Saturday, February 28, 2009

Dog vs Cat Diary

Couldn't you see this animated with a voice over?

DOG DIARY:
7:00 AM - Outside! My favorite thing!
8:00 AM - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 AM - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 AM - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 AM - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
2:00 PM - Looked out the window and barked! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
4:00 PM - Chased a bird out of the tree! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
6:00 PM - Watched my people eat! My favorite thing!
6:20 PM - Table scraps! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


CAT DIARY:
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I Are fed Hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I Nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The Only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an Attempt to Disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their Feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it Clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made Condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was Placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my Confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my Tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and Snitches. The dog continues to receive special privileges. He is Regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He Is obviously retarded.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Tom Waits from 1974

Truly a find...even better if it's free, either way worth a listen

I follow the ww.aquariumdrunkard.com blog, and this one looks real interesting... so instead of me forgetting about it, I thought I'd share it on the show.

Per the blog:

This KPFK radio session from 1974, recorded for the Folkscene program, finds Waits between his Closing Time LP and its follow up The Heart of Saturday Night. Amazing stuff - a snapshot in time of a young Waits just off touring the southeast with Frank Zappa. PS - Don’t skip the interviews.

And they are all there to enjoy... Not sure yet if it's free, but if it's on the computer that's almost there any who....

Poker Chip Donations

THIS MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO THOSE OF YOU NOT LIVING IN LAS VEGAS , BUT THERE ARE MORE CATHOLIC CHURCHES THAN CASINOS.

NOT SURPRISINGLY, SOME WORSHIPERS AT SUNDAY SERVICES WILL GIVE CASINO CHIPS RATHER THAN CASH WHEN THE BASKET IS PASSED.

SINCE THEY GET CHIPS FROM MANY DIFFERENT CASINOS, THE CHURCHES HAVE DEVISED A METHOD TO COLLECT THE OFFERINGS.

THE CHURCHES SEND ALL THEIR COLLECTED CHIPS TO A NEARBY FRANCISCAN MONASTERY FOR SORTING AND THEN THE CHIPS ARE TAKEN TO THE CASINOS OF ORIGIN AND CASHED IN.


THIS IS DONE BY THE CHIP MONKS.


YOU
DIDN'T EVEN SEE IT COMING DID YOU ? ... Sorry I post more these it'll be like Hee Haw rather than the Johnny Cash Show.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Mike & Amy Finders

Hey calls are coming in for the House Concert with Norah Rendell & Brian Miller Sunday March 8th at 4:00. Maybe we'll have one of our best turnouts. So back to my belated weekly review of previous artists who played the Bluff View. Mike and Amy Finders were friends with Wil Maring, so it made it easier for me to link up. I have always loved these two since the first time we saw them at the Great River Folk Fest. They played at what we call our Bluff View Bash, a big old fashion block party that we've done now 5 years in a row around July 4th. It was a blast. Here are Mike and Amy with the Youngbergs who enticed the Finders to move out to Fort Collins.

Grand Cariboo Opry


Can you believe it... I'm home sick again. I slept for 18 hours straight... now... groggy but up and need something to raise my pulse. Barney Bentall put together a fun group including my favorite country / world fiddler Kendel Carson.

I works great just to click here and go play the whole dang cool concert.

Here's how the website describes it: The Grand Cariboo Opry is a highly entertaining old tyme variety show.

Barney Bentall hosts the proceedings and is joined by a mess of talented musicians. Everyone plays and everyone sings....sometimes all at once! It's a night chock-full of music, humour, warm wit and unique sponsorship promotions reminiscent of bygone days.

Don't miss a great night at the Opry!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Future is bright: Matt Nathanson

As Clay found the wonderful Ingrid Michaelson, recently I had to check twice who was singing on my iPod. I have this habit of buying a song or two after someone tells me too. This might show the lack of commitment to an artist, but really I don't spend less than I do in the past and I've spread the buying around. Sorry, on a whim I don't spend $10-15 but I will $1-2.

Back to my story... back in Dec 2007 I bought a song Come and Get Higher by Matt Nathanson, and it is really wonderful. When I went to Ingrid's myspace site, there he was in her top friends. The blog Gods were telling me to post this video.

The Wolf Den: My New Love Interest

From Contributing Editor Clay Riness
Editor In Chief, The Weary Wolf Journal


One of my guitar students asked me to help her learn this song. I was not familiar with Ingrid Michaelson, who apparently got her start on little old Myspace. Once I saw this video, I decided I was in serious love. Oh, stop. I know full well that she's too young for me. She's almost too young for my college boy son. No matter. She gets about three lines into this song and what happens to me is something like a spring thaw.

This clip comes from morning network television and starts with an interview. Trust me, the singing is worth hanging around for.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Bill Miller

In keeping with the soul of the Johnny Cash Show, what would we be without some naked truth about how the white people treated the Native America Indians. Here's a song by Michael Martin Murphy, yes Clay's friend, sung by a true Native American hero, Bill Miller. I've seen Bill maybe 10-20 times in my life; his way of telling a story and his pure energy he brings to the stage.... he is special.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Hope Waits - I'll be Satisfied

I truly have a hard time following Samantha Farrell with just any other video, so how about the Video of the Year at the Zemmy Awards, Hope Waits doing I'll be Satisfied. Of course the trend continues, I love this woman too. Her gutsy blues voice, the depth of her life experience, and the glimpse of reality she's provided in her blogs over the last few years has made me thirst for more. She is special.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Shake by Samantha Farrell

I love Samantha's music. It gives me that jazz beat groove that I need sometimes... so why don't you just enjoy it and shake around a little too. Ok so I love her a little too, but by now this is becoming a broken record, Dave you love everyone, right? 8^) ok, but Samm is cool.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Mr Corner Man










Mr. Corner Man

"I sing each day one step at a time"
sung the corner man down to his last dime
and if life hadn't rewarded him as an honest man
I would've kept on walking and avoided his tin can
of wrinkled dollar bills and rusty spare change
and an old duffel bag he kept at close range

Old, tired and defeated, down on his luck
Mr. Corner man never begged anyone for a buck.
He was admired and praised for his strong skill,
never ignored or disregarded but still
no one could imagine life in his shoes --
hum his tune or sing his blues

But people listened, for that's all he cared
Plucking strings from an old guitar, the music prepared
was the harmony of his heart filled with appreciation,
a soulful melody well worth any donation.
When all was over, applause was heard from the grateful.
Rattled and shook up, Mr. Corner man was thankful.

Tarringo T Vaughan

http://tarringovaughan@blogspot.com

The Wolf Den: Friends And Old Memories

From Contributing Editor Clay Riness
Editor In Chief, The Weary Wolf Journal


For those of you who missed it, here's Murph's performance on the Letterman Show in May of '07. He's a resident of the Coulee Region now, and has been for some time...and I'm happy that he's my neighbor. Letterman holds up his CD Heartland Cowboy in the introduction, which I am proud to have been part of. Murph and I share a co-write on that collection.

This song was a powerful influence on me as a kid, as was the entire album. Go figure. What goes around comes around. Or, as I like to pontificate...The Wheel Comes Around.


Monday, February 16, 2009

Ryan Started the Fire - The Office

Ok... I am an admitted The Office addict. I am sooo pumped Jim and Pam are a couple, yes I am also a deep romantic.

Pam (Jenna Fischer) posted this in her blog today... some great clips.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Gimp Sparrow by Paul Cebar

Oh yeah, I needed an upbeat song to help clean up the kitchen....

Paul Cebar and the Tomorrow Sound put out a fantastic Cd... of world music with a groove rich from Smokie Robinson, and the most obscure connections that only a genius and historian like Paul can put together.

Buttered Toast Video - Michael Truckpile

From Guest Correspondent Heather of LyricalVenus.com

Keeping the Valentine's love alive a little longer (and who came up with idea anyway that love only gets one day devoted to it each year? All love all the time I say!), I just heard about this sweet little video by Michael Truckpile for his song Buttered Toast. He won a local contest for this video entry and it's so adorable, it's easy to see why:



Check out Michael's website for more info about his win, and for more of his music! I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. :)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentine from Kina Grannis

By Guest Correspondent Heather of LyricalVenus.com

With all the great music out there these days, sometimes what makes a musician stand out above the rest is how they treat their fans. I think Kina Grannis does a great job of making her fans feel included in her YouTube Videos, it's like every single one is her friend.

For example, in her most recent video, she had fans send in Valentine messages last week, and then she used all of them in her Valentine video:


Kina seems to have stayed remarkably sweet and down-to-earth, even after her big stint in the spotlight for winning the Crash the Superbowl contest in 2008. You too can become Kina's friend on YouTube (which includes tutorials for some of her songs if you want to play along) or MySpace or her own website (check out her blog!)

Happy Valentine's Day!

The love of my life by Allison Sattinger

Oh the blog hasn't heard recently from Allison, so why not on Valentine's Day singing a wonderful song for her love of her life. I am sooooo pumped, Allison will be stopping for a house concert at the end of May. We're going to get to see her on Wednesday May 27th. Yes Wednesday... it's a weird scheduling night so we're trying to figure it out... Go figure we're sandwiched in between the Twin Cities and Chicago; well I guess we're a little smaller but as passionate to hear her.

Matt Coleman who helps her out in this video will also be on the tour.



HAPPY Valentine's Dave

Brought to you by...

I ran into The Wind & Rain Creations while looking for the person I bought a wonderful skirt for my wife at Christmas. If you have my tastes, I would fall in love with anyone wearing this dress.... Hand made in Vermont... is that a wing of heaven?

Welcome! Thanks for stopping by my shop! Everything here is handmade by me in my Vermont home. I use primarily handmade and recycled vintage fabrics. Complimentary custom hemming is available for all pieces. My studio and home are smoke free. I have one dog.

All contributed content © Suzannah Mullikin

Dear Penis by Rodney Carrington

This guy is funny. The video already had 600,000+ views before I saw it for the first time. He also has one called Show me yours which is hilarious. Here's some guy love for Valentine's Day.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Free music with Sarah Siskind

Get it now... it won't last.


Sarah's MySpace and her website says this is a limited offering. I really wondered if I should put Rose River up on Noise Trade and try the same thing; but even the cheapest deal they offer is $75. Since we're a local band, it doesn't make much sense to get mailing addresses to announce concerts. Still looking for good cheap promotion ideas though... any one got one, let me know. Until then, I'll keep sharing you the free stuff that I'm trying... but be known there is a ton of stuff on that Noise Trade site.

It intrigued me in Sarah's comparison to Gillian Welch and Joni Mitchell, but check out who also has covered the songs she wrote, an impressive list.

The Wolf Den: LBD Preview - "Way Of The World"

From Contributing Editor Clay Riness
Editor In Chief, The Weary Wolf Journal


Here's a second installment of our Little Black Dress preview. My description? Greg Brown meets old-time music. Don't ask.





Listen to Way Of The World:




The Way Of The World
By
Clay Riness, Brett Huus, Terry Nirva

(Note: Drop D tuning: DADGBE)

There’s a place in the world for a woman and a man
and you can’t wait around for a miracle to happen.
A man’s got a fire that will burn him up inside
and a woman’s got a fire that can take him for a ride.

So a man tips his hat and he gives a little smile
and a woman smiles back and they visit for awhile.
Then the woman sends a message that she maybe wants more
and the man takes the cue and he shows her to the door.

A little bit of sugar couldn’t do him any harm
so he turns to the woman and he wraps her in his arms
And the woman plays along ‘cause the game is what it is
and they both melt away in a passionate kiss.

Tell me what can you say when it happens all the time?
It’s the way of the world when two people are inclined.
When a man and a woman play a dangerous game
it can open up a door to a lifetime of blame.

© Copyright 2009 Clay M. Riness, Brett Huus, Terry Nirva

Print Lyrics And Chords For
Way Of The World

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Paint me in Love - free song

This piece actually has roots back in 1976. It was normal for me to write and write because I was kind of a loner. All that changed with Lori and a real job, but back in 2004 I started back up again. By the next year, I found myself reading my old journals and poems. The first verse was just sitting there waiting for me; lesson for us all, clean up your life, but don't throw away your journals.

In honor of Valentine's day.... even if you read this late... I'll send you a mp3 of this if you email your request to dave@theroseriverband.com











If I could draw
a face dear and warm
With eyes of passion
Smooth lines would form

Paint me in love, As soft as a dove
Sketch out a dream Someone barely seen
Lead me to draw The beauty that I saw
Paint me in love, with light from above

If I could draw
The fine lines of age
There’d be folds of love,
And beauty on a page

Paint me in love, As soft as a dove
Sketch out a dream Someone barely seen
Lead me to draw The beauty that I saw
Paint me in love, with light from above

If I could draw
Sensual curves of shade
Pleading deep dark eyes
and dimples concave

by Dave Schipper © Rose Riversongs 2005

photo credits

Legend Series : Linda & Bonnie

It doesn't get better than this



written by Eric Kaz

I've been romanced dined and danced
Crazy nights and wild times
But my life has lost its mystery
Love is blind and it cannot find me

I'm blowing away
Shadows take my love and leave
I'm blowing away
Shadows keep taking my love and leaving me

And I have cast aside my foolish pride
And I'm going down for the last time
And I have searched this earth
And I've sailed these seas
Love is blind and it cannot find me

I'm blowing away
Shadows take my love and leave
I'm blowing away
Shadows keep taking my love and leaving me
You keep taking my love and leaving me

Thank you Sadie for posting it at your blog.

Carolyn Arends

Being a Christian, I do end up listening to classic gospel, modern and classic hymn for church service, and once in awhile modern Christian music. Most of the modern stuff I find as drivel, like love songs for God. Carolyn Arends breaks the mold. She a Canadian musician who writes songs about life, blends in folk settings to her songs. She is absolutely wonderful. So in true fitting to the Johnny Cash Show, I will sometimes broadcast my faith too. Enjoy Carolyn's "Seize the Day"... a good goal since I am burdened with a cold today.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Legend Series : Steve Goodman

Ok if you never heard of Steve Goodman, you might have heard of The City on New Orleans that was made popular by Arlo Guthrie. So here's the song that David Allen Coe made famous: You never even call me by my name.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Six chorus girls to sing me a song

In the song St. James Infirmary, the verse near the end laments if he dies, he wants to go out in style... gambling friends to carry his coffin, girls to sing a song, money in his pocket (previous verse), and a band to raise Hell as they stroll along:

"Get six gamblers to carry my coffin
Six chorus girls to sing me a song
Put a twenty-piece jazz band on my tail gate
To raise Hell as we go along"

Now... I'll be glad to have any friend sing... these women would be fun to walk along down the road... ah to be where they'll burn me up... I forgot... I want my ashes strewn over Lake Michigan, or dumped into the Mississippi River.

Ok back to the girls... I must be going to the wrong pizza places too... this one was recorded while they were standing in line?

Introducing Nichola Maria O'Donnell

Let me introduce you to a lady who has to be an angel, Nichola Maria O'Donnell. Again, I don't remember how I ran into her in the MySpace world, but I did and soon she was a subscriber to my blog. (Yes after 500 posts in MySpace I can proudly talk about 100+ subscribers) Well she stopped by once in a while, and the few blogs she posted, I made sure I read. Then one night she posted herself singing on a video. Oh I could hear that Irish brogue even in a pop / folk original. I commented, if she ever wanted to add a voice to my Flowers of the Forest, I would love to get her the music file. Time past, and I got a sorry I never got back to you comment, sure send a file. Then I proceeded to forget about it for a couple months... then poof a mp3 arrived in my inbox. It was that song, and the timing of a few snow storms that got me to actually take a plunge into posting my music in iTunes.... ok enough of me.

Nichola has not posted much about her history and background, but she has a sister who looks a lot like her. Here's a rare time she shared something about herself in a blog back in Jan 2008... (I just copied it tonight, it's not like I save everything she writes... HA)

I often get in trouble with my friends back in Ireland for not having pictures of my children with me at any given moment. I joke and say I don't need pictures because I carry them in my heart. Then my friends gag and we all laugh but secretly they all know its the truth. My children are my greatest joy in life. They are wonderful, wise, wickedly funny and so beautiful. I am unabashedly in love with them. I've just been looking at pictures (I do have them) of the 11+ years I have been a Mother and it has lifted my spirit so high. What a wonderful gift my children are. I have learned more from my children than I have ever taught them. They are more patient with me than I have been with them. They love me unconditionally. They still think I'm funny and cool. So Sarah, Elaina and Ronan you are my greatest inspiration and consolation. Thank you for chosing me to be your Mother. I hope I can live up to the role.
(This moment was brought to you courtesy of my old computer which I am trying to download pictures off. I've been at it for months and the stupid piece of s@t will not relinquish my photos... I am having a heated debate with a piece of plastic and a heap of wires... cussing like a sailor and spitting venom I stare at the captured images... and there they are... my babies smiling, laughing, crying, wearing costumes and pajamas, looking at me with their beautiful eyes. I melt into giggles. I will tackle this tomorrow. I will ask the angels of computers and new fangled doohickeys to smile on me.)


And here is my favorite song that she has available on iTunes:

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Heather Waters

Second in a series of articles to build my excitement up for the upcoming Norah Rendell & Brian Miller March 8th House concert, by going back and reviewing the artists that have graced my fledgling house concert series called Bluff View Concerts.

I found Heather Waters through MySpace again and I fell in love with her music. I did my usual nibbling at her songs in iTunes until I owned the whole cd named a Shadow of You. I am convinced that she is much bigger than she allows or has been marketed. She's put in time in Boston, and in Nashville, and now lives in LA. She travelled over with Rich McCulley; but any guitarist traveling with Heather is really just there to hold the beat. She completely wrapped the audience in her voice. She is also one of the feistiest women I met, opinionated and what a talker. I loved later sharing her first Cheese Curd experience at the Fayze's later in the evening. One member in the audience drove two hours to see Heather... he was completely pleased.

She did end up winning CD of the Year, but because it is not because she was a blast to be with.

Here she is pictured with just a few people you might recognize:








What was really cool was the house concert she was at the night before posted a couple great videos from the concert, this one shows her storytelling skills and is the title cut off of her 1st CD, Shadow of You.

The Wolf Den: LBD Preview

From Contributing Editor Clay Riness
Editor In Chief, The Weary Wolf Journal

This was largely a test...to see if I could embed an MP3 player into a blog posting. It worked beautifully! For starters, here's a first taste of our new, long awaited project, Little Black Dress, an album of original music I've been working on with friends Terry Nirva and Brett Huus. This is the opening track...so put on your headphones or run the output to your best speakers. And, welcome to our world!

At the end of this post, you can even download and print the lyrics with chords! I love technology!

Listen to "Something That I'm Not"



Something That I’m Not
By
Clay Riness and Terry Nirva


I have watched her rise. I have watched her fall.
I have seen her try...giving it her all.
And I know she cries, and I’ve seen that too.
See it in her eyes. Try and help her through.

I am her friend. I am her confidant.
I won’t pretend to be something that I’m not.

What’s a friend to do when his friend’s in need?
Stand and hold a hand. Let her poor heart bleed.
Wipe away the tear. Recognize the loss.
In the coming years she will feel the cost.

I am her friend. I am her confidant.
I won’t pretend to be something that I’m not.

What would Jesus do? Lay a hand and heal?
What if it were you? What would that reveal?
That was another time, and another place.
Things are different now from the good old days.

I am her friend. I am her confidant.
I won’t pretend to be something that I’m not.

© Copyright 2004 Clay M. Riness, Terry Nirva, Brett Huus

Print lyrics and chords for
Something That I'm Not

Friday, February 6, 2009

Brought to you by...

Just in time for Valentine's day...

I found this site while looking for a picture to go with the poem I was posting in the Dave's Musings site. I think it's a great company. Now if you don't buy the T, then copy my poem and sign your name to it. Maybe go to the Dollar store and get and nice cheap frame. I don't care about getting credit... I'd rather be spreading love than getting kudos. Be Creative and Be a Verb... don't just go down the street and buy something from a big box store.


Love is a simple verb.
A transparent dart, straight thru the heart.
Love is a silent word.
Whispered thru eyes, shouted thru sighs.
Love needs to be stirred.
Blending the ivory cream, thick with dreams.
Love haunts afterward.
But as an angel ghost, sent by a heavenly host.
Love catches the unaware.
Until you’re suddenly aware, and gotcha is dared.


Dave © 2006 Rose Riversongs

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Hard Love by Bob Franke

What a wonderful song by a folk legend, Bob Franke. As we approach the created Love holiday of Valentines Day, please remember the hurt of people experiencing the breakups, the invisible love, the wished love, and of course the Hard Love.

Thanks Bob... and if you have never heard of him, also look up Thanksgiving Eve.

A Cappella done right- a few updated links

Not sure how I ran into this video or blog, but I couldn't help be wowed. I'd love to see them live; and if the cover of The Wailing Jennys song leave's you going, "Who?"... then you are likely missing the best folk group touring today.




Here you can sing along with them :

The Parting Glass(Traditional)
Oh all the money that e'er I spent
I spent it in good company
And all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas, it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Oh all the comrades that e'er I've had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I've had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

I'm trying to get a hold of their director to encourage them to cover Allison Sattinger's "So Much Grace."

I haven't written any song worthy of having fourteen beautiful voices sing it... I better get going

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Around Him by Allison Sattinger

Allison recently released a wonderful Cd with this song on it... I love her choice of white.... She is an angel, and Anthony (of Schmillly) is the luckiest man I know... today.

Brought to you by...

Pretty Pretty Paper has a wonder blog, and is a craft person on Etsy. Spend any money you have freely when you know the person who made it on the other end.... now doesn't this picture bring you sunshine on a day in February?

The Wolf Den: Must See DVD...Neil

From Contributing Editor Clay Riness
Editor In Chief, The Weary Wolf Journal


It's been out there for a few years now, but I can't tell you how much this concert moves me, or how much Neil Young has influenced me in my musical life.

For those who haven't seen it, Heart Of Gold is a performance at the historical Ryman Theatre in Nashville, and consists of two sets. The first set is a performance of his wonderful CD Prairie Wind (excluding one song), and the second set includes just about every acoustic hit or semi-hit he ever recorded.

Heart Of Gold is soulful and polished, and Neil shows through as the country/folk icon he truly is, and as a genius in the songwriting department. This performance, to me, is like comfort food.

Plus...when you've got Emmylou Harris as one of your background singers...well, I guess you must be pretty good.

Plug in, sit back, shake head in wonder.

I Broke up With Poetry

by Tarringo T Vaughan


I broke up with poetry this morning,
now I'm sitting here in shame
i've should've known better, now nothing
around me is the same;
I threw those verbs and metaphorical phrases
down on the floor
packed up those similes and verses
and kicked them right out the door.
Now I'm sitting in misery because part of me
is gone.

I thought I had enough of the lyrical rhyming
playing around with my mind,
the word play and complex symbolism
in all ambiguity well defined ;
And I thought I had enough
of descriptive words
chirping tunes into my imagination
like jubilant early morning birds,
but all I feel is a lost because part of me
is withdrawn

I'm already missing
all those long walks in the park
bonded by the hand of irony;
cuddling with inspiration all the
nights alone we've embarked.
And I will never forget
our waltz with meter creating words that danced
a production of refrain,
the layers of meaning enhanced.
Now I'm sitting here distraught because part of me
I've begone.

Sipping on this half empty glass of rhetoric,
damn near drunk off literary prose, I realize…
breaking up with poetry this morning
was very juvenile
It's a relationship meant to be,
now I must reconcile!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Grey Funnel Line

Last Saturday night I spent about 2 hours knee deep in vinyl records importing some select, eclectic music for new "old" listening. Yes Clay... I imported Lance Romance.... but I also spent some time with Johnny Cash, Steve Goodman, Steve Gillette, Lisa Null & Bill Shute, and Maddy Prior & June Tabor with their record Silly Sisters... On that record I pulled off Grey Funnel Line... if you have never heard it... here's a famous trio... Dolores Keane,Mary Black,Emmylou Harris.


The Wolf Den: Creative and Clever

From Contributing Editor Clay Riness
Editor In Chief, The Weary Wolf Journal


A friend emailed me this and I thought you should see it. It shows great forethought in planning. The man is a smooth player to be sure, but apparently he's a pretty clever film maker as well.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Cold is Relative

It's rare that I get a joke from Pastor, so it must be a good enough reason to post this...

COLD IS A RELATIVE THING. . . . . . .


65 above zero:
Floridians turn on the heat.
People in Wisconsin plant gardens.

50 above zero:
Italian & English cars won't start.
People in Wisconsin drive with the windows down.

35 above zero:
New York landlords finally turn up the heat.
People in Wisconsin have the last cookout before it gets
cold.

Zero:
Californians fly away to Mexico .
People in Wisconsin get out their winter coats.

20 below zero:
Washington DC runs out of hot air.
People in Wisconsin let the dogs sleep indoors.

40 below zero:
ALL atomic motion stops.
People in Wisconsin start saying...'Cold enough fer ya?'

50 below zero:
Hell freezes over.
Wisconsin public schools will open 2 hours late

Jessica Kilroy

I'll remember how I found this wonderful talent Jessica Kilroy someday, suffice to say, "I'm in love again"... now the risk... If I invite her to my house concert, will Lori get suspicious. Ha...She knows my persona after 30 years together.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

The Wolf Den: Poetry Corner

From Contributing Editor Clay Riness
Reposted From The Weary Wolf Journal


The Dream

I had a dream.
And in that dream,
I had a vision of the future.
And in that future I witnessed,
A morsel of pop culture.
For in that vision I saw,
A blameless babe sitting in a high chair.
And he wore his bib, and kicked his tiny feet,
And his mother was pressing a spoon to his lips.

And when, as in a dark, dangerous storm,
A thunderous clap arose,
And the odiferous funk of his newly filled diaper
Reached her merciful, motherly nose,
Then she, with furrowed brow, leaned in
To his seemingly proud little face,
And, changing to a gentle, forgiving smile,
Curiously whispered to him,
"Did you make a Blagojevich again?"

© Copyright 2009 Clay M. Riness