Satisfaction

(Originally posted on the website Continuum…)

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One thorough satisfaction for me is the enjoyment of getting new drum equipment or supplies. Today my shipment of drumheads and sticks arrived. I couldn’t wait to get home from work today to give the drumset some TLC. I take pleasure in taking the drums apart, cleaning them up, replacing the well-worn heads. The scents of the drum polish and the wooden drum shells conjure up so many memories of past drumming days. To some, unscrewing 50 plus lugs, removing all the rims, cleaning all the chrome hardware, changing the heads and putting it all back together might sound like tedious work. To me, it is a pleasure on par with a good haircut, clean shave, and all the other aspects of good grooming – refreshing and good for one’s self-esteem.

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The maintenance was also necessary. I have an upcoming opportunity to play at a nearby club as part of the host band for an open mic night. There’s a good possibility that I could have the position on a permanent weekly basis. Cool! So, the drumset and I better both be looking our best to make a good first impression.

Happy Independence Day

(Originally posted on the website Continuum…)

Happy Independence Day…

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There is nothing like the right to live in freedom.

Yet, I fear that we have lost some of our freedom in America. We’ve lost some of our voice. We’ve allowed them to silence us. We’ve allowed the rich and the power-hungry to use us. They have become fat at our expense. And they have lowered our dignity in the eyes of the whole world in the process.

Hopefully, in November, we can start to change that.