Sharing...That's All There Is

The universal truth that all humanity has been searching hi & lo since time began. And we never felt that the answer was within our grasp. We are omnipotent, we went to the Moon, we fly with impunity. And yet, in our collective heart we know this to be a brave face towards mortality.

Here it is:
Be Selfish to Extremes.
Share Everything.

Follow these two things and you will be healthier and happier.

I was leaving a venue in which I heard music of my generation, done my way - No, not FreeBird - Watermelon Man...ala Herbie, by a four piece band in their kiddie fedoras?!
I was so impressed I began to enjoy myself.

I walked into an alley with a group of young people, one of whom had a joint.
"Nothing for me?" I asked.

He gave me the rest of his joint. We traded skin and parted. Sharing. Be it random or most intimate. If you are lucky enough to know intimate exchange...you are favored, blessed, well looked after.

Why we hippies shared everything...it was fun! It was so cool to share my food and since you have some weed, we'd take care of each other.

But those moments are what make life - Mick said it...Life's just a cocktail party, on the streets...
And the mix, is up to you!
Be a wallflower your entire life, or get up and dance.

I am out of breath, I dance so much.

My Inner Emelda

There are many accessories that guitarists have use for.
Picks
Strings
String Winders
Patch Cords
Straps

Most of these objects have very little to do with fashion...with the one exception of straps.
Levi is one of the larger manufacturers of guitar straps.
Of every material, length and price.

And like Emelda Marcos, I have a collection of straps that far outweighs my needs as dictated by the number of guitars I have at any given moment.
Why?

Certainly NOT because I like the way they look. I couldn't care any less. I don't see them. They are to hold my guitar, the more securely, the better. The best strap I owned was a gawd awful looking Ernie Ball strap that was stiffer than a Victorians collar. It was a gaudy, silly looking thing.
Gold color with black outlined stars and the name "Ernie Ball" done the same as the stars.
I was disappointed when it finally broke.

I buy straps because of how long they will last. The stiffer, the more hard plastic, the better I like it.
I also need a strap that has a range of adjustment. I like my guitar held rather high, so the minimum strap is more important than how low it'll go.

I was recently playing at a fair setting and the bass player spoke about the strap I had brought.
"Dude, it doesn't go with your shirt."

I was ready to dismiss the thought when it struck me.
I do dress for gigs. I look good when I play dress up - don't we all?
So if I care about my own look, shouldn't I try to match the strap, much as I would match my shirt and tie?

Yes, it is low on the priority list, but it does mean something.

Tension Is What Causes Change

Big Trouble Little China - there is a scene in which the troubles of the world are boiled down to this:

"But there is one thing even David Lo Pan must acknowledge. All movement in the universe is caused by tension between positive and negative furies."

Without tension there are no dynamics, no movement...entropy.

Musically, in life...this can be applied anywhere.

I am currently very content with my music, with my guitar, with my sound. And then it takes effort to sit and play take after take to achieve perfection. To even attempt perfection.

A rut is the outcome when one is content.

Tensions are to be savored. No, not conflict. But tensions. Two desires working in different but not opposing directions. They can be made to work in harmony...another musical term.

But it takes effort and it doesn't always directly affect music. You have to have a long term outlook.

A sense of patience.

This works...in a piece of music as well. No, really? 

Dynamics are life to music. And seemingly everything else.

This is why I dislike compressor pedals.