Why did I struggle with naming this week’s blog post? You tell me.

Anywho…

Several weeks ago I asked yall if you would be interested in a comment box at the end of my posts. I got one “yes.” So, I’m not sure if the rest of yall just don’t have anything to say or perhaps  my posts don’t move you to reply. And that’s okay. But since I did get one “yes” for a comment box, I decided to look for options to add one.

That search didn’t turn up anything that worked for me. I tried setting up a comment section using Disqus but it was too discombobulated so I gave up. I looked at starting a separate blog site using Wordpress as I had a Wordpress blog years ago. But I didn’t want to move all my “stuff” from here to there. My solution for now was provided by ChatGPT who suggested adding a new “Feedback” page.

So, starting with this post, I’ll be adding the link to my new ”Share Your Thoughts” page at the end of every post. And please don’t hesitate to do just that. 

Share your thoughts. 

I’m not a huge football fan but as soon as cold weather arrives that changes. Although I still wouldn’t call myself a huge fan of the sport because I’ll take a gig playing percussion with local bands over watching a Steelers or Browns game. 

Cooler weather in November inevitably leads to colder weather in December. And by the time January gets here we could have an inch or three of snow on the ground. Wintertime just isn’t a good season for photographers like me who seem to be allergic to cold weather. 

So, for the time being, it’s Sunday football. Unless I get a call from one of my friends in a band who needs me and my djembe. 

With the election being over and me trying to wrap my head around the country’s reaction, it’s been somewhat of a tough week. But thanks to a conversation I had with my sister-in-law in Kentucky, I decided to stop trying to wrap my head around it. She told me that White House Inhabitants, be they democrats, republicans, or independents have no clue who I am personally. I can cry, whine, get mad, fuss, or argue about it all I want, and make myself miserable in the process, and make everyone around me miserable too. I’m not doing that, and you shouldn’t either. 

Now that that’s out of the way I’ll take you back to regularly scheduled programming, which is…

Besides my guitars and cameras, I sometimes enjoy being allowed to sit in as a percussionist with local bands. My setup for that is basic - a djembe, tambourine, and shaker, plus a couple of mics. It takes me less than 10 minutes to set up and recently I had the privilege of being on the stage with a couple of upcoming young singer/songwriters.

Raggedy Anne  is a sister duo on their way to the top. They’ve played and recorded in Nashville, won songwriting competitions, and are now getting ready to record new material in Pittsburgh. I’m always honored when I get to sit in with these young talented ladies. Their vocal harmonies are among the best you’ll hear. Visit their website and hear and see Cassidy and Cara perform their latest single “This Shirt.” 

I urge all of you to go see and support local bands in your area. And if you’ve been whining about the election, STOP IT!