Lord of the Strings Concert Series Scholarship

Tim and Tina Johnson are founders of Lord of the Strings Concerts in Dana Point, Ca. Their labor of love provides a venue for fingerstyle guitarists (and a few other select acoustic musicians) from around the world. They host 24 to 26 shows a year in two venues in Orange County. They have helped dozens of artists fill dates in their schedules, and in the process they have become the premiere venue for virtuoso-class fingerstyle guitar in SoCal. Their concerts are totally family friendly, and they and their team are extremely gracious hosts.

This year in an effort to help promote fingerstyle guitar among young people, LOS launched a scholarship program which was personally funded by LOS patrons Steve and Cindy Olson. They generously provided $1000 to their very first scholar/player...Ben Owens. I am grateful beyond words to Steve and Cindy, and to Tim and Tina for this gracious gift to my son's education.

Tim, Tina, and crew gave our whole family first class treatment last night - free admission, reserved seating, the privilege to hang out with some salt of the earth folks, and the pleasure of seeing Ben open the show and play several duets with Pete Huttlinger. In addition to being a world-class solo guitarist (and a really nice guy) Pete also loves to promote and encourage younger players. Both Pete and his wife Erin are always kind and accommodating.

Last night was a total blessing; an act of kindness and generosity made a lifetime of fond memories for me and my family. Thanks to everyone at LOS.

The Cattywampus Boys

Great friends and great music, (l-r) Pat Ruis, Bryan San Miguel, Scott McCarty, Ben Owens, and Jameson Owens. These guys make all our events fun.

Daily Proverb - 26

As snow in summer and rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.

Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight.

A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the fool's back.

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

Like the legs of the lame that hang limp Is a proverb in the mouth of fools. Like one who binds a stone in a sling Is he who gives honor to a fool. Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

The great God who formed everything Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.

As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

The lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!" As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly.

He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "I was only joking!"

Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.

He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart; Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.

Other Pets

Fluke the whale, Steve the sea turtle, and our grizzly bear, Brownie.

Ben's First College Degree

Ben completed his studies at Grossmont College for his associate's degree in music, classical studies. He ended his four semesters with 72.5 units, and was one of 17 grads to maintain a 4.0gpa in a class of 1300. That makes 10 consecutive semesters of 4.0, and a heap of good guitar pickin' ;)

We are grateful to the faculty at Grossmont for their virtuosity, grace, and kindness. Ben had a great time there and was sad it ended so soon. A special thanks to Fred Benedetti for mentoring my son in a new musical direction.

Girl of My Dreams

WoooooooooHooooooooo!! She's the one who made me a father (and it almost killed her)! And she's the best thing that ever happened to me. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother...

Alice Der Voondermutten

Man's best friend loves everyone. She's bright, sturdy, fearless, even-tempered and athletic - equally at home chasing small critters or sleeping at your feet.

Integrity, Justice, and Foolishness

Excerpts from Proverbs 19

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet. The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord.

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape. A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish. A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.

There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

A disreputable witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

I sure love my kids

Happy Father's Day weekend, guys! What a pleasure and privilege it is to be a father. I am so thankful to God for my boys. I pray for strength, wisdom, and discipline to do right by them - and their Mom!