Thursday, December 23, 2010

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #12~Amanda

Hey ya'll!!!!


I see no one has posted in a few weeks so I guess I will post one now. Christmas is Saturday and as I think about this past year I think about how fast it went. When I really think about it I think about how it feels like Mt. Rushmore just happened like 2 weeks ago. It's heard to believe that MTR was the last time I seen most of you. So my question to all of you is what were our favorite memories of this past year. It can be SR related or it can be something at school or anyhting else in your life.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #11 ~Kelli

Hey guys!


So with it being finals week here at Wartburg I have had a ton of extra (if you can say that) time to think and reflect. I have thought about what I am thankful for, how I have grown over the year, experiences I was able to have, and what college has taught me. The last one has nothing to do with the amazing academics Wartburg has, but the importance of a support system.

As many of you know I have basically been living on my own for many years now being in all my organizations and with my parents running the restaurant. This year is my first time officially on my own, but even though I am technically living alone I don’t feel like I have been alone ever since September 1 when I moved in. I have learned I will always have a group to support me in my Sheltered Reality performance, but since school has started I have only had continuous contact with two people. To make up for that I have found a core group of people here on campus who are always there for me no matter where they are, what time of day/night it is, or what is going on. These people have been able to keep me semi-sane through my first semester at school. They are there as a shoulder to cry on, which I have used often, been my twin, which I didn’t think was possible other than Alex and yes there is another guy like Alex!!!, and will color the night away and spend three hours in the Wal-mart toy section to distress. These guys are like another crazy family to add to my list of amazing people in my life, and I wouldn’t exchange them for the world!

Looking back at these times in the past four months makes me what to thank them somehow, but I’m just not positive how to go about doing it. As Christmas and New Year’s comes around think about who has helped you through some tough times and find a unique way to thank them for all they have done for you, whether you have known them for 52 years, or two days. Let them know how special they are to you, and that you wouldn’t change that for anything.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year if I don't see you!  And I can't wait to see some of you over my 23 days of break!  (Jovanna counted that not me, just so you know!!!)

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

~SR Uber Wootin’ Writers Blog #10- Jovanna~

Happy New Year!


Hey, guys, the last thanksgiving blog didn't get a lot of replies. So if you haven't replied to it yet, stop over there and tell us what you did for Thanksgiving this year, or maybe some of your favorite Thanksgiving memories. :)


Onto this post. I thought it would be nice to wish you all a happy new year, and if you're thinking I'm a month off, well that's partly true. But some of you probably already know that I'm talking about the church's new year! That's right, last Sunday was the first day of advent and also the first day of this new church year! Finally, we've moved out of "ordinary time," which accounts for most of the church year.


I'm not sure if anyone else finds this fascinating, or if it's just because my comp professor has been reading a short book on the church calendar to us as a devotional every class period, but I do find it interesting. I'd like to use this post to briefly go over the church calendar and then ask everyone what their favorite church season is.


As already mentioned, the first day of the church year starts with the first day of advent (which was last Sunday). Advent means the coming of something new, or a birth. So, during the four weeks of advent, we are looking forward to the coming of Christ Jesus and anticipating his eventual return. Do any of you have any advent traditions such as lighting advent candles?


After Christmas comes epiphany, which is the climax of the advent/Christmas season. During epiphany, we remember the three wise men, who "revealed" Jesus Christ to the world as our Lord and King by bringing Him gifts.


In some churches, the season of  Epiphany extends until Lent begins, and in others, the intermittent time is simply called "ordinary time". Regardless, lent begins on Ash Wednesday and spans forty days. It is a time of prayer, repentance, reflection, and preparation to celebrate Easter. It culminates in Holy week (Maunday Thursday, Good Friday) and ends the saturday before Easter.


Easter. How great is our God? I'd like to spend a little more time talking about exactly what Easter means to us since it is so important. Backing up to the days before Christ, the only way one could approach God was by atoning for the sin that stood between them and God's holiness. When sacrificing an animal in atonement for sin, the priests would place the sinner's hand on the head of the animal, symbolizing the transfer of sin to the animal. When Jesus died on the cross, he became the final sacrifice to atone for the sin of all who would accept him as their Lord and savior. Some of you recall that when Jesus died a great darkness came over the land, the curtain in the temple split in two, and the soldiers watching said that surely He must be the son of God. Have you ever wondered why the curtain split in two? It was because the curtain referred to was the curtain dividing the the inner temple from the holy of holies--the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's very presence dwelt. Only priests could enter the holy of holies, and only at very specific times. The splitting of the curtain resembled that we are no longer split from God, but that we may go to him at any time through Jesus.


Whew, that's a lot to keep in mind. But we're almost done. Finally, we come to Pentecost, which comes 50 days after Easter. Pentecost is so cool, guys! Because during Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Hold Spirit upon the disciples. This was God the Holy Spirit literally coming down and 'in-dwelling' in each of us. Remember that God dwelled within the holy temple before Christ died for us? Since Pentecost, our bodies have become the temples of God! Remember that always.


Following Pentecost is ordinary time, which stretches for around 33 weeks until the Advent rolls around again.


Heheh... I'd come here only planning to wish you happy new year and look what you've gotten out of it! Please, discuss your favorite times of the year, post other questions and comments, and again go back to the Thanksgiving post.


Jovanna

Friday, November 26, 2010

~SR Uber Wootin’ Writers Blog #10- Kristen~

In honor of Thanksgiving...here is a post about giving thanks!

Most of us have been with family over the past few days (for me...a week...). With family comes LOADS of great food and family fun. In my family, I get the privilege each year to enjoy 2 Thanksgiving meals with 2 amazing parts of my family. Every day I take the time to thank God for the family I am blessed with. I thank God for the food that we have to eat that many others don't have. And last but not least I thank God for this wonderful SR family that I have been blessed with. Without all of you....my life would not be the same.

 Just because it is Thanksgiving time and you are told to give thanks, doesn't mean it is the ONLY time to give thanks. Give thanks each and every day. Going back to the comment Kelli posted a couple weeks ago....it is the simple little things like receiving a note from an anonymous person saying "thanks for this" are what matters most.

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving....now....it's time for Christmas!!!!!!!! :)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Last Steve Post before Break :)

Hey Bloggers/Wooters/and everyone reading!

I figured today at the airport was a great day to put up my last post until I return from break.  I must tell you all again...I am wiped out this year...goodness it has been a packed, never-ending, always-traveling year for me...and I am ready to rest up for SR 2011.  I must say that looking back on this year, I am amazed at what we have done...the HARDEST SR song ever...and mastered by SOOOOO many of you!  It is great to see you all so excited everytime it rolls around in a show...you have made me very proud at your willingness to Never Give Up, do Whatever It Takes, to challenge yourself and master the impossible.  Though I do think it is what has me more worn out than ever...that darn choreography...teaching it practically everytime has kept me sore and tired since August...but it was worth it!  Now, you can look forward to whatever I decide to do with Music Again...starting in January.

Had a great last show in New Underwood, SD yesterday with drummers from Rapid City and Faith both...and we should have NEW drummers joining Rapid from New Underwood...it was a great school.  Personally, not one of my better shows...I was tired going into it and sounded tired during it, but I guess the audience all had a great time, and they listened well to my updated Kelli meets Amanda 2 story...so that was a good way to end shows for me in 2010.

My annual Christmas letter to the SR family is on its way pretty soon...please read and respond to it, since there is a question for EVERY member in it :)

Elizabeth Johnson, from Faith, had a speaker at school yesterday before she headed to our show...who talked about some great things...from her email to me about this experience:
  V.J. Smith wrote a book named The Richest Man in town and he was at our school today talking to the high school about it.  Anyway today he one of the things he talked about was how people should say thank you more often, and everytime that he does something and doesn't get thanked for it he will give that person a card. So he handed these out today and then afterward if you wanted it signed he signed it. He is such a good speaker thought that he was making himself cry.

This made me think of something to challenge us all in SR for 2011...simply being DECENT to our fellow human beings...saying things like "Thank-you", "Nice to Meet You", "How are You", "How can I help", etc...would make the world a much better place if everyone practiced that golden rule of treating others as you wish to be treated.  (THOUGH keep in mind...to say these things "just to say them" is not enough...you must actually MEAN them, and make a real connection to others, not just be fake and superficial!!).  So, I challenge all of us to find ways to bring more decency into our world...because in my daily adventures I do see so much rudeness and very little human compassion...and maybe we can find new ways to DRUM decency back into people...something for you all to think about.
To my Woot Woot writers, readers, and followers...thanks for a fun year on the Blog.  We will do more with it next year...one way or another, since we did not quite do all I had planned this year, but that is the way of things...some things work, others do not, but you just keep Never Giving Up!

A blessed Holiday period to you all...enjoy family and friends...and I will see a few of you in late December, and everyone else in the New Year!

Until then,

HAPPY DRUMMING!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The New Amanda Story! ~Kelli

Okay, as many of you read in the Pink Stuff post by Steve there is a new Amanda story. So like he said, we did two shows in Ridgeland, WI this past Sunday. This involved me being insane as usual (and as many of you know and love me) getting up and being on the road by 4:30 a.m. The first show was in a little church where Jovanna did point out that we were a fire hazard. We then had some great lunch and fellowship time with each other and new friends and were also introduced to the now famous (to us) pink stuff. Some of us went to set up at the next show location and the two college students (Jovanna and I) did homework. Seems pretty normal right? That’s what I thought too.



Before Steve starts the show I’m walking around handing out ear plugs and come to a family that doesn’t want any. They said they go to many monster truck rallies and this should be fine. I thought nothing of it. Just before the show Pastor Sue walks up to Steve and I and asks my permission to have my story told because she thought it would be good for them to be able to put a face with the story. Once again I thought nothing of it. It comes time for the second guest drumming song and my former guest drummer picked the daughter of the family that I briefly talked to before the show. From the instant she said “Hi, my name is Amanda” all I could think through all of ‘Every Time We Touch’ was Amanda Maser, Amanda Maser, Amanda Maser. We got done with guest drumming and it comes time for Steve to tell the stories for the day. I am used to hearing and telling my own story, but I know when I’m not the one telling it I cannot make direct eye contact in the audience, I just can’t do it. I didn’t see with this Amanda right away.


After the show Amanda, her brother and her parents came to talk to Steve and I. Amanda and her mom told me how Amanda had problems in school because she was born with a learning disability, a physical disability, and was heavier set. They said she had really identified with my story, and the fact that she was my guest drummer helped her to connect that much more with me, and understand how I was able to change (at least a little bit). Her mom then went on to tell me how she shouldn’t be here right now because of an accident she had had a while back, and that Amanda had an extremely hard time getting through it without the help of her friends. The only reason she is here on this earth today was because of her saving grace the flute. Amanda found a way to express herself and found her only real friend in that flute. Her mom moved on to talk to Steve, and Amanda and I continued talking. She told me how she had finished with high school and was studying at some college in the area. I asked her what she was studying and she replied with music therapy. Right then my jaw dropped. What are the chances that she and I would connect on so many different levels including studying the same things in college?!?! I couldn’t believe it. That family ended up having to get going as Steve and I still had yet to tear down after the show, but as we were tearing down I told Steve all that I had learned about this family.

If you all thought Amanda Maser and I connected quickly, you wouldn’t believe how quickly this Amanda and I connected. She texted me my entire five hour drive back to school, has added me on Facebook, and texts me almost every day. God was definitely working through all of us that day. First of all that family had seen a sign driving home one day and decided to randomly show up to the show, secondly I decided to go against my mom’s wishes (which I don’t suggest anyone else doing!) of going to the show, and also Pastor Sue wanting to have my story told on a gut feeling. Obviously God has a plan for that family, for me, and for SR. Amanda and her brother plan on attending practice with Pastor Sue, and hopefully we could get a site going up there. God was working through each and every one of us at the Ridgeland shows that Sunday, and who would have ever thought that I would have TWO very special Amanda’s in my life???

Comment what you would like to about this story, but make sure to comment on the last two postings as well because they have all come within just a few short days! I hope it all makes sense to you because I'm still out of it with the "mysterious Ridgeland sickness" as Erica calls it. But I would love to hear your comments!!!

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #9-Amanda

Hey everyone!!!!!!

I haven't talked to anyone in a long time. Sorry I have been really busy. I graduated about 2 weeks ago and so I have been busy down here. I am about 2 weeks late on my post I was suppose to do and Sonja thank you for posting when I did not. Because of the fact that I'm running short on time I'm just going to put up some lyrics. All of you know this song. I know you do. Steve is the one who showed me this song and I fell in love with the song from the first time I heard it. Steve likes to think of this song as "my" song. I love this and I know some of you (hint hint Dee Harr) love this song.


According to you

I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.
According to you
I'm difficult,
hard to please,
forever changing my mind.
I'm a mess in a dress,
can't show up on time,
even if it would save my life.
According to you. According to you.






But according to him
I'm beautiful,
incredible,
he can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
irresistible,
everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
so baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
according to you.






According to you
I'm boring,
I'm moody,
you can't take me any place.
According to you
I suck at telling jokes cause I always give it away.
I'm the girl with the worst attention span;
you're the boy who puts up with that.
According to you. According to you.
But according to him
I'm beautiful,
incredible,
he can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
irresistible,
everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
so baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
according to you.






I need to feel appreciated,
like I'm not hated. oh... no...
Why can't you see me through his eyes?
It's too bad you're making me decide.






According to me
you're stupid,
you're useless,
you can't do anything right.
But according to him
I'm beautiful,
incredible,
he can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
irresistible,
everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
according to you. (you, you)
According to you. (you, you)


According to you
I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.


Well I hope you like it. I will more next week or so. Love y'all!!!!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Pink Stuff

Hey all!  Finally it is time to get something up on the blog again...have some free time today before our show tonight...for rabbits, guinea pigs, and their caretakers...should be interesting!  We had a great day in a very small town yesterday (Ridgeland, WI...population 245)...where Sue Lewan has her first pastor job (at 2 churches...one in Ridgeland and one in Prairie Farm)...among many people who heard SR for the first time yesterday and were very moved by it...Kelli found a second Amanda in the world...(Yes, Amanda Maser, there are TWO of you out there!)...I had to teach how to play SOFT in the church since it was the 2nd smallest performance space we have ever been in...and PINK STUFF became my favorite dessert of all time!  YUMMY!

With that said, I will ask Kelli to post the story about Amanda 2...to show you all how God truly does use SR in ways we simply never expect...so you can look forward to her version of the story since she has more details than I do...and a new friend.  You will love that story...whenever she has a free moment to get it up here.

From me...by VERY popular demand...the recipe for PINK STUFF.

1 small container cool whip
1 box instant vanilla pudding
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 can cherry pie filling
3/4 cup cooked + cooled white rice

Mix all ingredients together.  If it is too dry, add a little pineapple or cherry juice.  It is beyond yummy...and very PINK...hence our new name for it.

Speaking of new names...Jovanna will have a new name sooner or later...mainly because (a) she thinks I never read facebook posts and (b) she decided that calling me STICK instead of STEVE is simply the funniest thing that has ever happened in her life.  Though, I must admit, I am proud to be part of the STICK family...including my cousins, Drum and Mission.  If NONE of this makes any sense to you at all...well not only am I sure she will have something to say about it all...but you will all meet more of the STICK family soon!!

More from me in the next 2.5 weeks before I take time off for some VERY READY FOR IT R + R.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #8- Sonja!

Hello, All!


In this day and age, it's easy to find evidence that we are living in a broken world. We see crime in the papers, we hear about how people are losing their jobs, we read about war, hate, and hunger.


But if you look hard enough, we find little glimmers of hope. A few months ago, my archery team had a car wash. While I was working, a man walked by. No car to wash. He didn't want to buy pizza or a soda. He just GAVE us some money for our team. Similar things kept happening. People would give us way too much money, then refuse the change that I brought them. It really stuck me how these people didn't know me. They didn't know my school. They probably didn't have some deep interest in archery. They were just being kind.


Tell everyone about the glimmers of hope in YOUR life. Let's light up the world!

Happy Halloween, everyone! What're you all doing for Halloween?

Monday, October 18, 2010

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ha!  Scared you with that title didn't I?

Just wanted to find out if your schools still have school announcements or not?  I was just at a school last night for a follow up practice and learned that the announcement was never made to all students that we were having a practice because the school has CUT school announcements.  They say that 5 minutes per day to do announcements means kids miss 11 days of school.  First of all, the math is wrong...5 mins per day across 180 days of school (usually) = 15 hours...which is what?  3 days at most of school?  More than that though...goodness...what better way do we have to communicate with each other than verbally?  The teacher sharing this told me that the school is doing announcements via email...which NO ONE is reading (gee, that sounds like my beef with SR and email to newbies who never respond!)...and she said that kids are missing all kinds of deadlines, programs, things they need to do, etc.

At least I had 10 kids come last night (who signed up and read their email from me!)...but we should have had many more...had an announcement been made.

Thoughts on this?

Thursday, October 14, 2010

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #7 Dee~

Hello everyone! First blog post from me! :D
Do you guys remember your very first drum practice with SR? Do you remember if you were excited, scared, nervous, all of the above?  When was your first day? I started thinking about this when I was looking at pictures.  It’s mind boggling to look at pictures from four years ago, and then look at recent pictures.  You see how much people have changed, grown up, and become better people.   I think it’s awesome how much someone can change and become a better person when you are in an amazing group like SR. I love when you get new people that join your site, and you get to see them change/grow. At first they are always scared.  They try and look like they are having fun but still scared at the same time. And then pretty soon it’s been a month, then 6 months…, and soon you see them change and have more confidence in their self and start having fun. You get to see them play at their very first show.  I think its awesome being able to watch someone grow in SR.
At the Warren, Ohio Site we have a new member named Vince. He is so funny!  I walk in and he says hi and then asks me 1000 questions about beats, songs, everything.   He went on Sheltered Reality’s website and saw Lauren and Colleen’s picture.   He printed it out and asked me if it was them.  He was excited to find out it was.  He is so thrilled to be in this group and loves every minute of it.  He ALWAYS has a smile on his face and wants to help with anything he can.  He always tells me how he practices a lot.  He told me that he plays on boxes, and how he used to play on phonebooks until he started putting holes in them. :D  He gets beats so fast!  On beat accelerator, he’s on track 6! He is doing an awesome job.  He always says whatever you want to teach me, I’ll do it! Lol.  He seems to really enjoy drumming practices, and I’m happy about that.
Well, this is all I have for now! Super excited for the meeting next weekend!!!!! Woot! :D

Thursday, October 7, 2010

STEVE POST; Changes Good and Bad

Actually I really don't have a plan for this blog today, but knew it was time for me to write something!  So, here we go...and who knows where we will end up at the end of it all :)

First of all...the change I want to talk about the most...for our 15th year anniversary year (which I think SHOULD have some special celebrations in it!!) we are going to work up Music Again (Adam again) as the NEW opening song for our shows...goal will be to have it ready by June, 2011, for the busy summer season.  As I said to audiences this summer, some who had seen us for the past 10 years at least, that "this is our 14th year and the opening song is still Cuba Libre" I came to the conclusion that I COULD NOT say this when it was "this is our 28th year and our opening song is still Cuba Libre"...no way that was going to work.  So, it is time to move Cuba Libre to a new "greatest hits section" towards the end of the show, and create something new.  I promise that I will resist making it harder than If I Had You (though I am tempted!)...but we will have to work up some really exciting opening show choreography for it...AND...I promise you all the longest memorized drum solo that will be part of this song (over the 16 measures of guitar solo in the song)...so you can start looking forward to that.  I may have some basic first parts for the last round of practices this year; if not, then for sure in the first set of 2011 practices.  Be ready :)  I am curious though...this is a big change to the show...so vote on the new poll about this and let me know your thoughts.

Second, after a recent crazy interaction with a potential new family at one of our new sites, I have decided that we must get started on the SR book.  I was talking with the Sioux Fall-ians last night about this and they agreed...we must get started on this.  At our upcoming Site Coordinator's meeting, Jordan will be presenting his VERY hard work of this year...putting together all of our press things, from all 14 years, at long last!  This has been something that has been ongoing, and failed at, for many years...mainly because there is so much STUFF about us out there...he has finally organized it all in some great books...and we want to figure out how to turn it into something COOL for everyone to have access to...in some format.  To go along with this, we need to get the book started; Jovanna, are you still up for writing it...or helping write it?  I have some ideas finally how to get started on it, so let me know if you are willing to help...anyone else is welcome to help to...so let me know!  It is time to get down all the stories about up's, down's, and crazies that have helped truly form the NEVER GIVE UP step of SR.  If you are curious about my recent crazy interaction (one of many that happens each month sadly), you will have to wait for the book.  HA!

Third, I am sad to see more and more schools cutting all of the arts programs; music, art, drama, etc.  This seems to be a fast-growing trend, meaning that SR needs to become an outlet for kids who are losing their access to this at school.  We can at least work to meet the musical needs out there.  For those schools not losing them, they have certainly been marginalizing these programs; making kids come at 6am for practice...making it a super-choice between art-oriented classes vs. core-curriculum-oriented classes...which then forces some kids out of the arts area as they work to meet their core needs.  (This of course never happens with sports of any sort) :(   So, you can talk about these changes in your own communities/schools/perspective, as I would be curious to hear about your views on this.

Finally, there seems to be more fear out there economically speaking than at the beginning of the year.  I know it means we are going to have to increase fundraising for scholarships next year, so plan to be talking about this with me at all practices towards the end of this year and beginning of next year, as we are going to pull together nationally and help those who will need extra help to be in SR...because that is what we do...help each other.  We will have to find ways to think more nationally about this...and make sure all our current members are aware that if they are raising money to help a local new member OR a far-away-site new member, they are still meeting SR-goals...because we will never let money preclude someone being in SR...and succeeding at their journey with us...even in times when there IS no money out there...few jobs...and a whole lotta hopeless feeling people...it is up to US to show them that there is still a way...something positive going on...and bring hope to those who need just that.  I will ask you all to be praying on ways to go about this so that we can all pull together when 2011 rolls around.

There...a very long, multi-subject post for you all to enjoy...now to make it pretty colors :)  See you all soon!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Steve Post Again...Shorter this time :)

It is so nice that Fall has finally arrived.  I think.  After the heat and humidity of this past summer I am truly ready for some cooler weather, pretty fall colors, and some great SR shows!  I cannot believe that it is almost October...soon the Holidays will arrive, another SR season will come to an end, and we will all take a break...until January, when we can start the 15th year of SR!  I cannot believe how far we have come, how many struggles we have overcome, and how many lives we have changed.  There are still struggles out there...especially as we fight the economic mess that our country is in, and like any other business, find ways to minimize costs and maximize money coming in to pay bills...especially travel since it just keeps going up, adding fees, etc...but doing Whatever It Takes and Never Giving Up we will survive, just like we always have...and you know why?  Because of our GREAT DRUMMERS, all ages, across this country!  I just cannot believe the terrific folks that make up this SR family...how much you love it, look forward to it, talk about it, live it, and share it with others...it is because of all of you that fighting the good fight is ALWAYS worth it.  Everyday you make me smile, laugh, think, and thank (God) for bringing you all into this drumming world.  This weekend, seeing Hopkinsville and Nashville drummers light up the Hopkinsville International Festival Audience...seeing people from all over the world smile, laugh, dance, clap, and then, come talk to us about how great it is to see people TRULY having fun together...it speaks volumes to what you all have to offer the world...to make it a better place...and to bring something positive into a very negative and bleak society that sits out there.  People need SR's energy, love of life, and compassion more than ever...so Drum On...and know that everyday, somebody who is down feels a little bit better.  BECAUSE OF YOU.

That is all for this one...must go catch my flight home.  Off to Green Bay, WI from there for a full day of shows in Bonduel, WI tomorrow...that is a full day of If I Had You :)

And while we do that, know that Adam himself is singing If I Had You for huge audiences in Singapore to incredibly rave reviews...boy has he come far this year!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Steve Post: A day late, but connected to Colleen for sure!

Hey Bloggers,

Sorry about my delay...I was going to get this up last night, but there was a really bad storm where I was staying, and the next thing I knew, the entire internet went down...and well...there went my blog.  So, I am now in Detroit, at the airport, en route back home (before heading right back out to fly to Nashville tomorrow)...and my blog was going to be about how people are getting more and more isolated, disconnected, and selfish with each new innovation in "communication", and VOILA, I get on here to see Colleen and I had connected through some sort of mental telepathy...all the way from Salt Lake City to Warren!!  Good job Colleen!

 Colleen, your comment about eye contact was amazing.  I have always been a firm believer that you must give people eye contact when you talk with them AND when you listen to them.  It not only marks you as a sincere person, who cares about who you are talking/listening to, but more importantly, it allows you to find out how sincere/insincere the other person is as well.  It does not mean you have to stare at the other person...that is disconcerting.  Instead, it means you look at them, listen to them, and connect to them.  It is one of the things that I hear from a lot of folks in the audience who come to talk to me; they always say what a "great connector" I am...because I am always looking at them while talking.  (and drumming!).  Again, I don't stare; I look in all kinds of places, but one of the places I look a lot is UP and OUT...at others.  Remember our New Step 6: to Do Good?  In the last 3 mos I have added to it quite often the words "for Others".  I believe that Doing Good means your goal is for ANOTHER person.  It goes back to what Jovanna posted in her brilliant Blog...about whether or not you are a work in progress.  I never did get a moment to comment on that, so I will hear.  Personally, for myself, I believe I am still a work in progress mainly because I think we are ALL works in progress.  For me, the journey in life...God's journey, is never finished, because you never know what is in store the next day.  However, to succeed in that journey, you need remember what Step 6 is about...you must remember that to Do Good means with another in mind...you should always try doing your best for someone else...not for yourself...not to "feel good"...but simply to serve...because God calls us all to serve, and one of the easiest ways to do this is to truly connect to someone else.  You don't actually have to do anything...simply showing respect, compassion, caring may help someone have a better day...and in doing so, you have Done Good for another person.

In today's world it seems that doing anything is too often directed inwardly, and selfishly.  Jovanna, I loved your example...How are you?  Good?  You?  Good?  End of conversation.  Although I always ask how people are, the difference is, I ask because I care.  I want others to be happy, excited, enjoying life, enjoying human interaction, and I try to do my best to help with this anyway that I can.  That includes my favorite question...What is new?  I ask this not to be generic, but because I actually care to hear what people have been up to...what they have been doing...since we last talked in person.  My 2 biggest pet peeves are...(1) hearing NOTHING.  Sometimes this is true...and that is OK.  But, when it is the only answer, my feeling is that "Oh, you cannot be bothered to tell me what you have been doing...or ask me what I have been doing."

However, that is NOT my biggest pet peeve...it is the person who is either telling you what they have been doing OR listening to you, and then their phone goes off...and they grab it, and start attending to it.  I HATE THIS beyond belief, because it is so rude.  No ONE of us is so important that a message (text, email, voicemail) cannot wait until we are done with the actual in person communication that we are doing.  I know I get a lot of grief from people because my phone is either OFF, or in the car...and NEVER on me.  But, my theory is...I will get to the digital communication AFTER I am done with the human communication, because it must come first!  I used to snicker at what I see in the mall today, but anymore it makes me plain sad...teenagers "hanging out" by walking shoulder to shoulder NEVER talking TO each other, but rather, texting to someone in digital land...never actually enjoying the human companionship they have right by their side.

I honestly can say I fear this trend, and that it is going to keep getting worse.  When I hear of all the "great things" coming for cell phones...how they will someday turn on/off your lights at home, allow you to watch your home security camera from anywhere in the world, replace YOUR CREDIT CARD AND BANK ACCOUNT with a digital code that you wave through the air to buy things, be your entertainment hub (like on my 3.5 hour flight today, where the guy next to me watched almost 2 full movies on a 2 inch screen that he held about 6 inches from his nose...how "FUN" can that really be?)...I fear that someday, life will be just one big CELL PHONE (well small phone actually) where we all sit ALONE in a room and text nonstop to people we will never know in person.

What can SR do about this?  We MUST keep human connection alive; we must remember that one of the things that makes SR so special is that we look forward to spending time...at shows...at practice...eating apple dumplings (and cherry floats!)...TOGETHER...making memories that I hope will not only last a lifetime for all of us BUT also remind others watching that you can have so much more fun WITH someone in person than simply by digitally existing.

So, I will add this rant to what Colleen posted and let you all chatter away about both things.  And, while you are at it, ask Dee what SHE did to my spoon in my cherry float last weekend!  URGHH the pain of that memory.  HAH!!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #6 -Colleen-

Okay so i guess that Steve was supposed to put up a post today but didn't so....im going to put my post up today. :) 

     Okay so everyone knows in high you have to take some kind of "Own Your Own" or "Home Ec." class. Well for my class this year we started talking about communication and how it effects the way people interpret the way we feel. Now when you look at someone have you ever noticed that they dont look at you when you talk? it happens to me all the time. Have you ever had that one person who just does not like you even though you have never had a conversation with them?

     They could be thinking these things cause of the way you look when you think about something really hard or because you have a different crowd of friends.

     okay what i would like all of you to do is answer these questions: Do you feel that the communication in the world has gone downhill since our grandparents were born? If so what can SR do to try and improve the communication the world?

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

~SR Uber Wootin’ Writers Blog #5- Amanda~

Hey everyone!!! It's Amanda. Sorry I had to post this song like so bad. The lyrics are...lets just say amazing. A few of you I know you will know it. Steve is the one who showed me this song and ever since I have totally fallen in love with this song. This song is called Hold On, Be Strong by Maria Haukaas Storeng. Here are the lyrics, and do me a favor go on youtube or something and listen to the song.

Love can be hard sometimes,
yes it can catch you off guard like bad crimes
Yes, it can make you depressed and angry
make you say why me, why would anybody try me?



You might be saying ooh, I don't wanna' be lonely
Ooh, I don't wanna' be by myself.
Ooh, don't wanna' be lonely
Why ain't anybody loving me?
But there's always someone out there, who'll be there for you
There is always someone out there who will care for you
There's always someone out there who'll be true, true, true.
Hold on, hold on, be strong



Love can go away for ever if you're pushing
And you have to, remember; don't rush it
If you're thinking right it is wrong
And you'll be crying; why me, why won't anybody try me?




You might be saying ooh, I don't wanna' be lonely
Ooh, I don't wanna' be by myself.
Ooh, don't wanna' be lonely, no no
Why ain't anybody loving me?
Now but there's always someone out there, Who'll be there for you
And there is always someone out there who will care for you
There's always someone out there who'll be true, true, true.
Hold on, hold on, be strong




And yes, there's always someone out there,Who'll be there for you
And there is always someone out there who will care for you
There's always someone out there who'll be true, true, true.
Hold on, hold on, be strong.
Hold on, hold on be strong.
               My child hold on, hold on, be strong!






Okay so now after you read the lyrics. How do you think we can apply this to our lives?? What do you think the main message that Maria is trying to get across.






Sorry I went out of turn but I just had to post this. I think it could help more people then just me. I will post a link for a video with the lyrics on it in the comment box.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

~SR Uber Wootin’ Writers Blog #4- Jovanna~


Finished works in progress.

Okay, before you read any more, I want you to think about what the above fragment might mean. And why would I put it there? It just seems so contradictory, doesn’t it? How can a work in progress be finished? What does it mean to you as a Christian? And, by extent, what could it mean for Sheltered Reality? Now, stop reading and post your thoughts below. Then you can come back to read the rest.

“Finished works in progress” is my school’s theme for the year, and I think it would be beneficial for us all to look at what such a statement could mean in our own lives. What would it mean if I told you that you are a “finished work in progress?” Or that I am a “finished work in progress?” Breaking it into two parts, we can better make sense of it.

First: “Finished.” This refers to our salvation. When Jesus died on the cross for us, he triumphed over death and claimed us as His own. We only have to recognize Him as our Lord and Savior, and it is Finished. Nothing can take God’s grace from us.

Second: “Works in Progress.” Our salvation may be complete or finished, but that does not make us perfect. That does not mean we no longer sin or make the same mistakes again and again. As Christians, though, we try to be as “Christ-minded” as possible, working towards that “Christ-like perfection” that none of us will reach in this life-time. We are not perfect. We are “works in progress.”

Here’s the thing, though—there’s another side to this whole “Works in Progress,” and that, I believe, is what Sheltered Reality is all about. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (ESV). Do you see it? God has prepared for us good works! “Works in progress” that he has given us the ability to complete! Not only that, but He prepared these works for us “beforehand.” Long before we even know there is something to be done, God is planning it. And He sets us up to succeed in these things.

What are these good works? I believe they can be things as simple as sharing a smile with a random stranger who needed a lift. And to think—God put you on the sidewalk to share that simple smile. WOW! Mind blown.

Are you a finished work in progress? You better believe it. I know by this point you’ve already posted once, but I want you to go back and do so again. What are some of the “good works” you’ve been called to lately? What about the reverse? What has someone done for you lately that God had a hand in? And, finally, what are some of the good works you’ve seen God prepare for Sheltered Reality?

Monday, September 6, 2010

Steve Post :)

Just wanted to finally get on here for a minute...to update you all!  Had a nice relaxing drive to Phoenix and back...took 8 days doing it...and Jordan and I got to see all kinds of new things...including Pie Town, NM (and great pie there) and Roswell, NM...complete with aliens galore.  If you don't know about the history of Roswell...look it up...some very interesting science and history there to learn about.  Got back from that, and straight to Ohio to do practice in Warren and Toledo AND 4 shows...for over 10,500 people...school show, community show, baseball game show, and family camp show.  The latter was for about 60 people, and was the best of the bunch!  What a great time!  We met so many great new folks, and if all works out, we will have our 3rd OH site in Avon Lake, OH sometime before 2011.  YAAAY!  During the OH trip, If I Had You was finally finished...and it rocks!  Great last minute choreographic ideas from everyone...and some new things for the blue sticks (so get 'em if you don't have them already)...all in all, a great trip.

THANKS to all who are working up great posts on the blog...they are FUN reading for sure!  Keep it up...and keep the connections growing in SR...because it is all about that...who we connect with and how we can empower each other.

More soon from me...and you guys...Rock On!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

~SR Uber Wootin Writers Blog #3- Kristen~

First off I want to say that I hope you all are enjoying your first couple weeks back at school or if you work I hope you are enjoying work!

It took me a realllllly long time to figure out what exactly I was going to write about. But I finally figured it out!!! I decided to write about something that applied to not only my life right now as a college student but to your lives in your schools, work places, and communities. 

There are so many times when we underestimate the word "friend." At times we think someone is a really good friend but soon find out they aren't. Or we think someone is a terrible friend but soon find out they are better than that good friend you thought you had. The dictionary says that the word friend means someone who gives assistance; supporter. This is so true. In my opinion, a good friend is someone who wants to spend time with you to get to know you, and that will always be there for you no matter what happens. 

Here in college I have had to make a whole new group of friends. I came on August 18th not knowing anyone but my roomate. I reached out and used the "be a friend" step to success and made many new friends. I also made a friend and thought she was a good friend but she ended up being extremely hateful to me and my friends. So you just move on and make new friends. You can tell when you walk to classes and tell who is upset and needs a friend. Just reach out to them as God has intended for us all to do. :)

So here is a question or two for you...What in your opinion is a good friend? How can you reach out to people and become a friend?!?

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

~SR Uber Wootin Writers Blog #2-Sonja~

A few of you may remember when Steve had us discuss song lyrics a long long time ago. You had some awesome answers, so I figured we could try doing it again. This song is called Give Me Your Eyes.


Look down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight


Touch down on the cold black top
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breathe in the familiar shock
Of confusion, and chaos


All those people going somewhere, why have I never cared?


CHORUS:
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see


Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me 
To hide whats underneath
There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
To ashamed to tell his wife
He's out of work, he's buying time


All those people going somewhere, why have I never cared?


CHORUS


I've been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just move and pass me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all along


Discuss: What does it mean to see through God's eyes? How can we do this? How does this fit in with what SR is doing? Have you ever truly felt you've seen things though God's eyes? Anything else that comes to mind when you read these lyrics is fine for discussion as well. These are just to get you started!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Tweet Time

You can start passing the word...I have decided to actually use my twitter account for fun things for anyone who wants to follow me that way...so go ahead and spread this onward...

I did change my username there..FYI...to make me easier to find.  You want to follow:

SRDrum_Steve

I will not tweet a lot, and it will usually be just updates on what I am doing, where I am, if I have fainted (HA!), and fun things from the road.  I WILL be testing it out for all followers on the Phoenix road trip starting next Monday...so if you want a virtual road trip with me, hop on board :)

Mixin' It Up (an official Steve post!)

Hey all...just wanted to share that I have the first five remixes of If I Had You...they are finally out!  If you do not know it...I am a HUGE remix fan, and have SOOO many mixes of my fave songs...and have been waiting for these since the first time I heard the song (way last Dec, 2009).  I am so glad that five mixes are out...and they are all incredible!!  In fact, I am going to change the version of the song we play to...the edit of it on this remix album is the same song but for whatever reason with added instruments and added vocals on top of vocals...and each addition is way cool so I figured we might as well listen to them and let the audience enjoy the additions as well.  This of course is contingent on actually playing to it...I will do that at my next practice following the Phoenix road trip.  I cannot see there is any difference in the song behind these additions so I think we are safe.  Usually an edit is not added too...it is usually subtracted from, but I guess this edit is a new kind for a new generation of remixers.  Not complaining about it for sure.  So you can all look forward to hearing it AND finding out if you can hear the additions.  The other versions are very happening but would take radical reworking of our drum parts...which I am not sure is in anyone's best interests...though it would be fun!!  Panic not...we will stick with our 8 months of work so far and leave it at that.

So, anyhow, I have seen and heard this more than ever this year, so I will let you play with it as a new Steve question.  

 To you, what is "an SR person"

Have fun and I will look forward to reading your thoughts on it!!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

~SR Uber Wootin Writers Blog #1-Dee and Amanda~

Hey everyone it's Amanda and Dee. We are working on this first blog together. We are here to update you all when Steve can not do so. Our blogs are going to look a little different compared to Steve's blogs. Our titles will have our "club" name, (yes we made yet another club in SR) Our name is the "SR Uber Wootin Writers". There are six of us in the "club" for each blog we put up we have decided to number it and put our name on it so everyone knows who posted it.

In the "club" we have Dee Harr (From Warren,Ohio Site), Colleen Jones (From Warren, Ohio Site), Kristen Clark (From Columbia, Missouri Site), Jovanna LaPlant (From Minneapolis, Minnesota Site), Sonja Youngquist (From Minneapolis,Minnesota site) and last but not least Amanda Maser (From no site Georgia). We are going to be putting our names on each blog, so you can all ask questions to that person instead of you going to one of us and then us getting confused and stuff.

Our blogs will be about SR and our wonderful members and fans. I think we're going to be taking over the Member of the Week. We will have a different topic for each blog and if you have a topic idea you can let one of us know and we'll put it in the mix of other topics.

Steve is still going to put blogs up. He may not be able to post as often as he would like, but with his very busy and crazy schedule he sometimes needs some rest instead of updating us and thats ok.

Well we better wrap this up. Like we said if you have questions or anything just let us know. Untill next time!!! See ya!! Have a great day!!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

TRULY...A NEW POST! The SSD/AL review :)

Well, for all those waiting, I am finally posting something new on here.  I am sorry that the summer got away from me; I always thought it could...and it did.  SO many shows, SO much travel, and SO MUCH HUMIDITY.  I am truly tired of it and I am truly wiped out...but today is at least better than yesterday...at least I am awake (for those worrying about that!)

It is hard to believe after all the work, planning, and stress, the first-ever Sizzlin' Summer Drummer Bash has come...and gone.  Isn't it amazing (and a little scary) how fast time can go when you look forward to something for so long...then the moment comes, and in a flash, it is gone.  That was what the entire SSD weekend seemed to be...a flash...and then...gone.  For now.  But, it will return next year...even better!  We learned a lot on how to execute it...and I will be excited to see us build on this next year.  However, even with that said, it will be hard to top it by much, because it was Sheltered Reality at its best.  On Friday, we touched many lives through a series of mission projects...some including drums, others not...but no matter what type of project it was, many people got to see SR members actively working with others, connecting to others, and making a difference.  I know for myself, I have thought long and hard about my new friends at the Hoyleton Children's Home...and missed them...though not for long, given that I am heading there in about one hour to do another show...and connection...and Taking A Chance to see if the home not only wants to be an ongoing mission project for the STL SR group, but wants to be a Drum Site for SR as well...more on this as it unfolds.  I have had the pleasure of hearing from many members that Friday was their favorite SR day...proving again that our mix of drums, music, and service FOR others is a truly awesome mix.
Then, Saturday was a record EIGHT hours of practice...7 before dinner and one more bonus hour after dinner!  WOW...and to think that many wanted to STILL keep going...what dedication...what an honor for me to see such energy...and what a great feeling to have If I Had You nearly 85% complete (still a bit more to go on this epic production, but it is getting there!!).

Then Sunday came...and the worship service kicked it off...with a great BBQ lunch in between with a ton of new friendships made...and the the show...complete with Amanda via live cellphone feed!  So many emotions came out of this show...new stories...new audience members...our first blind guest drummer!!  (Go Gabriel!)...and the kids from Hoyleton having a great time drumming with us!  Despite the heat...we rocked...and both of the new songs went over awesome with the audience!

Following all of this...after a shower and a quick dinner...Jordo and I went to see Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert...minus Orianthi (who has sadly left the tour)...but what a concert!  First, a great place to see...we were 2nd row balcony but truly RIGHT over the stage (thanks to Ed from Granite City for that seating suggestion)...Allison was terrific live...but Adam...goodness...to see him sing live and use that incredible vocal range was unreal...he is beyond gifted and gave a great 75 min show...complete with an extended If I Had You...sadly though he is NOT a dancer and so no new choreography for the song from his show...but what he said about that song I wanted to share to end this post...he said that the song was the theme of the concert...and no matter how much money, power, celebrity, etc., you have...it makes no difference...it is about the connections you make to others and the love you share that is important in this world...what a great way for him to sum up the entire SSD weekend for me!

Starting TODAY...the blog will change, as I am going to share blogging privileges with the Woot Woot club!  That way, any of you can post for others...sharing about SR...and not waiting on me to find energy to finally get on here...it shall be a great way to expand the blog and keep it moving forward!

With that said...take care all...and happy end of summer drumming :)  See you all soon!!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Happy 4th on the 5th!!

This will not be a long post, as I have to leave for practice in exactly 10 min...and still need to get everything gathered to go...but wanted to wish everyone in SR_land a great big happy 4th of July...if one day late :)  I hope whether you with family, friends, or drumming away at a show, you had a great day.  It was very humid for our shows in STL yesterday, but we had a great time anyhow...though we had to stop about 5 min early for an approaching storm...one of those this summer was enough for me!!

I did want to share in this blog about Seth from the show yesterday afternoon...we had an audience of LOTS of neighborhood kids from the park we were playing in...and they were having a great time guest drumming...one song after another...but during one song, we had Seth...an adult who had some obvious things going on...maybe Tourette's syndrome, maybe slightly mentally challenged...it was not clear exactly what it might have been...but the result of his Take A Chance was incredible...as he yelled out at the audience at the end of the song that...

"This was my first time up here playing a drum, and although I was scared to death, I felt like George Washington marching to victory to the sound of drums many years ago...and I feel GREAT!"

Once again, we never know who we might affect, what change might happen, what joy might be imparted, or what the result of us standing and sweating in the heat might cause...BUT...we must remember that not only must we do it for SR...but more importantly to this particular holiday, we must give thanks to God for living in a country where we are free to dream...and succeed...and live in freedom...and we must make sure we work to keep our country this way...because it is only with freedom that we are able to take our lives in whatever direction we want them to go.

See you all soon...MANY MANY July shows...so get out there and drum!!

And, just think...AUGUST MEGA EVENT IN ONE MONTH!  GET SIGNED UP :)

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

If I Had You coming together SO WELL!

Well, I am making my 2nd round of many sites who have now been working on the beginning, first verse, choruses, 2nd verse (including gallop and stick trick) and even the zig zag part at the end, and all of this seems to coming together VERY well.  Last night in Rochester, MN we had the zig zag going so well that all parents were sitting there with mouths open in shock, surprise, and awe of what it looks like!  And, that is with wooden sticks NOT with the lighted blue sticks (YET!)...I am proud of all the never give up, whatever it takes, believe in yourself, that you are all putting into the song to make it an epic SR addition...the hardest thing we have ever undertaken drumwise.  YAY!

I have narrowed down the 2 remaining sections...and I think the uber snake as I want to call that part is about ready to be taught...and it too shall be HARD...my question in this blog is on a scale of 1 to 10...how hard do you all want it to be :)  The song is already difficult...and my 3 ideas seem to fall in a 1 (easy), 5 (medium), and 10 (hard) set of ways to do uber snake...so Whataya Want From Me for that section (HA, a little song humor there). 

Since we have not had a poll up for awhile, I will make that a poll question for you to vote on.  In the meantime...here we are...almost done with June already, summer shows going fast and furious (and HOT), all going well...many new friends meant out there...MANY new drummers signing up from the last few that I led at least...and MANY more shows still coming...so in between your camps, summer jobs, summer sports, and summer relaxing...get out there...and drum up a storm...and change a life...everyday!

Also...the signups (or at least confirmation to me at practice) for folks coming to STL has grown this past few days...which is good!  I know it is hard to fit this in between all else we are doing this summer...but remember the real goal of the SR Sizzlin' Summer Drummer Bash is to get you ALL together again...and truly bond...and become better friends...and simply have a great weekend...so work on Whatever It Takes to get there!  

If you have not seen the awesome artwork for the special t shirt for this event, I have posted it here...as best as I could in the blog.  See you all soon at something SR-ish :) :)


Thursday, June 10, 2010

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

YES...a new post from me...FINALLY.  I am truly sorry that this has turned into once every 10 days or so...but at least I am doing what I can, when I can...just finished spending hours typing up sign up lists for people wanting to join existing sites, or start new sites, and getting emails out to them...and was just supposed to meet our Rapid City site coordinator for lunch...but realized that I had to do this first...see Bloggers...I am skipping out on lunch to get this done first!

Jess...from Des Moines...welcoming you and Wyatt to the blog...YAY!  We are so proud of him in SR!!  See you soon at a show, and thanks for the great comments on the last post.

To all...start talking up the Sizzlin' Summer Bash, and remember, if it takes some extra fundraisers to get gas budgets together at your site...then DO IT!  Many weeks until then, so Whatever It Takes...and holler if you all need help!

Finally, if you have not heard my latest additions to SR show-stories...I want to remind you all that you are GREAT PEOPLE...kids or adults!  Given my travel headaches of 2 weeks ago...and the fact that they were caused by misbehaving kids AND adults, I wanted to take the time in this blog to tell you all what great people you are...and how you show this by everything you do!  Too many people seem to get caught up in the wrong things anymore...the meaning of a word...the "drama/back story" behind something...personal selfishness...and they forget something so important...what you do reflects who you...what you say reflects who you are...and what you believe reflects who you are!  Daily, I see such great role models in SR...kids doing great things, being good to each other, empowering each other, being friends, and caring.  Daily I see such HORRIBLE things outside of SR...such as the broken elevator in Cleveland and the shattered dishes in Kansas City in the pool (these are my new stories you can look forward to)...and I just shake my head and wonder...WHERE did we go wrong in our country?  How has it gotten to the point that we can never see the good right in front of us...such as the good things you all do everyday...and why does only the bad get attention? 

I would appreciate your comments on this, your feelings on this, and your blog chatter on this...so go for it!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Summer Mega Event Coming Together!!

Start spreading the word...the Summer Mega Event is really starting to come together...make sure you have marked your calendars...Aug 6, 7, and 8th...and if you are unclear, this is simply Mt. Rushmore mega-event done without Mt. Rushmore...but WITH mission projects!  We have some really great folks in St. Louis and the IL side working on all the details...with awesome mission projects lining up for Aug 6th...where you will all be divided into teams of 10-15 drummers and parents...and with members you do NOT know so you can make even more new SR friends!  Then, on Saturday, we are going to shoot for SEVEN hours of practice...given that many have asked for a longer mega-practice...so we are going to do it!  Then, on Sunday we will do an ecumenical morning service in our host town (Troy, IL) followed by an all-community BBQ (YAY!), followed by our 1.5 hour concert...which will be an awesome end to an awesome weekend!

So, if you are still wondering about the weekend...time to mark it down and start making travel plans.  We have special rates on hotel rooms throughout the area for those who want to stay in a hotel...we have MUCHO host housing space if you want to save that cost...we have many people feeding us everyday, so no worries there, and we will drum so much your hands will bleed!  YAY!  (well, maybe not bleed!).

Start talking this up at your sites...start texting, emailing, and calling your SR friends, get the word out there...cause we want to do whatever it takes to have 100 or 150 or 200 drummers there this summer.  We know you all have a million plans in the summer of things to do, places to go, camps to attend, vacations to have, but squeeze this one in too...so our first mega Summer event can be a true success!

We have almost finished the official name of the event...it will be finalized with the help of the OH members today and tomorrow...and then, we will open up T Shirt orders, since we are going to commemorate this one with an official summer T shirt.  For sure we are calling it Gateways of Change in memory of the STL area...but we are still needing the other part of the title...something along the lines of Sheltered Reality Drums O Fire or something like that...to bring together SR, summer, and drums...we will figure it out and get this posted ASAP.

SOOOOO...be excited!!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Changing Lives and Fun Pictures!

Some fun pictures if you have not yet seen these!  First of all, Dee (from Warren, OH) TRULY brightened my day on Friday in Toledo, OH.  For whatever reason I was feeling down in the dumps all day, and was really not quite focused on doing the show that evening...see even I have down days!  We are all only human!  But, anyhow, she came to the show complete with an entire BOX of Gobbs (if you have yet to hear that story at a show, you will soon!) and they all said SR on top!  And, for whatever reason, that is all I needed that day to cheer me up.  See, when I say that every day, in every way, we can change someone's world for the better...WE CAN.  Rock on Dee!

















Then, most of the members who played in Toledo (and got soaked in the downpour during the show) got together and had some fun times after drying drums off...and so, here is the picture of them enjoying Gobbs together (sadly I was not able to stay since I had a very early flight out of Cleveland the next morning and hours of driving ahead of me...but I DID get to enjoy my 2 Gobbs on the return to Cleveland)...

















Then, I wanted to make sure to share with you pictures of when I got to meet both the band I Fight Dragons (who are VERY VERY good and have created a VERY unique new musical approach...mixing together guitar driven rock with Nintendo games, sounds, and controllers!  Very cool!)...as well as most of Cobra Starship the same night...so here are those pictures for you to enjoy.  I must say that Victoria, from Cobra, is VERY nice and down to earth...and Ryland, from Cobra, loved my shoes that night and told me!  However, I Fight Dragons members, who are new to the touring scene, were incredibly nice to talk with, and reminded me again that for the most part we are all the same in life...with God given talents that can be put to Great use.  I say MOST PART because sadly, at the same concert, I had to not only suffer through 3-oh-3 who were very offensive...beyond anything I have ever experienced in a rock band before, but also had the RUDEST FANS I have ever been crushed, stomped, hit, pushed, shoved, and cussed at by...and most of them were 12 year old girls doing the crushing, stomping, hitting, pushing, shoving, and cussing...thank goodness they all left before Cobra took to the stage, letting those of us who were normal fans enjoy the actual headlining act that night. 

Enjoy these too...and more soon!  And, sorry for my stupid smile in the I Fight Dragons picture...I was tired and sore and ready to head home :)


















Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Summer Almost Here!

I truly enjoyed reading all of your comments from my Going In Circles post...so here we go again...just another one to write about in between all of my travels (like my 11 hour drive to Eau Claire from Rapid City tomorrow to do a school-show followup...then 2 more hours to Madison tomorrow night before calling it a day...that will be a LOT of bird watching from the interstate for sure!).

So, for this post, I want to know what you want to do on your first day out of school.  That is always such a special time of year...for both kids and teachers...that awesome feeling of those days ahead of you...on your time...being able to do what you want relatively stress-free...at least I hope your summer days will be stress free!  SO...what do you want to do on your first day off?

Then, so we don't leave out the working adults who are not teachers...what is your favorite memory from childhood of your first day off of school in some particular summer?  I will respond to that one...because for some reason, every year, I have the same nostalgic memory as I start to hear our youth-drummers talking about summer being almost here...and being excited about being out of school...I have two VERY fond memories of summer...one that makes sense, and one that is kind of geeky, but oh well :)

My favorite summer pastime was always riding my bike...and I always looked forward to that first day out of school when I was able to ride all day, all over town (West Burlington, IA, my home town) and having no schedule to follow.  There is something awesome about any day that is simply ours...to do what we want, when we want, on our own schedule, with no deadlines, no time commitments, and no place we HAVE to be at any certain time.  Savor those moments in your life...whether summer as a kid or vacation as an adult...(or your weekend for that matter, for those that have normal weekends!!)...

My other favorite summer memory, perhaps my all-time favorite one, is the geeky one...but most of you who know me well know that I love flying, love airplanes, and still want to get my pilot's license someday.  Anyhow, when I was in junior high, I got a telescope, and although I did use it for astronomy at night...my FAVE thing to use it for was to identify jets going over my house, at very high altitudes, all day long...keeping a logbook of the jet type and airline...I have NO idea why this was always so enjoyable for me...but I got to be outside, got a great tan, and at the same time learned to ID a passenger jet by its contrail (the "cloud" that forms behind jet engines at high altitudes)...and to this day, I can still do this ID...geeky, but oh well, it is a memory that still brings back feelings of freedom, warmth, peace, and taking time to slowly enjoy the days I had to myself.

SO...your turn...everyone share.

And, Kelli, Alex, Renee, Brenda, and Jordan...have your fangs ready...Cobra is on Sunday!!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Going In Circles

Well, I have decided it is that time of year...or at least one of those times of years.  I know that as May gets going, we all tend to find ourselves in a whirlwind of end of the school year things (tests for you guys, graduation if appropriate, etc) and for me...wrapping up of school shows before summer begins.  It always seems that many things get lost in the shuffle this time of year...and communication on the Blog has been one of them...I have had very little posting time, and you guys have had very little commenting time.  It is understandable on both ends, but for those who have heard the Gob Story by now...the point of that story truly is not putting off until tomorrow what should be done today, and that even goes for something that we all love to do...simply talking to each other!  It is one of the best parts of connecting with others...simply sharing something in your life...and laughing about it, or even crying about it.  SO...here is what we are going to do in this particular blog...each person who comments needs to describe the most FUN thing they did in the past 7-10 days that is NOT NOT NOT related to anything about SR, drums, or even mission...because sometimes we just need to take a break from what we love the most...and in this case...I want everyone to do the following in this order.

1.  Sit down, in case you are reading this standing up!
2.  Take a deep breath and relax.
3.  Think of the most fun thing you have done that you want to share on here.
4.  Post your comment....then read and comment on other posts.
5.  Finally, give thanks to God for this moment of peace and tranquiity amongst the business of life...and then, take more of these moments for yourself...because even when the point of the Gob story is about not putting off until tomorrow what you could/should do today...it includes...taking a moment for yourself...to be thankful for all in your life...and to take a deep breath and just slowly let it out...savoring the moment.  I think we no longer have enough  moments in life like this!

For all of you...my most fun non-SR thing in the past 7-10 days was dinner/movie night out with my friend Nancy this past Thursday evening...the one day a month that I am always home to be able to do that.  Nancy is a teacher and has had a very rough year, as many teachers have had, and she needed a night just to laugh...and we spent a very fun-filled dinner laughing about nothing really...just stupid things we had done in the last week...talking about past memories we have shared...relieving old TV shows we love (like my current old favorite, the Dick Van Dyke show...boy did those folks KNOW how to act and how to make a person laugh!)...and then, following dinner, we put on the 3-D glasses to learn how to train our pet dragon...which by the way...I have always wanted a pet dragon, and wished they truly existed.

So, there is my moment for you all to think about...and I am smiling reliving it...

And, now that I have had my moment to take a deep breath, and savor it, and be thankful for not only Nancy, and laughter, but all the people that I care about in my life...I have to RUN out the door to get to practice on time...so, here we go again :)