MEMORIAL DAY 2012

In memory of those who gave all.

WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM

I like this image because my attention goes to the center first to see the action taking place.  But then quickly turns to the right to see another member of the team still and watchful.


There is a plan, choreography, and practice involved here, where each member does his best to get it done.
When this level of teamwork and trust is achieved, and the project is completed, the rewards are exhilarating.

THE STRADOLIN 40 DE LUXE

While on a family outing (The Giant Flea Market!), I wandered ahead and was taken by surprise at this unique item.  It had my attention because of the very old, kind of corny, but cool factor.

As I admired it, being an accordion player in my youth, the seller mentioned a price too good to be true.  I did say how much I admired it for pure novelty.

  After leaving with out buying it, catching up with my wife and kids, and telling them about it, the shock of shocks happened.  My wife insisted I go back and buy it...yes ma'am!

No regrets;  what a great sounding instrument.

The Stradolin 40 De Luxe

It has an electric motor running air through reeds.  Designed like an accordion the treble sound comes from the top right and the bass comes from the front left.  I can't wait to make a stereo recording.  There is a lever in the bass section that uncovers an opening allowing extra air to escape to lower the volume.  Underneath, are four feet that are threaded to attach legs which were not included.  It is made of wood and brass, has 40 bass and 34 treble keys.  The bass keys are set like an accordion with counter bass, bass, major, minor, and seventh cords.  When the lid closes, a little foot turns off the power switch on the far right.

At first listen, it sounds just like an accordion, but it doesn't take long to hear the affect of the fine wooden cabinet giving it a nice rich sound.  It is actually in perfect pitch too!

This will be a nice addition to my collection of studio novelties.

I'm told it's from the early sixties, and is Italian made.  This is all I know about it.

I would love to hear more about this wonderful, quirky instrument.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Thank you to all moms everywhere!

DON'T WAIT AROUND FOR EVERYONE ELSE STAND UP AND SING

The title says it all!  Sometimes getting up and going is the hardest thing to do.

I wanted to begin work on a project that would take a good while.  It wouldn't necessarily be grueling but would be on and off over several months.  No one was going to motivate me, it would be me only to get it going.  Even though there was plenty to keep me busy, if I didn't get up and go, the project would never begin.

So off I went, and the reward was exciting.  The material needed came together more quickly than predicted and with less effort.

With the hardest part behind me (starting it), the rest will be moving along much easier.

I can now look forward to the completion of a new work.

This is the principle I learned:  Don't wait around for everyone else stand up and sing.