A while ago, Tom asked me if I knew anything that I could do to help him and his situation. His condo had been broken into, presumably by an upsatirs neighbor, a couple of times this spring. He'd also been having trouble with that particualr neighbor (noise complaints, littering etc..) in the past. He had asked me about a spiritual cleansing of his living space. He wanted to disperse the negative energy that had accumulated there.
Now, I did some research online, and came up with several alternatives for this, most drown from Native American rituals. Tom wasn't too keen about me doing a Wiccan ritual at his place, so we decided on just smudging and chanting a bit. We will see if it worked for him, I got a real positive feeling from it last night.
Friday, August 29, 2003
I think this may be the latest that I've ever blogged!
Tonight, I finally did it.....I actually got a hold of a turntable! (Thanks Tom!). I got home and immediately set it up, I mean my records had been moved from storage way back in like June or July, and all I've been able to do until tonight was look at the artwork.
It was like a transport back into time, just the sound of the old record crackle, and the needle drop were just awesome. And some of the music that I havent been able to listen to, or haven't heard for years. It's been since 1999 that my record collection was available in one place, with something to listen to it on.
I started pulling out vinyl that I hadn't heard in a while, and got on the phone with Mike, one of the people I know in Middletown with an enormously huge vinyl collection. I convinced him to come on over for a vintage vinyl listening experince :) Mind you, this was almost 11:30 PM! I'm glad that my neighbors weren't home!
Now, for the real kicker....I pulled out a vinyl copy of "Dark Side of the Moon", I've always had the CD version, I acquired an old vinyl copy a couple of years ago, and have not played it until tonight. This definately takes me back to around 1976 or so.....the day that I discovered stereophonic sound....
"Now, Let's go back in time a little....."
I was about 9 or so, and my neighbor Eric from across the street comes over- "Paul, you've got to hear this...." So Eric and I go into his house and sneak into his brother's room (strictly off limits, I tell you) and he pulls out this record. The cover is all black, except for this prism and rainbow on the front gatefold.
Now, until this time, about all I've been subjected to is the AM Radio of the day (remember top 40 radio?), and have never even heard of this group that I found out was called Pink Floyd. So he puts the record on side 2, turns up the amp a little and puts the needle down at the beginning. As the stereophonic cash registers start up, I'm just sitting there in complete astonishment.
Eric's pointing at the speakers as the sound alternates from one to the other. "You hear that?" I heard it all right, music was never the same after that day for me.
On the turntable today:
King Crimson- The Young Person's guide to King Crimson
Elton John- Captian Fantastic
801- Listen Now
Joe Jackson- Night and Day
David Bowie- Station to Station
Pink Floyd- Dark side of the Moon
Tonight, I finally did it.....I actually got a hold of a turntable! (Thanks Tom!). I got home and immediately set it up, I mean my records had been moved from storage way back in like June or July, and all I've been able to do until tonight was look at the artwork.
It was like a transport back into time, just the sound of the old record crackle, and the needle drop were just awesome. And some of the music that I havent been able to listen to, or haven't heard for years. It's been since 1999 that my record collection was available in one place, with something to listen to it on.
I started pulling out vinyl that I hadn't heard in a while, and got on the phone with Mike, one of the people I know in Middletown with an enormously huge vinyl collection. I convinced him to come on over for a vintage vinyl listening experince :) Mind you, this was almost 11:30 PM! I'm glad that my neighbors weren't home!
Now, for the real kicker....I pulled out a vinyl copy of "Dark Side of the Moon", I've always had the CD version, I acquired an old vinyl copy a couple of years ago, and have not played it until tonight. This definately takes me back to around 1976 or so.....the day that I discovered stereophonic sound....
"Now, Let's go back in time a little....."
I was about 9 or so, and my neighbor Eric from across the street comes over- "Paul, you've got to hear this...." So Eric and I go into his house and sneak into his brother's room (strictly off limits, I tell you) and he pulls out this record. The cover is all black, except for this prism and rainbow on the front gatefold.
Now, until this time, about all I've been subjected to is the AM Radio of the day (remember top 40 radio?), and have never even heard of this group that I found out was called Pink Floyd. So he puts the record on side 2, turns up the amp a little and puts the needle down at the beginning. As the stereophonic cash registers start up, I'm just sitting there in complete astonishment.
Eric's pointing at the speakers as the sound alternates from one to the other. "You hear that?" I heard it all right, music was never the same after that day for me.
On the turntable today:
King Crimson- The Young Person's guide to King Crimson
Elton John- Captian Fantastic
801- Listen Now
Joe Jackson- Night and Day
David Bowie- Station to Station
Pink Floyd- Dark side of the Moon
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
It's a beautiful day, and yet, here I sit....in front of the freaking computer. I gotta get myself outside.....I think I'll visit a couple of my favorite Middletown places today, and swing by Klekolo World Coffee and Knight People...I try to support the local businesses as much as possible. I went to Mamoun's last night for dinner too...man, I love that place. I think I gotta put a "Local Spots" links list on the side of the page..Good idea!
Well, it's off to enjoy the day....have a great one, won't ya!
Be Well,
-P
Well, it's off to enjoy the day....have a great one, won't ya!
Be Well,
-P
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
I've had the opportunity to spend a little more time than usual with Deiliah this week, as I'm on vacation. This is Del's last week of summer before she goes to Kindergarten. Yes, that's right.....Kindergarten..the first step of my little angel growing up! Anyways, she starts school on Thursday, and I'm spending the first couple of days of the week with her.
Sunday, we went to Drums Around the World in Norwalk. Drums is a yearly worldwide drumming event. This year we drummed together in 20something states and many countries worldwide. Delilah had a great time, as did I. She and Sarah had their picture taken for the paper, I don't know which paper, or if the picture that was taken even ran. The photographer was going to send me a copy of the picture, when I get it, I'll post it. Darcy also said she had some pics of Delilah that she'll email me, as well as Steve (Storm) and Darlene from Blessed Beat.
Yesterday, I introduced Delilah to a new friend, Christina, who is a daughter of one of my friends. We went to the beach at Branford Point along with several other Moms and daughters (funny, I was the ONLY guy there!) After the beach, we had a cookout and the kids played some more. Delilah had a great time.....
Sunday, we went to Drums Around the World in Norwalk. Drums is a yearly worldwide drumming event. This year we drummed together in 20something states and many countries worldwide. Delilah had a great time, as did I. She and Sarah had their picture taken for the paper, I don't know which paper, or if the picture that was taken even ran. The photographer was going to send me a copy of the picture, when I get it, I'll post it. Darcy also said she had some pics of Delilah that she'll email me, as well as Steve (Storm) and Darlene from Blessed Beat.
Yesterday, I introduced Delilah to a new friend, Christina, who is a daughter of one of my friends. We went to the beach at Branford Point along with several other Moms and daughters (funny, I was the ONLY guy there!) After the beach, we had a cookout and the kids played some more. Delilah had a great time.....
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
I'm still feeling in a sort of funk. I had to cancel my camping trip for next week. Found out that the week with Delilah was gonna be short, cause her first day of kindergarten is Thursday, so we would have had to cut the trip by Wed at the latest.
So, at least I have the day off to see her on her first day of school! I'll snap a couple of pics and post em :) But the rest of the week is me, just doing me stuff. Maybe it will get me out of this mood I've been in. Or give me an opportunity to drink more!!! HaHa
Anyways, I'm sure it will improve. I just gotta give it time :)
So, at least I have the day off to see her on her first day of school! I'll snap a couple of pics and post em :) But the rest of the week is me, just doing me stuff. Maybe it will get me out of this mood I've been in. Or give me an opportunity to drink more!!! HaHa
Anyways, I'm sure it will improve. I just gotta give it time :)
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Monday, August 18, 2003
It sucked going back to work today. Really. I had taken Friday off because Kim was going to be coming down Thursday night, but she didnt come down till Friday because the power surges of Thursday afternoon took the radio station out, and I ended up being there for most of the evening.
Friday afternoon and Saturday Kim and I spent some time just doing some tag sailing and getting lunch at a little place down in Higganum before going and checking out the boats at the marina on the River. I was hoping that she'd go to the birthday bash with me, but she decided to go home and I went over to Naugatuck myself later that evening.
I tell you, I've got some CRAZY friends (yes, you know who you are...no, NOT you!!). Saturday night was insane at some parts, and I've been told that Saturday was pretty subdued. But I had a great time, I got to spend the evening among friends, and it just rocked!
Michelle and Roger gave me the most absolutely coolest gift, thanks guys!. To tell you the truth it caught me totally off guard! You guys rock!!! Thanks for making my birthday extra special this year!
Sunday I spent the day with my bud Mike, and we visited a musician friend of his, and I got to plunk on a Bass for a while. Cool! Now I really want to learn to play that instrument! After that we took a trip down to the shore and went to the Clam Castle (yes, that's the name of the place) on Rt. 1.
I had a great day, but later that night, I was feeling a little down, and I had a hell of a time getting to sleep last night. Well, I've gotta finish watching American Chopper (yes, I do watch that show) and finish up the day.
-P
P.S. Whatever you do....DON'T lock the bathroom door!!! :)
Friday afternoon and Saturday Kim and I spent some time just doing some tag sailing and getting lunch at a little place down in Higganum before going and checking out the boats at the marina on the River. I was hoping that she'd go to the birthday bash with me, but she decided to go home and I went over to Naugatuck myself later that evening.
I tell you, I've got some CRAZY friends (yes, you know who you are...no, NOT you!!). Saturday night was insane at some parts, and I've been told that Saturday was pretty subdued. But I had a great time, I got to spend the evening among friends, and it just rocked!
Michelle and Roger gave me the most absolutely coolest gift, thanks guys!. To tell you the truth it caught me totally off guard! You guys rock!!! Thanks for making my birthday extra special this year!
Sunday I spent the day with my bud Mike, and we visited a musician friend of his, and I got to plunk on a Bass for a while. Cool! Now I really want to learn to play that instrument! After that we took a trip down to the shore and went to the Clam Castle (yes, that's the name of the place) on Rt. 1.
I had a great day, but later that night, I was feeling a little down, and I had a hell of a time getting to sleep last night. Well, I've gotta finish watching American Chopper (yes, I do watch that show) and finish up the day.
-P
P.S. Whatever you do....DON'T lock the bathroom door!!! :)
Friday, August 08, 2003
Paul's Post-Birthday Rant
Seems that this year's birthday was even more downplayed than ever! Even my own parent's forgot my birthday! Oh well, I've been saying that I didn't want to make a big deal about it, though I did make sure that I was included in the monthly birthday bash that's being thrown next weekend :) Now that should be FUN!
For those of you who did remember my birthday, a big THANKS go out to you! You know who you are (as Peter Gabriel Plays Live goes on in the background!)
Well, I've been feeling rather happy lately, just trying to keep things in my life chugging along! I've been just content spending time doing the things that I want to do, and not worrying about whether there's someone else in my life right now. Everyone keeps saying that I should be happy with myself, and then the rest of the things in my life will come together as well.
I kind of feel like I did when I first started this blog, I'm just concentrating on being morew in touch with me, and my surroundings and the greater forces that surround us. There, is that deep enough for us all?? LOL.
Another year goes by, and I am taking a little time to think about the things I've learned this year......WOW! what a trip this has been. It took me 36 freaking years to come to some of the simplest conclusions about how I live my life, and that I kept making the same mistakes again and again. But I really do feel enlightened, and that's all good!
So, here's to another year!
-be well,
Paul
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Seems that Blogspot was having some difficulties, so this page was off for a while. I was able to get it to come up today. Hopefully it's all fixed.
Anyways, Sunday night after I dropped off Delilah, I got home (I had to skip the full moon circle cause I would have made it to Naugatuck waaaay too late) and noticed the full moon rising over the pond. So, I sat on Jen's (next door neighbor) picnic table and meditated. I got some of the most amazing energy! It felt so powerful that my hand just started shaking!. Pretty intense! Maybe I connected with everyone else out there in the cosmos who was in the same mindset I was!
I took Delilah to Roger's drum circle Saturday night, and there were some moments where she's totally getting it!!! She was playing around on the claves and was right there! Way to go kiddo! I think I have a future drummer girl! :)
Anyways, Sunday night after I dropped off Delilah, I got home (I had to skip the full moon circle cause I would have made it to Naugatuck waaaay too late) and noticed the full moon rising over the pond. So, I sat on Jen's (next door neighbor) picnic table and meditated. I got some of the most amazing energy! It felt so powerful that my hand just started shaking!. Pretty intense! Maybe I connected with everyone else out there in the cosmos who was in the same mindset I was!
I took Delilah to Roger's drum circle Saturday night, and there were some moments where she's totally getting it!!! She was playing around on the claves and was right there! Way to go kiddo! I think I have a future drummer girl! :)
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
Saturday, July 05, 2003
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Where the Hell Have I been?
I havent had the time recently to Blog from work, and the thunderstorm the other night took out my modem on the PC at home. Damnit, another piece of hardware bites the dust!
Anyways, things have been busy, but in all reality not much happening around here. Just spending time with Delilah and work, and we're trying to get stuff together for Midsummer. We've decided to reprise the Ritual from Rites at Midsummer, so we get to do it all over again. I was talking to Roger about it and I hope the we (the drummers) can get together and center ourselves before we do it this time. I found my head wasnt in the right space until almost the end of it last time. I thoink I would have personally found it more amazing if I had my head in the right space when we started.
Anyway, this weekend had it's high spots and it's low spots. Friday night, Me, Craig, John, Adam, and Seth (and others) did a sunset drum circle up on Meriden Mountain. One of the best circles that I have participated in, and the weather was awesome (for a change). Got a chance to play and to just sit there and think for a while. That was the high point of my weekend. The rest was rather dull and uneventful.
Tuesday, May 27, 2003
Wow! That's all I have to say. I had one really powerful weekend! My Rites experince has to rank up with one of the best weekends of my life. Even with camping out in the rain, everything went great. What we had been rehersing so much for all came together terriffic!
We never really rehersed an ending for the drummers, so most of what happened was totally spontaneous. We were leading into a tribal dance and we just picked up tempo at the end and just fucking let loose with a tempest! It all just locked together and we went wild! Dancers started entering the circle and there must have been about 100 people just getting off on the rythym that me, Roger, Daniel, and Lisa were groovin on. We were just ripping it up and creating so much energy! So much energy that Lisa lets out one of the loudest tribal screams that I have ever heard! Fucking intense! It was so great to have been a part of this!
It was a total weekend of getting in touch with everything for me. I needed to spend a little time getting back to myself, and this gave me the perfect opportunity to do that. And get in touch with Mother Earth as well. Throw in some of the best drum circles that I've ever seen, and good friends, it was a great time! Also, in a way this was kind of a sort of closure for me. Everything that happened the last 2 months since we started rehersing is now complete. What a fucking ride!
We never really rehersed an ending for the drummers, so most of what happened was totally spontaneous. We were leading into a tribal dance and we just picked up tempo at the end and just fucking let loose with a tempest! It all just locked together and we went wild! Dancers started entering the circle and there must have been about 100 people just getting off on the rythym that me, Roger, Daniel, and Lisa were groovin on. We were just ripping it up and creating so much energy! So much energy that Lisa lets out one of the loudest tribal screams that I have ever heard! Fucking intense! It was so great to have been a part of this!
It was a total weekend of getting in touch with everything for me. I needed to spend a little time getting back to myself, and this gave me the perfect opportunity to do that. And get in touch with Mother Earth as well. Throw in some of the best drum circles that I've ever seen, and good friends, it was a great time! Also, in a way this was kind of a sort of closure for me. Everything that happened the last 2 months since we started rehersing is now complete. What a fucking ride!
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
I had a pretty good day at the daily grind today, despite the crappy weather. I was assigned to work at a site in Middletown today, so I was actually able to get a little extra sleep today :) Good way to start off a Wednesday.
I went to an Open Mic at Rookies in Cromwell last night. It was a good scene. I had discovered it with Bernie a couple of weeks ago, and found out they do it every Tuesday night. There was a guy there doing Dave Matthews covers two weeks ago that was really good, and I saw him again in the crowd. I got to talking with him, and seems that he's a pretty ok guy. We're gonna try to get a little duo thing going with me playing percussion. Gonna see how that goes, or even get Craig involved with it.
I just love open mics. Good way to see aspiring talent! Or just live music in general for that matter. That had a little jam going- Sweet Home Alabama>La Bamba. Rather interesting segue :)
I went to an Open Mic at Rookies in Cromwell last night. It was a good scene. I had discovered it with Bernie a couple of weeks ago, and found out they do it every Tuesday night. There was a guy there doing Dave Matthews covers two weeks ago that was really good, and I saw him again in the crowd. I got to talking with him, and seems that he's a pretty ok guy. We're gonna try to get a little duo thing going with me playing percussion. Gonna see how that goes, or even get Craig involved with it.
I just love open mics. Good way to see aspiring talent! Or just live music in general for that matter. That had a little jam going- Sweet Home Alabama>La Bamba. Rather interesting segue :)
Monday, May 19, 2003
You know, I consider myself a goodhearted, caring person. But over the years I have been called many an insult from different people, ranging from the ususal "Asshole", "Jerk" and so on. Some even have ventured to call me "verbally abusive" to "pathetic loser". But the one that has forever stuck in my mind is from my sister Denise, circa 1976; "You dopey, dummy, dummy, dummy". Damn, if she sometimes isnt right to this day! ;)
In the Cd Player Today:
Michael Cleary- "Call it What You Like"
Dr. Didg- "Out of the Woods"
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young- "So Far"
Bob Marley- "Legend"
In the Cd Player Today:
Michael Cleary- "Call it What You Like"
Dr. Didg- "Out of the Woods"
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young- "So Far"
Bob Marley- "Legend"
Craig sent me an article from the New York Times yesterday (May 18, 2003) about the dangers of damaging friendships by posting information about them in your blog. Seems that they should have interviewed me on that subject, as I have first hand experience! Some have been damaged, some have been utterly dsestroyed!
Sunday, May 18, 2003
I made a trip up to Northampton on Friday. What a cool little town it is! I have an affinity for my three little towns that are along I-91; New Haven, Middletown, and Northampton. I guess it must be the whole college town thing, with New Haven having Yale, Middletown with Wesleyan and Northampton having Smith (among others). All three towns are pretty artsy, have great shops and a great environment.
Middletown still has the widest Main Street in America though! And I'm not saying that just because I live here.
When I was up there, I visited one of my all time favorite stores, Ten Thousand Villages. I bought me yet another precussion toy, this time a shaker made out of dried seeds. I needed a shaker to use at Rites, and I wanted to use something a little more "natural" sounding than the egg type shaker that I had been using. Check out their web site that's one funky little store, and they sell all kinds of neat stuff.
Middletown still has the widest Main Street in America though! And I'm not saying that just because I live here.
When I was up there, I visited one of my all time favorite stores, Ten Thousand Villages. I bought me yet another precussion toy, this time a shaker made out of dried seeds. I needed a shaker to use at Rites, and I wanted to use something a little more "natural" sounding than the egg type shaker that I had been using. Check out their web site that's one funky little store, and they sell all kinds of neat stuff.
Friday, May 16, 2003
I can see by your eyes you must be lying
When you think I don't have a clue
Baby you're crazy
If you think that you can fool me
Because I've seen that movie too
The one where the players are acting surprised
Saying love's just a four letter word
Between forcing smiles, with the knives in their eyes
Well their actions become so absurd
So keep your auditions for somebody
Who hasn't got so much to lose
`Cause you can tell by the lines I'm reciting
That I've seen that movie too
It's a habit I have, I don't get pushed around
Stop twinkling your star like you do
I'm not the blue print for all of your B films
Because I've seen that movie too
"I've Seen that Movie Too" -Elton John
When you think I don't have a clue
Baby you're crazy
If you think that you can fool me
Because I've seen that movie too
The one where the players are acting surprised
Saying love's just a four letter word
Between forcing smiles, with the knives in their eyes
Well their actions become so absurd
So keep your auditions for somebody
Who hasn't got so much to lose
`Cause you can tell by the lines I'm reciting
That I've seen that movie too
It's a habit I have, I don't get pushed around
Stop twinkling your star like you do
I'm not the blue print for all of your B films
Because I've seen that movie too
"I've Seen that Movie Too" -Elton John