Monday, May 25, 2009

"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















Thursday, May 21, 2009

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

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

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

Friday, May 8, 2009

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

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

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

Sunday, May 3, 2009

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

Saturday, May 2, 2009

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

My favorite Songwriter Joel Shewmake

Quote of the year...

“Be not the judges of men, but love your brothers and sisters, and find ways to reach out to them in common goals and aspirations. Where there is love in common, the divisions of creed will melt away and reveal the true nature of man’s eternal destiny -- one of unity in purpose, to be perfect as the Father is perfect."

Author Brilliant but Unknown

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