251

(4 replies, posted in My local band and me)

Hey Amy; Didn't you say your husband does tatts?  This song could be an inspiration for you to get "his" picture strategically placed. LOL  Doing this is just another way to forward my comfort zone about trying to play and "sing" (if you call it that)  in the public arena.  No professional aspirations, just wanting to get okay enough to enjoy it with others. 

Hey Toots, I enjoyed those and some of the other stuff I saw on the U with John and you.  I also liked your story on the other thread about you fill-in, turned regular gig.  Good for you.

252

(4 replies, posted in My local band and me)

A whimisical song I heard someone do one night at a local open mic; sharing my attempted version.  I thought it entertaining and hope you find it cute.

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=9451464

253

(2 replies, posted in My local band and me)

I heard this song recently and it reminded me of an old friend who has been ill.  He worked his entire life on a small piece of land providing for his family.  I just changed the strings on my guitar and I thought I would record and share this with all of you.  It is what it is; me still trying to learn and get better at this whole music thing.  I hope you enjoy!

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=9431086

254

(7 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I am pretty sure that you could have recited the alphabet to her and she would have went back to sleep.  The reassurance that her Daddy showed up when she needed him and relieved her of her fear was all she needed to go back to a place of comfort.  Sometimes just the smallest of actions allow us to understand and appreciate our roles in this world.  Nothing like being a "Dad."  Nice story Zurf, but I am giving you the props on this one and not the lyrics to a song; maybe you should accept a new topic title called: "Daddy to the rescue!"  Nice job, cute story

255

(17 replies, posted in My local band and me)

Nice Job Amy!  I really liked how effortless and casual this was.  I found it very relaxing to listen to.  I enjoyed it!  Funny thing how emotions can stir us all to a better place with music or whatever we are doing.

256

(275 replies, posted in Electric)

Chart was very interesting!  Mentally I always feel like I am still in my early 30's, but physically I range from my normal 53 yrs to about 75 on a rainy stoved up arthritic day.  On the bad days I resort to doing the mentally challenging things and save my good days for golfing, fishing and chasing grandkids.  I mess with the guitar everyday.  Some days are just better than others, but everyday I pick up my guitart sustains a good attitude for me and is a good guitar day!  This has to be one of those 75 yr days after playing golf in the rain last nite and my ramblings.  Hmmm, maybe I should just pick up the guitar on make myself feel better.

257

(11 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Thanks Old Doll!  I had a big family get-together and then the neighbors and I all sat around and had a big jam session until the wee hours of the morning after the fireworks display.  There is always something special about getting together with others and seeing their special talents revealed as we all took turns playing something and everybody else jumps in.  We had quite the little session with five accoustic players, a bass player and several walkups who sang for us.  I had a GREAT time!  Thanks for the 4th of July wishes.

Thanks for all the usual support you guys give here on Chordie!  I keep trying to get better, but everyday I find out more and more that I don't know and just makes me want to learn even more.  I am enjoying this for sure.  Thanks again for the nice comments.

Live performance at a very crowded open mic; I was very nervous, made a few mistakes and didn't sing out too well, but, it is what it is, me!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A … 9IXeRP9M1Q

260

(3 replies, posted in Songwriting)

How true that we all often need be saved first from ourselves as your words say.  I thought it was pretty good and enjoyed it.

261

(3 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Wow!  That's all I kept saying as I watched this!  Wow!

262

(19 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hey Zurf and Topdown;  sounds like a great time.  Most of us wish we had somebody we could get together with occasionally and do this.  Personally, I have always felt a little intimidated to even initiate such a topic of conversation for fear the other party would be so superior with their skills that I would look foolish.  By the way, I find that a bottle of Crown Royal sipped over the crushed ice would be my brand of choice and often helps.  To each their own; great story which might just inspire some others of us to seek each other out for such a get-together.  Thanks

Old Doll wrote:

I rarely play in front of strangers.

Family Yes ! I would be like MKM. i need my books and chords to get it right.. Yet, when the books are there in front of me,
I rarely use them.  Do I play Guitar ? Yes ! Am i a good guitar player ?. I would think not. Others say i am..
I couldnt give a hoot lol I enjoy guitar thats all thats important to me.

Old Doll.

I am with you Old Doll!  I enjoy for myself even if nobody else ever would.  I have been fortunate to have a few make some very positive comments about what I have done, but I keep it all in perspective as I began this journey as a retirement project to entertain myself and give myself something else to do.  Little did I know it would provide as much enjoyment to me as it has.  If it provides any entertainment to someone else, that is a blessing I was not counting on or aspiring to accomplish.  I merely tell anyone who is interested that I tinker around with it a little bit and enjoy doing so.  Like everybody else, I do enjoy positive feedback, even if it is just people be nice and polite.  The real idea for me is to just enjoy what you do!  Big Jim

Thanks Pix, that was really nice!  I have never heard of the Damnwells before this, but it was truly pleasant to listen to.

rogerjamtill wrote:

ps on my last comment would you mind if played it to my wife will tell her you wrote it promise, roger

I would be honored if you would play it for your wife!  Thanks for all the good comments.  Lena, maybe I will just do something with that line about my special girl -- Thanks,  Jim

266

(5 replies, posted in My local band and me)

Nice job!  I have been thinking of checking out a little blues myself lately.  The wind played a little havoc at times, but still nice.

I did get to play this for the neighbors who I wrote this for.  Sorry for any confusion, but I don't have a wife; just a special girl who lives with me as my wife; just not married in the eyes of the government.  This was written for the neighbors after a conversation with them.   When I played it for them, she cried and got a little emotional.  I played it around the campfire just the other night and everybody there liked it also.  Always nice to get the seal of approval from MKM and the "Old Doll".  Thanks Lena and Amy and everybody else.  A little inspired to try something else; maybe soon.

268

(9 replies, posted in My local band and me)

I liked it, I really, really liked it!  Smooth, soothing, very nice job!  More, more.  If momma aint happy, nobodys happy.  I think momma should be happy.

269

(23 replies, posted in Songwriting)

I like the "to each their own" concept in the lyrics!  It is often hard not to run with the pack and to drive that different road.  I like it, but like others have said, listening to it would probably really make it "sing" to me.  Good job!

Thanks to everybody for weighing in about this.  I am really intrigued by getting involved with all of this and find myself thinking about things said by others that "that would make an interesting song."   I want to get better and hearing it played back gives you feedback you never imagined.  The supportive folks on here make this easier because it makes you not afraid to fail, which I am sure many do when trying to write, play and sing songs.   Thanks again to all!   Proud to be a Chordian and call you all peers.    Jim

Okay folks, here is my first attempt at recording with my newly acquired Zoom H2.   Newbie to recording, newbie to songwriting and newbie to guitar playing.  Never imagined myself actually singing either, let alone having it out there for the whole world to hear.   Anyway, here it is; let me know what you think.  I realize I need to get better quickly with the H2 as it is super sensitive and picked up even my least movements.

After some re-thinking, I changed the title of the song to

"How I Found You"

http://www.soundclick.com/bassviking

OK, I just managed to pick up a Zoom H2 recorder.  As soon as I can get it figured out, I will at least try to get some audio of how I do this.  I think it is definitely better to hear what someone had in mind when they put something together.  I did manage to play this publicly and got some great responses considering I am not really a singer and am just a newbie aspiring guitar player.  Hope to have something soon.  Thanks Bud_wiser for the response.  I'll see what I can come up with.

273

(1 replies, posted in Poems)

This is a poem I wrote which emphasizes the need for all of us to embrace who we are, what we have and not stress out about everything else in the world;  in others words,
enjoy those little things which make us happy and not worry so much.  I hope you all enjoy!

Why Worry?
by Jim Jenkins

I recently had thoughts about changing me, so I started by making a list
of what I would like to accomplish, what I’ve done and what I have missed.
My list had a column for each of the things I wanted to remember and note.
Thoughts and ideas sprang forward, and became scribbled the faster I wrote.
The list got big very quickly, of things to do and already done in my life.
It included material things like houses and cars and raising two boys with a wife,
my desire for a piece of property, to have quality friends and my health,
I never for one second considered, making a listing for wealth.
My scribbling included relationships, both those current and others long gone;
divorce ended one, death ended others, and with some I still am friend.
A listing of people involved in my life, who have made it be what it’s been.
I see some pretty regular, some not at all, and others I’ve not seen for years;
some which I can never see again and those thoughts of them bring tears.
I scratched down successes I’ve had in this life or still hope to have fore I’m through,
the many ways which I’ve helped others, and more that I’d like to do.
Then I edited my list for what made me happy, when those things happened before.
Most seemed just like a starting point, a place to begin searching for more.
But there were some items which made me contented, and left my face with a smile.
I wondered aloud, why not revisit these things, why has it been such a while;
since I stopped and pondered how good things are and realized how good they could be;
if I only would quit dwelling on the future of things and open my eyes up and see;
Why are we often dissatisfied, dwelling on things we don’t have or things sad?
Why not look at the good that we’ve got, and not always focus on bad?
Though successes in life seem to matter, as a measure of what we’ve all done,
they remain just a way to compare us with others and keep us from having some fun.
So, after much pondering and putting this list together and giving it all of this thought
I’m going to start enjoying the things that I have, and I’ve decided that changing, I’m not!
I’ve come to the conclusion, there’s nothing wrong with me, except losing a pound or two;
which can keep me from having one hell of a life, until my time on this earth is through.
So I will embrace my friends and look for others, and realize many consider me a success.
I just need to relax and quit worrying about things that sometimes have made me a mess.
So, my life is where it was as I began this year, not sure of what this year might be bringing.
But I am going to move forward one day at a time, and to the life that I have, I’ll be clinging.
I’m not going to cry on anyone’s shoulder and burden them with some useless story;
I am just going to enjoy all of that which I have, and until I’m done on this earth; Why worry ?

Thanks folks for the feedback.  Being new at this it is always interesting to hear what others think.  I agree with you Amy (MKMom) that often the true measure of how one reacts to a song is what it sounds like to you when you hear it.  The words don't often do a service to a melody.   I think Tubatooter and Bud_wiser kind of hinted at that with their comments about hearing a recording.  I am not sure how to go about that just yet, so maybe you guys could enlighten me as to the best way to do this.

I thought I would get a little more feedback about this effort.  Thanks to those who commented.  I get to play it tonight for the neighbors for the first time.   See how it goes over with them!