BLUE

Leann Rimes recorded this record when she was 11. Unbelievable, I never knew that. What a great voice and a great talent.LeAnn Rimes

DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD?

Do you believe in God? That's the question that the band flyleaf posed in their song "Cassie". The song was inspired by the senseless murder of cassie bernall, a victim of the Columbine tragedy. All of us go about everyday hiding in our own little protective worlds. We never realize how we affect those around us either in a negative,careless way or if we are lucky the opposite. I am fortunate that I awoke from "my fog" before it was too late, I almost lost my wife. But thanks to God, I've turned it around and our relationship is very strong and moving forward. And so it is with the combined tragedies of Cassie Bernall and rachel scott,another Columbine victim, that we can learn much. After losing my job of 11 years and the mess I had made of my marriage, no one can tell me that God hasn't been pushing me onto the correct path. I took so much for granted, but that is no longer the story! Awake each and everyday, embrace the life that you've been given don't fret over what should or what shouldn't be, there are those whom are much worse off.

EASTER

HAPPY EASTER!!!

ST.PATRICK'S DAY

HOUSE-HUSBAND

I know its a stain on my masculinity, but I've been out of a work since Xmas. And face it, my wife's been carrying the load all these years, i can learn to do it. Remember that movie Michael Keaton made in the 80's, Mr.Mom, well that's what I've become. I really appreciate all the hard work my wife does. I'm getting a first hand view of it. Why I've even learned to cook, nothin' that anyone would be dyin' to try.
I made pancakes this mornin', how delicious. My little princess said they were good, dad. The only thing i can't deal with is after about 4 days, I start gettin' "cabin fever". And when that happens I get "a fevah". More about that another time.

ASK THE DUST

I caught this movie on a free showtime weekend on my wonderous DIRECTV. "Ask the Dust"(2006)Ask The Dust, based on a novel written in 1939 by John Fante, was actually a fairly good film. I can't believe that it took 30 yrs to bring this movie to the big screen, but whatever. Anything with Salma Hayek is alright with me, now, now it really did have a plot. The music is good as well, unfortunatly no one ever thought to make a soundtrack. There's a great django reinhardt tune, "blue Drag".

HOLLY COLE

Wow, how come i've never heard of Holly Cole? Where's she been all my life? She's all over the place, really nice vocal range. I'd love to hear her sing a version of "Fever". Her latest release came out last month, here in the U.S., so grab momma, turn the lights down low, and hit the basket!Holly Cole

ELVIS

We're all aware what a great talent Elvis was, in fact I would have to say that Elvis was probably one of the top three vocalists of all time. But if you want to hear a different side of Elvis, check out ELVIS

ERIN GO BRAGH

Only 18 days til St. Patty's Day!

My Inspiration for Music Part 1

I have to credit my parents for my lifelong pursuit of music. I started taking guitar lessons when I was 12, along with my best friend Tim Gillis. Tim's mom and mine would take turns making the weekly shuffle to the YWCA of off Franklin st. in Worcester, pronounced either "Wister" or "Woostuh". I still remember the instructor's name, Rick Feeley. I just tried to google him, but no luck except there is a band called "Bread and Wine" that released a cd 3 yrs. ago. Rick is credited as the bass player, which I'm certain was his main instrument. The cd is available through "CD Baby". I remember when my dad bought me a copy of Hendrix's "Smash Hits". He said in his best "endearing Dad" voice, he's one of the best ever,probably should listen to 'em if you're serious 'bout this guitar playin'. After a year or so we found that our local music sote "Robinson Music" started offering guitar lessons, the instructors name was Joe Brindisi.

EVA CASSIDY

Eva Cassidy was an amazing musician, whose life was cut all too short by cancer at the early age of 33. My father and brother(also a musician) have been telling me about her for some time now. ALL I can say is listen to Sting's "Field of Gold" on her Live at Blue's Alley cd and you will feel what the rest have experienced. I don't think I've ever heard a voice so amazing that you would think that this is what angels must sound like. Her voice remains for all to enjoy forever.

BIX

BixToday I picked up this "definitive bio of Bix" at my friendly neighborhood library. I'm amazed at how much time I have on my hands now that I'm 'outta woik". I read 2-3 books a week, depending on how many pgs of course. I didn't have time to read a newspaper when I was workin' 60 hrs a week for all those years.
Anyway, this book is it, even has a very extensive discography complete with dates, instruments,and sidemen. But, if you're my age better get the glasses out, the prints kind of small. hah

Soundtracks

Excalibur(1981), a great film and an even greater soundtrack. wouldn't Wagner's Siegfried make a great opening for football games!

SATCHMO

Did you know that Louis' house has been declared a national historic landmark. Travelin' through New York or anywhere in the northeast, why not check out Louis' home? Tell them I sent you, maybe they'll let you in the door. HAH!

BIX BEIDERBECKE

With a name like that you knew he must've been a "wild man". Leon Bix Beiderbecke during his heyday of the roaring twenties was only second to Satchmo. Bix played the piano ,but it was with the coronet that he left his mark on music. Bix was pure "Dixieland", unfortunatly he died at the early age of 28. Bix crashed and burned way before his time, but his work is still available for all to enjoy. So Grab a Beer and enjoy!

Playing by Heart Soundtrack

I came across this the other day. have no idea what the movie's about and really who cares, all I know is that I like the music. The score is written byJohn Barry ,whose written for such films as all those great James Bond Films and more. I like Barry's work, but what caught my eye was this was in the Chris Botti section. I listen to anything this guy plays, in fact he's scheduled to appear at this years Newport Jazz Festival. Also on this soundtrack is three Chet Baker tunes. I'll admit i don't know that much about him except he's the stereotypical tragic artistic figure. I'm gonna have to get into his stuff asap

Wifey

"I'd rather do nothing with you than something without you."

The Cottars

Found their cd entitled "Forerunner" at my friendly neighborhood public library. "The Cotters" comprised of two brother/sister combos give us some fine Cape Breton music. Here's a little history for those who don't know, like myself until recently. Cape Breton is an island off the coast of Novia Scotia. The islanders have been known for their traditional celtic music thanks to their Irish and Scottish immigrants during the early to mid 1800's. History lesson is now over, ty. Searching for "non-commercial" music is tough, but it can also be half the fun. I long for the day when I was "attending" Berklee college of Music in Boston, back during the 80's. At that time you could find music stores all over the city. I remember when Newbury comics opened their first store, that place had everything! I don't know about you, but I have no interest anymore in going to Best Buy, etc. to buy any music of any kind. Sorry, I'm not supporting Mary J. Blige or whatever her name is. Have you looked at billboard? There may be a few talented artists in the top 10 but that's it. Alright, I got on a tangent there, enough said.

For My Wife

» Lord George Gordon Byron » She Walks in Beauty


She walks in beauty, like the nightOf cloudless climes and starry skies;And all that's best of dark and brightMeet in her aspect and her eyes:Thus mellowed to that tender lightWhich heaven to gaudy day denies.One shade the more, one ray the less,Had half impaired the nameless graceWhich waves in every raven tress,Or softly lightens o'er her face;Where thoughts serenely sweet expressHow pure, how dear their dwelling-place.And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,The smiles that win, the tints that glow,But tell of days in goodness spent,A mind at peace with all below,A heart whose love is innocent!

HELP IS ON THE WAY

Lost, doubts, can't wake up from that awful reoccurring nightmare, try these two books. one needs no explanation, the other is out of print but is worth the search.http://http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Bible-King-James-Version/dp/0529064634/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203363753&sr=1-3. http://http://www.amazon.com/Unburdened-Heart-Keys-Forgiveness-Freedom/dp/0062515993/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203363898&sr=1-1 One more needs mentioning: http://http://www.amazon.com/Six-Hours-One-Friday-Living/dp/B000EMSNY4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203364184&sr=1-1

CELTIC FIDDLERS

http://http://www.edenforman.com/ http://http://emeraldrae.com/home.html. I've heard these two sisters on the Celtic sojourn program on 89.7 fm Boston, also available on-line. They also perform together as The New Tyme Sisters, check out their site for more info.http://http://www.myspace.com/thenewtymesisters.

CELTIC MUSIC

came across this site http://www.celticradio.net/looks and sounds real good.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Check out this link and show your support! no self respectin' Irishman or women or anyone for that matter who loves all things Irish should ignore this!

IRISH MUSIC

I know it seems like I started this blog just to worship my wife. That's not a bad thing. But really its about my other passion, music. I've played various instruments, performed in bands, went to music school, etc., and have written many songs in the last 34 years. Face it, music is the soundtrack to our lives. My wife thinks Im nuts, but I can listen to and Metallica and Louis Armstrong in the same day.
Anyway, wanted to ramble about Irish or Celtic Music. if you're from the Boston Area you can catch a great radio program every Saturday from 1200-1500(that's noon - three for all u commies out there). The show is called "A Celtic Sojourn" on 89.7 FM(duh), come to think of it u can listen to it on the web too! its hosted by a transplanted Irishman by the name of Brian O'Donovan. He plays alot of local unknown artists. Hey, listen, the unknown artists are the one's that keep music goin! I personally don't know anyone who buys or downloads(legally of course) any of that rehashed garbage that is on the top billboard charts. Try it out. more later.

WIFEY

Thanks for a good day yesterday!

MY AXE!

NEKO CASE

I discovered Neko Case and her music about 6 months ago on the Outlaw Country Channel. Sirius Radio is a prime example why any music lover needs to explore all avenues to find all the great talent that conventional radio stations ignore. Neko's unique vocal style reminds me of a wild Patsy Cline. I guess if you had to label her it’d be a gritty-edged style of country. She's touring now and is comin' out with some new material sometine this year. good music, check it out, beside she's hot!

A WAKE UP CALL TO ALL MEN

Guys,

Take it from one who has just "seen the light". I took my wife for granted, and I never heard her soul cry out in pain due to my inattentiveness to her needs, her wants, her dreams.
I almost lost her and my family forever. But I'm lucky, I'm getting another chance, I thank her for that. I pledged to her that I will everyday with all my heart and with all the strength I can gather to be a better husband from this point on forever.

Thank you Tonya.

your devoted husband.

A LETTER TO MY WIFE

Dear Tonya,
I AM SORRY.
I cannot apologize enough for what I have put you through.
I finally understand how much pain I have caused you.
I am so very grateful for the chance to be the husband I never was,
the husband that is deserving of all the joy and love that you have to give.
I am the luckiest man on earth.
Love,
Stan

Remember

"The luckiest man on earth is the one who finds true love."
and that's me.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY WIFEY

Today is the 14th Valentine's Day I've been lucky to share with my wife. And although I've unfortunatly taken her for granted the last 7-8 yrs., She is the love of my life . She's the air I breath, the sun that brightens my day. I shall never neglect you again. I cherish every sunrise and sunset that we experience together. I thank god everyday for the gift of you.

your devoted husband,

now and forever,

stan

About Me

Where should I start? I'm 46, I've been a Teamster for 11 1/2 yrs. I drove for Airborne Express and for DHL, as a result of a merger. This past fall I drove for UPS, I was laid-off Xmas Eve. I've been out of work since. I've become Mr. Mom, now I appreciate first hand how hard my wife works. I don't know how she does it. I know one thing, I'm a lucky guy!!
But let me go further back. I've been playing guitar since I was 12. I attended Berklee College of Music for a few years. I played in some bands. I wrote alot of songs, but I never got anywhere. I still love music, but i found my purpose in life the day I first saw the woman who would become my wife. My only thought was to say "SAVAGE"!