Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Why Neil Diamond and U2?

Why I like Neil Diamond

1. He writes his own stuff.
2. His songs are a familiar memory from my childhood.
3. He is not content or complacent with his success. Even at 67, he is still willing to mix it up and take risks.
4. In that vein, he is unafraid to bare his soul.
5. He sings a variety of genres: rock, pop, African, blues, gospel, country, even classical.
6. Durability and ability to adapt. He has been around for over 40 years.
7. Great voice.
8. For the most part, his lyrics are not inappropriate or explicit.
9. Fun to sing and dance to. My kids love his stuff.
10. He genuinely loves his audiences and fans.
11. His unabashed patriotism expressed in “America.”



Why I like U2

1. Passion.
2. Willingness to speak out about political issues and religion.
3. Willingness to take a stand.
4. Desire to improve humanity. Just look at the stuff Bono does regarding poverty, starvation, and disease (www.one.org). He puts me to shame with his Christ-like acts of service.
5. They have an ability to laugh at themselves, to mock their own celebrity.
6. Great voice.
7. Catchy music.
8. No throw-away songs on their albums. Their songs are full of meaningful, well-thought-out lyrics.
9. Incredible concerts, ability to connect with the crowd and create an intimate setting; overall stage presence.
10. Willingness to dream, to experiment.
11. They fight the trite and reach for art.

Monday, July 14, 2008

....


For the first time in months, the number of e-mails in my in-box is down to single digits. Feels sooooooo good.

I have been typing and editing my grandfather's history. Wonderful, interesting account. If my grandfather were alive today, he'd be 122.

Peace and love,
T.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Windows

Life is full of windows:

- To look through
- To breathe through
- To find an answer through
- To reconsider one's own life


In my life, there are four panes to my window, as explained by the Johari picture:



1) The Arena is what both others and I know about me;


2) The Façade is what I know about myself but others don't;

3) The Blind Spot is what others know about me but I am unaware of; and finally,

4) The Unknown is what neither others nor I know about me.

After this last year of my administrative program, I have had lots of my Façade chipped away, sometimes brutally. And I have had much of my Blind Spot move to either a personal or public awareness. This has been uncomfortable but very growthful.

This concept was introduced to me in a class last year, yet I have returned to it time and time again. It helps me acknowledge and understand my identity.

------------------- Side note coming:

It's fun to sing "Volaré," replacing that word with "Johari."

Hah!

Pensamentos


Going underground,
Thinking.
Much on my plate,
The future uncertain.