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We so often talk about the wild side of life. In movies, in books, even in our own imaginations we seek that wild craziness so often seen. I remember as a kid growing up in the 70’s a show called “Thrill-seekers” where people sought out their wild side on film. Hang-gliders, crazy motorcycle jumps (Evel Kenievel anyone?), and all random forms of extreme sports to get to the core of living. Nowadays we see “extreme” in everything from bubble gum to Saturday morning cartoons for kids. We are told it is valuable to test your limits and follow the animal within. I have to agree this has some value but we should not lose sight of the value of things that hold us back, or keep us reined in.
I saw the promoter of my upcoming gig had put in the credits describing me as a musician and a teacher. At first I thought that would make me less interesting as a musician if people knew I was a local teacher. On second thought I realized that not everyone is a teacher. It could actually be a good thing to note when promoting a show. As a teacher I am very “penned in” with requirements and obligations. I am held to strict review of my students’ scores and well-being and the process of being a teacher in a school year is often not as fun as some would assume. At the same time, there are moments, like a guitar recital for example, where I get to release my creative work and show it off. Mostly, I take joy in watching the kids perform what they have worked on. Seeing them happy, makes me happy. Almost sounds like “The Giving Tree” doesn’t it? Well, I hope when I retire I am a little better off than a stump!
Being a teacher, by nature of the job, requires discipline. I am not the most disciplined nor am I the least. But I think society recognizes that any teacher is “held” by that discipline at some level and therefore can be trusted. I could be wrong but that’s just how I see it. I wanted to do the podcast today on the things that hold you. Whatever you do that requires an alarm clock beside your bed builds your character. I’d encourage you to seek out the “wild side” of life. At the same time, don’t forget the value of the things that hold you.
February 26, 2010 – 3:54 pm
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What a day it’s been. My wife made some progress toward her degree. Her dad fixed her brakes after I royally messed them up. I took the day off work with a sinus something or other. The world seemed to be spinning out of control for days until just a few hours ago. Among other clarity issues, I got these reading glasses that are just the DEAL. I learned there is really no such thing as a venue for High Desert Acoustic Music. I try to keep a sense of humor when I am in some of these places but compared to places I’ve played and known down the hill, there really is no “live music high desert.”
I don’t had to squint at the computer screen at all. My wife says they look really geeky and as long as I wear them only at home, she approves. That is fine with me because I just use them for doing my writing at home anyway. Isn’t marriage wonderful? I’m glad it’s the weekend. I’m, glad I only have one blog now and I am really glad I have a podcast to say hello to y’all with. I’ve decided for now it is way too slim pickens up here in the high desert to get a show. For that reason, I’ll be doing a weekly show (or so) here on my podcast. As my good friend Charlie told me, I have to keep playing and keep the songwriting alive.
I guess if I get lucky, some club owner up here will email me and offer me a weekly slot … in a place that seats more than 6 people. Anyways, here’s a quick podcast going out to my friends. I hope you like this song as much as I do. It’s shaping up to be one of my favorite original tunes after a long dry spell. I hope to write a lot more for the podcast in the weeks and days to come. Send me an email and say hello so I know you’re there.
February 25, 2010 – 9:38 pm
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This post is part of the podcast category. Use the player below to hear the episode or click on the microphone image to browse the archives.
This is my favorite episode currently. Again, it’s no surprise I am talking about and performing music. I also get into some of my formative memories at Tower Records in Mission Viejo. I recally the forst time I figured out a Jackson Browne song,
These Days. Then, right thereafter I perform it from the garage! The mics sound good, the intro is tight, this is my favorite show to date … but that doesn’t mean I won’t do better in the future!
January 10, 2010 – 6:42 pm
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Happy New Year one and all: In this podcast episode, I outline what you can expect from my blogging and music in 2010. I hope you enjoy it. I think it’s a fairly entertaining podcast if I do say so myself ;) As always, I really appreciate your input in the comments. I hope to hear from and work with the people I mention in the episode as well as others of you in the coming year(s). -Damien Riley
By Damien Riley
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Also posted in Blogging A to Z, Faith, Online Diary
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Tagged Chuck Smith Jr., cognitive psychology, Derek Semmler, Eric Stefani, Isabella Mori, make money blogging, microblogging, mmol, online publishing, social media
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November 6, 2009 – 10:25 pm
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This post is part of the podcast category. Use the player below to hear the episode or click on the microphone image to browse the archives.
This week I chose to talk about the attitude of enlightenment out there among so many people. With our country in such a financial hole, how can we continue to give handouts to so many people who don’t even really benefit by it? I’m frustrated about this but don’t have many answers. This podcast is sort of a rant and sort of analyzing my own thoughts on what is occurring in this country. Just to further exemplify: a family was recently given a home by a charitable corporation and the parents didn’t want it because it had no
walk in bath. Does this boggle your mind as much as it does mine? Part of the reason people these days do not utilize what the government gives them is because they have been given so much for free for so long. You may listen to this week’s podcast by clicking the player below.
October 30, 2009 – 11:31 pm
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This post is part of the podcast category. Use the player below to hear the episode or click on the microphone image to browse the archives.
There are times in or lives when we are challenged with pain to grow or shrink through life. We fail and we succeed sometimes, it’s just part of life. Instead of reacting to a failure, it is usually a good opportunity for growth through being patient. For example, let’s say you feel as if you’ve failed at work. You may strain and struggle to make the mistake right. In reality, you aren’t doing anything but revealing your shortcomings all the more. It’s in times like these I would encourage you to simply “leave it alone.” Of course, you may have to explain your mistake or even do things to make it right. Still, your soul will grow if you simply trust that you did the best you could. If you did something severe enough, you could lose your job. But if you can get your mind around that and see that as a welcome set of possibilities, you will survive the trouble and your soul will be stronger. When a person has a strong soul, they can do just about anything …
October 27, 2009 – 1:50 am
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This post is part of the podcast category. Use the player below to hear the episode or click on the microphone image to browse the archives.
Last night I was overcome by the coolness of the new
U2 360° visual monster
You can see it in action in the Youtube stream of U2 live at the Rose Bowl. (You have gotta see this even if you don’t love U2.)
Mega thanks to Stephen Laughlin for posting on Twitter. I am still in awe of this show. You can see a great photo at his site.
The U2 show and my guitar classes are the topic of tonight’s podcast. Enjoy.
October 9, 2009 – 9:09 pm
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This post is part of the podcast category. Use the player below to hear the episode or click on the microphone image to browse the archives.
In this podcast episode, I play three songs live without editing. I laid down some solos behind the raw track but other than that, it is like I let the animal that plays guitar in my garage out to play a concert. The three songs are original tunes I have written in 2009. :) Enjoy!
October 2, 2009 – 11:15 pm
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This post is part of the podcast category. Use the player below to hear the episode or click on the microphone image to browse the archives.
In this episode, I talk about the movie Pandorum I just saw. It’s a great movie that reminded me of the first Alien movie. I also start a discussion (hopefully) on parent conferences and the value of a common goal in education. I just finished 2 days of conferences with parents and as usual, I grew and learned a lot. Next, I perform a garage concert tune called “Angels in our Field.” This is a song about my family heritage of farming and faith. Finally, I speak a bit about my life in music and promote my October 2009 show at the Ponderosa. Below is a link to details about that show.
Damien plays the Ponderosa Friday, 10/16/2009 9:30 PM
