Sitting alone on a park bench on the southwest corner of Franklin's Main Street at 6:35p Saturday afternoon/evening Sept 20.

The perfect little white clouds are floating by a few at a time. The breeze out of the East felt wonderful. Conditions were physically perfect. Idyllically balmy - I was thinking "If Heaven ain't like this, I'm coming back." absolutly wonderful.

I felt so good something in me was generating a feeling I call "preemptive gratitude" - has to be damn good for you. So very glad I wasn't too busy to notice.

We had a half hour to go before starting our show for this year's "Pickin on the Square". "Pickin" is a weekly (weather permitting) Saturday evening event - put on by the Town of Franklin and hosted by Donnie Clay - a fine musician and producer who owns a ton of good equipment and loves putting on the show.

Rock & Roll is relatively rare at Pickin but we get a solid following and if the people came expecting Bluegrass or Country, they didn't leave when we gave 'em classic R&R. Everybody stayed for the whole show (2 hours non-stop tunes - whew!) and a dozen or so couples danced in the street (we love it! - Great vibratory feedback!)

Here are a few photos of the stage, the crowd assembling & Donnie & Associates. I would have gotten pics of the musicians but I was too busy. (I’ll pass my cam off to somebody else next time). I did see a news lady with a camera so there might be a musician - filled photo soon.

The show was great fun and though my "gizmos" (the pedals, etc. that let me make a particular sound on the guitar) went dead in the middle of a song, I managed to plug straight into my amp and toggle the dials enough to finish the night.

It was over way too fast (fun stuff does that) and one thing that sticks with me is the drastic ambient difference before and after the show. Excitement, milling about, yelling & clapping for the tunes.

Then after - Crickets. Oh well. It’s still as much fun as I'm allowed.

Though the night was young - I ain't. Pretty beat after the setup and playing (I didn't even unload my stuff from the car till next day). I went home and enjoyed a few last minutes of the perfectly balmy day on my deck and then hit the sack. (This season is the best weather - right up until it gets rotten cold).

Next Day, Sunday the 21st (Equinox & World Day of Peace), The Muse - icals still with me, I went to Wayfarer's Unity (my home chapel) to sing with the Ubuntu Choir (Tom Tyre directing).

We were singing the service (as we have done before) and celebrating Estatoah's (the other name) Founding Anniversary. It is an incredible beautiful vibe at the chapel. The building itself is literally full of light and The People reflect and re-generate these wonderful feelings.

Extreme Spirituality in the best possible sense - all positive, growing aware - becoming stuff. I love it there. We (Ubus) showed a half hour early to rehearse & decide.

A solo verse to start one tune fell to me (my turn among volunteers). It felt fine in practice - I could focus without nerves and slide on through like a pro. (hmmmmmm)

It was the continuation of the same gorgeous day before with a lovely clear morning light and the stream running by the chapel was chirping and gurgling with a clear voice and sparkles all over the flowing surface. It doesn't get better.

We assembled for the service up front, facing the congregation. I do totally love the Ubuntu group. I was with them the first time we "played this room" and here I stuck.

The service begins - Tom (our fearless director) did "The Reading" and we took off singing. About the third song, my solo came up. I was split inside and was kind of amazed I wasn't nervous. It was just one line of verse and not too challenging vocally.

I dutifully watched "Mr. Hands" for my tempo and on cue, sang. It went beautifully. I was both inside singing and outside listening and felt remarkably calm and centered.

I finished happy and at that point the Tribe would come in and rescue me with harmonies but it must have been good - Tom was smiling big time and said quickly under his breath "do it again!"

So I did. Brought one lady to tears (I hope not pain). Then Ubuntu came in big time and that particular magical moment passed into others. We finished our songs and had covered-dish with the participants. There is always great "made with love" food at these fellowship events. We have one the first Sunday of each month and special days like Founder's Day.

I sure love that place. I think the program was audio recorded. If so, I'll distribute a link - you can get even later.



It was a totally delightful weekend and now, right here on planet Earth it is Byron Casses' 27th birthday! He's quite an admirable young man and I'm very proud of the way he is conducting his life. He and spouse Taylor are making a fine go of it and keeping a positive attitude.

Had to leave his service tech position - turned out his boss was a crook. It happens. Part of life is learning that stuff. They got out of that situation and two days later he's working at Chili’s (Byron is very, very good in the kitchen and has a strong work ethic - his boss will be happy).

He's also playing music professionally "Dad, I just did a show in St. Louis." How cool is that? I'm not crazy about the actual music he's playing for $ but he's very good at that too and his own personal music is very nice. (I like it better)

I mentioned how lucky he was when he told me about getting the job right away at Chili's. He said "Its not luck, its attitude!" Wise young man.

He's exactly right. A happy attitude of confidence and success bends the universe to you. Fact. What we call luck is what this looks like to an outsider.

Way to go Son!! Your happiness is self-assured. My privilege to know you!! Happy Happy Birthday Byron!

Life is great. I sincerely hope it is also for you.

Great Big Love!