You never know when inspiration might strike

The other night as I was getting ready for bed, I found myself listening to rain drops slapping a gutter.

It was a distinct sound that cut through the urban noise clutter...and before I knew it this wonderful tale started spooling out in my imagination. Such moments are magical and I hope to turn it into a short story or novella soon.

I share this because it's a reminder that you never know when inspiration might strike: in the shower, on your daily commute, while walking the dog or watching your children sleep.

Whatever it might be - a string of musical notes, some song lyrics, a poem or a scene from a future book - find a way to remember it and respond. It's your creative side at work and the more you nurture it the more it will give you.

And, speaking from experience, there's something intangibly enriching about listening to those prompts.

So give those surprises room to blossom. You'll be amazed at what can happen.

Those farm boys go Gangnam Style

The Peterson brothers, whose video spoof of "I'm Sexy and I Know It" went viral earlier this year, have come out with a new music video.

This one is take-off of Gangnam Style. Enjoy.....

A dusty day in the Great Plains

Strong winds and dry conditions have created blinding dust storms in Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma today.

I-35 just south of the Kansas border has been shut down after a multi-vehicle pile-up. I'm hearing there are injuries and perhaps even a death.

Cognizant of the wind threat today, and recognizing the wind would be worse this afternoon and evening, I returned to Wichita from the farm this morning. Fields were already blowing by 9 a.m., but highways weren't obscured for more than a second at worst.

Things had deteriorated significantly by the time my brother was driving back late this afternoon. He said the dust had dropped visibility to zero several times on his drive home, and he still had another 60 miles to go.

Days like today offer hints of life during the Dust Bowl, and always remind me of this classic song:

Floating, indeed

I had never heard this piece of music before a friend shared it with me. I found it captivating and aptly named......and I'll be looking for more of Dave Eggar's music.....

And now, an unforgettable piano riff......

Had a rough day? Rough month? Listen to this

The PGA's version of a boy band

They call themselves the Golf Boys. It's a pretty entertaining video.



Oh, by the way --- one of these guys just won the Master's tournament. Without ever taking a golf lesson.

A hint? It's the bare-chested guy in the overalls.

Another moment of musical magic from Britain's Got Talent

In case you've missed it, here's an appearance on Britain's Got Talent that surpassed all early expectations. Prepare to be blown away.

Sleep well, Whitney.......

For many who came of age in the '80s and early '90s, Whitney Houston was the quintessential pop star. Her voice ranks among the most beautiful, the most powerful, of any singer in any era.

When your rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner lifts that venerable song into the Top 10, you're in rarefied air.





I didn't see Whitney sing the national anthem before the game. I was assisting with retreat weekend that wrapped up on Super Bowl Sunday, and I didn't get to a friend's party 'til after the game started...and I slept through most of that.

The next day people weren't just talking about the amazing ending....they were talking about the national anthem. How odd, I thought.

When I finally heard it a few years later, I could understand why it was so moving. To this day, it's the most powerful version I've ever heard.

My favorite Whitney song has to be "I Will Always Love You," though. In much the same way great movies can draw you in no matter how many times you've seen them, I find myself listening to that song all the way through no matter where or when I hear it.





Call me a sucker for love...or romance....or devotion.......but Whitney took Dolly Parton's chart-climbing country song and redefined it. Took it to places Dolly didn't approach - maybe didn't even imagine.

That's a rare gift.

And now that gift has been taken from us all too soon.

Rest well, Whitney. Your fans will always love you.

"Deliver Me"

One of my favorite songs from that angelic voice that is Sarah Brightman........

Abba's "Happy New Year"

Yeah, I admit it: I was a fan of Abba growing up. Hey, I needed to hear the joy in many of their infectious lyrics, even if they can make me wince at times now.

Anyway... here's wishing 2012 brings you much joy.....

Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot......

This has always been one of my favorite Dan Fogelberg songs, and it's appropriate to share as we bid adieu to another year. It's called "Same Old Lang Syne."

A musical interlude

Love this version of "Ain't No Sunshine." Love, love, love it!

A poignant, powerful new song

This young man gets it....and he expresses it in song.......

Brightman and Bocelli

I'm an unabashed fan of Sarah Brightman, and I've been known to sing along with Andrea Bocelli (much to the chagrin of my neighbors). This song will let you know why. It sends chills every time I hear it.

I am not familiar with this group.......

.........but I'm impressed with this song. Powerful lyrics, catchy tune....

Sounds from a road trip

I tossed a CD case into the company car for my road trip to Norman, not really sure what was in there since I hadn't opened it for many months.

I unzipped it at a rest stop to find some music to listen to for the drive, and smiled at the array of tunes. It brought to mind the baffled look on a clerk's face at Barnes & Noble when I plopped several CDs in front of her one night.

"You certainly have eclectic tastes in music," she offered diplomatically.

My CD case echoed that: "Super Groups of the '70s." Mozart. The Eagles. The Beach Boys. Jim Brickman. Wyndham Hill piano instrumentals. Beethoven. Mahler. The Doobie Brothers. Phil Collins. The Chieftains. James Taylor.

Hmmmm.....looking at that list, the CD case could be subtitled "Oldies."