Monday, June 29, 2009

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

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

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

Sunday, June 21, 2009

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

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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

Friday, June 12, 2009

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

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

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

Saturday, June 6, 2009

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

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

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

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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