living up to my expectations

My first post to this blog was inspired by the man playing piano above and when I saw him last night.... wow. four tunes in he went solo on "Tea For Two" and then "How Great Thou Art" after which he played to pieces favored by Elvis Presley. Cyrus Chestnut has taken some criticism for having a whole Cd of these songs which Elvis sang, though I have not heard any complaints about his playing on that recent CD. The man played everything from Bach to Ellington and did another hymn in the second set. I closed my eyes and truly listened to what Cyrus had to say to us.

I wanted to have this blog be about my whole life and it has been that way so far... Ignatius, Strudel, quilts, teaching, gardening, stained glass, mosaic woman, my church community

tonight I sat with Bartimaeus (Mark 10: 46-52). Jesus was leaving his town. It was now or never see again. I sat listening to him call out to Jesus. I heard the desperation, the hope, the desire. Was it mine? I have not felt so close to Jesus through the exercises for days.

What would I do if I had that one chance to call out and Jesus stopped and said to me, "What do you want me to do for you?" One last chance, would I ignore those around me to be quiet and call out for mercy. Would I desire it as much as Bartimaeus? something happened to me tonight.

Last night Cyrus let an 18 year old take the piano. As he left the young man to play, Cyrus said, "You may never have get this chance to play again..." When Cyrus came back up, he said to the young man, "I want to see what you got in four years, you have been served!"

Why I like Cyrus

I like Cyrus Chestnut , but not just because he can play piano. Maybe it's his name that appeals to me. I know that can happen. But after reading the liner notes to "You Are My Sunshine," I think it may also be this:

Cyrus Chestnut says, "I have been told by many about my influences: jazz, gospel, classical, rhythm and blues, etc... and have been encouraged to make recordings addressing these idioms individually. I have never been interested in making repertory driven or stereotypical recordings- it has been my choice to take a different route."

Faith is important to Cyrus Chestnut. He doesn't hide it. The CD's I own reflect this. He is not an artist who occasionally does a gospel album. He can't separate love of God from love of jazz.

I have many interests and thought about having more than one blog. But I am one person who will try to blend them into one blog. Can I separate my stained glass designs from the fact that I have chosen a spot in church where I have a wonderful view of my favorite piece of glass? Is gardening just a pleasure or a constant reminder of blessings? And yes, gardening is also a constant reminder to persevere. But that is what living with faith seems like these days. Celebrate the blessings and keep going through the hard times.

Ten years ago when I was in my early mid thirties, I couldn't imagine writing any of this. I may have likely mocked the above. I was a fine humanist after all. But now it seems dishonest to come to blogging with several blogs and keep faith segregated to only one. Maybe that will happen, I'm not quite certain of the future these days.

Oh, yeah. Check out Cyrus Chestnut, he makes me happy.

Peace