Q's latest samplers

I love getting my seasonal collection of new music from Quentin. They arrived yesterday and instantly went into my car's CD player. This spring's themes are Mars (all male artists) and Venus (you guessed it). I am only about 3/4 of the way through Mars, but know I am going to love them both. Q has always had an ear for music--a skill that I admire. Where I love new music and new forms of sound, I tend to get too distracted by one artist or composer and obsess over them until I understand what their music is actually about (Sondheim and Finn instantly come to mind, Mozart operas, John Rutter's choral work). Q has a great skill at listening to a wide range of artists and styles and sharing them with us on his seasonal samplers. Because of his gifts as a DJ or sampler or whatever it is he does, my musical life is much richer and I actually know some songs the younger folks are enjoying. But mostly, when I hear one of the tunes that he has discovered, I instantly know what about that song spoke to him--because it spoke to me in the same way--and I am sure it speaks to most of the tribe in a similar way.

Mostly I love the samplers because more often than not, when I hear a new tune that grabs my mind in a magic way, I am reminded, once again, of why I am friends with my tribe. And in that bright green moment of fresh air, I am 18 again--I am walking on the sidewalks of Southwestern college--it is mid-August and I am seconds away from meeting the people who will become my tribe. People that I cherish and am so grateful that the universe conspired to send my way. Whether they came by way of Mars or Venus (or in a few cases--probably--both).

Pax!

Happy March!

So...I've been swamped at work--but really loving it. I will post more soon! I promise!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend at Q's

So....I got to spend last weekend at Q's--The Hotel Abandon. We swam, ate too much and went to the premiere of The Watchmen.

It amazes me that I am still friends with these terrific people--but, we work at our friendships--the older I get, the more blessed I am to maintain these friends.

Pax

Paul

My OKC Churches

So, yesterday, a co-worker asked me if I was finding my way around OKC and if I had found people and things to occupy my very limited down-time. I had to pause for a second and take a deep breath before letting her know that I had found a couple of churches that I enjoyed attending and that I was enjoying getting to know them and they were getting to know me. I then had to do my usual disclaimer and let her know that her new boss is not a religious fanatic. I hate that we have let the religious right so corrupt the true meaning of being christian that I have to make sure that when I share my church-going ways with someone, I have to assure them that 1) I am not a member of the religious right, 2) I am not judgemental about any one's beliefs (even fundamentalists) and 3) I will not try even in the slightest to bend her beliefs in any way. So--I went to Mayflower UCC this morning and enjoyed it immensely and I will attend another church this evening with some friends. Both churches preach a liberal, loving version of Christianity. Both churches do great works in this community. Both churches provide me with opportunities for worship and fellowship. And both congregations are welcoming, intellectual and absolutely sure of one thing.....that they are absolutely sure of nothing!

PAX