Hit the ground running

For years, while working for corporations, I had to get up every morning, hit the ground running, and fight the rush hour traffic to get to an office where my time was not my own – ever…

For the last two years, I’ve managed my own companies, from my home office, where I set the rules and boundaries, and the hours that I work. It’s been sheer bliss!

Now I can work till the wee hours (and often I’m up till 2:00 or 3:00 am), and sleep as late as I need to.

And when I rise, still behind closed blinds, with bleary eyes, the first thing I do is make my way to the coffee pot.

Then, for as long as that one large mug of coffee lasts, whether it’s five minutes or fifteen, I treat myself to lots of games of solitaire.

It doesn’t matter if I win or lose, or if I decide to start over in the middle of a game, just because I don’t like the way the cards laid out.

It only matters that it’s ME time, in the quiet, easing my brain gently into gear. It’s my favorite time of the day.

And today, without really trying, I set a new Personal Best Time of 1 minute 37 seconds!

What’s your best time?

And how do you start your day?.

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Michael Martin Murphey – the cowboy rides into town

So, I didn’t get to watch the Grammys last night… with good reason.
But I sort of watched vicariously through the words of Craig Havighurst’s recap on his facebook page. Thanks Craig!

Music.
It is the tapestry of our lives.
And my love of music goes way back.

I love many different genres, and am often moved to tears by good music.
And when I was in a Barnes & Noble recently and actually held in my hands, a vinyl record, it took my breath.
Who remembers those?!?

I’ve called Nashville home for 24 years, and I’ve heard a lot of music in this town.
And last night was one of the best.

My friend, Justin O’Neal invited me to go hear Michael Martin Murphey at the City Winery.
We had the balcony VIP section to ourselves, and it felt like we were at a private concert.

Michael and his band performed some of my old favorites, including “What’s Forever For,” “Geronimo’s Cadillac,” “Cosmic Cowboy,” “Cherokee Fiddle,” “Carolina In The Pines,” and “Wildfire.”

Here’s a snippet of “What’s Forever For.”

And who can forget “Wildfire”?

With his son Ryan on rhythm guitar and mandolin, and young phenom Shaun Richardson on lead guitar, mandolin and fiddle, the band was tight, and fluid, and straightforward.

Thanks to Dolly Chandler from the City Winery for putting together some great events. I’ve seen several shows at the City Winery – including Gary Nicholson’s birthday bash, with EG Kight at the BB King Tribute show, and at the opposite end of the spectrum, now The Original Cowboy himself, Michael Martin Murphey.

Here are a few shots of Justin chatting with Michael after the show.

Thanks Justin! I had a great time!

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