"Sigue andando el camino por toda su vuda,
y si pierdes mis huellas que Dios te bendiga - respira."
Monday, October 6, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Happy Birthday to ME!
It's my Birthday!
Turning 24 has been a little bittersweet...
Many years ago, I created an unofficial list of goals and set the accomplish date to today, July 21st 2008 - My 24th birthday. I realized last week as plans for my party were being made that I hadn't accomplished but a rare few of these goals. I couldn't get them done in a week, so I slipped into a state of despair and disappointment. Why wasn't I more pursuant of these goals that seemed to matter so much to me? I still want to acheive them, and in fact the experience of letting myself down has motivated me even more to get them done. So, this year will be a great one. I will make damn sure of it.
I love the even years. They seem brighter somehow. Already, today seems cheerier and the sky bluer than yesterday. I'm sure it's a matter of perception and outlook. Either way, I'm happy where I am.
I know it will be a good year because Korey did something for me that he's never EVER done for me before - he wrote me a song! Here are the lyrics:
Turning 24 has been a little bittersweet...
Many years ago, I created an unofficial list of goals and set the accomplish date to today, July 21st 2008 - My 24th birthday. I realized last week as plans for my party were being made that I hadn't accomplished but a rare few of these goals. I couldn't get them done in a week, so I slipped into a state of despair and disappointment. Why wasn't I more pursuant of these goals that seemed to matter so much to me? I still want to acheive them, and in fact the experience of letting myself down has motivated me even more to get them done. So, this year will be a great one. I will make damn sure of it.
I love the even years. They seem brighter somehow. Already, today seems cheerier and the sky bluer than yesterday. I'm sure it's a matter of perception and outlook. Either way, I'm happy where I am.
I know it will be a good year because Korey did something for me that he's never EVER done for me before - he wrote me a song! Here are the lyrics:
lalalalalalalaaaaa
dolaaa eleeeeelela
looo booo mmooooo
dooooooocoooooloooolaaalalalala
I kid you not - straight from his heart, that is. :) I love my Korey and he made sure that this Birthday was perfect. I can't wait to spend this next year with him!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
*sigh*
I don't feel like being deep or insightful today. It's obvious that it's been a while since I've been deep or insightful anyway...
Last weekend, after attending the Red Bull "Art of the Can" Gala in the Galleria with two of our best friends (one of whom is an artist in the exhibition), we went with our other best friends to one of our favorite weekend destinations, the beach house in San Leon. It was nice to remove myself from the hectic weeks for a little getaway. The weather was fantastic. Well, I say that because this is the first time we've been when it wasn't cold and windy (we have spent New Year's Eve there for the past two years). The warm breeze was a nice reminder that beyond the hustle and bustle and cabin fever of working in the studio day-in day-out, there is a world that is turning and getting along just fine.
And so will I.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
I love IM
Alan Lett: here's to tequila
Korey Sechrist: that was vodka
Alan Lett: oh yeah
Alan Lett: three cheers for vodka
Michael Hobley: so what do you want for your bday, dear
Alan Lett: hmm
Alan Lett: a new ipod
Michael Hobley: try again.
Alan Lett: a refurbished ipod
Michael Hobley: hrmm.
Michael Hobley: maybe once more?
Alan Lett: a used ipod?
Michael Hobley: almost there.
Alan Lett: stolen?
Michael Hobley: maybe.
Korey Sechrist: that was vodka
Alan Lett: oh yeah
Alan Lett: three cheers for vodka
Michael Hobley: so what do you want for your bday, dear
Alan Lett: hmm
Alan Lett: a new ipod
Michael Hobley: try again.
Alan Lett: a refurbished ipod
Michael Hobley: hrmm.
Michael Hobley: maybe once more?
Alan Lett: a used ipod?
Michael Hobley: almost there.
Alan Lett: stolen?
Michael Hobley: maybe.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Come Original
I was jogging yesterday and a song by John Reuben came on called "Thank You." I've had this song on my iPod for years but for some reason, this time, I listened more intently to the lyrics. This line stood out:
"I really know there's nothing new under the sun, but yet I want to do it like it's never been done."
It started my mind spinning... There are only 4 colors, 7 notes, 10 digits, 3 dimensions, 26 letters... What limitations! As creative people, we are challenged with finding new ways to create within these limitations. How can we "push the envelope" or "think outside the box" when our limits are are so defined? We struggle to find originality within ourselves and so often is the outcome tainted by our knowledge of the already-created. Sometimes I feel like originality is the art of camouflaging someone else's idea; Taking what already exists and twisting it beyond recognition. Is this a form of originality?
Last night's American Idol featured songs from the Lennon-McCartney songbook. These former Beatles are praised so highly for their contribution to music and songwriting. Of course, their songs have lasted decades and will probably continue to stand the test of time. That said, what is it that makes their compositions so steadfast? They were also confined to the "7 notes" limit. (7 notes and 5 semi-tones). That magic combination of wordplay and melodic surprise, conjuring emotion and provoking imagination.
So that's the secret - using the knowledge of our limitations to our advantage. Knowing that we have 7 notes, one language and 3.5 minutes to make a smash hit... 4 colors and a square canvas to make a masterpiece... 10 digits and 26 letters to assign a unique license plate! In all aspects of our daily lives, we are called to be unique; to stand out. Our employers value it in us, and our employees rely on it. For some, it comes naturally. For many others, it's a constant battle. Humans have been making music, painting, creating languages for thousands of years. Will we eventually arrive at a point where it's all been done? Will there ever come a day where originality becomes synonymous with reinvention? I guess the next question is... is that such a bad thing?
"I really know there's nothing new under the sun, but yet I want to do it like it's never been done."
It started my mind spinning... There are only 4 colors, 7 notes, 10 digits, 3 dimensions, 26 letters... What limitations! As creative people, we are challenged with finding new ways to create within these limitations. How can we "push the envelope" or "think outside the box" when our limits are are so defined? We struggle to find originality within ourselves and so often is the outcome tainted by our knowledge of the already-created. Sometimes I feel like originality is the art of camouflaging someone else's idea; Taking what already exists and twisting it beyond recognition. Is this a form of originality?
Last night's American Idol featured songs from the Lennon-McCartney songbook. These former Beatles are praised so highly for their contribution to music and songwriting. Of course, their songs have lasted decades and will probably continue to stand the test of time. That said, what is it that makes their compositions so steadfast? They were also confined to the "7 notes" limit. (7 notes and 5 semi-tones). That magic combination of wordplay and melodic surprise, conjuring emotion and provoking imagination.
So that's the secret - using the knowledge of our limitations to our advantage. Knowing that we have 7 notes, one language and 3.5 minutes to make a smash hit... 4 colors and a square canvas to make a masterpiece... 10 digits and 26 letters to assign a unique license plate! In all aspects of our daily lives, we are called to be unique; to stand out. Our employers value it in us, and our employees rely on it. For some, it comes naturally. For many others, it's a constant battle. Humans have been making music, painting, creating languages for thousands of years. Will we eventually arrive at a point where it's all been done? Will there ever come a day where originality becomes synonymous with reinvention? I guess the next question is... is that such a bad thing?
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Process
I absolutely love my job (if you could even call it that!). I look forward to stepping into this studio and cranking up the equipment and just being creative. Whether it be all by myself or with a group of 20 people, the process of creating music gives me an indescribable rush.
I'm often amazed at how intimidated some people are by this place. Not just the complicated equipment, but by the prcoess of creating a song itself. Some people are under the impression that if they don't have a band, or a chord chart, or an ability to play an instrument, they can't record. Of course they can! In fact, most people come in here with nothing but a melody in their head. It's my job to translate their vision into a recording. The process is a blast for all involved.
I bet there are a lot of people out there who never end up recording because they never feel like they're "ready." I hope some of them are reading this!
I'm often amazed at how intimidated some people are by this place. Not just the complicated equipment, but by the prcoess of creating a song itself. Some people are under the impression that if they don't have a band, or a chord chart, or an ability to play an instrument, they can't record. Of course they can! In fact, most people come in here with nothing but a melody in their head. It's my job to translate their vision into a recording. The process is a blast for all involved.
I bet there are a lot of people out there who never end up recording because they never feel like they're "ready." I hope some of them are reading this!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
alimento de conforte
You know the feeling. Nothing can come close to the way you feel when you bite into what you call your "comfort food." You've had a long day, received some sad news, argued with someone close to you... and all you want is your comfort food. We know that in this crazy world of fleeting relationships and overwhelming choices, there is at least this one thing that will always stay the same. Comfort food grounds us, in a way, and reminds us that there are some things out there that won't betray us.
That said, I'm hungry.
That said, I'm hungry.
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