Although it's been said...

Although it's been said many times, many ways...Merry Christmas to you.
I'll leave you with this thought of inspiration. Even the classic song "White Christmas" started as an idea in Irving Berlin's head. Don't stop believing in your ideas.

God bless you all and Merry Christmas,

Phil

"Ashokan farewell" My favorite violin piece.

Ashokan Farewell
by 123for_me

This song inspires me, makes me cry sometimes but mostly makes me happy. I remember the first time I heard this song. I was playing drums at the Cass County Opry, a country music show in the Kansas City area, when the fiddle player takes off playing it. It was one of those moments when you realize that music comes straight from God.

I also remember another time when Kristi and I were walking down Broadway in Nashville. We passed a young lady playing fiddle for tips and just as we got in front of her, she starts playing "Ashokan Farewell". Of course it hit me like a ton of bricks because I hadn't heard it in so long. I tried to explain why that song was so special to me, but I couldn't find the words. I just tipped the lady, wiped away a few tears and kept walking. It was almost like she knew it was my favorite song.

Jay Ungar wrote this back in 1982 after the annual music retreat ended. It was also picked up and used in the PBS series on the civil war.

I found this video of a really talented kid playing the song. He really did it justice.

Enjoy and as always...keep the faith.

Phil

If you could write your own eulogy...

What defines you? What will people say about you when you leave this world?

I ponder this from time to time. I think people would say that I was funny because I love to make people laugh. I think people would say I was a positive person. I always try to look on the bright side; the glass is half full and not half empty. I think they will say I was talented, generous and caring.

But when my life comes to an end, what I want the most is for somebody to say, "Phil made a difference in my life." And to all of you that have made a difference in my life, thank you!

Peace and joy,

Phil

Sweeping away the leaves...

Well, the move to Franklin, Tennessee is done and the unpacking is almost done. Moving always leaves me feeling weird. As I was packing the stuff I have been dragging around for years, I am reminded of previous moves, old friends and lost loved ones. As I decluttered, I threw away some things and gave away a lot of stuff. I viewed it as a clean slate...a new start.

Kristi and I have dreamed of living in Franklin for three years now and it has finally happened. The way it all came together was nothing short of amazing and totally inspirational. I have already felt a rush of creativity that comes from knowing that a higher power is truly in control of this crazy journey I am on.

So as I swept away the leaves from the deck that is on the back of our new home this morning, I am happy...truly happy. As I draw from this happiness and this new rush of creativity, I cannot wait to hear the songs I write. I hope to share them with you in the near future.

I wish everyone a happy and beautiful weekend.

Phil

Wayne Dyer quote of the day.

"I only allow that which is good into my life.
No one can depress you. No one can make you anxious. No one can hurt your feelings. No one can make you anything other than what you allow inside."

Today I choose to be happy! I am blessed beyond belief and I choose to focus on that. I hope your day is awesome.

Love and peace,

Phil

My 100th post...

I love this picture of my Dad and my son. This week was the 10th anniversary of Dad's passing. I still remember the last thing he said to me, "I love you, son".

That's if for now. Have a blessed weekend,

Phil

Wayne Dyer quote of the day

"Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into"
Wayne Dyer

Today I choose to tune into the abundance that is all around me. If you can't find beauty around you today, then look harder. Fall is my favorite time of year because all the colors and the weather. Even though it has rained almost everyday this week, it makes me appreciate when the sun does pop out.

I hope you all find beauty in your world today. It's all around us.

Peace and love,

Phil

Thank you is a powerful word...

When you wake up in the morning and your feet hit the floor...say "thank you". Thank you for another morning and another chance to make a difference is someone's life.

When you are walking to your job, say "thank you". Thank you for my legs, for my job, the money I make, the food it buys and the oppportunity to choose my own career path.
When you are driving home...say "thank you" for my vehicle and that it gets me home safe. Thank you for a roof over my head, thank you for a bed to sleep in, running water and time away from work.

I could go on and on, but sometimes we need to be reminded just how fortunate we are. We are very blessed and if we continue to thank God for all these blessings, more will be given to us. I truly believe this.

This is why it is so important to be happy. We attract what we think about. If we think, "God I am blessed...thank you!!", you will attract more reasons to be grateful. Focus on what you do have and you will be blessed even more.

Peace, love and joy to all,


Phil

Happiness...

How many times have we said, "I'll be happy when..."? I read last week that you can't find light by analyzing the darkness. The same could be said for happiness. You can't find happiness by analyzing your unhappiness. It's been my opinion for a while now that happiness is not a pursuit, it's a choice. Did that new house make you happy? Did that new job make you happy? Did lower gas prices make you happy?

I found happiness inside me when I made a conscious choice to eleminate the negatives from my life and focus on my blessings. What is funny is that it was there all along surrounded by a shroud of negativity, fear and resentment. Since I decided to focus on my blessings, more and more wonderful things have happened.

So yeah I am happy we found a house in Franklin, TN. But it only made me...happier.

I wish you happiness and joy,

Phil

"The prayer of Jabez"

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,

"Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!"

So God granted him what he requested.

Peace, joy and love to all who read this,

Phil

Do it anyway...

The verses below reportedly were written on the wall of Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta, India, and are widely attributed to her.

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

I posted this in October 2009, but I thought it was worth reposting. Focus on the good in your life. And if you don't feel like it...do it anyway. :)

Peace,

Phil

This is the Universe!!

This is the Universe!

Today I will be recording your every thought and emotion no matter
how good or bad, no matter how generous or stingy, no matter how helpful or hurtful it may be.

And everything I record...will be played back for you...as sooon as possible, as some type of physical manifestation in Time and Space.

Thank you...that is all.

The Universe/Mike Dooley

Run Matty run!!

Well, my wonderful nephew Matty is off to Syracuse. He ran cross country in high school setting records along the way. He is now at Syracuse University and I expect his success to continue. This picture was taken at his signing ceremony. My brother Matt and my sister-in-law Karen have been the most supportive parents. That's them seated to his left.

Here is Matty running like the wind!

We will miss you, but we know that you will have the time of your life. I just wanted to share him with you all and wish him the best of luck.

I love you man!!

Uncle Phil

My new guitar...

I am always telling my kids to follow your dreams and be specific as to what it is you want. Well, I am following my own advice and showing you the guitar I will buy sometime in the very near future.

Now I have played a million guitars in my time...Martins, Taylors, Gibsons, but I swear the Larrivee LV-09 was made for me. I drop by the music store to visit her from time to time. she will be mine very soon. Yes, the guitar is a she and her name is Julieanna.

Have a great day and keep dreaming,

Phil

Keep writing...

It's been a productive year so far, but that is very subjective. My goal at the first of the year was to write 6 new songs this year. I am well on the way to beating my goal. What is even better...I think I am writer better than ever. I hope to hit the studio in the next month and will have some new music to upload.

So, my advice to you...keep writing. Even if you don't like what you are writing. This too will pass. I visualize a pipeline, full of music. The music that is coming out of the pipeline right now came from thoughts I had about a year ago. Even if I don't like what's coming out, I keep going because there is better stuff right behind just waiting to come out.

So, keep the faith and keep writing.

Peace and love to all,

Phil

A fun night at The Commodore...

Well the evening at The Commodore went very well.




Debi Champion put together another great evening of entertainment. I tried out a few new songs I had recently written. Overall I was pleased with my performance, but really enjoyed meeting Greg Sawyer and Lizzy McAvoy. They both performed performed in my round and made it very enjoyable to be on stage with them.



Lizzy McAvoy is a wonderful young, talented singer/songwriter. I was impressed with her guitar playing and vocals. It is so cool to see such young talent here in town pursuing their dream. Go listen to her music by clicking on her name.














Greg Sawyer is my kind of songwriter. His lyrics were memorable, clever and well thought out. His guitar playing just makes it that much better. He even played on one of my songs. Look this guy up if you want to hear some good music.







Thanks to Debi Champion for inviting me to participate. I hope to be playing again very soon.

Until then, keep writing and keep the faith,

Phil

Back to songwriting for a minute...

Well, this blog is supposed to be about songwriting, but lately I have been talking more about my daughter and other wonderful things in my life.

But, I am playing in a round at Debi Champion's songwriter night at The Commodore Grill on West End in Nashville. I go on at 7:00 pm. If you have never been to a songwriter night, basically four writers get up and play three songs each. It is a wonderful way to meet the people who make the music. It's one of my favorite things to do.

So, make it out if you can.

Peace and love to all,

Phil

What inspires me....

"There is a voice in the Universe urging us to remember our purpose for being on this great Earth. This is the voice of inspiration, which is within each and every one of us." Wayne Dyer

What inspires me? Well a lot of things do, but I will give you the short list of this week.

1. Getting to see the Nashville skyline everyday. I remember the first time I drove into Nashville and knew I had found my home.

2. Dreamers. I'm a dreamer and I am engaged to a dreamer and love that she thinks there is much more to life than a 9 to 5 job. She inspires me. Check out her blog sometime.

3. My daughter of course. I think you all know how I feel about her. When she moved to college, I told her I was moving to Nashville. She said, "It's about time Dad!" She understands me.

4. The mountains. We live 4 hours from the Great Smokey Mountains. What a beautiful place to get away to; and the scenery is amazing all year around.

5. All the random people I cross paths with everyday. I had a wonderful conversation with a homeless guy on the corner yesterday. I didn't have any cash, so I rolled my window down and talked to him while I was waiting on the light to change. I might not have made his day, but it made mine.

6. My Mother. She is one of those Mothers that would support me even if I was on death row for killing a Nun.(she wasn't really a nun, just a hooker dressed up like a nun, but they...nevermind) I don't give Mom enough credit for all she has done for me.

Finally, it's Wayne Dyer that put me on the path toward self actualization. I don't really know exactly what that means. I just know when I listen to that small voice inside, that little piece of God that lives in all of us...I am happier.

Peace and joy!!

Phil

Giving her away...part two

Well the first round of pictures from last weekend's Cagney & Alex Wedding Celebration have begun to roll in. I wanted to share a few with you all.

Here she is, the bride to be getting ready for her big day. My niece Katy is in total control. Isn't my daughter beautiful?

This picture was taken by my Mother. The wedding was held outside on a beautiful summer evening. I will never forget how it felt to walk her down the isle.

What a great-looking and happy couple. It was like a wonderful movie that you wish you could watch over and over again.

Happiness, love and beauty everywhere. Her bridesmaids were her friend Julie and my nieces Karmen and Katy. Alex's best men were his friend Chris and his two younger brothers.

And of course we posed for this, but what a special moment for me and my daughter. Cagney has been the light of my life for over 25 years and giving her away was very special to say the least. I wish them a lifetime of happiness and joy. Okay, I am tearing up again, so I will close for now.


This is the song her and I danced to. Click on it and listen to Michael Buble sing about my daughter Cagney.

Peace, love and joy to all,

Phil

Giving her away...

Well, it was a perfect ceremony and a perfect wedding celebration. I will post more pictures when I get them, but here was the highlight for me. Dancing with my daughter on a beautiful summer night. We danced to "Daddy's little girl" sung by Michael Buble.

There are more stories to tell, but I just wanted to post this picture.

I love you Cagney,

Dad

Three days until the wedding...

Well Friday is the big day; my daughter is getting married. I think it is going to be a wonderful event. I have a to-do list that keeps growing, but it will all get done.

I still haven't heard from Vince Gill, so I don't guess he'll be singing at her wedding like I promised her years ago...but she totally understands. I will be there and that is all that matters.

I cannot wait for the celebration.

Peace and joy to all,

Phil

He was a really good man...

Happy Father's day!

I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about my Dad.

His name was Frank, but he went by his middle name, Gale. He was born in 1939, left high school at 16 to work in the saw mill with his father. He met and married my Mom when he was 19. He raised three boys, was a preacher most of my childhood, but drove a truck most his life. Him and my mom divorced when I was 19.

Other than a few years after the divorce, my Dad was always there. He was an old-school, hard core father that didn't mind giving you an ass whooping and always spoke his mind. But you always knew where you stood with Dad. A hug or a pat on the back from Dad meant the world because they were few and far between.

In his later years, he mellowed somewhat but he would still rip you a new one if he thought you needed it. He was proud of his boys and of all his grandchildren. He rarely told us to our face, but when I found out he had been bragging on me to some random stranger...it meant the world to me.

He died of a heart attack at 60 years of age. He was in his truck waiting to deliver a load of steel. I know it sounds like a country song, but that's how he wanted it. He loved his Semi.

So, the next time you are trying to get around a tractor-trailor out on the highway, just back off and let them own the road for a minute; do that in honor of my Dad.

I posted a picture of the oldest oak tree in Missouri as a symbol. Dad was grounded, rooted, strong and could not be moved. He was frustrating as hell sometimes, but that was just a part of the whole. He was a good father, a really good person and a friend to anyone.

He was a really good man.

Peace,

Phil

I think I saw an Angel...

I stopped off at my favorite Mapco to use their facilities and trade in a couple lottery tickets. The nice lady behind the counter asked me if I would like to register for a free gas card. So while I am filling out the form, I overhear this kid talking to the cashier about trying to get home to Ohio and not having enough money. He was trying to get the lady to take his Dad's credit card number over the phone to pay for gas. I guess it is against company policy to do that, so he started to walk out just as I had finished registering.

I caught him at the door and asked him what the problem was. He just needed some cash to get home because no gas station will take a credit card over the phone. So I told him I could spare a twenty, but I would have to run down the road to the bank first. He was thanking me and on the verge of tears when he asked me if he could have my address so he could send it back to me. I said, no just help the next person when you can.

Just then a very tall black man walked out the door and stopped, asking him if he was okay. The kid said he was fine now and I added that I was going to run down the rown and get him some cash. The man, reminded me of Morgan Freeman by the way, held out his hand and asked the kid,

"You need some cheese?"

He stuttered a bit and said, "Yeah, but this guy is gonna...".

"Do you need some cheese?", the man said if a fairly demanding voice.

"Yes", the kid said as the man handed him a twenty. When he was walking around the front of his cadillac, the kid asked if he could do anything for him.

"Just help the next man that needs it", he said without pausing or making eye contact.

Now I don't know much, but I do know that tall black man was NOT in the store when I was filling out the form for the gas card or when the kid was telling his story to the cashier. This guy could not have hidden behind a rack of Cheetos. I do know that there was something incredibly odd about the whole situation and how it played out. It was like a scene out of a movie. I get chills just writing about it.

I know that I will never forget that kid's face as he was thanking me or taking the money from the black man. I have never heard money referred to as cheese, but I love it now. So the next time you see someone that might be in need, ask them if they need some cheese and stick a twenty in their hand.

Peace,

Phil

I do believe...

Just when I thought my flow of creativity had come to a screeching halt, I had the most incredible inspiration yesterday. This song idea hit me like a ton of bricks.

Now it's half written and I think it going to be awesome.

Thank you all for reading my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate each and every one of you. And to Cagney, my amazing daughter who always knows exactly what to say at the perfect time...thank you. But a special thanks goes to Kristi for always supporting me and believing in me.

We are all very blessed!

Peace,

Phil

Being a dreamer is not easy...

Some days I wish my dream was to be a school teacher. It's really simple; you go to school, get your degree, get a job as a teacher. Boom...dream fulfilled. Or maybe I could dream of being a cab driver. It's even easier; get your license and get a cab driver job. Boom...dream realized. Somedays I want to just say screw it all and go get a job at a gas station. Now that's a dream come true!!

There is this picture of me when I was two years old. I am holding my Bugs Bunny guitar and smiling. I was so happy and I know I had the dream even back then. Maybe my life would have been easier if I had a toy stethoscope around my neck instead of a guitar.

But then I think back to the first time I saw a set of drums sitting in a studio. I was 10 and our family was about to record The Bennett Family gospel album. I remember watching the sound engineers and the musicians and just falling in love with it all. It was not long after that I was using my Mother's tupperware to teach myself to play drums.

So, I have this deep, philosphical question for anyone who cares to read this. Why would God put this burning desire to play, write and record music deep in my soul only to put so many obstacles in my path?

Now that's a thinker isn't it?

Peace,

Phil

My Birthday Ribeye Steak...

This was just too funny not to share with everyone. I had the last of the Birthday celebrations last night with my Mom and Step-dad Al. He wanted to cook my favorite steak for my birthday. I'll take a ribeye steak over cake anyday...hahaha

Thanks to everyone for making this a wonderful Birthday.

Peace and joy,

Phil

Jenny Gill rocked the Listening Room!

When Kristi and I caught Jenny's show at The Listening Room last year, I was not aware that she was so talented. I was looking for a place for us to go one weekend and thought it would be cool to see her perform. Since then we have gone from being curious listeners to full-fledged fans.

The night started with an acoustic set by Audrey Spillman. I was blown away from her first note. She has a wonderful, soulful style that reminds me of singers like Patty Smyth. This is one talented gal.

Sam Brooker accompanied her with some very tasteful acoustic guitar playing and harmony vocals. Even though I didn't want her set to end, I couldn't wait to hear Jenny sing with her band.

We were not disappointed! Her song selection was awesome and her R&B style is really amazing. I think my favorite song of the night was her version of the Bill Wither's song "Use me".

But the best moment of the night for me was when she took a minute to sing "Happy Birthday" to me. I wish I didn't have such a goofy look on my face in this picture...hahaha.

You know it is a good show when you don't want it to end. I can't wait to catch her next show at 12th & Porter later this month. She is one classy lady.

Thank you Jenny for a memorable Birthday! Oh...it was very cool meeting your Dad too. That was just icing on a very special Birthday cake.

Peace,

Phil

"I'll remember you" A Memorial Day song

I wrote this song about my Dad. The lyrics are simple and so is the message. I simply wanted to say that whatever happens with the rest of my life, I will always remember you.

Thanks Dad

I've already hit the lottery...

Kris and I were talking about what we would do and where we would live if we hit the Powerball (which is up to 192 million by the way). It made me realize how blessed I am to be living where I always wanted to live. The truth is, if we hit the powerball, we would stay in Nashville, but I am sure we would have a vacation home in Asheville, North Carolina and one in Kansas City. And we might raise our standard of living just a wee bit, but I love this town.

So today when I was thinking about all the wonderful things we have to be thankful for, I gave double thanks for this wonderful city with all its beauty.

Where would you live if you won the lottery?

Peace,

Phil

She's getting married...

Let me introduce you to my daughter Cagney and brag a bit. She's 25 years old, a wonderful person, a dog lover, graduated High School with a 4.0 gpa, got her degree in Chemistry, works as a Chemist, plays guitar, plays piano, sings beautifully, is a songwriter, writes the most amazing short stories and poetry, loves her Father, is kind to stangers and next month...she's getting married.

Words can't say how proud I am to have such a daughter. That's all I had to say today.

Peace,

Phil

From Vince Gill to James Taylor...

Well after seeing Vince Gill and friends at the Ryman last week, I thought my month was complete. It looks like we are going to see my other hero James Taylor at TPAC (Tennessee Performing Arts Center) next week. I have never seen James Taylor in concert before, although Kristi has. I did however meet him once.

I was working at a truck stop near Columbia, Missouri while I was attending Mizzou. I was working the late shift one night when I saw a tour bus pull in. They pulled to the diesel pumps which could only be seen through a crappy video camera. So I had no idea who it was. As I waited the anticipation was killing me. I knew it was someone famous.

So a few minutes later, in walks James Taylor. I was speechless. He asked where the payphones were...I told him and he walked on. A few minutes later about four guys walked in, so I struck up a conversation.

"That was James Taylor...right", I asked them. "And you guys are the band"?

I had to ask just to make sure I wasn't talking to some random travelers stopping in to annoy me. They said yes and we had a good conversation.

So, that's my brush with greatness and now I get to see him in concert here in Nashville. Life is grand!!!

Peace,

Phil

Debi Champion's Songwriter Night at The Commodore

If you are a songwriter in Nashville, then you have heard of Debi Champion. If you are not a songwriter, but are a music lover, then you need to visit the Commodore Sports Bar on West End in Nashville. Debi Champion hosts one of the longest-running songwriter nights in Nashville.

Every night she features new songwriters, established writers and some that have had many hit songs recorded. It is a great opportunity to hear what's right around the corner for the music industry here in Nashville. It is also an opportunity for the new songwriters to get up and showcase their music.

The first time I got up I was so nervous my legs were shaking. But Debi made me feel right at home. I have played there many times since moving to town and will play there again in the future. (As soon as I get these last new songs finished) I have met so many wonderful people there, but Debi is the best and so incredibly supportive.

If you are visiting from out of town, check it out. Tell Debi I sent you.

Peace,

Phil

20 things that make me HAPPY...

Over at The Inspired Room, they are challenging us to focus on all the good in our lives by posting 20 things that make you happy. By now you all know I love this line of thinking. I have always said, "Happiness is not a pursuit, it's a choice...choose happy".

Here are my 20 random things that make me happy in no particular order.
1. Going to a St. Louis Cardinal Baseball game
2. Acoustic Guitars
3. Going to junk stores
4. Scratching off a winning lottery ticket
5. Living in Nashville
6. Writing and recording a killer song
7. Songwriter nights
8. Bone-in ribeye steak
9. Sam Adams Beer and pizza
10. My family...really, they make me happy most of the time. :)
11. Missouri road trips
12. The Great smokey Mountains
13. My bobblehead collection (I have about 75 of them)
14. Going to auctions
15. The Ryman auditorium (Check my blog if you don't know what that is)
16. Friday nights with Kristi (actually every night, but Fridays are the best)
17. Sunsets
18. Singing with my daughter
19. BBQ/pulled pork/ribs/wings...how about just good FOOD
20. Valet parking



My daughter and I singing at a songwriter night in Nashville.

I could go on and on and on. Life is good. We are so blessed.

Peace, joy and happiness to all,

Phil

What you give away...

I am sure all of you have been approached by someone that appears to be homeless. They always ask me for some change. I can be standing in a crowd of 15 people and they always come up to me. I guess I have a nice face or something. I usually give them a buck or two.

The other day I was on the ramp off of I-24 at Shelby Street. There was an older guy holding a sign. I rolled down my window, handed him a ten dollar bill and had a great conversation with him. I think I made his day.

I was at a bank on West End yesterday. The lady seemed nice, so I started a conversation with her about how blessed we all are. As I left, I said, "God bless you". She said, "Thanks, I needed that...you just made my day."

I am not telling these stories to make myself look good, I'm just saying that I think we should take the time to make someone's day. Sometimes all it takes is a smile or a kind word.

I believe it comes back to you ten fold.

Peace,

Phil

Thank you Vince Gill & friends...

It's 1985 and I am heading to band practice. I'm trying to figure out what new songs I want to learn and questioning everything. Do I want to keep playing music, do I want to start singing more or just be a drummer and continue to sing back up for the rest of my life. At that point I really hadn't started writing music or figured out how to work my tenor voice into a set list that was filled with Merle Haggard and George Jones.

I turned the radio on to try and clear my mind. The first song I heard was "Oklahoma Borderline" by Vince Gill. It was like a light shined down from heaven. When I got to practice, I asked the guys if they had heard this new song and if they knew the artist. Somebody said it was a new guy named Vince Gill.

Well, from that day on I started following this new artist and with each album I fell more into his music. Over the years I have sang many of his songs and have been lucky enough to see him in concert a couple times. Last night was one of those lucky nights. Not only did I get to see my hero, but I got to watch him and his friends play in the historic Ryman Auditorium.

It was a magical night filled with old classic songs and new material. He featured some of his fellow songwriters and some new, young local guitar talent. He showcased his back-up singers (past and present), musicians, co writers, friends and his lovely daughter Jenny. His wife Amy Grant helped him close the show.

I found myself tearing up from the first song as I listened to the music that has meant so much to me over the years. Plus the way he gave the spotlight away to so many "unknown" artists was truly inspiring. I am not sure if it was the historic theatre or the spirits of all those who have sang on that wonderful stage, but I will always remember my very first concert at the Ryman. I hope there will be many more. It was truly one of the best concerts I have ever seen.

Thank you Vince and Friends,

Phil