Long time no posts

It's embarrassing when you can't remember your password to log in. Thanks to Traveler as usual for the excellent posts and keeping this blog afloat. I am stuck in a year of classes for a 2nd masters--a circumstance to which I think Traveler can relate. Life is busy--surprise. Reading here with enjoyment at least.

Sean's song on National Public Radio Website

Hi All:

I thought I'd mention this:

National Public Radio's website hosts a program called Open Mic, for
unsigned acts.

On January 2nd, 2007, my song A Nation of One will be the featured
song at this link: NPR Open Mic

Or: http://www.npr.org/templates/topics/topic.php?topicid=1094

The song, a few pictures, and a short biography and song explanation will be featured along with a link to the actual song. The song also will be podcasted.

If you think of it on Tuesday, check it out. Thanks.

Borderliner

Back in Ireland

I was just able, for the first time, to access and listen to the music that Borderliner has on the web. It is good stuff, and I think he should be doing more of it, or at least sharing more of it. Of course I love them all, but I found the most poignant to be Back in Ireland. It speaks to the same emotion I have every time I go or come.

Recently too, I have taken a job that keeps me bound to the North American continent, so Traveler doesn't really travel so much anymore. Anytime I consider running off somewhere I have to consider the effect on the kids and the nuclear family, and I realize that giving in to my restlessness and the angst it causes is just a form of selfishness. Good God, am I growing up?

Still and all, the music touches the remaining spirit tying me to my family and well spent misspent youth in Ireland! If any of you get the chance then please read my cousin's book, Man Overboard, reviewed here:

http://www.interlinkbooks.com/BooksM/man_overboard.html

Mojo

My daughter asked me yesterday, "Dad, what's mojo mean?" I told her to ask her mother, but her mother didn't know. When the daughter said this, I nearly fell off the couch. I explained to the daughter that Mojo is an Americanization of the Akan idea of Moja, usually spelled Modwa, which is the literal word for blood. The idea of modwa is that each individual has a unique spiritual dimension that is received through the blood of his mother at birth. This is in keeping with the matrilineal succession idea- the idea that divine right and "personhood" comes from the mother. Akan people, indeed most West Africans, venerate their mothers. So, when in American blues music you hear the phrase, "I got my mojo workin'", it refers to fully being the person fate has destined you to be, and through this harmony with the universe achieving great things. By the time I got halfway through this explanation my daughter was far away dressing a doll or banging the scooter into the garage wall, and I could hear my wife rolling her eyes (it's a skill that comes after years and years of marriage). If you've read this entire post then you are so patient.