my mind is rambling

http://tjlibraries.monticello.org/transcripts/March1783/March1783.html

For the working class in Ohio, government jobs are highly desirable, with the median salary about 20 percent more than in the private sector, according to 2009 data from theCensus Bureau. This is partly because employees tend to be more skilled: more than half of state and local workers have college degrees, far more than in the private sector. But among college graduates, public workers make less than those in the private sector.

playing music with buddy miller is absolutely incredible. this week has been one of the most expansive and enlightening of my life. last night i played POISON LOVE with buddy miller, patty griffin, steve earl, joel guzman and chris donohue- some of the best music i have ever played onstage without a doubt. if anyone has a recording from stardust theatre last night, please send it to me.

steve earl is fascinating to talk to. i was looking for an elevated conversation involving art/politics/capitalism etc and did i ever find the right person to chat with. righteous dude.

it’s going to be nice to be home briefly. however, really looking forward to getting  back on the road the nma boys this week in support of our new record KEYS TO THE KINGDOM. to be continued..

 i have spent my life as an outsider- a self made and proclaimed outsider. even when i am playing in popular rock bands, i never really felt like i fit in. well for some reason that has changed this year. suddenly i have found labels that i identify with. religious, political, and social. i feel more like a human, less like a freak. maybe it is part of growing older. if so, i wish i had found identity at a younger age. i guess there is comfort in labels that describe my views- that way i don’t have to start from the beginning everytime- like a drunk who just took too much adderal. identity gives me power. it prepares me to lead. get in where you fit in or bust the door down- CD st croix 2011

i just finished rehearsing with buddy miller for the first time. what a joy to play music with such a cool cat- great songwriter, awesome guy. next, i played with patty griffin for the first time during her soundcheck. i will be playing piano with her tonight on BE CAREFUL, then closing out on electric washboard. yes, this all happened in one day. today. 2-17-11.

clearly, god puts good people in front of us- such is the blessing of life. he presents opportunities. my actions, reactions and behavior is up to me. now i have to do my part. it is in between me and the devil whether i transcend.. preparation goes a long way.

nikki sixx should know HANGERS ON from HANGER OUTERS. come on man you are writer

2-6-11

woke up in atlanta georgia. performed in greenville south carolina. slept in charlotte north carolina.

The Letter

A Letter Written October 2, 1979
on Tupelo Hardware Company letterhead

• GOOD MORNING - 
  
  My name is Forrest L. Bobo from Tupelo, Mississippi. I an 78 years young today, but I can well remember the afternoon when Elvis Presley and his mother came into Tupelo Hardware, where I worked for twenty years. He wanted a 22 cal. rifle and his mother wanted him to buy a guitar. I showed him the rifle first and then I got the guitar for him to look at. I put a wood box behind the showcase and let him play with the guitar for some time. Then he said that he did not have that much money, which was only $7.75 plus 2% sales tax. His mother told him that if he would buy the guitar instead of the rifle, she would pay the difference for him. The papers have said that the guitar cost $12.50 but at that time you could have bought a real nice one that amount. The small amount of money that he had to spend had been earned by running errands and doing small jobs for people.
• I am proud to have a little part in Elvis’ life. I had supper with Elvis the night he left for his first audition. We all wished him a great success, and he sure made a great life for himself and the rest of the world.
• Thank you for your time.
  
  Forrest L. Bobo

The Guitar

Framed picture of the front and back sides of Elvis’ first guitar.
with mounted brass plaque

(Not detailed to original)