As a writer, I just love it when I find some drop dead amazing, spellbinding writers that keep me engaged in every word. If you remember the scene in "Amadeus" where Salieri picks up a score that Mozart left lying around, reads it and you see the intense emotion in his face as he hears the music in his head, that's the "wow" effect I feel when I read some of these writers. Sure, I wish I had the same kind of talent...or I'd take at least a fraction of it. But I appreciate it for what it is and soak it up like a sponge when I read. Anyhow, in no particular order, here's some of who's on my list these days.
- My musician/ex-talk radio friend from St. Paul, T.D. Mischke, who is flat out a killer writer. His move to City Pages was a win-win for him and us all. Read his section.
- Dale Connelly, MPR host of the internet based "Radio Heartland" who has a blog "Trial Balloon" to go with (not bad grammar...a Minnesota-ism). A genius humorist and one of my long-time radio and writing heroes.
- Rand Bishop, most notably a hit songwriter ("My List" for Toby Keith), has an entertaining, engaging and informative book, "Makin' Stuff Up", on the art of songwriting and his own experiences in the music world. I also enjoy him greatly as a speaker and performer.
- I found a book in the library I couldn't resist: "Radio On", by Sarah Vowell. A listener's diary, it was written over 10 years ago when she was in her 20s. Amazing writing. What's it like to have that talent that young?
I'm also looking forward to reading the new book by my fellow programmer at Radio Free Nashville, River Jordan, called "Saints In Limbo".
My $.02 and change...all worth checking out.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
...But Sometimes It Doesn't
I guess I jinxed myself by opening my mouth. The temp position came to an abrupt end. I won't say much about it except that either I was gone too long or God changed His mind about where He wanted me. At least He put me in the right place when I got the word...right in the middle of the Tuesday night prayer group I attend.
To add insult to injury, there was a mouse in the house the next day. Many of you know that's one of my worst fears and nightmares. But I guess if you buy a house, you're due to have a mouse (gosh, I'm so poetic). The main advice, of course, was the same: "get a cat." Look, I like cats, but cats mean care, feeding, and vet bills. I can't afford that. It's cheaper to buy traps. However, I haven't seen any sightings since I placed traps everywhere. I gave the mouse an ultimatum: leave or die. Maybe mice are a little more polite here in TN than they were in MN and it said "yes ma'am" and split. Could I be so lucky? We'll see. I'm not sounding the "all clear" yet, though.
From here on all fronts, it's about moving forward and focusing on the things I know I am successful at. Most especially, I'm concentrating on my goal of supporting artists for most of my time and getting by financially doing it. I am stepping out in faith for awhile and trusting God for provision, trying not to get sidetracked by economic fears which lead to wrong places. There, I said it. I'll take any prayers and encouragement.
To add insult to injury, there was a mouse in the house the next day. Many of you know that's one of my worst fears and nightmares. But I guess if you buy a house, you're due to have a mouse (gosh, I'm so poetic). The main advice, of course, was the same: "get a cat." Look, I like cats, but cats mean care, feeding, and vet bills. I can't afford that. It's cheaper to buy traps. However, I haven't seen any sightings since I placed traps everywhere. I gave the mouse an ultimatum: leave or die. Maybe mice are a little more polite here in TN than they were in MN and it said "yes ma'am" and split. Could I be so lucky? We'll see. I'm not sounding the "all clear" yet, though.
From here on all fronts, it's about moving forward and focusing on the things I know I am successful at. Most especially, I'm concentrating on my goal of supporting artists for most of my time and getting by financially doing it. I am stepping out in faith for awhile and trusting God for provision, trying not to get sidetracked by economic fears which lead to wrong places. There, I said it. I'll take any prayers and encouragement.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
It All Makes Sense(us)
Just to catch folks up who have been following my employment(or lack of) status:
For the past month I was working for the US 2010 Census. I was a lister, or address canvasser, going around with a hand held computer to local neighborhoods. I was updating the address records for the mailing of the 2010 Census form, matching what I saw on the ground to what was on the computer's lists. I got to make my own schedule and braved rain, dogs, various conditions of homes and petulant computers. It all was very interesting at times. Last week I and the rest of our team completed the mission and were let go. Friday of that week I was called back to my old temp job. Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, God in the timing and details of that one. It's nice to be back among familiar people and surroundings. I'm not certain for how long that will be, but I'll keep showing up until they tell me not to. And I will trust that God will continue to provide as He has for the past year.
For the past month I was working for the US 2010 Census. I was a lister, or address canvasser, going around with a hand held computer to local neighborhoods. I was updating the address records for the mailing of the 2010 Census form, matching what I saw on the ground to what was on the computer's lists. I got to make my own schedule and braved rain, dogs, various conditions of homes and petulant computers. It all was very interesting at times. Last week I and the rest of our team completed the mission and were let go. Friday of that week I was called back to my old temp job. Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, God in the timing and details of that one. It's nice to be back among familiar people and surroundings. I'm not certain for how long that will be, but I'll keep showing up until they tell me not to. And I will trust that God will continue to provide as He has for the past year.
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