National Geographic

I was down at the lake yesterday doing spring cleaning, and reading the May 2010 issue of National Geographic when I was inspired by one of this month's offerings. There is an article ("The Forgotten Road" by Mark Jenkins) on the Tea Horse Road, a mountainous trade route that served between China and Tibet for many hundreds of years, and the tale of it's origins plus a chant that helped the traders and porters make the journey struck me as a fantastic idea for a song.

Seven steps up, you have to rest.
Eight steps down, you have to rest.
Eleven steps flat, you have to rest.
You are stupid, if you don't rest.

I brought my guitar with me, but I was so engrossed in the story (and with the physical labors of my self-appointed spring cleaning of the lakefront lot), that I didn't use it to help me shape the idea. That oversight aside, the words flowed in my mind, and with work and practice I think I might have something to perform at the WPMF in July. A solid goal!

In-Blog Play:

Ice Age - Pete Yorn

Hmmm...

It has become crystal clear that I most definitely do not have the inner fire, drive, or determination of a serious musician. I followed a couple of lackluster months with a dismal March. I practiced FOUR times. When I was taking lessons I practiced a minimum of 6 days every week!

I make no more vows or predictions. I will pick up the guitar when the urge or inspiration strikes me, and that will be that. If nothing else, I will update monthly, and I will post extensively about the Wyman's Pond Music Fest as it draws near. Hopefully there will be moments of brilliance, but no breath-holding, for your own safety! :Þ

In-Blog Play:

She - The Sundays