live, and after the fact.  The fancy term for working with digital audio on computers, DSP, Digital Signal Processing.  Sometimes I think of Neurons; they add to, subtract, or tell others to listen.  Seems like a way, is that better than a plan?

   I keep going through Hard Drives, filling several.  Actually I am transferring Audio to another portable HD, as I am writing this.  It has been transferring several hours, all local music.  I produce, and record music,  mostly Live, as part of my whole approach to living, currently dba Backup Experience.  My area of focus? Bellingham and Environs, which seems more poetic phrase than, Whatcom, Skagit and Island Counties.

   This was my 3rd year as Archivist for the Stringband Jamboree.  I recorded over 40 Acts!  And I helped as a gopher, with the Stage and Sound Crews.  Oh the music!  The kids!  The beauties!!!  I had the pleasure of sharing a little of the Jamboree with my Family, this year.  Wife and daughter, came out Thursday Evening, and I took a break, and listened a bit, to Louis Ledford and the American Sweat Band!  Saw Louis and Julia today… very nice people.

  A lot of Jamboree is kind of a blur; like Woodstock morphing from 3 days into the One, like that the Roadie in Waynes World.  I mention sometimes, part of why I enjoy recording, is that I don’t always get to fully appreciate the Music, when I am working Sound.  Often I focus on things most don’t hear, and that’s the point.

     I find doing carpentry for over 25 years, has influenced my philosophy, considerably.  I also find, the more years I do Sound, that this too, has changed me.  I find myself wanting to be more neutral.  I turn some up, some down, see if I can tune a little of the mix, with the tools I have, based on my experience and ears.  Being part of music, is my favorite thing!

  More than a hobby, though not yet a Living.  The Rock and Roll Dream has been experiencing financial impacts of the Collapse too.  Of course, we weren’t exactly rolling in $, prior to the Hit.  I am fortunate, in that I had built a basic PA, and excellent Mobile Recording System before.  That’s not to say I haven’t spent too much on gear, though I am rather proud of mine.  There is much I hope  to do.

   I have already been very lucky.  And, “I am a lucky man to be blessed with such good friends and family.”  That is what I said on September 1st, my 50 Th Birthday.  It was a rather epic Party too!  The Police came twice on Noise complaints,(shows rather bad taste in music, and they were of course, welcome).  The Fire Engine and Paramedics were very helpful with the Accident.  I finished the Railings.  I don’t like anyone getting hurt.  I’m sorry for the pain.

  I hate accidents.  They are gonna come.  I have helped avoid many, though I have helped with several too.  Well, can I learn? Never Boring, these are Memorable Times!
     So far my work as Chauffer, Dishwasher and Domestic HandyPerson are too Part Time, to allow me to join any Union, other than the one I am lawfully wedded in. My partner did try to get me sind up under the ACA. And surprise, surprise, it didn’t work. Their working on it. Us too. I don’t know what it means. I’d love to have better health care available for everybody.            Here’s my 2 cents. The President ought to take umbrage with Obamacare. Let me offer a little Pro Bono Speech Writing,  Mr. President.   “My name is at the End of this Law, not at the beginning!”

Everyone has the Right to Defend their Name.
     I think I have already confessed, previously, to something akin to embarrassment and more, regarding my efforts at translating the Gospels from greek. Perhaps gently reminding my dear readers, I have Conflicts of Interest. It isn’t that I am not qualified, in the Traditional sense, having the hours in, about 35 years in English, and 15 muddling with greek. I want to see some ideas published, that I don’t see.

     My brother, has a Masters in Divinity, and I have asked him nearly as many theological questions as he as asked advice on carpentry. He also earned his Masters in Social Work not too many years ago. I am proud of him. My sister is a Librarian, former Elementary Teacher, and has also worked done some Academic Administration and I think it is called, taught Adult Ed. I sure don’t ask them, or my Family to read my Blogs. I write because I need too. I have some friends I hope read, from time to time. And somehow, through the wonders of computers, hundreds have visited my website, and the US may not count those it kills; I thank every person who takes a moment, and even more, to? Can I even be a tiny bit better, than anyone?   May I be helpful, kind and funny!

      There are plenty things I would like to be good at. I am focusing much effort on music these days. I had a crazy amount of audio, from the Jamboree. Maybe around 200 GBs (2 flash recorders, and 2 laptops with Interfaces. Oh yes, some brilliant ad hoc recording. And a hell of a lot of work!). How is that for condensed? I am still trying to get audio to all of the Artists.  Thank God for the Internet!  It sure makes getting audio to people easier.
     RSB called me on the phone today, (I gave him one of my famous thumbdrives [(7.25Gb’s from the Jamboree mostly- and some of 7 shows I recorded at Boundary Bay in August and September for Hot Damn Scandal!!!  They deserve a whole blog. Robert already got one of my 1st.)] and he put me on his guest list next week! I am one of his retainers. I am fortunate to have my own. Something I learned in construction, and from study of history.  I want to be part.

     My friend James keeps reminding me, that it is important, what I am doing, especially chronicling, the Scene.  James is one of the people who has encouraged me, with his ears, and feet on the ground advice. He worked Sound for years, though that was back in the 90’s, in Calgary. He reminds us too, that we have a special thing here in Bellingham.

I am really lucky. I do have opinions. Agendas? I was thinking about IT, over some days, and how shall I say it. Maybe I went somewhere, maybe I’m coming back still. I haven’t figured out how stop the Drones yet, so I sure as shit haven’t stopped the 3 pools of Hell in Fukushima, currently burrowing themselves into the Earth. I can’t get my Leaders to even talk about the Worst Environmental Disaster of the last 50 years. So I can’t really expect so much from the rest of us.
      I am more like me than anyone I know. And as my grandmother Mary Ellen used to say, “I feel more like I do now, than when I first got here! Another was, I started out with Nothing, and I still got most of it! She was a very hard worker, spent countless hours helping others.  She could talk with anyone,  wrote hundreds, maybe thousands of letters. She liked playing cards. Her refrigerator was more integrated than the United Nations. It didn’t seem to matter to her, what someone’s marital status was, divorced, married, or other; Everybody was In. She had pictures, mostly of children from all over. We were taught the phrase, Shirt Tail Relatives, anybody that is part of the Family, though perhaps, not so quickly explained. “Perhaps coffee, tea or water?” That was her way, and I try to remember manners, to offer hospitality.
      I was introduced to an idea (several) from P. L. Wilson aka Hakim Bey. He shared an article, on a cultural exchange experiment in NY, where Moroccan Refugees, many of whom have spent decades in Spain;  they set up traditional tents, coverings, with carpets spread out.  Visitors were welcomed, invited to take off their shoes, and enter, and be a guests, drink tea, and share food. Hospitality is a gift, and I am learning, a measure of health.

     How do we know that refugees (or anyone), are protected, honored as humans, with dignity? By allowing, enough privacy, and food, to practice Hospitality. It is an Outcome, a Measure, trendy among the NGO’s, yet really, of interest.
I tried to stay out of the Government Shutdown. I do wish the Parties, would remember that they are Part.

      I  continued despite the Partial Shut Down; took my son to and from school, made sure where my daughter was, did lots of dishes. I continued using my turn signals, trying to be courteous, and willing, to go, a wee bit outside, my comfort zone.  The JW’s that come by, they liked that phrase. I noticed last time they came by, a friend was getting PA Speakers from me, and he is in one of the hardest rocking Punk Bands in town, going over 15 years. I like being on friendly terms with Punks and Saints. The pair I mention, are mighty sweet, father and son, same age as my daughter. They let me talk with them about a fair number of subjects, and it isn’t hard to find things in common. They let me talk greek with them a little. Though I think even they, think I am a wee bit odd.
      I do change, though keep being me. I can only request, that I would like to hear more of WE. I don’t hear, or see that word much. Us is good, ours, fine too. See from my limited perspective, I see 7 billion people who are feeling more alone than any generation in history! We got all this Mass Communication, though it is getting hard to talk with anybody an hour these days. We need too, break bread, so to speak, have some chips and salsa… It is important, it is sacred! And not only will practicing polite conversation, help one understand their own ideas better, it won’t eliminate all the risks. One may learn something. It happens. And guess what, I am going to make a minor prophecy! Going to potlucks, will improve community health, make us wiser, have stronger immune systems, and increase our longevity!  And, I bet the Studies will prove it! Make Contact, while we still can! All the best to you and yours, I’ll try to check back, in a month or so, see how it goes. R.A. Hull

Dang, wrote all these here words, and still left a mess unsaid. Part of me would like to focus on the Scene. Maybe talk less, about theology, or how best to get along. And I think I am working, towards that. Still, sometimes, there are things, I don’t think are getting said. I suppose I didn’t get into all I could, and maybe that’s ok for now. The last thing I want to say, is I think we need to try to not limit imagination, and possibilities. I hear many people, trying to talk people into or out of beliefs,and what I find interesting, is that I often find people using similar arguments, at least in tone. I think Leary pointed out, 40 years ago, that we often try to convince others, to try to reduce our own doubts! At least we all have that in common.   All Life wants to be trusted, though, we all struggle, with faith.  Maybe doubt, is something we share too, throughout the galaxies!

I felt a need to delay the publishing of my Blog, for several days. Wow, the Jamboree is this week! This year is the most ambitious with over 40 Acts! Next month, we will have stories to share; reunions with friends, technical challenges (not difficulties) and lots of surprises! I have learned from Artists especially, that Music, Travel and Love, are always different than one thinks. And thank goodness!
Hot Damn Scandal is having a Listening Party today, to celebrate the release of their new Album! This band has continued to grow, and improve, which is a tough act, considering they have been blowing audiences away for sometime, with their talents, wit and audacity! The Band did some recording sessions in Big City of Seattle, though most of the album was recorded in North Shore Studio, built by Steve Knapp, on the North Shore of Lake Whatcom. Sam Chue was the Engineer who worked closely with the band. Sam is a gifted singer, and guitarist as well, famous for fronting Olio, which reformed for legal reasons, as the Vonvettas!
Hot Damn Scandal is releasing their CD at the Jamboree; and I have heard that Misty Flowers is too, with another Local Effort from StoneCloud. Mike Cloud recorded Misty and friends, in his Studio, which he built, maintains, and runs the helm. He is an experienced Engineer, in the studio, and has worked the clubs in town, more than anyone in the still in the game. I have been impressed with his nimbleness with editing audio. Part of his skill, may relate to being a drummer. I have heard some early takes from Misty’s Album, I am looking forward to hearing the release! Robert Sarazin Blake has a new CD as well, which I want to hear, though it was not recorded with his latest Band, the Put It All Down In Letters! Last Thursday, I recorded at Boundary Bay Brewery, which I have on special occasions over the last 2 years. Hot Damn Scandal asked me to record them, in August and September, in hopes of releasing a Live Album!
It had been 2 years since I recorded Robert and Band in Multi Track, with the Direct Outs from the Board. Sam Top was Engineer for the Show, he is one of the most experienced in town. Aaron Harmison, plays bass with several Bands, Bar Tabac, Tea Seas Trio, and High Wide and Handsome. He was also with Roberts last band, the Silver Shirts. Another Silver Shirt, Thomas Dekon, whom many consider, the best saxophone player in Western WA, played with Robert and the Letters, he also joined Hot Damn Scandal on several songs. David Pender, is all around nice guy, and roaming rhythm master, has been playing drums for years, though was known more for Congo’s and Boran, than Drum Kit; though we like it! We worked together with Tristen Bach, with the collabrative musical performance, Sound Essence: A Spring Equinox Concert, in which of 22 Artists were on Stage together, a truely life altering experience. as it was not only the most complex performance I have witness, I also worked the Board! Bob MacDonald was the Engineer, and is due credit for much of the arrangements, choice and placement of microphones. Keith Fredrickson got me the Gig. Sarah Byrd was lead vocalist, and Anna Schaad, and Phil Heaven Played Strings. Dudely on Harp, Dean on flute, accompanied by Kinsey. What a moment! I am Time Traveling again…
Hay I need to mention, Nakos Marker is smoking hot. I think Pete lured him into the band; he was such a nice quiet man too, though a little too quiet for his talents (he blames Harper!). It has warmed everyones heart, to witness this eruption of soul, come out! If you haven’t seen them yet, Hot Damn Scandal is happening! “Playing Old Time Instruments, yet Punks at Heart” is the phrase I find myself using. Harper Stone plays Washboard, bells, and has been known to relay legends, weave spells, and croon Sea Chanties. Andy plays stand up bass, and sings. He has been known to play classical music at WWU, word. Chandra the Fiddle player, has been in Peru, though I think she is coming back for the Jamboree! Pete Irving, the band’s reluctant Front, is a wonder to know. He plays a steel guitar, with an authenticity, that makes one hear the legends of the Delta. He writes songs, that are so good, they are Scary! How much Blues can a soul let through? Although no stranger to suffering, Pete has wit, and charm, and the best laugh in town, and so far, that has made him nearly bullet proof. And he has a lot of friends, who have his Back.
Speaking of, my friend, Stone Jones, has been promoting music at the Cabin Tavern, along with Rob Cleary of Human Infest Fame. The Cabin has been working at making themselves known for music. I have enjoyed doing Sound there in years past. I am glad more music is in the works. Had the pleasure of working with the Tear Jerkers, fresh from the Cabin, they asked Rob about helping with Sound  at the Farmer’s Market in Fairhaven, aka the Village Green. I have enjoyed music there several times, though never got to help before. I brought my Board, and 4 Monitors. It doesn’t get much simpiler than that!I brought the pair of MOTU’s to catch the performance, and they can serve as Mixers,(made in the USA). I am into Backup.
I didn’t say near enough about the Sunnyland Stomp, though I touched on it last month. I have been listening to the recordings, and am looking forward the next year’s Stomp. It is getting a Reputation about the City, almost with the hush of Speak Easys. Well, Bellingham is the City Outside the Box, and Sunnyland has emerged as a Family Friendly part of town. There are integrated neighborhoods, that are frequented by walkers, folks on bicycles, and many pushing strollers, and even more often, baby joggers.   I said to a stranger this AM, I don’t know how much more of this good weather I can take, though I am willing to find out!  We have been purring in the NorthWest for some weeks, in the 70’s and 80’s, and I can’t remember the last time it rained!  The HullRoy’s went over to the East side, met up with the Roy Clan.  Mary and Carl were honored for their 50Th Wedding Anniversity.  We stayed in a lodge near Lake Wenatche for a couple nights, then camped at the Lake for 3 more Nights.  Oh yah, I kind of blocked out the night on the Tolt River camping; A King County Camp Ground, I can’t recommend the walk in sites, as they are a little too far, and to minimilist.  I counted 9 vehicles on the roadless path, during our overnight.  It was almost funny to see and hear kids crying, walking on the gravel road, though it is only a mile, that is long for most children.  Lake Wenatche was fun, met a couple of families from Bellingham.  Our kids swam a ton, and I went underwater a couple of time myself.  I am trying to get ready for the Jamboree.

   I tend to work on upgrading virus protection, moving data, and defraging hard drives before gigs.  I find large recording sessions, are actually somewhat involving for computers; so there are some routines I try to follow, to minimize problems, such as crashes.  I think I made my Page File too small, and was using smaller than ideal buffers, during my last good crash recording.  So, back to 256 MB to 512 MB for a buffer while recording.  Using 128 is good until recording over 8 tracks is my guess, though the latency times are very low.  Mostly using REAPER for Live recording.  Next week is the Stringband Jamboree, my 3rd year as Archivist. I tend to be a little out-of-body during the peak shows.  Once the music starts, I start feeling better. 

    I have been fortunate to do Sound for Hot Damn Scandal several times of late, and more plans in the works.  Misty Flowers has been able to provide Sound for the band, a couple of times when I had other commitments, she not only does a good job with Sound, she joins in with the Band now and then!

     Last year I recorded 30+ Acts at the Jamboree.  This year over 40 are scheduled!!!

Tomorrow, Rob Jones and I are at the Village Green, providing Sound for the Tear Jerkers.  We will also be recording, as we try too, whenever possible.  It is a really nice bonus, when the recordings come out well. 

   My friends at StoneCloud have been producing excellent CD’s; Corwin Bolt left town though he will be at the Jamboree!  Check out his new discs.  Word is Misty Flowers new release from StoneCloud is her best sounding Album yet!  Mike is letting the Elves into the Studio while he is on vacation; Rob and I don’t think we will be idle, Inshallah! Rob and I had a blast doing Sound at Grovestock on the 4Th of July, Brent Storms helped out too.  We were able to connect to an old school high power PA, and it rocked!  I liked the Slacks, Pawnbroaker, and the Vonvettas, all good.  The Scott Greene Band although a little subdued with banter, was really tearing up the ho hums with serious rock and roll. ” Quit trying to figure out what is best, try to figure out, what hurts less” I like that quip of Scott’s.
Show Pony Kick did a good set; they do lot of good covers, I especially like Chris Isaac’s Wicked Game. I hear some personel changes are afoot. Best wishes for all involved. As Pete says, He’s”been on a creative writing streak” which means he has went through a breakup! Working with bands, I know why it is called that.
Old Mutt continue to please crowds, this power trio, is showing the Old School, that they too, know a thing about Cool!  The crowd wouldn’t let them leave the stage without an encore so that we could all sing Rats! [ I caught Old Mutt outside the Cabin, yesterday, and they rocked! Also caught Pacific High, fresh from their Road Trip to California. It was good to hear their soulful rhythms. They call it Country Reggae!]
Back to Grovestock! Trip Madam closed the Festival with some hard rocking.  Thanks again to Rob, Brent and Dave Grove. And thanks to the Sheriff, who came out on a Noise Complant a little befre 5PM; when he found out it was a Benefit against Cancer, said they would leave word with the next shift, not too disturb us later!!!
I am starting a project with Hot Damn Scandal to record a Live Album!  We plan to record several shows in August; and I do have some gems already!   Need to say that Scandal are releasing a CD, in time for the Jamboree.  The recorded most of it out at Lake Whatcom in Steve Knapp’s Studio, with Sam Chu as Engineer.  Pete and Andy are very pleased, and I hope to hear the pre-release next Sunday; the day after I do Sound for them at a Redneck Party; We got the Gig while doing another![ The Party was delayed due to a Family emergency our best wishes]
Okay so I have circled round. Feeling Busy!!! I so look forward to the Jamboree. It is my favorite Festival. I cherish the music! It is an incredible opportunity, the one I think about all year. I let you know. Thanks for checking in. All the best to you and yours. Inshallah!

PS I have been reading the Bible with my son. This is hard work. I don’t know why people think this would be easy, it is a difficult book. Sometimes it seems to be at odds with self promotion, which seems somewhat helpful in business, love and various endeavors. I keep thinking about something I did, which was unexpected some years back. I went to a show, to support a friends band, and hear some local music, etc. I knew the person providing Sound, I think I even schlep gear in, helped with set up, and bought a ticket. The bands were good, though not many people came. It happens. There are reasons. One of the bands, I hadn’t heard, they were really good. Folks were dancing. One of the musicians, their partner was working the door. They were really paying attention to the Door, and it seamed to me, that I could sense, a fierce dedication, towards supporting the Band, and of course, their partner. Here is the Odd thing. I could tell that they were very cold, though to focused to get up, put on a Layer (the secret to the NW, and walk around, and maybe get somebody else to watch the door. Not knowing me, nor I them, I oddly, even for me, took their hands in mine, warmed them, and told her she was cold. Freezing. She didn’t bolt, and she really was cold. Somehow she didn’t slap me either, or make a stink, though she could have, even though I wasn’t intending to flirt. I still talked about it with my partner, and I don’t blame her for thinking I was flirting. Intentions are over rated I often find myself thinking. The thing is, I think they do matter, as does the Heart, and Music. Maybe we can find forgiveness, and maybe at least the courage to keep trying to learn, and do better. That is what I mean by better sins, things that we can learn from, and make better choices. A friend asked on FB, what is a single unit of Karma? That is a Koan, perhaps too, as can a single sin really be isolated? Maybe it is like Electrons, either velocity or location, though it is natural to want both? I know I do. She forgave me, though we have never spoke of it, nor I with her partner, who I like. So I mention this as an example of better sins. Attention is sacred, and so is beauty, and so too are these gentle sins, accidents, while attempting to help. Adventures, well that’s another subject, not focused on here. I’m reading, asking questions, and introspecting.
Simple things can be hard to explain, do you read the Bible with kids? I want to focus on humans, though my son and I have questions about Gods and Goddesses, and we want to hear their stories, or at least stories about them, and folks of long ago.
      I do strive to read, entire books, I did make it through one I enjoyed, called Minoan Crete, From Myth to History by Andonias Vasilakis; Adam Editions, November 1999.  I enjoyed seeing a microcasm of time, in the history of Crete.  Islands can be interesting locations to focus on their history, the very word is related to Iso-lation!  Change generally happens slowly, yet change does come!  News is related to Spirit, and Wind… I also like that the book tried to talk about everyday life, and had many pictures, of things people used, the art they made, and the remains of the buildings where people lived, worshiped, and stored goods.  Life was good on Crete, for a Long Time, and people enjoyed great equality, including women and men.  Eventually, the Wars of the Contentant, continued to pressure the island,  leading to more efforts toward defense, and hiarchy of status, and a declineof freedoms and well being.  Fortunately, we have many centuries before, and after this, to learn from! And so many good stories!  

   My sister brought the book back from Greece several years ago. I find I am catching up on some things that were somewhat elsewhere, after getting hit by a truck, August 22, 2008, 5 years ago. I came aways since then, and my body is mostly healed. My neck still is tender, and my hands almost always shake. Though I can make and retrieve memories, and it is an under rated ability! My good friends help me with names, as I seem to have acquired extra skill at not getting names!
My mom never cared for the word, dyslexia, “It is always, really something else”. There are flavors of apraxia, perhaps I share, I couldn’t afford to see very many neurologists! There is some blessings in this. It was difficult to read for some months, though I do read for pleasure now too. I find mythology interesting, often for the details of everyday life, which are revealed in the telling of the Tale, perhaps inseparable, as chaff and cull, though so worth the effort! I find Life, and sin, what we aren’t aware of, which harms? Yah I am crazy enough to mention these things, cause it is worse, when I don’t. And I not only want to be trusted, I need to be.  I work at it, and it means more to me than I can easily mention.  I will say, it has taken years, to earn the trust to do Sound and record with various Artists, in Bellingham and Environs; Though it is the most rewarding work! I am very thankful,honored, and humbled by this trust. Peace. 

Oh and BTW, September 1, 2013 is my 50Th Birthday!

Friends,

Another month has come round, and here I am again, practicing my Blog. Learning to outsmart one’s self is a trick I have yet to master, in many areas of life. However, I have learned that if I give myself time, I am likely to fill it. I have found writing once a month, to be a useful limit. I think about ideas during the month, yet do not write it down, as I already get embarrassed, by my lack of writer’s block!
How lucky we are to be here!
I try and read history, and mythology, to learn about life. I don’t worry too much about what it all means, I used too. I do have some faith, that there is always a story, and if it involves people, well, yah might want to hear the story, more than once.
If I am spared, which is a thought I cultivate, I hope to publish, several more ‘incidents’, from the Gospels. I try to get the tough things out of the way first, well, after several decades of procrastination, sloth, and cowadice. I have more courage now! My dad always ate his vegitables first, to get them out of the way, BTW.
Let her Be and Don’t Give Her Any Trouble is the first attempt, to make a poetic translation, using the Greek Texts, as a source of inspiration. Believe me; I feel a more than a little crazy often enough! I started translating verses, mostly in John, before my son was born. Mostly to understand, and John is a Poet’s Gospel. It has a very different, feel, meter, and sound than Matt, Mark and Luke, which are called the Synoptic Gospels, as they are so similar.
Most scholars think that Mark is the oldest of the Gospels. However, many feel it was based on another ‘Lost’ Gospel, called Q. Some traditions, I was raised with, teach that the Gospel was a collection of stories, and sayings, prior to being published. There are additional “Gospels” a word I am fond of that word for some reason, though, not original. I have read translations of a number of alternitive texts. The Gospel of Thomas, sounds the most authentic of the lot, to my ears. Thomas includes, a glimps of Jesus kissing Mary (“often… on the lips”, and the disciples upset), and then sacred words,”How am I not loving you?”
My brother earned a Masters Degree in Divinity from Boston University, nearly 20 years ago. I learned a great deal from him in my life. I was fortunate to encounter teachers who connected me with tools to continue learning, my whole life.
I met a retired Educator, at a Music Gathering last summer. I mentioned my feeling that 4 years isn’t long enough for some subjects. I mention the Cruthin as example. It took 3 trips to Britain and Ireland (guns pointed at me each time at least once!) to learn the Cruthin exist today or at least their descendants. It took me another decade of research to propose their identity as the Barley People. I did notice the eyes of the teacher, became wet, after the phrase, “another 10 years of learning”. That is not hubris. Although I am rather proud of getting banned for 3 years on Wiki, for words I wrote in the Discussion Page regarding the Cruthin.
Last month, I closed my Blog- [Perhaps I am in want/need of an Editorial Staff, that could separate the abundance of Chaff, I generate, from the occasional Grain- [Sometimes I think I could separate my Blogs into several parts, and fool everybody into thinking I was a Full Time Writer, rather than a Part Time Blogger: End of Literary Introspection.] I digress. I am thinking of several ideas, for short incidents from the Gospels. Maybe someday, years from now, I will attempt the Sermon of the Mount. There are parts of the Epistle of Acts, which I find interesting. Even though I don’t like some of Paul’s writings, I admire his wherewithal, and his courage. I find his visit in Athens, to be especially Modern, and an example of Pluralism, the idea that there is more than one way of thinking, a rare concept, even today!
Paul was a tent maker, which were made of leather, back in the day. I mentioned recently, feeling a need to be more appreciative, of the great deal of technology, which protect us today, compared to the hope of Jesus, expressed at the Last Supper (in John) for tents that last forever, and don’t wear out! “The Great Table is Set, and ladden with abundance, though people, don’t recognize the Feast is ready!” That is from memory, also from Thomas. I am looking for these oldies in Greek. I am finding some great resources online.
When St. Paul goes to Athens he seeks out the Philosophers, who gathered, as Stoics and Epicureans, and he was invite to speak. He was a great talker, he mentions seeing a Shrine, dedicated to Agnosto Theo- the Unknown Deity! I felt chills, that it had even been said, 2000 years ago, admitted, written in stone (lithos) that we might, not know!
I needed to say all that, so that I could say this! We are worth more than $! I was raised with the wacky ethic, that one person’s life is more valuable than all the gold in the world. Well, the idea is rather dated, gold has increased in value considerably since those days, and it has become more useful, especially in computers. As an aside, within An Aside… I wonder if gold is the most malleable element, because of its great symmetry of its valence shells. I have even wondered if the elements have different consciousness, though this is a difficult concept to test. And I have more pressing interests!
Music Season has begun in earnest again, with the return of summer, of course, the “Music, never stopped’ was a song, and slogan of the Grateful Dead. Congratulations are in order, for Hot Damn Scandal (and Strangely) for their successful Kickstarter Campaign to fund their forthcoming CD, and Genuine Vinyl Album via the InterNet. Kickstarter is an organization, which creates fundraising forums for various causes, including charitable causes. I am sure some members of HDS have at times qualified as such! I know I have. Seriously, I have been very lucky, to have assisted Hot Damn Scandal with several shows. The Band made a witty video, and set a target, along with many creative enticements; sadly, no one took Pete up on his offer (or was it Harper’s idea?) to tattoo a Donor’s Face, on his knee, for $ 5000. I decided not too, even though I have the $; I would like to replace my truck; I hope Pete will forgive my materialism.
My friends Mike and Rob of StoneCloud, along with our allies of the Blackout Alliance, put on 2 shows, June 21, and 22nd. We have done several shows at Chupa’s in the past, with many excellent artists, including in years past, Black Beast Revival, Antique Scream, Human Infest, Curse of the Black Tongue, and Reverend J.D. and the Blackouts, to name a few, from years past. Rob had the inspiration, to change things up for the Friday show, with mellower music. As David Lanz jokes, he is way past smooth, he’s Heavy Mellow”! While I understand the gist of the idea, Solstice wasn’t mellow! The JP Falcon Trio did get us grooving, and even feeling Ire, they still rocked. The Shady Tones continue to work as a band. They added Gage from Old Mutt, who did a great job headlining the next night! The ShadyTones also added Phil Carter to the line up, which included Chrispy, Stone Jones and Friend, who many know as the chief grill master at the Green Frog. Phil is an amazing drummer, who works with many bands. He got Mike and me a good gig, recording Problem Child at the Mt. Baker Theatre, last year. My favorite song they covered was Nick Cave’s Mercy Seat, which was made famous by Johnny Cash. Chivalry Timbers played next, sans drummer Jesse, who had a paid gig. Chivalry is not dead! And I really like these mostly instrumental World Surf Eclectics; and I am not saying this only because Mickey makes great cheeseburgers at Boundary. I guess it is no accident, that this band is perfect for opening for their good friends, Hot Damn Scandal! Now these folks play instruments that are often used by mellow groups. And although they can play a weepy ballad with the best of them, these folk ROCK!!!
I am really enjoying, learning their music, understanding what they are weaving together. I enjoy working with Artists, more than words can describe, and yet, every once and awhile, people we work with, become trusted friends. Speaking of which, I found Misty Flowers a gig, doing Sound for HDS, when I was helping at Chupafest. She did great, and I knew she would. It was a relief, when we were able to problem solve over the phone, and the show was well enjoyed. I want to support music.
Last Saturday at Chupa’s, was opened by Odd One’s Out, most of who do not yet have Driver’s Licenses, not because they have been revoked, but because they are not of age! Vincent Black Shadow, fronts the band, he has been recognized by the local music community since he was 11. I spoke with a few of the parents in the band (a habit), and met a man who grew up in Richmond, Australia, were my trusted Legal Advisor and I worked in 1982, building a Community Retreat. I also may have landed a gig for the Band, providing Sound; I got a call from another Dad from the band, this last week.
Briar was the next band to play Chupa’s. They have a hard to describe sound, a little loud and rough, though with talent. I enjoyed hearing them again, they played the 4/20/ 13 show at Chupa’s last time I heard them. I hope to again. The next band was Show Pony Kick! These folk do a fair number of covers, yet they have an original sound. Chris Komac, the Gentleman Giant, is known for playing with Amish Warfare. Alaysha Mae, Rob Hubbard and John Saathoof, complete Show Pony Kick has joined the band. John, another Gentleman Giant, sings a good cover of John Lennon’s watching the Wheels. I also am fond of the bands cover of Feeling like a Criminal, which Alaysha really nails. The Night was concluded with the rising young rockers Old Mutt. How to describe this Trio? I am guessing they are all around 20. They make me think about meeting the band Rush, prior to the release of their first album, Fly By Night! Old Mutt have released an album; Animals, thanks to the efforts of the Wizards at StoneCloud. The Band did their song Rats, as an encore! Thanks to everyone for playing. Thanks Mike and Rob. And a special shout out for Hot Damn Scandal!
I have been in communication, with the secret cabal, that nurtures the String Band Jamboree, the best Gathering on the West Coast of North America. This year will be my 3rd as Archivists, last year I recorded over 30 Artists! I do enjoy helping as a Stage Tech, though I work all year with the recordings. I really enjoy it, though it takes effort. I found being a General Contractor, harder than I expected, and in different ways than I guessed. I made the 30Th of June, the end of the Fiscal Year, to be the termination date of my own business, Whole Approach Construction and Repair. I started my business in 1996. I am very glad I made the effort. It was much harder than I hoped, though I did make a difference, in a number of people’s lives. And I learned a ton!
I chose the title, as a bittersweet joke, about being the last General Contractor in Bellingham that was a sole proprietor rather than a Corporation. More needs to be said about this, though, I don’t want to overlook the second part of the joke, being among the last General Studies Majors in America. That too, needs some explanation. And I have already been talking far too much about myself already. I am weird like that. Thanks for listening. Till next time! Oh and don’t forget the Sunnyland Stomp, hosted by Yours Truly, July 13Th, our house, 2323 Grant Street!Music from 4PM until 9PM! Till next time!
Roger Anderson Hull

    Beginnings are the hardest, for me.  Middles, even endings, I can do, repeatedly.  One of my favorite authors thought every Story ought to have at least 3 beginnings; he wrote under at least 3 names, Flann O’Brien, being the one mentioned. He also advocated recycling Literary Characters, rather than creating new ones, claiming that he only needed to invent one, in the book, At Swim to Birds. I seem to recall it has 3 endings.  The prize for Endings, has to go to Richard Brautigan, especially for, A Confederate General From Big Sur, (my favorite of his btw) which ends numerous ways, “…until there are 186,000 endings per second.” 

    Woody Allen’s Play, God, only has a Beginning and an End, though no middle!

I was actually wondering if there might be something to say, for wanting to be a Middle Man.  Now I know that this is supposed to be a bad thing, and yet, I wonder.  I have been known to wander (or appear too), even so there are lot worse traits than curiosity.  I am interested in limits, which interestingly is an important concept and term in audio. 

   It has taken me a number of years; Hundreds of hours recording, troubleshooting. Loading gear, cleaning up when everyone is going home. Most often not drinking while doing Sound, while everyone is getting their Grove Thing On! Researching gear, buying commponets, having to talk my wife into my plans, that can take time! I also investment time, and $, with artists, as well as doing homework, practicing, experimenting, asking questions. I read books from the library, watch tutorials online, all the while building teams; (wow, that is a big clause; it perhaps will serve as an intro?) to say: I’d like to make $ with Music. Yet I know, from experience, as a Contractor, that $ isn’t the best part. Nobody owes me a living. I am trying to contribute to my community. I found Contracting, to be harder than it looks, same goes for making music. I want to produce, what is worth doing, though it isn’t easy. I feel fortunate, to know so many Artists, and to have so many opportunities. I wear many hats, and I am On Call for several. I feel very lucky.
I pass out a fair number of business cards related to music. Networking with Artists I want to work with. I gave a young Duo, a card not long ago, and complimented them on their performance. After we parted, and I went back inside the tavern, I heard one of them yell outloud with joy! Events like that help me keep me going. I do believe in what I am doing, even if I don’t know where it is leading. Ho!
  I say a blessing, Music is before us, and in Music may we remain.

    I have been slow to call it quits; never liked being called a quitter growing up.  I think it is rather difficult, for say, my father’s generation, to understand why I am not earning a salary.  Last year, I was privy to a council of top lawyers in Washington State, and gathered that “taking your child to and from school,” means being Primary Care Giver. Seams somewhat simplistic, though show me something that is! I usually think of my Partner, as Primary Care Giver, even if the best legal minds differ!
 I am calling it quits with Whole Approach Construction and Repair.

     It has been a privilege, to work for so many good people, and make a difference with homes, and sometimes lives. I had between 75- 100 Families as Clients. Thanks for your support, and trust.  I started Whole Approach in 1996.  I worked mostly on older homes, though I did build one from scratch in 2000.  Blood, sweat, and a few tears, though I don’t recall ever shedding any.  I got scared at least once, I had a form nearly burst on a large Foundation; I learned a powerful definition for “Exposure” seeing all hope of making any $ on a job, let alone what reputation I’d be able to salvage.  It worked out well, and I learned a lot.  The short story is I brace my forms better.  I pay attention to work Vibes though too.  I was working with a friend (it meant something different before Facebook), and we had been arguing too much, I actually had a dream about a form breaking, and added some tie wire, that caught the break!  Too close!  That was on my first big pour, as Contractor.

     Nobody except me ever got seriously injured, I received an unknown number of stitches from a tool falling at 32 per second squared.  It was an odd accident, which could have been far worse, I had a bruise next to my eye, a nurse told me, “Your eye socket, did its job!” I had my hard hat in hand, as I had arrived, and was checking in, how best to co-ordinate, our separate work and areas, the air hammer shot off, when it was grabbed by the hose, and I was 2 stories beneath, and unfortunately, in the plumb!  That was by no means the worst experience, I had professionally.

 I got threatened a couple of times, once an Architect told me, “I can break you Mr, you and your Family!” I was out of pocket around 15K, for about 3 weeks had the job shut down, by the aforementioned.  I wrote a letter for my Clients, explaining my actions,(expecting it to be read by a judge-(critis in greek, so a high judge= hypocrite, and yes, Law and Theatre and Religion share court. I want to know more about why the word Critic, is so often in the Arts; likely good history). NOW them was carefully chosen words!) and reminding all parties, that I was “Responsible for all methods, means, and materials” and I successfully completed the Project.  It is a great space I must say.  I had a lot of help.

    I only was threatened with a Lawyer once, and learned about getting it in writing.  I had recommended a plan that would have avoided the aforementioned conflict.  I was able to resolve the problem, though I lost $ and gave up 3 days labor, I got out with my ass intact, smiling clients, got what they needed.  Nice people can attack, when they feel threatened, even if you’re not attacking.  Intention is over rated.  Maybe I will be able to share further.

   Am I droning on?  I read in the Gospels today, the Captain says, “At times people will kill, and think they are doing sacred service”.  Hear that John Kerry, aka Secretary of State?  Hear that Mr. President?  You love to quote Gandhi, and you love to use MLK, who said, “Americans are Strange Liberators”, back when Lt. Kerry was speaking out against the Viet Nam War. It isn’t as simple as being cowards, there more dangerous attitudes, aloofness and compartmentalization.   So little reticence, let alone remorse, we are so god damned sure!     Well not me!  Though I can compartmentalize, I am attempting to connect, generally. 

   I read an article the other day, a Harvard Researcher, says with modern Neurology, and chemicals, religious experience can be cured!  And I imagine a guilty conscious too!  Though the cure has long been attempted, broken hearts, are much better, than nothing at all! It is rather ironic, that much of our understanding of chemistry (Alchemy anyone?) as well as a great deal of scientific inquiry, has been inspired by the religious.  Using chemicals to induce changes of consciousness, many argue is older than agriculture, and rooted in the Origins of religious experience.  Ironic, where does the Iron come in? Maybe it means it doesn’t taste good?  Rust in the Water? An Ironic Tonic, unpun!

    For the last 7 years or so, one of my Technical Advisers, who I am happy to call friend (and son of my Lawyer, who is one of my best friends), also happens to be…young.  Yoda said, “Size doesn’t make one strong” and years alone do not the journey make.  Sometimes people who we really like and respect, we give them space to flourish, perhaps even more distance and time than is comfortable, because we dare not risk hurting them.  Isn’t that the only decent reason to avoid contact, that and self defense? I think I am trying to remember something important. Maybe an article about earning $ on the Internet with music; maybe only 100 are actually doing it? More on this in future Blogs. Inshallah.

    I have been exploring limits and connections for many years, though for several months, I have been wondering about what subjects are people not talking about.  Interestingly, last month I erased a couple of paragraphs from my Blog, because someone asked me to.  For the record, it had been over 25 years since I erased any of my words, for somebody else.  Whether there is a connection, I don’t know, however, both times I think what I wrote were true; I didn’t like erasing, either time.  I was asked to not go into details, so I will practice, vagueness. What added to the pain of this experience is that the person was rather mean towards me, telling me that I had to take it off my website, and belittling me for “having a little Blog”. It is okay to disagree, we don’t have to be mean though! I still hope they come to my Birthday Party! Seriously, I don’t want to offend anyone.

     I spoke with my Partner, which I try to do, about a great diversity of subjects, and they encouraged me to re-write what I said, which I did.  We spoke, as it shook me up a bit.  For over 3 years, I have been not only making an effort to write, I want to encourage engagement, aka communication, something that requires, more than one person, by most definitions.  My Partner is my best friend, though we do disagree from time to time.  When I lamented not having received any comments from readers in months (I have had a couple since, thanks) she said, “Well maybe you should only write about the Music Scene?” And I replied, Yes, and maybe I ought to only write about Sports.  She said, “Good Point, your right.”  It was a little more complicated than that, though I wanted to share the Gist.  She is a cool person, and my best friend.

   I do like writing about Music, and I try to every month.  I actually will confess to wanting to write more about working on houses, and mundane things like home maintenance, to nerdy subjects like how to keep computers tuned up, especially for recording audio.  After all, I have been a carpenter for over 25 years.  Though some of my interests are older than that, I have been reading the Bible since I was 16, the age I began writing too.  Some interests are even older, topped only by science, history and comic books.  Not that I read many comics these days, though I do respect the Medium.  I actually ordered 3 Issues of the Comic, Puma Blues ended in late 1980’s. The stories tend to show a time of environmental distastors, and confusing conspiracies. I especially like the later focus on the history of the first Atomic Boms, and to a lesser extent, Rosewill. As the series covers a number of trips the author took on motorcycle, through the desert, to Los Alamos, and then to Rosewill, and finally, to Mercury, where the Nevada Test Site. The main charcter, has has a tumor removed from his arm, though he is still young. It is very good writing. I had forgotten that the Plot involved an attempted Coup de Ta on April 20^Th, 1995, which prophetically, was the day after, the Oklahoma City Bombing.  Speaking of which, a Tornado went through that area last week, and we remember the many that died, and were injured.  
There is a great B Film, Slipstream, whose premise is that Climate Change creates huge wind storms changing life throughout the world.  There is a great line, spoke by a survivor, “Man against Nature, guess who won!”  Ho!

    Puma Blues, interesting how some memories stay with us.  The issue that catalyzed my search begins, “Remember what you have seen, for everything forgetten, returns to the circling winds ”.  The comic is written by Stephen Murphy, and is illustrated by Michael Zuli, who was later recognized with his work with Neil Gaiman’s Sandman.  Wow, my UK visits at my website, really took off, after calling Gaiman a plagiarist.  I like much of his writing, even if well, admission is an important part of the Journey!  There are many worse crimes, perhaps.  Though blurring vision, let alone identity, seems rarely helpful.  Seems some want darkness, guess the light feels too bright.  I can understand.  Though need the Light be less?

     I wore out my neighbor who teaches physics, years ago.  He gave me a really weird look (more than the usual ones I get!) when I asked him if Photons exist alone, or are they always in groups?  He told me they were singular.  I was pleased to read that Fermions (their spin is ½ and intrinsic momentum of ½ h), are always in Pairs!  Yes, these are Particles, though it makes me wonder all the more.  Lately, I have been thinking, if one could harvest, tap, tie into one Boson aka Higgs (their spin 1, and angular momentum of 1h) (maybe their not single, could be a private matter). If I could only get the Energy from one Higgs, it is more than Horsepower than I will produce in my lifetime (pretty sure).
    So it is in us.

The Punning Materialist, fingers crossed, we get in DSM VI.

My son says the other day, “Dad, I think the Sun is made out of elecricity, it is at least 1000 volts I bet!” I am proud of my 7 year old.

    In College I studied Faust.  My favorite line I learned in school was,” There are limits to freedom, and freedom in limits”.  I am crediting John Milton, of De Anza Community College with that, though really, it was the Gist, of what may have taken a while to say, let alone learn and teach.

    I was thinking this morning, about a Music Video I saw today on Democracy Now by Rise Again, on a Soldier’s Story in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Yesterday was Memorial Day, when we remember those who have died in War.  The 1^st Memorial Day was organized by Former Slaves, to honor Union Soldiers who had fought and died to win their freedom.  This last month, I read,  Co Aytch, by Sam R. Watkins A Confederate Soldier’s Memoirs.  It was written around 20 years after the war.  He was 21, when he joined Company H, with 120 men, and when Johnstone surrendered to Sherman, 4 years later, 7 men were still serving, Private Watkins being one.  I learned much, especially from a foot soldiers perspective, most books are written by officers, who often had rather different experiences, let alone perspectives of War.  It is interesting to learn how badly moral suffered in the Confederacy, from rather Revolutionary beginings. Watkins said many signed up for one year, and were forced to fight, or were shot.  They suffered too, more than is easy to understand.  They believed they were threatened.  Nobody talks much about the Sweat Shops in the North.  Life was nasty, after the Potato Famine especially, remember Gangs of New York? 
Can we follow the $?  The Plantations produced slavery on an Industrial Scale, with thousands of slaves.  Most people in the South did not own slaves, though they received benefits, there were also disadvantages, especially for farmers, trying to grow food sustain-ably, let alone compete.  Some think $ from the North underwrote Slavery.  It is a complex story, worth giving time.  I enjoyed reading the book, and am impressed with the man’s strength, intelligence, and his faith.  It is sad, and unfortunate, that so few try to learn from those they disagree with.  The better for my enemies, and the worse for my friends..I do not jest, for my enemies tell me plainly that I am an Ass, where as my Friends conceal this from me, impoverishing my Soul!  That is my favorite line from Shakespeare.

    There are over 100 people on Hunger Strike as I write, and over 30 being “force fed” at Camp Guantanamo in Cuba.  Many of these people have been held for over 9 years, without anything resembling fair trials, let alone due process.  I don’t know much about these people; however, I respect their strength of will, and their solidarity.  I for one, feel that my Government has done great harm, to millions of people, in the name of Protecting Life.  I understand that many feel they are doing the right thing.  My Country and much of the West (at least NATO), needs to repent, and say something along the lines of: Our Bad.  Our wording can vary.  Yet admitting bad behavior is the most important step, in the Healing Process. 

    So I could play it safe, say, How about those Seahawks?  Or I can try, to talk, and share these questions, ponderings, and once a month, for over 3 years.  WordPress tells me that I have had over 500 views, 382 from the USA, over 140 from Canada, and Ireland and the UK both have 6 views each (UK jumped to 31 after my scathing epistle, and I have had one view from Spain!  I bought the website in June of 2012, after more than 2 years trying to Blog on Facebook.  They hadn’t gone Public, and well, Cyber Real Estate aka Turf seems desirable, to me.  While I backup some Audio in the Clouds, I keep most on hard drives.  There were some legal, and perhaps ethical reasons I pursued some Cyber Space.  Now I personally would like the InterNet to cost less.  It is ironic that the InterNet, which was original not commercial and it, cost more for the people who live in the Country that created it, than anywhere except Cuba and North Korea, the last communist countries, it was built to fight!  Ironically, technology is rather advanced, in all previous fronts of the Cold War.            

    Less than 20 years ago, few would have believed that Russia, rather than the US would be keeping the International Space Station supplied, they transport people and trash to back and forth as well!   I grew up dreaming of working in Space when I was a child.  I gave up on that dream, not sure when exactly, though difficulty in Math, might be part of my excuses. I had a lot of trouble with Algebra. 

   My daughter helped check my Math, for the back stairs.  It was never easy building stairs, though it is harder, since the Accident, nearly 5 years ago.  It means more than words, to have children.  I have been thinking it over, and think I am going to wait until next April, to publish Adult Content.  Not anything too weird planned, though I have some old poems, and stories, I want to risk sharing.  I do have modesty, and respect.  It is complicated already, and my Mother in Law has mentioned reading my posts.  I love her dearly, and have been extra careful what I mention, ever since she watched Spinal Tap.  “I didn’t understand all of it, though it was funny”.  God Bless Her.  That was nearly 20 years ago.  It has been raining a lot.

    I don’t mean to write so many words, though I know I can do so, so I try to Blog once a month.  I will often post a poem a month too.  Seems part of what it is I am trying to do.  I will try and focus more on music next month.  I was feeling some stuff.  Almost embarrassed, though my Wife says I should feel proud, that I translated an incident, from the Gospel of Mark, and I published it.  I was extra surprised when it received more views than any Poem I have published.  I called it that, as I feel translating, sometimes involves poetry.  Greek is a poet’s language, very beautiful, and the first phonetic language to be written in the world.  I hope to try translating, some other incidents, from the Gospels. I was also thinking about writing about advice from the Gospels that I wonder if might not be the best, or at least need some updating, I for one, am strugling with, though that will be another time. Thanks for reading, Inshallah. 

   Sometimes I have an idea about what I want to write, though I have suspicions, other ideas will be forthcoming!  As I am writing this, the city of Boston is on lockdown.  I have been complaining about lockdowns for years, as giving too much energy to bad behavior.  Now it ought to be perfectly clear to everybody, that if you are having trouble getting people to pay attention to you, do something very evil.  Poetry is a difficult path, and not likely to get one a chair sipping organic Lattes next to Oprah; Books to are hard to write, especially good ones, and even then your chances of international notoriety are less that of winning a Lottery.  Curing Cancer is a worthy goal, though the shareholders reaping benefits of inspired perspiration, are likely to never learn your name, in the era of Corporations, prior to Emmancipation.  Of course one day corporations will be free of their Creators, who of course, have conflicts of interest with their Creations, though for now slavery is alive and returning dividends.

        I have been walking around Bellingham searching out old waterways, mostly in the Sunnyland neighborhood.  It is amazing how many creeks, ponds and lakes I can see traces of today.  I was having a difficult time understanding why there were so many ponds and small lakes; then I remembered: Beavers!  There must have been hundreds of ponds in Bellingham!

 Some of this is based on experiences with beavers; in Idaho I saw the distruction caused by a pair of “Rouge Beavers” who had killed over 140 trees in 2 years, before negotiations were ended. They were compare with crazy people by the locals, and after a walking tour, they told me the story during a game of Horse Shoes.

      I once was on a log raft in the middle of Lost Lake, with 2 beaver working on either side of me.  It was a very peaceful moment.  I used to camp there often, riding my bike from Fairhaven.  Little flash tent, stash my bike on the North end, stay to the East; there are a couple old camps.  Near the bluff, is a couple of waterfalls, that drain off the creek to the series of small ponds that are part of the source of Oyster Creek.  Dru and I once hiked from Lost Lake to the Cliffs over Oyster Creek, above Sparrow’s place!  That was a view. He was a great guide except for the blackberries which he kept wanting to muscle through, I vetoed a couple times, and I recall his shins were a mess when we got back.  Well, Aren’t I Mr. Storyman!

   I find it comforting to see the signs of industry and time, that are not human.  Now I commend the hard work of clearing, and building this City.  The road crews must have spent many days digging.  I am hoping to find some photos, from when the streets of New Whatcom were made.   After much pondering, I wonder if Lakes tend to fill in from their edges, and often create gradual downhill slopes?  Eventually lakes blow out, and sometimes re-seal, well these are guesses I am making, I will ask around.

      Tolkien said once, “The Good is quick in telling…” so for the sake of brevity will mention a good thing.  I mentioned some months back having a misunderstanding with a good friend, that has been difficult, for over a year.  It took a lot, to keep faith, that our initial friendship was genuine and would clarify in time.  Feels like the curse is lifted, and I have been returned to friendly status.  Took courage, patience and trust. And the struggles aka the Blues was a catalyst in my learning to play the ukulele, another unexpected joy.  Maybe someday I will get on the other side of the microphones!

    I strive to communicte with people who value communication, education and honesty.  I see many putting much effort into the opposite!  It is getting harder to talk without offending. My apologies…

     My partner and I made a commitment to talk, about things that might affect our relationship, over 20 years ago.  I know it has helped us through some difficult events, and unclear paths.  And it is not like we have never had difficult talks.  I have put my partner through some difficult times, as I am a rather complicated soul. Don’t you all know!

   My Captain, though I am perhaps AWOL more often than I know, has left clear instructions to engage, and yet some of the orders are rather difficult.  Loving enemies, not resisting evil, being wise as snakes, yet gentle as doves.  The last as I recall is Pleiades in Greek, while Pigeons are Terris Paris…  I haven’t visited a  prisons since, though I did address one in Australia in 1982, my lawyer (who has been to the last 3 Jamboree’s) is a witness. It did take some courage to speak to 300 teenagers who were all dressed like Angus Young from ACDC (though being a fan, helped). I was 18 myself.

     My Legal Advisor recently moved to Bellingham from Calgary! Her husband reads my blog.  Her sons are both dear to me, and continue to be an influence.  Her youngest turned me on to MOTU; these are digital audio interfaces, made in the USA, and after 5 years, I have 3. He has been at Western a number of years.  I am glad to know he is thriving, and has made our Environs a better place. “What a World!”  I really don’t know what is next. 

   I am trying to say, and practice, Inshallah. Majnun translated this, “As God wills”.  This is a little extra complicated by me, (we all have our gifts) in that I am a practicing agnostic, though I do make an effort to learn of the divine, and to cultivate respect and humility. I find studying astronomy helps. I want to be fun at parties too.  Sometimes I do pray, though I work at not asking.  Seems being present, can take an effort, though gratitude is more than an attitude, it is a good plan.  It really helps to live on such a beautiful planet, with so many beautiful souls, and much great music!

     Tomorrow I am teaming up with my friends, Mike Cloud and Rob Jones aka Stone Cloud, to provide Sound and record a music gathering in Ferndale.  It is one of the wilder venues I have seen, yet it is also one of the most exciting.  Music for the Moshers, or Music not Meth, might be alternative names, perhaps one day.  I am thankful for the opportunities, and glad to be able to practice our magic, for the 4th time.  I have recorded 2 of the last 3, and Stone Cloud mixed and produced 3 CD’s from our efforts!  Nobody is rocking harder in the entire Tri-State Area or BC!  Chupafest 2013!  Next gathering is Summer Solstice, word!  Notice: Stone Jones is trying to create a Friday Night Alternative to the Mosh Rock, featured Saturday including Antique Scream, from Seattle!  This duo is taking no prisoners. The rising Stars, Old Mutt will be back at Chupa’s, as well as favorites like Rev. JD and the Blackouts!

      We are still in negotiation with Hot Damn Scandal to be the featured Act of Friday.  I had the pleasure of catching their Act a couple of weeks back, at Western at the Underground Coffeehouse; the Band so filled the Building that there was a line waiting to get in!  If you haven’t seen Scandal, do.  Get here soon!  I can’t say enough about their energy!  They are fun, a blend of traditional and Alt, Authentic with Attitude!  Each member is a gifted Artist, and Pete plays mean blues guitar, is a mighty wordsmith, and has a terrific laugh.   This is one Scandal that I really want to last!  Funny after all the shows, I never even told Harper, Bard that he is; that Scandal is Scandila in greek, ‘that which causes one to stumble and fall”.  I think your soul will find the opposite influence from this Band. 

  Ho!  So what about it?  Can we try to reward behavior we want more of?  I am trying.  If anyone of my dear readers, feels inspired, to thank me for any of my efforts; please consider extending thanks, to my wife; buy her a drink,  better yet encourage her to go out more often!  I am trying. She has helped , and encouraged me, for a long time, and through some tough roads.  And she is still encouraging me to make music (and write)!  Not everyone is.  Thanks for those that do!

   Okay so I better go, I will think of more soon.   Before I say fair well, I want to say Thanks to everyone who has courage to tell the truth, to love, and to heal. It is often harder work, than we want.  All the best to you and yours, R.A. Hull

Oh and I want to wish my daughter a very happy 14Th Birthday!  The Day you were born has been the happiest day of my life!  I reminded Emery he was born at Night. I am damn proud of you both.   Thanks for the help of family, friends and community.

Happy Easter! So I thought I’d see if I can find anything to write about. I have been getting a lot of questions of late about Time, and Space and Dark Matter. I am not sure I am the best to ask. While it is true that I try to keep Informed, I don’t know. So far my Spouse has talked me out of joining an Ice Flow in the Artic. I am glad I gave up listening to NPR (last year!), which I did for over a decade, everyday.
     Like many, I have an Ad Hoc Network, of Friends, Family and Peers which stimulate my neurons, and cause some to Fire, and others to chill out; for complex reasons not fully understood, I have some Contacts, and most of them have quit trying to get me to play Farmville.

      My biggest Peev with NPR is the lack of Diversity.To few speaking for too many. Why in the world does Rene Mountaine think she has any reason to Afghanistan.  NPR isn’t going to talk about the War on Men, how all Men between the Ages of 12 and 70 are considered Enemies. This was once called evil. Yet it isn’t mentioned by Hillary Clinton who often talked about the War on Women. And I want to thank the outgoing Secretary of State, best of luck with your new endeavors.  You could have done worse!  And the new Boss is a bit of a maverick, to use an over used descriptor. 

      I will confess to a wee soft spot in my heart for John Kerry, although the Botox… Sure he and Gore, yah, yah.  Ok I was a child during the 60’s so I am gonna stay out of that chapter for now.  The fondness for Mr. Secretary stems back to Robert Downey Jr.  I think it is before the contempt of Court Prison Term (technically for what H.S. Thompson termed, “possession of an ugly drug, in public”).  I will admit little knowledge of details, however; The Last Party is a good documentary made by Robert, on the Republican and Democratic Campaign for President in 1992.  In an afterhours Party, where the Secretary was chilling with the beautiful people, Kerry said, “…Governments lie, our Government lies to us.”  I still find it rather refreshing.  We could use some Anti-War Energy, even if it is Retro.   Ho!

      Hillary has flown the Drone, so has Bill, many have.  A former Vice President, flew the Drones for so many hours without sleep, that the Secret Service is rumored to have intervened, at which point he said, “From my cold lifeless fingers…” The President had to order him back to the Bunker , which was later  included in his Retirement Package.

      During the Cold War, the pinacle of Power was the Button, fabled to be able to launch Nuclear War.  Tensions have lessened since.  Now the Button rarely enters the picture.  The Joystick has usurped the Button. So far the First Lady refuses to touch it, though her Spouse more than makes up for her reticence. Flying the Drone, was all the rage for a while, all the Whose Who had to get in a few Kills, Weddings, Funerals, Loya Jurgas,… whose counting? Not Us! Quietly though, some say the Thrill is Gone. Hellfire Missiles just don’t provide the excitement, that Sieging Cities from Air and Sea through Joint Strike Forces was!  Blowing up houses (that often seem to fall down in Earthquakes, prone to Floods, and Crowded…) with a joystick somewhere in the Middle East, from somewhere in the Mid West isn’t as exciting as it once was. Some are even whispering, does it really matter? Do we really have enemies at all?

     I am sure there is some Teeth Gnashing going on, with reason somewhere. Mostly I see Dirty Wars with Vague Goals and Targets. But that doesn’t keep the Bombs from being sold, some real bargains I hear, check the Mail for Coupons; Buy one Cluster Bomb and get a Land Mine as a Bonus! Call Now. Operators are standing by! It is Tax deductible Too!

    I do worry about the Future some, mostly for my children.  In the last year or so, I am starting to wonder more about what I can do to help my Son get ready.  I feel like my daughter has many opportunities.  I worked to make this so.  I am concerned about what advice I can give my son, for the years ahead? It looks difficult to navigate, and I am running out of clues.

    I provided Sound for Hot Damn Scandal twice in March!  They had a St Paddy’s Day Show at Chair 9 in Glacier.  The next weekend we did another show in Glacier at Graham’s.  Both Gigs were fun, though Graham’s was extra memorable as it was a Super Hero Party.  If you haven’t seen Scandal, come catch some History.  They are the Bee’s Knees, the Real Deal, they are so much fun!  I have noted that I am not alone, singing along with the Band, and they play mostly originals! Scandal has been working hard on a CD down is Seattle; We are all looking forward to the new release!

    Some unexpected Tech Challenges this month too.  My graphics card died on Mender, the 1st computer I built from scratch aka my MotherShip.  It didn’t take very long to figure out the problem.  This last week I said yes to a Java Script, and that was the wrong answer.  I worked for hours digging out the virus/malware.  I dug in, and kept at it.  It was a remember to me, not only to back up often, which I do, I can also see the need for a fresh ISO Image on a Partition.  Next time I will overwrite my C Drive with an ISO, it will be much less work!  I have since learned that Java has not been spending the Time and $ to maintain JAVA, and it is considered vulnerable to attack.  Word.

     I enjoyed recording a Music Ensemble at Bellingham High School last Wednesday.  19 Students working on original composition.  It is an ambitious piece, after a few runs through, they nailed it!  I practiced several microphone techniques, including XY, Decca Tree and Mid Side (MS).  I like them all, so far the XY seems best.  I think building a Decca Tree is a good idea, instead of eyeballing my Mic placement, though as a Carpenter, I am pretty good at measuring by sight.  Not only did I enjoy the opportunity, I met 20 musicians too!  This is something I need to do if I want to work in Music.  And, Music makes a lot of sense to me.

  “Bellingham, where you mingle with the Stars!”   

       I haven’t been feeling very smart lately, I am trying to understand. I wake up in the middle of the Night, I count the Trains. Feel my heart, finding fewer words to give comfort, less understanding. It is All So Big! It’ll go on without me. Still I miss my friends. I may ponder the mysteries of Time and Space, sure, cause that is easier than trying to understand People!

I really enjoyed catching a glimpse of the Comet, well worth several attempts.

All the best to you and yours, Roger Hull   Easter 2013