Even more more more music...

So I have been losing some sleep playing with Logic Pro and getting used to it.I did manage to record a short bass solo....



It is not a mellow tune! It's more of a riff fest and very "metal". I used my Ibanez BTB bass and Logic's great plugins.Let me know what ya think.

Ahhh..and all those Starbucks drinks are paying off! Since Chris and I will occasionally use a Starbucks gift card,we can now use Starbucks/ATTWiFi for free when we visit a Starbucks.
Somehow that seems a bit pathetic......... ;)

Juan
<><

PS: Bang yer head.

The new phone books are here! The new phone books are here!

Ummmm...I mean my new MacBook Pro is here!

Yep...gotit last Wed and Chris has been calling herself a "Mac Widow" LOL!
This thing rocks...super fast and the screen is very clear and has some great definition.I have my old CRT 17" monitor hooked up to it as well for more screen real estate.Still planning on gettin' a 20-22" LCD to go with it.
I am trying my best not to install any "bloat" and keep only the essentials (i-Life,GIMP,etc.) so as to ensure that Logic Studio has plenty of space and resources to run at optimum speed.I am even considering keeping all my i-Tunes music on my old Mac's hard drive and getting an USB SATA case for it so I can use it as an external.That would give me a total of 230 Gigs of space.Weehaw.......
Anyway,that's me gettin' my geek on...
Laters my Tribe...
Love ya!
<><

My 2 pilots!

more paintings de mad and tobi

hey, these are a couple of pieces that mad and tobi did last night~ on the back of our periodic geico renewal forms.. hahaha
the largest one is 'noah's ark' by mad. 'out of the mouths of babes', or in this case, the fingertips.. i forget how 'dark' those first days on the ark must've been, with the whole world being laid to waste (and then renewal!) with death and destruction.. quite chaotic i think. dunno how she 'knew' that or captured it, but she did.
the larger, more colourful one is by tobi.. just pretty pretty.. she gets very zoned in and deliberate when painting.. it's a delight to observe!
enjoy~
km

ps.. funny thing; sometimes when the girls and i sit down to paint, mad warns me that i better output something decent by saying "mom, you better not paint something cruddy!".. HAHAHAHAHAHHAAA>> when i paint things a bit too abstract for her liking it's deemed 'cruddy', and the thing is that most of the time she's 100% RIGHT!~~ haha.. talk about a challenge to do my best! coming from my 5 year old who refuses to think inside the box.. she's a light! that's for sure!

Dr. Randy Pausch - Last Lecture WATCH!

Dr. Randy Pausch passed away today and I thought this was definitely worth watching. Check it out!

Kayleigh feelin the "Good Vibes"!

Kayleigh came to work with Daddy last night and we had a blasty together! I got her a new "Good Vibes" dress and she sat with some friends of mine and their kids. She was the prettiest girl there! (I'm not biased or anything...lol) She loves to dance so I really need to get her in some dance classes soon!

mad's work

here are 3 paintings Mad has done in the past year.. she and Tobi paint everyday, but these are 3 of my favorites.. the canvases are 20"x 16" and the paper is 9"x 6".. mostly watercolour and gouache..ENJOY!
they're brilliant, ay?
mad said the dark blue one is a storm.. wow.
i know i'm biased, but heyyyyyyy.. they're stunning.

Some of my flutes..

Hello everyone!



Boy,I have been a bloggin' fool lately!
I just wanted to share a slide show of some of the flutes that I have made,sold,am trying to sell.My latest flute available for sale is the jatoba flute with the hackbeery ring on the endcap.I have sold 3 already and have an order for 2 more!Let me know what ya think.
Laters...

Juan
Ollin Flutes

More musica!

Hello tribe!

I just posted some new music at my blog.It is a new tune called "Indus" that I recorded with BLANCO,one of the projects that I am a member of. There is more info on my blog so please stop by and give it a listen.Remember to leave me a comment and let me know what ya think. If all goes well,we should be releasing a CD of our efforts by the end of summer.

Juan R. Leõn News


Thanx!
<><
Juan

Dancing with a bike

In the male dominated world of "X-Games" type sports this was refreshing to see. I don't know who this lady is but it seems she can do absolutely anything on a bike and manages to keep it graceful and feminine... Simply amazing!

New laptop and The Shack

Hello Familia!

We just ordered a 17" Glossy,Hi Res MacBook Pro! It's a refurb so I got a great deal on it.We saved about $900.00 on the Mac alone and about $1,000.00 for the total package.I got the Apple Care Extended Warranty,a cool backpack/case made by Swiss Gear,and the new Logic Studio bundle with Logic Pro 8,MainStage,Soundtrack Pro 2,Studio Instruments,Studio Effects,and Studio Sound Library.A very cool and powerful package of recording and production software.I am stoked!

Well, I finished The Shack a couple of days ago.What a powerful and blessed book! The range of emotions that I went through while reading this beautiful work of art is still working in me a silent and gentle change. I was speaking to Max about this last week and we both agree that there are those that the Lord chooses to reveal a part of the unrestrained Glory to so that they may pass along that Blessed Assurance to all whome see His Peace.This book is the result,I am convinced,of just that type of revealing.Besides,anyone who quotes Bruce Cockburn lyrics in a book is top shelf with me.Please read this book and tell everyone about it.
Thanx Max for the blessing!

Long live Bansy Bans!

Losing a friend...

I had a message from Harriett a couple of days ago letting us know that her dog Brandy had passed away. Some of you know that "Bans" was a very special dog to me in part because she originally was my dog. Around 1991, 92 I had come out to SC for the first time to try and live. After a few months it just wasn't working out so I made the long drive cross country back to Blythe, Ca. The day I got back I was sitting in Harriett's front yard exhausted from the drive and was just chillin and talking to her and her family about stuff when I noticed this little dog sitting timidly on the sidewalk in front of the house. She was obviously a "stray" because I think stray's just have that certain look that's unmistakable. I think it's a look that just say's, "Damn, I'm tired and if I don't find some rest and food soon, than I'm about done!" Besides looking emaciated and exhausted she also had the longest ears of any dog I'd ever seen and that was mixed with her legs only being a few inches long and the long body of a dachshund. So to me, she kind of looked like a chihuahua mixed with a dachshund with a deer thrown in for good measure! haha So she was unique and strange looking to say the least! I immediately began trying to coax her to me but as most stray's on the street do, she knew enough to keep her distance for a while. I think it was her exhaustion and hunger that finally gave way because eventually she inched herself over to where I was sitting in the lawn and the very second she settled into my lap, she went into the deepest sleep for at least 2 hours! It was as if she knew she was home and all was right with the world in that instant... We've all had that feeling and there's nothing like that kind of peace and rest. It's no different for a dog I believe. In fact it's probably even more intense because they don't have their intellect getting in the way, it's just pure. Anyway, Brandy was a part of my life and even more so, Harriett's life from that day forward. Even though I found her, she was a constant companion and friend to Harriett for the next 16 years! What a great life she had and even though she spent a good deal of in SC it's probably only fitting that she passed in the same city she probably was born in. I haven't had a chance to speak with Harriett yet but from what I understand she got to hold her in her final moments here on this mortal coil. I agree with my Mom in that I believe the companion's that God let's us have from the animal kingdom in this world will also be a part of heaven. I've had far too many spiritual moments with them to think otherwise. It's not even something I want to try and prove or decipher or debate.. It's just what I believe! Heck, Pop's probably chillin with Ban's even now... Give her a kiss for me Pop! :)

Sharing Becky's Bridal Shower

Hi All,

Just thought I'd share that Becky had her bridal shower this past Sunday down in Marysville, near Everett. Her friends did a beautiful job of putting the shower together with fun games and also really nice sentimental moments. Boys, your cousin is a real character and we had a lot of fun making her laugh! I'm going to try and post a picture of her with her fiance with this blog. Wish me luck........ I'm seriously technologically-challenged...... BIG time!! But the most poignant moment for me was having her open my gift to her. I found this beautiful little pendant that's called "a mother's love" that artfully portrayed an abstract image of a mother holding a baby. I also found a perfect card for her that spoke of an amazing appreciation for the friendship she and I have developed in the last 7 years. When she was younger, she and I had many difficulties in our relationship and really struggled with that. But in the last several years, the Lord has beautifully and graciously mended that relationship, and now I consider her to be one of my best friends as well as a loving daughter. Isn't it awesome how God can heal these things?!? Anyway, when she went to open the card and gift, I began tearing up plenty, which is something somewhat unusual for me. She has grown up to become a truly beautiful woman of God. So, I just thought I'd share some of these moments with ya'all. My aloha to you all.

Hi Family

Well...it's Tuesday morning and I can't let too much time go by without saying "I love you" to all of you. Thanks again, Max, for making this possible. Not much new to tell. There's still quite a bit of smoke in the air but...oh well. Gare and I took last week off from leading worship both Friday evening and Sunday morning. It was so awesome to have a break so I asked the young man who took over if he'd mind taking it another week and he's seeing if he can. I hope so. I love to worship the Lord and I love leading worship but the "vacation" has been wonderful. I should find out today if we have this week off also. Katey....thanks for reminding me about the book I made for you guys and letting me know that it's a blessing to you. The smallest things bring tears to my eyes these days. I love you all so much and miss you more than I can say. I hope everyone's doing well this week. . . . . . Mom/Nana

A hobbit's quest

Hello brothers~

I've finally figured out how to post! and alas, i have to be getting back on the road to go to work soon. But as I type I am watching The Fellowship and I am not ready to go back into the wood. I want to have a cup of tea with each of you and sit by the ocean for a few more days. It has been too long! I leave for Guatemala in two weeks and I hope to be back at the beach sometime in September.Coogan- iwant to meet your new wife, and it's been ages since i've seen the lot of you. in the mean time, know that i am, as always- stubby

Facebook anyone?

So, I've been using Facebook quite a bit lately and I know there's quite a few of you that are already actively on Facebook as well. I just wanted to send a quick invite to those of you here on the blog that haven't checked it out. I know some of you use MySpace but I've really become tired of the buggy and ugly interface. (IMHO)

Speaking of Facebook, Deidre McIntyre just added me as friend on there so I immediately sent her a link so that her and John can start participating in our little blog here... I'll also be sending one out to Stubby as well! Let's welcome them and keep this thing going strong! Love you all!

reasons why yesterday was one of my favorite days of life

1~my coffee at 7am was PERFECT.. dunno, perfect flavor, brew, timing.. just perfect; all 3 tumbler cups ;D
2~the girls and i played and cleaned and got ahead in laundry
3~ eating tons of dried fruit and almonds
4~we went outside to our 'backyard' and did some old-fashioned bush-whacking.. those of you who have SEEN our 'backyard' know this is entirely possible. the girls refer to it as 'the forrest'; nean calls it our 'sanford and son growth', our friend sonya lovingly references it the "fairy forrest" and to me it's my 'jungle project'.. haha.. we got out there and hauled, cleaned, cutback and played for over 2 hours! at the end of moving this massive pile of vines, old stumps, and branches the most magnificent rain storm overcame us! big thick drops where you get soaked within 3.5 seconds of running from door to car.. quite lovely! it reminded me of caroline's book where she says "sometimes you find peace in a simple summer rainstorm".. SO RIGHT!
perhaps by the time you come down, Jay, it will be ready to build the circular bench around an old tree that nean is planning!
5~ giving the girls (successful) and cutie-patootie hairtrims~ brought on by tobi's habitual and daily trimming of her Own hair.... ;)
6~ the perfect 40 minute run after the rain with a breeze and sun and clouds listening to bob dylan, ben hahhpah, 77's, grant lee, dave matthews and more (and even an old construction truck billowing by blowing so much ganja smoke, i think i got a contact high at the end of my run--which was also nice... haha)
7~ after dinner with family and friends leftover fireworks with the girls..
8~ and Christ ever present thru it all; total glee and perfection.. really.. there's so much beauty in life with Him i can hardly stand it!
muchassmoochas!
km

Aloha!

So Max has sent about a dozen invites for me to join the family blog! Felt prompted to finally sign in today! This really is a fantastic way for everyone to communicate and "chat". Sadie and I spent the day recouping from a busy weekend by lazing alittle and spending some time at an inflatable jumping playground. She loves to run around and scream that piercing scream only a 3 yr old girl can scream! Funny story for Nana Carolyn....Sadie calls my mom Nana and you, of course, are Nana Carolyn. Well this weekend my Mom came to spend a few days and I think Sadie realized that "Nana" might actually have another name like you do. She asked over and over if her name was Carolyn and everytime we replied,"No, Sadie. You know Nana's name is Wanda." So at lunch after church on Sunday, Sadie announces to the whole group of 15 that this is her Nana. Her name is Wanda, but I call her Nana Carolyn. Then smiled that little possum smile of hers! She must've been thinking of you alot this weekend! Probably not funny in the telling, but it was a laugh out loud moment for us! Anyway, on my way into the Opry now, but wanted to say Hello to everyone! It was great to see Nin and Katie and the kids this week, although I'd have loved to spend more time together. The week seemed to have flown by! Hope everyone is well...Love you all...Tange

pa fireworks

Sorry I haven't been able to post as much as I'd like lately. But I do try to keep up with reading the posts at least!

Things here are good, if a little busy.

How was everyone's 4th? We watched our big fireworks display last night as we'd gotten rained out Friday AND Saturday. People were so ready for them, I think half the city descended on the park! It was crazy. But it's a great location - right across the Hwy. from the mall, so you can see the show from just about anywhere in the mall parking lot. Which is where we ended up - me and several friends from work.

Can't wait for my August visit! The plan is to drive to Oak Ridge on the 17th, then to MB on the 20th, then back home around the 25th. A big triangle of a road trip!

Early Sunday morning

Good morning family, I woke up this morning about 3:00am feeling so much love for all of my family. This includes all my sons, daughters, grandchildren and my sister as well as Gare, of course. God gives us His heart and it fills us with unconditional love for everyone. If I could share one word with you this morning it would be this.....try to live with His heart for all those you love. This will help you to hopefully not make the mistakes that you end up regretting later in life. Love covers a huge mountain high ton of sins and puts the enemy into a fast retreat.
Well....that's all I wanted to share this morning with you. Thanks, Max, for setting up this blog site for us all. It's so awesome to log on and share your thoughts anytime you want.
Thanks for the good word, Juan. I'm so rich in "kids". By the way....Nean and Jay...did I tell you I met a brother who is playing in a worship band with Randy Robbins? He said Randy is playing guitar and has an excellent singing voice and loves to worship God. I thought you'd like hearing that. Well....have a great day today and I'll talk to you again soon. I love you all very much.....your Mama or Nana or, Deb, or big sis

Thursday morning.....

Hi Family,
Just wanted to touch base with everyone. Our church family is having their regular family camp at Mount Lassen Campgrounds (Jay...you and Nean may remember that place. I think the youth groups had camps there). Anyway...I've been under the weather with all the smoke in the air. It's been thick for weeks and weeks so we weren't planning to go but they called Gare to please come help with sound for today through Saturday. I love how God's put a servant's heart into him. So DaisyMae and I are spending some "quality" time together. I'm kinda lovin' the quiet even though I really miss him. I want to write some worship music....so this is a good time to pray and play. I sold my narrow body epiphone 'cause I couldn't play it anymore with the arthritis in my hands but Gare found me a narrow body 12 string that I love. The body on it is more narrow than the other one was. I love the way a 12 string sounds too. By the way....I have a great story about your dad for you. Right before we moved to Phoenix we lived in a big house in Aptos near Santa Cruz with a bunch of other people. I had a 12 string dobro (not a lap dobro) with a pick-up built in. Your dad would go out on the porch that overlooked a beautiful meadow, hook up the dobro to an amp and put in on his lap face up. He'd then play it like it was a set of congos. He hit different parts of the strings with great rhythm. The sounds were like nothing you've ever heard. It was so beautiful!! He'd play for hours sometimes (in those days there was some funny smelling stuff in the air) . . . but I wish we would've recorded some of that. It was so unique. Anyway....that memory just popped into my head. I have so many memories and Gare's set up a program in my computer so I can do some memory journaling for you all. After my mom and dad passed away I wished I would've known a little more. Especially my mom. My dad and I talked quite a bit the last 3 or 4 years of his life and I'm glad.
Well...enough rambling. Just wanted to say hi and tell you I wish I was there to visit while Nean and Katey and the girls are there. Did Jay make it down? I'm sorry I haven't called more lately but I'm really feeling sick right now. It should get better soon when the smoke clears. It can't go on forever (at least here on earth...eh?) I love you all and miss you like fire!!...Mom
PS = Juan...I told Max I talked to you and signed it "your California mom and he cracked up. He said your mom lives in California. I guess I'll call myself your Northern Cal mom...hehehe