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| I am seeking higher blogging ground at http://chrisredmon.blogspot.com .
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| - Make a Mistake How goes it? Well it goes...
Life has taken on a mundane routine of going to work and then back home again for the past two weeks. Its been nice to not have to worry about extensive research, essays, and equations, but its been a false sense of comfort. The school year is set to begin in just a month from now and I still have a lot to do. The Thomistic research is set to be completed by my movie-in date into the new apartment and I still have much to read and much packing to do. The place I am currently at is in shambles as I have chosen to spend most of my time here with Liz, so I suppose I should head back over there and start moving things into boxes. Hopefully, I can successfully oscilate between the research and manual labor well enough to get both done in a timely fashion. I'd really like something to show for after this murdous summer campaign...
The music has really taken a backseat as financial burdens are becoming increasingly more pressing. Certain grants I previously held from the state of Texas are now being denied due to the fact that I am a declared religion major now. It seems that the seperation from church and state is one that I can rarely benefit from. The church I was previously working at has also proved to be far less reliable as I was sort of fired along with the interim pastor without either of our knowledge. We came back one weekend to find a new staff in place and our jobs replaced. I suppose that's how it goes though for church in transition periods, and one just needs to move along like a vagrant, accepting work wherever one is needed. While I am still a bit turned off by their abrupt decision making and lack of communication, I realize that the recent schism at FBC, Bellmead TX has created a greater yearning for a permanent pastor and worship leader as oppose to former insurance salesman and Baylor student. I wish them luck in their endeavors and hopefully I'll find some as well. I've got a few internships lined up anyway come this fall and should probably be prepared for those anyway...
I've also decided to get a bit more involved here in Waco with the local Boy Scout troop near Baylor. As an eagle scout I suppose it is part of my duty to keep the dying tradition alive. Although I most certainly was not expecting a position as an Assistant Scoutmaster so early in the game. I am off to meet with the troop this Monday, and I am really hoping they aren't some terribly obnoxious brats. I know I was one at that age...
The marines have been calling as well with the promise of a position as a second lieutenant and an F-18 to call my own. I suppose I've always wanted to be a fighter pilot and with my rising debt from tuition it might not be such a bad idea. Friends have warned that with the recent volatility in the middle-east this might not be such a good idea. While I am well aware of this, I also know there is no promise that there will ever be any world peace, and that there really is no safe time to enlist. Please be aware, however, this is only an idea in the back of my head. I am no leatherneck just yet nor am I in anyway committed to such a possiblity. It is so far just an idea and any other ideas (specifically ones that will further my musical and theological career) are greatly appreciated...
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| I'm taking a break from Aquinas. The Summa Contra Gentiles is a large undertaking and the critiques on it are going to take all weekend...
But tonight we're off to Dallas for a show at The Door. Then its back to Waco to lead the worship service tomorrow morning. Then more shows, work, school, and research throughout the week. The days really don't let up and often bleed into the night. That's summer though, I suppose. It gets to be discouraging sometimes. I work til I can barely stand, and then once I sit down its hardcore studying. Then there are the shows and what not. I think those are the most disappointing, if not for the mere fact that even though I am playing shows in Waco and in the DFW area, no one shows up. If one has to endure some let downs before things let up, then I think I am well overdue for a big time big break. Resilience is just one of those virtues I am picking up lately. Weathering thoses bullets and arrows for something better...
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| I am now the new music minister at First Baptist Church Bellmead, TX. | | |
| The show at America's Best Coffee went allright. A few technical difficulties but nothing The Atlantic Messenger couldn't handle. I forget how many songs are in our repitoire and on Saturday, discovered that coming up with songs to fill time slots are never a problem. The only problem, however, is the lack of financial assistance. CD duplications, press kits, gas money, and equipment all add up. Fortunately, this job with Chase is starting to pay off. In addition to it, I might be getting a job as a church pianist over at FBC Bellmead, TX.
A lot has been happening in the past few months, and I finally feel like I am actually going places. The problem is that I feel like I've hit the ground running, and now all I can do is trip on my feet. Research, work, school, and The Atlantic Messenger never cease to take up more hours than are available. I suppose that's how it goes though, eh? And that's the life I wanted. One where I am constantly exploring new sectors of existence and constantly singing about each and every one of them.
At the show on Saturday, a crazed man sat next to us outside as I was warming up and asked to hear a song. He kept thinking my name was Tony and that I could play some a Yes cover. I played some Cash and one of my own and we got to talking. At 45 years old this guy was obviously perma-fried, and mentioned briefly something about the state he was in at 35. And yet, at the age when most start a long string of years of self-pitying that lead up to senility, this man was happy about the little things he'd seen every day. He was obsessed with the sounds he heard in the streets, his brand new satalite radio, and his new found passion for swimming. And while he ranted in relentless flow of random banter, I couldn't help thinking about my own affinity for the sea. In making the first album, I was obsessed with understanding how the sea could take me places far from home. In the second album, I am constantly questioning the actualy path of the sea...the sediment that flows with the river to the deltas to form tiny islands at the edge of the gulf. Even though he was some washed up old man, and I was this pretentious college student I couldn't help but think that he might be just a lot wiser than me, merely through his absolute philosophy of simplicity. All travels lead somewhere, but its the waters we take and relish that make the journey.
I better get back to my research... | | |
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