Ever feel like you're back tracking? Like you used to be further along than you are now, but somehow without noticing it, you silently, subconsciously started thwarting your own progress? I'm not sure if I feel that way now or not, but I think so. Life, recently, has been crazy and busy-- not in the ways that make me feel like I'm making all kinds of progress either. But in the way that makes me feel like I'm distracting myself.

I got back from Indianapolis yesterday. It had been far too long since I spent time with my friend Kriss, and I was reminded of just how much creativity I've been missing out on. Had a lovely retreat enjoying the company of good, musical friends and a hide-and-seek loving kitten with a sock fetish. The previous week, in contrast, I was in Boulder, Colorado, earning money by sitting in artistically unenriching training sessions and suffering from the knowledge that mountains are usually visible just over that-a-way. For the three days I was there, Boulder endured an unprecedented streak of crummy, cloudy weather, making the Rockies quite hidden. Jennifer Daniels' song “Ohio” contains the lyrics “The darkest day that Denver ever had was still brighter than the brightest in Ohio”, but after flying into Denver last week, I may have to discuss with her the validity of that theory next time I see her. Gosh, it's been a long time since I've seen her, too. (I think she has some Ohio shows coming up. Check out Jennifer's show schedule and go see her-- she's an stunning performer and a total sweetheart.) Anyway, the trip to Colorado made it painfully clear just how much my proverbial Day Job is leaking unpleasantly into more than just my days, implying to me that it is high time to move on.

As fate would have it, moving on is exactly what is in store. Healthy rain clouds gather above my callous songwriting drought. I actually had the courage to pick up my guitar this evening and, after oiling my rusty guitar-playing joints, I was able to squeeze some music out of it. Words and tunes once again are making their way into this strangely quiet, musically devoid phase of my year. As I prepare to move to Delaware, Ohio to pursue higher education at long last, melodies disguised as emotions are making their way back into my life. So, get ready to find more on the Music page quite soon. A storm is a-brewin'. I can smell it. (Those who know about my ineffective nose may note the irony of that statement.)

I've noticed before that it helps me to feel less pain at my own creative inactivity when I promote the activity of other respectable artists with whom I am acquainted (the reason why I often like to mention other songwriters in my musings). I think I may start adding some announcements about music happenings I'm excited about (probably mostly local or independent) on the Announcement section of the mixingboard. Yeah, I'll do that.

By the way, you guys should really post stuff in the Inspirations section of the mixingboard, too. I know you have plenty to say. I received a completely captivating story from Craig today about his great aunt and a candle shop in Italy, and I've gotten poems and pictures before from other folks on the mailing list. I'd love to post some of this stuff, but I won't do it without your permission so I'll let you guys do it yourselves. The mixingboard is there for you. Express yourself.

Meanwhile, the poor, sweet fools as Bullwinkle's have asked me back a whole bunch more times, so you will note some new dates there on my show schedule. If you feel like meeting Miamisburg's most knowledgeable and interesting bartender, come on out Wednesday (or anytime) and have a good long easy conversation with Dan as I serenade the two of you, plus a room full of guests. I hope to be adding oodles more locations to the show schedule real soon. More than likely, Columbus area gigs will be popping up more and more, and Dayton less and less. No offense to you Dayton guys, but I'll be a poor college student and can't drive to stuff like the co-op at Canal Street on Tuesday's as easily once school starts. *sniffle. My next co-op appearance on July 20 may be the last one I do for a while. Wow, I'm going to miss that. That place has been like my home away from wherever the heck my home is right now. Ahhhh... transition...

*rlc