Greg Murat (mur-rah)
Singer-Songwriter Guitarist
Home Shows Bio Music Lyrics Poetry Video Audio
Journal October 2008
Aileen & Randy Fickel |
 2nd Hike at Wallace Falls Park |
Love and condolences
to the family of Randy Fickel.
He passed away this week suddenly and has gone to Higher Ground.
He is loved by so many people. We will miss him.
October 29, 2008
The days go by and autumn is leaning hard towards winter. It is a chilly
evening with frost in the air. I look at the picture of Aileen coming
down the stairs, the smile on Randy's face and I recall just how much
fun we had. They say live each day as if you are going to die. Of course
we are going to die. The Native Americans have a saying today is a good
day to die. I like what my son Aaron did with that saying: today is
a good day to live." Life it. Be it. See it. Get old with a smile
on your face for all the wonderful memories you have made one moment
at a time.
Scott MacGougan and I did a show at Border's Books in Gig harbor and there was a great turn out and we made some music magic. Talk about taping the wild wave of joy. We both have smileyosis cheeks after playing together. You know, when you smile so much your face hurts. Recovery is quick but the best prevention is smile a lot more of the time. Chris, Justin and a ton of other people leant their ears and hearts to the music and it was a wonderful thing. We passed the had for a children's charity that Scott and his wife Deb are involved. People generously contributed nearly four hundred dollars. Thank you all. Scot and I played in his studio for a few hours before the show and we hit some of the songs on the list that didn't make the live performance. What a joy.
Our set list included performing all these Murat tunes:
| Love Wears Your Name Give Us Free Heaven In Your Eyes Summer Vacation Make Peace with Yourself Boody Wah Scoody (Happy Feet) Gone to Yesterday Cool Wind Gotta Get Back to Love Little Ones The Dawn Dream a Little Let's Stay Friends Walkin' with Jesus Love is Kind Brighter Days These Blues Club Americana Salty (Scott Solo) Who is more Blessed Stronger |
These are the songs on the set list we didn't quite get to play You are the One |
We received a standing ovation at the end of the show and it filled
my heart with gratitude for the gift of song and the joy of sharing
with people
Journal October 25, 2008
We walk the miles we face the trials, no
one seems to see the end
Some search for treasure, some live for pleasure
No one can measure the value of a friend
Last night I dreamed I was standing on the beach at sunset. The sky
was pink and purple and shades of blue. Twilight was descending. I was
looking on a scene of Andie, Terri, Aileen, me and Randy Fickel on the
beach in Clearwater Florida. We were laughing and I was playing my guitar.
Then Andie was standing beside me and she asked me "What are you
doing?" I said "I am turning back time so I can say good-bye
to Randy." The scene was a blend of Clearwater Beach and the beaches
in Cabo. I listened and Randy said "This would be the perfect place
for someone to propose on the 4th of July on the night of a full moon."
I walked into the scene.
He looked different. His hair was longer than the last time I saw him
and he was clean shaven. He looked at me and smiled. He was laid back
in the sand and leaning on one elbow. I knelt down next to him and held
out my hand to shake. He took my hand and gave me a firm and friendly
shake and I said "I never got to say good-bye." And then I
started to cry. I just kept shaking his hand. He said, "I have
to go now." I said "What? Is there paperwork there too?"
He looked back over his shoulder as he walked away and gave me a grin.
I thought I saw a folder tucked under his arm. "Are you okay?"
I asked. He said "I'm getting there."
I awoke with tears streaming down my face. I thought it would probably
be really good for me to just let it rip and have a huge cry. Didn't
happen though. It was good to see Randy. As he listened to me speak
of my grief I saw patience in his eyes. They seemed to say the cares
on this side are done for him now but he understood my grief and the
need to say so long. I loved my friend and I miss him. Thanks for the
visit and good luck with the paperwork. See you soon.
October 19th, 2008
Send out the love, feel the love and gratitude for every moment and
the people you love will be drawn to you.
Then you can show them in person.
It has been a ROY G BIV (red orange yellow green blue indigo violet)
thank you Jiminy Cricket: full spectrum week.
Hearing of Randy Fickel's passing at the young age of 52, it seemed
so tragic: Still Randy lived fully with passion and his good nature
and generosity was wide spread. I learned to be grateful for my friends
and to pay attention to time and to take the time to spend with them
while I have it. If you get that feeling to call, do it. Do it now.
Seeing Sarah Maria Murat screen her first feature length film, it was
magnificent. I learned the world is exactly as it is supposed to be.
I was given a roller coaster ride of emotions and wonder.
Seeing Chani's work as part of the first annual "How I Would Decorate
Her" women's tattoo convention. Her piece was a unique wood cut out
of the templet they were given. The tattoo was a reverse image of the
templet, very clever. I learned that beauty will always reveal itself
in ways that surprise and delight you. Andie, Kayden and I saw Lisa
Marie, jim, Steve and Sarah there to support her. We also saw April
and Jeff, the owners of Hidden Hand Tattoo where Chani proudly does
her creations.
Hearing Josh on the phone tonight describing his first martial arts
competition since he began to study jujitsu and hearing the confidence
in his voice as he described his completion and the outcome. Honor,
confidence and maturity were apparent in is dialogue. I learned that
the deep soul within us can come to light with time and allowing.
I learned acceptance. Every day is a new lesson in letting go and being
grateful. Prosperity is knowing what you have when you have it and being
grateful for it now. Knowing that good or bad, this too shall pass.
Andie, Kayden and I hiked 2 miles in towards Wallace Falls before we
turned back with aching backs and burning feet. Kayden walked all but
a few hundred yards at the end of the nearly 4 mile hike and still he
got down to finish the walk when he saw we were nearing the parking
lot and because he was excited to see Chani. We were hiking back he
wanted to get up and stand on a 3 foot tall sawed off stump and I said
let's keep moving and pulled him along. My spirit turned my body right
around and I picked him up and sat him on the stump. I held his hand
and then let go so Andie could get his picture, took his hand again
and held it as he leapt confidently to the ground. We all walked on
happier for the stopping. I learned that the voice inside you that gives
you all those negative messages isn't God, it just thinks it is. (Michael
Neil)
Sail away Free
We were like the three amigos
Laughing loudly here in Cabo
So many margarita's
The night, the moon, our senorita's
A time truly meant to be
Hands on hips and saying "See!"
Don't miss the cigarettes
But Pure joy eclipsed regrets
Cares fled freely far to roam
One hand remained tied to home
Sometimes you felt descended on
There were so many that depended on
You being there and taking care of business
It's who you were, one meant for giveness
You were not one who was want to whimper
At I times I saw the flaring of your temper
This I say in truth for it's no rumor
It was far out weighed by your humor
What is life? What is destiny?
We're human, the best that we can be
At any given point in time
Sail free, let your light shine
You are ever in my heart
Life long friend, late start
Leave these worldly cares behind
The bills, the stress, the daily grind
I'll keep your memory here with me
Sail away my friend you're free
I will see you in the end
You will always be my friend
Heaven's within reach
Purple sunset, sandy beach
Sail away free
Sail away free
Sail away
October 19th, 2008
For Randy
Saturday October 18, 2008
In the studio in the early morning for the first time I can remember.
Andie and I went to see the screening of Sarah Murat's new film. Luck
To Three last night. It was excellent. She wrote, directed, filmed and
edited the film and had the support of a fine cast of actors over a
period of three years. She looked mature, beautiful and European standing
in front of the room at Gage Art Academy introducing us to her new movie.
The characters were real, emotional, funny, tragic, shallow and deep.
Elliot, Kelly, Gina and Allen Sutherland as Elliot's diabetic father
took us on a journey an hour and forty minutes that stirred emotions,
created tension, provided comic relief and entertained us thoroughly.
I loved the flow from start to end. The camera angels were dynamic,
unusual in a very effective way and the use of fast and slow motion
was also excellent. The sepia tone gave the film a warmth and helped
create empathy and endearment for the characters. The sound was a bit
of a problem and it was difficult to hear some of the dialogue. I am
not sure if it was the sound system, room or a combination of the two.
The room a had high ceiling acoustically not suited effective sound
wave travel. The enhancement of further mastering of the audio might
be in order. I know someone with a studio. I look forward to hearing
and seeing the film at home. I loved the story, the whacky characters
and the ending.
Trailer http://www.youtube.com/user/sarahmurat
After the screening we said good-bye and left Sarah at the academy amidst
a group of inquirers and fans. Chani, Steve and Andie and I went to
a tavern on 87th and 35th in Lake City and had what was, next to Andie's,
the best burger I have ever had. Really good beer too but danged expensive.
It was fun to hang out with Chani and Steve and munch down and discuss
Sarah's film.
Andie and I rarely get out except when Faith comes to see Kayden and
gives us a little break. It was nice to talk on the drive into the city.
When we get a pause we quickly remember how much we love and like each
other. Sometimes the day to day makes it difficult as we are swept along
by the cares of this transient world. We talked about many things including
Randy and his passing, his family and what will be in store for them
now.
http://best.king5.com/king-5-s-the-best/beauty/tattoo-and-piercing
1st Annual Female Tattooist Art Show
Seattle's Saucy Skin Artists take their
place in Tattoo History and have
a little fun with
"As We'd Decorate Her"
Presented by
Women's Tattoo Forum
at
Kaladi Bros. Coffee
511 East Pike
Capitol Hill, Seattle
For the Month of October
Not to be missed
Special Presentation at
October 19th @ m
For more info contact
artshow@womenstattooforum.com
425-453-6091
October 16, 2008
A fuzzy rain fell this morning, a mist as fine as frog's hair. Yesterday
was long and sad as we got the news that our very dear friend, Randy
Fickel passed away suddenly. The day swept me along as so many days
do. I couldn't process the fact that Randy has gone. His daughter, Aileen,
called me at 5 in the morning but I didn't get the message until around
9. Last night Andie and I made a drink that Randy and I discovered on
a pirate ship off Clearwater Florida. We dubbed it Fickel-Murah. One
shot of Crown Royal, One shot of Parrot's Bay Rum, Two shots of Pineapple
juice. We watched some video of Randy, Terri, Andie, Aileen, Kyla and
I in Mexico and in Florida. We were almost constantly laughing.
I met Randy in Cabo where Andie and I was on holiday with our friends
Jim and Penni. I was walking by the pool carrying Andie's Baby Taylor
guitar when Randy asked if I knew any James Taylor. I sat down and played
the rest of the afternoon. I know one or two Billy Joel songs and when
asked to play one I chose an obscure one,You're My Home. It was one
of their favorite songs. And so began a friendship that brought us together
in Florida, Ohio and Mexico. We did get to see Randy once when he was
in Seattle on business. Andie and I took him out to dinner at Trader
Vic's. I may be wrong about the name of the restaurant. He was more
full of life than bunches of other people put together. He loved his
family in a huge way. He was very generous with people and a very hard
worker. I loved to play music for him because he appreciated it so very
much. He made me really grateful for the gift I have been given and
the joy it can bring. When we visited in Ohio we met the whole
clan and it was such fun to hang out and sing, drink wine and just talk
with the Fickels.
In Clearwater when we all set out on the pirate ship tour Andie shot
some footage that we haven't located yet. The crew on the ship picked
Randy to play the part of a pirate for the children on board. They then
armed the kids with squirt guns. Randy came out in his pirate hat and
vest and was blasted by a dozen kids who all took aim at his glasses.
He was a great sport. I know we have footage of Aileen and Randy dancing
together to some funky song. We talked on the phone at least a few times
a year, sometimes more. He invited us to go to Cabo with him last year
but we said we could only travel with Kayden and we didn't have a passport
for him. We talked about getting together soon. Andie and I both had
strong urges to call last week and now we really regret that we didn't
follow our instincts. Randy got the easy part because he is home now
and free from pain and care of this world. We who are left will feel
his loss all the days of our lives. He was like a brother to me. He
was my friend. Show the ones you love how you feel because you never
know when they'll be gone. There is no time like Now to say I love you.
October 10, 2008
The cold is coming. Mornings are getting really foggy. I had forgotten
how thick the fog can be here. But the autumn colors are bursting forth
and are so very beautiful. It really is one of my favorite times of
the year. I am very excited about our book. It was great to have Chani,
Sarah and I all together working on it. Sarah scanned all the drawings
and I didn't have a way to get them off her computer: files were too
big. I typed out the second book back at Chani's house and she is busy
starting to plan the next series of paintings. After all these many
years I have come full circle and I am starting to feel alive in the
way I did when I first came back to the states after being in Asia for
a year. I find myself thinking of all the people who are living in war
torn areas, of the men and women serving in combat stages. My heart
goes out to them with a prayer for peace. I was given a white band that
says One and the organization that made it says it represents the fight
against poverty and aids. Typical. To me it represents a hope for prosperity
for all people and health for all people no matter who or where they
are. We are one. I wonder why that continues to be so hard to see.
October 8, 2008 A new laptop is coming, is coming, is coming. From where? Where is it?
My Powerbook:The
Band-Aids and duct tape are holding up but now the power supply is shot
so I am borrowing one from Andie for a quick update. That's it, see
you later.
I have got a lot going. It is time to get ready for my concert
with Scott MacGougan on the 25th in Gig Harbor. Sarah has her film preview
at Gage Academy of Fine Art on the 17th at 6PM. Chani has an Art Show
on the 14th and I have to get those details.
I played another gig with the Delivery Boys and it was a lot
of fun. Dave, Ronnie, Jamie and Jimmy and John Matthews and myself sitting
in and playing along. It was a DB night and everyone was happy and oh
so glad Dave Noren showed up. We played 3 of my songs, Cool Wind from
Jamaica ,Trouble and Baby. The rest of the night was classic DB rock
and roll. There was a lot of crap to wade through to get to and from
the gig but it was a joy to play. It was wonderful to see Kenny Lee
and eat his magnificent food at Shallots.
Chani and I have been meeting weekly and she has cranked
out the drawings for our book. We should be hooking up tomorrow and
maybe getting to see Sarah Maria too. There is a pumpkin carving event
tomorrow at Kayden's preschool for father and son, Papa will have to
do I guess. That is if he is feeling up to it.
Last weekend Jason and Blu came over and brought their new
Cranium game and Jason and I teamed up to prove that large quantities
of wine definitely affect the function of the brain. We got slammed
in spite of my lucky dice rolls. It seems both Jason and my internal
servers were down for the evening and no data was available. They also
brought us an early Christmas present of their former TV. I am so happy
because it has a headphone input and I can sleep or read and not hear
the TV. It also works really good for watching TV as well. Thank you,
thank you , thank you. Our technology has become absolute under the
reign of GW. Medical bills, food, taxes, electricity and gas have commandeered
the capitol we would have used to upgrade our gear. Now I buy flowers
on sale and plant them in the yard. I dig in the dirt for my meditation
and walk barefoot on the cold grass.
I finally got to have a great visit in with Josh on the
phone. He e-mailed me some video of him sparing using his new jujitsu
skills. He is gifted. There is a bit of Asian in us I believe hidden
behind the white skin and light hair. He sounds great. I even got to
speak to Sariah and she informed me that she loves her grampa. That's
me.
So my time to rest is neigh once again. The back is happy flat.
Imagine that. Peace and prosperity. I am grateful for music and friends.
September 22, 2008
Remember to remember.
I was thinking today about how grateful I am to have such talented and
helpful friends. Casey Garland and Mike Daily were instrumental in getting
out new pressure tank in a new shed before winter. That was not small
task and it is amazing how quiet it is now to run the water without
hearing the constant clicking of the well as it turns on and off every
few seconds. I joke with Andie when I was running the water in the bathroom.
"Hear that?" I asked. "What," she responded. "Exactly."
I replied. That is so nice. Andie's cousin Patrick installed three new
windows and put a fence around a portion of the property. I am also
very thankful for that. People with those talents will always stay busy
wherever they are. In fact Casey is looking to get a job on Maui or
some other tropical place as a handy man, maintenance person. He has
seen jobs like that for around $90,000 per year. We could stretch that
over 12 months pretty good. It is a little late for me to take that
path as I could hardly get up after three days of working on the shed
and the pressure tank. My back and arms are sending enthusiastic signals
to help me choose a different route. They have succeeded. Thank God
for the generosity of friends.
September 20, 2008
Kayden sings Rolly
Polly
Hasn't this month been streaming past? So much has
happened. We had a night out with Sarah Maria and Chani to go see Drag
Strip Riot in Ballard. It was a three band show and Steve (Knuck)
was great. Sarah, Andie and I were falling asleep at the wheel after
Steve's show. We were holding out for the All American Playboys. They
came on too late for us and were only able to stay for about 5 songs.
Chani said the rest of the show was awesome. They were a very good band
with four players: two lead guitars, bass, drums and every body sang.
This was to be their last performance in Seattle as they are going separate
ways to pursue other interests.
Chani and I started work this week on a very old children's book
of mine. I am very excited and look forward to seeing it on the shelves
in book stores soon. After we worked for 3 or 4 hours I drove down to
Edmonds to meet with Craig Cooke of Pacific
Rim Talent and other members of The Edmonds All Star Band. It is
Craig's concept to put together a concert that will feature musicians
that played this year at the Taste headlining and closing the show Saturday
night on the main stage. We jotted down names of the people who have
played in Edmonds over the years at places like Bickford's, Sailor"s
and Provinces. It is quite a line up of musicians including The Delivery
Boys, The Banana Brothers, Scott Lindenmuth and quite possibly some
members of Rhythm Cafe. It was fun to speculate and plan. As often happens
when you are on the right path an interesting coincidence occurred.
When I first arrived two people, Nancy and Nataliya, were sitting with
Craig and I thought that they were part of the meeting. Jamie Phalen
arrived just after I did and the five of us talked about benefit concerts
and getting more recognition and support for the organization where
Nataliya works: The
Max Foundation. I would love to see our concert be tied to a worthy
and charitable cause such as that one. Ron Llinas, and Aaron Stadler
showed up a short time later and the meeting lasted for over 3 hours.
So we are ironing out the details and I will keep you posted. It could
be a whole lot of fun.
I apologize to those of you who frequent this "blog".
My laptop has died as a laptop but like any good Mac, it functions still
as a desk top. It makes it challenging to write at the end of the day
as I love to rest my aching back and type away. Alas, that is not possible
at this time. I will have to toughen up I guess. If anyone has a Powerbook
lying around that they no longer use, let me know.
So be good and enjoy life and remember you can have anything you want. Just believe it is meant to be and it will.
September 6, 2008
Lucky Strike
Went to see Santana tonight with John Matthews and Ronnie Llinas at
White Horse Amphitheater. That was the best show I have ever seen in
my life. Son of God as a drummer, a timbale monster and tiger skin conga
player, a bass player who was from Paris Mars, The bass player and drummer
had the longest solo's I have ever heard, heard of or seen. There are
no words to describe the other worldly experience of watching them play.
Oh, yes there was also Carlos whose message was peace, love brotherhood
and if the women aren't happy, nothing will get done.
We also had a lovely day at he park in Everett celebrating Faith's birthday.
It was a pleasant gathering. We all love Faith very much. Kayden was
so glad to see her and Robin. It was really a delightful day. Now it
is late thirty but that is okay. I have kissed my bride and am taking
a few moments in the studio to soak it all up. I am blessed. Prosperity
is being grateful for everything in this moment and I am so very much.
September 6, 2008
Be free. Live now. Give hope. Show how. Share love. Take care. Stand
tall.
Play fair. Know right from wrong. Be happy. Live long.
Sarah Maria Murat
Happy birthday Maria! I love you!
Well on a rare occasion I am up while others are sleeping. I woke feeling
like dancing and that didn't go over too well with my beautiful sleeping
bride. She woke up feeling like sleeping some more. So, in the interest
of continued marital bliss, I got up and came to the office to write
for a while. I have so much to do that it will require a list to keep
me from turning in circles wondering where to begin.
I was going to practice in the studio last night. After
I woke up from a nap it was too late for rehearsal or recording at Mike's
so I came in here and thought I would write a bit about the gig at Lucky
Strike. When I went to tell Andie I ended up watching Oprah with her
instead. What a swinging Friday night.
Earlier I had a long conversation with John Matthews about
where to go musically. He brought his Roland hand percussion instrument
into the gig later on and played some great stuff. We had a nice musical
chemistry with just the two of us. I love the sounds that come out of
that percussion droid and we were talking about how to dial it in for
more volume and so he could hear better. We discussed the fact that
the back of our knees don't have ears. Therefore, it is no wonder when
an amp or monitor is pointed towards our knees we can't here it. That
is why God and Guitar Center make those amp stands that tilt.
Regarding the gig at Lucky Strike. What a cool place. First
of all thank you so much to all the people who came to see me play.
You filled the room and made the night for me and for Dee. Even though
Dee had told me she was not playing and it was my gig, she brought
her excellent keyboardist Hans. He arrived close to starting time with
a whole sound system which he proceeded to set up right beside the one
I had already put into place, Dee ended up playing the better part of
the evening to the crowd of friends who came to hear me. When they had
all gone home she had John and I close the evening. It was great to
see such support and love from so many good people. Singer songwriter
Casey Garland came out. Justin Moore, a new friend and music affectionado,
came to listen. Jason and Blu came with Rebel and a friend. Keith and
Linda and Steve and the rest of the gang came from Renton Highlands.
Dear Dale and Kathy were there as well. My lovely daughter Chani and
singer song writer rock star Steve came and stayed the whole evening.
I was so tired I can't remember everyone. Old timer's disease. Many
people came. Thank you so much. Several people were confused as to why
I wasn't playing. So was I. C'est la vie. Happy birthday Dee. Her present
was a wonderful audience. She was in rare form and good voice and so
thrilled to be singing. I sure was happy when I was playing and look
forward to much more. I looked in the mirror when I got home and my
eyes were clear. Everything washed away by songs and singing and playing.
I thought, this is what I am supposed to do. Thanks for helping me remember.
September, 1, 2008
The only people you should try to get even with are the ones who help you.
I read that quote today while retiring pages from a Franklin Planner. I stashed those pages so good that I tried unsuccessfully to find them for a year. I was doing a purge in the studio and trying to clean up the clutter when I finally found them. By then they were out dated as a calendar but they still contained words of wisdom. So I sat out back and read all the quotes hoping they would sink in and spark some action or higher consciousness. What a great philosophy: get even with those who help you. That definitely is the glass is half full philosophy. I also read that you will always be paid back what you lend but not necessarily by the one lent. More good stuff.
We visited the MacGougan's yesterday and that was nice. Scott and I sat in the living room and played and sang for a couple of hours. Deb sang a bit of harmony on Heaven in your eyes. That was sweet. We had a great dinner. I received another lesson in life about asking for what you want. I told Scott in early August that I was playing up in Oak Harbor on the day of Andie and my Wedding Anniversary. I said the show was part of a benefit for the Toddler's Learning Center and said it would be nice if he could play too. It passed him right by as I mentioned it in passing. He didn't remember me saying it and said he would have loved to have been there. Picture an outcome, get attention, ask for what you want and be specific. It works much better than hoping people will read your mind. I would like to say after these many years on the planet that I have found that people suck at mind reading. Yet I continue to experiment and reprove that fact again and again and again.
My laptop is a sad triangle standing on its side with an external keyboard, mouse and monitor as nothing but the hard drive and mother board still work on it. I like to lay down and type at night and that doesn't work too well now that it has become a little desk top computer. So I will cut it short as I am tired and need some rest. I will mention that I will be playing the 4th at Lucky Strike and the 27th at Shallots with Ronnie Llinas, Jimmy and a drummer. There may be a reunion of the Edmonds All Stars in November. I will keep you posted on that one. Have to stop now. Night night or good morning as the case may be.
August 30. 2008
Procrastination is the thief of time. Edward Young
If something needs doing, now it the time. It is so easy to keep putting
things off. If one realizes that it is possible to purposefully hold
onto old beliefs of unworthiness or victim identity in order to maintain
a sense of failure, then it is easy to see how procrastination can be
a useful tool. I believe it is true that more often than not we don't
use our minds as much as our minds use us. Learning to stop the endless
flow of random scattered thoughts, even if briefly, can be a life transforming
experience.
The continuous effort to learn to live with gratitude provides
me with ample proof that if I am not directing my thoughts they go down
every side street they can find. At times I feel like a good old country
boy when I am trying and to make a point in a conversation. I take one
back road after another to get from point A to point B. I stammer and
mumble as I try to find my way back to the main road. Focus. Focus.
It is the same each morning as I start to make a list of the things
for which I am grateful. For example, the people in my day to day life:
my wife Andie, young Kayden, the rest of my wonderful family and friends,
my talents, a place to live. As I start this list and seek a sense of
gratitude I might find pictures from the news, or some violent images
I stumbled on surfing channels on the TV. Then I seek a sense of peace
and a clear mind and start once again. Quite often my mind is quick
to divert me once again.
As I study the art of happiness I am learning how important it is to
feel the feelings of gratitude. I am good at making a list of reasons
to be grateful but truly grasping the feeling of gratitude is still
a work in progress. Maybe I will work on it tomorrow.
August 27th Life is neither good nor bad. It is simply
life. The more you give the better it gets.
Another Thursday passes when I was going to meet with Chani and work
on our books. Instead I drove a screaming Kayden across the trestle
and continued to drive to Granite Falls where he finally fell asleep.
I drove to the Jordan Bridge and parked and napped for half an hour
my self. Then we hiked across the bridge and down to the water where
we threw rocks, climbed fallen trees and found a fort at the base of
the tree and the edge of the woods. Extremes. Now I am waiting for him
to go to sleep after we spend and hour and a half reading books. Andie
is not feeling well again tonight. Another of those headaches. I hope
we can find what is wrong and make it right. I really do. I just hate
to see her suffer. So for a few brief moments I will jabber. Okay, all
done. The drive and the river were lovely and for a time Kayden was
in a good space.
Dee Robersin asked my to play for her birthday at the Lucky
Strike in Bellevue on the 4th of September from 8-11. I am getting paid half
of the original asking price so I guess I am helping pay for the party.
That is just how I am. Business has not been my specialty. I am looking
forward to seeing all the people who have responded to my e-mail. I
am looking forward to the gig and seeing everyone who shows up and seeing
Dee on her birthday.
In the past it has been fun to get together in bars and jam but it is
a lot of pre and post work and I have just gotten to the point that
if I am not going to make any money, then to to be for a good cause
like the Toddlers Learning Center, or battered women, or cancer victims
and not for the sale of alcohol. I cannot in good conscience ask my
friends to come out to bars to play for free anymore. The days of moving
my gear for a few bucks and asking my musician friends to play for free
are over after this. I need venues that support a bigger group and can
pay for it or concert venues that promote the music or some worthy cause.
I am full of it anyway. I just want to play. Call me. I will be there.
Yesterday I was a farmer. Kayden and I had on our straw hats and he
had his broom horse. My horse was invisible. I think we were cowboy
farmers. We had to take a break and go pick up a pizza. He rode his
broom in and I my invisible horse and I announced that we were farmers
and we had come for our pizza. Everyone laughed and said how cute Kayden
was. We just tipped our hats and rode away.
August 25th Just
the mama. Not the papa.
Someone also seems to be on the outside of the circle. Such is life.
The trick is to be content at each present moment, at each juncture.
The saying at Chris's and Debbie's beach house keeps playing in my head.
Relax, it doesn't get much better than this. We can find that magic
in every moment we are truly awake to the wonder that life is. I am
grateful for being and for every single breath.
John Matthews, Larry Mason & Papa Murat
August 24th You are a special person and the world is a better place because you are in it.
Is is an overcast Sunday morning. Andie and Kayden are playing racket baseball. You pitch a plastic ball a little smaller than a soft ball and he bats it with a full size tennis racket. He bats under hand with the racket on the floor in front of him and over head with the racket as far back over his head as it can go. He is great throwing the ball back if he gets a strike. He is equally accurate with left or right hand. He can really smack that ball when he connects. The game involves a lot of cheering on both sides of the racket and once again proves we would not be good neighbors in an apartment. Several games we play in our playground living room involve joyful screaming and stomping of feet. It is one good source of gratitude for me as I always say thank God we don't live in an apartment.
We were one for three yesterday regarding the events we had planned. We made it out to the Roger and Rebel wedding very early. I was set up and patched into the band's PA a couple of hours before time to play. The DJ was a total pickle head. While I was playing he announced that there would be live music later. It brought up that fear I get from time to time after having watched The Sixth Sense. "Am I dead and just don't know it." Guys like that make me wonder. In my typical business style I left without being paid. Oops. I really didn't have a clue who to ask. We had fun. I was referred to as "that musician" regarding sitting at the table we were assigned. "That Musician sat in Svinctie's chair." It takes all kinds of people. We had fun seeing the friends we know and it was nice to meet Roger. The wedding was short and sweet. Andie had the idea I should play here comes the sun as they walked down the isle. They were thrilled. I sang Be as One as they finished. I love the blessing that song is to a newly wedded couple. It was a lovely ceremony and gathering of which we were happy to be a part.
After we left the wedding we tried to find Michael Gardner's surprise birthday party and we drove around for what seemed like an hour on the back roads east of Monroe. We never found it and by the time we gave up we realized it was then too late to catch Casey Garland's concert in Redmond. So home we went before 10 PM. Andie's mom, God bless her, gives us the only couple time we ever get. So far it usually involves going to an event but a date night for the two of us would sure be nice some time.
Chani and I plan to meet this week to discuss the book ideas we have. Maybe today I will type out the stories I found in my filing cabinet. She wrote them when she was very young and they have an edge to them that would make them appealing to children and adults.
I am really excited about working together on these books. Prosperity is calling.
I don't have a vision board covered with the pictures of my dreams but on my piano I have four post cards Sarah sent from Paris and I looked at them nearly every day and in April I was walking the streets of Paris to find the place where Sarah was working. I also have a picture of a house with hard wood floors, modern furniture, a grand piano and a view of the water. It is a picture of a living room. It is similar in many ways to Chris's and Debbie's beach house where we stayed last weekend. I an grateful to Chris and Debbie and Larry and Cindy for that wonderful experience. I told Andie that this looks like our beach house in the picture. She had a sense of deja vu as well. See your dreams clearly and coming true and they will.
What I learned: Expectation leads to disappointment.
What I know: Expectation leads to what's expected, so expect good things.
August 23rd Thoughts create your reality, make them good.
Another busy day in the neighborhood. New adventures in Andie's health so any prayers in that direction would be greatly appreciated. We don't like the possibilities we see when we look at all these symptoms. Anyone know a doctor that is more than a corporate collector of fees and a drug dealer for the pharmaceutical companies. I saw an add for asthma medicine last night that said in teeny tiny letters "May lead to asthma related deaths." Cool. Let's get some right now! Our neighbor's sister just had surgery on a brain tumor. We are thinking of and praying for them today as the prognosis was challenging. I am wishing for and seeing better times for all of us.
We are still feeling the afterglow of being on the Island with our friends. Mix that with what the hell is going on with all these mysterious ailments and you have what I believe is called life. Today is Rebel's wedding day at Wallace Falls, one of my favorite places on earth. Many happy hiking trips occurred there when the kids were young. Wallace Falls was Kayden's first hike just a few weeks ago. Casey Garland is playing at the Soul Food Cafe in Redmond and there is a birthday party we are supposed to make an appearance. Sarah Maria suggested I break out my Franklin Planner and buy some new pages as it seems the calendar is getting more and more busy. It is funny too that things are changing as I continue to work on spiritual growth and keep prosperity in mind. Prosperity as defined by gratitude for what you have now, by choosing to be happy now. It is a minute by minute endeavor that becomes more and more of an adventure.
I am happy but tired this week as all week long Kayden has been Peter Pan, Andie Captain Hook and in spite of my strong protests I continue to be Wendy. What can one do? This weekend Kayden became fascinated by nail polish and asked Andie to paint his finger nails. At the Mason's party he asked April to paint his toe nails. He is in touch with his feminine side Andie told a few of the female couples who were watching. They found that to be most impressive. It did not affect his ability to tackle me and play Hop on Pop. A game where he leaps into the air and lands feet first on my stomach and leaps off onto the ground. To get the most enjoyment from the game it involves several repetitions and may eventually lead to the need for a few internal transplants on my behalf. But the level of pain to pleasure ratio is negligible from his perspective. And so it goes.
August 18th Time
you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. T.S. Elliot
What a great holiday and wonderful time with amazing people we have
had. The gray cast of the sky has returned. The heavens threatened rain
all day Sunday but it never came. I guess it poured at Larry's and Cindy's
and it cleared the air of pollen. It was a great thing for Kayden and
the rest of us. It is so good to have such great friends. There seems
to be more and more to do every day. I am looking forward to being a
part of Rebel's wedding. I hope to also catch Casey and Elanine in concert
at the Soul Food Cafe in Redmond on the same day. We will see how it
all turns out. Right now I am enjoying the company of Andie and Kayden
while Michael Buble sings in the background. It is a lazy gray day.
I laughed yesterday as Larry was talking about how it wasn't that much
work, in fact it was easy, putting on the event. He said that just as
John Matthews passed by carrying one of the the or for collapsible tents
he brought. And Larry and Cindy were going nonstop from the time we
arrived. One thing is for sure. They know how to put on a gathering.
Working for a Living in the USA was a good closing song for the gathering.
I met one of the owners of the lovely place we stayed. You can just
tell sometimes looking in someone's eyes what a kind soul he or she
is. Again I was filled with a sense of warmth and gratitude.
It has been so good for Andie and I and for Kayden too. He got to spend
time with Mike's wife, April and with Cindy too. He thoroughly enjoyed
himself. He loves beautiful ladies.
August 17th
The benefit was a great success. The music was fantastic. I will have to get more detail specifics but David did sound and he did and outstanding job. Larry opened up the show and it had John and I come up for Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'. It was a great start of the day for me to play with Larry. Janie and Joe did an amazing set too. I was blown away by the sweet and precise sounds of Joe's guitar work and Janie can belt out a tune and has a very strong style. Very nice. We got up and knocked out everything on our set except Give Us Free which Larry and I had talked about doing. I think he and Carl would do a great job on that tune.
Our set list
Let me just say thank you God for the weather. Let me say thank you to those who came and those who participated in the party and the work. What a joy. Good people doing good things. Like Graham Nash said, "We can change the world." Andie and Kayden came up on the stage with me for I love you naturally and they were dancing and having a great time during our whole show. Kayden kept yelling out "Great Job." Each time Joe and Janie finished a song. April and Cindy both spent time with him and he love it. So much to be thankful for. Larry was able to spring for some gas money for my band and I was very grateful as they have donated their talents and their expense so many times. And I sit at the counter of this beautiful place they provided for us and give this update. We are blessed. We are blessed. We are blessed. I would just like to say thank you for my life. By the way, my laptop screen is hanging by a thread and it is hard to get it to work at all but I am playing for Rebels wedding next Sunday and the price is a zillion dollars (negotiable). I tried to leave a message but didn't get through. If I say I am going to be there I am going to be there. We love you.
Today August 17th
we will play a benefit show on Whidbey Island. The event will benefit
the Toddler's Learning Center . Contact Cindy Mason for details and
tickets. Cindy is selling 100 tickets only (One pig feeds this amount)
for a suggested price of $75.00 each. Contact Cindy at 360-679-7958.
TLC Brochure Hope to see you there.
It will be the acoustically electric set in a new and refined light.
There will be a few tickets available at the event.
Larry went out yesterday and bought plywood and covered the flat bed
struck stage with it, put down rugs and built steps. John Matthews showed
up with tents and we covered the stage with a 10 by 20 tent. Larry is
about to burst with enthusiasm and it is contagious. It reminds me of
when he produced Room with a View. He came into the studio every day
fired up and ready to rally. What a guys. So now we are putting the
gear on the stage. I got a call and the Ramey's are coming. It will
be great to see them. Larry freaked me out a bit last night when he
said not to play anything mellow. We have a thoroughly planned show
and it includes a fair amount of excellent songs that happen to be the
"M" word. Oops. We are going for it.
A good time is guaranteed for all.
August 17th It is on today!
Today is the day! We celebrate our anniversary at the place we were married and being part of a benefit all at the same time. I am so thankful for my wife and my family. I wish we could all be together today here at the Love Shack. Love grows as do our spirits and I am excited for today and all days to come. Andie is an amazing person and she continues to grow in knowledge, beauty, spirit and giving. Good times are coming. Good times are here.
August 16th
One day left before the show that will be talked about for years. Larry Mason in concert solo! Carl Funk, Larry's music partner, has a prior engagement but really wanted to make an appearance. Of course Janie and Joe will play as well and finally the Papa Murat band. Mike Daily drums and vocals, Jimmy Culler bass and vocals, John Matthews Latin Percussion, Greg Murat Acoustic guitar and vocals. It is going to be great weather, food, company, location and magic is in the air. We come full circle to where Andie and I were married to celebrate that union and the work that the Toddler's Learning Center is doing. It is wonderful to be a part of great music doing charitable works. Thanks Larry and Cindy for making this a wonderful anniversary already. Kayden, Andie and I spent the morning walking on the tide flats and catching little crabs, chasing fish, building sand castles and getting mucky in the mud. We had a fine time and were a perfect mess. Now Kayden is having a little nap and I can have a moment to write before I go back to practicing for tomorrow. I am glad to be sharing this time and space with Andie, my love.
It is a good day to live.
August 10, 2008
Great rehearsal today at 10 am with the boys. Jimmy, Johnny and Mikey. We got to chat with Larry a bit about the sound system for the TLC show. We played our whole show today. As always there is a reserve of songs. Everyone was singing sweetly today. I love that harmony. It is fun to have a chance to tap into and express ideas for arrangements that utilize the rhythm and percussion of the songs. Mike is playing a Sanga beat on a Latin set that just smokes and Let It Pour is an old song made new as a result. It is funky. I am so looking forward this show on Andie and my anniversary.
August 9, 2008
I had a really great day today in spite of the fact that I had the unfortunate experience of opening and reading an e-mail that was hateful and hurtful. That will kick start your day I am here to tell you. Enough of that though. I had fretted all week because I had five different tugs for time on this fine and rainy day: a wedding, the Taste of Edmonds, a Gallanger family reunion, rehearsal and a convention. The reunion did not happen for me as Andie wanted to have fun so I stayed home. Now I did not make Chani's tattoo convention as the distance and traffic factor prevailed on that one. I really wanted to hear Knuck play. I had placed rehearsal at the top of my list as I want to do a really good show for the benefit for the Toddler's Learning Center (see schedule) on the 17th of August. So I was letting everything else slide. Then, when drummer Mike Daily and I talked this morning he suggested I come over around 11 and we rehearse at noon for a few hours and then we could have the rest of the day free. I thought, wow, that is a change of plans. Okay. One step and thing at a time. Yes that would be fine I said and left a voice mail for Jimmy. We rehearsed, planned our set and were done by 3:30. The wedding was at 4 on Ebbey Island. I said what the hell and Jimmy and I drove over to Jim McLaughlin's for his wedding. It was a quick ceremony and I got up afterwards and Jim and Pamela stood in the rain and listened while I sang Love Wears Your Name to them. Then it was off and down the road to Ronnie Llinas's house to get a parking pass for the Taste. He only had one so Jimmy and I drove to Edmonds and I found a great parking spot and then we headed up to what used to be Bickford's for a snack and a drink. Then it was back to the Taste
What a great night it was. I was a Delivery Boy for an evening. Jamie Phalen, Dave Noren, Mark Lull, John Matthews, Jimmy Culler, Ronnie Llinas. Scott Lindenmuth and me. Some guy named Bob was supposed to show but never did. The sound out front and on stage was fantastic. The Boys were on. I don't think I have ever seen Dave look so happy. I think tomorrow his face is going to have stretch marks. I just sang two songs and played percussion with John the rest of the time. It really was a kick, almost like being on the history channel. There was 25 years of history on the stage.
Earlier in the day I got a call from Aaron, my son, while he was in phone range. He is way out in the country these days. He said he had been feeling me and missing me a lot. It was perfect timing. I really did struggle with my feelings during the day as I wrestled not to identify with the hateful message I had received. Don't waste time or energy on people who make it their goal to make you feel bad. Life is too short. While Aaron and I were talking, Anjali was screaming in the back ground, a blood curdling piercing sound. Kayden can make that sound. It was so good to hear his voice and encouragement about healing family and having harmony. Last night Josh and I talked for nearly two hours. He is doing great and was sharing life and work news. I could feel so much love from both my sons. Life is balance. I think some huge changes are coming, some I have had no idea were even in the works, but it is going to be okay. It is all unfolding as it should.
August 1, 2008
Too tired to write really. Just thinking about going to sleep. I am
cleaning the studio and attempting to get me a working space that has
a good feel and vibe to it so I can be more creative. I am looking at
the pictures of Paris and feeling like it was just a dream. But perhaps
all of life is just a dream of form, a dream within a dream. I had great
day with Kayden. We went to Howarth Park and played in the sand for
two or three hours. He dug his first clams. We let them all go. We met
a man who was catching sand shrimp for bait and he had a whole bucket
full. Kayden was impressed with them and insisted they were crabs. Up
until today a sand castle was something I built and he tore down. Today
we built several together. He does the cutest hop, squat, dance as he
goes along and he has wonderfully warm hello for everyone. Even at the
license place today when we went to get my tabs he charmed the very
tired and crabby ladies behind the counter. They said they were tired
when I asked how they were doing. They were quite abrupt and cold at
first. The three children in front of us were not so charming. One kept
yelling "I have to pee." They kind of looked and laughed at
Kayden and I. We had been caught in what we pretended to be gale force
winds and even though I was dressed in black slacks, a shirt and vest
the wind "knocked" me to the ground. Kayden then saved me
but in the the course of our adventures we both got rather dirty. By
the time we left the licensing office Kayden had the two ladies smiling
and waving good-bye to us. It was an adventure keeping him awake on
the way home. He was so tired and it was too early for sleep so I opened
the moon roof of my car and pretended I was being snatched up through
the hole. He thought that was hilarious. When we got home I was showing
off flipping a bottle of air freshener and when I dropped it he burst
out laughing. Of course I repeated the trick several times dropping
the can each time. When it rolled into the kitchen I bumped my foot
into the garbage can. He followed laughing but then he head butted the
stainless steel can and the party was over. He burst out crying and
I had to hold
him for quite a while. We agreed that a head butting contest with a
steel can was not a game we should play.
While all this was transpiring Andie as having a little
break from us. We all need time to ourselves. Kind of strange night
from here on though. I spent a good time practicing for the show at
Larry and Cindy Mason's Benefit August 17. There will be another band
rehearsal on Sunday. Arranging songs is a new and exciting experience.
I love the spontaneity from the past but it is not always there and
fresh life in these songs calls for a fresh approach. It will be great.
I got the talk to Sarah three times today. She called to thank me for
helping last night. She is feeling better and was busy modeling at Gage
Art Academy.
Okay that is it. I am pooped but think I will do some playing. Welcome
to August.
All contents ©2003-2022 and to infinity and beyond Andie Murat and Greg Murat All Rights Reserved
Greg Murat (mur-rah)
Singer-Songwriter Guitarist