Doing it all downtown

I'm having a great time in Marshall, and I'm doing it all downtown.

It would be easy to point out the gas prices make it more economical to stay in my neighborhood, but when it came time to move places I was adamant about living in the place I love the best.

Hometown Computers is at 307 East Austin Street, right next to the News Messenger. 

When someone first moves into an area and doesn't have the inside track on what's awesome about it, they can be happy living almost anywhere. When I first moved here, I knew nothing and lived out on Liberty Cutoff Road. Then I moved closer in to East Rusk Street, on a transitional (affordable) block between some super nice historic homes and some not so nice druggy blocks. (Marshall has drugs. Who's kidding themselves about crime and why should I care to make it seem like we're any better than all the other places that have these problems?)

"The Good House" at 606 N. Washington Ave. I'm on the B-side again. 

My new place has been dubbed "The Good House" and was given this nickname during the move as opposed to it being called the New House or anything like that. I have some art planned to reflect this and can't wait to get moving on it. I love my new neighbors already, and I'm right down from all the happenings on North Washington Avenue for Marshall's downtown music and other stuff.

And being on the B-side, the A-side is coming open sometime soon -- a time when I hope to get A-wesome neighbors and round out our little corner of town.

I was thinking that in some cases the "hit" songs aren't the ones the musicians love performing the best and that some great music is b-side stuff is just ahead of its time. I like to think that Marshall's downtown music thing and me living on the B-apartment-side twice in a row now just means that things are falling together in a way that is a little ahead of popularity.

It really does almost come down to "and other stuff" lately because I'm very interested in seeing the growth of the music scene. In my own time I manage to attend as many of the events as possible and take my camera along with me. Most people around there have even gotten used to me having it and don't get weird about whether I'll represent them well. I appreciate that a lot more than I can say.

Here's one of me working with Ron Munden, owner/operator at EastTexasTowns.com

I have been posting photos for the jams and other music events and people on my facebook page, since we're all, already linked up there and I can tag them in these shots a little easier. Blogger has been changing and I'll reacquaint myself with its offerings pretty soon. I'm also looking at www.wix.com for some good layouts to do marketing for individuals or bands as a way to help the music movement grow up with good information available to the wide world of wondering.

Eric Gardner, Kenny Laboarde, Kelly Chambers, Rick Sims, Stanton Hoffman, Wes Jeans and Rick Reeder filming music downtown on Sept. 14, 2011, for the show Killin' N Grillin'.

See more at: Facebook Album from Killin' N Grillin' in Marshall (and more)

Telling about downtown music and keeping up with the district is a full time job, which I'm glad I can work on during my paid hours at least a little and couldn't stop caring about after the work-bell rings. OK - you can say "she went there" -- but I don't have kids and nothing like soccer practices and Girl Scout meetings to keep me from getting into just a range of things for myself and the community. It's not like I'm trying to be this thing's Mom, but more like I'm trying to nurture it in the ways I can.

I love making contacts and sharing this with people. I'm already looking forward to Randal Reeder and the show Killin' N Grillin' to come back and cookout in Telegraph Park. I've made some pretty good friends with them so far and like being called to help set things up. I'm sure I'll be giving this one a fair bit of play in the paper as well, just to share the word.

Local business owners Rodney Beal and Mary Smith have Band Stand Music and Unique Boutique on North Washington Avenue. 

I've really enjoyed being among some classy business owners, who at the same time can get down with the regulars to have as much fun making things happen as we all can in seeing the results. I have been getting to know Rodney and Mary, as well as other members of the band Diddley Squat and am proud of all the ways they are staying close to the music on the street and in other venues. 

See More from Aug. 25, 2011, at Telegraph Park

I'm also pretty sure I'm not out of line when I say there is room for more and more musicians to at least come out and test the waters. A hidden talent one day could inspire someone new the next. Mary has a fabulous voice and has been working with it to bring joy or heal the blues as the moment strikes. 

Mary Smith, Larry Tallant, Rodney Beal, Pony Bubp and Chris Dean play late on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011

See More from Sept. 1, 2011 at Telegraph Park 

One of the things that has inspired me most about all of the FREE music in downtown Marshall is the fresh spirit for creativity that it brings out. My own photography has been amplified by these great sounds and the people making them. It seems impossible that a year ago, some of us had never met, because we're really growing a community around it. I'm thrilled by the number of poets I've also seen out and down to catch the vibe. They scribble some while others shoot video on their phones or think of witticisms to pitch into the facebook phenomenon.

Pony Bubp has rekindled his love of drumming and does great stick flips with lots of flare. 

(He also posts just about every event he's going to attend on facebook and spreads the word!)

I don't have any great shots of her just now, (have to check again soon!) but Leslie Clark-Williams at Under The Texas Sun is another of those awesome downtown business owners out mixing with the people and helping them all relax and enjoy their time with the music. She and Kat are definitely part of the scene!

Since I couldn't find one, I linked this shot from Kat and Leslie'sWeb-page, 

which you can visit by clicking the shop's name above. 

That it has all been kept rocking for the past few years is the only reason we have it today. I'm into the now of it all, but I have to thank Pap, John Fox, Nick Brumley, Grady Lee, the former open-mic for Nashville Songwriters and all of their friends for making sure it has and will keep going. 

Pap Watson and some of the other local musicians have kept this going for many years. 

On a completely different side note. I wonder if cameras had been more affordable then, if we might not realize how alike we are to those who came before us and were also geniuses.

I was listening to Last.fm through XBOX Live and was into classical music while I was writing this. So, I looked up and Johannes Brahms in 1853 looked quite like our own folk virtuoso Nick Brumley. Let me know what you think about this photo comparison.

Nick playing guitar and drumming during Thursday night open jams at Telegraph Park this summer. 

Johannes Brahms

http://dickstrawser.blogspot.com/2011/04/brahms-first-years-in-making.html

This is my "no pressure" outlet for things I'm into, and I try to focus around creativity. I always have projects in the works, whether its personal or for the rest of the world.

Please feel free to contact me here or by email. It was reported to me that there were problems in commenting on the previous blog entry on music in downtown -- so I'll be working on that in the future. If you see that I have incorrectly reported a name, date or event please let me know so I can correct it.

Thanks for all you do in this world!

Terri Richardson 

Music has been moving me

I've been away for a while. There is a lot going on in Marshall, Texas, these days in both the city and its tourism effort. I'm really appreciating how near I am to all the different aspects of the city, from its night life to its business and industry improvements. It's growing clear to me that these really are different times for this town.

The enthusiasm I have found surrounding some of the venues seems to be suffering along with the heat but there are some real bright spots to keep it hot and hopping. Music in downtown has really had my attention. I've been going to the outdoor performances more and more, watching how the crowd changes. I love meeting all the people out there and getting to hang out with some of the musicians.

All of them are so cool. I was really glad to see Danny Haggar playing out at Summer Wonder. I've known him pretty much since I started trying to live here and go out and about around Caddo Lake and Uncertain. I like that touristy-not-touristy feel that little town has.

This is the Internet, so you will be scrolling down and not jumping there like in newspaper. I've added the descriptions in above the photos for this reason. These are also in no particular order.


I used to sing karaoke with Danny sometimes, and that was a blast.

He told me he played music with his son, Dustin, who is singing in the center.

Just got through listening to Pony Bubp playing an unexpected concert at Under The Texas Sun. Excellent music by Pony as always, and I actually felt honored to pass the tip jar around on his behalf. He has a great sound and lots of dedication. I look forward to seeing him out again.

Larry Tallant plays from his heart and sounds good at it. I appreciate the way he comes out as often as he can and supports all the other musicians. He's also one of the funniest dudes out there.

John Fox sings and plays guitar for the Good Time Rounders with Nick Brumley on drums, Eric Gardner on bass, Pap Watson on guitar and Sam Kilpatrick also on electric guitar. They perform around the East Texas region and into Shreveport, and some of them are known to sit in with other bands from time to time.

These guys play at Telegraph Stage every week on Thursday nights and used to have a regular night out in front of OS2 pub. Here, they're playing the stage for Second Saturday in May.

I absolutely love the way the street fills up for the monthly festival put on by his Illustriousness Bo Ellis, who should be praised and bowed to with utmost respect and servitude. No, seriously, he needs volunteers, can always use funding and deserves all the credit one can muster to acknowledge. 

I believe these are from the June set. I think the wayfinding banners are fantastic for photography. Nobody will be able to come downtown and have a great time on film without also telling the wide world that they were in Marshall, Texas. There was a way finding banner in most of these photos.

 There's no need for a wayfinding banner with the courthouse in view. I love the courthouse. I've called it "stupid" a few times but only because I think it's better if people view the courthouse than view artwork of the courthouse while in view of the actual courthouse. I think it would be cool if some historic trial were reenacted there and it could become famous for something other than its beauty.

How family is this one with the baby carriage? I love that family feel. It might be nice to have a little more for kids to do while they're there during the cooler months. I thought it might be neat to see a sandbox on a trailer or something where we could just pull it up and let them dig around in it and maybe hide little prizes for them to find and build castles.

The Monday night jams over in front of Under The Texas Sun are a light in my week. I've only been to three or four of them, but they are a neat hangout for the beginning of my week.

This is Billy Pool, and too cool. (if you know I got a name wrong, please advise... it's been a few weeks since I took this.

Eddie Reno plays the fiddle in front of Under The Texas Sun

Rickey Maxey, a truly compassionate biologist and a great guitar player who gives a lot of soul.

Nick Brumley, local rising star and multi-talented musician. Love his attitude and hattiude in this picture.

OK... well enough with the photos. I've loved being out there and taking them. Time to move along to something else for the day. Hope this doesn't take forever to load.

Peace,
Terri

Looking at you, looking at me

It's amazing how most people never notice their own reflections in other peoples eyes when they speak to one another. They don't know how to listen to each other, reach the solutions on the first try and keep right on going.

Real listening happens in the heart, and that's just how you get to the heart of any matter. Can you look me in the eye and share your mission?

Mostly, people are so focused on their own visions and purposes that they never heard yours. Maybe, as you explained, they imagined how yours fit with theirs. Maybe they imagined how yours fit beside theirs, but probably they didn't absorb a word you said and went right on having their self-centered thoughts. 

Selfish motivations are perfect if you are only trying to please yourself. After that, you have to consider that everyone has to get something out of it if they are expected to participate. 

Some people, rare people, will generously give anything for the simple pleasure of giving. Most, want something in return -- whether it's joy, entertainment, social interaction, a profit, sometimes love or friendship. It's easy to tell who works for the money and who works for reasons you can't package.

Why is it that some people find it more fulfilling to whine about what other people have than to figure out how to get it on their own? 

It's a great big sandbox world out there, people. There's room enough for everyone to actually build their own dream castles, enough resources for everyone to find something with which to create them. People really are just waiting at the gates to see what gets all mixed in.

There are enough people not doing anything these days that if you really want to do the leg work, you can find them and bring them to your aid. Better yet, find someone whose passion is to recruit them for you. There is enough money and attention wasted on things empty, unsatisfying, and meaningless that it doesn't take much to gain an audience for worthy things. Plenty of people have nothing better to do.

That said, just make it experiential and worthy of notice. Easy. Here's where you go back to the heart. Stir them.

After that, just make sure that plenty of people see it and that their experience with it is pleasant. Easy. It's the age of the Internet, after all. 

Forget all the bickering, the whining, the coveting of others' resources, the criticism of their vision. They and no one else will hear you talking about your projects after zoning out while you whined so well. Negative campaigning does no good unless you can use real proof, and your opinion does not count as proof.

Don't expect anyone else to care about your project as much as you.

Don't be an elitist. Be inclusive. Act like your neighbors are your neighbors. Even if they are from another planet, they will only hang around so long as they want. 

Until there is more

I keep hoping that whatever I have, whatever there is, will be enough until there is more. It's like growing pains and realizing there's no use in complaining, like having a desire in sight because I'm also the creator of a very real vision which I move toward with all my might. It's as real as anything you've ever touched or tasted, heard or felt; it's a sense that everyone can have what they want. 

My public life follows me home like a shadow, reminding me that no matter which way I turn myself toward the light it will be upon me. Sometimes I look it full on and know that it's me. Sometimes it's out of sight and out of mind, no matter how pervasive it may be in attempting to burn my eyes -- a full emotional replicate alive in my heart. 

And I feel it growing, building, and somehow the same as always -- this town of Marshall. There's a movement going on, and it's happening in so many directions at once that few people can comprehend its scope on such a persistent basis. Such reflections from my eyes are your media -- from my mind and heart, and hands -- showing it back as clearly as possible. Is there any wonder that virtues are found more fully explained than shortcomings -- crucially acknowledged, never cruelly.

And I keep hoping that whatever there is creating this movement will be enough until there is more. I want to climb after all of it, marching after the pieces of the puzzle until the point where the effort has all been for the best. So I fly out in every direction, knowing that each tiny piece is important, that every person's sacrifices count.

Somehow we're moving outward and upward, making the stability we'll need to sustain the community spirit that drives it. Believing in the whole thing, all at once, and being called upon to acknowledge and share the stories of so many different elements playing all out at once -- is maddeningly endearing. Then, I'm at a loss on the point in pushing and shoving toward someone else's hard-gained rewards when they could use their very own persistence, resourcefulness and imagination for the gains they seek. 

Still and daily I become engendered to this magnificent event of momentum that I imagine a community choir, build some buzz for it and make contacts with leaders to get it going. Why not? And as for community pride, everyone has history -- let's celebrate the topic of history itself with lectures and events in a history festival. Let me share my vision with you. Then, let's build it together. 

Coming here, I didn't know I was going to like it. I didn't even like myself back then like I have learned to love my life here in this place. It's something I'm still learning as I pass myself from one doorway to another in hopes of doing one more right thing to prove my part played well. Phone up and phone down, emails, meetings, meetings, meetings... and there's no substitute to living it. I wouldn't trade living it. It makes me pity the ones scraping their expectations against the grit of second hand details, even from me.

I'm living it, not just living with it.

I'm a cheerleader for Hometown Computers. It's building. I see it. I dream it, and I'm in this dream hoping that whatever there is will be enough until there is more. How I could find a town, then a sweet and solid love relationship all in one swipe? It was the answer to a prayer I didn't know with any certainty that I was making.

When Charles Compton appeared, I saw him bravely attempting to shape his own dream from a passion for computers, and I was looking the movement full in the face with my vision for the rest staring me down through the filter of his dream. To say we have everything in the shop would be putting it mildly. Who can put a price tag on someone else's sacrifices?

The best kind of sacrifice is one made in love, whether it be for self or something greater. For the love their own interests Marshall has more going on in the arts, in music, in tourism, with the Birthplace of Boogie Woogie Project, in commerce, with industries, in busily building and creating things than I can keep up with whatever duty there is to see it all maintained. There's no removing the city from any part of these things, and boy wouldn't the political prerogatives be disappointed if they couldn't take some credit for it?

So, I see my visions growing into the movement of the other. I see them separately, like so many first names all around me, moving toward something great and at an achingly fast pace. The centrifugal force demands I stand on the side and do my best to reflect the whole thing, with so much honesty as I can muster. It sucks me in.

I tell myself I have a good compass, that my needle will be just as sharp as I need it be and it won't matter how fast the rest may spin. I set my own paths by this and can leave my own sense of direction at home like I can leave my shadow at the office. 

Marshall's movement is a study, but also an inspiration for me to jump right into believing such potential is not such a silly dream after all. Like the rest, I'm just hoping to have something sweet from seeds of my own sacrifices until whatever I have, whatever there is, will be enough until there is more.

I wonder

I never got into the rave scene even though I was in Dallas during the middle of 2000 until 2003. It never struck me to go. I was doing the poetry scene and hanging out with artists and felt pretty good about that kind of exposure. But more people speaking out for drugs all over and gatherings... like this one. This is the new channel, and it's happening out front.

 Rave moves from Las Angeles to Las Vegas venue

This story makes me wonder what's going to happen with then national spirit of youth is stirred to finally be more active as well as convincing. In the 60s and 70s, the movement of the babyboomers was by no mistake understood and known in Every home. The way communication has changed, nobody is seeing all the same stuff. If "melts in your mouth, not in your hand" came out today,  nobody would know what an M&M was -- much less that people ever ate things that didn't come in packages.

What happens when the back-building of peoples movements gains a stream and they choose to think in channels instead of be given channels. You can't have this much energy and not have it create a current to swirl things up. I've seen the "slow and steady wins the race" thing going on, but I wonder what happens when predictions of society are combined with this kind of youthful spirit.