Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I've Been Bad

OK, so where have I been for the past month? All over! Sorry I haven't kept this up-to-date. Here's a few highlights...

• There are two more episodes of the podcast up at both youTube and www.LivingTheLyrics.com.

• You can now go directly to my facebook page at www.facebook.com/creAtivephil

• Pam's book is FINISHED, YEAH!!!! It is all approved and at the printers. The official street release date is July 28. There is a sneak peek of the first chapter at www.WalkingMiracle.com/writing. While you're there, go ahead and pre-order a copy - you're gonna love it.

• So much more, but I've gotta run. Catch ya soon!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Drum Roll Please...

Hey everybody, sorry I've been silent for a while, but I've been busy with our new project! Today we are launching our new VIDEO PODCAST!! Every first and third Tuesday, join me for about five minutes as I share the stories behind your favorite songs. The podcast website is www.LivingTheLyrics.com and the first episode is right here...

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

We're on YouTube, sort of...

I was browsing eMusic the other evening (one of my favorite sites for non-mainstream music) and I typed our names in the search box. Sure enough, up popped several of our albums. I scrolled down the page and there in the "Dig Deeper on the Net" were two videos on YouTube. It didn't take long to see the lady in the picture was not Pam, but instead Amanda Darst singing two of our songs at her church's New Years Eve service. How cool is that? You can check them out at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g11K9JiRYnw and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1kVv27ulzs

While you're at it, stop by http://www.emusic.com/artist/Phil-Pam-Morgan-MP3-Download/12087518.html and give us a plug! Just click on an album and write a review so folks browsing can have some personal feedback on our music. Thank you, thank you!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

And The Winner Is...

I know there are awards for people who design buildings and bridges and such, but I have one that will put them all to shame. Anyone who can design a four foot round table and four chairs that fits in a box 8 inches tall and 15 inches wide, with all the pieces nestled together so tightly it doesn't need any styrofoam packing pieces and can be assembled with one allen wrench is a genius in my book.

You got my vote!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

You Can Quote Me On This

I have a photographic memory. The problem is, I ran out of film years ago.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Fount of Knowledge

This morning after our concert, some wonderful folks invited us to lunch at their house. All I can say is, YUM!! While we were munching, our host asked, "Where do tilapia come from?"

I quickly answered, "The ocean."

"No," he said, "I mean, what part of the world do they come from?"

"Probably somewhere in 2/3s covered by water."

No wonder my kids call me a walking encylopedia.

(RJ, this one's for you!)

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Thinking Ahead

At breakfast my youngest daughter said, "I should grow my hair long and then have it cut and made into a wig. Then when I'm old and gray I can wear it and say, 'Yes, this is my real hair.'"

Always thinking...

Thursday, January 22, 2009

The Power of Socks

My attire today was completely determined by my socks. Let me explain.

This morning I headed into my closet on autopilot. The next thing I knew, I was wearing a pair of black socks instead of the the white ones I had intended on. I said to myself, “Oh no, now I can’t where my white tennis shoes.’”

“No problem, I’ll wear my brown loafers.” I casually replied.

“What pants go with these shoes?”

“How about the gray jeans?”

“Excellent choice. What shirt goes with the jeans?

“There’s a nice burgundy pullover.”

“I think you’re right, good show!”

This exchange brings up two very valid points. One, I talk to myself way too much. And two, if my life is this complicated with just black and white socks, I should never buy any additional colors.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Tipping The Scale

Before our service last Sunday morning I made my obligatory stop at the men's room. When I turned to leave, I noticed a first - there in the corner was a set of bathroom scales. I've been watching my weight, so I can't pass a scale without a quick check. Of course, I always weigh with my clothes off. It probably would have been better if this had been a one person bathroom.

I'm sure glad they didn't put the scale out in the hallway.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Read ALL The Directions

Ok, I'm a man. That should be enough explanation for what follows.

I decided to hang a ceiling fan in our new downstairs guest bedroom. If you've never installed one of these, it sounds like a simple job. It's just a motor with blades hanging from the ceiling, right? Dream on. I opened the box and was immediately confronted with a surprising number of unassembled parts and a 40 page manual. On the first page of the booklet were the words "READ ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION." Who do they think they are talking to? I'm a guy. I don't want to read, I want to build something. Is the fact they used all capital letters supposed to make me pay more attention? Nice try, bub.

I waded thru the first few pages, attaching hub A thru cover B and cover ring C to shaft D with screws E,F & G, while holding bracket H out of the way and removing and then replacing set screw J. A few more pictures with big arrows would have been helpful, but things were coming along nicely. This is until page 8 where it said, "If installing on a ceiling lower than 8 ft, skip sections 3 thru 6 on page 4." Two problems here, my ceiling is lower than 8 ft and sections 3 thru 6 included screwing together the pieces with the special coating so they won't come apart while the fan is spinning. Rest assured friends, there is NO chance of this baby coming apart, now or at any time in the future.

So, the fan is up and running, though not at the recommended low ceiling height. I think I'll put some yellow and black caution tape on the blades so my taller friends won't get whacked in the head. Oh, and we have a new house rule - no hats in the basement. It's for your own safety.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Why Pianists Should Avoid Sharp Objects

I know better. In fact, I've told my kids numerous times. Cutting rule #1: When using a knife always cut AWAY from yourself.

One night last week I was rehanging the doors we had painted in the basement. A little extra paint on the door frames was enough to keep the hinges from fitting completely in their designated spots. No problem, I'll just use my utility knife to cut away the excess. Dried paint where you don't want it is tough stuff, so I was having to put quite a bit of muscle into carving out the openings. Sometime in this process, I forgot cutting rule #1. Sure enough, my knife slipped off the frame and went directly into the pointer finger of my left hand. Big ouchy.

I cleaned out the cut and taped everything tightly back in place. No more bleeding, but there was a good bit of throbbing. I found that felt better if I held my hand over my head. Pam tried to be sympathetic, but she still chuckled as I walked by in my Statue of Liberty pose.

On a final medical note. If you happen to accidently make an incision in an appendage and the skin is gaping pretty wide, super-glue really does work! Just don't try to type until it is completely dry. That's another story.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

My Future Politician

My youngest daughter had a friend over to the house to play a few days ago. I was working in the basement that day, but on a break I headed into my office to check e-mails. Much to my surprise, they had converted the area under my desk into a stuffed animal jungle. It looked like an explosion at the Build-A-Bear factory. I turned to leave and noticed my small notepad holder holding not notepads but about a half dozen screws with a screwdriver next to it. I called my daughter in, pointed and asked "What's this?"

"Oh, we found those." she replied.

I know her too well and a bit more prodding produced the rest of the facts. The part she told me was true. The part she didn't mention was where she found them - in the brackets holding the desk together. Fortunately, the desk didn't fall down on top of them during their time of discovery and dismantling.

I have to admit, she is very creative, even with telling the truth. Pray for me!

Monday, January 5, 2009

New Beginnings

Hey Everybody,

Yes, it's me - back from my extended blog sabbatical. There has been a ton of stuff happening around here, so I'll do my best to get you up-to-date. For now, I'm rested (sort of), refreshed, and ready to launch into a great 2009. Hang on, the ride is just beginning!