Honesty is the best policy.. unless you work there...

Unheard of... another post... three in a week... hold onto your shorts, this is a good one... 

(I have no idea where that little ditty on the left is from, but I love it!) Progress- not perfection, right? Thanks to Facebook- the land of perpetual plagiarism...

Which brings me to today's topic... 

Maintaining honesty (integrity) in today's world. 

It IS possible. Sometimes, it's even entertaining... 

A few nights ago, I had to mail out a few packages from a local office supply store that also does USPS/Fed-Ex, UPS, etc... 

As I entered, I realized I needed the mailer packages, so I sauntered off to get the two I needed. 

Approaching the area designated for "mailing," I saw that there were a plethora of people waiting to be served, and the two girls behind the counter were wrapped up in one particular (agonizingly demanding) customer. 

It was interminably hot in the store. As I steeled myself for a long wait; drenched, I thought of the Uber rides I could be providing. 

Needless to say, I forgot to pay for the shipping mailers in my hurry to leave. 

Three Uber rides later, I was back at said store to pay for my envelopes. After taking a screen shot of the two (different) envelopes' SKUs, I headed off to the clerk I had dealt with earlier.  

The clerk looked at me like I had three heads as I explained my visit's purpose.

She sent me off to another clerk to try and pay. After explaining my story repeatedly, he responded that he was shocked that I came back to pay for it. I told him that I answer to a Higher Authority that wouldn't appreciate me stealing. 

He then proceeded to charge me for two of the smaller envelopes, rather than the larger and smaller - hence, too little. Negating the receipt, I was still pondering the math as I left the store.  

As I was trying to get away  leaving, the Holy Spirit prompted me to go back and explain, yet again, that I owed them money... 

Wanting ever so much to actually leave the store, I strode back in again. 

Visions of the movie Ground Hog Day filled my mind and dazed expressions of disbelief greeted me with the next set of obstacles clerks, as I again explained that I needed to pay more. 

They ambled of to find the manager. He came back with them, and said, "Ma'am, while we really appreciate your honesty, let's just call this thing even. Have a nice night." 

I just find it so curious that it was so shocking that I would want to make things right. 

But yet and still, I maintain that I did the right thing. Lights in the darkness, right? ;) 


<><  

Digging in

Hello again! 

It's been a year since I have really had anything to say. (well, at least here)

I have been in a holding pattern of sorts, which may or may not be a good thing.

Have you ever contended for something? Stood your ground, fought the good fight, kept your eyes on the prize and all that? All the while, you watch your phone, emails, and mailbox for answers? 

Digging your heels in, you hold your breath in anticipation, sure that the answer is just around the corner? 

As time resolutely cranks past, the answer is too glaringly evident. It's a "NO." Whether it's sonorous or a whisper, it's still the same. 

Disappointment sets in the cracks of your heart, as you struggle to make sense of it.

It is at that very moment that I have a choice to make. 

I can become bItter, or I can become bEtter.. 
One little letter, so many facets.  

God tells me over and over that I need to trust Him. Especially when things don't make sense. When the bills are in collections, and I lose my job. When the doctor comes in with a terminal diagnosis. When the car is totaled. When I am betrayed. When "he" breaks my heart. 

Trust in Someone I can't even see? 

If I choose to look at this problem as a drop in the bucket of eternity, it looses the paralyzing grip on my heart. 

I love the Psalms, they always speak to my heart. 

Ps. 37:23 says "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." 

Ps. 62:8 "trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." 

and 

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You." 

Be encouraged, for those that are His, there is GOOD to come out of it, somehow. it might not start there, but it will get there. 

"and we know that in all things God works for the good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28 

Have a GREAT day, and keep on keepin' on! 

<>< 

My Gratitide List

So, it's been a while.

Thank you for stopping by. I will try and make it brief, as I know that the average "hit" only skims quickly to see if they might be interested by the topic at hand... I will most likely lose you there.. lol ...

But seriously...

Did you ever notice that it's hardest to be thankful about things when the going gets tough?

For instance:

• When your last good nerve has packed up and moved to Shanghai? 
• When your stress level has soared to explosive? 
• On a day when you crashed the car, lost your phone, and got dumped? 

One thing I have learned in recovery is that the times that I have to stretch the furthest to find something to be grateful for, are the times I need it the most desperately. 

Even if you aren't a Christian, being thankful has it's benefits... 

Check out this article by  Amit Amin  

http://happierhuman.com/benefits-of-gratitude/

About Being Pursued

The unheard of. TWO blog entries in one night. 

Apparently, I have a lot to say. That may be dangerous for you, Proceed with caution. Have a seat whilst I get the yellow and black tape. 

What is churning around in the cranium tonight, besides the insufferable heat and humidity, is this...

Being pursued. 

Being chased, as it were. 

We live in a society where women have clawed, scratched, bit, and fought their way to equality and rights. 

We have thrown our aprons into the dung heap and opted to win bread with the spousal units. 

The thing is, I think we might have trampled chivalry just a wee bit in the process... 

It's great that we can get the same chances as men; that we can garner fairer pay for jobs that are basically the same. The fact that we have to work twice as hard to be "half" as good is another diatribe for another day. 

But in the interest of focus, time, and saving your sanity, I will valiantly strive to keep to the point. 

It needs to be said that there is something to being courted. sought after, chased - as it were.

I was created with a longing to be rescued. To be seen as a prize... worthwhile... all that and a bag of chips? The Princess Syndrome. You know? Castles, moats, danger, a troll or two? 

I also have the "antiquated" thinking that men have this inner most desire to seek after, obtain, chase - as it were. Adventure is branded into their souls.  

Convenient, eh? 

As God does with me, draws me to Him - causing me to seek after Him and discover the really cool things that come from that..for example, how amazing He is. Another great adventure... I really think He programmed us to be like Him. 

I can tell you one thing... The man that finally saddles up the horse and goes after this child of the King is going to discover that it WAS worth the wait... 

God bless you and have sweet sleep! 

<><

 

 

Insecurity and the stage

There's one thing coming across the radar I would love to make a couple of points about. It's the bane of the newbie musician. 

I don't miss the insanity of the perfection trap. That crippling fear of making a mistake during a gig, You know the feeling, I am guessing? I had it so bad that I would throw up before shows and get so panicked that I would blow it. 

You know what fixed that? Screwing up royally... making a train wreck of the song and realizing that I would live through it. That tomorrow would still come. It WASN'T the end of the world... (well, not yet, anyway) :) 

That, and remembering two key things. 

Number one: I am the best person for the job at the moment. I know that song, and while others may play worlds better than me, (and they do!) I am the one in the driver's seat. I have the opportunity to shine IF I can keep my focus. 

Number two: Most people can't tell when you have made a mistake. They may be able to tell you that something was off, but probably can't pinpoint that it was you. Unless you are playing for a crowd of musicians. 

I do have a unique style. I may be surrounded by kids that can outplay me with 1.95 hands tied behind their backs, again, BUT, I have something unique and special to add to whatever gig I am doing. Plus, whoever I am playing with picked me. Or, was stuck with me - in which case this point is moot. 

There is one more important point to this post. BE TEACHABLE! 

I have taken note that time and time again, "the greats" - you know, the musicians that excel and play the most? The ones that stand the test of time.  They are most often pretty humble people. It seems the better the player, the more humble they are. 

Except, probably in my case. :P 

But seriously, every great player I have ever geeked at and drooled over is usually a pretty approachable encouraging example.

If you have stumbled across this little inconspicuous blog amongst the tidal waves of others, I hope it gives you a bit of encouragement. Keep practicing; keep giving away what you have and you will get back even more  ;) 

God bless! 

<>< 

The Job and The Bass

It's been ages since I have blogged anything... Heck, I haven't even written much, unless you count Excel spreadsheets. Which, thankfully, I am not. 

During the past year I have gotten a full time job. What I didn't count on was the effect that that would have on my life in all facets creative. 

After years of coping with part time work and part time pay, I do have to say, it's been wonderful being able to get out of critical debt. 

It's been freeing to be able to pay bills, and enjoy a meal out.

But with that came the insane hours that would not allow me to keep playing my bass with others. In fact, they make most social activity nearly impossible. 

As a young player, I would hear things over and over from older players: "Well, I had to feed my family and music just HAD to take a back seat." "Gotta pay the rent." 

I could never understand how a creative out of the box type like me could succumb to such travesty. The painful lurch into "Mundania. I have had to make that same adjustment. It got so bad I even entertained the idea of selling my bass... there... I said it... 

Time after time the comments from the "well meanings" are the same.. 

"Just be glad you have a job,"  or  "at least you are working," aannnnnd my personal favorite... 
"you are there for a reason" *facepalm*

Yes, I am...yes, I am... and yep...................... I am ...sigh 

I can't speak for you all, but I know I seem to die a bit daily without the platform to make a joyful ruckus with that hunk of wood. I love the connections that music and all aspects of making it, afford. That in the zone jam where you are so "in tune" with each other. (insert religious note here: and the connection that happens in/through worship to God - off the charts! Ok, the "religious" talk is over; it's safe now) Carry on. 

At first I would respond defensively, "You just don't get it. It's torture for me to loose my creative outlet. It's like losing my right arm." 

Eventually, I just began to smile and nod with a sort of far away blank stare.

I am determined, one day at a time, to keep my mind from wandering to far into the "what ifs."

But just for today- I am keeping the options open, not giving up hope, and I am not going to set down roots in the Land of Eeyore... (who I just love, by the way) 

Have a great day, and play hard! <>< 

Lori 

Relighting the Fire, or Getting out of the Musical Slump

Good day, all! 

I know what you are thinking... WHAT in the world does this pitiful little tree have to do with the title? 

All in good time, my pretty, all in good time... :P 

Have you, as a musician, artist, or child of God, ever been bored musically (or yes, even spiritually)? Is your creative spark or flame pretty much snuffed out? Where is that burning passion that you had when you first began to play or create? 

When I first began to play the bass, I would be so wrapped up in it - I would fall asleep with it sprawled across me. I would wake up and play, and dream all the live long day about notes, rhythms, cool riffs, etc... 

Every chance I got, I would play with people and explore new sounds and songs, practicing for hours.  

Well, I have gotten, as of late, into a bit of a funk... (no, not the good kind :) As much as I love the people I play regularly with, a bit of the shine has rubbed off the apple. We basically adhere to one musical style -more or less, and I find myself pedaling. a lot. Quarter notes have taken root in my brain.  #thatsanunderstatement 

How do I rekindle the spark that first held me captive? (and yes, as is often the case, I need a bit of a jump start in my walk with God as well...) funny how that works... 

That little tree, (thanks Rochelle M. for the pic), is a good picture of me right now. 

In many ways, I am down to bare bones... all the junk, pretense, and mechanical response is being stripped away...a good place for a fire to start, wouldn't you say? 

I am doing a few things to get back on track. 

• First of all, I maintain that this slump will pass... I won't stay in the doldrums forever. My creative juices will start working again, and the best is yet coming!

• Dare to stretch yourself- I recently began jamming along to some Vince Guaraldi and rediscovered the challenge and thrill of what made me fall in love with that bass to begin with. Branching out makes you a better player, and enables you to "speak more languages" as they say. 

• Keep venturing out of that comfort zone. We were never meant to stay there. It's too easy to set up a zip code in the comfort zone! It's only when we get comfortable with the UNcomfortable that we grow! What, ME play Reggae??? YES! Find tasty little riffs that you can insert into the right spots.Challenge yourself to break out of the same meters. It really helps loosen any monotony.

As far as my walk with my Creator? 

I make gratitude lists. Sometimes I have to start small. Like that bare tree, build wisely! 

"Today, I am thankful for ____________."  You fill in the blank. You would be amazed at how that can snowball. Even more amazing, the more thankful you are, the more you maintain a positive frame of mind. 

Meditating on what's true, lovely, and good... 

Now WHERE have I heard THAT before??   lol

God bless! 

Lori 

 

Bug Free

Sooo... this is definitely me. Bees, flies, slugs, mosquitoes, etc... just about any bug "bugs" me. Though flies are the absolute worst!

I can laugh now about this, but it brings an instant thought to my mind... 

Of course! What ELSE did you expect? If there wasn't a parallel somewhere, you might be off watching mindless twerking videos or dreaming of T.S.O tickets... but yet, as ever, I digress... 

What are the things that bug you the most? For me? One thing in particular just grates on me... chewing loudly... especially gum... if you stand next to me and slurp gum, you will probably see my panic stricken eyes scanning for exits.  

How can you possibly get spiritual with this?!? I can see that wearisome look in your eyes. 

Don't worry... I can! 

Have you noticed that God is in the business of character building? I am thoroughly convinced that above all things, that is His favorite hobby...

The other night at church band practice, we were seated-listening to a speaker before we bounded up onto the platform in instant cacophony.

As the speaker was intently 'bringing it' on humility and selflessness, (insert ironic smile) I was aware that someone had stealthily crept in late and sat directly behind me. 

Then IT happened... about twenty minutes of gum slurping... As I cringed and twisted uncomfortably in my seat like a gator on a line, I was finally rewarded with the words: "Ok, c'mon up front, let's pray." 

FREE! I bounded up to the front like a lottery winner. To my utter horror, The Chewer came right up next to me.  sigh...

As much as I hate the lessons, I DO know what's going on...

"My child, don't reject the Lord's discipline, and don't be upset when He corrects you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:11,12 

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.  James 1:2-4

While gum chewing is in no way a trial, while I am grimacing, it's a good reminder of the "Pearls of the Process."   


Meanwhile, I am going to invest in some earplugs. 

<><

*Pic courtesy of Bitstrips 

Paying It Forward

Hello and welcome! 

I am thinking again. That usually means trouble for the poor unsuspecting victim reader. 

This time, I am thinking about getting older. Unfortunately, it's a fact of life. 

You may get older, but that doesn't mean you have to get OLD! 

My favorite people are the ones that no matter how old they get, you still see a spark in their eyes. 

Yet, again, I digress.

There is a point to all this nonsense  rabbit trail is that: if you are going to get older as a musician, what are your options? 

• You play as long as you are physically able to do so  

• You teach

• You take up Scrabble and forget music

• You whine and carry on about how you used to be so good, and relive your glory moments in front of everyone you can subject them to find - this also includes posting them to Facebook, Twitter, or sending endless videos 

                                   OR

• You pay your talent forward  - which is also aptly titled: it'snotallaboutme.com

Now is when I insert a Scripture, since I tend to draw continuous parallels; so if you need to close your eyes and avoid at this point, go ahead. :P 

"Freely you have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8

(See that wasn't so bad) 

As seasoned players we have a lot to give to the up and coming. 

They have the chops, speed (whew, do they EVER!) and they have dreams. 

I may not have theory, BUT I can show them style, finesse, and the space BETWEEN the notes: a most woefully overlooked area. 

(Thank you to my dear friend Shawn Byrne for that invaluable lesson) 

I can give my time and my blood, sweat, & tear soaked experience to make YOU a better player!

So, as YOU have been GIVEN, give back! You never know what impact you can have on a life! 

Build a lasting legacy - build people!!! 

God bless! 

<><   Lori 

Fill 'er Up!

Gas prices have dropped by a minuscule hair breadth... and, of course,  I am profoundly thankful. I figure any expense that actually drops is moving in the right direction. 

So, of course, my thoughts travel. Now would be the time to RUN sit back and endure enjoy this week's diatribe. 

As I am thinking of full gas tanks, I reflect that there are other "fulls" too. 

As the holidays approach with the usual sneak and stealth, I am thinking of full stockings, full plates, and then consequently, full bellies.

You can fill up your mind, your heart, and be full of a lot of things... not all of them good - i.e. be full of pride, bitterness, anger, drugs, alcohol, etc...

It's so easy to fill up your day, your house, credit card balances, wardrobe, and your calendar. 

The problem with a lot of "fills" is that they leave you emptier that you started. It's like trying to drink nail polish remover. It looks like water, it pours, but it evaporates and won't satisfy. In fact, it will make you sick! 

When you drink to escape, eat to numb, run on empty, and shop til you drop, you aren't helping.That problem, that hunger, that lonely won't go away at the end of it. 

We live in a society that breathes microwave-instant-now! We want full, and we want it NOW!!!! 

Can I tell you what satisfies? Every time? No lie... 

It's not a what, but a Who... 

Check this out... 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (in effect, Jesus), for they will be filled. Mathew 5:6

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:8 

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 
Ephesians 3:17, 18

So, let God open you up! Running over and spilling out to all those that are hurting right about now. 

Trust me, there's nothing like it <>< 

God bless!!! 

Single Minded

Here's mom and dad... also known as Flo and Joe, respectively. 

Aren't they adorable? They were married for 59 years. Then my dad changed his mailing address to Heaven...three years later mom went, too.

It's been a challenge learning how to live without them. To say adapt is woefully inadequate. 

Since their passing, things have changed in consecutive 360* circles. Repeatedly. 

As a young woman, I couldn't even imagine getting married. 

When Jesus throttled my world at thirty four, I slowly grew to think that getting married would be a really cool thing. 

Now, years later, I am learning to function as a single woman, for all intents and purposes, alone. Alone in a world designed for "twos." 

It can, at times, be incredibly lonely. 

The married couples usually tell me that I am better off single - "Married people are often as lonely as single people." "Marriage is overrated." "You're better off, you won't have to deal with divorce."

Wow...

How do I maintain sanity in all this? 

Firstly, I am incredibly thankful for a God that takes care of me, and sends people to make the journey a little easier... 

I keep my focus on the race that I am running... I am running to win...  "Don't you realize that in a race everybody runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!" 1 Corinthians 9:24

and 

as far as heaven goes, Jesus said it really well: 

"When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will ALWAYS be with me where I am." John 14:3 

I can't imagine a better place to be than in His arms, can you?

and

Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize that there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you  Lao Tzu 


and

"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth."  1 Timothy 6:6


So, let hope arise, and dare to trust the One that holds you in His Hands. 

The best is yet to come! 

God bless- 

Lori 

Grit and Guts

So, I am a dyed in the wool Red Sox fan. I love watching, (at least when I have time) the boys give their all, doing what they love to do! 

I think the thing I love best about them is that they don't quit. They're scrappy! 

"We don't give up, we don't give in," Will Middlebrooks said. It doesn't matter what the scoreboard says. We're going to come out, we're going to fight, we're going to grind it out." 1

There are so many parallels for me, personally.

As a musician, I can attest to giving all I have to a song. Whether writing it, interpreting it, or out and out note thievery, lol, there is generally an odious (to the non musician) amount of practice required. 

Heaven help the poor folks I live with, doomed to an existence of endless repetition. The same parts over and over and over and over and over and over... amen... (For you math types, think of PI :)

As a Christian, truly that line from Will Middlebrooks inspires me.

Like the Sox, I need an attitude of cannot quit. No matter what. As I watched that plucky team pull it's way out of the bottom of the glass, I determined, again, to dig in...  

• When the checkbook bounces so hard it makes a basket.

• When there is a diagnosis that doesn't make sense. 

• When the job is gone, the car is broken, and the cupboard is empty. 

• When there are no options. Period.

It has been a season like that for me. A really long one. 

So, I have two options. Give up, or go on. Option one isn't going to get me very far... 

So I look up and remember. I remember all the answers that I have seen; sometimes the question never even left my lips. 

Best of all, I am not alone. The amazing power of God and all of Heaven stands with me. As His child, I can take courage to keep going! 

"Be (stay) strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!" Ephesians 6:10


So, if you are tempted to quit, DON'T! That answer or breakthrough might be just around the bend. 


God Bless! 





1 CNSnews.com - "Napoli, Victorino rally Red Sox past Yankees 12-8" September 7, 2013 1:35 AM
Mike Fitzpatrick, Associated Press 

The Lost Art of (Meaningful) Conversation

Hey! Thanks for stopping by!!! Or more likely, stumbling in and scrambling for the mouse :P 

I have, of course, been thinking again. This pic was taken at a Pizza place in New Haven that SHOULD be famous. I cannot understand why it isn't. But that is another rabbit trail for another  diatribe story. 

If you look closely, you can see that we are all communicating. Just not with each other... actually, this pic was staged... by me... to prove a point.

That point being that good stimulating (audible) conversation is rapidly becoming a lost art form. 

I am old enough that I remember a time before cell phones... and no, I wasn't born during the first world war...

When I was a kid we played outside. We got dirty. We made tree forts, played with Barbies... roller skated with our neighbors... we actually knew our neighbors. We colored, jumped in giant leaf piles, and had no idea what a video game was, since that hadn't been invented. We waited all week for Saturdays and cartoons! 

"What's your point,"  you ask warily?
"Why the trip down memory lane?" (and half way to the Twilight Zone)

My point is this... 

That everything has a price... This glorious time of technology, social networking, and instant information costs us something... 

While we are busy documenting our lives on "Insta-It'sallaboutme.com", we are missing something... 

The elderly guy on the park bench that wants to hear a pleasant voice, not necessarily you texting... 

The woman with three screaming and overtired children in the grocery line who could use a smile or a kind word...

Maybe the waitress that comes to bring your sandwich and fries is so lonely that she can't see a reason to live anymore...

While it's true that technology can bring distant people "closer", it usually misses with regards to people in the same house, or room, or at the same table for that matter...

I am working on my boundaries with regards to how much I use my cell phone when I am with people. I even put it AWAY, especially at meals :) Even with growing dependence on electronic devices, I want to keep balance. Board games are a great way attempt your transition into "being WITH people." Slooooowly but surely, I am making progress...

Make that difference!!! Those around you will be glad you did, and you will too!!! 

God bless! 

Lori 

A New Day

What an absolutely gorgeous day!!! With dew point and humidity actually cooperating - it's perfect!

Yesterday was humid, icky, and uncomfortable. 

But today is a new day... Carpe Diem!!!

That means seize the day in Latin. 

Seize, according to the incomparable wisdom of Google: 

Verb: 1.to take hold of suddenly and forcibly.

2. Capture (a place) using force. 

Wow, that is intense! 

Therefore, with all the passion I have, I am going to make the most of this gift, today. 

So I will love hard and make the most of who and what I have been given. 

I am learning to live in the moment, rather than worrying, fretting about things in the future - which usually don't end up happening anyway,  and dwelling in the mistakes of yesterday. 

Chew on this promise from God's Word: 

The faithful love of the Lord NEVER ends, 

His mercies NEVER cease.

Great is His faithfulness;

His mercies begin afresh EVERY morning!

Lamentations 3:22,23 

So, as you are loved,  go out and do the same!

God bless! 

Lori  

 

Can someone PLEASE turn off the heat?

I knew that hitting what I call "mental-pause" wasn't going to be a picnic. In addition, clearly, my "mental" has paused... :) 

Seriously, I have never liked the summer. While summer affords longer days and school-free time, the scorching "Triple H" days send me running off to every freezer door I can find. 

My lure is cool crisp autumn days, with fairs, pumpkins, and sweet blessed heat-relief. Energy comes bounding back; I become a fanatical time stacker: packing every moment of fun into a desperately short wink of a season.

Comedian Jeff Allen talks about his wife's uncomfortable foray into "Furnace mode":


While I am glad that I don't go this alone, I wouldn't wish this insanity on anyone... not even legislators...:P 

I guess I need to concentrate on making some good memories with those I love while the days are longer... and of course, the countdown to cooler begins... as of now it's 51 days!  <>< 




*Jeff Allen's link used with permission