Tim's Musings

[Dave]

I love it!
Sometimes, it's about overcoming obstacles and roadblocks in life that define its moments.

"When something gets in my way
I go 'round it"

I've Got The Music In Me", Kiki Dee, 1975

[YesterdayOnceMore]

Well, I must say first, thank you. WiseJester7, Leo, Palm, Ming, KC and Dave - thanks a great deal.

You know, being a musician CAN be frustrating. Being a part-time musician can be even MORE frustrating. Being a financially strapped, part-time musician with a wife, two children and a son-in-law, a beautiful puppy, a mortgage and a thousand other bills means there just aren't any extra dollars for purchasing rather expensive "digital" equipment (though I agree, I should probably learn how to use the newest technology that's out there), and especially no extra $$ for trips to New York to do something I would dearly LOVE to do, (and thank you Palma for even saying it again), and "make records with" Palma and Fred. So, even though that is an awesome idea, NYCC (I'll be explaining this to you)....it's going to have to be down the road for me, unfortunately. THERE IS NOTHING I WANT MORE THAN TO COME TO NEW YORK, AND TO RECORD WITH YOU AND FRED at TIKI......WHAT AN AWESOME DAY THAT WILL BE. And, though - I know you've said this to me before privately, for you to mention that you'd like to do a record with me on a public forum really is quite a sweet, and a real humbling thing. Thank you, Palm.

Leo, you have a tape of just what I slapped together - now really, there isn't ANYTHING good about that tape, if we're both honest with each other. See, everyone, Leo had requested to "hear" some of the kinds of things I do....and all IS fair in love and war, yes? Heard that somewhere.....anyway - after the fine CD's I got from Leo, I did make him a tape (tape/not CD/tape) of some of my past work, and some of my more current work - including one of the Christian songs of Palma's - "Don't Be Afraid." (Palm, Leo has the same recording of that one that you do). Throughout the process of attempting to get this tape together for Leo as I'd promised I would do, I recorded one afternoon a few items I thought he would enjoy - the tape player I was using shorted out or something, and of course, completly unbeknownst to me, as I was playing, not engineering; therefore, (I was using two keyboard sequencers) - one of the keyboards wasn't up in the mix, (volume wise) and it sounded pretty bad, as a final analysis. Of course, Leo has been very kind & gracious about not saying the tape just sucks, but there was not one professional detail to that tape. I went on the premise that "imperfection" is okay. Well, this was SO imperfect, that I'm surprised L could actually get all the way through it.

So...it was at that point that I decided (KC, please note) UNTIL I COULD AFFORD TO PURCHASE SOMETHING UPDATED, LIKE AN 8-TRACK DIGITAL RECORDER) I thought I'd get away with having the 4-track cassette recorder cleaned and polished for a relative song, (NO pun intended) as compared to the cost of a NEW digital recorder. That's why I decided to go that route, because I KNOW how to use it already, and don't have to learn how to engineer the project before I can sit and do the music . I WANT TO DO THE MUSIC , not be the engineer!!! Oofah! That part takes such precision and know-how, or else so much time to LEARN how to do it right. With the 4-track, I truly was hoping to avoid having to start over in the recording process.....cause, I'd like to do these recordings sometime in the near future, rather than several YEARS from now.

Ah, well....I appreciate you being in my corner (HAH, again, no pun intended), WJ7, and your encouraging quote and words Leo and Ming and Dave! Palma, thanks for your post, because those sort of compliments mean a great, great deal coming from an accomplished recording artist of your caliber. KC, I KNOW you understand about the dollars part of the equation (that there just aren't any - otherwise, you, too, would have the sequencer you want, yes?) - but I definitely understand what you were saying in terms of the reason the cassette recorder wasn't fixable; cause God's telling me that's not the right route in which to go....and I believe that's undoubtedly true.

I'm told patience is a virtue. It's something I'm sorely lacking in right now. Last week was the worst week I've trudged through in many a month....and that technical glitch was, seemingly, the proverbial icing on the cake.

I did, however, manage to sequence and I sang "GET UP ONE MORE TIME" (ironic that you quoted me THAT song, Palm) this morning at church. The congregation ate it up - they absolutely loved the "message" and it IS a wonderful message....very encouraging. (right O.E.?) I won't be sending you what recorded today though,Palma, because the guy doing the sound did NOT turn up the keyboard, (aheemmmmmm) so mostly what you hear is me, and not the sequenced "track" being played. It sounds very distant, and my vocals sound very LOUD....maybe someday, with the RIGHT EQUIPMENT, I'll make you a copy.

Let me explain who Missouri Martini is, and the reference to New York City, Chick.



Have any of you seen the film " UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN ?" It is an absolutely awesome "sleeper" film that I stumbled across by accident while flipping channels about a year ago. I now own it on DVD, and watch it OFTEN. I love the entire premise of the story. I embrace the courage with which Frances Mayes, the heroine, goes about learning to live again in the film. She actually buys a wonderful villa in Tuscny named " Bramasole " and she sets about the task of rennovating these "four walls", as she refers to it; plus, she is learning a whole new way of life at the same time.



There is a gentleman there in Cartona, where Frances has bought her new home, who I fancy myself after a lot. His name is Signor Martini - he is a jack-of-all-trades, sort of. He sells real-estate, he does banking, but mostly , HE IS A GOOD DEED DOER - A COMFORTING, FIERCE FRIEND, WHO IS VERY, VERY WISE AND HELPS ANYONE WHO ASKS HIM. Such a fine man, Martini. I'd like to be like him.



And...being in the music business, we musicians oftentimes refer to "females" as "chicks" - it's a bit of slang, but it's actually a complimentary bit of slang, I suppose, and it's just sort of a thing that is universally excepted. So, living in New York, as we exchange emails, Palma became My Favorite NYCC, or New York City Chick" - and I sign my emails "Martini". It's just a bit of an endearment between friends.



Let me end with a wonderful quote from UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN ....because I know what you've all tried to share with me here is to have faith. I've shared this message with others before because I wanted to tell THEM to have faith, and so now, well....what goes round comes round, eh?



Martini to Frances: ".... Between Austria and Italy, there is a section of the Alps called de siberie - it is an impossibly steep, very high point of the mountains. They built a train track over these Alps to connect Vienna and Venice - they built these tracks.......even before there was a train in existence that could make the trip. They built it because they KNEW, someday....the train would come ..."

and

Frances to audience: " ...They say they built the train tracks over the Alps between Vienna and Venice before there was a train that could make the trip - they built it anyway - they KNEW one day, the train would come! Any arbitraty turning along the way.....and I would be elsewhere - I would be different.... (about Bramasole)... What are 4 walls, anyway? They are what they CONTAIN. The house protects the dreamer - UNTHINKABLY good things can happen - even late in the game - IT'S SUCH A SURPRISE ...."



I hope each of you has a wonderful week ahead, full of surprises.....oh, mine will get better....I'm sure of it. (Unthinkably good things CAN happen, even late in the game). Someone recently quoted me a song that said "Get up one more time....." I'm giving it my best shot.

I wish you ALL the best from here in my corner,
Tim

[palmapascale]

Hey, Tim, go on www.craigslist.com, then under Missouri, then under electronics for sale, and I bet someone nearby has something digital for sale or, better yet, post a "wanted" for a donation of equipment to record for the church...you can express yourself very nicely there, with as many words as you'd like, and send your "prayer" out over the internet. I've done it, and it's worked in different ways for me. All of you out there who haven't seen the "magic" of craigslist, go there. I especially like reading the "wish" list of people who "want" things...you never know who's reading your ad, and it's FREE. Post as many ads as you like...they run for seven days, then you can write them again! Loved the dancing daisies, Martini. So "TUSCAN SUN." Remind me to tell you all about the lizard rescue...or should I say, my MOTHER'S rescue when an errant lizard (think "Geico lizard") got in her house the other day, and she panicked. Nothing worse than your mother standing outside with her purse and a portable phone screaming "PLEASE....I CAN'T GO BACK IN THE HOUSE IF THE LIZARD IS IN THERE!" Those of you who know me, know I rescue cats, and have even rescued a dog, so of course you KNOW the lizard was captured safely, and put outside in "lizard witness protection" which is to say he was RELOCATED from the front of the house to the back of the house (mode of transport...a used olive jar.) Don't presently know his whereabouts, but DO know mother is back inside the house. Only in New York, folks, only in New York! Love to all. Palma

[GoodOldDreams]

palmapascale said:

Hey, Tim, go on www.craigslist.com, then under Missouri, then under electronics for sale, and I bet someone nearby has something digital for sale or, better yet, post a "wanted" for a donation of equipment to record for the church...you can express yourself very nicely there, with as many words as you'd like, and send your "prayer" out over the internet. I've done it, and it's worked in different ways for me. All of you out there who haven't seen the "magic" of craigslist, go there. I especially like reading the "wish" list of people who "want" things...you never know who's reading your ad, and it's FREE. Post as many ads as you like...they run for seven days, then you can write them again! Loved the dancing daisies, Martini. So "TUSCAN SUN." Remind me to tell you all about the lizard rescue...or should I say, my MOTHER'S rescue when an errant lizard (think "Geico lizard") got in her house the other day, and she panicked. Nothing worse than your mother standing outside with her purse and a portable phone screaming "PLEASE....I CAN'T GO BACK IN THE HOUSE IF THE LIZARD IS IN THERE!" Those of you who know me, know I rescue cats, and have even rescued a dog, so of course you KNOW the lizard was captured safely, and put outside in "lizard witness protection" which is to say he was RELOCATED from the front of the house to the back of the house (mode of transport...a used olive jar.) Don't presently know his whereabouts, but DO know mother is back inside the house. Only in New York, folks, only in New York! Love to all. Palma

Hi Tim and Palma,

Great suggestion about craigslist — I recently got a nice old-fashioned stove this way.

What a funny anecdote! Better a lizard than a rat! If the errant lizard were indeed a gecko, it should be a "fun and easy" pet for the beginner according to one source. Remember that some lizards are beneficial because they eat insect pests. Easy to tame, do you think the lizard would be smart enough to find its way back to the front of the house again? Just wondering...

[ps11932]

Tim, Everyone is right- you have a gift, and the best part is, you also have the heart to use the gift to uplift, educate and inspire people. One of the Proverbs says (another paraphrase) that "a person's gift will make room for them." It may take some time to decide on the exact steps and combinations thereof to take, but as you press on, you won't be stopped. Your work is needed. (And, yes, I think we'd like some information about Bachelor Buttons.)

[YesterdayOnceMore]

~Evening, FRIENDS:

for all your kind, encouraging, uplifting words - they WORKED....I've taken your advice NYCC, and posted on Craig's List - sent that prayer request out into the universe. Now, I'll just leave it up to God, and see where I go with it from here. "I've been trying to long on my own." Some smart lady wrote those words....and it's so true - the harder I tried, on my own, the worse it all seemed......

KC Musician phoned me this morning - he was concerned after reading the last few posts, and wanted to talk over some ideas with me about this whole "recording" thing...You know, it's really true...." UNTHINKABLY good things can happen - even late in the game - IT'S SUCH A SURPRISE ...." I'm going to take my own advice, and rely on that quote from Under The Tuscan Sun, and let the unthinkably good things just "happen." KC is the guru (like my son, Jon) when it comes to being able to understand the "how to" so....maybe this is a way of our being able to get together (we live some 4 hours apart from each other, currently) and get to spend some quality time with each other, doing something we both love to do - catch up with each other would be number one on that list, and number two would be to record....maybe I could even talk him into playing the drums with me....that would be awesome. IF I JUST HAD A BIT MORE PATIENCE, I COULD THINK OF THESE THINGS BEFORE LETTING MYSELF GO "THERE." Ya know? Darn...I hate having to get so "fragile" before things begin to make sense. I suppose that comes with being an artist - we right brainers tend to do that. Especially those like me, who wear out hearts out on our sleeves, for everyone to see.

But, I have to say, so many WONDERFUL things have come from that little "low" experience. First, the affirmation of what an outstanding group of individuals on this forum. You people are amazing. Never one word of criticism....everyone was willing to help - throw out an idea - a quote - some awfully kind, comforting, humbling words - some inspiration - and a bit of good old rational thinking. How fortunate ARE we that we've all come together here in this place, and can EACH receive what you've so freely given me? Each of you, in your own way, provided a piece of the answer I was looking for.

Most of all, you let me know I WASN'T ALONE, and that I was safe, here - in the midst of friends, and I could say without hesitation what was on my mind....how I was feeling...and you offered me assistance. You didn't turn away - you didn't NOT care....you took the time to express yourselves, and for that, I am truly grateful.

I communicated with Rick and Dave via email, too - and both of them were as encouraging as all of you who posted here. Dave is always straightforward with me - doesn't pull any punches. He knew a lot of great things to say to knock some sense into me...as many of you did, in a really kind, gentle way. Rick, too, is very good at getting to the heart of the matter, and helping one see the potential of the individual to get to the solution of the problem.

Thanks to each of you who, in your own ways, were inspirational enough to help me work through this tangled web I was weaving....the web is gone - the fog has cleared - my mind is becoming clearer with each passing day, and I no longer feel like there is no solution to this problem. I may have to be a bit more patient, but I can see there ARE reasons why NOW might not be the right time for the solutions to appear, but that they WILL...and I will see to it that they do.

So...Leo makes his debut on the radio this week, folks. Hijacked will make its radio debut Friday around the 10:00 p.m. EST time frame on Dr. Johnny P. LoveTrain's College Radio Show. Palma Pascale will be heard on the show around this same time, as well. What I DON'T know is whether or not this will be a debut for her, insofar as radio play is concerned. I intend to find out before Friday night, however, and will let you know. I'M going to be listening.....Carpenters, Pascale and Tarring. WOW! I'm excited about THIS show. Thank you to John for playing all of these artists.

I am rewriting the three sets of reviews for The Broken Cup, I'll Leave You The Music and In & Out Of Love for Palma's new website, which should be up and running in no time. Palma will have a "blog" page for her website, so I would encourage all of you to visit it. I'll post the URL when the site is rolled-out. I'm basically taking out any Carpenters Online-only references within the context of the reviews, as your average reader just won't know what the heck I'm talking about with some of those references. I'm very excited that these reviews will be posted on Palma's website....makes me feel really good - another thing I have Rick Henry to thank for - allowing me to do the reviews at COL in the first place....it's led to more than you can imagine for me, Rick. Thanks, old chap.

And...(see, I HAVE been busy) I spoke with Fred Guarino today, because, I am finally going to take the step he suggested some months ago, and write to a magazine called "Inside Connection" entertainment magazine, to find out if I can be a free lance writer for them. Fred had suggested this, and I've been sort of procrastinating, thinking I'd like to contact them closer to the time Palm's website actually is ready to go "live" and my reviews will be easy to access there. I will, of course be sending a copy to the two people Fred suggested I contact - the managing editor and the entertainment editor. He wrote today, and indicated if there was anything else he could do, he'd be happy to. He asked me to use him as a reference, as he has done business with these people for many years - advertising, and such. Thanks, Fred. Let's see what happens. Maybe this will be the extra $$ I need to get the recording equipment, eh? It'll happen.

About Leo....I read in his blog that he will be putting together a full-length album this year. I was SO pleased to hear that he will be doing definitely some of his newer stuff; a lot of which he and Antony Edwards, his lyricist, have collaborated on together - several exciting new song lyrics are posted on Antony's MySpace page....but Leo also mentioned that he will be using some of the tracks he sent me, like "Dirt Track" and a couple of others. I'm delighted. I was hoping he wouldn't just give up on some of these wonderful recordings of his. His plans are to use some of them, along with his newer sound. Sounds to me like it'll be a great album. Hmmm....wonder if he'll need someone to "review" it, when it's all recorded and released? Happy to do it!

So, speaking of you, Leo - let me just say "okay, I've fallen, but have found a way up" so thanks for your quote. To you, my favorite NYCC, Madman Martini is back on the loose - and ready to roll.....many good things to come yet....and too much for me to stay safely behind MY four walls. Listen up....before I'm done with promoting your music, people all over the world will know it, recognize it, and want more and more of it. So...you just keep those chops up and keep writing....we've lots more to do.

And, I just checked my airline miles today......seems I have two, count em,TWO domestic flights coming to me, which means I CAN get to New York.....Therefore, plans will HAVE to be made for some session work, and we're gonna tear it up there at TIKI with both of us in there recording. (Whew!) I just hope Fred's ready for THAT!

to you all, whether in private emails, or for your posts here in Tim's Corner - WiseJester 7, Leo, Palm, Rick, Dave, KC, Ming, Good Old Dreams, OE - for your confidence in, and kind words to me. It's all downhill from here with lots of

and s and s. I each of you for your encouragement, and wisdom.

I wish you all the BEST from here in my corner,
Tim

PS - O.E. - watch for a new thread called "Bachelor Buttons" coming to a spot in Tim's Corner, SOON! Fun stuff!

[Rick Henry]

Thank you for the kind words Tim... you are a great friend and you have done so much to help me out in keeping an active and intellectual place here on the internet. You are one of the reasons Carpenters Online (the web site and forum combined) has 6,000 - 7,000 visitors every month.

[YesterdayOnceMore]

Hey Everybody:

It's OCTOBER already - where does the time go? This time of year reminds me of the beautiful Carpenters Song Where Do I Go From Here? "....autumn days lyin on a bed of leaves...watchin' clouds look through the trees..." and "...it's colder now..the trees are bare and nights are long..." and "....lovers plans, like fallin' leaves on windy days...flutter past then they fly away...." and of course, the bridge: "Where Do I Go From Here?....tell me, where do I go from here?....."

The leaves in Missouri are just now beginning to turn. We've had a spell of colder weather, although it seems to be warming up nicely here again - and is supposed to stay warm this week, then I think Fall will really set in...usually it's quite cool - typically a lot of misty-type rain - i.e., drizzle, fog, etc. The leaves throughout the Ozark Mountains are outstanding - some of the prettiest in the nation, I would suspect. They dazzle with brilliant colors in hues of bright and deep reds, oranges, and yellows. The trees stay these colors for about two to three weeks, then the leaves seem to mostly all drop at once. It's a beautiful time of the year, granted....but I'm always sorry to see summertime go...I'm not a fan of the hot, hot weather, but I can get cooler a lot easier than I can stay warm....and it seems that each winter that rolls around is tougher than the one before it, in terms of my being able to handle the icy winds that tend to blow in this part of the country. One of the reasons I love living in the central US, though, is this change of seasons, so I will just grit y teeth and plan to take another winter in stride. I suppose these types of things are the things that make us tough, eh?

Wow - looking back, there has been much going on. LOOK AT THE GREAT STUFF ON THE MAIN SECTION OF THE FORUM!!! to Rick for more great topics, and more fun. Look at the new graphics he's added - here they are, in random order! :youarebeautiful: :sunclouds: :spinsun: :shinysmile: :mickeywink: :LoveTurns: :smileface: :drumspin: Aren't they great? I think the addition of these graphics are a fun way to spice up our posts! Again, for these, Rick.

Many of you have contributed to the past months postings - thanks to all of you because I learn something new almost every single day.

No one guessed how Alexa Ray Joel got her name in my thread here in Tim's Corner about Billy and Lex...but Wisejester 7 did ask about it, so it's posted there - I'm sure some of you were aware that Billy named Alexa after Ray Charles.....Rick provides a lot of good history about Billy and his early career, and I provided some more, however, it's a topic that can be added to, still, so feel free to drop by and do just that.

I posted a thread in the main section of the forum about The Karen Carpenter Story. It's amazing to me after all these years of viewing it off and on, that one can pick up so many new things when viewing it again, nevertheless, that's exactly what happened to me. I love it when new surprises pop up, and the enjoyment is heightened. Good stuff.

What is happening in your worlds? I know that many of you are very busy during this time of year....as I am. There is just much to do to get ready for upcoming holidays, get the house in shape for winter, kids in school, all that stuff. What is going on with each of you? What sort of things are keeping you busy? How are your holiday plans shaping up? Do you realize it's only 2+ months till Christmas? Again? Already?!!! Amazing how quickly the time is going.

Where do YOU go from here? Let us hear from you right here in Tim's Musings.

I wish you all the best from here in my corner
Tim

[Ming]

yesterdayoncemore said:

What is going on with each of you?

Hello Tim,

I am studying communication in the university now. I am very happy that I finally have an opportunity to study in a university. I love it.

Ming

[ps11932]

Ming, It's great to hear of your studies! You have a concise and personable touch and I'm sure you will excel in whatever communication forms you pursue. Thanks to you too, Tim, for all your work in the various venues here. I appreciate the conversation you are generating regarding the movie about Karen. (I haven't seen it since shortly after it came out, and am not sure I couldhandle it well.) As for me, I have a somewhat substantial job change, which gives me both joy because it allows me more time in areas that are of more interest, and a little apprehension because it gets a bit into the unknown.

[YesterdayOnceMore]

MING - congrats on getting into the University. I, too, feel quite confident you'll do exceptionally well. Great stuff to hear that you're doing what you'd hoped to do.

O.E., thanks for your kind words. I enjoy this forum more than one can imagine. It's certainly taught me a great deal, too - not only about the Carpenters, but about humankind, as well. We've all got so much that we're doing - that we're thinking - that challenge us - that make us "tick" if you will. It's always great and fascinating to me to hear about the things others on the forum do, and are involved in. POST, POST, POST, everyone. Let us hear from you and what's happening in your worlds.

O.E., is it cold now in Chicago (you'd think I'd KNOW, what with one of my kids there, but....NOOOOOO).....and tell us more about this substantial job change - I've had a couple of those in my career - man, they can really be rewarding, and they can TRULY be challenging, as well. Hope this one is just going wonderfully, and that it's all you hoped it would be.

Finally - let's see, how do I wanna ask this silly little question - there are a couple of times it seems when Karen could actually be singing about someone, by name - though she's absolutely not - but as i was listening to her today, I had to laugh out loud at "Sharon Horizons" - wonder who she IS? And, Hugh....always Hugh....WHO IS HUGH? (If I had "Hugh", again - I wouldn't be the fool I'd been")...etc. Hugh appears many times throughout Karen's catalogue of songs. Awwwwww....just a little funny!

I wish you all the best from here in my corner, |winks|
Tim

[ps11932]

Hi Tim- You asked about the weather in Chicago (sorry about the delayed answer)- and no, it hasn't been cold yet but they forecast a change within 2 days or so. Regarding the job change, for the last 26 years I was primarily in facilities oversight and dealt mainly with equipping a team to attain goals set for us; now I am primarily coordinating specialty areas and must do more forward thinking, to come up with goal and ideas for these areas. So far everyone has been very helpful; I appreciate your thoughts and prayer as well. And keep the puns and jokes coming- I love them! And if you follow baseball at all-here's to your Mo. boy, Cardinals star Chris Carpenter (what a name!) in the NLCS. No offense to anyone though- I like the Mets and Tigers too- but I'm really for the A's now.

[DJLOVETRAIN]

The weather here in Florida is starting to get a little cooler too! I don't know if I told you this but I have ADHD and its taking me 8 years to get my bachelor's degree in Indisciplinary Social Science! It was a pleasure Tim to play a song for you wedding anniversary too! God Bless YOU!!! Dr Johnny P LoveTrain

[Ming]

Thank you ps11932 and Tim. I will try my best.

Ming

[Rick Henry]

ming said:

Thank you ps11932 and Tim. I will try my best.

Ming

Hi Ming... I also wish you much success in your studies.

[smoothie2]

yesterdayoncemore said:

MING - congrats on getting into the University. I, too, feel quite confident you'll do exceptionally well. Great stuff to hear that you're doing what you'd hoped to do.

O.E., thanks for your kind words. I enjoy this forum more than one can imagine. It's certainly taught me a great deal, too - not only about the Carpenters, but about humankind, as well. We've all got so much that we're doing - that we're thinking - that challenge us - that make us "tick" if you will. It's always great and fascinating to me to hear about the things others on the forum do, and are involved in. POST, POST, POST, everyone. Let us hear from you and what's happening in your worlds.

O.E., is it cold now in Chicago (you'd think I'd KNOW, what with one of my kids there, but....NOOOOOO).....and tell us more about this substantial job change - I've had a couple of those in my career - man, they can really be rewarding, and they can TRULY be challenging, as well. Hope this one is just going wonderfully, and that it's all you hoped it would be.

Finally - let's see, how do I wanna ask this silly little question - there are a couple of times it seems when Karen could actually be singing about someone, by name - though she's absolutely not - but as i was listening to her today, I had to laugh out loud at "Sharon Horizons" - wonder who she IS? And, Hugh....always Hugh....WHO IS HUGH? (If I had "Hugh", again - I wouldn't be the fool I'd been")...etc. Hugh appears many times throughout Karen's catalogue of songs. Awwwwww....just a little funny!

I wish you all the best from here in my corner, |winks|
Tim

;DHi Everyone..."whoa, whoa whoa, whoa, whoa , whoa, whoa, whoa....L.A. is a great big freeway...and ETC...."
WELL ;)Life is a great big freeway too I guess...I apologize
for not clicking in to this side of the forum very often...
(boo, hiss on me) HEY MING ! CONGRATS! FOR getting in the University ! I have a strong feeling you'll reach your goal
quickly and will do fantastic!
;D :-/TIM! YOU ARE ALSO such an interesting person and to read
about your great devotion to music and doing Palma's reviews,
and your devotion and love for friends and family and
CATS (can't help but love'em anyway,)
My 2 cents worth:....Keep the Faith, in God, in yourself and in others,.....
I do think that somehow could be now or later, but you'll
reach your musical goals, with the things you need, there
are options perhaps...
::)just keep going through each day with a prayer...
..........................................................
8-)AND EVERYBODY OUT THERE IN THE CYBER WORLD...
I find all these "Tim's Musings" quite superb indeed!
...........................Yes, the world is in a real horrific mess as far as
wars and tragedies , it's just way much to stomach even!
so depressing !
But...wise to know what's going on but let's Keep the faith...
:DMYSELF.... well, currently here in the western part of U.S.
fall is practically here. This is my fave time of yr. up until it gets
too cold...
But, we have had much needed rain during the past mo.
Time goes by too fast...the whole world
seems colorless when it's cloudy out
But anyway, I returned from a short trip to see my sis
in big Dallas.
Flew. Easy flights. Nice weather.
She was at school teaching most of time I was there, but I
kept her weinie dog company.
Ate, ate, ate,....marvelous!
Saw the big sights!
didn't wanna leave.
Christmas, once was such a grand event. Family all around.
Family scattered here and there...but seems we do manage
to connect at some point for holidays Usually...
no need to worry about that...
Rick and all of you who keep up this wonderful "C's Site"
keep up the Extraordinary wonderful awesome work!
FUNNY TIM about Sharon Horizons and Hugh!@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ I think I might have met them once "long ago and so far away"...(ha)
It would an interesting thing to do as far as listening or reading the lyrics to some of these songs and match 'em up with
these you came up with.
Reminds me of other "play-on-word" songs.
Like Jim Stafford recorded "My Girl Bill"
making it sound like his girl might be named Bill.
...anyway that's worth a chuckle...



Oh I do so enjoy the little slide show of our fave duo!!!!!!

[YesterdayOnceMore]

Woah~~~GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU HERE IN TIM'S CORNER, KATT!! Yahoo! Wonderful that you checked in.

Sounds like you had a great trip, and a wonderful time. Good on you! Glad your travels were safe, and enjoyable.

Yes, I think you might be on to something with the lyrics....maybe we should have a game of how many inadvertent "names" we could come up with in the lyrics, eh?

Ming, good stuff about School. I'm sure you're going to do super well. We all have lots of confidence in you.

O.E., yes, I can imagine that by now, fall is certainly in the air there in Chicago as it is here. Got to tell you, Jon is having a ball at this point there in Chi-town. Couldn't mention this before now, but since it's no longer "confidential" having appeared in the Chicago Reader, Jon was actually asked to assist in the making of the new "Iggy Pop and the Stooges" CD. He's pretty proud of THAT, I can tell you. They've been at Electrical for the past two weeks, and I believe they have a few weeks to go. It's hilarious - typically he will also go out to do the "food run" for the players (apparently he has admired this bass player for some years - he played in one of the groups Jon grew up listening to, and is new to Iggy Pop, and Jon has had a ball getting to know this dude he's listened to for so long). Anyway, he is out heading to some Chinese restaurant on Belmont Street - 2856, in fact...the reason I know that is because he just phoned to have us "google map" the address and how to quickly find it. I told Ann....they probably think he knows Chicago so well there at the studio, cause he never asks THEM for directions, yet he always comes back with the right food in a short amount of time. Ah yes, the magic of Google Earth, and the cell phone, eh???

Anyway, it's definitely "Fall" here, too. The leaves are showing these wonderful gold, red, orange, and yellow dazzling colors. It looked at first like it was going to be more of a "burned" color Fall, but they've begun to get vibrant. The next two weekends ought to be outstanding for "viewing" here. It turned cold the past few days, and it began to do the mist thing today - mist in the air all day long, with light rain this evening. Winter is definitely on its way.

What about that earthquake in Hawaii today, eh? Wow.....scary stuff, dudes and dudesses. I've been in an earthquake, and I remember just how scary it was to look up in my hotel room (Vegas) and see the light fixture swaying. It shook me out of the bed I was sleeping in. And then one wondered just what one should do, being completely surrounded by tall buildings. It was spooky, for sure.

I've not been around for the past three or four weeks for a reason. I can tell you all the "good" news, now - and believe me, I wasn't sure how it would all turn out.

Rick, Palm, Leo and Dave know about this - but that's all. I've been undergoing a series of medical tests....because I began having chest pains about 4 weeks ago - rather nasty ones. Also involved in this discomfort/pain were my arms, back, neck and shoulders. Classic symptoms of heart attack coming on. Having a complete physical already slated for the end of the week these began, I put off doing anything about it. When I did see the doc, my BP was just slightly high (for the record, I've NEVER had anything but 120/80 - the "ideal" BP, I've been told). It was higher than that, and after my description of the pain/discomfort I'd been feeling all week, the doc put me on a heart medication, and ordered a complete "myoview" stress test (that's great because they can basically do an angiogram without having to go through the femoral artery - rather it's done with a CAT Scan machine) - plus he ordered some gall bladder tests, and of course complete blood work-up, etc.

The appt. was on Friday. Before anything could actually occur, I began coughing up blood. Now folks, I want to tell you, I WAS FRIGHTENED. Of course, the first thing that came to my mind was when my father, 16 years ago this coming Thanksgiving, began coughing up blood, and he was dead within 4 months after that. So, you can guess what I was feeling and attempting to cope with. Ask Palma - she happened to be on line and we discussed this immediately after the fact. She's a calm and logical thinker....she gave me some great things to think about other than the obvious ones. (Thanks for all your encouragement, P).

So, my blood work comes back first, and my white blood cell count is "through the roof" so the doc was a bit concerned about that. He told me he then wanted me to do some other test....and he had an ultrasound ordered for the gall bladder which tests for the presence of gall stones - then a HidaScan, which is another CAT scan type test with a solution that is given IV to find out the actual "function" of the Gall Bladder.

I did the ultrasound on a Friday - no stones. I also had an EKG that day, which oddly was perfect, so sayeth the doc. Hmmm....still having chest pains - so what is the deal, I wondered. Then on the following Monday I had the HidaScan - a three/four hour test that kept me surrounded by two large pieces of equipment, rotating around me. I AM HIGHLY CLAUSTROPHOBIC, and quite honestly, don't know HOW but by the grace of God I was able to lay still having these machines nearly on top of me.....had it been a year ago, I couldn't have done it. But somehow, I was able to talk myself out of any panic/anxiety attacks. (Plus, I just kept singing the songs from The Broken Cup over and over in my head...some people meditate....me, I sing great songs.... The next day was ANOTHER 4 hour CAT Scan for the "Myoview" (which is the name of the medication they pump into you) stress test/treadmill exam. First, there's a rather lengthy CAT Scan with the medication, t hen a wait - then the actual treadmill stress test again with more medication, then another lengthy wait, then another CAT Scan. Thank God all of that is behind me.

Each test kept coming back okay - actually better than okay. My kidney function, liver function, heart, etc., are all in excellent shape. (I was more than relieved to hear this news). The doc figures the chest pain, the blood and the lethargy/extreme fatigue/malaise and the exacerbated white blood cell count is all due to some latent/dormant virus that I had in my system, which was just manifesting itself to fruition at about the same time I started experiencing the chest pains in the first place.

All that was great news to me, as initially I'd envisioned, of course, the worst; cancer, or leukemia, or some autoimmune disease - something really horrible. It's times like these when you know who your friends are, as they are there for you in all the right ways. I got lots of fine, positive encouragement from the four I mentioned here on the forum. I know I would have from each of you - such a great thing knowing what a community of love and support this truly is here at Carpenters On line. It's way more than just a "forum" or a "web site." YES? Am I right?

Thanks to Rick, Palm, Leo and Dave for their support, and their positive uplifting words. I truly feel as though I have been given a new "lease on life" as the phrase goes, and I intend to make the best of that. Am starting to feel better, and beginning to exercise, again (THAT feels good), but the fatigue/general malaise is still hanging round, and I can't go too fast for too long. Nevertheless, things will turn around soon, and I'm truly thankful, believe me. Looking forward to getting to New York to do some recording with Palma, sooner than later. That's going to be awesome.

That's what's been happening in my corner. We're planning to start our holidays (Thanksgiving) in St. Louis, where we will see both of our children. From there, it's anyone's guess. My mom will go to her new home at a care facility within the next four weeks, as well. Decisions.....decisions. I hope none of you ever have to face the decision of what the best thing is for your elderly parent. No matter which way you turn, there are, seemingly, nothing but hard feelings and worry - but hopefully, this IS the best thing for her care.

You know, it's like Roseanne Rosanadana used to say on SNL - "If it's not one thing...it's another." No truer words were EVER spoken.

Check in, everyone - let us know what's going on with you - what is happening in your lives - how you are doing - and perhaps what plans are for the holidays. We'd all like to be able to share I feel sure.

Hoping everyone is healthy, and happy, and ready for the upcoming holidays.

I wish you all the best from here in my corner,
Tim

[ps11932]

Hello Tim, It sounds like you have surely been through a lot recently with all the medical tests but we are thankful for the strong and positive results that came back. We will be in continued prayer for your recovery of strength and continued health. How wondeful that we receive the grace and pwoer we need at the time we need it, and indeed the spiritual songs can certainly stabalize the heart in times of need. Most likely, even in your hour of distress you were (perhaps unwittingly) a positive influence on the medical personnel around you through your attitude and demeanor. So take it easy- and thanks for your impact on all of us and we look forward to being in touch regularly. O.E.