Wilderness in the City

Merry Christmas

2011-12-16T08:16:00.001-08:00

In Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, two men unsuccessfully attempt to solicit funds for the poor from Ebeneezer Scrooge during Christmas. They tell him, “We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.” This is a season where we pay attention to the stunning disparity between haves and have-nots. Children’s Medical Center, recently reported there are 192,502 children in Dallas County that live below the poverty line. About twenty-eight percent of Dallas County children, or more than 183,000 suffer from food insecurity and inadequate nutrition. Worldwide, 1 billion children live in poverty 640 million live without adequate shelter, 400 million have no access to safe water, 270 million have no access to health services. 10.6 million died in 2003 before they reached the age of 5 (or roughly 29,000 children per day). The Director of North Texas Food Bank, Jan Pruitt says, “So what they give us is how we respond to hunger and is the community’s statement of how they feel about hunger.’

There lots of things we can do to relieve hunger. First of course we can contribute money to those who feed the hungry. North Texas Food Bank feeds three people for every donated dollar. But there are also new strategies on how to combat hunger. Social entrepreneurs are using the proceeds of their business towards hunger relief. I can help a local business and feed hungry people. For every bag of granola sold by Impact Foods, they feed a hungry child. They do this by purchasing Ready To Use foods. They are typically peanut-based and are blended with micro- and macro-nutrients to take a child from severe malnourishment to a healthy weight in 4-10 weeks. Nammi Truck, a local food truck donates a portion of t-shirt sales to local food banks.

There are political answers to hunger relief. The best way to combat hunger is to combat poverty. One way to do this is encouraging local agriculture in developing countries. Bread for the World, a hunger advocacy group touted by Rick Steves, the NPR travel expert, writes that US farm subsidies make it impossible for farmers in third world countries to compete. Reducing poverty therefore requires improving opportunities for small-scale farmers to sell their products at a fair price. So it is crucial to have fair global agricultural trade rules. This isn’t charity, it’s fair policy. We should tell our elected representatives we want fair food policies. We should also tell them that even in this down economy we want to continue to prioritize direct aid for hunger relief.

Finally, there are ways to relieve hunger that are sustainable. My wife and I have given gifts through Heiffer International. The founder, Dan West, came up with the phrase "not a cup, but a cow." They concentrate giving on livestock, training and extension work, and organizational development, which includes planning, management, record keeping, reporting and evaluation. They are helping people feed themselves.

There’s no end to the demands on our money. Like many small businesses, my income was down this year. Still, despite the current financial crisis in our country, I have plenty. We need to ask ourselves, how do we feel about children that are going to go hungry this Christmas? And then, what are we going to do about it? Merry Christmas.

Commentary on Mentoring

2011-11-23T08:09:00.001-08:00

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kera/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1878134&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+kera-northtexasnews+(KERA+NewsRoom:+North+Texas)

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

2011-11-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2011/11/18/law-man-walking-nature-treks-with-bill-holston-23/

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

2011-11-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

Last Law Man Walking, out by Lemmon Lake.

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

2011-09-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

2011-09-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago today, my friend Calvin died of Pancreatic Cancer. This morning, as I do each morning, I sat on the deck, had coffee, read a Psalm. The day he died, I went by Baylor to see him before work. He was sleeping and died in his sleep that morning. I used to sit on that deck with him, more Saturdays than I can count, drinking a jug of red wine, listening to music. I feel very fortunate to have a good friend. He died young at 50, five years younger than I am now. I conducted his graveside service. I read Psalm 39, 4“LORD, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days;Let me know how transient I am.5“Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. .

His beautiful daughter Ann is now engaged. He'd be so proud of her.

Calvin introduced me to Little Feat. This is for you:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrCMlSWlDX8

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

2011-09-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

2011-08-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

‘Don’t Know Much About History:’ Ken Burns Schools Dallas Bar on His New Documentary on Prohibition | FrontRow

2011-08-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

‘Don’t Know Much About History:’ Ken Burns Schools Dallas Bar on His New Documentary on Prohibition | FrontRow

2011-08-01T13:51:00.001-07:00

Law Man Walking, West Texas

2011-07-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

KERA Commentary.Preserving.Prairie

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

2011-07-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

Speakers – IgniteDallas 4

2011-06-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Speakers – IgniteDallas 4

Very pleased to be a presenter.

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

2011-06-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

Lying

2011-06-15T05:17:00.001-07:00

I was disappointed to read the allegations that Greg Mortenson exaggerated or even created many of the details of his inspirational memoir Three Cups of Tea, his account of starting schools in rural Pakistan, after a failed attempt to climb K2. The headline of Laura Miller’s Salon.com article about the scandal read, “Why Three Cups of Tea’s Lies Don’t Really Matter.” The author’s point was apparently that there is an implicit understanding with readers that exaggerations often underlie these heartwarming memoirs. I think lies always matter. Lies are bad practice for the simple reason they always undermine credibility. Lies perpetuate a societal standard that is destructive. And, they almost always make things worse.

EDIT: A reader correctly points out below that Mr. Mortenson has not responded completely to the charges yet, because of surgery and that these are really allegations that he lied. Fair point. Also he did not write the book, so its at least possible that if the book contains exaggerations they were the author's, not Mortensons'. Fair enough. I should have clarified that before.

James M. Stewart’s book Tangled Webs chronicles the stories of three individuals whose lies landed them in legal trouble: Scooter Libby, Martha Stewart and Barry Bonds. In all three cases, the individuals were at the height of power. According to the author, their decision to lie ‘shattered their lives and those of people around them while inflicting untold damage on society as a whole.’ Did those lies matter? The author makes the case that lying is a growing epidemic in our society and these three famous cases certainly seem to bear that out.

I’m more interested, not in the lies of famous people, but in truth telling closer to home. A young person recently told me that it was just easier to lie. Perhaps it is in the short run. Credibility is, however a precious commodity. And like oil it is not inexhaustible. A friend who is a judge told me that once he catches a lawyer misrepresenting things to him, their credibility is shot. It may not be possible to rebuild that credibility later. Once someone is aware you will lie, it’s hard to trust anything you say.

I don’t think there’s any such thing as little white lies ether. How can we expect people to tell the truth when the stakes are large, when they lie when the stakes are small? I have my lovely wife to thank for modeling truthfulness. She insisted that we always tell the truth to our sons. This was not always easy, especially as they got older and asked us questions about our own adolescence. Still, we gained credibility by always answering them truthfully. I carry that value forward in my business. Even a convenient, ‘tell him I’m in a meeting ‘ is a lie, if it isn’t true. By refusing to do that, I hope I create a culture of truth telling in my business.

Like most lawyers, I’ve dealt with liars for years. In my experience, most people aren’t willing to lie under oath. When they do, it’s very difficult for them to keep a story straight . Eventually most lies get found out. The consequences can be devastating. A single lie can torpedo even a good case. But, the real test of character is whether we tell the truth all the time not just when we’re under oath, and not just when it is convenient.

What does it say about us, that we illustrate the principal of truth telling with the apparently apocryphal story of George Washington and the cherry tree? Wouldn’t it be better not to illustrate truth with a lie? Truth can be messy, but it is always powerful. Vaclev Havel and his followers brought down the communist regime of Czechoslovakia chanting the slogan , "Truth and love will win over lies and hatred."

Happy Birthday Fred.

2011-06-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

My son Fred's birthday is today. . I love this photo, because it says so much about Fred. We used to go hiking in Big Bend every year. This year we gave him an art set. He was painting rocks. He was always making something. Once when Jill and I were out to dinner, he called to ask if it was okay that he 'had' painted the back fence. To her credit, Jill then let Fred paint whatever he wanted on one of the walls. There's peace signs, quotes, musical references. Fred discovered music in his teens. One of our first shows was to see the Dandy Warhols at the Gypsy Tea Room. (He's celebrating his birthday with Zia McCabe in Portland today.) Fred started taking a tamborine with him everywhere and after about the second Black Angels show we attended, Alex would call him up on stage to play with them.

We were fortunate. Fred met tons of creative people along the way that helped nurture him There was Hal Samples, who mentored him in photography, giving him experiences opportunities way beyond what the usual 15 year old might experience. There was Amanda Newman, getting him to take that sitar up to Club Dada's open mic night. That's where he met Dave Hickmott, forming the Felons. People used to ask me how I felt about Fred hanging out in bars at 16. I told them it was a more wholesome environment than high school I couldn't have asked for better friends for Fred than Dave and Cari, who Fred introduced to each other.

There's so many cool things he experienced. Fred's 16h Birthday, where Andrea Grimes does stand up and Sarah Jaffe sings. All of the guys in Blackheart Society, took Fred in to so many shows.

Maybe he grew up too fast. Last year he, like lots of us in Deep Ellum, lost two good friends that took their own lives: the amazingly talented Adam Carter and Frankie Campagna. Frankie's dad Frank is another one of those adults that had an eye out for Fred on the streets of Deep Ellum. Fred saw lots of things on the streets of Deep Ellum, addiction, homelessness, but he saw life for what it was and is.

Fred's one of the most creative people I know. He can't help but create. It's in his DNA. As his parents we got that and tried to nurture it. We could not have done that alone. More than any other institution, Fred was helped along by the creative class of Dallas. Photographers, musicians, Doormen (hey Beard!), bartenders, booking agents, artists and gallery owners all watched and nurtured him right up to the present where the great folks at Independent Artists Agency are grooming his talents in the area of fashion so ably.

I finally want to comment on Fred's character. More than once Fred, like many young drivers scraped a car while parking. More than once, he left a note to tell people and give them his information. When other kids asked him why he said, 'It's the right thing to do.' I'm proud he's that kind of man.

So, happy birthday from your dad. I love you.

Law Man Walking

2011-06-10T11:03:00.001-07:00

http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2011/06/10/law-man-walking-nature-treks-with-bill-holston-12/#more-52928

Tree of Life

2011-06-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

An old woman sitting in front of me exclaimed at the end of this film: "Does anyone have any idea what any of that meant?" Would that she exclaimed that to the world as opposed to this extraordinary film exploring the very meaning of life. The film begins appropriately enough with a quote from the Book of Job.
"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?"

The quote is God's answer to Job's questions. It's meant to suggest that man can't really understand all that happens to him in life. The family at the center of the story experiences a tragedy and there is no easy answer to why this happens. One of the characters says, "God sends flies to wounds he should heal.'

This is a film that demands to be taken as a work of art, visual and verbal. It is not that the story is not compelling, because it is. But, it's not to be taken as a narrative only. Instead the Film is a poetic meditation on prayer, on the nature of God and human nature. It's the most spiritual film I've ever seen.

The visual images are stunning. From the subtle beauty of Texas Rivers to the eruptions of volcanoes and images which seem to be from the Hubble Space Telescope.

This is not a movie that purports to give answers, but it certainly provokes questions, good honest ones at that.

It's beautiful in a terrible and remarkable way. I recommend this film, but it needs to be approached patiently and with some open mindedness. If you do, you'll be challenged in a very healthy way.

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

2011-06-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Law Man Walking: Nature Treks With Bill Holston | FrontBurner

Pecha Kucha

2011-05-14T05:35:00.001-07:00

http://frontrow.dmagazine.com/2011/05/popular-pecha-kucha-event-offers-inspiring-ideas-city-pride/

Earth Day

2011-04-29T07:40:00.001-07:00

Earth Day.

I hope all of you enjoyed Earth Day this year. I celebrated Earth Day in style. I took some time off and walked down from my office to Dallas Earth Day. There were lots of booths lined up all down Flora Street. There was a decent crowd out too. A number of local schools brought bus loads of kids. First up, I saw a number of films at the Dallas Museum of Art, including a film made by two North Texas state professors, Irene Klaver and Melinda Levin, (http://www.newfrontierfilm.com/) It was an interesting look at how environmentally aware methodology is penetrating cattle ranching. The film starts with a quote from Aldo Leopold, “When we see the land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” I really loved the story of Sid Goodloe, a Rancher in Carrizozo New Mexico. His obvious love for the land was inspiring. The next film was Deep Green (http://deepgreenmovie.com/), Oregonian Matt Brigg’s film about Global Warming, and how environmental design makes good economic sense. All the film makers were at the earth day film screenings at DMA and available for Q and A. Mr. Briggs is quite an evangelist for sustainable living, and made an excellent case for how critical it is for us to change much of the consumerist way we live, in order to make good choices about the future. He makes a compelling case for how alternative energy sources make economic good sense. I’ll be looking for some ways to show this film, which is available on Amazon.com. I then walked around the booths which were set up all along Flora Street. Every nature center in the area had a booth: Trinity River Audubon, (http://www.trinityriveraudubon.org, Connemara Conservancy, http://www.connemaraconservancy.org/main/_index.php) Katy Trail (http://www.katytraildallas.org ), Turtle Creek Association (http://www.turtlecreekassociation.org/), Oak Cliff Nature Preserve, which is maintained by the Texas Land Conservancy http://www.texaslandconservancy.org), and too many others to list. I spent quite a bit of time reading about the bottle bill, stalled in committee. (http://www.texasbottlebill.com/), and the efforts to control bottle litter.

I saw many of our local nature all stars. I met the director of John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, http://www.wetlandcenter.com/, John DeFillipo. The North Texas Master Naturalists will be doing a field trip their next week, so more on that later. I ran into Steve Houser, (http://www.arborilogical.com/certified-arborists/steve-houser) who know more about trees than anyone in the area. He and I had a great conversation about Ned Fritz. We lamented that Ned wasn’t a household name in Dallas, as he did more for preservation in our area than anyone we know. (http://www.texaslegacy.org/bb/narrators/fritzned.html) Steve set up a tribute to Mr. Fritz, and I was really pleased to see that there. Ned Fritz is a man, Dallas should pay much more honor to. I saw lots of companions from the North Texas Master Naturalist (http://ntmn.org) class manning booths for lots of the local nature. It reminds me of what a great programs this is, supplying citizens to educate the public about our North Texas Blackland Prairie, and how to best preserve it. This was a great event, and if you wanted to know what is happening in our area, this was the place to be.

Book Review

2011-03-16T05:32:00.001-07:00

Create Dangerously, The Immigrant Artist at Work, Edwidge Danticat.

Review by Bill Holston

We just passed the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. In the aftermath of the earthquake, I realized once again, how little I know if this small Carribean Island, founded during the only successful slave revolt in history. It’s easy to forget that we’ve invaded Haiti more than once, and are viewed as an occupier by some. My first exposure to Haiti in Literature was in reading Graham Greene’s classic, The Comedians about the years of Papa Doc Duvalier.

Ms. Danticat is a Haitian American writer. Last year I read her autobiography, Brother, I’m Dying, a finalist for the National Book Award. It’s a lovely portrait of growing up in Haiti, her separation from her parents until she was 12 and the subsequent death of the Uncle, who raised her. I’ve seldom read a more moving account of two brothers. It pulls back the curtain on the treatment immigrants sometimes received by our immigration authorities. She is in a position to tell these stories, if we’ll bother to listen.

The title of this book comes from a collection of essays by Albert Camus, and reflects that idea that works of art can be dangerous instruments of change.

She writes: “Create Dangerously, This is what I’ve always thought it meant to be a writer. Writing, knowing in part that no matter how trivial your words may seem, someday, somewhere, someone may risk his or her life to read them.”

The book is a collection of essays and begins with one about the execution o f Marcel Numa and Louis Drouin who were executed by the regime of Papa Doc Duvalier, the strong man leader of Haiti. She draws inspiration from the stories of these two Haitian patriots for her first novel, The Dew Breaker, a book about a torturer from the same era as the two executed men. For the epigraph, she uses a poem by Osip Mandelstam, a Russian who wrote: “Only in Russia is poetry respected-it gets people killed.’ Words and books are cheap here in the United States. It’s easy to forget that poets are imprisoned in Burma, Bloggers tortured in Iran.

The responsibility and burden of being an immigrant writer came into sharper focus on January 12, 2010, in the aftermath of the Earthquake. As a well known member of the Haitian Diaspora, she was called on the write about Haiti, for a western world really still struggling to understand this place of voodoo and poverty.

“Who do we think we are? We think we are people who risked not existing at all. People who might have had a mother and father killed, either by a government or by nature, even before we were born. Some of us think we are accidents of literacy. I do. We think we are people who might not have been able to go to school at all, who might never have learned to read and write. We think we are children of people who have lived in the shadows for too long.”

It’s not just in telling the stories of the land of origin that the immigrant artist shows value. Immigrant artists see America from a unique point of view. “One of the advantages of being an immigrant is that two very different countries are forced to merge within you. The language you were born speaking and the one you will probably die speaking have no choice but to find a common place in your brain and regularly merge there. So too with catastrophes and disasters, which inevitably force you to rethink facile allegiances. “ She brings that to bear in retelling the experience of a Haitian writing about Katrina, which often drew the ironic observation from reporters that ‘This is not Haiti, This is America,’ over scenes that were reminiscent of the poverty of Haiti. She quotes Isabelle Allende on her reaction to 9-11: “We can’t be neutral in moments of crisis…I no longer feel that I am an alien in the United States.”

The author talks to several immigrant artists, including one photographer, Daniel Morel, who as inspired to become a photographer by the photos of the two executed men, Marcel Numa and Louis Drouin. He writes however that it’s important to record a full photographic reflection of Haiti. “I saw as much beauty as ugliness. I smelled as much trash as the great smell of bread baking in my father’s bakery in downtown Port au Prince.” Humor too has its place even in the middle of tragedy. She quotes Haitian novelist Lyonel Trouillt: “I know that like them, at the end of the day, both to forget the darkness and to not curse the dawn. I need to laugh.”

Throughout the essays I’m struck by the similarities and the differences intersecting between immigrants and me. Immigrants are to state the obvious, people like us. Yet, they bring perspectives on the human experience that are unique, because they are people who have survived things, I’ll likely never experience, other than through the art they create, as long as they are courageous enough to continue to create dangerously.

2011-03-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

another Law Man Walking adventure

2011-02-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

Law Man Walking

Law Man Walking

2011-02-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

Lattest Law Man Walking

Law Man Walking

2011-01-25T15:46:00.001-08:00

http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2011/01/25/law-man-walking-nature-treks-with-bill-holstein/

Austin

2011-01-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

Hiked Barton Creek this morning. It's a lovely urban hike. The trail follows Lady Bird Johnson Lake, crosses Barton Creek, and then beyond Barton Springs Pool. I love this photo of Philosophers Rock. Jay Frank Dobie, Roy Bedichek, and Walter Prescott Webb, a triumvirate of Texas writers. One of my inspirations is Roy Bedicheck's Adventures of a Texas Naturalist. Adventures-Texas-Naturalist-Roy-Bedichek

I hiked up the canyon in a gentle but steady rain. I saw a ruby crowned kinglet and a gold finch. I walked up the side of a hill, taking shelter in a small shallow cave. I sat, up above the creek, reading Psalm 119, and reciting the Sh'ma. A beautiful calm morning

Front Burner Post

2011-01-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

I've written a piece on hiking for Front Burner:

http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2011/01/12/law-man-walking-nature-treks-with-bill-holston/

Walking in the woods on a Snowy Afternoon

2011-01-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

I walked out of church at noon to see that it was snowing. I had packed my backpack with a parka, rain pants, and sweater, so I headed straight to Spring Creek Nature Area. I parked and there were no other cars at the park. I walked down to where the trail goes close to the creek and I could hear the rushing water from the morning rains.

I didn't see a single person as I walked, but there was one pair of fresh boot prints in the snow in front of me, which I followed as I followed the paved trail. The footsteps kept going on the sidewalk as I headed across the meadow. As I headed across the meadow, I could hear the sound of the large wet flakes as they hit the ground. I walked in quiet, the only sound my boots crunching the snow. The junipers were covered with snow.

The stream I usually hop across was flowing much deeper, so I cut a trail through the junipers. The Junipers are thick next to the Cemetery, which created a shelter from the snow. The ground was quite wet, when I got to the bluff by Jacob Routh's grave. I sat in the shelter of a cedar elm, and drank the water, which was chilled from being in my backpack. There were few birds stirring. It was a beautiful quiet walk in one of those rare Dallas Snows.

Birding

2011-01-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

Sunday, since I was not teaching Sunday School, I took a guided bird walk at Connemara Conservancy
http://www.connemaraconservancy.org/main/_index.php

I have a long history iwth this place. My friend Scott lived there in a farmhouse in the 70's when he was in graduate school. Now it's been donated to a foundation by the family. It's a lovely place, a former pasture.

This year, I vow to do even more hiking and nature exploration. I feel most alive when I'm in the out of doors and in fact it's an act of worship for me, to learn more about creation.

So, Sunday morning, I headed up to Connemara.The air was cold, but there was no wind. As I walked in,
I loved the crunching sound as I walked on the frozen frost on the long grasses. The air was clear.

About 15 hardy souls did the guided walk at Connemara Sunday Morning.
with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas

Gailon and Rodney did a great job of leading this walk.

A partial list of the birds we saw:
Coopers Hawk
Red Tail Hawk
Kestrel
Canadian Geese
Ring Necked Gulls
Cardinals
Mockingbirds
Cedar Waxwings
Yellow Bellied Sapsucker
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Ruby Crowned Kinglet
Yellow Rumped Warbler
Swamp sparrow
Song Sparrow
Eastern Phoebe
Dark Eyed Junco
White Wing Dove
tufted titmouse
Carolina chickadee
Carolina Wren
Crows
Blue Jays

As we walked across the bridge over Rowlette Creek, we saw a coyote trotting away from us.

Later as I left the group to walk past the car, I disturbed a hawk, flying into a swampy area. I crossed the small bar ditch, and walked into the woods. About 20 feet away a Coopers Hawk perched on a limb. I sat watching him easily for about 15 minutes. He sat, turning his head in every direction. It was the closest best look at a hawk I've ever experienced, and it was thrilling actually.

The Psalmist writes in the 23rd Psalm, "He restores my Soul." This is how He did it this Sunday.

Christmas Eve. Peace on Earth

2010-12-24T05:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all. I sit this morning, on the Deck. Its quiet. The wind is really stirring the wind chimes, and a rooster crows close by. Later I'll walk in Spring Creek. Now, I enjoy a coffee. I drink it from this old ceramic cup. I got it with my dad at a Boy Scout meeting in 1970, at Camp Pushmataha in Citronelle, Alabama. This was the site of the surrender of the last Confederate troops to Surrender East of the Mississippi in 1865. Why do I hang onto it? It reminds me of good things. I love the outdoors. I credit Scouts for that. I spent lots of time swimming in the tea colored creeks of South Alabama, resting on those white sandy beaches. I also credit boy scouts for my racial awakening as a young man.

I grew up in a racist environment in Mobile. Every aspect of my life was segregated. It was at scout camp that I first really had interactions with young black kids. The blinders came off and it changed me forever. I'm thankful for that and that old cup reminds me of that.

I refuse to give in to the Christmas Wars. Whether or not a retail clerk wishes me happy holiday or merry Christmas is of no moment to me. I prefer instead to remember what Christmas really is. It is summarized really well in this song, by one of my favorite singers, the Canadian singer, Bruce Cockburn:
http://cockburnproject.net/songs&music/coatb.html

There are others who know about this miracle birth
The humblest of people catch a glimpse of their worth
For it isn't to the palace that the Christ child comes
But to shepherds and street people, hookers and bums
And the message is clear if you've got [you have] ears to hear
That forgiveness is given for your guilt and your fear
It's a Christmas gift [that] you don't have to buy
There's a future shining in a baby's eyes

Tonight I'll spend Christmas eve with our best friends, who are Jews. We'll share good cheer and love and devotion. We wished them Happy Chanakuh, They will wish us Merry Christmas. Its not that complicated.

Merry Christmas to All

KERA: Commentary: Human Rights (2010-12-17)

2010-12-17T06:21:00.000-08:00

KERA: Commentary: Human Rights (2010-12-17)

Sunday

2010-10-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

I walked at Spring Creek Nature preserve yesterday. I was thinking about this sermon, posted about Rest:
Rabbi Stern on Rest

It was a flawless day. As I made my way over to the meadow, I passed both a downy woodpecker and a red bellied woodpecker. I walked down the dirt road, crossed the small creek and sat on the bluff. Once again, just listening to the sound of water below. I read Psalm 57, vs¹⁰ For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. I sat staring up and the clouds drifting overhead. I could feel the stress drifting away. I enjoyed Church this morning, but as I sat I realized I was seeing, hearing God clearer than in the church service.

I sat enjoying the leftover pan dulce from Sunday School, the flaky pastry and cold water, a welcome treat.
I like the following spot too. The old dirt road curves down to a small creek.

The creek never runs dry. Here it is at is lowest point, but still flowing and very cool. Its usually filled with minnows. I've been hiking here for a couple years. I once hauled a shopping cart out of the creek. Its nicer now than when I started.

I walked out, feeling totally relaxed. Very nice Sunday walk.

Dixon Branch

2010-09-27T08:32:00.001-07:00

I walked twice at Dixon Branch this weekend. On Saturday, I walked in the rain.The creek had almost dried up this summer, but it flew barely even in August. Saturday it was roaring. The creek was flowing. I sat on the exposed rock at my usual spot and listened to the roar of the water.

      Sunday was s perfect day for hiking. I walked along the greenbelt, stepping over the Mexican plumbs that fell from the trees. Then I sat for a long time at the falls in Lochwood Park. Red Dragonflies darted around, dipping down to take a drink. I sat listening to the sound of the water and watching the patterns in the water flow. The junipers are filled with berries.

      This is a small park, but it might as well be miles away from people. I sit on the bare rock, with my journal and the Psalms. I seldom see anyone. This Summer hummingbirds flew overhead, and occasionally I hear the rattle of a belted Kingfisher as it makes its way down the creek.

    One downside of the rain is that it always brings trash. Its almost always styrofoam and plastic bottles. I've begun to always carry a trash bag and I picked up all the trash there. There's more down at the bottom of the falls, and I'll pick it up next time I'm there. I'm reading No Impact Man, right now. I've decided no more disposable bottles for me and if I can help it, no styrofoam either.

Spring Creek Sunday

2010-09-13T05:31:00.000-07:00

I had another wonderful walk yesterday at Spring Creek. It was hot, but I had about a lilter of cold water. I sat for about thirty minutes in the shade and watched the clouds build. There weren't many birds stirring. Occasionally, I could hear a woodpecker or the call of a cardinal.

The sunfish are still spawning, so I sat and watched them clear their nests with their tails and chase other fish away. They flash blue and green in the sun. The build these circular nests in shallow water.

I sat and read the Psalms, quietly reflecting on things. The only sound was the rush of water below me.

(New International Version)
Psalm 41
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.

I go to Houston tomorrow with an Asylum client. Its a privilege to represent such fine people. I pray for justice.

On the walk out, I walked over to where the smaller creek goes under Routh Parkway. There's a lovely small fall, with a pool.

Spring Creek

2010-09-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

I hiked this morning at Spring Creek. Lovely morning. I watched the sunrise, bring pink to the east. We sat and watched kingfishers soar among the dragonflies, and a spider build a web high above the creek. Some of the Trees are starting to lose their leaves, as Fall approaches.

Spring Creek

2010-09-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

I had a great walk in Richardson at the Spring Creek Nature are yesterday. I set out early, about 7, just as the sun was turning the eastern sky pink. As I crossed the bridge over spring creek, I glanced over and saw a great blue heron in the bend of the creek. The heron was surrounded by several mallards and a snowy egret. I sat and watched them for a while. I made my way over to the Galatyn Park path, to the meadow. As I walked along the paved sidewalk, I saw a coyote run across the road. He stopped dead in his tracks and stared right at me. He was big, and apparently unafraid. He took off into the junipers that dot the field. I made my way across the meadow headed for the bluff and Jacob Routh's resting place. I sat there for about an hour, reading the Psalms. The heron flew over. I then sat watching as dragonflies sailed in the early morning breeze, and a yellow warbler lit in the elm across the creek.

St. Louis University News

2010-01-21T16:10:00.000-08:00

St. Louis University News

top ten films.

2010-01-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

A Serious Man
My number one for this year.
A good man,a mensch, but is he? Is there a G-d? Is there destiny for each of us? Leaves more questions that answers, but that’s a good thing.
Tyson
This was a edge of your seat look at a man, James Toback’s brilliant documentary I found myself drawn to sympathy for this very complex man.
Up
It is one of the moist poignant portraits of growing old together and real love and affection in film, at least in my opinion. It creates an honest and touching portrayal of youth, love, old age, death and grief, with no dialog. Splendid.
Funny People
I loved this portrait of men. Very good friend movie, as distinct from buddy movie.
The Cove
The surreptitious manner of film, alone makes it worth watching.
The Hurt Locker
Visceral, film making at its best
Up in the Air
Probably my favorite film of the Year. I thought it was quite funny and tender.
State of Play
Lots of twists and suspense.
Road.
Yes, I know its bleak, but filled with Hopefulness as well
Pirate Radio
Here for the Soundtrack, all seriousness without music is soul killing

Listen

2010-01-07T05:42:00.000-08:00

One of the things I'm privileged to do is to occasionally preach at my church. I recently taught on a passage in Mark 12. Jesus is asked, What is the Greatest Commandment. He replies:

Mark 12 28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this:

'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.‘

31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.‘
There is no commandment greater than these."

Jesus is quoting from two passages for the Tanach (the Hebrew Bible) He begins with Deuteronomy 6:4, known as the Sh'ma for the Hebrew word for HEAR. I was inspired to ask an Orthodox Rabbi of my acquaintance to read this in Hebrew, which he was gracious enough to do. Rabbi Brad Hirschfield and I have had a wonderful exchange of emails about this, and he provided a link to my sermon on his organizations website:

http://www.clal.org/cms/node/529

I love connections. I love the fact that this Rabbi and I, with very different theology, could actually cooperate together. We did not have to agree on everything in order to collaborate. He could have said no, I don't want to participate with a church, a Religion which over history has been complicit in persecution and anti-semitism. But he took a risk, and cooperated with me. We were both, I think richer for the experience, and my church was blessed with his actions.

We often make the mistake of either watering down or differences, or shouting so that we do not hear. The Sh'ma is all about listening to G-d and as Jesus added, in loving each other. It's the brilliance in his message that he links love of G-d with love of our neighbor. I'm proud that Rabbi Brad is my neighbor.

feliz nuevo ano

2010-01-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year. I'm not big on resolutions, so I haven't made any. I've spoken to several people who enjoy this blog, so I'll continue to post here as something interesting happens.

I saw two films that really had me thinking:
Empires: a documentary about Martin Luther and The Conscientious Objector about Desmond Doss, a Seventh Day Adventist, Conscientious Objector during WWII, who won the Congressional Medal of Honor as a medic. These were both men, who just refused to back down from what they believe, at enormous personal risk. I highly commend both films.

It was a beautiful day yesterday, walked at Lochwood, saw lots of red bellied woodpeckers. Great Hike at Cedar Ridge on Saturday. I love that spot, several intermittent streams, and some hills. I sat beside one which was running, journalling and listening to the quiet. We are so bombarded with noise, that a place like that is special.

I'm looking forward to a great year. Last year was a big one. Jill and I both buried our fathers. There were highlights: a successful asylum case for a young man from Rwanda, tortured and traumatized; another successful Art Conspiracy, raising quite a bit for charity; several KERA commentaries; and more time in our local woods and prairies. I'll try to rinse and repeat as the shampoo bottle instructs...

good music, great project

2009-10-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

This Sunday:
Take a trip to the mini-hill country in Southern Dallas, for some good music. Then maybe head over to Bishop Arts For Dinner.

Glen Farris - Nov 1
La Reunion
Glen Farris

How does a Fall Sunday afternoon in the woods listening to Glen Farris sound? Glen is an uber talented singer songwriter recently back in North Texas.

When: Sunday, November 1
Time: 3pm-4:30pm
Where: La Reunion TX site in Oak Cliff (RSVP for directions)
Bring: water, a blanket or chair
Wear: long pants and sturdy shoes

Nobel

2009-10-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

First, Here's a moment to reflect on Aun Sang Suu Kyi, still in prison for her efforts for Peace.

Does Obama deserve this? My initial reaction is no, I want to say to him, like Tom Hank's character says to Private Ryan: "Earn it."

My second reaction is that this is a recognition that our country has moved away from the unilateralism that resulted in the war in Iraq, and is now at least engaged in the world in a positive way. in addition this is a recognition for our country in electing a Black President, something no other western country has done. That in itself has value and symbolism.

Nobel's Will says:
"and one part to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses."

I hope that President Obama takes hint from Theodore Roosevelt, who in accepting the award said:

http://lopinna.narod.ru/kiju/roosevelt-lecture.html

"The sum of money provided as part of the prize by the wise generosity of the illustrious founder of this world-famous prize system, I did not, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, feel at liberty to keep. I think it eminently just and proper that in most cases the recipient of the prize should keep for his own use the prize in its entirety. But in this case, while I did not act officially as President of the United States, it was nevertheless only because I was President that I was enabled to act at all; and I felt that the money must be considered as having been given me in trust for the United States. I therefore used it as a nucleus for a foundation1 to forward the cause of industrial peace, as being well within the general purpose of your Committee; for in our complex industrial civilization of today the peace of righteousness and justice, the only kind of peace worth having, is at least as necessary in the industrial world as it is among nations. There is at least as much need to curb the cruel greed and arrogance of part of the world of capital, to curb the cruel greed and violence of part of the world of labor, as to check a cruel and unhealthy militarism in international relationships."

Tomorrow Dunk a Lawyer

2009-09-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

Location:
It's A Grind Coffee House
Celebrating the grand opening of the ART Green Line Baylor Medical Center Stop

September 12 is free day on the DART Green Line to celebrate the Green Line begins officially begin running on September 14. Demeter Project will host a celebration stop at our venture It’s A Grind Coffee. We will have jazz bands, dunking booths, balloon man for the children and lots of fun. Lots of give-aways. We hope you will be with us on September 12 10AM-2PM.

Street:
2901 Indiana Blvd
City/Town:
Dallas, TX

From 11:30 until 12, we'll be raising money with dunk a lawyer. Come raise money for HRI!

Saturday, September 12, 2009
Time:
10:00am - 2:00pm

The Tide and Current

2009-08-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

Telegraph Canyon
The Tide and the Current

testifying nothing but the truth
walking in your righteousness
shake em' like you shake your fist

Thus says Chris Johnson on the third cut Shake Your Fist, from the band’s sophomore album, The Tide and the Current. The lyrics speak to the truthfulness and integrity of this finely crafted cd.

This band members are:
Chuck Brown: Bass & Vocals
Chris Johnson: Guitar, Vocals, Banjo & Harmonica
Austin Green: Drums, Bells & Keys
Tamara Cauble: Violin & Vocals
Brian McCorquodale: Pedal Steel, Piano, Synth & Percussion
Andrew Skates: Organ, Piano, Accordion, Guitar & Mandolin
Erik Wolfe: Guitar, Vibes & Bass Drum

Produced by Centro-Matic's Will Johnson, this cd is well crafted from beginning to end. The album begins with the eerie sound of scraping cymbals, reminiscent of the wheels of a freight train, interrupted by very subtle simple piano notes; and then Chris Johnson's voice, which is primal, but inviting. Simplicity gives way to triumph as, the tempo increases, to a anthemic chorus:

for this day that you were born
light in the darkness
strength in your bones
from this road that you have come
you walked up right
threw no stones

The second cut, Safe on the Outside, begins with Andrew Skates powerful organ. The sixth cut, Welcome to the Night, produces the title of the Album.

the tide and the current
welcome you to the night
firing a warning
for you to stay behind

The song begins with accordion, simple guitar notes and Chris' vocals, which have a deeper timbre here than usual, and ends with Tamara Cauble's delightful violin.
Not all low key, however, Dressed in Flight sours with energetic guitar.

This is a fine piece of craftsmanship. Telegraph Canyon has been delighting local audiences for several years. Their first All the Good News features well written songs, with an melancholic feel. Last year, I a full house, watched the band open for Doug Burr at Fort Worth’s Modern Art Museum. The band filled the stage and then filled the performance space with their energetic, yet melancholy sound. The Austinist recently described their sound as baroque Americana. If by that they meant, thoughtful lyrics surrounded by organ, violin, banjo, mandolin, guitar and accordion, with subtlety and passion, they got it right.

The Band recently concluded a west coast tour and recently opened for Broken Social Scene at the Palladium Ballroom. They also played with Old 97's, at Fort Worth's Bass Hall. It seems this bands day may have finally arrived.

While most of the songs are lovely, melodic and haunting, the album is not all low key. The rocker, Dressed in Flight sours with energetic guitar.

The album's last song, Reels and Wires ends with a wonderful harmonic choral piece, which is haunting in its simplicity and beauty. It will stick in your mind. As the chorus says,

the waters washing over you
the water washing over you

The album continues as Good Records top seller. These waters should be washing over discerning music lovers for some time.

proud papa

2009-08-24T06:02:00.000-07:00

Well, those who know me, know I'm pretty proud of my boys. In fact the primary reason I started this modest blog was to post information about Fred and his musical/artistic achievements. This led me to meet so many great musicians, photographers, artists, and gallery owners around town. Truly, it's been great to get to know all of you. I'm pleased about the creativity of our city.

I had a great weekend, a great walk at Cedar Ridge. It's still my favorite place to hike in the area. I did the Cedar Break trail, and later the newer Red Bud Trail, then down to Cat tail pond. I sat reading St. Augustine, on a bluff, picking up Texas Buckeyes that littered the ground underneath. Then later, Jill and watche Julie and Julia at the Magnolia. We'd heard mixed reviews, but frankly we really enjoyed it. Be prepared to be hungry after watching the movie though. Yesterday I walked on the Dixon Branch, watched a water thrush and a yellow warbler drinking from the creek, which has not stopped flowing all summer.

I'm considering ending blogging. It's a bit of an end of an era for me. Fred Started UTD this week. I'm so proud of the boy. He's starting his junior year of college at the same age, that I started my Freshman year. If all goes well, he'll graduate college at 19. Fred was not a conventional student, well he's not a conventional ...fill in the blank. So, this is a real achievement and I'm quite proud of him. I'm proud of Will also, starting his senior year of College, as arts editor for the College newspaper.

Well on to work. I'll post occasionally to promote the local arts scene, but not with any regularity.

SEED SEED SEED

2009-08-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

On Friday, August 7th, at the Sons of Hermann, local artists will show how they’ve answered the questions, “Watt’s Up?”

illy

More than 20 local artists have created lanterns from coffee tins collected over the last year from a Dallas coffee shop.

Art Conspiracy provided the artists with the tins and they are using their talents to turn them into unique and functional pieces of art.

The money raised during the SEED event will be used to fund the operating costs associated with Art Conspiracy’s large scale December fundraiser. The 2009 event will benefit Resolana, an organization that provides rehabilitative arts programming for women in the Dallas County Jail and Dawson State Jail in Dallas.

Art Conspiracy is street level philanthropy. Members of the creative community in North Texas pool their talents to create bi-annual fundraising events that support other nonprofit arts programs. Art Conspiracy events are designed to be affordable and offer everyone a chance to purchase original artwork at a reasonable level. Art Conspiracy is a 501c3 organization with IRS nonprofit status (so your donations are tax deductible!)

Since 2005, Art Conspiracy has raised over $50,000 for groups including

- Preservation LINK, an organization that teaches audio and visual media to students in South Dallas and Fair Park

- La Reunion TX, a current sculpture garden and future arts residency on a 30+ acre Oak Cliff site

- St. Anthony Community Center, a center that offers visual art, music and dance to more than 800 children in South Dallas.

When: Friday, August 7 from 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Where: The Sons of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226

For more information, please contact
Cari Weinberg at cari@artconspiracy.org or 214-794-3510.

2009-08-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

I have a commentary on KERA this morning on Simplicity I really like this one, as it is pretty counter cultural and contains some of my pretty firmly held values.

Yesterday, went on a hike at Spring Creek. As I was walking, a hawk flew over and sat in a cedar elm. I sat and watched it for a long time. It was really close, actually. It was smaller than a red tail, and I later identified it as a Coopers Hawk.

I ran into a local photographer who asked if I knew where the Cemetery was. I told him, I was hiking straight there, and so he walked with me. He hung out in the larger Routh Cemetery and I went to the bluff. It was hot, hovering in the upper 90's, but I had some water, that was still cold, from being in the freezer at my office. I sat and read for a long time, reading, Sitting at the Footsteps of Rabbi Jesus, about Jesus as a first century Jew, very good read. I watched bright red butterflies spiral around me, and listened to the water flowing down below. Walking out, I realized what a recharge this was for me. Headed home and stopped for Vietnamese on Walnut, spring rolls and rice with Shrimp, very nice

Saturday

2009-07-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here's where I'll be.

weekend

2009-07-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

Very nice weekend. I got up Saturday, did a walk at Spring Creek Nature Area, saw hummingbird. I sat for a long time next to Jacob Routh's grave. I looked down on the deep pool below me, I wonder if he sat at this very place, how different it must have looked then. I hiked out and went over to the Spring Creek Forest for a guided hike by master naturalist Jim Varnum, looked at lots of native flowers and plants. It was pretty pleasant in the shade.

A little research on the Dallas Morning News Site reveals the following story about Jacob Routh, who apparently had Quaker Roots:

Anti-slavery views
Although he did not join the war effort, Mr. Routh found himself under attack by neighbors who did not agree with his anti-slavery beliefs. One day he was startled to find a black man in his kitchen who warned him that "the white folks is plotting to kill you."
Clara Routh would later write that her father refused to alter his schedule that day and even sent word to the mob that he was willing to meet with them. No altercation occurred, but his loved ones did not take the ordeal so calmly.
"The family remained at home, fearful of what might happen, no peace or rest for them until the father of the family returned home. This continued for some time.
"The cause of the threats was that our father was a Republican; he also preached to colored people, married them and preached their funeral services," she wrote years later. "After the war was over, he organized their churches. One on White Rock near Dallas is still attended by colored people."

That's fascinating. This old man, was Texas anti-Slavery.

Sunday, Jill and I went to see Hurt Locker, very good film at the Angelika. Later, I walked at Dixon Branch watching reddragon flies do arobatics above me, one of them sitting on a dead willow branch, about 30 feet avove me.

Weekend Plans

2009-07-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

I'll be preaching On Christian Simplicity this Sunday. Saturday finds good friends Eastwood playing at the Sons of Herman, opening for James McMurtry, one of the better Texas singer Songwriters.

I'll likely get up Early Saturday and head down to Cedar Ridge. I love the topography there.

New stuff

2009-07-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

One, Jill and I saw UP last weekend. What a delightful movie. Not to show my feminine side, but I actually teared up at one point. I thought it was an extraordinarily touching portrayal of a couple growing old together. It's a lovely and funny story. I loved the Score also.

Two, I of course love local music. I have raved for a long time about Telegraph Canyon and my friend Chris Johnson. He really writes great songs. They have a new cd in the can and Paul Slavens interviews Chris about it. It's really worth listing to the interview. I can't wait to hear the CD. Chris music is very thoughtful and timely, dealing with political social issues, without being pedantic.

One final thought, thanks to Daniel Miller for the recommendation of Meridian Room. Very nice place.

2009-06-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Photo by my friend Bruce Sostek.
What an amazing night of music. Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood sauntered onto the stage at American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas as their U.S. tour and launched into Had to Cry Today. I think the real highlight of the evening was a flawless version of Blind Faith era In the Presence of the Lord. If you didn’t think you were in church then you were not paying attention. Winwood’s Hammond B-3 work is simply outstanding.

The acoustic version of Layla with Winwood and Clapton sitting side by side in two chairs, and Winwood taking the last solo was outstanding. Winwood also did a terrific take on Georgia on My Mind. The first set closed out with an homage to old comrade Hendrix with an extended version of "Voodoo Chile". The encore started with Oklahoman JJ Cale’s song, Cocaine. The song really featured, Chris Stainton on piano. I mean he tour up the keys. I gave him a standing O for that one. The evening closed out with Dear Mr. Fantasy
Clapton / Winwood Set List - 23 June 2009
American Airlines Arena, Dallas TX
01. Had To Cry Today
02. Low Down
03. After Midnight
04. Presence of The Lord
05. Sleeping in the Ground
06. Glad
07. Well Alright
08. Tough Luck Blues
09. Pearly Queen
10. No Face, No Name, No Number
11. Forever Man
12. Georgia On My Mind - Steve Winwood solo
13. Driftin' - acoustic
14. How Long Blues
15. Layla - acoustic version
16. Can't Find My Way Home
17. Split Decision
18. Voodoo Chile
Encore:
19. Cocaine
20. Dear Mr. Fantasy
Band Lineup:
Eric Clapton - guitar, vocals
Steve Winwood - vocals, Hammond B3, piano, guitar
Chris Stainton - keyboards
Willie Weeks - bass
Abe Laboriel, Jr. - drums
Michelle John - backing vocals
Sharon White - backing vocals

2009-06-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Felons CD release, Club Dada, friday at 8.

be there.

Navigation

2009-06-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Photo by Patrick Bunce.
http://www.warbirdalley.com/b24.htm
Robert Wilonsky posted a piece on B-24's flying around Dallas.

It made me think about my dad.

Dad was a navigator on a B-24. Navigator's used a sextant to find their way on long distance missions. They didn't have gps. They would use the stars to calculate their position. A mistake mean running out of fuel over the South Pacific. He showed me the diary their co-pilot kept, lots of guys went out into the drink, PBy's would go out looking for these guys, like a needle in a haystack. They all knew that the Japanese didn't really take prisoners, and the oceans were full of sharks, so the idea of going down into the ocean was pretty unpleasant, to say the least.

I suppose when I think about it, my favorite memories of my dad will be looking at the stars. He would point out constellations to me, when I was a kid. Sometimes, I point up to the skies and point out the Pleiades, my favorite constellation. My boys look at me like I'm an alien....actually they smile, knowing it's important to me, but they're not sure why. I think next time I look up at the sky, I'll think about dad. I'll think of him as a young man, sitting looking up at the South Pacific Skies, calculating, trying to figure out how to get across the fast expanse of an ocean, dodge anti-aircraft fire, and hopefully come back with enough fuel to do it again. Well, he did that again and again, those guys all came home because he did his job well

KERA: Commentary: Fathers and Sons (2009-06-19)

2009-06-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

KERA: Commentary: Fathers and Sons (2009-06-19)

Shared via AddThis

2009-06-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to have been asked to deliver a talk, Welcoming the Stranger, I’ll be speaking about my pro bono work for political and religious asylum applicants thought local non profit, Human Rights Initiative.

Wednesday, July 1 3:30 to 4:30,
The Point, Center for Arts and Education at CC Young
4847 W. Lawther Drive, Dallas, TX 75214

2009-06-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to a very Brave Woman. Give some thought to that today. I reflect on this in a letter to the editor today, plus my KERA commentary today in honor of my father.

bill

Big Bend.

2009-06-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

I was sad to read this today:

Big Bend Death

According to a news report the immigrants were from El Salvador and included children as young as 12I know this park well. It's forbidding country. It's amazing. Actually, it's not easy to imagine where these people came from in Mexico. It's remote remote country. They traveled a very desolate path to cross the river. Imagine the desperation of someone taking their kids across the desert. I would hesitate to go to Big Bend and do a dayhike this time of year.

News

2009-06-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

First, I will have a Father's Day Commentary on KERA on Morning edition. It will also be online later that day. I mention this is the first Father's Day without a Father for me.

This was a fun weekend. Jill and I went to see Away We Go at the Angelika.Sam Mendes (American Beauty) directs. We completely enjoyed it. By no means a deep or significant movie, it is a wonderful view of a couple expecting their first child. They travel across country looking for a new place to live, after his parents move away from their home in Colorado. Maya Rudolph of SNL fame, plays the pregnant Verona, while John Krasinski (Jim from the office) is her love interest, Burt. Catherine O'Hara (featured in many Christopher Guest movies) is Gloria Farlander, Burt's mom. My favorite part of the film is their visit to Phoenix where they meet Verona's former boss, Lily (Allison Janney) She's got to be one of the funniest actresses I know. I love here from the movie Drop Dead Gorgious which is a really surprisingly funny movie. In fact the movie explores parenting and the fears of parenting with real humor and is quite moving at times. Great soundtract, with a singer I'm not familiar with Alexi Murdoch and Velvet Undergrounds Oh! Sweet Nothing.

Saturday morning I hiked Spring Creek Nature Center, sitting at Jacob Routh's grave I saw a hummingbird feeding on a blooming red yucca.

Local Local Local

2009-06-10T05:25:00.001-07:00

Of course I love live music. More than that, I love local live music. And more than that, I love local live music and locally produced wine. Tonight, Times Ten Cellars has another Wine Down Wednesday. the bill tonight is particularly good. My good buddies from Eastwood headline. Their latest cd, Everythings Personal has received much deserved accolades. Opening is Danny Balis (King Bucks, Sorta)I'm looking forward to hearing him solo. Next up is Glen Farris. (plays Wurlitzer and banjo for Doug Burr), but I really like his solo act, very nice.

Danny will play at 7:30, Eastwood (Kevin & Dave) at 8:30, and Glen at 9:30

Times Ten just bottled their first vintage from its vinyard at Cathedral Peak in Big Bend. Beautiful country. Here's a shot I took from the top of Cathedral Peak:

Lots of stuff going on in life. The economy is still depressing, but how about coming out and supporting local music, and local business, and having a damn good time.

Finally, the show starts early (7:30) so yes it's a school night, but you'll be home early.

Times Ten Cellars

6324 Prospect Avenue
First Act 7:30

2009-06-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

June 5 is the twentieth anniversary of the iconic Photo photo of the young man facing down tanks in Tiananmen Square in China. the Photo reminds me of what a powerful art form photography is.
Video of the event:

The world was in the midst of great change. The Berlin wall came down. The Velvet Revolution brought down the communist government of Czechoslovakia. The world watched in awe as thousands of brave students and protesters called for democratic reforms in Communist China. On June 4, I watched along with others as the Peoples Army massacred the gathered demonstrators as well as their hopes. The following day, June 5, a lone unidentified man, faced down four tanks, in a display of raw courage. Sadly, China continues to jail those who seek a more just society. In an open letter to their government, Tiananmen Mothers write: Over the past twenty years, the June Fourth Incident has become the watershed of Chinas contemporary history and politics. Will control be loosened or tightened The people are waiting to see. We in the west, with our abundant rights and liberties owe it to them to at least pay attention to their protest. We stand in support of those who risk prison and death to seek a just society.

2009-05-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

Great Birthday, thanks for all the great wishes over the day. I had a really relaxing afternoon. I walked the Katy Trail, from my office on Fitzhugh to its termination at American Airlines. It was a beautiful day, but a bit warm. I then walked back along McKinney, stopping to use by 25% off coupon at Borders to buy Giants, Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, then a beer at Mi Cocina, waiting for Jill. We ate nachos and then went to the Magnolia:

The Brothers Bloom (2008) , written and directed by Rian Johnson (the Brick)
This take on the con man film really works for me. It is a lusciously made movie. The scenery features the coast of Serbia, which is breathtaking. Adrien Brody (the Pianist, Darjeeling Express) plays, Bloom, the moody melancholy brother, never satisfied, despite the efforts of his brother Stephen (Mark Ruffalo, Blindness) to create scenarios where he gets the girl. They hit on one final con on eccentric heiress Penelope Stamp (Rachel Weisz, the Constant Gardner), assisted by their accomplice bang bang ,( Rinko Kikuchi, Babel). She steals every scene she's in. Very entertaining character, who makes the most with her minimal dialog. Maximilian Schell plays Diamond Dog, the one eyed Russian nemises. The first scene in the film really sets the tone. The brothers living in another one of a series of foster parents, when they develop their first con. I thought it was touching and funny, which is what I loved about the movie. The Movie was completely entertaining. I also loved the way it dealt with themes of reality and illusion. the concept of an 'unwritten life', is quite interesting, actually.

I also liked the Soundtrack, with songs by Dylan and Cat Stevens. I highly recommend the film.

Then dinner at my fave, Nandinas, where our waitress gave us a treat of fried bananas and ice cream.

its my party and I'll cry if I want to

2009-05-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

To quote the great Leslie Gore.

Well, turned 53 today..that looks old when you type it. 1956 was a huge year. Soviet Tanks put down a democratic uprising in Hungary, Fidel Castro, and Che Guevarra and his compatriots land on the shores of Cuba. the French depart Indo China, leaving the war to Americans. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, organized by Dr. King ended that year. These events illustrate the times I grew up in, and illustrate the differences with my parents generation, and my sons for that matter. I grew up during Viet Nam, Watergate. These events led to a certain skepticism and cynicism especially about government. I've seen alot of change in my lifetime. In my youth in Alabama, I had a totally segregated life. This year, my 20 year old son votes for the first African American President.

I suppose in a way a feel old. I'm not as carefree as I used to be. Yet, I wouldn't go back to any prior era of my life. I love my life in so many ways. I have a great job. I love my family. Jill and I celebrate 25 years together this summer. We'll spend the afternoon doing stuff I enjoy, a long walk at noon, a cold beer, a indie film. I'll be asleep by 11...okay 10:30.

I've met so many cool people in the past few years. Especially since Fred got me involved in the Arts community. I love all the Art Con folks, (Cari, Andrea, Jason, Sara Jane, Erica... what wonderful inspiring creative people.) I feel like the old dude when I'm with them, so thanks for letting me hang with ya'll.

I'm the same age as my dad when I was in college. He seemed old then. Maybe I seem that old to others, don't know. Wisdom has its price I guess.

Nice mention on Front Burner

2009-05-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

Front Burner

This was a fun thing to see online today. It's a rare privilege to do this work.

2009-05-20T06:19:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Merritt Martin, for the announcement of this book signing yesterday in the Observer. She wrote a short blurb on the online Observer yesterday. This was terrific.

Horse Soldiers

http://www.mynorth.com/My-North/May-2009/Doug-Stanton-039s-New-Book-Goes-Big/

I went yesterday and heard the Speaker. He was great, and gave a nice informal talk to the about 10-12 people who showed up. This book is on the cover of the NYT book review. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/17/books/review/Barcott-t.html

The Author talked about the Special Forces. The book tells the story of the first 12 Guys who went into Afghanistan and worked with the Northern Alliance to defeat the Taliban. He adds the term, ‘provisionally’, to the idea they were defeated. He read excerpts about a young Afghan man, and what it meant to them to be liberated from the Taliban’s brutal and primitive rule. He also talked about the approach of Special Forces, who are trained to understand the culture and to work to develop alliances, based on forming relationships with people. He also discussed the fact these are the guys who worked with the Montagnards in Viet Nam.

“They work to understand the complete society, the culture, the economics. It’s not about bullets, it’s looking at the matrix of society and choosing directions based on that,” Stanton says. “War isn’t about blowing things up, it’s about making political change, and this shows how that can be achieved.”

Stanton also wrote In Harms Way, about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=56583730

That was a terrific read too.

Might be a great Father’s Day book. I’d give it to my dad, if he hadn’t passed away last month.

farewell

2009-05-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

I'm mourning the loss of a friend. The Tipperary Inn closed Saturday. A group of us meet on Fridays and have for years. Our crew includes judges, lawyers, teachers, florists, retired people, Republicans, Democrats, Jews, Christians, agnostics, an occasional priest or pastor. We meet, talk and drink a beer. We're all moderate drinkers. This was a place for conversation. We brought our kids. My friends Jeff and Barb's daughter, my god-daughter, Abbie, danced Irish Dance there. Christina, our waitperson, gave me coffee and a mug for a Christmas present this year. We came there right after funerals. When my dad died, I went the next night to accept good wishes. My friend Jeff and I started going there when our friend Calvin was dying. We'd go straight from the hospital. It was a place where you stopped if you saw your friends car there. In a city filled with bars, we're sad to lose it. We're sad for our friends who worked there, who are out looking for jobs now.

Now, we have to find a new place. Jeff and I are scouting out locations. It has to have:
ambiance
good beer selection
parking
full bar
extra points: food,
Last night, Jeff and I made our first investigative trip to Old Monk.

Here's the report: 1. Great Beer Selection. (the Lefe Blond Ale is very good.) 2. Nice outside seating on a flawless day in the 70's. 3. Good Service Parking: marginal, okay on a Monday.

Next on the list, Capitol Pub. We plan to visit Trinity Hall, Capitol Pub. I love the Libertine, but Parking is a drag. We'll give Dubliner a shot as well.

great walk

2009-05-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

Lovely walk at Spring Creek Nature area. It was a flawless afternoon. I walked in the Rain on Saturday on the Dixon Branch, which was running really nicely. I love walking in the rain. It has a very restful feel. Yesterday at Spring Creek, I sat for a while on the bluff, listening to the sound of the water below, being really thankful for the quiet. I sat for a long time, in a patch of shade. As I was walking out, I saw a Western Kingbird sitting on a dead branch. I loved watching its acrobatics, as it fed, on bugs. I love this spot. I sat on this bluff, with wildflowers in bloom all around. Sadly, I ran across a pile of trash, an old shopping cart, clothes, and particle board, sitting in the middle of a small creek. I loaded it all in the shopping cart, and rolled it back to where city crews can get to it and haul it out.

Later, Jill and I went to see State of Play at the Magnolia. This was a fun political thriller. I think I'm beginning to like Russell Crow. The movie had lots of twists and turns and was quite entertaining. A sad look the dying nature of big city newspapers though.

Wilderness in the City

2009-05-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

My Saturdays for the last year or so have been devoted to taking care of my dad, taking him to the grocery store, taking him to coffee, and visiting him when he went into a nursing home. I won't lie, it's been difficult. One of the things I'm enjoying again, is getting to use my Saturdays. I've been really enjoying Nature here.

Henry David Thoreau, once wrote: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…”

Like Thoreau. I crave nature. Being out in nature is where I feel most alive. My fellow lawyer, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas once wrote that “Walking the wilderness is indeed like living.” I’ve enjoyed hiking from the deserts of Big Bend, to the glaciers of Wyoming’s Wind River Range. However, since I live in Dallas, finding wilderness can be a bit of a challenge. It’s at least a 5 hour drive to the nearest National Forest wilderness area (Caney Creek, in Arkansas, a really great hike). For the last few years, I’ve been exploring the more natural areas of Dallas and I’ve discovered that Dallas Nature is actually not an oxymoron.

The Cedar Ridge Preserve sits on top of the white rock escarpment in the southern part of Dallas County. At an elevation of 755 feet, it reminds me of a slice of the Texas hill country. Over ten miles of trails wind through juniper woodlands, crossed by seasonal clear streams. Just last weekend I did a bird walk, described below and a wildflower walk with Jim Varnum. If you've never been there, you need to.

My wife and I took a guided hike at the Audubon’s Society’s Dogwood Canyon. The gentle hills are covered with Ash Juniper which provides the peeling bark necessary to build nests by the endangered golden cheek warbler. We crossed a clear spring fed creek, and at the top of a hill, looked up at a canopy of blooms from the westernmost grove of native dogwoods in the United States. It was stunning.

I recently hiked in Garland’s Spring Creek Forest. Our group walked through a rare bottomland forest of Chinqapin, Burr, and Shumard Oak. We saw the blooms of the Mexican Plum and Coralberry. Our guide said the forest was home to beaver, bobcat, and coyotes. The Creek is home to Black Bass. On the top of a limestone covered hill, we found dozens of the delicate blooms of the Trout Lily, the earliest wildflower to bloom in this area.

A few weeks ago, I took a guided hike at the Trinity River Audubon Center. We walked on a boardwalk across wetlands, where we saw Green Winged Teals, then into the forest where we saw a golden rumped warbler. In the middle of a prairie, we saw an elegantly colored American Kestral. I saw over 20 different types of birds. It was hard to believe that I was a ten minute drive from I-45.

My favorite local spot is the Spring Creek Nature Area in Richardson. I hike there pretty frequently. I prefer to wander off of the paved trail to an old dirt road, which ends on a bluff overlooking crystal clear Spring Creek. Just behind where I perch is the 19th century grave of early settler Jacob Routh, buried on this bluff in 1879. I sit there listening to the sound of the water rushing over limestone, 30 feet below me. I hear cardinals call in the thicket nearby. I sit with my journal, and like contemplatives of all ages, sit in silence, alone with my thoughts and prayer. There may be office buildings less than a mile away, but here, I have no sense of them.

Closer to my house, I walk on the greenbelt along the Dixon Branch in Old Lake Highlands. I see belted kingfishers and wood ducks. I finish the walk, and sit on a limestone boulder, listening to the music of water falling over a 15 foot waterfall. I can feel the stress leaving my body, as I sit there. I suspect people drive by this park all the time, not having any idea there is anything this pretty and tranquil there.

Psychologist Gerald May wrote in his book, the Wisdom of Wilderness that, “Wilderness is not just a place it is also a state of being. If happiness means being happy and sadness means being sad, than wilderness means being wilder.” I’m happy to have discovered that wildness exists all around us here in Dallas, you just have to look for it.

2009-05-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

I went on a hike at Cedar Ridge Preserve to see Painted Buntings.
It is extraordinary that to see this bird here. There were about 15 of us, we hiked down to Cat Tail Pond. We saw about three of them. Once, we saw a male and a female, perched in a Mesquite Tree. We also saw a yellow warbler, a Baltimore Oriole, and ruby throated hummingbirds. I had a great time, hiking through the Fossil Valley trail, then on a wildflower walk with local naturalist Jim Varnum. Man, we don't really have a clue what marvels surround us here in North Texas. Tonight, we celebrate Jill's 50th birthday at St Martins and if we are not too tired, we'll hit Ultraviolet show at DADA. I haven't seen the wonderful Felons in months, so I hope we make it.

old friends

2009-05-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Had lunch with an old friend today. He's a cool guy. We used to have long lunches talking books. He was kind enough to recall that I turned him on to Confederacy of Dunces many moons ago. He has two girls. He's a really talented artist:
Bill Ross Draws

We caught up. It was interesting to think about my days in my 20's. Man, we had a lot of fun. Life is a lot more serious for me now. I don't think I even recognize that carefree funny guy from the 80's. I wouldn't trade places with him though.

Today, FRED GRADUATES from high school. Hallelujah. It's cool. Fred doesn't want to walk the stage, wants to go to Nandina's for Dinner. It'll be cool to pass the rite of passage with him. Tomorrow, we celebrate Jill's 50th Birthday. Gonna try to get to this show and see the fabulous Felons:

Saturday, May 9th is the 3rd annual Ultraviolet Rock Show and Art Auction at Club Dada in Deep Ellum. Funds from the show will be donated to the CF Foundation, where $0.90 of every dollar goes back to finding a cure.

Live music will include: Lovie, El Gato, The O's, The Boom Boom Box, The Happy Bullets, The Monco Poncho, and The Felons.

KERA

2009-04-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

I have a KERA commentary on Friday during morning edition. They air twice, not sure of the times. Usually, between 6:30 and 7.

You can also go to KERA and listen online. They link to the audio on the front page under North Texas news.

Headed out of town this w/end to Go to a conference in Charleston, so I'll miss the big Eastwood show this weekend. I hear they have a Jack's Backyard gig coming up though!

good day at the courthouse

2009-04-22T11:34:00.001-07:00

I just got back from the Courthouse.

My client was a 62 year old Ethiopian father of 4. His first political activity was opposing the Monarchy of Haille Sellasse He opposed the feudalistic system. Later, he was imprisoned for 5 years, for opposing the Marxist Dergue. After the Dergue was overthrown, he was involved in a series of political parties, seeking democratic rule in Ethiopia. He was imprisoned four times for political activism. He was kept in overcrowded, filthy jails, becoming sick from drinking untreated river water, because that’s what was given to them. He was beaten to unconsciousness on one occasion. Each time on his release, he was warned not to continue his pro democracy activities. In 2006, he distributed fliers with the photos of imprisoned party leaders from the CUD, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the Kinegit. He was arrested and taken to jail for this simple act. I asked him,

“Sir, you had been repeatedly warned not to participate, and to stop your political activities, why despite those warnings did you continue?” With tears in his eyes he said,

“For my children. There is a price for liberty. There is a cost for freedom and that’s why I kept doing that.”

Every American should see this. It’s among the most inspiring things I know.

The Judge granted asylum. I knelt in the parking lot of the Federal Courthouse and w/o shame said a prayer of thanksgiving.

This 62 year old man, thanked me, and hugged me. The Trial was by video. That is an odd touch. Judge Owens from Virginia was great, and dictated a very precise ruling. He said, there was not question about granting asylum. The Judge had no questions. The Trial attorney had almost no questions, because he must have been completely persuaded. As I walked out, I thought, how thankful I am to HRI for the opportunity and blessing.

Week end

2009-04-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

First tomorrow at Noon, Bill's Records

Then Eastwood and Elkhart at Club Dada. I love both of these bands.

St. Louis University News

2009-04-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Son Will's column at St. Louis University News

Meanwhile in the Horn of Africa

2009-04-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of Press about Somalia and the Pirates. Just north of there is the little country of Eritrea. Yeah, I'd never heard of it either, before I represented a refugee from their last year. Country is Basically a Prison
My client was a 20 something Christian, placed in an overseas shipping container in the desert with no food or water, for the simple act of reading a Bible. What we take for granted is denied the citizens of this Country. The fact is I could be arrested and imprisoned for my action in reciting scripture at my dad's Memorial service this week. So, when we complain about our government, it's best to take a moment and reflect on all the freedoms we take for granted. When we complain about the economy (which is actually causing lots of hardship, I realize that), we are still among the most fortunate people on the Planet.

watch this and smile

2009-04-14T13:49:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY Watch This

Requiescat in pace Lieutenant Holston

2009-04-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

Dad passed away peacefully yesterday evening. He had been ill for so long, and was deteriorating. He recognized my brother Carter and I until the very end. He had an unfailing good humor about life, and I never heard him complain about pain or ill health.

Services are at 10:00 a.m at Restland's Wildwood chapel

He died on April 9, 2009. He is survived by his son and daughter in law Bill and Jill Holston, their sons Will and Fred; son and daughter in law Carter and Cheri Holston; and their children Chris and Chelsea. His beloved life Flo preceded him in death in 1997. She was the love of his life. He is also survived by three brothers, Tom, Sam, and Bud, and his two sisters, Kate Anderson and Louise Thompson.

Bill grew up in Alabama on a cotton farm during the great depression. At one point, they lived in a literal log cabin, with log smoke house and corn crib, no running water or electricity. He worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Siskyou National Forest in Southern Oregon. He had never been out of the State of Alabama before this. He sent money home for his family. During WWII, Bill proudly served our country as a navigator on a B-24 Liberator in the 13th Air Force, 307th Bombardment Group, the Long Rangers, flying combat missions from the base on the island of Morotai. He received the Air Medal; Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars. He was a member of the Happy Warriors, a group of local military veterans. Bill was very active in the Republican Party of Alabama in the 1960 and 70’s. He worked in business for many years, retiring in the 90’s. After retirement, he assisted his wife Flo in tutoring English as a second language. He loved baseball and football, particularly the Crimson Tide of the University of Alabama, which he attended after WWII.

He was a member what Tom Brokaw called the greatest generation. These were hard men from hard times. He reflected the prejudices and the attributes of his generation. He was tough, hard working, fiercely patriotic, and a devoted father, friend and brother. He died peacefully in his sleep at Rockwall Nursing Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Network Ministries, 741 S. Sherman Street, Richardson, Texas 75081

this week

2009-04-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

working remotely, dad is in hospital, with some heart issues.
Had a great w/end with my friend Jeff in Austin, watching Bruce Springsteen. the highlight for me wea the appearance of the folk song, Hard Times, a beautiful tune, great words.

My heart goes out to all of the people getting laid off these days, especially those at the Dallas Morning News. There are lots of good people, great writers, who have got to be feeling really anxious about the future.

Stephen Foster's original lyrics ring true still.

Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears,
While we all sup sorrow with the poor;
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears;
Oh Hard times come again no more.
Chorus:

Tis the song, the sigh of the weary,
Hard Times, hard times, come again no more
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door;
Oh hard times come again no more.

While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay,
There are frail forms fainting at the door;
Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say
Oh hard times come again no more.
(Chorus)

There's a pale drooping maiden who toils her life away,
With a worn heart whose better days are o'er:
Though her voice would be merry, 'tis sighing all the day,
Oh hard times come again no more.
(Chorus)

Tis a sigh that is wafted across the troubled wave,
Tis a wail that is heard upon the shore
Tis a dirge that is murmured around the lowly grave
Oh hard times come again no more.

Weekend

2009-04-03T05:11:00.001-07:00

We don't have huge plans. Jill and I hope to get over to the Deep Ellum Arts Festival.

Deep Ellum Arts Last time we met photographer Greg Davis. He has wonderful images, really. Our good buddies, The Felons pay Sunday Afternoon at 12:30, but I'll be in Austin to See Bruce Springsteen with my best friend, Jeff. He's a huge Springsteen fan.

Saturday, I'll start the Day at Rockwall Nursing Center. Dad is having a tough time, now on some medications, because he's agitated. I plan on walking after that, as a little nature really clears my head.

Then, after a walk, and nap, the plans are to go to the Angelika and see Adventureland. AdventurelandIt's been getting good reviews.

I'm pleased to have a new commentary on KERA on May 1. I record it next week for Law Day, May 1. I really enjoy doing these.

Books:
currently reading: Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent (Paperback - Mar 11, 2008) Very nice book.

Finally, I had a great time this week, having beers at the tipp with local KERA commentator Rawlins Gilliland and Rod Dreher, a columnist for the Dallas Morning News. They are really funny guys, very intelligent. Honestly, I felt particularly inarticulate with these two. I ran into Zac Crain, from D Magazine, who was having beers with other D Magazine writers.

AFI

2009-03-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

Jill and I went to the AFI festival yesterday at the Magnolia. We saw the student shorts and the Documentary shorts.

Student Shorts:
The real standout was:
The Early Nineties
"Utilizing video and drawings, Andrew Mailliard explores three defining moments in his childhood and his relationship with his mother." This was quite funny and creative, and moving really. I loved the interplay between drawings and the low tech costumes, where the filmaker plays his mother. the audience really laughed hard at this one.

I also really liked:

Lucy: A Period Piece, Julie Sagalowsky, (USA, 2008, 13 mins, about a teeage girl, who hasn't quite reached puberty. It was a very funny and honest film. the Director, a student at USC was there.

Also showing were: Communion, a film about a couple on the way to get married, a bit surreal really; HUG, about a musician off his meds; Love, Sadie, a particularly sad short about a teenage girl and Sleet Snow, a short road trip between two friends.

Later we saw the Documentary Shorts:

Smokey
Directed By North Texas film student, Scott Thurman
about a Elvis impersonator from Stinnett, Texas. Smokey was in attendance and performed. It was interesting to watch his usual life, as a laborer and his fantasy life as a performer. While he's not a great impersonator, he plays small shows and the audiences really seem to be entertained. Denton's Mom (now Sleep Whale) did the music.

I really liked, Team Taliban
Directed By: Benjamin Kegan, about a middle eastern heritage pro wrestler, who plays the bad gut stereotype of a terrorist in his act, and struggles whether he betrays his heritage and faith.

My favorite film was

Tipping Point
Directed By: Javier Solis, which explores the rural myth of cow tipping, people who try to knock cows over at night. Very very funny, actually. Wait until you see the Peta Rep, and the Baylor

The Poetry of Exactitude, Dallas' Alan Govenar creates this film about
Lucien Mouchet, an 85 year old Frenchman, who has created miniature versions of carousels and fairground scenes. This was a lush film, with gorgeous color.

China's Wild West
Directed By: Urszula Pontikos, about jade mining by the Chinese Uigers, the Muslim minority group. Not as interesting as it sounds, lots of footage of guys hitting rocks in a bleak surrounding.

One of the better productions was One Cup of Coffee
Directed By: Sarah Smith, about Bob Marley's son, who has started a sustainable coffee farm in Jamaica based on Rastaffarian principals of organic farming and fair wages for workers. Beautiful and inspiring. Great soundtrack of Stir it Up!

Sister Wife, by Jill Orschel, an astonishingly honest monologue by a Mormon polygomous wife. I found this hard to believe that she would be this honest, quite unique.

Push Button House
Directed By: Ryan Silbert, a portrait of Adam Kalkin's creation of a shipping container that turns into a modern house with the push of a button.

What a treat this all was. We completely had a great time. Tonight we go see Upstream Battle, about salmon fishing and a struggle of Native Americans against the hydroelectric dams that threaten them.

Saturday

2009-03-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Great fun yesterday. Went for a nice walk in Lochwood, home to install an external hard drive for Fred's photos, and then out to Dinner at Nandina's. Love their basil chicken wraps in rice paper. Washed down with Kendall Jackson Chardonnay, big mood booster. Then for our first trip to Its a Grind. What a fun place.
http://www.itsagrind.com/location/?c=207
Mr. Clay Pendergrass was spinning some cool mashups. We sat and talked to Cindy Chafin, saw co-owner Serena Connely, who are two really great women in our city.
http://tinyurl.com/cdywpr
Serena was instrumental in funding the founding of Human Rights Initiative in Dallas, where I get the Asylum Cases.
http://www.hrionline.org

Both Cindy and Serena, each in their own way, are making our city and world a better place. This was our first visit to its a grind, but it won't be our last, really fun place. Jill and I sat and played scrabble. While there I saw a flier for Space Gallery's show on Justin Clemons Photographs.

http://www.justinclemons.com/
Justin's photos show these lovely kids, smiling, and joyful in the transformed orphanages there. Lovely colors, wonderful images. We had a nice chat with Jeffrey Liles too. http://finelinelive.com/2008/04/04/history-of-dallas-music-written-by-jeff-liles/
What marvelous images from the orphanages of Liberia. We had a wonderful conversation with Rebecca Pratt about the journey G-d brought her on to working with orphans in Africa. She is an amazing lady. I love meeting people like that. I leave more resolved to live life in a way that makes a difference in this world. These are people who are building the Kingdom of God, as Yeshua once said, the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, small, but watch it grow.
http://rebeccaprattafricaventures.blogspot.com/

Best of Texas indeed

2009-03-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

Best of Texas
The title says it all, Amanda Newman’s newest project is with Best of Texas Blog. http://blog.bestoftexas.com/
What a great site featuring lots of cool stuff about our great state. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Texas? Well, I do, from Big Bend to the Palo Duro Canyon, from the Frio River to the River walk of San Antonio. From Butch Hancock to the Kitchen Dog Theatre. From Matt's Chile Rilleno to Little Asia in Garland.

BOT had their first fundraiser at Jack’s Backyard. What a fun place. It’s over off of Commerce, just across the bridge and right next to a trailer park, appropriately enough. Jill and I will be back, great vibe.

Good Buddies Eastwood played. These guys are just great, with their usual wonderful harmonies. I love the addition of JD on keys and harp. I love the material from Everything’s Personal.

You know, I’m not a big fan of covers, but I also love your cover of the Bands Night They Drove Old Dixie down, especially with Amanda up on stage.

I think the New York Crew got a good look at one of the cool spots in our city. This was Best of Texas event, This was a fundraiser for the Bridge. It was a great night, lots of good free food, three dollar margaritas and good music. Lots of donations for money and goods for the Homeless.

Amanda was surprised with the What Not to Wear folks from TLC. Well, Jill and I are the last 2 people in Dallas w/o Cable, so we didn't know the show, but it gives Amanda a 5000 shopping spree in nyc. Her immediate reaction, true to form, was I feel bad in this economy, spending that on myself. What a class act, however she dresses.
Amanda is a truly amazing lady. I hope she has a blast in NY, she deserves a treat.

Wonderful Sunday

2009-03-23T04:59:00.000-07:00

Got up at the usual time, started the day on the deck and watched the sun come up, and the doves calling to each other in the Pecan. Butch the Schnauzer and I took a walk along the Dixon Branch. It was a nice cool morning.

Then I headed down to the Trinity Forest for a guided hike on the Buckeye Trail. The trail starts where Bexar dead ends into the Trinity Levee. There were about 30-40 people there. it was a nice diverse group of people. There were lots of kids, some single adults, There were several families, with teenagers, and some older folks as well. Some were carrying small kids in backpacks. The weather was splendid. Jim Flood met us in the parking lot and then split us into two groups.

The trail climbs over the levee and then becomes a paved trail for a few hundred yards. I normally prefer dirt trails, but trail is ADA compliant and intended to increase accessibility. The paved trail winds all the way down to the Trinity River and a nice scenic overlook. The Buckeye Trail is dirt. It's a really well marked trail, very easy to follow with a number of maps on signage. Our guide was a master naturalist and very knowledgeable. She pointed out the various trees, including bois d'arcs, which mark old fence lines with remnant barbed wire from the days that the bottomland was pasture for dairy cattle. We also saw lovely old pecans, cottonwoods, cedar elms, and Burr Oaks. She also pointed out what she referred to as the unsung heroes of the forest, Fungii! I resisted the urge to say, "hey, I'm a fun guy."

This is all second growth forest. We saw tons of Virginia Creeper and coralberry. We also saw tons of small butterflies, which our guide identified as Checkerspots. We saw a couple Monarch butterflies close to the River. I heard but didn't see lots of Cardinals calling, as well as woodpeckers.

The trail meandered through really lovely woods, which were green with the winter rye grass. Eventually the trail wandered through groves of the Buckeyes, many still in bloom. The Buckeye is an understory tree. It grows underneath the canopy, and reaches a height of maybe 20 feet. The blooms are really intricate and lovely. The woods were filled with the blooms. The trail is really well constructed. Volunteers have done a terrific job of clearing underbrush, and I saw very little trash.I picked up a few old bottles and cans, but they were old and probably deposited by flood. The dirt trail ends back at the paved trail, which can be followed down to the Trinity. The river is pretty there, and was moving fast. An old train Trestle is visible upstream.

I walked back to the car and was eating a granola bar, and drinking some water, but who should walk up but Rawlins Gilliland. What a great guy. He had been in the other group. We had a terrific chat, about his time as Poet in Residence in Alabama. This led to an interesting conversation about Race, about the Deep South, and Texas.

This place is a real treasure. Pictures of the lovely blooms are at:
http://www.texasbuckeyetrail.org/

THANKS TO UNFAIR PARK FOR PROMOTING THIS HIKE.

I worry too much....

2009-03-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Not much going on. I've missed all sorts of good music recently, just haven't gone out much. For those in SXSW land, (like fred) my good buddies Telegraph Canyon are playing today and tomorrow. I really hope tis a big year for them. They really are one of the best bands around.

Kettle has a fun opening tomorrow, Birds Vs. Skulls. We'll try to get by. We're planning on seeing the newly opening Sunshine Cleaners, which looks great.

Am I the only one in a pretty constant bad mood? I was journalling this morning and reflected on that. In part it is the constant barrage of bad economic news. Everyone I know feels uneasy. I have friends laid off; friends facing lay offs; friends with an entire industry collapsing (journalists). In addition I spend every Saturday morning visiting my dad at the nursing home. I mean, it is completely depressing. He is in a dementia unit, and was moved to an even more secure wing, because he 'escaped' out of the window. My brother and I find it a bit amusing, in a 'laugh so you won't cry' sort of way. But basically it just is a downer.

I think basically, lots of us are worried. Worried about the economy, worried about our own jobs; worried about our country's future.

I find comfort in Yeshua's words:

Do Not Worry
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I find equal comfort in the words of Buddy Miller:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUrLQxQ-7ZM

KERA commentary

2009-03-11T04:42:00.000-07:00

http://tinyurl.com/atwf7l

dedicated to my friend Calvin Fenton

Calvin Fenton
Aug 15, 1951 - Sep 20, 2001
WEATHERFORD -- Calvin Fenton, 50, a teacher and attorney, died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2001 at a Dallas hospital.

Graveside service: 2:30 Sunday, Sept. 23. Memorial service: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Northridge Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Burial: Annetta Cemetery, Annetta. Visitation: was 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Benbrook Funeral Home.

Memorials: American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Born Aug. 15, 1951 in Corsicana to Edward and Clara Fenton, Calvin was a graduate of U.N.T., the S.M.U. School of Law, and U.T.A. He practiced law in Dallas for many years and has taught honors economics and social studies at Mineral Wells High School the past six years. He was a member of Northridge Presbyterian Church and a lover of music and camping. Calvin was a loving and adoring father, a great brother and a friend to many.

Survivors: Mother, Clara Davison of Fort Worth; daughter, Ann Marie Fenton of Dallas; brothers, Bill Gene Fenton and R.E. Fenton of Fort Worth, James Robert Fenton of Willow Park; sisters, Marilyn Garrett and Sharon Knowles, both of Fort Worth; the mother of his child, Marisu Fenton of Dallas; along with a host of friends.

Why I love Dallas

2009-03-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

Tim Rogers at Frontburner just asked, why do you love Dallas. Here's my response:

I can give you a big list:

1. Accessible Arts/ Art Conspiracy is a grass roots organization, raised 20k for Charity, with live bands and art auction. The arts scene has nurtured my 17 year old son’s music/photograpy, thanks to people like Sarah Jane Semrad, Allison V. Smith, Hal Samples and many others. Chelsea Callahan at the Doublewide for instance is a force of nature for local music. Frank Campagna’s gallery Kettle, is a great little gallery as is Barry Whistler. La Reunion, is something that is just getting off the ground, but you can’t believe what a cool place it already is.

2. More nature than people give us credit for: New Trinity River Audobon is a wonderful center, state of the art place, great place to see wildlife. Cedar Ridge nature Preserve is an underappreciated wonderful place.

3. Live music. You can hear ORIGINAL live music here. The HOB had a North Texas Showcase Saturday featuring Doug Burr (a regional treasure!), Telegraph Canyon, Dove Hunter, Cut*Off, great stuff

4. Live Theatre, went to Kitchen Dog to see the wonderful Tina Parker and Sean Hennigan in the SW premier of Psychos Never Dream, another thought provoking and edgy play

5. Human Rights Initiative. One of the best Political and Religious Asylum Agencies in the U.S. is right here in Dallas. http://www.hrionline.org/go/news/2008-arthur-c-helton-human-rights-award this agency does not get anywhere near the local recognition it deserves. I could go on and ON about what they achieve here. Actually, you guys aught to feature them anyway.

6. Film/ Angelika, Magnolia, INWOOD, AFI, need I say more? I've been watching foreign and indy films at the Inwood for over 20 years. Great Art Deco theatre!

7. Oak Cliff/

8. Great Community Colleges. I worked my way through Richland and UTD, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what a jewel those schools were. Now my 17 year old graduates from High School with an Associates Degree from Richland Collegiate High School.

Also, listen up. I have a KERA commentary airing in the morning. It usually runs at 6:35 and about 8:40.

bill

tonight

2009-03-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

the boys from Eastwood pay Lakewood Bar and Grill with their good buds, Macon Greyson. Eastwood has been getting much deserved attention from their latest CD. http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2008/dec/31/album-review-eastwood-everythings-personal/
Everything's Personal. Indeed, it's an excellent cd, very well crafted songs. Plus, I love watching these guys live. In addition Macon Greyson has a song featured on the excellent film, the Wrestler.

This will be a fun show. Plus, Dave is going to buy me a Shiner I'm sure...

The Shawl

2009-03-03T12:58:00.001-08:00

http://www.kera.org/podcast/trackbytrack/?p=episode&name=2009-02-26_090302_burr.mp3
The ever great Paul Slavens conducted this interview of Doug about the making of the Shawl. Its a wonderful cd of course and the interview is terrific. Good for KERA for featuring a local artist. Good for Paul doing such a great job at the interview.

By the Way, the bill at the House of Blues this weekend is stellar, with Cut*Off, Dove Hunter, Doug Burr and Telegraph Canyon. Jill and I have theater tickets for Kitchen Dog's production of
PSYCHOS NEVER DREAM by Denis Johnson Directed by: David Kennedy
Featuring: KDT Co-Artistic Director Tina Parker, Sean hennigan, Lisa Lee Schmidt, & Project X Founding Producer Raphael Parry
Co-Production with: Project X
SOUTHWEST PREMIERE

Dennis Johnson wrote the book Jesus' Son

some city photos

2009-03-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

Jacob Routh's Grave at Spring Creek, some Taggers in Dixon Branch, the Falls at Dixon Branch and the Pond at Dixon Branch

A Walk in the Woods.

2009-03-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning was windy but nice. I got up and visited Dad in the Nursing home. I’m beginning to get to know some of the other people there. There’s Senor Gomez, who doesn’t speak English, he seems to really appreciate the fact I speak to him in my modest Spanish. There’s Joyce, the relatively elegant lady, who grew up in Liberty Grove and talks about riding her horse down to the river, when she was a little girl. She tells me she loved horses and rode them more than her brothers. There’s the aide, from India, a Sikh. I ask about her daughter, who is about Fred’s age. She says she is returning to India for an arranged marriage, but that she won’t force this as her parents did. “They didn’t ask me, I had to marry who they wished. No one asked if I loved him.” I suppose one reason I’m there, to be a bit of a bright spot for the other people as well. Dad was a pretty agitated state and kept talking about leaving through the window and taking the railroad tracks to Plano. I always leave feeling sad. It’s just depressing really. There are seldom any other visitors, and it appears at least that some of these people really never see anyone else. I know the security code on the door, so I let myself out, happy to be able to leave. In the car, I listened to Doug Burr’s Psalms on the way home, happy about how I was going to spend the afternoon.

I headed to the Spring Creek Forest. http://www.springcreekforest.org/

I’ve been exploring this area for many years. But now it’s surrounded by development. The area is owned by Dallas County, but managed by the City of Garland. I decided I was going to do more natural events in the area, so this Saturday I went on the annual Trout Lily Walk. The walk was led by Tom Frey. There were about 20 hardy souls, braving the winds for this lovely walk through a bottom land forest. Tom told us that the trees there had never been cut and that some might be as old as 200 years. There are Chinqapin, Burr, and Shumard Oaks, as well as Junipers, Sycamores and Cottonwoods. He said the forest was home to beaver, bobcat, coyote, skunks, opossums, armadillos and squirrels. Last year, a neighboring construction worker sighted a mountain lion.

The trail starts as a paved trail, under a lovely canopy. We made our way off of the trail and found a large patch of Trout Lilies. The plant is lovely. It’s large green leaves, are spotted similarly to the sides of a rainbow trout, which is perhaps the source of the name. The plant takes about 7 months to bloom and has a lovely flower. We made our way off of the trail and stopped to examine the flowers. It was the only think blooming, and is the earliest bloomer of the area. We continued walking. Also in blossom was the Mexican Plum tree, which Jim said, early pioneers used to use the fruit to jelly. The paved trail ends on the banks of Spring Creek. Jim said that Spring Creek was a very clean creek, and was full of fish, including Black Bass and Croppie. There were also red eared turtles and water snakes. Just beyond the end of the paved trail, a dirt trails starts. It immediately goes under a downed oak tree. The curve in the trunk creates a handsome entrance way. Jim said, he could not tell what type of oak it was. He said it looked like a Water Oak, but that the agricultural extension said, it couldn’t be, because Water Oaks don’t grew here. He concluded it must be a hybrid. I’m no scientist, but I thought hybrids used electricity..

The trail makes its way up the side of a small hill. At the top, the soil is thin, and rocky, with much more cedar juniper. At the very top of the hill, there is a remnant prairie, with bluestem grass. We walked through the cedar canopy, and wound our way back to the beginning of the trail. It was lovely. I realize how life giving these walks are. I love learning about nature. I love being out, and seeing how much there is to see and learn. I also love seeing these refection of
G-d’s creativity.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Legend.

2009-02-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

Many years ago, a pastor I knew said about friendship that there all sorts of friends in life, but you are fortunate to have intimate friends, ones you can tell anything, and experience life together. I met three such friends when I was still in College, Mike (a/k/a abbie after the very infamous Abbie Hoffman, now in Denver); Jim (the kid, now in Portland) and Scott (still here in Dallas). We have had many adventures together. Hiked through brambles hiding from Rangers, to skinny dip in the Rio Grande, going to a bar to hire a guide in Mx. to hike into the Sierra del Carmen and then once meeting in Dallas, driving to Mississippi to visit prisoners in a maximum security prison, finishing and driving straight to Bourbon Street to eat ettoufe and drink beer. We've been through marriages, divorces, new jobs, lay offs kids, dying parents, the whole enchilada. I wouldn't take a million bucks for these guys. They are friends that I pick up with right where I left off. These are the guys that make me laugh, even when life is going hard. Sadly, I missed hiking with them last week, because of work obligations. Yeah, it's hell being a grown up. Here is my buddy Mike's report of that trip. It is with much affection para los cuatros amigos that I post this.
Oh, the photo is of me, when I was in my 20's. We're on the way to ascend Cathedral Peak, right outside of Alpine. That's Abbie in the middle, and me, looking younger, with no whiskers.

On friday went back up part of dodson trail to pick up another MUCH LESS travelled trail (blue creek?) and after about 2 miles went cross country to Fresno creek itself, where we basically hiked along the creekbed east. We had planned to meet up with Elephant Tusk trail but after Jim saying several times "ok, don't know if we'll make it before dark, but I think we can", obviously still not knowing what was ahead of us; we did turn back. At one point I did quote the infamous Jill Holston and said "Jim, it really doesn't matter what any of us wants, we all know we're gonna do whatever you want anyways" to which he gave the equally infamous grin of his. Total trip about 13 miles, as to wildlife obviously no people, but we did see a frog or two (which I did photograph and not eat)

On sat we hiked out again, got in the car (ticket #2) went to panther junction changed camping spot to Grape Hills campground ? car camp site near panther junction; then drove out to end of Grape Hills road and hiked about 1 mile to "balanced rock" or something similar. On Sunday morn we drove to Cattail falls (?) and hiked a couple of more miles (and finally saw a bunch of people - all very retired, on the same trail, we also saw volunteer rangers, so I wonder if there wasn't a talk at the falls after we left). Then ticket #3

My college roommate [of many years ago] and I decided to go backpacking in Big Bend National Park in SW Texas. To get there, I flew into Midland and rented a car. The car they gave me was a red Dodge Avenger, with satellite radio, in my mind a terrible combination. As such I used cruise control a lot on the trip.

In Texas, I saw three policemen with radar
In Texas, I was stopped by three policemen with radar
And in Texas, I received three WARNING tickets!!

For the first and third ticket, I was on cruise control at 5mph of the limit. The second, we had just completed a three day desert backpack trip and I was not paying attention and was going 60 in a 45mph. But the officer showed compassion on a desert rat.

part 2: Leaving the park on Sunday, prior to my third ticket, my friend and I were driving about 80mph (cruise control, 5mph over limit) and eating standard backpacking fare, peanut butter and jelly on tortillas. We had each eaten one and he had the last on the console between us. In front of the console were the automatic stick shift and then a small cubby hole in the dash. The music was blaring and all of a sudden, I saw about 6 or 7 javelinas crossing the highway. I slammed on the brakes and the tortilla flew over the stick shift and into the cubby, peanut butter side up!

love,
abbie

rest

2009-02-27T05:16:00.000-08:00

Well, it took a 24 hour stomach virus to get me to stay home from work. I stayed home yesterday. I stayed on the couch most of the day, then went outside. We hadn't turned on the air condition yet, so it was actually more comfortable sitting in the shade. I napped and read, while drinking some gatorade for electrolytes. (gatorade tastes better than I remember from my old football days, yeah I played football, as unlikely as that seems. It's mandatory in Alabama, like being a Baptist..)I sat and read the book I gave Jill for Christmas, An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action for the Twenty-First Century by James Orbinski (Hardcover - Sep 30, 2008)It's a fine book, by a doctor who started Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in Canada. It's an inspiring book.

About 4, I was sitting, watching house finches and chickadees feed. I heard a load bang as one of the chickadees flew into one of the windows. I walked over and saw the bird in the corner of the porch. It wasn't dead, just laying there. I tried to gently move it away from the wall, but it just sat there. I gently picked it up, and it sat in my palm. I moved it over to the bench, and sat it there. I had never held a live wild bird before. It's a very pretty small bird, simple stark black and white coloring. I watched it inches away blink it's small eyes. Fred came home from Richland and we sat and had a great conversation. He's excited for SXSW, gonna sit in on sitar with a Minn band, playing a showcase with the black angels, which is cool. He talked about doing service hours with a local non profit working with developmentally challenged people. It was nice to see his enthusiasm for serving others. It gave me some hope that those values have stuck with him. We sat on the porch and talked for about 10 minutes, then the chickadee took off, flying away. It was cool to see that.

This weekend, I plan on resting. Too bad, as there is cool music on the calender. Tonight, the amazing Eastwood plays with the equally fun Jason Bales at local favorite Opening Bell (Mosaic location. I don't think I can take the late night though. You should ck out Eastwood, their new cd is excellent, and has received some really nice attention.
http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2008/dec/31/album-review-eastwood-everythings-personal/
Big Blue Sky is the perfect road trip song. I can see Big Bend in the windshield when I listen to it.

Tomorrow, Jill and I are planning on doing two things, The Spring Creek Forest has a annual trout lily walk. http://www.springcreekforest.org/calendar_2009.htm
I'll report on that later. This is a wonderful spot, full of very old trees in a rare regional forest, preserved from development by some extraordinary locals.

Then at 4, we're going to a fundraiser put on by fellow KERA commentator Rawlins Gilliland, for his former elementary school, Bonham Elementary. It'll be an fun day.

Salim is playing with my favorites Cut Off and the Slack at Lakewood Bar and Grill. I don't think I'll make that either, maybe if I'm feeling better by then.

wonderful day

2009-02-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

It was a huge treat to see people at church this morning. Cari, Dave Heidel and his wonderful wife Maria (kudos for making first service!), Josh, Amanda and Brian. Thank you for supporting Doug and me.I loved sharing Doug Burr with our church. He led our music, with a collection of old hymns, It is Well with my Soul, Holy Holy Holy, and others, beautiful and spare with only guitar as an accompaniment. He played two songs from The Shawl, the first, from I am Weary with My Sighing, and the 8th cut Which We have Heard and Known. Clearly, people were moved by the beauty of the lyrics as well as Doug's superb rendition of the songs. I was so proud to be a part of this. My friend Jimmie showed a piece she titled CC, inspired by a Psalm 27:13 and the events surrounding her father's death; My friend Doug shared a beautiful photo, inspired by the accrostic poem Psalm 119, and my friend Becky shared a very lovely and personal modern day Psalm she had written.

I taught from Psalm 19, a beautiful poem with lots of parallelism as a poetic device. I had a lovely morning, and it was special to share it with so many very good friends. I loved having my deep ellum and church lives collide for one day.

then home for a walk. the pond on Lockwood was filled with wood ducks, I could hear cardinals singing, a great afternoon.

Last night at the modern was amazing of course. I love Telegraph Canyon, and they did not disappoint. Dougs' Shawl songs were mesmerizing.

Weekend Plans

2009-02-13T05:13:00.000-08:00

Big Weekend. Jill and I have Valentines plans in Fort Worth, going to see Telegraph Canyon and Doug Burr at the Modern in Fort Worth. I love Telegraph Canyon. Chris Johnson is a wonderful songwriter, writing haunting, thoughtful lyrics. I particularly love the song Low.

"If you're not with me that surely you're against me in this life. The most dangerous of thinking will keep us from ever gettin it right. I cut you once, I'll cut you twice. There's never a right hand to the knife."

"you got rockets and grenades and landmines too. And these are for your children and these are for you."

Good writing. Then Doug Burr will sing from the Shawl, his collection from the Psalms.

Doug is performing two songs from this album at our church Sunday. Fellowship Bible Church is one block west of Coit on Arapaho. The services are at 9 and 10:45. Should be a fun time as we explore the Psalms.

Sunday Afternoon, our friend Nate Carter will perform with the Carter Jackson Trio at Times Ten Cellars.

Terrific Weekend

2009-02-09T05:47:00.001-08:00

First off, was a nice walk on the Dixon Branch on Saturday, then to the nursing home. I brought my cell phone and dad called all of his siblings. He enjoyed that.

Then home to work on the Sermon on the Psalms. for this coming Sunday. This is going to be cool.

First, Doug Burr will not only sing a selection from the Shawl, he's going to lead the music that morning, which will be cool. In addition, we will be illustrating the Psalms in a creative way, a friend has done a painting inspired by the Psalms, another friend has written her own Psalm and another talented photographer will display a photo inspired by the Psalms.

Then Jill and I went down to La Reunion's annual tree carving, for tree removal. People transform unwanted trees as art, which will naturally deteriorate over time. What an extraordinary place. I told Jill as I walked back to the car, this is why I love doing stuff like this, it puts the lie to all of the stereotypes people have about Dallas. The place was packed with people.

Eric Glissman's piece was absolutely outstanding. He had carved this hackberry, with part of the trunk into chain links. Totally impressive!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/forreal/
Tanya's photos.

Way to go Sarah Jane, I can't tell you how proud I am of all of this.

Then Jill and I went to Mockingbird Station for a cold beer at Margarita Ranch (Their appetizer sampler is quite good), then to Angelika to see Grand Torino. What a good film. I loved this grizzled, grumpy old man, that his kids have given up on ever being pleasant. But somehow he winds up getting involved and close to the Hmong family next door. I won't give anything away, but I'll just say, that I found the story much more redemptive than the Wrestler, which I also really liked. Two films with older actors playing roles connected with life choices at the end of life. They make choices which are both pretty instructive.

I highly recommend this film.

Its a Grind

2009-02-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

I have to promote some of my heroes. As you may know, I do pro bono work representing political and religious refugees to our Country. No, it doesn't make me a good person, it's a privilege to do this work and meet these brave people. I assure you I get more out of it than I give.

I do this through a great local non profit, Human Rights Initiative. http://www.hrionnline.org

The Executive Director of HRI is Cannon Flowers. Cannon and some associates started a new coffee house in Deep Ellum, called, Its a Grind. It's right next to the new Green Line Deep Ellum Station. It's a cool coffee house, already featuring local artists (shout out to Cindy Chafin) http://lifeoutsidethebubble.com/

Now, the truly remarkable thing is the business model. Their plan is to provide employment opportunities to refugee clients, teach them skills, and to provide a living wage as well as health insurance. So, great food, coffee, supporting entrepreneurial business, local artists, and providing humane employment policies. Could there be a better win win win win?

Come on out:
Dallas -
2901 Indiana Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 954-7109

Read more about Demeter Project here:

http://demeterproject.com/ourteam.html

Very Nice Gary Cogill Interview here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXL0VTWBl3I&eurl=http://lifeoutsidethebubble.com/&feature=player_embedded

Memorial services

2009-01-21T06:53:00.001-08:00

Truth

Once I saw a t-shirt that said, ‘Live so the Preacher won’t have to lie at your funeral.” Recently, I’ve thought a lot about that and funerals in general. Yeah, I’m a fun guy in that way. I suppose it’s because I’ve experienced my fair share of death.

I guess it all started with my friend Alan, who I took to the hospital one Fourth of July. He had been ill and called me to say he was not feeling good. I had just put the chicken on the grill. I didn’t want to, but asked if he needed a ride to the hospital. He said yes, and I said, ‘no problem.’ I hung up and cursed, I’m ashamed to admit. I drove over and picked him up and drove him to the hospital, talking on the way. I signed him in, and he went back with the nurses. Two hours later, they came and told me he was dead. I was the last person he knew on earth, that he talked to. I remember that reluctance now, when someone I know calls and is in the hospital. I’m happy to take them. We had his memorial service in a friend’s dining room. Despite the tragedy, we managed to remember quite a few funny stories, to provide some context to the tragedy. In 1997, my mom died of Ovarian Cancer. I was there when she died, and it wasn’t pretty. To be honest, I was pretty affected by that for several months. We weren't terribly close, but it was just a terrible thing to watch. She had a pretty conventional funeral. It was nice, but it lacked the personal touch of Alan's more intimate gathering.

Her death was followed by my really close friend Calvin who died of Pancreatic Cancer in September 2001.My friend was 50 when he died. His daughter turned 13 while he was in the hospital. I heard about the twin towers, driving into my office late, after visiting him in ICU. His was the first funeral I conducted. We sat up some speakers in the little country cemetery. He was a school teacher and his friends, family, co-workers, ex wife and daughter were all there, sharing stories about his life. We all cried. I read a Psalm and led us in prayer. My favorite part was when his brother said, "I'd like to share a song." He put on a cd, and Spirit in the Sky started playing. We all cracked up. I was struck by the fact that the guys who were going to fill in the grave, were sitting on the backhoe smoking cigarettes during the service. I actually liked that sight. It seemed very real and honest to me.

About two months ago, my father in law asked me if I’d conduct his memorial service. I was honored to be asked and agreed to do so. He died on New Years day. I wanted his service to be honest. He had a very strained relationship with his kids. In fact he’d been estranged from my brother in law for over ten years. Thankfully, because of a renewed religious faith in his life, he found the courage to make amends and reconcile with his son. They had enjoyed a particularly close relationship over the last four years. He died peacefully at home with all three of his children there. He died with the wonderful gift of knowing that his children loved him and were willing to fly and drive across the country to be there when he died. I considered whether to go into all of that at a memorial service. Ultimately I decided that being truthful about this presented a rare opportunity to tell people that it was never too late to change, that severed relations could be mended and that it was possible to end life really well. So, in a rural church in Kansas, my brother in law and I both spoke in his memory. We celebrated his life and told the over 200 people there the story of their reconciliation. It was a very moving end to a pretty remarkable life story.

When I die, I hope someone does that for me. I hope they tell the truth. I hope they remind people that I was an impatient person, had terrible handwriting, and could be moody, along with more attractive characteristics. It's why we like movies with fully developed characters. Real life is like that too, we are the sum of our parts, not all good or bad, a mixed bag. Until my memorial service I hope I have the character to live a life that they’ll be proud to talk about honestly. I just hope it takes a while.

Mark Your Calendar

2009-01-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know I preach at my church on occasion. You may also know of my affection for both the Psalms and Doug Burr's music. The Shawl album inspired me to do a sermon on the theme of the Psalms, and asked Doug Burr to participate, which I am thrilled to say, he agreed to do. We'll have a creative service, reflecting various artistic expressions of the Psalms, in writing, music, and art. The sermon part will probably be the shortest part!

Sunday, February 15

the Church is Fellowship Bible Arapaho, services at 9 and 10:30.
http://fbcarapaho.com/

It'd be great to see anyone who wants to be there. It should be fun.

The Story

2009-01-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

http://thestory.org/

I was on my way home from my men's group last night, and heard this show. Dr. Cleveland Sellers was a SC civil rights activist, who was thrown in prison and convicted of a felony, because of his participation in a civil rights protest. He was a local SNVCC coordinator. He spoke with tears about what it meant for President elect Obama to be inaugurated. It was quite moving and worth a listen. Later Paul Stookey talked about singing If I Had a Hammer at the March on Washington.

Whatever your politics, you have to take a moment and reflect on what it means for an African American to become president.

I recall segregation really well. I grew up in Mobile, Al. I went to segregated schools and Churches. I recall the sight of lunch counters taken out of drug stores, rather than integrate. I am ashamed to say, I used racial epithets as a boy. Ashamed.

Now, we watch history unfold. People say, only in America. This is something to be really proud of, that that my son, Will voted for a black man in his very first presidential vote. Amazing.