Bob's Blah Blah Blog

Not so long ago, I couldn’t imagine you at fifty.
Now, I can’t imagine my life without the journey that’s brought us here together.

Your spirit defies the number of years you’ve been here.
Your eyes project the soul of one who’s grown, yet somehow captured youth by it’s tail.

No matter where you go, you bring warmth, love and the strength of earth.
A spirit that keeps those around you in love with the possibility of what might yet be,
Rather than the reality of what has been.

I’ve been thinking about this moment for years,
And can only tell you how happy I am to be the one to share it with you the way no one else can.

Thank you for choosing me to share in your journey.

You gave me the permission to see things my way and follow the paths from which those visions emerged. There are very few people in this world who have experienced the support, love and encouragement you have given me. Because of you, I found the courage to make my way in this world without apology and without regret. As I look forward, you will always be in my sights, and in my heart.

Happy Mother’s Day. I wish I was there to share it with you.

You have been, and continue to be
A rock in times of instability
A warm heart when the cold sets in
Shelter when it rains
An open mind in times of question
A smile in times of sadness,

Mother, wife and friend.

You are our joy, our hope and our love.

Late last year I received an wonderful and unexpectedly early birthday present from Sandy, a hammered dulcimer. One of the reasons this was such a special present is that, while I have always wanted to learn how to play one, I rarely talked about it. So it came as quite a surprise when the mystery detour we took on the way to meet some friends landed us a complete stranger’s house, enquiring about the Green River hammered dulcimer he had for sale. I fell in love with it immediately, the price was right and we were back on the road in less than 30 minutes – my back seat loaded up with the promise of this beautiful instrument.

As beautiful as it was, we knew it needed a little work to get it into playing condition. Since I know very little about hammered dulcimers, I had no idea where to start. Well, after a couple months of research, I have located a source for strings and parts and badly needed guidance and should have it tuned up and ready to play in a week or so.

I can’t wait. Thank you again, sweetie for this little bit of magic in my life. I will treasure it forever.

So if my aging memory serves me, it was 23 years ago today Sandy and I celebrated our first Valentine’s Day together. We had only been dating a couple of weeks, so of course we planned the most romantic evening possible.

I made dinner for her at my apartment, lamb to be exact. Then, all dressed up, we headed out to see Sam Kinison. You read that right, Sam Kinison on our first big date. What were we thinking, right?

Let’s just say, I guess we were made for each other, because 23 years later, we look at this clip and fall in love all over again. I hear ya saying, “that just aint right,” and for most, it would have been a whole lotta wrong. But something happened that night keeps happening over and over, no matter sort of “that just aint right” we stumble into now and again. We fell in love.

Now, here’s one of the most memorable bits from the show. I am warning you right now, this clip is NOT safe for work, family or any beast under 18. In fact, do yourself a favor and just don’t watch it. It’s just too romantic for words.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Sandy. You redefine the word love for me every day.

And thanks for that night, Sam. I know wherever you are, the joke was on you – just the way you intended it.

In case it surprises you, the blue spiral in spotted in the skies of Norway this morning was not, according to the Russian military, a U.F.O. Despite an appearance uncharacteristic of an explosion, and the inverse dissipation of the spiraling trails, Russia claims a rocket launch malfunctioned, spiraled out of control and self-destructed. Needless to say, the event has U.F.O. buffs and conspiracy theorists buzzing. Regardless who you believe, this surreal light show is quite the spectacle.

There are so many people who are special to me in the world. Out of all of them, Sandy is the mostest of all time! Today, her family and friends have all wished her well and celebrate her birthday with her from near and far. But today is the day I thank the heavens she was born. She has made me complete and gives me hope for everything beautiful in this world.

I am so honored to be on this journey with you sweetie. Thank you for bringing me along!

One of my several recent side projects has been developing and maintaining a fan site for The Crystal Method, an electronic band I’ve been a fan of since their album “Vegas” debuted back in 1997. Through that project, Bruce and I had the honor of spending some time with Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland before and after their May 16, 2009 show in Atlanta.

Here is the interview we did that afternoon before the show. I will post photos from the show and backstage soon. Hope you enjoy!

Visit The Crystal Method Fan Site for more videos, interview, photos and music. You can also check out their amazing new album, “Divided by Night” on Amazon or iTunes.

One of my favorite lines from “The Big Lebowski” is when Sam Elliot is sitting at the bar, summing up the events that unfolded in the film — and to some extent, explains the inevitability of life itself. For those of you not acquainted with this brilliant moment in film making, here’s Sam Elliot himself issuing his words of wisdom in a way only Sam can deliver them.

The last few months has been a struggle for my family and “tha bar.” And, well.. I am happy to say we’re finally pickin’ the fur out of our teeth and getting on with life in a manner we’re far more accustom to. Thanks to everyone for your support, thoughts and prayers! We couldn’t have made it without you!

Today celebrates the19th Mother’s Day in this family. And regardless of all the challenges she has faced over the past year, she manages to to handle each and every curve ball thrown at her with a certain style and dignity that defies me. She is a dear soul who brings our family together each and every day. She is our glue and our inspiration. And for that I say happy Mother Day sweetie!

Our boys, Jordan and Alex