When limitation brings solace 

They're out there performing miracles. Musicians with what are called "handicaps." My friend and occasional composing partner David Hoffman played for Ray Charles for 13 years and EVERYONE knows about this ICON (Ironically David himself lost his eyesight two years ago.). Most of us have heard about the genius of guitarist Django Reinhart's abilities with a very damaged fretting hand. Few others may know a bit less of Jerry Garcia's missing digit. But right now I'm going to focus on what I know and how I

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Failure Rocketing You Past Limitation 

 

Failure is a Monster in the lore of human kind. It’s the grand "ogre" bringing about frustration that eats at the soul. Another thing it is: AN OPEN GATE, a rocket ship and a new horizon. There is no such thing as failure unless not seen as your guide.

 

It happened years ago…. an accident losing three fingers on my fretting hand. Mistake. Big screw up, error and the ultimate failure. In a nanosecond life changed. I was a musician and guitarist as well as instrument maker.  Many surgeries and skin…

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Music and meditation 

I compose a variety of music, some of which is appropriate for meditation, stress management, message, and relaxation. I wanted to write this short page on music and meditation, for beginners. I thought it best not to include difficult physical and mental rules about what has to be done. Those more deeply involved in Yoga and other meditation exercises are aware of the technique of their path. Being from the mid west, I tend to take a practical approach to many things. I am not going to be involved in the…

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The art of Paula Adams 

I want to offer a page of some of the work my mother created during her life.  Like many of us, she had many talents, but I suspect didn't have confidence. What she may have seen as lack of "chops", I see as style. I think she was that good... she had vision... and THAT vision was valid.  I've had to convince myself that everyone has a voice. Bela Fleck is Bela Fleck. Pat Metheny is...well... you know.  

 

        

 

Above left is ABE with very strong features, as is SILAS The Digger on the right.  Mother…

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Mothersendoflifelesson 

 

Over the past few months I've been involved with my mothers passing from this life. This sounds clinical – and I don't mean it that way – but in some respects during the entire event, I was outside of myself watching and growing in the process while she ended her beautiful life.

 

I believe this world is geared to masking what we will all face - our end. Bleaching crystals offer us the whitest whites, while cosmetics and medications assure us of immortality. Our vehicles transport us from place to…

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Facing Depression 

 

A MAN APART 

 

When it hit me, it was like crashing into a brick wall. Only the bricks were invisible. I had no idea where it came from, or why it was there. This made it all the worse, and left me with a deep, desperate, and abstract feeling of unreality. I knew one thing – it was a feeling so desolate, and dark, that I would never be the same. I felt as if I was on a planet with which I had no connection – I was spinning infinitely from some other unknown place with no hope of returning. I was alone…

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Fathers WW II flight experience 

 

My dad, as is generally for most son's, was my rock. His choosing to be a carrier pilot always held him high on my admiration list. These generation of men had to make difficult decisions. The time was critical.  Choosing to fly a plane in a time of war, and having to land that plane on a moving ship seems an insane choice. But many young men of that age make insane choices.  These men helped to save the world. 

 

      

 

Dad in the middle above. At 22, you are cocky and self assured ...outside.  He…

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Buyingaguitar 

 

HOW TO BUY YOUR FIRST GUITAR (And maybe even your second).

Buying a guitar can be a bit of a mystery for beginners after reading some guitar tutorials. I thought I would place a little beginner guitar "primer" as an aid for those looking to buy their first guitar, or for those looking to buy a student guitar. I'll also have a few tips for those musicians out there who would like to learn a bit more about the mysteries of stringed musical instrument maintenance.

 

 

First of all I wish I could make it…

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Stories/ErnestGordon 

                                                                                

Captain Ernest Gordon

I had an interesting thing happen awhile back. Somewhat magical, but I'll back track. I'm fascinated with people who survive and endure. Have you ever met a character out of a story so compelling you almost can't believe it is real? I was fortunate to have crossed paths with a number of magical individuals, one of which was my father who was a carrier pilot in the Second World War. He flew TBF Avengers…

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