I have always liked green grass. I have long appreciated well-manicured lawns. In junior high I sometimes missed the bus to school. I had to walk two miles to get to school on those unfortunate days. You ever have to WALK to a place that you really didn’t want to go to? Glad that’s over. However, on those lonely walks, I took comfort in knowing that I’d get to walk past one of the best looking lawns in town. In the community where I lived most of us had rather small front yards with a tiny patch of grass. (My grandmother managed to grow a pretty good garden in there. RIP Ms. Mommie) Some had back yards that were maybe 12′ x 12′. I quietly envied kids who grew up with their own yards to play in……

In 1997 my wife and I had the pleasure of buying our first home. It was a townhouse. Quaint, cozy and comfortable but it too had a smallish yard, maybe a quarter of an acre. Loved that house and grateful for the opportunity of homeownership.

Fast forward to 2010. On a spring afternoon on my way home from work I noticed my wife taking her afternoon jog. She hurriedly stops me and tells me that a coveted home nearby is for sale. That summer we became the lucky owners of said home. Bigger home, bigger bills, bigger yard AND bigger responsibilities. For the first two years I dreaded cutting the grass, cleaning the leaves and shoveling the snow. Then, one spring day in 2012, fate somehow lead me back to that house of my childhood with the nice yard. But now, the yard wasn’t as well maintained. In fact, the house was empty, seemingly abandoned, windows boarded and the yard overrun with tall brush. Even though some twenty five years or so had passed I felt disappointed that that house ended up in that condition. It was like seeing a childhood friend who had faced tough times.

Upon returning to my house, I stood and looked at this view in the picture. I kept my yard neat and my grass green, but I had a new sense of appreciation for the effort it took. I was reminded of how much I wanted a lawn of my own and now I had one. Having something that you want usually takes more than WANTING it. It takes time, effort, money and WORK! So now, each time I return to my house, I sit in my car and take a second to look at the green grass. I thank God for the opportunity that he has afforded my family. I reminisce about my childhood and feel appreciation for the friends and family that helped me along the way. I appreciate my green grass. I really do. Brings a smile to my heart everyday. And not even the five bee stings I got on Sunday while cleaning the back yard will change that……

Green grass. A simple thing that I appreciate. You know, a new riding lawnmower and a new snow blower would make me appreciate it even more…….

Create our future, remember our past.

Why are you voting for Trump in 2020? Please read the Preamble before answering.  Thank you.

Jazz at Buddy’s downtown Annapolis July 25th 2020.

Buddy’s Crabs downtown Annapolis July 25th. Returning on August 1st and 13th at 7 pm.

Earlier this year, I was fortunate to land my first full time permanent bass gig at a local church. Two months later Covid 19 forced churches in the DMV to temporarily suspend services. I miss the fellowship with the other players and the insightful lessons from Pastor Paul. The money was a pleasant blessing as well, to keep it real! To all working players affected by the Corona Virus keep each other in thought and support. I pray that soon you all get to share your gifts and talents the way God intended. Thanks for the inspiration! https://www.instagram.com/p/CC1s0ThH0oW/?igshid=wj08j409y55n

Hello all. It’s Sunday, July 19, 2020. Hope you are enjoying the weekend. I got some things done, had a minute to practice some bass (much needed therapy!) and Lewis Hamilton won the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary. Lewis is a bad boy. Even if you have no interest whatsoever in racing, you should read up on him. Trust me, his story is fascinating. Now that it’s Sunday I have to get my mental game right for the work week. I still have time to practice and hopefully finish my song. Sunday dinner with the family, which means I “share” in the cooking duties. Ready to retire from that for sure. Did my time.

As I’m sure you’ve heard that this weekend marked the passing of John Lewis. John Lewis needs absolutely no introduction, justification nor affirmation from one Randy Savage. However, I’d like to share a story of when a college professor “schooled me” on John Lewis and SNCC.

When I was 18 years old (a long, long time ago in a galaxy far away…..) I applied for a job with the State of Maryland. I recall it being with the Department of Natural Resources working in a lab testing water samples. THE JOB DID NOT REQUIRE A COLLEGE DEGREE OF ANY LEVEL. Just keep that in mind. I met every qualification for science, labs and math. It did not list any requisite experience which was good because I didn’t have any! I arrived at the office and was introduced to the interviewer. Upon seeing me the interviewer literally gasped. She stared for maybe 3-4 seconds before extending her hand to “welcome” me. She looked over my resume, which was essentially my high school transcript, and began to ask questions to verbally verify what was already on the page. “So you took this class or that class, huh? Yes I did Miss. I answered politely, sensing that she was somewhat surprised. This went on for about 15 minutes. After looking over my “resume” one last time she says, “You have good qualifications but I was looking for a college student for this position.” I mentioned that the ad did not list college as a requirement. She fumbled through an excuse and I excused myself from her presence. The very next day that job was relisted with “College-Level Courses” listed as a requirement. Although I was disappointed and felt that I had just experienced my first taste of employment discrimination, I was young with higher aspirations. College was somewhere in my future and, more importantly, I was preparing to take over the bass spot in Parliament/Funkadelic from Bootsy Collins (a few years later I discovered that local bass hero Rodney “Skeet” Curtis had beaten me to it! Oh well…). So I tucked that incident away in my brain and vowed to use it as motivation.

Shortly after this happened I was fortunate enough to become an employee of Anne Arundel Community college. Early in my time there I was befriended and mentored by the “older” (I was 18, they were in there 30s) black employees and professors. One was a Professor of African American Studies though his name escapes me. One day during Black History Month we were discussing racism, bigotry and prejudice in America. He asked me if I had experienced any of these. I shared the story above and told him how “terrible” it was. How I felt slighted and and that I deserved better because I was a good person and represented America, and specifically Black America, in a positive way. “I grew up under privileged and sacrificed a lot to get where I was.” That’s what I told him. Man. He. Laughed. His. Ass. Off! He looked me straight in they eye and said, “Young brother, you think you have it all together, huh?” “You think you’re pretty smart?” “You been discriminated against right?” Then he laughed some more. I never responded. Then he asked me what I knew about Black History. I rattled off the obligatory and oft recited names and facts. He gave me a condescending nod of approval and then asked what I knew about the 60s Civil Rights Movement. As it turned out very little. Then, he asked what I knew about SNCC and the Freedom Rides. What? What was that? I was aware of some of the incidents, but was very vague with details. And then he asked, “YOU DON’T KNOW WHO JOHN LEWIS IS?” I never mentioned his name because I did not know who he was.

I ended up taking that Professor’s African American Studies class. He me gave materials to read, events to study and personal lessons to learn. Notably, he made me read about every act of brutality John Lewis endured in his pursuit of justice. Every act of selfless courage he displayed while serving quietly “behind the scenes” as he transitioned into politics. Every sacrifice he made as he willingly stood on the “front lines” so I wouldn’t have to. Lesson well learned Mr. Lewis. Thank you sir.

Good Saturday morning. July 18, 2020. Can you believe that we are more than half way through 2020? It has been an interesting year to say the least…..still working through the affects of COVID 19. I woke up around 6 this morning. As I organized my thoughts I came to the realization that I have a relatively empty schedule for a Saturday. Most of my chores are done. So, I have a free day all to myself. This day is a “blank canvas”, if you will, and so I can “color” it just the way I like.

I like nice lawns. I do my best with mine. It’s been dry lately so I turned on the sprinkler to water the grass. I like clean cars but washing them isn’t high on my list of priorities. Lucky for me that as soon as I decide to wash my car I find that my wife has already “happily” done it. I’ll think about doing it and she’ll say, “It was filthy so I washed it while you were buried in the music room”. Uncanny how she knows exactly when I’m about to do it every time…….I’m gonna take advantage of this day. Meteorologist says 98 degrees with 106 heat index. Outdoor activities before 12 or after 6. That’ll leave plenty of time for the following:

Breakfast of choice. Write new post. Write a new song. Finish class assignments. Family discussion. Study motorcycles for future (hopefully, fingers crossed) purchase. Watch Formula One qualifying.

I like all forms of racing, but particularly Formula One, MotoGP, IndyCar and Supercross. Racing season picks up right where football season ends (January/February). Of course, this year the season got pushed back a few months so I had to fill that time with other interests. Glad it’s finally here! Go get’ em Lewis Hamilton!

Yep. Today’s gonna be a good day. Remember, these weekends do not last long. So make the most of your time this Saturday. Take time for yourself. Do EXACTLY what you’d like to do. Who knows, if you plan accordingly, you may not even have to wash your car…….

I’m gonna say this right from the beginning.  Depression is an uncomfortable subject for most people.  If  not forced to speak about it we’d all probably avoid any conversation concerning it and any other mental health issues.  Why am I writing about it today?  Well, in the last two weeks I’ve had friends mention depression on social media sites.  I’ve had family members reveal that they themselves have battled depression in the past.  Recent news stories have included some well known celebrities dealing with personal issues.  In many of these instances it appears that those dealing with depression were reluctant to discuss it with anyone, including those closest to them.  Over the course of my life I’ve been fortunate enough to have people trust in my words.  From an early age I’ve found myself in the position of being the “voice of reason”.  Countless conversations, too many situations to recall, but I’m thankful for them.  Talking family and friends through tough times aided me in dealing with my personal challenges.

Which leads us to these questions: Who do you talk to when you are emotionally challenged?  Whom do you trust when you need emotional support? Do you recognize when you are not feeling “yourself”?  Are you reluctant to accept the fact that maybe sometimes you need a little emotional support?  I understand.  I am no doctor nor do I play one on TV, but I’ve had people confide in me when they were mentally drained and needed an ear.  Let me share a couple of stories with you. 

When I was in the eighth grade I had a close friend struggling with behavior in school.  She argued and fought constantly, frequently at odds with teachers and administrators.  Almost every day.  It did not help that she was bullied for being in remedial classes.  She didn’t talk to many, but she and I would talk between classes and after school while walking to the bus.  After one particularly tough day for her I decided to console her, but did not know what to say.  So finally, I just asked, “What the hell is wrong with you girl.”  She cried and just said she did not know.  After some time she got comfortable and started to talk.  What she described could be considered depression, but obviously neither one of us eighth graders knew what that was or what to do about it.  She was having trouble sleeping.  She was always tired and fatigued.  She could not concentrate.  She was unhappy and had no motivation.  She was uncomfortable around people.  And had no one to talk to.  We remained friends and kept in contact until I transferred to a different high school.  I saw her some years later and she revealed the source of her frustration back in Junior High School.  She was in a much better emotional space and thanked me for just “listening”. 

In 2007 I went to San Antonio, Texas for some company training.  There were four instructors hosting the classes.  On my second day there, one particular instructor and I struck up a conversation about motorcycles.  I’m an enthusiast and he had a pretty impressive collection.  He and I started hanging out during lunch talking about bikes and shared interests.  He told me he was ready to buy a new bike and invited me to go to the motorcycle shop with him.  So one day after class we headed down to the local shop.  As we were driving the instructor started talking about his personal life.  He had three daughters and was divorced.  He had a new fiance that he himself described as his “next trophy wife”.  He was doing “alright” financially, coming from a successful family and having great career, and every “toy” a man would want.  But, somehow, some way, as he spoke, I looked at him and could “see” unhappiness behind his smile.  The more he talked I realized that he still loved his wife.  He never said it directly, but everything he said implied that he could not believe that she would leave him.  He had EVERYTHING that they would ever need.  At one point I almost said to him, “Just tell her that you still love her.”  I could not bring myself to say it being that I had not known him that long.  I noticed that being in class was the happiest time for him.  Outside of the classroom he wasn’t the same.  The training lasted two weeks.  On the last day the trainer and I exchanged numbers and promised to keep in touch.  He told me to take care of my family and wished me luck with the company.  I did likewise.  Three months after returning home our branch received the news that this trainer, considered one of the best in his field, committed suicide.  Every now and then I wonder if any words unsaid could have helped him.  I wonder if he had anyone to talk to.

Never underestimate the power of listening.  And sometimes, when you’re listening, you must pay attention to what is NOT said.  And, for those who need someone to talk to, please find a trusted friend, family member or professional confidant to express how you feel.  It is ok.  You’re not alone in being in this place.  Your path to better days ahead is easier when you have someone to travel with.

Sunday. June 28th 2020. Weekends man, they sure don’t last long. Sunday afternoons are my time to enjoy “leisure time”. After “assisting” with Sunday dinner I like to kick back, maybe watch some football, Formula 1 Racing (get that title Lewis!) and practice bass before I begrudgingly prepare for the week. It’s also a time for wishful thinking and reflection. It’s Summer. Summer is for outdoors. Summer is for open air. Summer for me also means motorcycles. Aaaaah motorcycles. Love these things. Among the most beautiful creations of mankind. Just something about that rear tire connected via chain to that engine producing all that power. Yes sir baby! So, in the wishful thinking category I present you my once and future dilemma: Who’d you rather? Honda CBR650F or Suzuki GSX S750? I say both.