The Weight, The Gambler, The New Drum Set - June 27, 2007
I am home. Currently sitting in a hospital chemotherapy room to see an oncologist... (I will use his office to upload this.)
Already given a drip of fentynal so this will be a 'foggy sloggy bloggy' if do not shift into 5th gear immediately and write.
Seeing where my blood work is and after due consideration will receive chemotherapy drip and radiation.
The song The Weight has been ringing in my ears.
I am smiling right now with elation thinking about the last three weeks. I am humbled, thrilled and appreciative to have music part of my lifes legacy.
"The Weight":
These last weeks have effectively taken the load off countless people who just needed a break.
Good music makes the burdens of life lighter.
Waves goodbye if only for a small moment to "the weight" of life.
Depositing existing burdens on musics shoulder works every time for me. Some of my happiest times these last 4 months are in a C-Scan machine with an iPod listening to whatever the fetch my spirit pines for.
Sometimes it yearns to be transported into the past. Sometimes it longs to feel a certain emotion.
Answer to take me there: Music.
Right song will ease the burdens.
Right song builds strength and joy so lifes weight seems lighter.
Right song calms troubled waters and gives illuminated light in the darkest circumstances.
Right song makes the cups containing bitter flavors we drink daily... sweeter.
Music marking moments of our life and becoming part of our history is the best feeling. We all have our own soundtracks. What is on the soundtrack for Glynes, Billy, Ambadextro, bbunks, Scott, DD, Mainley, CPThrasher, Aaron, Yamaha, AJA, Jeff H, llabarge, 1968ZX, Bradkilpatrick, JTPT, Mustang Mick, etc.etc.
Ramones to Debbie Boone to Bruebeck to Bee Gees I imagine.
Trip Down Very Recent Memory Lane:
Last week was solid. I did end up doing the linger longer dance at Oroville hospital. (Was there all day vs. a few hours.)
Note: When visiting a new hospital never stand in front of doctors and lose balance while saying the room is spinning
I ended up making 4 new friends also receiving treatment. The Police chief, fire chief and a few solid ladies from Red Bluff were all great company.
We all laid horizontal on gurneys receiving our chemo IVs while recounting various moments of our life: Blissful times from marriage, graduations and reunions to catastrophes of partners dieing while on duty, spouses passing, friends etc.
Powerful feelings expressed by all. Kindred spirits are the best feeling.
I noticed the music playing dictated what kind of memory would be shared. Tom Waits transported melancholy, Randy Newman transported laughter, Van Halen transported determination, The Band transported freedom from cares and Navin playing drums transported projectile puking.
(Remember every week features a new Navin thump. Please Enjoy!)
We laughed more than anything. I made it back just in time for daily evening meal with band members. Solid friends.(Ordered mine to go vegetarian sandwich.)
Being a twig on the shores of lifes mighty stream can be the best feeling was glad had to spend all day at hospital afterall.
The linger longer dance this timepowerful.
Had a few new guests that night with their families and was reminded yet again as we hugged saying goodbye like ole friends Life is Good!
The Gambler - Know when to Hold em':
I have visited Vegas and Reno many times over the years. Have watched gamblers for a very long time.
It is the best spectator sport in town.
The plane ride to Nevada is full of people with heads held up high, dreams of winning and a powerful goodtime in the main.
The plane ride home is the exact reverse. Heads down, dejected with a lot of Taco Bell in the immediate future for all.
My heart has gone out to newlyweds who pizzled it all away on their honeymoons. What a way to start a promising new marriage? To see many like this crying outside the casinos with some still in their tuxes has made a strong impression on me over the years.
Older married couples frequently beg the other to Please STOP GAMBLING!
Good people get carried away daily and are begat with a feeling of hopelessness.
Powerfully sad and a discernible spirit of greed and despair exists that makes our job as musicians even more important in my world of thinking.
99.8/100 I will not even think about putting in a nickel.
This trip however my man Tyler was a huge help and a solid drum tech recently turned 21. I showed him the one machine I played last year killing time before leaving and LUCKY LUCKY to win a few hundred on. (Quarter Wheel of Fortune Slot machine)
On stage a short time later I see Tyler running toward the stage with a ticket in his hand.
He had played the machine I suggested and won $154. Solid. Told him I would join him later and celebrate.
I had less than $11 in my wallet after tipping.
I decided that evening to join a few others and use $10. Played the one and only machine had played in the last 3 years. SHAZAM!! I won $250. Walked (or caned my way) immediately away...
The next day same time won $30. Walked straight away from casino room again.
This went on 8 or 9 times and I must say we had a ton of fun. I am pretty loud and make sure to have fun one way or another.
I won $30 or so each evening and walked. The last day there I hit the 1000 quarters again which is $250.
I did then what any respectable drummer would do with winnings.
Bought a new drum set.
Story continued:
I counted my winnings; (which after tipping the staff so much that week I had some following me begging to serve/get me something.)
Was surprised still had over $700...
I bought my wife and daughters a few hundred in gifts. It was all compd because of my players card that Tyler and I both used.
So I still had $700.
Since we owe 5 figures every month just for medical bills I assumed my wife would say bank it cobra.
Instead she gave me the solid go ahead.
I called up Donn Bennett and transferred the money on a Ludwig Champagne Wrap Classic Maple set he had in stock.
I was going to order one when my Tama set sold but when it sold a few weeks before, that money was gonzo fast.
Story note: I went into Donns right before Nevada tour and fell in drumming love with this solid Ludwig set. 22x14, 16x16, 13x9, 14x6.5 snare.
Anyhow, today after radiation I will be heading over and giving Donn a check for the rest. (Some unseen money arrived from a company unscramble letters to figure out who.) OHB
I now have 2 sets. I look forward to ordering a VLT Low end Birch DW set. 3 piece DW is all I need to rule the North West drum scene. (That was an unfortunate choice of words)
May wait to hear exactly what John Good is honing in for Billys new set. Then will order the all you can handle my brothers and sisters set."
(I will sell my DW set and buy it with funds from that sale. Ordering also gives me time to make up the difference in cost.)
Will go for a woofer.
Have wanted a 26 bass and will order one for the Ludwig set but a DW woofer looks to be in my future.
(Ill sign my current DW Collectors for buyer. Chirp chirp)
I loved the Ludwig 402 snare in the main.
It was a powerful drum for me to play. It never let me down.
I have a few compressed mp3 recordings (still havent listened to) but Ill wait and share this weekends gig recording instead.
Will be in wave with a stereo mic using my M Audio Digital dealy.
Also have a new digital camera will use for pictures. (May need your help Aaron/Mainley how to post)
Used every part of 402 to get many sounds for a variety of songs. The head is worn at:: lower left extreme side, middle and 10 oclock.
Went from Jazzy, poppy, rocking to electronic (splash on head) and kept its tuning. Very little variation in 4 hours of playing each evening.
Solid snares received from powerful drummers are the best feeling
2 offers to drum from fellow bands we saw. One would be for a bigger original act doing an East Coast tour. Starts Chicago middle is Maine then ends in New York.
My day job -- generally easy like Sunday morning, would throw up a white flag.
Will almost certainly refer a few solid drummers as an alternative and trust to hope for them.
I arrived home early Monday and my body has pretty much been crashed since. I came up for air to check emails and a conference call. Watched bbunks son work it on utubey. Solid.
Tuesday was horizontal and by myself for most part. My wife has friends spending a few days here and then they are off to a Wedding for the weekend or somewhere.
I am playing in Ferndale at big Casino I think this weekend. Fri and Sat.
Will be flying next week Burbank for day job and also to see specialist in LA.
1st Phase trial that is crazy dazy expensive. 5 figures for 6 months of meds and consultations.
NOTE: Money in cancer is overrated. I spend more than I make if you can believe it chirp chirp. Laying it on thick is the best feeling.
Looking forward to:
-Aaron making the Billy Ward site new and fresh.
-Solid Jazzy DVD from Billy.
-Starting drum lessons with students.
-Having Glynes over for powerful drumming hangs.
-Thumping Navin here and maybe in person sooner than later.
-Sitting behind my new Ludwig set this Friday and Saturday.
Oh yes, Let it be.
Slog On, Forrest
I am home. Currently sitting in a hospital chemotherapy room to see an oncologist... (I will use his office to upload this.)
Already given a drip of fentynal so this will be a 'foggy sloggy bloggy' if do not shift into 5th gear immediately and write.
Seeing where my blood work is and after due consideration will receive chemotherapy drip and radiation.
The song The Weight has been ringing in my ears.
I am smiling right now with elation thinking about the last three weeks. I am humbled, thrilled and appreciative to have music part of my lifes legacy.
"The Weight":
These last weeks have effectively taken the load off countless people who just needed a break.
Good music makes the burdens of life lighter.
Waves goodbye if only for a small moment to "the weight" of life.
Depositing existing burdens on musics shoulder works every time for me. Some of my happiest times these last 4 months are in a C-Scan machine with an iPod listening to whatever the fetch my spirit pines for.
Sometimes it yearns to be transported into the past. Sometimes it longs to feel a certain emotion.
Answer to take me there: Music.
Right song will ease the burdens.
Right song builds strength and joy so lifes weight seems lighter.
Right song calms troubled waters and gives illuminated light in the darkest circumstances.
Right song makes the cups containing bitter flavors we drink daily... sweeter.
Music marking moments of our life and becoming part of our history is the best feeling. We all have our own soundtracks. What is on the soundtrack for Glynes, Billy, Ambadextro, bbunks, Scott, DD, Mainley, CPThrasher, Aaron, Yamaha, AJA, Jeff H, llabarge, 1968ZX, Bradkilpatrick, JTPT, Mustang Mick, etc.etc.
Ramones to Debbie Boone to Bruebeck to Bee Gees I imagine.
Trip Down Very Recent Memory Lane:
Last week was solid. I did end up doing the linger longer dance at Oroville hospital. (Was there all day vs. a few hours.)
Note: When visiting a new hospital never stand in front of doctors and lose balance while saying the room is spinning
I ended up making 4 new friends also receiving treatment. The Police chief, fire chief and a few solid ladies from Red Bluff were all great company.
We all laid horizontal on gurneys receiving our chemo IVs while recounting various moments of our life: Blissful times from marriage, graduations and reunions to catastrophes of partners dieing while on duty, spouses passing, friends etc.
Powerful feelings expressed by all. Kindred spirits are the best feeling.
I noticed the music playing dictated what kind of memory would be shared. Tom Waits transported melancholy, Randy Newman transported laughter, Van Halen transported determination, The Band transported freedom from cares and Navin playing drums transported projectile puking.
(Remember every week features a new Navin thump. Please Enjoy!)
We laughed more than anything. I made it back just in time for daily evening meal with band members. Solid friends.(Ordered mine to go vegetarian sandwich.)
Being a twig on the shores of lifes mighty stream can be the best feeling was glad had to spend all day at hospital afterall.
The linger longer dance this timepowerful.
Had a few new guests that night with their families and was reminded yet again as we hugged saying goodbye like ole friends Life is Good!
The Gambler - Know when to Hold em':
I have visited Vegas and Reno many times over the years. Have watched gamblers for a very long time.
It is the best spectator sport in town.
The plane ride to Nevada is full of people with heads held up high, dreams of winning and a powerful goodtime in the main.
The plane ride home is the exact reverse. Heads down, dejected with a lot of Taco Bell in the immediate future for all.
My heart has gone out to newlyweds who pizzled it all away on their honeymoons. What a way to start a promising new marriage? To see many like this crying outside the casinos with some still in their tuxes has made a strong impression on me over the years.
Older married couples frequently beg the other to Please STOP GAMBLING!
Good people get carried away daily and are begat with a feeling of hopelessness.
Powerfully sad and a discernible spirit of greed and despair exists that makes our job as musicians even more important in my world of thinking.
99.8/100 I will not even think about putting in a nickel.
This trip however my man Tyler was a huge help and a solid drum tech recently turned 21. I showed him the one machine I played last year killing time before leaving and LUCKY LUCKY to win a few hundred on. (Quarter Wheel of Fortune Slot machine)
On stage a short time later I see Tyler running toward the stage with a ticket in his hand.
He had played the machine I suggested and won $154. Solid. Told him I would join him later and celebrate.
I had less than $11 in my wallet after tipping.
I decided that evening to join a few others and use $10. Played the one and only machine had played in the last 3 years. SHAZAM!! I won $250. Walked (or caned my way) immediately away...
The next day same time won $30. Walked straight away from casino room again.
This went on 8 or 9 times and I must say we had a ton of fun. I am pretty loud and make sure to have fun one way or another.
I won $30 or so each evening and walked. The last day there I hit the 1000 quarters again which is $250.
I did then what any respectable drummer would do with winnings.
Bought a new drum set.
Story continued:
I counted my winnings; (which after tipping the staff so much that week I had some following me begging to serve/get me something.)
Was surprised still had over $700...
I bought my wife and daughters a few hundred in gifts. It was all compd because of my players card that Tyler and I both used.
So I still had $700.
Since we owe 5 figures every month just for medical bills I assumed my wife would say bank it cobra.
Instead she gave me the solid go ahead.
I called up Donn Bennett and transferred the money on a Ludwig Champagne Wrap Classic Maple set he had in stock.
I was going to order one when my Tama set sold but when it sold a few weeks before, that money was gonzo fast.
Story note: I went into Donns right before Nevada tour and fell in drumming love with this solid Ludwig set. 22x14, 16x16, 13x9, 14x6.5 snare.
Anyhow, today after radiation I will be heading over and giving Donn a check for the rest. (Some unseen money arrived from a company unscramble letters to figure out who.) OHB
I now have 2 sets. I look forward to ordering a VLT Low end Birch DW set. 3 piece DW is all I need to rule the North West drum scene. (That was an unfortunate choice of words)
May wait to hear exactly what John Good is honing in for Billys new set. Then will order the all you can handle my brothers and sisters set."
(I will sell my DW set and buy it with funds from that sale. Ordering also gives me time to make up the difference in cost.)
Will go for a woofer.
Have wanted a 26 bass and will order one for the Ludwig set but a DW woofer looks to be in my future.
(Ill sign my current DW Collectors for buyer. Chirp chirp)
I loved the Ludwig 402 snare in the main.
It was a powerful drum for me to play. It never let me down.
I have a few compressed mp3 recordings (still havent listened to) but Ill wait and share this weekends gig recording instead.
Will be in wave with a stereo mic using my M Audio Digital dealy.
Also have a new digital camera will use for pictures. (May need your help Aaron/Mainley how to post)
Used every part of 402 to get many sounds for a variety of songs. The head is worn at:: lower left extreme side, middle and 10 oclock.
Went from Jazzy, poppy, rocking to electronic (splash on head) and kept its tuning. Very little variation in 4 hours of playing each evening.
Solid snares received from powerful drummers are the best feeling
2 offers to drum from fellow bands we saw. One would be for a bigger original act doing an East Coast tour. Starts Chicago middle is Maine then ends in New York.
My day job -- generally easy like Sunday morning, would throw up a white flag.
Will almost certainly refer a few solid drummers as an alternative and trust to hope for them.
I arrived home early Monday and my body has pretty much been crashed since. I came up for air to check emails and a conference call. Watched bbunks son work it on utubey. Solid.
Tuesday was horizontal and by myself for most part. My wife has friends spending a few days here and then they are off to a Wedding for the weekend or somewhere.
I am playing in Ferndale at big Casino I think this weekend. Fri and Sat.
Will be flying next week Burbank for day job and also to see specialist in LA.
1st Phase trial that is crazy dazy expensive. 5 figures for 6 months of meds and consultations.
NOTE: Money in cancer is overrated. I spend more than I make if you can believe it chirp chirp. Laying it on thick is the best feeling.
Looking forward to:
-Aaron making the Billy Ward site new and fresh.
-Solid Jazzy DVD from Billy.
-Starting drum lessons with students.
-Having Glynes over for powerful drumming hangs.
-Thumping Navin here and maybe in person sooner than later.
-Sitting behind my new Ludwig set this Friday and Saturday.
Oh yes, Let it be.
Slog On, Forrest
