So, a choir gathered for their regular rehearsal. Before the more draconian restrictions were set. They limited physical contact, practiced limited social distancing. Covid 19 is quite cruel. We’re seeing that it may be able to transmit through the air between people who showed no symptoms, which makes it that much scarier.
Anyway, I feel it’s important to point out the choir was following the promulgated protocols at the time of their last rehearsal.
Sadly, a young man’s body was found on the campus of WWU. If you have any information, please call the Western Washington University Police at 360-650-3555, reference case # 20-0148.
Listening to Rufus Du Sol, reminded how much I enjoy electronic music and one of my regrets: when I had the chance to study music formally, I opted not to. Insecurities spoke too loudly, drowning out passion. I loved studying music theory, exploring the way audio elevations interact with each other. Memories of improvisation workshops, and the compliments I received for my commitment to rhythm.
Now, though, my poetry echos my musical tastes. Symmetry, rich harmonies, layers, textures, all blending into something far greater than the sum of the parts.
The difference between music and poetry: in poetry words flow in single streams. Together, yet alone; they can’t interact. Several words flowing together at the same time create a pile of textual vomit. Music allows multiple people singing multiple lines simultaneously with their interaction making them greater. Much the way different colors blend into new colors, different feelings, telling a story with each dab.
I often play with the idea of restarting this path. Of exploring all that can be done with today’s computers, today’s sampling gear, today’s synthesizers. I could create words, sung, standing upon each other, blurring, blending into something greater, into something beyond whatever could be imagined. Words building upon words, interweaving with tones, textures and rhythms, pushing through feelings, ideas, the power of souls intermixing and exploding with something more powerful than any human element could be, do, express on it’s own.
With all this, when I was younger I listened to music deeply, richly. I listened to the chords, the words, exploring what the composer communicates with that interplay. Did the pleasant, kind words take on irony with the minor or diminished chord interwoven? Words stacked with changing chords, showing tension, motion, landing on a major chord, resolution, release.
Then there’s the blending of older music, ancient music, such as Enigma, taking ancient chant, interweaving new tones and auditory textures, creating something linking the ancient with the rising sun, with a newness of being, something that both exists from antiquity and yet is brand new.
Lesson: passions drive live, make it beautiful. Explore them fully, deeply, richly. Humanity needs no more bitter business people, soul’s stripped of joy. No, we need more passion, joy, aliveness.
Bring that into being, my friends.
Here is the song by Rufus Del Sol that got me going. Enjoy!
Traveling Robert, a YouTuber out of Miami. He and his RV have made their way throughout much of North America. In this video, he’s in Seattle. I love finding videos of folks discovering Seattle and hearing their insights.
Robert’s pretty positive about my favorite city, so I’m pleased with his recap. Give him a watch!
Update in the life of Carl: this Friday will be my last day at my current job. Though tinged with sadness (great people to be missed, though a commute to Bellevue I rejoice in leaving behind), I move forward. After exploring some re-training options, I plan to study Web and Application Development at Edmond Community College. Though still ironing out details, this path excites me. With a gap in my time starting next week, I plan to spend time catching up as many people as I can. Friendship: life’s best present.
A friend of mine shared this video with me today. Just. Wow! First the artistry of the film shines brilliantly. The story, though, carries it to great heights.
So, clearly, I recommend it. Check it out, then let me know what you think. I hope you love it as much as I.
So, though glad no “serious” injuries occurred, I feel a bit dis-ease. This happened a very short drive, and rather short walk from my house. With that, I pass by this exact spot several times a week as part of my regular walking/exercise regimen. As an avid cyclist (though a rather fair-weathered one right now) I ride past here quite often, too. From middle-school through high-school, I walked and rode past this intersection at least twice a day. Thus, my connection to this stretch of asphalt runs deep.
For me to see something as senseless as DUI/injury accident this deep into my personal geography unsettles. Reminds me of the tenuous nature of life, the randomness that permeates all our days. The great line “there but for the grace of God go I” captures my current feeling.
