Happy Birthday, Stewart

Ah, post-Birthday musings. What a wonderful night last night. The Aroma cafe was perfect. Even if were outdoors and had waterfalls on three sides of our casbah.

Some of you know that I sponsor a child through World Vision. His name is Stewart and he resides in Uganda with his family. I became connected to him through World Vision's Experience Africa exhibit last year. There were so many children in need of monetary and spiritual support to choose to sponsor. It was overwhelming.

I selected Stewart because of his angelic face and because his birthday falls the day after mine. So, I'm taking the time to wish Stewart a very happy 8th Birthday! I know he won't see this blog, but this little man, his family and village are in my daily prayers. Prayers for a long, healthy and happy life, free from violence, disease and poverty; full of fun, peace and God's love and care. I hope he got his present on time. Stewart's WV liaison wrote me a note that was decorated with drawings by Stewart several weeks ago. He loves football, so there were several soccer balls in the margins. How cool to get mail from him all the way from Uganda.

World Vision is a wonderful organization. They receive the left-over Superbowl souvenirs that feature the losers printed as winners. WV distributes these clothing items to needy folks around the globe. My joke is that somewhere in Africa people think the Patriots had a perfect season last year. Seriously, it's nice that the manufacturers donate the shirts so WV can clothe folks.

Several people gifted me with donations of ducks and chicks to the globe's neediest from World Vision for my birthday. Two friends also donated in my name to assist abused girls in underdeveloped countries. I'm pleased that they were moved to honor me so and that this is such a wonderful cause. God bless them and the staff at WV.

Peace and Disco Beats

Rainy Night In NoHo

Thanks to everyone who sent their Birthday wishes. Extra thanks to those who braved the rain to join me for cake at Aroma. The donations to World Vision were wonderful. To my extended family and friends near and far, I want you to know that you are loved and appreciated. You make me feel so young!

Peace & Love

The 100 Yard Dash Away From The 30's

Dog my cats, it's raining.

I've spent the evening putting together a few collages for my birthday gathering tomorrow night. Yes, I will be working at the studio tomorrow. I've got performers counting on me. My new extended family. Anyway, I have boxes of pictures I haven't looked through in (gosh) a decade in some cases. Back to the Idle Kings, the beginning of my life in Los Angeles, my misspent youth.

Just a few random thoughts.

1. Etta James is justified, little crazy, but so. She should have been invited to sing for the Obamas as long as At Last was part of the programming. This is Beyonce's second miscue, after last year's Grammy's when she called Tina the "Queen of Soul." Huh? Now, I know Beyonce is not responsible for either incident, but she's the common ground in each.

2. Franz Ferdinand continues to challenge me. This group puts out an album and makes me want to get right back at it. Tonight: Franz Ferdinand has some wonderful disco-rock moments, especially the lead single Ulysses and No You Girls. And worst, I've missed two chance to see them here in town the past month. They played an in-store at Amoeba last week. Dang.

3. Thanks to all of you who've helped me get to 40, especially the Missus, Mom & Dad, Nate & Gmom. Thanks to everyone who's made my musical career so fulfilling, especially Doug & Bryan, Larry, Dave, Adam & Lady T, Dennis & Scoots, Henry, Montana, Mikey & Mark. Scrap what F.S.F. said about no second acts in American lives. I'm on to Act III, so far as I can tell. Wait until you dig what's coming next for yours truly. Music, preachin' and a whole lot of love. It was three years ago on my birthday that I decided to take the band to the UK for the first time. Who knows what new madness I'll conjure?

4. John Lennon. Can't believe I'll be older than him very shortly. God bless his immortal soul and memory. The first song I will listen to in the morning will be the Beatles' Birthday. It's been my sole B-day tradition for the past 22 years.

The next time I see you, I will have begun my 5th decade. Thank you, Lord!

Peace & Coconut Creme Cake