source of all known and unknown
that in balance of mystery and revelation is enough
support and strengthen us with inspiration, clarity, openness and persistence
to see the possible become tangible
and with you appreciate, celebrate and enjoy what unfolds.
July 2022
I'm making the move to Substack. New post about the current climate in schools. Please follow me there: https://jimschmotzer.substack.com/p/why-is-school-so-hard?s=w
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Corona.
Corona who?
Corona. Your friendly global pandemic.
You’ve got to be kidding.
Okay, try this. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
It’s just me, George Floyd.
Not a chance!
Wait, wait, maybe this. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Your inaugural Capitol insurrection.
Don’t even
think about it.
One more, please. Knock, knock.
All right, who’s there?
Would you believe Orange?
No way I’m falling for that old joke!
But orange you glad I didn’t say another new variant?
You've heard it all before (read, throughout 2020). "We are never going back to the ways things used to be." And, "Little by little things will get better." Then along comes 2021 and the gradual getting better runs head first into the proverbial Mack truck of reality.
Thankfully stories, songs, and images can provide moments of escape, clarity, solace, reflection, and joy. Following is my list for 2021. This is something other than a favorites or a "best of" list. Some of my mentions will be frequently recalled for the lessons learned and encouragement discovered. Others will soon be forgotten, but in the moment they were a gracious gift. Maybe you'll find a few for your journey.
MUSIC
Leslie Jordan, Company's Comin' - Hoping to bring some respite in the midst of the pandemic Jordan goes to their roots resulting in an album of traditional hymns. The supporting cast is a bonus, think Dolly and Brandi (Carlile) for starters. I love the sense of timelessness. Jordan has lived a many faceted life and now in the dark days of a pandemic and national upheaval he returns to the music of his childhood and family.
Mary Chapin Carpenter, One Night Lonely - In November of 2020 Carpenter performed a live, retrospective, acoustic set at the legendary Wolf Trap Theater in Maryland, to an empty house. "...a stunning performance. Thoughtful, thought-provoking, consoling, and utterly involving." Liz Thomson, theartsdesk.com
Shelby Lynne, The Servant - With her mix of swagger and soul Lynne released an album perfect for the pandemic moment (it was recorded before Covid arrived). Further proof that less can be more. Lynne says that this album, "..saved her soul." It might be interesting to see what it does for us.
Sara Watkins, Under the Pepper Tree - Watkins continues to expand her reach in style and context resulting in music that fits the moment in her life and maybe our cultural moments as well. Under the Pepper Tree is a sharing of music from her childhood with her daughter. Another opportunity for pandemic comfort hearing music from times past from a new voice.
Willie Nelson, That's life - Willie does what only Willie can do. He takes songs associated with Frank Sinatra makes them new all over again. Another opportunity to breath deep, rest, remember and hope.
Grace Pettis and Nobody's Girl - Grace is the daughter of one of my longtime favorite singer songwriters, Pierce Pettis. Her career has been blossoming in recent years, including her collaboration with Nobody's Girl. They display a healthy sense of respect and adventure in taking on Tracy Chapman's Fast Car, resulting in a version that I have listened to over and over. Also, Grace released Working Woman in 2021 to strong reviews.
The Milk Carton Kids and Haley Heynderickx - Finally a live concert, September 5 at the Mount Baker Theater. Heynderickx opening was fresh and inviting. We had seen the Milk Carton years ago as an opening act in Seattle. The show was a perfect mix of great music and refreshing banter and presence. An oasis in the continuing storm.
Nanci Griffith 1953 - 2021. I have long been captivated by the music and life of Nanci Griffith. We saw her once in concert on the Pier in Seattle. Her music provided a comforting presence over the years and her death brings a great sadness.
I'll close with a poem I wrote in May that captures some of the pressures and hopes of the year:
James Richard Lester Schmotzer
born: March 18, 1954
Portland born and raised
childhood of neighborhood adventures and friends
with unpredictable episodes of haunting, lingering secrets
youthful awakening brought craved for hope and direction
young love became young marriage with Connie in ’74
Michael and Kyle arrived in the early ‘80’s
family, career and faith merged
exhilarating, confusing and, at times, a train wreck
struggles with institutions said as much about him
as about the organizations
privately always a bit overwhelmed while often
publicly perceived as calm and steady
thankfully family and friendships outlasted jobs
anxious, reactive certitude gradually morphed toward reflective acceptance
faith and mystery became central guides and supports
relationships, conversations, stories, laughter, heartache, songs and poems
became air and water, bread and wine, daily sustenance
hoped, worked and waited, often impatiently,
for the day when justice and peace would embrace
and bring the fullness of shalom
died: although his death date may be established it is not yet widely known
Barbara Lester Schmotzer Higley
born: March 21, 1932
raised in “the country”
Daddy died and Mama went cold in’41
family never quite recovered
moved to “the city” during “the war”
married JES in ‘53
he argued (fought?) with his mother,
at the reception, then drank the evening away, alone
while Barbara was crying, alone
first son born in ’54 and second in ’57
worked so hard to be
the friend of the friendless
while always on the edge of her own despair
grasping for that which she could not have or hold
unmoored by divorce, fears confirmed, again,
gradually regained her footing,
new work, new friends,
eventually a new home and husband
until age and failing health brought a
darkness too soon, too long before the end,
again affirming the sense of never holding
that long desired love and security
which perished with her Daddy,
oh, so long ago
died: June 26, 2020
