Edwards Design Solutions

Well, what a great time! We have been going to the regular Renaissance Faire, held in the fall, for the last few years. We go and enjoy the fun of dressing up and living a fantasy for the day.

Usually, we attend the Faire as pirates -

This year marks our first ever Celtic Fling. There is a completely different feeling around the Shire on this weekend, but it is still enjoyable. I kind of miss being asked directions for things (our normal pirate attire is really good), since we get mistaken for Faire workers, but we were able to see a lot of the music and dance shows without interruptions. The Fling has many different bands, playing a variety of different music genres.

Oddly enough, my wife and I enjoyed the more traditional music over the contemporary punk/rock/fusion styles. We started our day off with Irish Blessing, followed by the Gothard Sisters. We were spoiled by the expertise shown in the dance and music of these two groups.

The rest of the day’s shows almost paled in comparison. A huge bright spot of the day was the Pipe Off competition between the Washington Memorial Pipe band (VERY good) and the Loch Rannoch Pipe and Drum band.

Intermingled between Barleyjuice, the Rovers, Albannach and the different dance schools, we enjoyed scotch eggs and other Celtic foods. I also enjoyed a few choice brews from the Faire’s Swashbuckler Brewery! Along with it all, Faire guests were able to join in the fun with a couple of friendly competition events in the Highland Games and the Haggis eating contest.

There are a few times in this world, that someone makes a difference.
What is hard to determine, especially during the lifetime of the influential person, is just what kind of impact will that person really have on the world around them.
One could mention the likes of Jesus Christ, Vincent Van Gogh, Elvis Presley or even Bob Hope.

But I tend to gravitate to musicians, being that I am one. I really get a kick out of exceptional showmen(and women). I enjoy hearing well-crafted prog-rock from the likes of Rush, VanHalen and Dream Theater. But I also LOVE the Dave Matthews Band. You get prog-rock/prog-folk/really awesome music. Dave is also one of those special showmen that makes me smile, just seeing him enjoy his music. He loves music as much as I love music! It’s that he puts everything into it. I can only imagine that he is absolutely wrecked by the end of one of his shows. That is what really
makes him special.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am sure all artists enjoy their own music to one degree or another. But he loves it so much, because his music is so much him. Watch and see what I mean. This is one of my absolute favorites of his.

Corn Bread

This effort, along with his quality of music, are part of what make me the musician I am today. If I can take some smidgen of the talent his drummer (Carter Anthony Beauford for you who don’t know) puts into the playing and writing of the songs, then I have grown that much more. I can’t get enough help from my musical influences. When it comes to my abilities, it’s all that I have to help me get better. That’s what happens when you are a musician with no formal training and very little music reading ability. It’s all hands-on and unfortunately is the hardest way to learn progressive-styled music. At least that’s my opinion anyway.

Well, game 3 was anything but stellar from the black-n-gold. Visiting the city of sibling rivalry (commonly referred to as brotherly love) has put a damper on the Pens’ thoughts of finishing this series early. Game 4 will really tell the tale of how much the loss has damaged the frosty exteriors of Crosby, Malkin and the boys.

During game 2 in the Igloo, I heard something over the loudspeaker that rekindled a fire in me. I have always loved music and my favorite genre is hairbands of the 80′s and 90′s. One of my favorite movies about the period was made by period aficionado George Clooney. I am talking of course about Rock Star! This movie gives an intimate look into the ups and downs, and ins and outs of “living like a rock star”.

I love the song, but the visuals are even better….

Stand Up

Beware, this is not a movie for kids! This movie sends a clarion call to anyone thinking of getting into the business. Be prepared to fight the temptations or possibly lose your soul in the process. What really gets to me, is to see the lead singer “Izzy”, played by Mark Wahlberg, go through these challenges. He pushes away everything familiar, including his long-time girlfriend (played by Jennifer Anniston), just to be the man everyone wants to be. But he eventually learns his error and decides to leave the band. This choice brings healing to his mental state and brings his girlfriend back into his life.

The point is, make choices but be prepared to suffer the consequences. Make good choices and you will save yourself a lot of grief. Now getting back to hockey, lets hope we see better gameplay and better choices by coach Bylsma in Game 4.

God bless her. This woman has been gifted with a talent few have. Her talent has been easily overlooked for 30+ years, probably based primarily on her looks. One might consider this book’s cover to be plain and less than a beauty queen. I say she looks like the aunt-next-door! But everyone should know, never judge a book by the cover, or even the summary writing on the inside covers. The same is true here.

Get ready folks, if you liked the Cactus Cuties, get out your tissues…..I needed them and I don’t consider myself very emotional.

Susan Boyle’s “Dream”

I love this song and Susan has done the world a tremendous injustice for not singing it for us sooner! Move over Celine Deon (or even Elaine Paige!), there’s a new girl in town and Simon has already begun the workings of a recording contract for this 47 year old from Blackburn, Scotland. It appears Susan’s charity working days may be over, once the recording studio gets hold of her.

Imagine how beautiful the duets would be if Susan Boyle got together with Josh Groban!