Dignan

For Christmas my dad fixed my computer, which has been on the fritz since the summer. This means I'm able to start recording again (after I write new songs of course).

This is one that I wrote a couple of years ago. Most of it was recorded last spring for Too Young for the Disco. But we decided to pull it because we didn't really feel like it fit. Today I added a few touches here and there and now it is ready for your listening pleasure/displeasure.



Dignan

Ingo

Greet your brothers with a holy kiss.

Happy Golden Years

I'm keeping well and in good health. Been logging a lot of hours in the cave, reading. Trying to be inspired and inspire. Frustrated musically. Trying to be a good son but feeling very annoyed. Researching beekeeping. Working on building a sweat lodge out at the farm. Reading through Acts. Listening. Waiting. Stretching.

Do you ever feel like people don't understand you at all? That's me.



This babe's such a honey.

Seattle, WA

In Seattle Thursday - Monday. Did a lot of walking around mostly. I'll tell you my favorite parts.

1. Top Pots for breakfast. A two-story doughnut shop with a loft and book cases from the floor to the ceiling. Great doughnuts and coffee.

2. North Bend. Town where most of Twin Peaks was filmed. Ate at the diner and had "cherry pie and a damn fine cup o' coffee". Mt. Si sits above the town and is magical. Stopped in at Snoqualmie Falls also (the waterfall from the opening sequence of Twin Peaks).

3. The library! The Seattle Central Library was very inspiring. It's a 10-story building that could more or less be a museum of modern art. It made me want to be really good at my job so that maybe someday I can work there. Pretty cool.

4. Puget Sound. Enjoyed walking along the Pier and down at Pike Place Market because you're right on the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains are beaming in the distance and the view is magnificent.

5. Coffee. There are at least 3 coffee shops on every block. I had approximately 5 cups a day (note: this is not an exaggeration).

6. The International District. Got to see a ton of Japanese people, which was a welcome change from the people I see in Ohio. Stopped in a couple of times at the Uwajimaya supermarket. Had a super delicious honey boba from Ambrosia. I appreciate Japanese art and it was fun to see it in person, etc.

7. Deli Shez. We had gyros twice from these Turkish dudes down the street from our hotel. Extremely nice fellows and scrumptious food.

8. FOG. We'd wake up early because we were still on Eastern time. We'd go out and walk around the city when it was kinda dark and the fog was low and you couldn't see the tops of the buildings. It was very eerie and something I've never really experienced.



It was a good trip. I'm glad I went. Not sure if I'll ever live there or not, but I'll definitely be visiting again.... and putting in an application at that library!

And the start of the dream

The past few weeks have been a little weird. I feel like I might be transitioning in some way. I've had no desire to spend any time with my contemporaries (people my age). The only people I've really hung out with are Chris P (34), Andy (33), Ryan (30-ish), and Tom (50+). I don't really have a problem with it. I just think it's weird and interesting. Just trying to be open, and wise. I've also been trying really hard to listen and hear God. No luck so far.

Read through the gospel of John.

The holidays are quickly approaching. What usually goes down is Thanksgiving through New Years I get really depressed. Gonna try hard not to let that happen this year.

This is the only holiday song I ever could stand.

Us Apart

Finally got around to seeing Anton Corbijn's Control. Very interesting and sad, I recommend it. And listening to "I Miss You" cover by Ronnie Martin. It was one of my favorites in middle school... like it better than the original, actually. And got a melody today, FINALLY!

Basik Procedure

Found this the other night, and being very inspired by it. He's doing art for every page of Moby Dick.






I really do miss you. You cannot even begin to comprehend.

Looks Like I Need You

1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

13 Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit— fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

17 This is my command: Love each other.



Rough week. Some friends haven't been very good friends. Really trying hard to not let my attitude be affected by other people's actions. My good friends, though, are showing who they are by being good friends. Saw Harold & Maude, enjoyed it a lot. Watched the sunset from the Greek Orthodox Church. Listening to Matthew Walter's old, old band Syren Siren. Maybe life is too short to put up with people being a dick to you. Maybe. I don't know.

ROYGBIV

I write songs for YOU. In the past year I've realized that popular bands have to go on the rode all the time and eat crummy food and use rest stop restrooms and be away from home and it doesn't appeal to me whatsoever. I've decided that I just want to write songs that my friends will enjoy and maybe move them a bit. And I also don't want you to have wait for an album to come out to hear what I've been writing. I have you to thank for most of what I am. You all supported me and encouraged me when the songs absolutely sucked. Now they just kinda suck, so thanks!

So for the few of you that actually read this blog, I'll be giving listens to demo songs as they come. I really like recording demos because it's basically just me playing around and messing with sounds... so they come out really lo-fi and chaotic and I like it. Hope you like it, too.

Here's one that I wrote and recorded a few months ago. Enjoy, and hopefully there will be more to come sooner than later.


ROYGBIV

We're All Alright

Yesterday was a day that doesn't happen very often. It was one of the days where you feel completely full; emotionally, physically, spiritually.

We went to the art museum and were very classy. Then we had Chipotle which classy doesn't even begin to describe. Then we went and got really delicious mint cookies and cream shakes. And we saw Mike and he really brightened my day.

And then we went and saw Where the Wild Things Are. It made me cry. But it was one of those things where it's so beautiful and it makes you so happy that you cry. It wasn't a sad cry. Anyway, it was a pretty good movie. And it was super duper nice outside.

Then I was driving to Andy's and "Moment of Surrender" was on and the sun was setting over Dayton and it was a really colorful purple and orange sunset and I almost started happy crying again. Then I got to Andy's and we ate. And Tom was cracking me up as usual. Something really funny happened, that I won't go into detail about, but basically we were all hysterical. I was laughing so hard that I was literally crying. Not-sad crying, mind you.

Crying is an amazing thing. Somehow it makes you feel really amazing and different afterwards. Yesterday was one of those days where you can't explain the feeling, but it's a good one.




Weird. 27+ Months and I haven't changed a bit.

Lips Made By Strativarius

"Good-bye you mad fools, I'm off to my tent to have a martini with a lizard"

Yu Too

I have only ever had two major life goals. The first was to see U2 in concert. The second was to make a bigger list of goals.

My dad and I drove down to Raleigh, NC to see them play live and it was.... unfulfilling. 1, it was a stadium show – there were like 90,000+ people there. 2, it was really loud – the sound was indistinguishable at times. 3, we were realllly far away – you could see that they were on stage, but that was about it – most of the time I was forced to watch the screen.

Now, before you call me ungrateful I must clarify something. I’ve been listening to U2 since I was four years old. My dad had a tape with U2 and Talking Heads on it and I loved it, and I think I thought they were black and was so surprised when I saw a picture of them. There was a time, before I had a job, when I would come home after school every day and do my homework while watching a U2 DVD. At any rate, U2 have been a huge deal to me for most of my life.

I don’t know quite how to explain it. It certainly was not a very spiritual experience at all. It just felt really showy and impersonal. I guess my expectations were WAY too high. There were a couple cool moments though, like when they went from “One” to “Amazing Grace” and then into “Where The Streets Have No Name”. And a few clips with Aung San Suu Kyi and Desmond Tutu were very moving.

I’m glad I went. It’s best to have your dreams crushed when you’re young so you can move on with life. I’ve seen them and now I can be content with knowing that the DVDs are better than seeing them live… they’re even better than the real thing.

OCTOBER

October and the trees are stripped bare
Of all they wear.
What do I care?

October and kingdoms rise
And kingdoms fall
But you go on
And on.

Bloomington, IN pt. 2/2

"Classy" and "Indiana" are rarely used in the same sentence... or paragraph. But when it comes to Bloomington, I must say, it's classy.

Mike and I met Leah briefly for coffee. Then we sauntered over to Mac Mediterranean on 3rd Street, an Afghani-owned gyro and kebab house. We got to sit in the window on pillows with a low table and rugs hanging all around us. This is my idea of a good time. Tried this very interesting cucumber and mint drink called dough. I wouldn’t want to drink it every day, but I still enjoyed it. I had a lamb gyro. Lamb is indisputably the tastiest meat of all time. We polished it off with the sweetest, most juicy baklava I’ve ever had (sorry Tigs). HIGHLY recommend this place.

We took a stroll around Indiana University’s campus. The buildings are all gorgeous and the leaf-covered sidewalks aren’t half-bad, either. It might just give Wittenberg a run for its money in terms of the most striking campus. Anyway, we walked around and Mike picked up some literature on language graduate programs.

Stopped in at The Copper Cup and tried some Thai Bubble Tea. It was the only decent boba I’ve had since I lived in Colorado. Tops.

Then we proceeded to the venue, the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, and waited for three hours. Did a crossword puzzle with fellow concert goers and had a ginseng soda and ginger candy. Saw Sufjan a couple times just hanging out in a café next door. He was really chill, and awkward. And he had a one of those blue and white camouflage safari/bucket hats that were popular like 10 years ago and now are just dorky… only him. Our long wait paid off and we were one of the first 30 people in the theatre, allowing us to get great seats in the front row in the very middle! Unfortunately, everyone else decided they were going to stand… in front of us. I think I saw Sufjan’s face a couple times, maybe. His voice was really good live.

So the show itself could’ve been a better experience. But I had a grand time regardless and walked away with a new, even greater respect for Sufjan. His awkward presence and non-rock star personality are inspiring and admirable for me. I like that he rarely tours. And when he does, he only plays small, intimate venues. That’s fresh.

Got home at 3:30. Up for work at 7. Then school. Feeling tired and sick and emotionally unstable but OK. Good trip, Mike.

Stratus? Nimbus? Cumulus?

I went over to Village to browse a bit. Didn't find anything, but it was worth the trip. The sun was setting on my way home and the fall briskness that I love so much is finally here and for the first time in a long time Dayton actually looked pleasant. I listened to Catch Without Arms and it was perfect. Seems as though that album fits the season for the fourth year in a row. I've worn a sweater four straight days.

Friday night I went down to Cincinnati to see Enlou and the Poms play. They were brilliant. Enlou keeps getting better and better each time I see them. And the Poms... well let's just say I'm seeing Sufjan and U2 this week and they both have a tough act to follow.

Saturday and Sunday were very depressing for me. I get pretty lonely sometimes. I have so many things to tell you. The weather brings up a lot.



You're the pillow, the cool side
The sand during high tide

DearYou:

I know you don't mean to be mean.

Love, PONYBOY.

Bee Stings

Communivale was pleasant. There was lots of eating of tasty foods and the stinging of bees and the traipsing about of ivy league schools and the seeing of planets and their respective moons through telescopes and the talking to of beautiful chicas and the spending of time with friends. Not bad, not bad.

I'm Sorry, but you already have plans.

Sí, Roberto

Classes started today. 2.5 hour math class + public speaking or something. I really don't like that Sinclair canceled 2/3 of my classes a week before I was supposed to start and that 2/3 of the classes I'm now taking are of no interest to me. I really don't like that I'm getting 6 hours a week at the library. Whatev, I am in paradise.

Gratis

Went to Gratis Fest this weekend with Andy and Tom. Saw a lot of cool guys with beards. Ate a lot of vegan hot dogs. Got rained on. Smelled horrible. Saw Enlou set-up twice. Walked around in wet moccasins. Heard white boys play Indian music. Used a port-o-potty ______ times. All in all it was a terribly uplifting and refreshing and cozy and earthy weekend.

2yrs

Two years ago our gatherings ended. And it was sad. And then last night we started the house church up again and it was an enormous breath of fresh air for me. I've missed the safety and comfort of friends worshiping together. I've missed Tom Lauber's infectious laugh!

Dirt and I went to Jungle Jim's on Sunday and later we wore cereal boxes on our heads and climbed on rooftops and spoke poor Español.

Still no songs. It's a-ok, they'll happen.

Kalla

My brother self-developed some of the pictures I took while in Germany. I love the style so much that I think I'm going to start developing film for myself.



Francis and I were on the radio last night. If you missed it, check it out here.

Color-a-doo

Yea!

Forth

I remember my first run-in with pop music. I was eight or nine years old, watching Christian music videos in our basement on a very static-y television. On came a slightly bizarre but amusing video. It was
"Children of the Lord" by Joy Electric. At the time I wasn't sure what to think. But I realize now that, not only is it a great video, but also one of the greatest songs of all time. The first line is classic, to say the least: "Who cares? We do! We don't care what you think".

I'm forcing myself to write songs. And re-reading one of my favorite books The Little Prince. And going to Colorado for the first time in four years on Friday. And I came to find out via Andy that Pushing Daisies is a most excellent show. And people can act really weird once they graduate high school, I'm finding out.

My, we seem to be a little short on brotherly love round here

I'm ready to do something that actually means something.

Wow.

Deep conversations and hot chocolate with people I never expected to have deep conversations with again. And shoes soaked by early morning golf course sprinklers. Thank you very much. More please?



Towhee + Enlou = More than OK

SPARKLES

Getting stuff set up for college. It's kinda scary. As long as the library doesn't close, I should be working mornings and taking classes in the afternoon/evening. And maybe finding time to write songs also (but I need inspiration, I need to get my heart broken). And my rest of the summer goal is to read the Harry Potter books. I'm a few years behind.

"If you get the chance, get sparkles for everyone"

Mine Sweeper (JULY 2)

Today we went mine sweeping/metal detecting with Nathanael's friends Louis and Ryan in Bastogne, Belgium which is one of the places where the Battle of the Bulge took place. It was in a very mystical forest. Found some old bullets. Then had some Frites, which actually came from Belgium and not from France as we all believed.

Now we're back up in Witten with Aya's family. I'm currently listening to the Wild Moccassins EP. Quite good.

Ah Hill Nah (JULY 1)

The hilly countryside is great for looking at, not for biking up.

Nathanael had work today, so I was on my own. I woke up and rented a bicycle on base and rode out along the wheat fields and cows and it was awesome. Except that the hills get kinda tiring. Rode into Speicher. Stopped for coffee and a cinnamon raisin pastry. Then walked around the town. Went to Edeka and bought a water. Walked some more. Found a thrift store and bought a cool bag. Got some yogurt and pistachio gelato. My new motto is: Eat Gelato before it Eats You! Rode back to the base.

I'm really starting to like kilometers. You feel so much more accomplished when you say "I rode my bike 25 kilometers today".

Got to the base and decided to go the library because I had another three hours to kill before Nathanael got off work. The library was really lame. The only good book I could find was Catcher in the Rye, so I decided to reread it. Boy, that book is swell! Holden Caulfield is a wizard!

Then I got hungry so I walked over to the commissary. Got a roast beef and swiss sandwich for real cheap. And an orange. Both of which were delicious. A good orange is juicy, sweet, and easy to peel. And this orange certainly was all three.

After Nathanael got off work we went to Cadence House, which is a ministry some American civilians run off base. It's pretty much just a church that they hold at their huge house. They were nice, the thing was just okay.

I'm getting tired of Air Force people staring at me everywhere I go.

And I've had Discoteque stuck in my head all day for some reason.

Trespassing, please. (JUNE 29-30)

The past two days have been a bit boring because we're stuck on Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Nathanael's dorm room. Plus whenever we go to get food, all the people stare at Andy and I because we're certainly not military. Plus, we're not even supposed to be staying in Nathanael's dorm room.... so we're tiptoeing around everywhere. And there's really not a whole lot to do on an Air Force Base.

We did go have dinner with some of Nathanael's friends Monday night, though. They live in Dudeldorf. General Patton got a tank stuck in an arch right outside their house. We played Mario Kart on Wii. First time. That was fun.

Then we took Andy to the airport Tuesday afternoon. On the way back Nathanael and I stopped in at Bernkastelfor a döner kebap. My fourth one of the trip. Mmm, I will miss those.

The area along the Mosel is gorgeous. The hillsides are lined with vineyards. Nathanael and I decided to climb one of the hills. Mind you, these hills are a ridiculous incline, like sixty-five degrees or something. And it's soil. And I'm wearing my Toms. And technically it's trespassing. We climb it. To make a long story short, we ran into some of the vineyard workers/owners and had to sneakily get down the hill and into the car and off to the base.

I'm ready to come home.


P.S. Kris N.'s new CD Lo-Fi Movement is great! You should download it off iTunes.... just saying.

Just Smile and Pretend You Understand (JUNE 28)

I put on my swimming trunks. You never realize how much you appreciate clean clothes until you're forced to wear your swimming trunks. Luckily, Tom showed up with our clean pants and underwear and everything else minutes before it was time to go.

Noel took us to Karlštejn Castle, and I guess it's really famous. It was alright. Had this cinnamon treat called trdelník. It was excellent.

Then she took us to lunch at Caffe Slovia. It's really interesting because many of the people they hire are mentally disabled. So they provide them with a chance to work and money to make. Neato! I had yet another Turkish coffee. Yum. And a pita of some sort. I like talking to Andy and Noel because they do most of the talking and I get to just listen. That is very pleasant for me.

Did some more stuff.

Andy I helped the Czech church with their worship at 5pm. It reminded me of playing with Sister Moreno in the Spanish church. The service was intriguing, mostly because it was in another language that I didn't understand. It was something about Jesus or someone else like that... I'm pretty sure.

Andy and I left after church and drove halfway back to the base. Spent the night in the car at a truck-stop. No truckers raped us, thankfully. Woke up and drove the rest of the way back.

I found it hard to say goodbye to Řevnice and Noel and everything else.

Prahahaha, it's really not all that funny (JUNE 27)

Prague: I'll spare you all the details and only share the really important stuff.

WALKED A LOT! Literally all day. Saw: Prague Castle, St. Vitus's Cathedral, Old Town Hall, Mozart Museum, Charles Bridge, Church of St. Nicholas, lots of other sights and cathedrals and gardens.

The best of part of Prague was when we went to see Vyšehrad, a castle or cathedral or something, that's not what matters. What matters is we were trekking up the steep incline leading to Vyšehrad and Noel pointed in the general direction of the cathedral/castle/something-or-other when an old man in front of us said something in a different language and pointed with his finger. We kept on walking. So did he. Then a little later he did the same thing again. From that point on he pretty much assumed the position of our tour guide. He spoke Czech (Noel understands) and German (no one understands). Noel told him she didn't speak German, but he kept mixing them and speaking his "Czerman". Anyway, this little old man named Vladimir took us all around the cathedral/castle/asteroid - it was a ton of walking. He was really sweet. He talked to the pigeons and the babies in strollers. And there was a band playing in the park and every time he heard some music he would sway a bit. He used to be a music teacher. He took us to this cemetery where many famous people are buried. He showed us all the famous ones. I didn't understand anything he said. Then we went and saw the band that was playing and he danced a little. When we told him we were going to go he asked us to stay and hear one more song with him. We did. I don't remember anything about the cathedral/castle/ocean, obviously, but that's because I was in awe of this little man.

It was wonderful to have our little old rogue tour guide that spoke another language. Vladya, I love you.

Also, I had a Turkish coffee and I think it's my new favorite drink.

And Noel is really nice.

Ahoy! (JUNE 26)

Andy and I got a rental car and set off from Munich into the unknown, into the Czech Republic. I'm not sure why, but I was a bit intimidated. All my fears went away, though, when I found out that "Hello" in Czech is "Ahoy". Annyong!

After driving around the Czech countryside aimlessly for an hour (Czech road signs are not very well labeled... and usually not even present), we were lucky enough to locate Řevnice. Řevnice is a small town in the hills south of Prague. Andy has a childhood friend named Noel who is a missionary to Řevnice. She is from Ginghamsburg. Her sister Holly was the youth pastor at Ginghamsburg for a while... you might know her. Anyway, she's very nice and cool and she found us in the street while we were wandering around trying to find the church. She took us to the church where Andy and I stayed. Fabulous. It's called Common Grounds (Michael, I think you used to work here?). It was a house that they turned into a church. Andy and I set up cots in the sanctuary and the only shower was in the ladies restroom. Let me say it again, fabulous. Staying at Common Grounds was one of the best experiences of my life, and a huge blessing.

We walked to the center of the town and had dinner at a restaurant called Staroperamen. We hung out there and talked. I had a water and a salad that tasted a lot like my mom's pasta salad, minus the pasta. It was there that we met Tom and Elaine. They're also missionaries from Ginghamsburg. They've been in the Czech Republic for twelve years. They have a poodle named Bailey.

Common Ground, besides being where the church meets, is also a place where Czechs can come to learn English, have English conversations, etc. Noel teaches English. Some of Noel's students got married earlier in the day and we were invited to tag along for the reception. On the way to their house, it started pouring down buckets and buckets of rain. I used an umbrella for the first time in a long time. I must get one when I return to Ohio.

The reception was in their back yard where it was raining - it was a pig roast. Pavel and Veronica were the new couple. Pavel was really kind and goofy. Apparently he had visited one of the other missionaries in Ohio last summer. He stayed on Alkaline Springs in Vandalia! What a small world it really is. We also met his sister Petra. She was really nice, too. And she spoke English... and Spanish, and Czech... and who knows what else. As usual, I'm the dumb American that feels awful for only knowing English and maybe how to order food in a Spanish restaurant.

My first impression of Řevnice was splendid. Everyone made us feel so welcome. The culture seems very close-knit and inviting. I like it.

It started raining really hard on the way back to Common Grounds. Got soaked. Got to the church. Changed clothes. Had a cup of English Breakfast.

What a beautiful afternoon and evening. It's difficult to recreate or write down this experience. It was truly a blessing and by the far the best time of my trip so far.

> (JUNE 24-25)

German Countryside > German Cities
Backroads > Autobahn
Maps > GPS

Had a late morning in Witten. Woke up around nine, had breakfast, went for a walk around the neighborhood, went to Dortmund... I'm tired of big cities. Found a camera store that sells really old cameras. I bought a Kodak Retina for 45 Euro. I'm trying to figure it out and hopefully it will be a decent replacement for my polaroid. We'll see. Went to the library in Dortmund. LEGIT! Their public library was like a university library. It was four floors, clean, lots of books and computers... Governor Strickland makes me sad...

Left Witten in the evening headed towards Munich. Took some country roads finally. It was so nice to be off the Autobahn. The German countryside really is beautiful.



Got lost several times because of our GPS. Finally made it to Stuttgart, an Army fort, around midnight and settled in for the night.

Woke up. Had breakfast. Showered. On the road... again. Made it to Munich a little after noon. Road the subway into the center of town. Had lunch at La Pizzetta, a cozy pizza place with high cushioned seating. Ate a couple slices of zucchini, pepper, onion, and mushroom pizza. Walked through the streets a while. Found a place that sold lederhosen. It was pretty much the sweetest thrift store I have ever been to, except that everything cost at least 15 Euros. Then we stumbled upon the Hofbräuhaus München, a beer house. Rob Rinehart would have loved it! The atmosphere was incredible. We walked through the doors and into this huge hall with lines of big wooden tables and benches, a German band playing, people talking and having a good time (and, yes, drinking). I had a cappuccino. We all shared a gigantic pretzel. It was a warm experience. I liked the idea of it. Our waiter was very rude so we didn't tip him.

Hopped back on the subway and went north to see Allianz Arena, home of FC Bayern München. At night the stadium is all lit up. Pretty awesome.

Went back to the center of the city and walked around for a few more hours. Got on the subway and got our car. Went to a hotel that was in a real shady part of town. It was a little scary, but ended up being okay.

Mommy, I got you some Birkenstocks.

Rob, I haven't been able to find Neu! yet... but don't worry, Ice the Bounty Hunter and Gene Parmesan are on the case. Ice is also catering meals for us during the trip.

Leigh, the expired polaroid film is working wonderfully! Thanks again.

Michael, I couldn't make myself spend that much on lederhosen... I'm sorry I didn't listen to you in the first place.

To everyone expecting souvenirs, I haven't found anything good.



"Ja ja ja"

Bicicletas del Mundo! (JUNE 23)

I know that foreign lands are supposed to be exciting just because they're so exotic, but driving through the Netherlands is like driving through Indiana...

It's been pretty chilly since we got here. But today it got up to 24 degrees (that's Celsius), making for excellent bicycle riding weather in the bicycle capital of the world: Amsterdam!

The traffic in Amsterdam is utterly crazy. The streets and sidewalks are filled with motorists, cyclists, mopedists, and pedestrians. All, for the most part, coexisting in perfect harmony. The only thing I wanted to do was bike. And after two frustrating hours of marching about and fruitlessly searching the map, we finally found a Rent-a-Bike and a very nice Dutch man fixed Andy and I up with two dutch ladies bicycles.



Riding through the streets and alleyways of Amsterdam was exhilarating, BUT MOSTLY TERRIFYING! Cars would whiz past you on crowded streets and then you'd barely have enough time to dodge an oncoming cyclist. I could give or take Amsterdam as a whole, but riding bicycles along the canals and the Amstel has been one of the highlights of this trip so far. An awesome experience. And thank goodness I'm still alive!

Köln, Düsseldorf, Witten (JUNE 22)

Last night I shared a twin-sized bed with Nathanael... as you can imagine, I didn't sleep well at all. So today I felt pretty tired and blah and headachy. So sorry, but I'll be brief.

Met Aya at Köln. Saw the Kölner Dom, which is a rather old, sandstone cathedral. Someone had the great idea of running up to the very top of the cathedral (which always seems to happen), which wore me out a bit. We were able to see the entire city more or less. Still not sure whether or not it was worth the effort...

Best part of Köln was the Lego store. I was so hacked off when I walked into a Lego store for the first time in my life and saw all the many choices of Lego pieces. I never had that when I was kid! Anyway, we spent a considerable amount of time there; playing with the Legos, designing our own Lego men, etc. I was also hoping to find some cool German stores, but where we were all the stores were pretty much stores you would find in an American mall. Disappointing.

Off to Düsseldorf. Just did a lot of walking around, mostly along the Rhine. Ate a bratwurst... not much else happened.

Then we went to a pet store (and supposedly it's the biggest pet store in the world). They were selling miniature pigs, crocodiles, armadillos, sloths, kittens. I'll admit, it was legit.

We're staying with Aya and her family tonight, they live in Witten. They own a pony of a dog. It's a german shepherd or great dane or grizzly bear or something like that. It's by far the biggest dog I have ever seen in my life.

Aya speaks 5 languages. Germans are super smart. I'm very inspired to take lots of language courses at Sinclair.

My head hurts and we're getting up early for Amsterdam in the morning. Hopefully I'll have more to say next time.

I'm in Love (JUNE 21)

I have seen lots of scenery in my day. But never have I seen such scenery worth seeing as the scenery I saw outside of Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. Oh my gosh.... BEAUTIFUL! Absolutely gorgeous. Hilly fields, perfectly placed trees, narrow roads- stunning. I don't know how to describe it. And unfortunately I didn't take a picture, but I will be sure to next week. I'm in love.

Nathanael picked us up at the airport around noon-ish. The sun was shining, 60's, a perfect kite-flying breeze blowing. Gah, it was the best possible moment for a very first experience of a new country.

We drove around a bit. Came to a town named Bernkastel and decided to stop. It sits on a river, and I guess there's a castle there? We didn't have time to see it. Went ahead and got some euros. Euro bills are very pretty and artsy, so are pounds. American dollars are really boring compared to the Euro. Got some jägerschnitzel (yes, I'm eating pork on this trip). Sehr Gut! But it started pouring cold rain so we ran to the car and went to Nathanael's dorm at Spangdahlem.

Later on we drove to Trier via the Autobahn. Nathanael was only pushing his BMW 180 km/h because the roads were wet. Plenty fast for me. Got to Trier. I think I really like German architecture. Or maybe not so much the architecture, maybe just the way the houses are painted. Lots of creams and pinks and neutral-ish colors. Trier has a bunch of old Roman structures. Old Roman baths, Towers, etc. Unfortunately most everything was closed since it was a Sunday evening. But we were able to walk through the cobblestone streets and ate some gelato. Yum, as always! Ate dinner at the Kebap Haus, had döner kebap. Yum, again! Then came back to Spangdahlem and just chilled.

My first impression of Germany is that I like it a lot A LOT. It's clean, beautiful. So far, though, the Germans have been fairly snooty. They don't even acknowledge me. Oh well, I'm just a dumb American tourist, I suppose. Sigh.

Panic on the Streets of London (JUNE 20)

Somehow I forgot how fun the clouds are in person! And I found out that Sigur Ros is the only thing worth listening to thousands of feet above the Atlantic.

Landed and arrived to an overcast, brisk, 54 degree London morning. Since London is six hours ahead of Ohio, technically we time-warped on the way in. Spent a couple hours riding the subways, trains, and buses to find our hotel. We met a ton of legit Jewish men along the sidewalks. Walked around a bit and decided to have breakfast at Aran's Cafe. Ordered an omelet and chips. Very odd breakfast indeed, and my stomach thought so as well. My favorite part of London actually happened at this cafe/diner/establishment. We ate at a table with a family that was Indian. They were speaking French. And the dad said something to us in English and he had a really strong British accent. I loved it!

We took the bus downtown to London Bridge and walked along the River Thames down around Tower Bridge and back to London Bridge. During this time my omelet and chips kicked in really bad and, needless to say, I had to spend 20 pence on a public restroom. My jet-lag was also kicking in. We hopped on the bus and rode an hour back to our hotel.

Our hotel was this cool little bed and breakfast off Amhurst Street. It was nice to finally brush my teeth. We talked to the manager Chris in the back garden for an hour or so. He had a really neat perspective on England and the United States and other things. It was nice to see someone else's point of view. I think that's what I like about London... there are so many different people from so many different places speaking so many different languages.

Headed downtown again and wandered around for a couple more hours. Saw some gardens and old cemeteries and cool buildings. Then, again, back home towards the hotel. We had a dinner at the Surf Cafe next to the train station. There were a ton of dudes in there watching a Morocco v. Togo soccer game. They had great tuna panini. And the guy working told Andy and I we looked French! YES! (at least he didn't think we smelled French)

And that was about it for London. Showered. Went to bed. Got up super early. Walked in the ghetto to find a train station. Hung around in the airport, caught the plane.



It's a little hard for me to grasp that I used to live in England... for four years. I don't think I could do it again.

NOOK?

I am looking for a cubbyhole. I am looking for a quiet place to read and think and pray and think some more. My best option is to clean out my closet and install a light of some sort and get a nice, big pillow.



European excursion 1.5 weeks. Haven't really planned anything out yet, probably should? Rereading the hobbit for the Nth time. It's grand and I'm a wizard. Also, found out about some decisions friends have been making lately and it breaks my heart.... You know better.

COMPADRES!

It was not one of Wake Up Mordecai's better performances. But I believe it was by far our best show ever. And that is because of you! Your energy meant everything. So thank you very much for dancing and singing and being a dinosaur and supporting us and showing us love. You are lovely.



<3

Where it's at

These are a few of the things I need to realize and remember and live my life by - Jesus Christ is where it's at. Girls are not where it's at.

The poor are where it's at. As are bicycle rides at sunset. Light walls and bottomless cups of coffee and honest people with souls playing beautiful music. Friends in living rooms experiencing the presence of God together with pots and pans and cats on their laps. Sharing and giving. Writing letters. Getting letters. Innocence and purity and forgiveness and grace. Moving forward and time-traveling and reminiscing. Making things right.

This is where it's at.

Sidestepping

It's odd and awful how busy a person can get. It's been nearly a month since I last posted anything, I suppose I should explain.

Album. Finally finished. Spent a good two weeks where any and all free time went into recording and mixing. It was tedious, and frustrating, and slightly rewarding... but most of all, it is done. We sent it out last week to be duplicated. The record release party is May 23rd at the Dayton Dirt Collective. If you want to get a taste, there are some songs up on myspace. I'm happy with it, and I hope you will be too.

Weddings. My sister got married. By far the best wedding I've ever been to. It was simple, classy, spiritual, plus I saw the eight long months that went into planning it! I'm very excited for my sister and her stud of a husband.

School. Papers, BSEP, AP Tests, I'm done. Besides teachers that decide to be lame-o's and give homework, the rest of the year is merely a formality. Thank goodness. I used to be such a good student.

Hmmm, what else? So much has happened. Um, played a couple shows in Cincinnati and Kent and Dayton. Those were fun. Went to Autobahn and got super inspired by Joy Electric and Foxglove Hunt... didn't do anything with that inspiration, but it happened nonetheless. The Bro Shack opened back up!!!

Oh, and yesterday I went to see Star Trek with Mr. Oldfield, the astronomy teacher from school. I have never seen Star Trek before in my life, but Mr. Oldfield is way too cool for me to pass up such an invitation. IT WAS AWESOME! The experience... not necessarily the movie.

I haven't really read much, not enough time. I did read The Kite Runner again, one of the best. Been listening to a lot of Joy Electric, French Kicks, Firs, and, of course, the Pomegranates.

And I am for sure going to the University of Sinclair next year. I got a scholarship that is going to pretty much pay for everything (okay... so it's only $2,000 because it's a community college, but still... it's going to pay for everything!). I am very blessed.

You probably didn't read this. There was no need for you to. I think I'll be back on here more often now that I have a little more time. I don't expect you to read those either.

Live Long and Prosper,
Morti

Quantity is Job Part 1

The story of my senior year has been me trying to be productive and never actually accomplishing much. You win, senior year, I will never conquer you (already on that list are math, girls, and consistent excercise). I am no good at recording music.




On a side note, I took all my possessions and piled them in my front yard and soaked them in gasoline and couldn't find a match so I forgot the whole deal.

I have a Flickr now, if you're interested... Not much on there at this point, maybe some day.

Discovery is the New Chic

I promise you, this is sure to be random and disorderly.

A few things have been inspiring me or challenging me the past couple days:

1. Honest People. Mostly my Poptek friends, Andy and Kris. They're not perfect, but in so many ways they're showing their honesty, their creativity, their humility, and their selflessness. I've felt so selfish and spoiled and fake and un-timeless lately. As if what I'm doing right now is meaningless and has no worth in the big picture. If I lost everything, what little talent or coolness or influence that I may have, if all that was gone... I doubt that many people would say that I'm a nice and honest person and worth being around. Not right now, anyway. So, as I see that I've strayed from the original point, I'm battling to be a more honest and genuine and sincerely compassionate person. Thank you if you have set a good example of honesty and purity for me.

2. India. If there was a competition for the Most Colorful Country, India would win hands down. What a bright and beautiful land. I can't wait to visit and/or live there. Found a little Indian store this evening down by the Fairfield Mall. I'm not sure how legit the place is, but I got some black tea which was most delightful.

3. Robin Lee Graham. One of my favorite National Geographic issues is from April 1969. It's about a sixteen year-old that sails around the entire world by himself in a small sailboat. He meets a girl in Fiji and they get married. He chills with natives and sleeps on cliffs and fights waves and he was sixteen and that means that I'm one year behind him. This is adventure and exploration at its finest. I've read this article several times before and decided to do so again this week because it's awesome.

I'm on Spring Break this week. I spent Monday, Tuesday, and Today unsuccessfully trying to get a decent bass track. It's not that I'm a completely awful bass player, I just can't a good sound. It has been unbelievably frustrating and disheartening. Incidents like this are what reaffirm my decision to never ever try to pursue music as a career. I could not handle it, nor be qualified. So tomorrow, for the fourth day in a row, I will most likely spend the day messing with bass levels and mic placements and after three or four hours go outside to sulk. If anyone asks you what little Johnny did with his Spring Break, tell them he sat in his room and slowly lost his mind - it won't be too far from the truth.

Also, after work I went and got fitted for my tuxedo for Bob and Ana's wedding. And while I saw all the suits that looked exactly the same I thought "Why is everyone so obsessed with tuxedos?" Therefore, my wedding outfit will most likely be similar to this, no joke.


Anyway, if you read this, my thanks and apologies go out to you. I'm not brooding, just reflecting and trying to be better. I wish creativity and dreams upon you.

Genius

it's also sometimes a synonym for crazy, unfortunately (or fortunately).

Reading in March

Here's the only thing that I learned in math class this past month:
Reading > Homework

The Awakening by Kate Chopin
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
Lord of the Flies by William Golding*
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway*
Journey to the East by Hermann Hesse*
Strange News from Another Star by Hermann Hesse*
The Road to Peace by Henri Nouwen*

And strictly for pleasure...
National Geographic - December 1978
National Geographic - July 1985
The Authoritative Calving and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat by Bill Watterson

無限的距離(或時間、空間、數量等)

Album Update! I finally found a verse for a chorus I've had since November-ish! This song has been the source of much frustration for many months now and it is a great relief to finally have something substantial. Had it not been for this song, recording could probably be done by now. But I thought, and Francis agreed, that this chorus was too good to leave off the album. So now that we've got it, Francis and I will record the remaining drum tracks next week. Then I can do the rest hopefully during Spring Break. I say hopefully because we already have the record release date... which means I have to finish the album? The Record Release is going to be May 23 at the Dayton Dirt Collective. Save that date, por favor. More details to come.

Tentative track listing for Too Young for the Disco:
01. LOVEMACHINE5000
02. That's What She Said
03. Kinky Girl Scout Cookies
04. Orange Soda
05. Dignan
06. Bach Called - he wants his orchestra back
07. XOXO
08. Infinity x2
09. Disco = Crack
10. You're the Bomb(bay)
11. Cowboys and Indians

Scharffen Berger is by far the best chocolate I have ever had.

And yesterday I gave up to my sinful nature and bought more polaroid film. It was ridiculously overpriced. That whole situation is very sad. It's breaking my heart.

And Francis and I got our tickets. Visiting mi hermano in Germany when he's done in Iraq from June 19 - July 6 or something like that. I'm excited.

Year of the Bicycle

According to the Chinese Calendar, today marks the beginning of the Year of the Bicycle (or I think so, anyway). This means I can finally say good-bye to gasoline and let Pagoda take a little vacation from his hard work of chauffeuring me around everywhere. I kicked the year off with a nine-mile ride this morning with my dad and i look forward to many more leisure rides and rides to school and work and possibly Yellow Springs someday? The exercies is nice, I guess, but I think the biggest reason I like bicycling is because it just feels poetic to me.

Went to Jungle Jim's yesterday and got some tea and chocolates and curry.

Played a show last night at Stillwater with my friends Adam, Amanda, Bruce, and Greg Bogard. It was a neat time. Despite my tiredness and carelessness on stage and everyone missing Francis dearly, I still got a few solid responses... so i suppose it was a worthwhile show.

BSEP is trying to kill me.

And I had a dream a couple nights ago where Francis and Kris N. and I were in a library in Philadelphia or something. And the library had a section with all of these little glass sculptures and I was trying to be quiet and careful and not break anything. And Francis came up to me and said, "I've got your next single", and he started singing something like "The butterfly Benjamin Franklin robbed a bank, and that's why this city loves him". And I woke up and wrote down what he sang. I think I'm gonna start paying more attention to my dreams and writing stuff down and see what happens. Like in Twin Peaks where Agent Cooper solves the murder in his sleep. You know? No, huh? Well Francis knows what I'm talking about. Anyway, let's dream more everybody.



Happy Sabbath!

Jacques

"When one man, for whatever reason, has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself."





ESTEBAN WAS EATEN!!!

Let's Do Anything

I'll Go Anywhere! I put on my Pelikan3000 Helmet today and resolved to change the world. I want to create things for people to enjoy and for myself to enjoy, too, I guess. I will start by crafting a spaceship out of blades of grass and then move on to 11th century Chinese architecture.






I want so badly to be good at something, you know?

When I grow up, I want to be a Robot

Today was a dandy. Kite flying at Carillon, hiking, making mix CDs, grapefruit, Harney & Sons Tea, little kid birthday parties, lots and lots of rice. I find it amazing how a simple change in the weather can completely alter ones outlook. Creation is a very beautiful thing; both nature and the ability to create.

Went and saw Towhee this evening at Southpark Tavern. They were inspiring, as usual. Lately I've been wanting to play in a legit band... you know, like Towhee, or the Pomegranates, or Arcade Fire. It would be nice to be a lead guitar player or a bass player or a synth player for a dance-y band. It's difficult to write dance-y and inspiring music in a two-piece acoustic band. I guess I'm just dreaming. I suppose there's a place for everybody. As Francis puts it "I want to be Rob Withem, but I'm not... I have to live with that". Sometimes I just feel like I'm boring. As you can see, it's hard for me to articulate my feelings.

For some reason I'm thinking a lot right now. My bedtime was about four hours ago. Five hours if you count daylight savings time. Time is going fast and this is a very strange time in my life. Too many distractions.

And if any of you are wondering, recording has been at a bit of a standstill. I'm sick and nasal-y.

And I saw Brian Baxter for the first time in nearly two years. I was super excited about that. He is one of my favorite people ever and I really hope we start hanging out again.

And it's easy to waste an hour or two looking at these:

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God

Bloomington, IN pt. 1/2

Bloomington is a super classy town. I shall certainly be venturing there again sometime soon. The Pourhouse Cafe, where we played, is a chill little cafe on Kirkwood Avenue. They cover their costs, but then all of their profits go to the needy around the world. I respect that a lot. Great atmosphere, great coffee, and a cool barista named Huck with a curly handlebar mustache. And we had lunch at this tiny Tibetan restaurant named Anyetsang's Little Tibet, built in an old house. I had the most delicious Lamb Curry and some Darjeeling Tea.

All in all it was a blast of a trip. I'm very grateful to God for wonderful friends like Francis and beautiful places like Bloomington.

And I had a crummy day today because I let myself have a crummy day and I'm realizing that everything is all about perspective.

M83 = CLUTCH!

Reading in February

February was a very busy month. OBNOXIOUSLY BUSY! I didn't have a lot of time for reading or for much of anything else. So reading was a bit slim.

The Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley*
Candide by Voltaire (school assigned)

None of these books were too outstanding. The Glass Bead Game was interesting and intellectual. I'm beginning to appreciate Hermann Hesse a lot, but his books are not exactly "leisure reads". You have to be focused and put some effort into it. The Jungle Book is obviously a classic and very nostalgic for me, but I don't necessarily recommend it to anyone. Brave New World was a simple read, reminded me of 1984... I guess I can recommend it. And Candide was assigned... end of story.

Francis and I are headed to Bloomington, IN. for a show tomorrow. I'm sick and we haven't played for a while... I think I smell disaster. Should be fun. If you're in the area, stop in at Pourhouse Cafe at 2pm.

And I've been listening to this band out of Oklahoma called Evangelicals. They're really weird and bizarre at times but then there are points where the melodies are absolutely beautiful and somewhat heavenly. Definitely a good listen when you're driving at night.

"Eternity was in our lips and eyes"

Indian food, icy roads, and -ish?

"I wanted to conquer the world, you see, to understand it, to force it to understand me."



Listening to the new U2 record. I'm not wholly disappointed with it like I expected I was going to be after hearing that awful single. Some of the songs I'm thinking "Bono, c'mon, seriously?", but then there are a few that are actually worthwhile. I'll, of course, need to listen to it a couple more times before I can make any concrete decisions.

I had every intention of gang-banging vocal tracks this weekend until I got sick. What was I thinking?

And my friend Jasmine invited me over for some authentic Indian food. It was yummy. Americans are so ignorant, I find.

Soundtrax

This is one of those timeless songs that you never want to end. It will be played at my wedding, funeral, and any other major or minor events in my life.



Also included in that list are any Woo Tang songs... :)

I think I think much too much

Francis and I were silkscreening some posters for an art show last night and had a very productive conversation (Francis makes very cool posters, by the way... magneticFLUX Design). He mentioned that perhaps the most important thing in life is not always what we accomplish, but the purity of our hearts. I've been thinking about that a lot today. Maybe I could be more effective if I first made sure I had pure thoughts, motives, actions. I can't hear God and I don't feel like we're on the same page.

That's been pretty discouraging. Also, recording is not going as well or as quickly as I had hoped. Actually, it's not going at all... school continues to pile more and more work on and I just don't have time to do what I want to do. And seems this writer's block is never going to end. It's been nearly six months since I've written a song I'm actually happy with. Am I washed up already?

Plus, hot girls never seem to make life any easier.

AUTOBAHN09

talk about nostalgia.

autobahnfest.com

Slumdog Millionaire

Broke my heart. What can I do about the immense hurt and poverty that is... everywhere? It's very challenging and very very very overwhelming. Sigh-



I'll let you know once I figure it out.

Reading in January

I guess reading is supposed to be good for you or something? This year I've decided that I'm going to make more of an attempt to read outside of school assigned literature. Here are the books that I read in January.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse*
Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell*
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis*

*I enjoyed very much and recommend reading


Pretty much, I'm an even bigger nerd than I was before.

LOLOLOLZ SNOWDAY!!!

We had a fairly decent show this past weekend... possibly one of the best we've ever played - which isn't saying much, but still. You can see some videos and pictures taken below. Thanks everyone who made the trek out to Springfield to support us and/or hurl insults at us.







Also, work on the album is going a little slower than expected. I was hoping to drop a couple of my harder classes in order to focus more time on getting stuff done, but the school counselors seem to think academics are more important than rock'n'roll. Silly counselors.

That's all for today. Hope you enjoy the videos and pictures and this wintery weather. Stay safe.

Fruity

The Pomegranates never cease to awe me. They just released a new single last night and it is blowing my mind. They are fast becoming one of my favorite bands of all time and, more than a few times, I have committed the sin of envy and wished I was them. Check out "Corriander" on iTunes.

Too Young for the Disco

Francis and I have begun work on Wake Up Mordecai's next album, the full-length Too Young for the Disco. Last night we watched the colorful French opening sequence from Umbrellas of Cherbourg for a bit of inspiration and proceeded to lay down guide tracks for most of the songs on the LP. There are still a couple songs that I have ideas for and am trying to finish— we’ll see how that goes. We’re very excited about this project and are shooting for the recording to be done by the end of next month and hopefully the release will be sometime in April or May… I make no promises, though. But yeah, news about the record will be periodically updated on here. Cheers!



xoxo