A New Year Articulation

"For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."

—T.S. Eliot

ar·tic·u·la·tion

ärˌtikyəˈlāSH(ə)n/

noun

noun: articulation; plural noun: articulations

◦                                  . 
the action of putting into words an idea or feeling of a specified type

◦                                                  the formation of clear and distinct sounds in speech

◦                                                  MUSIC
clarity in the production of successive notes

◦                                                  PHONETICS
the act or manner of uttering a speech sound, especially a consonant.

Articulation

It was Daybreak

Something was different

Something was new.

It was Daybreak.

The last of the darkness faded away

Like smoke drifting to the heavens

From a burned out fire.

It was Daybreak.

Witness the birth of the new.

It was in that moment

When the promise of a redemption

Was being realized.

It was Daybreak.

New Moment, New day, new month, a New Year!

All that was withdrew with the tide.

Footprints from the journey so far washed away.

And the virgin sand waits.

Gulls glide and soar in delight.

Seeking sandpipers continue

Their Bishop chasing and retreating.

It was Daybreak.

Spirits refreshed by the silent sacred salt air.

Gentle divine breath blesses.

It is this silence that transforms the notes

Sung by the morning birds

And chimes into music

As she transforms the souls.

Time has no meaning here.

On the beach receiving  and welcoming.

Consoled, illuminated and Sanctified,

Purist Peace, Love, Compassion and Hope

Are again articulated.

Dawn around the world with a 360 degrees view...click and see

https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/100000004830728/daybreak-around-the-world.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur

Morning - Beck

https://youtu.be/UvKbBkiYN9Y

Morning has broken - Cat Stevens

https://youtu.be/e0TInLOJuUM

Additional note:

It has been advised that a blog about music might be an appropriate consideration.

Until such a time the following will need to suffice.

It was so sad to experience the passing on of so many excellent singer songwriters in 2016 but witnessing and reading the abundant tributes it became evident that two of this author’s favorites were not mentioned among many of the tributes and remembrances!

Guy Clark and Merle Haggard are two who have inspired and consoled this writer. Their simple sweet songs captured a human essence rarely experienced in contemporary music today. I guess the best way for me to honor their passing is not just to post a sample or two of their songs here but to make sure they show up on my own set list. Thank you men…miss you!

NB: For all you Country Music newbies the real original country music had and still maintains real poetic natural homespun soul and was much more than the slick overproduced Las Vegased country twanged guitars and affective nasal south of the  Mason-Dixon line vocals  with playing three chord rock n roll riffs and beats in disguise you hear on the radio today. Some of that new genre ain’t bad but no matter what the industry calls it “it ain’t country!”

Desperadoes Waiting For a Train

https://youtu.be/erOGYbUc1VU

Sing Me Back Home

https://youtu.be/08-k0Un73dU

That’s the way Love Goes

https://youtu.be/MVRIelIAJn0

Wishing you all a hope and wonder-filled - blessed New Year!

amdg

Copyright all Rights Reserved 2017 JF Sobecki LLC

You say you want a Resolution - well, you know...

"For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."

                                        —T.S. Eliot

A long time ago in what was probably a galaxy far, far away the pilgrim and yet to be padawan embarked on his formation passage. It would bring him to places he had never imagined, experiencing adventures he thought only lived in dreams and where he would meet sinners and saints who all left a mark on his heart in teaching him about the essence off all existence and his own purpose. One of those lessons started with the etymology of a simple word. This word was used quite frequently and liberally especially at the close of a calendar year. It was supposed to indicate a firm commitment to a direction, to goals or purpose in the unknown landscape that was called the future or New Year. The word is “resolution.”

The pilgrim let go and used the word resolution as a focal point, a mantra, for his meditation. As he centered his spirit he thought that this effort would help him discern his own purpose and objectives in what was to come. As he settled in he heard the voice of the spirit of his Obi Wan.

That gentle voice of wisdom had whispered the explanation of the history, the etymology, of the word and the concept of “resolution.” It was said that this term had a foundation in the ancient language of another empire and civilization. The root of this current word was in fact from a word that indicated the act of loosening, releasing one’s self from and letting go of the barriers, the restrictions (anything or anyone) that could hold one from growing and being complete as the great source of the universe had intended.

The pilgrim learned that for one to “resolve” was actually an act of letting go. It was an act of freeing one’s self from the encumbrances – emotional, spiritual, psychological and material that would hold one back, not allowing one to be. It was not intended to be a term about deciding and committing to the attaining of attachments - things, ideas or people.

He would eventually learn that there was only one purpose but that is a chapter to discuss for another time.

“Remember then: there is only one time that is important – now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power. The most necessary person is the one with whom you are, for no man knows whether he will ever have dealings with anyone else: and the most important affair is to do that person good, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life.”

           - Leo Tolstoy, Three Questions

“Not to decide is to decide.”

        - Harvey Cox "

At the day of Judgment we shall not be measured by what we have read but what we have done; not by what we have spoken but how we have lived."
  - Thomas A'Kempis

                      Ballad of Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) – G. Harrison

                         Smart phones click on link below

                                             https://youtu.be/uPESpC9sR5M

Click on this link below to read the short story 

"The Three Questions" (also available in the on line edition of The Plough .)

http://www.plough.com/en/topics/culture/short-stories/the-three-questions?source=pw123115

amdg

Copyright 2015 all rights reserved JF Sobecki LLC

The Soundtrack and Score for 2012.

(The wandering imperfect pilgrim wondered about concerns that have been expressed about the sometimes-esoteric ethereal type constructs of previous blog posts. So he let go at the end of the Mayan’s calendar and it sparked a different type of reflection. ….)

Doesn’t it seem that sometimes we are living in some type of movie? Sometimes it seems as though the movie is a blend of comedy, tragedy, adventure and an almost science fictional account of some dreamlike experience. But regardless of the scope and depth of events where there seems to be times of gentle smiles, tears, nostalgic memories and prayerful reflections, - through it all there was one aspect that is common and persistent…. music. Movie scores that are original or adapted are usually constructed by someone who is not a major player or character in the play. If done well the music and sometimes lyrics of theme songs and ongoing pieces throughout the movie either set or reflect the tone. And the pilgrim thinks

"What of our own play?"

Isn’t interesting how hearing some musical piece from the past sparks a memory about a time, an event, person(s) or locations. The original emotions are relived all over again. Sometimes it is the melody. Sometimes it is the lyrics. Sometimes it is the instrumentation or theme. Sometimes it is the beat that magically gets one’s foot to tap and the urge to get up and dance is fueled.  Sometimes one can’t help but to sing along. Sad, happy, melancholic, spiritual, meditative and uplifted moods are mystically conjured when the first series of opening notes of a song are heard and seep into the deepest hidden crevices of our souls.

How is it that when one is driving along some winding road to nowhere in a somber mood and while flipping through some new unknown radio station on a satellite network suddenly seems to get locked in and that perfect song from way back when starts or a new piece unknown and unfamiliar catches your attention? It is a song with lyrics and tempo that suits and sooths your spirit. It is as if….

And then there's that unforeseen accidental coincidental circumstance when a particular emotion begins to fire up suddenly some song is heard off in the distance with apropos lyrics and instrumentation that nurtures the present spirit. It is almost as if….

Who gave the artists the idea for that arrangement of those notes? It has been said that all music is just a series of a combination of tones, pitches and rhythms separated by silence. It is said that it is the space and timing of the silence that makes these tones and instruments musical.  It has been said that we should  learn more about the power of silence. Who is this silence really? (But that’s another reflection.)  However, how did those few selected words that fill dictionaries of hundreds of languages find their way to accompany the musical melodies to express specifically what you were feeling or experiencing at that very moment? Or, how is it that these grace-filled emotional architects are able to give birth to the most perfect synergy of words and music to inspire or mirror your heart?

It’s a mystery. It is as if….

“What of this last year? How often and how many songs or musical pieces seemed to mysteriously transcend the spirit? It is not about what song or musical piece was favored or liked but those pieces that actually fueled the spirit and reflected the tone of the odyssey for these past twelve months…. and, by the way who is behind all this in the first place. …that really matters," the wandering pilgrim thought.

"I need to create a list of those songs ....and maybe even burn a CD of my soundtrack/score to 2012"

 Well, the first part of his task was not too complicated as technology now has the ability to count and record how often a musical piece was listened to. He appreciated and delighted in all the songs he had heard that moved him over the course of the year but there were those that stood out from the rest. Also, it was not difficult to be able to identify the new discoveries of unique surprises that were unplanned and unexpected and yet seemed to musically fill a void or express what he was unable to articulate himself. He began to create his list of his soundtrack for 2012. Though he was tempted to keep all the songs that were “favorites” on the annual soundtrack list it really wasn’t laborious for him to limit this list to those pieces that mystically played a significant role in the mystery of his existence in the universe. Somehow the sacrosanct soundtrack list flowed from pen to paper for his heart knew each song in advance . It was if….

The Wandering Imperfect Pilgrim’s Soundtrack/Score for 2012

Daughter -  Loudon Wainright

Father and Daughter – Paul Simon

I knew the bride  Dave Edmunds

Circle Game – Joni Mitchell

Urge for Going – Tom Rush version of J. Mitchell

Land of Hopes and Dreams - Bruce

We take care of our own - Bruce

Stay young go dancing  - Death Cab for Cutie

Hopeless Wanderer - Mumford and sons

Persuasion - Richard Thompson

Born to sing – Van Morrison

Days Like this  - Van Morrison

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

Keep me in your heart – Warren Zevon

A time to say goodbye – performed by Andrea Bocelli

One of these days  - Neil Young and Billy Frissell’s versions

The Promised Land - Bruce

Alone again  - Calexico

Falling slowly  - from the movie "Once"

Better off today – David Arn

Save it for a Rainy Day  - Jayhawks

That’s what makes you strong – Jesse Winchester

Show me the place – Leonard Cohen

The Walk – Meyer Hawthorne

Christmas Day – Paul Simon

Fear of fallin  - Robbie Roberston

Whats so funny about Peace,Love and Understanding  -  Elvis Costello

Here comes my man -  National Anthem

Something you got - Jerry Douglas w Eric Clapton

Windfall  - Son Volt

Si Tu vois ma mere – from "Midnight in Paris" Soundtrack

When your minds made up  - from the movie “Once”

Got to be better in a little while – Eric Clapton

Take it to the people  - Woggles

Soneto de la Noche – performed by Conspirare

All things Must Pass – George Harrison

Louie Louie – The Kingsmen
Until I Die - Beach Boys

He wondered about the miracle of different soundtracks for his family and friends. He wondered about the songs he played and sang.
 
And the Beach Boys could be heard singing off in the tall distance….”Add some music to your day”

  

I hope your own soundtrack was exactly what you needed and that the New Year brings you much peace and joy!

                Happy New Year!

 -The Wandering Imperfect Pilgrim 12-31-12

        

"The Only Truth is Music"
         - Jack Kerouac








amdg

Unexpected Windfall: New Chapter/ New Year

"For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."
                                            —T.S. Eliot

Where is Joseph Campbell when we need him? Great myths remain to be explicated!

So many queries need to be resolved and a substantive discernment is imperative in order to examine the convoluted origins of purpose.

Some unpublished storyteller continues to weave the fable about that lost boy pilgrim dreaming of canvas tightening to catch the breeze just right to head out onto uncharted waters. Another myth had that boy watching in wonder the effortless soaring of God’s favored feathered friends. “To be free” was the oft whispered mantra .”An inner voice said “Just think good thoughts.” Maybe these storyteller are just confused .

Paintings of sloops and ketches would stop the boy dead in his tracks. His trance would transport him into the painting on the shore or even on the deck with the salted wind brushing his face as he prepared to come about on a starboard tack. When in the actual presence of real vessels either moored or under sail offshore he felt as if he was standing at the gates of heaven. Though surrounded by lakes, ponds and bays he remained landlocked as those odyssean dreams dissolved.

Beguiling guitars and girls gradually goaded the pilgrim into another world.

He was also quick to break his covenant concerning passing that math test and committing to priesthood. No one explained to him how God does not forget and how God also forgives. There was a plan, or at least an outline of a potential chartered course that would remain a mystery. What the lost boy didn’t disclose was that the fears, the gratitude and peculiar perceptions concerning these dreams and distractions would be secretly recorded in once virginal volumes. The storytellers said that they may hold the key…but again the musings within those pages might be a diversion.( maybe the Hawk Hill girls will eventually decide the veracity and worth-whileness .)

But it was the admiration of the freedom of the flight of the feathered friends that changed everything, or so it seems. Growing into a classical type “A” , things needed to be controlled and the pilgrim decided to take things into his own hands. Student of DaVinci and Audubon the lessons commenced on the art of flight. He quickly learned that it took more than  “thinking good thoughts.” It was more like $50/hr for lessons in a Cessna 172! After a few hours of freedom coasting with the angels a day  of reckoning  called “power off stalls”  arrived. The plane would intentionally lose power and lift and fall from the sky. “Relaxation and response”, everything was almost counter intuitive – such as pointing the nose of the plane down. The next week the lost boy was found wondering at the docks of the local lake looking at weekend sloops. So much for taking things into one’s own hands! “Well, the principle of Bournelli’s Theorem applies to flying and sailing” he rationalized. He finally  fulfilled that boyhood dream of discovering the Southern Cross of peace in the wind on the water.

Though the earth has turned more than a thousand times since that day, the wind still speaks to him through the song of the chimes of freedom . The words now flow  effortlessly into the new freshly opened journal with wonder in gratitude about how often he has been distracted  and how he accidentally comes back to the point where he belongs .

“Another year gone by. Another year begins tomorrow.”

“Those who restrain desire, do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained”

       - The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, The Voice of the Devil, William Blake

amdg