Rock Out

pepper keenan only had one thing on his mind, his music. He'd been playing with a lot of members of other great bands for years, but his passion was in his own as a frontman. He'd loved his music, loved the lyrics he wrote and simply loved life in general. He struck a chord on his guitar and smiled. By damn he was good and his fans verified this every chance they could. He struck another chord, then another and another with preciseness. The sound pleased his eardrums. It was almost time for the show. Just another couple of minutes and he would be rocking out in front of his fans, giving them the performance they deserved.

He watched the rest of his band-mates, checking their own instruments, making sure they were ready to give their all for their own fans. This would be the best show yet.

The Rockstar

"Let's get serious for a moment." The sales kid said. "You don't need what'd you call it, a launch control. What you do need is this fresh new guitar that's smoking hot." The kid stroked the guitar as if it was the greatest piece in the world. Maybe to him, but to Sean Antle it was a piece of crap.

 He'd made a mistake coming to this so-called instrument shop despite his love for small towns. He'd been desperate for a launch control to create and mix his music. But now this crazy kid was trying to steer him in another direction just to make a sale. It was time he put this youngster in his place.

"Look kid, the guitar you're so carefully holding isn't worth the 2 grand price tag. It doesn't matter if you're starting a new band, or you've been in the music industry for years." Sean nodded at the guitar. "It's a pure piece of crap." 

 The kid took a step back, a stunned slowly crept across his face. "How would you know? Nothing good comes from this little town. You're another wannabe musician like all the rest." Sean stared at the kid who had just insulted his passion, his life. Then he chuckled to himself. The kid had no idea. No idea at all.

"Since you don't seem to have what I'm looking for and you're only looking for a sale, I think I'll take my business elsewhere." He stepped around the sales kid with a smirk then nodded at his bodyguard who had been quietly sifting through a stack of CD's, never letting the rockstar out of his sight.

The kid's jaw dropped as the two made their way out the front entrance of the store and a limo pulled up. He placed the guitar shakily back on the display wall, then headed for the sales counter. Above him the wide screen tv displayed  the latest music video. The kid stared in awe. The words Sean Antle scrolled across the screen, the rockstar playing, the musician he'd just called a wannabe had just left his store.

Avery 3

"Well, there is an exceptional SKB Marching Band at musician's friend that I want!" Another boy beamed. The music room was full of anticipation and Miss Geirstin was just as excited as her students were. Today was the big day. Today they would get the new instruments they needed so desperately for the fall concert.

2 more hours and they would be heading by bus to choose their new musical instruments for the school. Each student would be allowed to pick their own and take it with them that very same day. This was such a treat. She only hoped that someday she would be able to thank the man responsible for this wonderful gift.

She could only imagine what he looked like. What kind of life he led. Maybe a musician.himself who grew up loving music. Or maybe he never new music growing up, but had always wanted to.

Avery 2

"There's a gold tone banjo at musicians friend that I really want." The boy's excitement had everyone in the music room all riled up. It was nearly two weeks before the big fall concert and all of the children would soon be getting new musical instruments thanks to the kindness of a man they only knew as Avery.

His generosity had come just in time and they couldn't wait to show off their talent with the new instruments.

Yet a fear still remained that the thief that had stolen their musical equipment several times before, would strike again.

The Los Angeles police department had lost the thief's trail, but Avery had promised that the instruments would not be stolen this time.

How the children wondered. How was it possible?

Avery

As she climbed into bed for the night, she thought about today's gift from the stranger and all of the hohner kids instruments that would be provided to the school's students.

It was a gift indeed, since the school had become a target of theft over the last few months. Even LA's finest were stunned at how many times the school had been broken in to. At last count it was 32, and each and every time the thieves stole the music department's instruments.

But then today, the kindness of a stranger had left the students with new instruments, ones that if stolen, would trace back to the thieves according to the stranger's note. How sweet. How sweet indeed and all she knew of the stranger was the name, Avery.

The Sale by the Insane Poet

It's almost eleven 'o' clock and we still haven't found the zoom a2 effects pedal I've been wanting for months now, but mother keeps assuring me we will.

We've been to almost every, what mom calls "rummage sale", in town and only one last one in the newspaper draws her attention.

After about fifteen minutes of driving and desperate hoping, we pull up to a big white house and an open garage where the sale was taking place.

Mother and I get out of the car and walk up to the sale. "This is kind of fun, isn't it?" She says.

"More like embarrassing." I grunt. I walk up to a man; about fifty, sitting in a white lawn chair next to the garage and ask in a soft voice, "Do you happen to have any acoustic effects pedals?"

He laughs and in a sarcastic tone says, "You're going to have to speak up son. I'm an old man you know."

I speak loudly and stern this time. "Any effects pedals for a guitar?"

He chuckles then gets up and walks to the back of the garage. He comes back with the pedal I had been wanting. It was perfect! Then I stared at the price tag, my hopes crumbling, my dreams diminishing right before my eyes. I couldn't afford it and I knew my mother certainly couldn't. "I don't have enough money for it, I'm sorry."

I watched the old man think for a moment then hand the pedal to me. "Put it to good use." He smiles.

I Won't Be Myself in the Future

When I'm feeling down and need some kind of a pick me up, music is the greatest thing. It lifts you up, it soothes your soul, no matter if you listen to it on a ipod touch 3rd gen or whatever your choice of listening instrument may be. For me it's my Ipod, something I would have never bought for myself, but actually received for my birthday a few years ago in a drawing for a gift card. I love my little Ipod to an extent, but I wonder if music will soothe my soul in the future.

You see, lately it's been one thing after another that has caused my life to spiral downhill. They are things that couldn't be avoided and came out of nowhere. Family and close friends with terminal cancer at the same time and with the same life expectancy, family in car wrecks, friends getting stabbed, financial problems after problems and now unforeseen issues with the only real mode of transportation, among other things. I wonder when will it all end and will music really soothe my soul.

Yanni Music Review and CD Giveaway!

And the Winner is: Dr. Di! Hope you enjoy the CD!

I haven't heard Yanni in years (it's been more than 8 years since his last album), but I'll be honest, I never get tired of hearing his astounding music, even today with his latest album, "Truth of Touch."

But let me warn you, just as most musicians do over the years, Yanni has updated his music somewhat with a little more rhythm and a little bit of electronic sound thrown into the mix. Still, even with the new sounds, his music is still worth listening to. His album, "Truth of Touch" is compiled of 15 beautiful songs that include:

1. Truth of Touch
2. Echo of a Dream
3. Seasons
4. Voyage
5. Flash of Color
6. Vertigo
7. Nine
8. Can’t Wait
9. Guilty Pleasure
10. O Luce Che Brilla Nell’ Oscurità
11. I’m So
12. Long Way Home
13. Yanni & Arturo
14. Mist of a Kiss 
15. Secret

And while each song is beautiful in it's own way, I must say my favorite is,  "Echo of a Dream."  I must admit, this album is very relaxing and I can easily see myself getting into writing mode with one of my stories while this CD plays in the background.

In addition to his latest CD, Yanni is also playing live with tour-dates available on his official website at: http://www.yanni.com/tour/ So if he happens to be in your area, you should definitely check him out.

Yanni also has an official Twitter account and a Facebook page. How insanely cool is that?

Or if you really want more, thanks to One2One Network, I have the privilege of giving away Yanni's CD, Truth of Touch, to one lucky reader of my blog. Interested? I'll make it simple. Just leave a comment in this blog post with your email address and tell me why you want this CD. I'll draw a winner on April 11th, 2011 at 5pm CST. This Giveaway is only available to U.S Residents. Sorry. Good Luck!

Please Note: This blogpost is my opinion of Yanni's  latest CD, Truth of Touch and I was given a CD to review by One2One Network.


Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.










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A Special Guest Post on Children and Music

The following is a special guest post written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas that I am honored to share with everyone here. Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Singing Before Talking

A child’s senses are stimulated to the fullest when he or she grows up listening to music, singing songs, or dancing to music. A child’s early development is positively impacted through exposure to music, as it works to strength the neurological pathways between brain cells. An early introduction to music is crucial for jump-starting childhood learning processes whether it be in day care, at home, or homeschool. Incorporating music into early childhood education strengthens cognitive abilities like memory and spatial reasoning skills. More over, research has proven that creating an educational environment that engages the five senses, with particular attention to hearing can positively affect a child’s mind and physical development. The Nemours Foundation, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to the health of children, produced a report concluding that children who actively listen to, play, or perform music related activities excel in math and reading, have higher self-esteem, are more focused, and are more likely to play and explore with their peers.

Music makes the greatest educational and neurological impact on children when they actively experience it. Active listening can be defined as clapping, singing, tapping, or keeping the beat to music. Further more allowing a child to create his or her own music will prove to be priceless. Passive music participation (listening to music) is also beneficial to a child but does not work to engage and develop neurological pathways as deeply. If you would like your child to experience the benefits of music on early childhood education and development, begin simply.

1. Use any available opportunity to share music with your child. Play music when riding in the car or before bedtime! Researchers say that tones and notes characteristic of jazz and classical music work best to stimulate neurological pathways.
2. Teach your child basic nursery rhymes and songs. The Itsy Bitsy Spider, This Little Piggy Went to Market, and The Wheels on The Bus are nursery rhymes that have accompanying hand motions. The synthesis of music and movement enhances a child’s memory by linking the memorization of words with hand motions. This method also works to strengthen a child’s ability to do more than one thing at a time.
3. An upset child can be comforted by music. Playing certain types of music for a sad or angry child provides stability and repetition as the child learns to cope with new feelings and emotions.
4. Play music for your child then ask he or she to distinguish the different instruments present in the music. This game works to sharpen your child’s divided, shifted, focused, and sustained attention. Each type of attention is crucial to the healthy development and functioning of your child. Divided attention can be defined as performing two or more tasks at once. Shifted attention is moving back and forth between multiple tasks without forgetting the rules and instructions particular to each task. Focused attention is concentrating on one task. Sustained attention is concentrating on one specific task for a long period of time.
   

The benefits of playing music and encouraging participation in making music can be huge. The developmental, emotional, and educational affects yielded from exposing your child to and encouraging your child toward a musical life are invaluable.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the Austin day care facility, a member of the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of day care preschools delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum.






Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.



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Have a Little Faith in Me

Exactly how I am feeling right now.....

"Have a little faith in me" by John Hiatt

When the road gets dark
And you can no longer see
Just let my love throw a spark
And have a little faith in me
And when the tears you cry
Are all you can believe
Just give these loving arms a try
And have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me
Have a little faith in me

And when your secret heart
Cannot speak so easily
Come here darling, from a whisper start
And have a little faith in me
And when your back's against the wall
Just turn around and you, you will see
I will catch you, I will catch your fall
Just have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me
Have a little faith in me

Cause I've been loving you, for such a long, long time
Expecting nothing in return
Just for you to have a little faith in me
You see time, time is our friend
Cause for us, there is no end
And all you gotta do, is have a little faith in me
I will hold you up, I will hold you up
And your love, gives me strength enough to
Have a little faith in me
Hey hey
All you gotta do for me girl
Is have a little faith in me






Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter and you visit her official website at www.theinsanewriter.com.



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Featuring... Norah Jones

In today's music, it's not uncommon to find an artist whose songs are just a little diverse, and some, a lot. But, you may never find an artist who brings such a unique and diverse experience to music as Norah Jones.

So when I was offered the opportunity to review her latest CD, "Featuring...", I just had to say yes. Not only are you able to enjoy the beautiful sounds of Norah herself, you also get to experience such talent as, the Foo Fighters, Willie Nelson, Outkast, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton and many other great artists. No doubt a little something for everyone.

The CD is compiled of recordings that have spanned over the past 9 years, from 2001 to 2010. There are 18 songs with over an hour of music. What better way to experience a variety of music and with the holidays already here, it makes the perfect gift for the person who loves all music.



Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter and you visit her official website at www.theinsanewriter.com.



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Singing the Blues

Spent time away from the house tonight and went with the old man to see a blues band play at Stoney B's in Independence, KS. The band is originally out of Wichita, KS and rumor has it, has played with BB King.

A funny thing happened during the end of the night. An older lady came up to us and was trying to get us to dance. Well, my old man just doesn't dance, so she turned to me and said, I bet he's a great dancer in bed.lol Had a friend and I laughing for the rest of the night.


Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter and you visit her official website at www.theinsanewriter.com.WomenFreebies.com - Enter to Win Royal Secret II Perfume

What America is Truly All About

This is what America is truly all about. Despite the economy meltdown, there is still a little hope to smile after all.

How to Never See Your Child Again.

After we got our income tax rebate check back, my husband treated himself to the new Rockband game and another Guitar Hero guitar. The result? I never saw my oldest son again!LOL Interestingly enough it was the same result with my step-children.LOL As proof, here are some pics of them playing. Unfortunately there's no real lighting in this house, and I don't have a real camera, so the pics are a bit dark and distorted..

My son on the drums and my husband on the guitar. They were not impressed with me snapping this photo. The flash distracted them from their concentration on the game.lol

My husband's son on the drums and as you can barely see, my husband sitting back and enjoying the show. No complaints about getting their photos taken here! :)

My husband's daughter on the mic. More than likely she was singing "Maps" by the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. It now happens to be one of her favorite songs from Rockband and real life.lol

Listening to Music

I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of rap music. However, there are a few artists I can stand to listen to. DMX is actually one of my favorites. And then there's Eminem. But with Eminem it's the Rap Lyrics behind the music that I like. DMX, well, it's that voice!

Interestingly enough while I do like listening to the above artists, I have never once seen any of their rap music videos. Maybe I am just behind in the times and old age has finally caught up with me? HA! Do any of you listen to rap music? If so, what's your favorite artist? If not, what types of music do you enjoy listening to?

Please Note: This is a paid post and is sponsored by rapartists and payperpost.

To Ipod or Not to Ipod, That is the True Question

I really don't understand all of the hub bub when it comes to ipods, but the teenagers and even some adults around here, certainly love them. I guess I am still faithful to my cd player since it accomplishes just as much as an ipod can.

I mean sure, ipods are a lot smaller and you don't need a cd to play the tunes, but you can listen to just about the same amount of music. Cd's have advanced as well and I can guarantee my husband has a cd or two which contains about 1,000 full version songs on each cd.

But then I noticed that some ipods can go up to 40 hours on battery life. Very cool! They also allow you to play videos, something that cd players cannot. So maybe there really are some advantages to owning an ipod. right now however, an ipod is just not in my vocabulary.

2 Girls Plus Wrong Side of Town Equals Big Trouble

Several years ago, my best friend and I ended up on a road trip to Las Vegas. Even though I'd lived there, I wanted to bring my best friend to the city because she was in dire need of a vacation since I knew there were plenty of things to do in Las Vegas. So I snuck back to Kansas and we snuck away to Las Vegas with the kids. Needless to say she experienced more than she bargained for when we missed our exit and would up on a seedy side of town.

I was born and raised in a not so great neighborhood in my own hometown, so I'm used to it. My best friend however, is not. As soon as we got off of the next exit so I could turn around and get back on the right one, my friend began to panic. At first it seemed, things were not so bad and for a minute, I was able to calm her down. But then as soon as she saw a guy lying out in the middle of the street, she screamed and had the neighborhood on alert.

I ended up having to high tail it out of there because I was driving a newer model sport's car at that time. I don't think I ever heard the end of it and to this day, she still talks about that trip.lol What's even more crazy is, while she was visiting me in Las Vegas, her family and an ex, insisted that she come back immediately.lol Imagine that, a grown women being told she has to come home, right now.lol Well, at least she was able to enjoy herself with the many

Eventually I am sure my best friend and I will end up taking another road trip together. That is if our husbands will let us get away with it. Who knows, maybe we can talk them into coming with us!

In the mean time, we can always dream and ponder about where we're headed on our next road trip/vacation. I was thinking maybe California since there are plenty of things to do in Los Angeles.

Since I am not really familiar with the Los Angeles area, I thought maybe Trusted Tours & Attractions would be a great start in information for the city. They have a lot of interesting information on other great cities, as well.

I was thinking I could easily sign up for their newsletter and while I am at it, I might take a peek at the special promotion they are having right now. Right now they are offering a chance to win a a $150 itunes gift card just for signing up for their newsletter, from now until May 31st, 2008. How insane is that?

I think if my best friend and I do decide to head to Los Angeles, we might check out one of their sightseeing tours. Any suggestions?

Check Out:
Chicago things to do

Please Note: This is a paid post and is sponsored by payperpost.

Blender Magazine Under Fire

Not too long Maxim magazine was under fire for printing a fake review of the Black Crow's latest CD. Now it seems another magazine is also under fire for false information.

Blender magazine has reportedly misrepresented comments made during an interview with singer Alicia Keys. Unfortunately, the magazine's spokesperson has said they are standing by their word. Hmmm makes me think twice about doing interviews for magazines when I do publish my novels.

Karaoke and People From the Past

Last night was just want of the nights where it was time for a break away from the house. So we went to Karaoke. I'm not much for drinking, so when we found a place that does Karaoke and keeps drinking to a minimum, I was thrilled. I love sining, but it's rare for me to get to do so in front of crowds. The minute we walked in, we discovered the place was small (Just to my liking)and my husband was recognized by old friends of his mother. He then found old friends from grade school. So, it was nice that he was able to find old friends again.

Eventually some other friends of ours joined us, which made things even more interesting since one of our friends is in a band. He sang karaoke and had the crowd asking for more.lol It was pretty cool. A fun night all and all and we managed to get home before midnight!

Musician Lukas Haas Review

About a month ago, I promised musician, Lukas Haas a review. So without further hesitation, I present to you.......

If you have never experienced the Music of Lukas Haas, you have no idea what you are missing. When I was first introduced to his music, I found it to be very relaxing and mellow. And while Lukas Haas's music maybe described as Indie Folk by most people, it's really anything but that.

Okay, maybe a little bit of folk. But.... You see, I'm not a big fan of folk music, yet Lukas has the kind of voice that just takes you away to another peaceful place, very similar to the 70's. And if anything, his music style in today's era can be compared to the Plain White T's, "Delilah."

While fans of Lukas Haas's music will have to wait until Spring 2008 for his CD, Lukas does have a myspace page where he's included several songs from his upcoming CD.

Songs are:

• Kemp
• Feel Alive
• Through My Eyes
• Lindsay
• Shooting Star
• In Between

"In Between" is actually my personal favorite. I just can't get enough of that song. It's something I could listen to over and over, and never really get tired of it. Music for Heart and Soul.

Note: While you're visiting Lukas's Myspace page, you may also want to check out his merchandise and purchase a t-shirt. Interested in a live performance? Add yourself to his myspace friends list or bookmark his page and keep an eye out for an upcoming show where he'll be performing live.