The Philosophy of Chairs

I called
home today to tell you
something.
You didn’t answer.

I forgot
and made you coffee
this morning.

1. Music is rather important in my life. Ask me what I do, and I’ll say “I manage an Internet company.” Ask me who I am, and I’ll say “A musician.”

2. A big breakfast and strong black coffee is what I like first thing in the morning. (Usually, though, it’s some sort of high fiber cereal.)

3. The first thing I said this morning was: “Hey Honey.” I said it to my youngest, Matthew, who–like his Dad, gets up early.

4. Susan’s almost famous roast chicken and homemade mac and cheese; it’s what’s for dinner tonight.

5. It’s all been a little tricky to navigate, but perhaps clear water lies ahead.

6. Going for a brisk walk is what I feel like doing right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to the fabulous supper described in #4, tomorrow my plans include a gig with Steelin’ Thunder (see question #1) and Sunday, I want to cook for the crew at the annual staff picnic!

Since I’ve moved into Mom’s old house, I’ve really started taking an interest in flag flying. Dad had a flag pole installed a few years back. It’s a telescoping model; there is no halyard or anything to raise the flag. Instead, you lower the pole.  So when we moved in, I started flying a flag. Mom bought me a nylon flag for Christmas, so I’ve been flying the American flag since then.

Back in May, I was trying to think of something special for Susan’s birthday. She’s really gotten into politics the last few years, and somehow I stumbled onto a Sons of Liberty flag. Their message seemed to be what Susan is really passionate about: freedom, liberty, and limited government. So, I ordered her one. Ironically, I get more pride (I think) out of flying it than she does.

A few weeks ago, I decided to buy some more flags. I bought a Franklin “Join or Die” flag, a Maine state flag, and a Texas “Come and Take It” flag. I’ve decided to fly certain flags to suit my mood, or to fly  certain flags on certain days. (For example, I fly the “Sons of Liberty” flag on April 15th. If there’s a certain 2nd amendment issue in the news, I’ll fly the “Come and Take It” flag.

After those flags arrived, I realized that I didn’t order a flag I had intended to order: a Christian flag. So I ordered one of those today, in addition to a “Betsy Ross” flag (perfect for July 4th) and a Gadsden flag for Susan.

So as you pass by the house, take a look at the flag pole and see what’s flying. See if you can guess my mood based on the colors.

1. Life is moving along pretty fast right now; after all, it is summertime in Maine.

2. I’ve got a couple of cars, both over 10 years old, both with 150,000 miles, and both with lots of creeks, squeaks, and rattles. I’m not sure how long they’re going to keep going.

3. My last text message (or IM) ended in these three words: Umm, I have no idea. I don’t use IM much, and I’ve never sent a text message in my life. Honest. I’ve only received (excepting spam text to but more Tracfone minutes) less then 10, and those have all been from Pastor Dave or my friend Mike.

4. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli with red pepper flakes is what I’m thinking about for dinner sometime soon. (And that sometime soon is tonight!)

5. On the 1st day of August my true love sent to me a Tama bell brass snare drum from the ’80s and all the Hostess cupcakes I could eat.

6. Hang out with my twin boys for the afternoon and they’ll give you the definition of lively and energetic.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a super supper cooked by my favorite laddies, tomorrow my plans include working at the office and playing a gig at the Lobster Festival, and Sunday, I want to mow the lawn after church is over!