Driven

Around the time school ended, probably within the last 2 or 3 weeks, I became really driven again for music.  I've been actively involved in music since I was 3 or so and then I could say I've been a performer since around 8 and then a musician (of sorts) since middle school when I started playing guitar and being in bands.  

Since high school, I've not been in any bands, by my own personal choosing.  I've been asked a couple of times but have always opted not to because I felt that the calling of worship leader was what I needed to and should focus on.  This is still partially a feeling I have, but I wasn't really doing much to focus on worship leading.

So, since a couple of weeks ago, I've realized and felt driven to want to and to attempt to write songs and focus on music and really spend time involving myself with music. Not that I haven't done this in the past, but definitely not to the extent that I did in high school.  I've also wanted to start songwriting with a few different people (some who have never written before, some who are far better than me to a point where I know I will embarrass myself, but that is part of the learning and growing process.)  I also want to really focus on my project with Elizabeth (which is one of my main goals) and then also work on some solo stuff, worship stuff (another main goal), and maybe start another band or 2 along the way (stuff that is serious but is probably doesn't play out every week.)  

The other day I even picked up the guitar and played for an hour just enjoying the time playing.  I haven't done that in too long.  I just have found myself  in love with music and all that it is again.  Dang.  Yeah, I just want to really spend a ton of time doing that and loving it.

Music, where it is at.

I just got back from Kansas City, Missouri 2 hours ago.  My roommates and I, plus quite a few others, made the trek up there yesterday morning to go see Sigur Ros in concert.

I cannot explain, nor describe what the experience was like.  It was by far one of the most profound and beautiful experiences I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of.  Simply incredible.  The opening act plays trombone for Sigur Ros, his name was Helgi Jonsson.  His voice was absolutely gorgeous and music quite amazing.  I could hear that he is quite obviously influenced by Sigur Ros, but his music was different enough to qualify him for a good complement to the main act.

Sigur Ros came on stage with the 4 members, a string quartet, and later an additional brass quintet.  Insane.  Many new songs from the new album were played, all of which were phenomenal (obviously).  One of the main events, for me, was the closing number (before the encore) where they played their new single Gobbeledigook.  The new single is quite different than their formal material.  The song is acoustically based and very drum and percussion heavy.  It was amazing seeing them play it last night as probably 6 or 7 members played huge drums for the number while another 4 or 5 provided the handclaps and backing vocals.  Incredible.  

This week has been wonderful.  Have been working frequently at the AE.  It is okay right now.  My internship is amazing.  I cannot stop shouting the praises of Bridgeway and what they are about and who they are.  Beautiful.  I cannot believed how blessed I am to be here and part of this community for this amount of time.  Amazing.  How good is God that he allowed me this opportunity.  Wonderful.  

I miss my friends and I love them.  I miss my family and I love them.  But, I know what I am doing here will be forming and shaping and will be important for my future and who I will be.  Not that time with friends or family would not be, but I feel like this might be a different type of impact.  

I really need to work on homework.

Peace.

This weekend was a retreat for the interns.  We went to Dallas, TX and spent the night at a hotel and did some discussion on what we want this summer to look like.  Most of the discussion was very "big picture" things that we hope to get accomplished.  We started a little late so we didn't get to spend any time talking about practical ways of implementing what we have or resources we have to use.  

This morning we got up and headed to Six Flags where we rode a crazy amount of roller coasters.  It was incredible!  I love amusement parks.  It was awesome just having that time to have fun together and be goofy and just enjoy the experience with each other.

Tomorrow is the first day of actual internship stuff.  We are meeting at 9am and we are leaving at 5pm, kind of like a real job I guess.  I cannot wait to get this ball rolling and see what shakes loose.

Peace.