Just a few...

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

View from the back deck

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

This weekend...

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

July

July the greyhound. Let's see if this size works better...

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

Don't expect this to be a regular thing, but...

Well, a lot of things have evolved for me in the past year and change. Good things, bad things, things inconsequential, and things only seemingly inconsequential. A newfound sense of priority and an overwhelming compulsion to remove and/or modify some facets of my daily and semi-daily life have led me to all but abandon this blog thing.

Yes, it safe to assume that all is well in the Swift household, that things are progressing in a relatively sane and orderly way.... much to the surprise of some of you, I'm sure. And probably to the chagrin of others.

Without giving too much away, there have come a new place of dwelling, a new love (or two), some serious and sometimes ongoing soul-searching, some worry, some elation, and some things unexpected and surprisingly wonderful.

I know this is awfully cryptic, but trust me, I have my reasons... partly to distance myself from things of the past, good or bad, and to find the root of these pleasures and despairs. I'm pretty happy with where I have ended up on a personal level, and am feeling that I have both overcome some past weaknesses, and also gained some strength and resolve in dealing with those of others.

For those who are interested in a little more meat to go with these potato(e)s, I'll offer up an appetizer- I've been touring in a rock and roll band. I could probably (and may well) write a book about those experiences. I will, for now, keep the identity of said ensemble to myself to protect the innocent (and the not so)- but suffice to say that there have been, in no particular order; grueling drives, quart jars of moonshine, onstage "Jane Fonda" workouts, inappropriate comments to complete strangers, Doc Martens being worn on the beach, fist fights, bar tabs larger than our paycheck, my first time signing autographs, surprisingly little vomiting, nights of playing to 2 people, nights of playing to 2000 people, and at least one impromptu cover of "Sweet Home Alabama." Jesus, I could go on forever.... better get started on that book.

love y'all,
-t

----------------
Now playing: Augustana - Sunday Best
via FoxyTunes

"I'm out on love."

Unfortunately, it's true.....
James Brown passed away this morning.


My buddy Scott and I were just "enjoying" this particular interview a couple of days ago, too.


Scandals aside, the world just lost one more epic personality. I'll admit being a bit shocked, as it seemed like the "Godfather of Soul" was just too big and too bad-assed to die.

Whether we were laughing at or with him, he always made us smile...

...and that's a legacy that any of us should be happy to leave behind.

-T

Dang, it's been a week already?

I SWEAR I just posted a couple of days ago... where has the time gone?

Oh well... it's been a really busy week, and about to get busier.... Scott and I have been doing Tuesday nights at Brackins, Wednesdays at Manhattan's, and Sundays at Backroom BBQ. This week, however, we've got a couple of special treats lined up.

First off, this Thursday, we'll be playing live over the radiowaves on WDVX's Blue Plate Special. It'll start at noon (eastern), and those of you in Knoxville can catch it at 89.9 on your FM dial, and perhaps others, depending on where in town you are. The rest of you can listen to the LIVE WEBCAST from wdvx.com. Also playing will be Duke Brown, who is a total treat to listen to, as well... We're way excited about it, so be sure and let us know how we did if you happen to catch any of it.

THEN, on Friday evening, we've been invited to participate in a special Toys for Tots benefit show at the Corner Lounge. Friday promises to be a total epic, as the bill is looking VERY promising... Jay Clark with the CC String Band, the Drunk Uncles (featuring my buddy Jeff Barbra), and the Maid-Rite String Band (featuring my buddy Sarah Pirkle).

Here's a photo of Jeff from the last time they played there- you can rest assured that there will be LOTS of PBR tallboys consumed, and things WILL get rowdy.



Sorry I haven't been taking many pictures lately... It seems like I always bring the camera, but forget to use it. I promise I'll try harder.

...but here is a picture of a piece of "food" that was actually served to me... I think it was supposed to be a chicken strip, although it bore an uncanny resemblence to a bug of some sort.. Needless to say, I did not ingest it.



Before I forget (because I've been really good at forgetting shit lately, like calling people back, for starters), if you ever get bored with YouTube, and are in desperate need of somewhere to waste a couple of hours on the internet while laughing uncontrollably, do yourself a favor and check out the best of craigslist. I can promise that you'll laugh your ass off. And if I can remember one day, I'll share a few of my personal favorites.


Shout outs to Chicago, Nor*Cal, and Dusseldorf. Y'all are on my mind. Hope everyone is doing great!


peace, love, and fried chicken that looks like bugs.

-t

PS- Don't forget the webcast on Thursday!