#Frail Autumn,, #GarageBand,, #music

16 to 69 years old. Then and Now. A video of simple vibe.

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Long, long, long time ago.

Messing about a fair few months ago with the new Mac M2 home recording studio, I recorded an old Marc Bolan song. ‘One Inch Rock’. I remember that I sang this song when I picked up guitar for the first time way back in my teenage years. Back then? After a week, or maybe less, of learning a few chords, and upon gathering the three or four much needed favourite basic rock and roll chords to play whatever songs fit, I managed to play this Bolan song.

Then? After gathering more chords, I excitedly began playing Summers’ own self written songs involving strange naive lyrical stories and melody’s. I sought songwriting journeys, which resulted into a subsequent trial and error of mish mash land. Having learnt the basic chords of A to G and rhythmically playing them confidently…..I thought I could rule the world with 6 strings and Summers’ expressions of perceived uniqueness. You can but dream as a teenager. It is universal law to be allowed to ‘seek one’s own future of hoped for’s and ‘give it a try’. Trying is a blessed gift. Not a curse. It is your experiencing a ‘Life is there to be lived’ and ‘having been lived ‘ gives you subsequent reality lessons. It becomes either a ‘Hold your horse son…..it can wait a while!’ Or ‘Ooooh. This is fun. I’m kind of winning in this vibe of lived life’. You try because you have a dream. Life is always but a dream away.

Going back to base, it was fun to play this Bolan song, decades, upon decades later. Albeit quickly here and in one take. Recording it as a once off catch in 2024, for checking voice on echo? Quickly over and done? I felt a weird sense of returning to my innocence. An acoustic guitar, vocal and guitar playing naivety and a wonderful vibe.

I played this song in my teenager years little box bedroom around 1969 on an old acoustic guitar. Here? Played in ‘The Den’. We all have our favourite room do we not? So here is an insight into mine. My ‘Den’. My equivalent of a ‘Man Shed’. A Nirvana space to settle the heartbeat into a gentle calm. Dark outside the window. Warm inside my heart.

An insight here below, image wise, into Summers’ current space of ‘The Den’……my home inspiration room wise.

HIT THE ARROW BELOW IN THE MOUNTAIN MIDDLE ….. AND? …. LISTEN TO THE SONG.

BELOW ARE 21 PHOTOGRAPHS USED FOR THE LITTLE VIDEO SONG ABOVE. TAP ON EACH TO ENLARGE. CHEERS.

AND MUSICALLY OUTDOORS FUTURE WISE?

The VeeDub Bus. BILLIE CLOUD 9……..

Been getting the future VeeDub Bus, Billie Cloud 9, vibe going. Bright, hippy……

19 thoughts on “16 to 69 years old. Then and Now. A video of simple vibe.”

  1. Gray, where do I even begin? o, I know where: you’re in the fun zone — and it’s such a beautiful thing to hear and see. I loved the way you wove those gorgeous images together with this bouncy, timeless track. timeless — just like you. x

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    1. Cheers cookie.

      Youth hey! Back in the days of picking up the guitar and believing it was a possible route for happiness was a great choice. You will definitely say the same when you are older and grey like myself. This one? Weird choice. Because there are lots of learnt songs from back then to play. But this just went ‘Bam’ and was played straight off as first choice.

      In those times, from the ones that carried you through both the good and the angst years, they all could have mattered enough to give them a go. As an older and more ‘having lived’ guy, I can look back and smile on all of them. So yes, choice…..it is now a fun zone. Bolan is timeless. So many great songs from many artists back then too. But also, so many great songs still being written in the modern days too. I suppose music never disappoints. Music….timeless and always giving surprises.

      All the best cookie. 💫

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    2. I bought a secondhand DVD copy of Garden State off Amazon cookie. When I looked at info about the film, after reading your blog on it, people always rave about the music. I only know a couple of the older artists from the musical score, so it’ll be nice to give it a watch and listen. Cheers cookie.

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      2. I like seeking out the links and likes from my friends here on WP. Music, vintage items, hobby interests, books, etc. Various themes you wouldn’t normally find out about. Mostly, I have bought a fair few books and really enjoyed them after reading my blog friends’ opinions on them.

        Also, Ol’ Shep from Australia gives a whole array of music links on his blog write ups. YouTube and Bandcamp links mostly. He has fantastic all round music knowledge. I’ve found some wonderful music from him that I would probably never have found and heard. So it will be great to hear the film’s music vibe. And story too. Soundtracks from films always bring songs to life in a different way with the story’s imagery connected.

        Cheers cookie. 💫

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    1. Cheers Shep.

      Used to sing a few of his early mystical acoustic guitar songs as a teenager. I can’t remember the guitar I used, but it was a very cheap and basic one. My memory is appalling. My brother has a sharp insight of those years. He spoke of my Dad going into town to buy us low amp combo amplifiers for our first electric guitars. Can’t even remember what my first electric guitar was! Probably bought through the Freeman’s shopping catalogue. Pocket money paid for.

      I do like a bit of early Bolan. Tyrannosaurus Rex days were my ‘teenager stuck in the bedroom’ listens. That lovely box called the Dansette record player dropping the 45’s vinyl on top of each other with a clunk. Listened to those early Bowie theatrical songs too. When he sang like Anthony Newley. Got them from the Central book library in Coventry. Went after school. So only loaned for a week.

      The original Regal Zonophone label Tyrannosaurus albums (I saved up for them by doing a window cleaning round with a couple of my school mates) went up in a house fire at my Mum and Dad’s house. Replaced them soon after, but on a different label. Fly records reissued them on a ‘Double Back’ series after T.Rex started to become successful.

      So singing this song was weird throwback time. But, with my Aphantasia, without any visual clues. Music is so special in providing aural memories.

      All the best Shep. I’ll sing it on my first open mic night. 😉

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  3. Oh wow … loving the images and the song video, Gray …

    Bright, hippy … absolutely.

    “Trying is a blessed gift…” it is, isnt it…lol and we learn this after… 😬🤭

    Well wishes always, Gray…🤍🙏

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    1. Cheers Destiny. I suppose I needed a new venture. This YouTube idea seems to be gathering pace. Just uploaded a quick YouTube video of an introductory song to test how to proceed.

      Good wishes to you too Destiny. Hope you are finding comfort in your new life adventure. 🙏🏽

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  4. Take 4 here. Hope this comment ‘sticks.’ (None of the previous ones have shown up.)

    I loved your take on the Bolan song, Gray. I listened while watching the video and the two went seamlessly well together! I loved that Frankie Fella let you have the time to record the song and that you maneuvered through the video process to complete that task. It’s been the same with me here, trying to restart my writing (update and remove software as needed). I now, am getting used to reading my favorite blogs via my laptop vs. the late nights on my phone. Good news is I’m sleeping better! Ha! I guess all that thought processing at night wasn’t helping me after all–though I love the nighttime for reading. Darn.
    Oh, I think the VeeDub name is super cute, Billie Cloud 9! Tada! How fitting! It’s Bohemian sounding and uplifting all at the same time!

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    1. Your comment has landed Sheila. The Bolan song was done a long time ago too. When I was about 16 years old. Currently buying CDs of Bolan’s early works. Tyrannosaurus Rex was a two piece band. I have all their early works on vinyl, and have 184 songs of demos on MP3. But I want to listen to music in the VeeDub. Bought a really nice Panasonic CD/Radio player with MP3/VCR/etc. input opportunities. Need inspiration alongside the general sit back and find calm.

      I’m pleased that you are still focused and enthusiastic regarding life’s chase. You seem to be forever seeking out interesting knowledge. And philosophies. Sleeping is a much needed for health too. I remember teaching sleep problematics and the harmful effects when a cardiac rehab nurse. I can’t bring anything to mind anymore. But it was very intense learning the information.

      I like Cloud 9 as a feel good philosophy. Where is Cloud 9 and when do we have the notion if we are there or not. It can’t be a consistent can it? People see a VeeDub Bus on a beautiful beach and make their assumptions. I live on Cloud 9. I paint pictures in visuals and words that promote positive hopefuls for Cloud 9 reality.

      But. To live on Cloud 9. Is still an eventual. The quest to get there is full of planning and trying to work out how it can all be achieved. Dreaming of successful outcomes whilst in the reality of 80% of everyday is being Frankie led. So there can be no 100% focus currently on the dream.

      I love your words Bohemian and uplifting. That is the kind of positive thoughts I keep using. Once the answer arrives…..it will be Nirvana.

      Cheers Sheila.

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  5. Oh yay, Gray! Both on my comment finally landing (coming through), and the Bolan song, and sky high Cloud 9 thoughts and dreams for the VeeDub Bus! Woo-hoo! Yippee! Hooray!

    I can only hope to see more visually stunning videos from you while soothing music plays! To make my day. To relay. Positive uplifting and zen-like Nirvana bliss. Ahh!

    I’m glad I have finally resolved my user error in how I was (not logging in apparently or not correctly) whilst attempting to add my comment. Whew!

    The CD radio MP3 player you’ve mentioned sounds delightful in having abilities to play so much melodious sounds. Congratulations! And yes, sleep is good too.

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    1. Nicely put, Sheila. I feel compelled to speak from the heart here. Long…but long as. Here? It is typed with abandon. Sorry for the overload. And this below is my own belief. So no influential slant here.

      Each area of life, whether it’s a sudden out of the blue opportunity to learn anew or a chance self enquiry sparked by a unique seeking mind for improvement, or…simple curiosity…..or a request from others to ask you to seek and find answers to share, adds either an extra feather to life’s self bow. It is a gift by giving the arrow of intent to self or others. In my case, ongoing and loading the prolific choices of arrows, but still experience confusion. It all becomes an ongoing journey towards a central target for answers. Not always, if ever, a bullseye outcome, but sometimes close enough to the centre to bring a smile, alongside a small sense of smaller victory being accepted. Once you achieve the perceived bullseye win. Short lived. It doesn’t sit comfortably. Smug bullseye philosophy says, ‘A one off…try again’. So. You pick up the bow, load an arrow and start again.

      Having set sights on a new target, new beginning develop to realise the Nirvana centre again. Subsequently again and again and….. again. Sometimes hitting. By luck. More often missing. Nirvana is transient. The past successes are always left behind. Forgotten. You realise you never truly believed in the presented gifts of answers. Something new on the horizon dismisses past successes that brought a sense of calm acceptance. Inherently you have a love of life. But a weirdness of never feeling true answers to your ‘self’. And in itself….life tells you a different tale. Self disappears. The chattering Mind? It calls you on the ‘neural synapse’ telephone. It says ‘hold on…your truth? It can wait awhile’.

      However, after decades of waiting and still bullseye aiming, confusion keeps coming, doubt arises about why the new bullseye central ambition remains elusive. It’s as if you haven’t won. But the correct words to grab and hold are “bullseye is not enlightenment.” Reality is to keep each life experience on trying to get there….and each little success….pocket them. Once pocketed…Forget them. It is too hard to keep going over past wins and treat them like they are truly totally relevant. They are simply….a collective. A bank of experiential dip ins. The answer is….you yourself are central. The experiences are a dictionary of look ups. I imagine, in that being mindful of oneself, we have sought, through following the leads and imaginations of discoveredr insight, we change. We reflect and say to ourselves ….’ Do not dwell on the disappointment in not realising self discovery. Nod in agreement to an appreciation of all the offerings that may or may not provide the answers. Choose wisely from all past experiential offerings and mind read them all. After mind’s consideration…..either laugh andcwave a hand to dismiss……or nod seriously and pursue their imperfections and subtle guidance.

      When I taught, as a nurse, the ‘Face the fear and do it anyway’ course, I emphasised the single phrase, “You are not your mind.” Over decades of influences, our minds keep repeating the same “What once was…is” stories. That’s why I wrote the lyric “What once was is….now has been. So drag yourself into the light.” I once wrote an answer to this question: follow your instincts, your inner beliefs, and your dreams. Realise your dreams in your own way, not based on decades of learned research or experiences. The basic idea is to not live in the past, as it drags you down similar pathways. You are given the grace to find your own Nirvana. So grab it.

      The answer? Who knows? But for me, it’s become a quest to erase the past and look at a new horizon. Having knowledge of many past experiences and life’s perceived important external quotes from “once was lived influences” doesn’t matter anymore. I have internal faith in a new, brighter adventure. I believe you do too Sheila. A base beginning. Realignment of self.

      Bill Plotkin wrote his book of Soul Craft. Seeking yourself. This is the way. I look at questions. I seek self answers. Instinct shows the directions required. Simply stand back, look at ideas and then channel your self belief. Or…sit down, search within and allow your deep inner spirit to enlighten. I suppose tiredness exists in others giving guidance advice. I am beginning to think that I have my own answers.

      We all know we have to find self belief. No one gives us the reality of self truth. Just their opinion of what they believe to be their truth.

      Cheers Sheila.

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  7. Yes, long, but so profound and beautiful, Gray.

    Soul Craft sounds like an excellent book!

    This, “We reflect and say to ourselves ….’ Do not dwell on the disappointment in not realising self discovery. Nod in agreement to an appreciation of all the offerings that may or may not provide the answers. Choose wisely from all past experiential offerings and mind read them all. After mind’s consideration…..either laugh and wave a hand to dismiss……or nod seriously and pursue their imperfections and subtle guidance.”

    This is such beautiful advice!

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    1. I suppose you have to reflect at times Sheila. But. It does help if you can leave both the negatives and the positives where they were was back then though. The thing is, keeping hold of either drags you down. You tend to have either the need to find again those positives, to make life fine and worthwhile, but if not achieved, it leads to frustrations. Or mutter over the past negatives and when they happen in the current ‘here and now’ you tend to believe they have always been a hindrance.

      Neither situation is true. Each day is simply an opportunity to just see what happens. If a half decent self written song comes to be, a successful self cooked meal is made, a nice charity shop find shows itself, a trip in the VeeDub brings a newly found riverside spot, a new book from your favourite author is announced, etc. it is good for the soul. When negatives happen, they can’t be allowed to overpower your mind. Because the positives are always there around the corner. If we get on with the day to day and approach them in the way we do, with an air of enquiry and hope, positives tend to come along and provide balance from the disappointing moments that surface.

      Soulcraft is an excellent book. I need to read it again. I tend to forget the value of messages from such books.

      Cheers Sheila.

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      2. Wisdom in Buddhist thought is finding an inner peace. I just write to reflect on what allows me to find my own inner peace and how I try techniques to avoid stressors. As you say, we have both experienced both sides in life, and we both take heed of their messages and then simply move ‘onward’. All the best Sheila.

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