Terra Cotta Music

Photo courtesy of Mike Baird

As a kid growing up near the Great Lakes, I never saw a cormorant. They were few and far between, I am told, because DDT brought them to the brink of extinction. Well, I am happy to say that they’re back, and spread across the continent from Alaska to Florida.

I was on the Maid of the Mist  a few years ago, and as we were approaching the mighty Niagara Falls, I saw a double-breasted cormorant (I assume–it wasn’t close enough for me to count) fly across the gorge and land within six feet of the thundering waters at the base of Horseshoe Falls. Amidst the roiling, churning cauldron of water, it took a nose dive in classic cormorant fashion into the depths, hunting for fish. With admiration I watched it surface a moment later, unfazed by the tumult, bobbing up and down on the surface. If I had to choose, I think I would rather go over the falls strapped to a cormorant than in a barrel.

Photo courtesy of Amy MacKinnon

I’ve discovered a great place to get some exercise. On Central Avenue, north of downtown Phoenix, is a walking trial that is pleasant and picturesque.

The ground is level and granulated so it is easy on the cartilage. It’s several miles long, so you can take as long a walk as you want. It’s covered in trees, yet open and public enough so that you feel safe as you walk. There are many fine homes to look at along the way.

It’s encouraging to see more local governments responding to the needs of walkers. From rail trails to river walks, we are headed towards a golden age of hiking trails–I hope.

Watch This Video

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Spain is going through tough economic times. It’s winter. People are sitting at a local unemployment office, filling out forms, waiting, hoping to find work. A local radio station put something together to cheer them up. Composed by George Harrison, the theme of the song–the power of nature!!

It cheered me up too, and I have a job. The Beatles, still touching us, almost fifty years later.

Have you seen the video  that was taken about a week ago while on a whale watch near Dana Point, California? (I haven’t figured out the video embed widget yet, but you can watch this on Youtube.) There were thousands of dolphins swimming up the coast. If they’re trying to tell us something, I doubt that the message is, “So long, and thanks for all the fish.”–R

It’s been three weeks since I performed at Urban Beans, and I’m feeling a bit guilty for neglecting them. I’m also exhibiting symptoms of withdrawal from both the caffeine and the atmosphere. I will atone for my absence with my presence there on Saturday morning. You can now find out where I will be playing by clicking on the calendar page and taking a gander. I hope to see you there (at the gig, not on the calendar page!)

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” If I do, the day wins–sorry. The Bard notwithstanding, there will be many a summer’s day after my youthful looks (hah!) are long gone, and yes, dear reader, you must endure the same fate! Poor William, he had it backwards. Physical beauty is nice, but it is fleeting. We’re fortunate to live in a day when looks can be preserved for so long (and so cheaply, too!!), but physical beauty will pass, nonetheless.

For that reason, let’s talk about other kinds of beauty. That summer’s day, for instance. True, it appears to be fleeting. Unless you live in the southern hemisphere, there aren’t many around right now to compare to anything. But that will change.  There are more sunny days ahead. It’s easy to lose sight of that, easy to think that gloom is permanent. But  it passes.

So let’s seek beauty in places that will not disappoint us, or get us in trouble for that matter. Getting back to what I was trying to say in the first place, our youth and beauty will pass. I find it healthier to look in the mirror less, and out the window more. “So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”