It was fun competing in the 2008 Dragonboat races on the Fox River Saturday. Even though our team finished in the bottom half of the pack, the team building, general excitement and social bonding were well worth it. There were three four-boat races during the day and the last race was our best, where we finished .26 seconds ahead of the third place boat. We were quite proud to end on a good note. Our other two races were 3rd and 4th places. The team pictured is not us, but the winning team from Racine which broke a Dragonboat record of one minute and 14 seconds Saturday morning.
It was also great to get a visit from my father at the races. We had a great conversation and tasty lunch. Dad isn't able to get away much because he is caring from my ill 77 year-old mother. Thanks Dad for taking the time to visit and taking the time for yourself too. We are all hoping Mom gets steadily better. No cause has been found yet for her mysterious nausea. She's been through two surgeries and the doctors are still somewhat baffled. It's humbling to think that medical science does not have all the answers. We're thinking about you Mom.
Other notes: I have been listening a lot to Susan Werner's "Gospel Truth" CD lately. My friend Mike T. was at a songwriting camp last year and Susan got to listen to some of his songs, including a song called "Contact." (which is also a great novel by Carl Sagan by the way) This review of the 2007 "Gospel Truth" by Nick Williams of Chicago perfectly illustrates my point of view about the CD:
Amazing. The Gospel Truth sings her view of religion and faith to the new world. It carries with it affirmations, doubt, and truth through down-to-earth music and beautifully moving, though never artificial or preachy, lyrics. The beauty of Susan's songwriting is that the tunes all seem effortless, but at the same time articulate with sharp wit and often stunning honesty. It was great to hear the folksy sound again on this album, so fans of her earlier work will not be disappointed - if you listen across the board to all her albums, it blows one's mind that one person can write so proficiently and brilliantly in as many styles. Gospel Truth, in my opinion, comes at a time when the entire country would do well to hear it. Never before have I so enthusiastically gifted an album to spread the word and music. Favorites on the album are Our Father (the new revised version), Forgiveness, and of course Probably Not. The songs pull no punches, and cover all their bases. Buy it if you're a believer. Buy it if you're a non-believer. Buy it if you're a thinker. Buy it for someone you love. Buy it for a music lover. Buy it and send it to your senator or congressman. Buy it and listen, even if you've never heard her before - you'll be hooked.
BTW---Susan also has a great song about Barack Obama, semi comical, but insightful on youtube. Check it out here:
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