Reading (and writing?) Lyrics

Last night I had a very inspiring time, hanging out with some pretty amazing musicians. Seeing the passion in their eyes and hearts was a beautiful thing….. it got me thinking that maybe I should share a little part of myself know one knows about…….

I started being interested in and ‘listening’ to music in my mid teens.

The first album I ever bought with my own money was ‘The Best of Kim Wilde’. Since then I was always excited to buy an album that came with the lyrics. I would always read along (and when alone, sing along) with the music. For some reason it’s something I’ve made a habit of doing.

As I got older I began to understand the lyrics more…. by that I mean reading between the lines and trying to understand the meaning behind the song. Sometimes it was quite obvious, and other times I would just relate the lyrics to my own life experiences.

When I hit my 30′s I starting to write my own lyrics…. over the years I’ve kept a few that I thought were ok, but never dreamed of sharing them with anyone.

Since moving to Tamworth I’ve attended a few songwriters nights, listening to local singer/songwriters perform there own material…. and it got me thinking…. would any of the lyrics I’ve written be good enough to be put to music and would I have the courage to share them?

Recently I met an individual who I felt I would be comfortable with sharing my lyrics. I took a deep breath and basically said “See if this is any good, tweak it if you need to….”. A big step for me.

I got some initial positive feedback, which was slightly reassuring. Maybe one day it will see the light of day as a complete song.

Since I’ve been spending time hanging out with and listening to some of the local Tamworth musical talent, I’ve found myself writing even more lyrics. Most are just a few verses or even just ideas or subjects a feel I could develop at a later date. It really is quite therapeutic to transfer thoughts and feelings in this fashion.

I guess I should share a little in this blog entry, it would be cruel to not do so.

During a recent summer storm I stood out the back and watched the lighting, listened to the thunder…. and these words came into me head….. any comments positive or negative would be appreciated.

Sunshine Thunder Lightning Rain

Sunshine beats down on the Bective plain
Nourishing crops after the summer rain
Thunder clouds cover the horizon
Grey sky’s build and block the light

Smell of rain
White light
Dark sky
Quick shadow

The Peel slowly filling
Creeks over flowing
Frogs croaking, dogs barking
…….adapt to the terrain

Sunshine Thunder Lightning Rain
Sunshine Thunder Lightning Rain
Sunshine Thunder Lightning Rain
Sunshine Thunder Lightning Rain

Lighting cracks
Anticipation builds
The sky roars
Rain falls

Gully’s fill with water
Sediment is removed
Seeds germinate
Life permeates

Sunshine Thunder Lightning Rain
Sunshine Thunder Lightning Rain
Sunshine Thunder Lightning Rain
Sunshine Thunder Lightning Rain

The rain clears and the dark clouds recede
Blue sky returns and freshness fills the air
The cycle continues….
Sunshine beats down on the Bective plain

Friendships: part ii

Since moving to Tamworth I’ve tried to ‘fit in’…. I’m a very easy going person and usually don’t find it hard to fit into a group and make new friends.

I’ve made a couple of friends from playing darts and joining the local camera club. However making an off the cuff decision to get out of the house and go to a musical jam night at a local pub has really changes things.

That night I heard the voice of an angel. A local musician, Deanna Rose hopped on stage to sing…. OMG!

After the night was over I sent Deanna a message on Facebook asking if she had any CD’s available. Unfortunately this was not the case but thru this chance meeting I’ve been introduced to a number of very talented local musicians and thoroughly enjoyed watching them perform.

Through this connection I’ve met some great people and I hope that this leads to some life long friendships… because they are truly wonderful people.

This past new years eve I spent the night (and morning) with some of these people…. and I must say that I now finally feel like I ‘belong’ in this town.

Just in case I miss someone, I’m not going to mention names…. but I must send a big thanks to those people who have helped my transition from the big bad city to the city of lights.

“I’ll lean on you and you lean on me and we’ll be okay.”
- Dave Matthews Band

Friendships part i | Musical Interlude

I try and listen to new music (to me) at least once a week.

Today I found this corker which fits in perfectly with my recent post about friendships.

So, this one is dedicated to the people mentioned in that post….

GOTYE – “I FEEL BETTER”

There was a time I was down, down
I didn’t know what to do
I was just stumbling around, around
Thinking things could not improve

I couldn’t look on the bright side
Of anything at all
That’s when you gave me a call

And I feel better
Better
Better than before
I feel better
Better
Now I’m not down anymore

There were times I was sure, so sure
I couldn’t turn it around
I couldn’t care anymore
About the good things I found
That’s when you gave me a reason
To make me smile again
I only have to see you and then

I feel better
Better
Better than before
I feel better
Better
Now I’m not down anymore

I feel better
Better
Better than before
I feel better
Better
Now I’m not down anymore

Life sometimes seems to get the best of you
Like everything just brings you down
Just when you think
There’s nothing you can do
A friendly face will bring you around

And you’ll feel better
You’ll feel better
You’ll feel better
Better
Better than before
You’ll feel better
Much better
You won’t be down anymore

Quotes….

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: “What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
― C.S. Lewis

Friendships: part i

When you’re at your lowest, it’s at those times you find out who, what I call, your ‘soul friends’ are.

Generally speaking we all have friends who you can hang with, catch up with every so often, they’ll even pitch in and help you move etc.

However it’s when you’re falling apart that you find out who your ‘soul friends’ are. These are the tiny minority of your friends who are willing to go the extra mile and then some, for no selfish reasons at all. These people are the ones that get you through the darkest parts of your life. And I can say from experience that if these people were not there for me, I’d be in a different place now for sure.

These people have no hidden agendas, are very tolerant of others and are very forgiving….. but at the same time being very upfront and righteous.

So I want to thank those people once again. Even though distance separates us now, I do think of you all often and I should make more of an effort to say G’Day more regularly.

My sincere thanks goes to (in no particular order) Kate & Adam, Amy & James, Cathy, Grant & Amanda, Hammo and Shaun.

An extra special thanks to Adam & James for lending their wives when I’ve needed them.

If there were more people in the world like the ones mentioned above and less backstabbing, cold hearted, insensitive and callous individuals… the world would be a happier place for all.

Music & Lyrics… Part 9

Katy Perry
Firework

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there’s still a chance for you
‘Cause there’s a spark in you?

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

‘Cause baby, you’re a firework
Come on, show ‘em what you’re worth
Make ‘em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky

Baby, you’re a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make ‘em go, oh
You’re gonna leave ‘em falling down

You don’t have to feel like a waste of space
You’re original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe you’re reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it’s time, you’ll know

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

‘Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on, show ‘em what you’re worth
Make ‘em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky

Baby, you’re a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make ‘em go, oh
You’re gonna leave ‘em falling down

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It’s always been inside of you, you, you
And now it’s time to let it through

‘Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on, show ‘em what you’re worth
Make ‘em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky

Baby, you’re a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make ‘em go, oh
You’re gonna leave ‘em falling down

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

Tamworth

Yes, I moved to Tamworth…. not where I expected to be 2 years ago, but you just never know how the cookie will crumble.

I really didn’t have a choice to move here, and I sincerely had reservations about whether or not I’d be able to cope.

Yes, it was difficult leaving behind ALOT of good friends in Sydney, however with the technology we have at our disposal these days, the tyranny of distance is not as painful as it once was. Plus when I do get to see my Sydney friends, its just that more special

Once I got here and had settled into Mum & Dads place, I decided that I didn’t want to be a home hermit, I need something to keep me occupied. I decided on photography & darts.

Mum is a member of the local camera club, so I decided to join as well… and see if I couldn’t learn to use my digital camera (Nikon D80). All I wanted to do was learn about about my camera and how to take nice photos. But I couldn’t help myself, and I soon found myself on the committee, occupying the roll of Webmaster… as well as being on the sub committee for the 2012 Northern Zone Photographic Convention, which the Tamworth Camera Club is hosting in May next year. I’m enjoying being on the committee side of things, as I was with the Suzuki 4WD Club for many years.

As far as my photography skills are concerned, more on that later.

Darts was something I was passionate about many, many years ago when I played for the one of the Peachtree Hotel (Penrith) B Grade teams . I might add the Peachtree hotel of then is completely different to the current version of the Peachtree Hotel. Back then it was like a modern version of an old pub. Every Friday night there would be upwards of 30 people to play social darts…. now there is no darts and the Peachtree is more like a restaurant/nightclub, than a ‘pub’. So sad.

Anyway, so I found a phone number and was placed in a C Grade team that played out of the Joe Maguire Hotel. I also started playing social darts on a Friday night at the Tamworth Golf Club. Its there that I met good mate Andrew, who invited be to play with him in the team he was a part of… in A Grade! Who was I to knock back an offer like that.

I also offered my (hobbyist) Webmaster skills to the darts committee and built a website that can be found at tamworthdarts.com. Thankfully, I’m not on the committee, but more than happy to keep the site up to date with the latest scores.

I had a little success while with the Joe Maguires team. We came second in the comp, I was named ‘C Grade Players Player (or something like that) and I also took out the C Grade Mixed Doubles with partner Irene in the championships that follow the regular competition.

So, after 12 months I have more or less settled in Tamworth. Some aspects about living here are awesome… for instance, no traffic, no problems parking, no tolls!!!, bugger all traffic lights, nice people. The town as all the mod cons, such as… a 6 screen cinema, 90% of major stores (K-Mart, Harvey Norman, Good Guys etc).

When I sit down and think about it, all I really miss about Sydney is the people I left behind.

Back From The Brink of Nothingness

After 18 months I figured it was about time I came back to my blog.

I haven’t really had the enthusiasm to worry about it, however recently you could say I’ve found a new’ish lease on life and feel a little more enthusiastic about it.

Needless to say the past  18 months has been a bit of a roller coaster, but I feel the ride has come to an end.

I don’t really want to re-visit a lot of stuff, so it’s just going to stay in the past where it belongs. The important people in my world know about all that shit anyway.

Instead I’ll share more recent things that have happened in my life… that have a positive twist.

 

Its good to be back!

Recharging the Soul – Part 03

After a wonderful nights sleep in the back of the camper I awoke to yet another beautiful day. For breakfast, ham sandwiches & a Mother was on the menu. I then showered, packed up the camper and headed off on my travels for the day.

This trip has not been about being a proper tourist. It’s been more about the drive, and taking mental notes about what to do next time I’m in the area…. a reccie of sorts. So I have not visited all the tourists’ attractions that I would otherwise do.

For instance after leaving the Low Head Tourist Park I headed to the Low Head Lighthouse. I did not get out and have a look around, I just drove their, saw where it was and moved on after a few mins. Next time I’ll definitely make the time to have a good look around.

Low Head Lighthouse

At Debbie’s request, I then made the trek to the Mt George Lookout. There is a nice boardwalk from the car park up the hill to the lookout, which is a steel structure about 5 metres high to get you above the tree line. Although they could trim some of the trees & shrubs to give a good view of the whole valley. Having said that, it was a nice spot for photography and taking in the fresh Tassie air. I stayed for about 20 mins, and then moved on.

George Town from Mt George lookout

George Town from Mt George lookout

My plan for the day was to drive to Stanley, so I left Mt George and headed south to the Batman Highway to cross the Tamar River.

Heading north, I soon arrived at Beaconsfield, the little town that was the centre of the world’s attention when two miners got stuck in a mine for 2 weeks back in 2006. I have definitely added this town to the list. Could probably spend a whole day here, exploring the mining side of things.

I stopped at a servo to fill up the camper, and I was surprised to find driveway service. For you younglings… back in the day there was a reason why service stations were called ‘service stations’, because you used to get service. I pulled up and was greeted by this lovely lady, ready and willing to fill up the camper for me. She asked me about the camper, where I had been, where I was going… really lovely and cheerful. I paid for the fuel, left Beaconsfield and headed north towards Beauty Point.

I stopped at Beauty Point to stretch the legs and then continued to York Town, turning west towards Bakers Beach. The ‘road’ was not camper friendly. Was wishing I had the Zook for this leg of the trip. Dirt road, rough and very corrugated. I did not get into third gear for the 20kms length of the road. Not happy. Made it to Bakers Beach in one piece, and headed directly towards Devonport. I was hungry and needed food.

I arrived at Devonport Maccas, got myself a Maccas salad, went back to the camper and fired up the laptop to enjoy the free Maccas WiFi. Checked email, Facebook etc while eating lunch.

As I had seen Devonport many times before, I pushed on west, hugging the coast. Along the way not far from Devonport I noticed a sign that read ‘Braddons Lookout’, so I took the detour for a look see. The view was breathtaking. I’ll let the pictures tell the story.

Braddons Lookout

Braddons Lookout

Braddon Lookout, near Devonport, looking towards Table Cape

I arrived at Ulverstone and admired the BIG clock in the main street. I don’t know what the town is compensating for, but it did look a little out of place… but very cool at the same time.

Ulverstone

Then I arrived at Burnie. This town is a lot bigger than I anticipated. I drove around the town, trying to get a feel for it. It’s nice, somewhere I could live….

I continued to head west towards Stanley along the Bass Highway. An uneventful drive, accumulating in a glorious sunset as I approached Stanley.

Sunset near Stanley

Stanley @ dusk

As I entered Stanley, I fell in love with the town right away. It truly is a wonderful part of Tassie. Lovely old buildings… the smell of the sea breeze, surrounded by water and pastures. Very, very auspicious.

I found my way to the Stanley Cabin Park and asked for a powered site. No problems at all. As I wanted a cooked breakfast the following day, I asked where the best place to get breakfast was. I was told in no uncertain terms that I had to go to Moby Dicks!

I found my site (again, right across from the toilets), plugged in and made dinner. On the menu was chicken flavoured Easy Mac. I then settled back and watch some television, (got Channel 9 this time), then made the bed. I fell asleep listening to Gloriana and reading my Jeremy Clarkson book… I was asleep at about 10pm.

During the night I should have put on a sign on the camper that read “If the camper is rocking, don’t come knocking”… but not for the reasons you’re thinking of (unfortunately). Overnight very strong winds and rain did hit Stanley.

I awoke about 7.30am. Apart from the rocking of the camper by the wind, I had a pleasant sleep. I opened the camper door to find everything very wet, but not raining. However it was still quite windy, with very strong gusts.

Tuesday morning in Stanley

Stanley Cabin Park

I decided then it was not going to be fun on top of The Nut. I wanted to spend some time there, walk all the way around the top, taking lots of photos. But I did not want to do it if it was not going to be a pleasant experience… so I decided to postpone it to the next visit.

I was hungry and really looking forward to breakfast. I headed of for a shower and a shave, then packed up the camper and headed for Moby Dicks!! I found Moby Dicks and got very excited about the breakfast I was about to have. I perused the menu displayed on the window, and then I glanced up to another sign, beneath the one that said open daily…. closed Tuesday… I was gutted. I was soooo looking forward to having a cooked breakfast. I then took some more pictures, hopped back in the camper and hoped to find somewhere that would do a cooked breakfast.

Moby Dicks

Moby Dicks Menu

:-(

I drove past the pub which looked very shut. Then chucked a u-turn and started looking down the other side of the street. I then found the Swinging Anchor Café…and they did breakfast!!! I was stoked!!! I found myself a seat right next to the window at the front, and ordered ‘The BIG Breakfast’ – Beef sausage, bacon, eggs, mushrooms & fried tomato on thick Vienna toast for $15.50. I was expecting that that would include one rasher of bacon, so I asked for extra bacon. About 15mins later I was served my breakfast… I should not have asked for extra bacon!

The sausage was not greasy, the eggs were cooked just how I like them, the mushrooms for delightful, tomato was cooked just right, the vienna toast was very crunchy and finally the bacon… wow! It looking like there was about 6 rashers, and the taste… I have never had bacon quite like it. Hardly any fat, yet lots of taste. I was in breakfast heaven… and loving every minute of it. I was really wishing I had someone there to share this with.

After breakfast I decide to go for a drive to the north of the township and see what I could find. Apart from the amazing view back towards The Nut and the township, I found Highfield Historic Site. Built in 1834 from Convict labour, I really wanted to go and have a look… but I had to drive back to Hobart, which left no time for a look see. So I have added it to my list of must do’s in Tassie.

Highfield Historic Site

Highfield Historic Site.

View of The Nut from Highfield

It was time to make the trek back to Hobart as I was flying back to Sydney the next morning. As I had such a big breakfast, I only wanted a light lunch, so I stopped off at the Maccas at Ulverstone and used the last of my ham for a ham sandwich. Then again I utilised the free Maccas Wifi to check email, Facebook etc.

After a quick snooze listening to the radio, I headed off towards Hobart. Along the way I thought about dinner. I knew that little sister Kate’s hubby was in Hobart for work, so after a few sms’s we arranged to meet for dinner. I was feeling like a bit of Thai, so I suggested the Lime & Lemongrass at Bellerive.

After ducking into Cousin Leighs place for a quick shower, I picked up Adam from the Grand Chancellor and we headed to Bellerive. The Lime & Lemongrass is a little restaurant in the main street of Bellerive, with only seating for about 12-15 people. The food is VERY good, and reasonably priced. I don’t recall what Adam had, but I had the stir fried prawns in a peanut satay sauce.

Adam and I had a good old chin wag about all sorts of stuff, but time flew by and it was time go. I dropped Adam off at the Grand Chancellor and headed of for a bit of a drive as I wanted to drop the camper back empty, as that’s what I paid for

I had arranged to spend the night at Cousin Leighs place, rather that paying for another night attached to a powered site at a van park.

The following morning I said my goodbyes to Leigh & Beccy, thanking them once again for their hospitality. I then headed for the airport where I dropped off the camper. It was 8.45am when I made it to the departure gates. My flight did not leave until 10.30am.

And there ends my Easter drive around Tassie. As much as I thoroughly enjoyed the time alone, next time it would be nice to share the experience with someone special.

I have also decided that Easter 2011 will involve a similar trip… and The Great Ocean Road in Victoria will be the destination. I am considering extending that trip thru to Adelaide, as I have never been to South Australia before… but more on that later.

Recharging the Soul – Part 02

I woke at 9am to the sound of the surf. (I could do that on a daily basis). I did however have a restless sleep. No CPAP machine did make it difficult to get into a deep sleep, but the sea air did help with feeling somewhat refreshed… but I was hanging for a shower. 

I hopped out of the camper, grabbed the camera and went for a walk. What a magnificent part of the world. The beach is glorious. I certainly wish I had more time to spend there. I took some time to take it all in, take some pictures, and suck in that clean air.

Binalong Bay

I then walked back to the camper and had breakfast. Left over pizza and a can of Mother…. hey, I’m on holidays!!! 

It was time to pack up and head up the road towards The Gardens, specifically for a photo opportunity. This part of the world was made for photography. 

The Gardens, at Binalong Bay

Binalong Bay

Binalong Bay

As I was desperate for a shower and was meant to be meeting Brian & Deb at the Pub in the Paddock at Pyengana for lunch, I thought that considering the Pub in the Paddock offers accommodation, they might allow me to have a shower and freshen up before lunch. 

I arrived at 11am… actually no I didn’t. Daylight Savings had ended over night, so it was in fact 10am! Plenty of time… I thought. The pub did not open until 10.30am, so I sat in the back of the camper and read my Jeremy Clarkson book for half an hour. 

At 10.30 I walked into the pub and asked about the shower… no can do. They have just been cleaned. I knew it was a risk, but what’s wrong with letting a guy have a shower? They did inform me that there were free showers back in St Helens. So I made a mad dash back to St Helens, and found the showers near the marina. After an exhilarating cold water shower I had to make it back to the Pub in the Paddock in time to meet Brian & Deb. 

I arrived at 1150, had a look around to see if Brian & Deb had already arrived. I could not find them so I settled into the back of the camper with my book and a beer and waited for them to arrive.

Pub in the Paddock, Pyengana

Pub in the Paddock, Pyengana

Pub in the Paddock, Pyengana

1pm arrived and still no Brian & Deb, and I was hungry… could not wait any longer. The pub was packed and I did not feel like waiting in line for a meal, so it was hot dogs in the back of the camper for lunch. I will have to return to the Pub in the Paddock one day to try their steak sandwich. 

I departed about 2pm to continue the drive to George Town… the long way. The drive took me via the towns of Pioneer, Gladstone & Waterhouse. All of which have no redeeming features to note. I then arrived in Bridport for a break and stretch the legs.   

Looking east from Bridport

At this point my phone starts haemorrhaging with text messages as I had some coverage for the first time in 24 hours. Included was a message from Brian confirming lunch at the Pub in the Paddock… for yesterday! Somehow we got our wires crossed, but I was going to see them that evening anyway, so all was not lost. 

The last stretch of driving for the day was between Bridport and George Town. I arrived at George Town and proceeded to the Low Head Caravan Park where I booked in and paid for a powered site for the night. 

It was then time to head to Brian & Debbie’s home, where I was greeted with a big hug from Debbie. That women sure knows how to hug!!  We had a chat, coffee and then headed to The Pier for dinner. 

The Pier is a nice up market pub that delivers very nice meals. I opted for ‘The Best of Both Worlds’, which was a porterhouse steak with gravy alongside a chicken breast with a cheesy chive sauce, served on mashed potato with a green salad. Very, very nice. I accompanied dinner with a Cascade Pale Ale… served by a very lovely waitress behind the bar. (I think her name was Amy)   

Brian & Deb

Lots of catching up over dinner with stories of past Suzuki Club trips and others that had visited Brian & Deb in Tassie. After dinner we moved outside for another round of drinks and more chatting and laughter. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Brian & Deb, great people, very friendly and hospitable.

Before long it was time to depart. I was feeling very tired and was looking forward to a good nights rest with the CPAP machine. I said my goodbyes and made my way to the Low Head Caravan Park. Upon arrival I found I was given the spot right next to the toilets. Good stuff!. I plugged in the camper, got my bed ready, watched a bit of TV while having a beer (could only get SBS), then watched some episodes of Stargate Atlantis on the laptop. Before I knew it I was off to sleep… looking forward to the next days drive to Stanley.

to be continued….