3rd Window

Learning

2003-07-23T15:52:45Z

BRYN: Hi! I'm looking outside my window and having fun watching all the birdies in the tree out front. I like how they look so busy and how tiny they are. I've been putting a lot of time on my computer and every now and then I have to take a peek outside. Ooh, it sounds like I'm in prison, but I'm not. I'm simply taking time to learn some new programs I'll be working with on my computer. Learning new programs can be like learning a new musical instrument. You have to do a great deal of practice to get your chops up.

School

2003-04-30T09:29:16Z

BRYN: Thought I'd let you all know that I'm working towards getting an associates degree in Psychology. This program has a strong concentration on business. I'm doing this through distance education. It's really a cool program and very challenging.

Jazz is working in another show for Circle Players. The show is called "Crazy for You." There is a lot of dancing in this show. (Tap and Jazz) This show has been a great learning experience for her. My personal opinion is, Jazz has the talent to be successful at doing musical theater. She also is a kick butt songwriter and has written some really cool songs for 3rd Window.

Happy Thanksgiving !!!

2002-11-28T17:54:18Z

BRYN: Long time, no write. We've been very busy. Jazz and I finished doing the "Rocky Horror Show" about 3 weeks ago. Now Jazz is working hard with the Tennessee Rep. Theater on "A Christmas Carol." I'm her driver. I don't know if Jazz will ever want to drive. If she does it will probably be years down the road, backing out of the drive way freaks her out. Anyway, Jazz and I agree that the "Rocky Horror Show " experience was one of the most fun cast we have ever worked with.

Well, as you can see, 3rd Window has been hitting the acting world these days. We still have 3 or so songs to write before we can begin recording a new CD. We haven't had anytime to do any songwriting, but were given opportunities to perform for cast members while working with the "Rocky Horror Show." We still sneak in a rehearsal or two between the acting experience and we are sounding good. Can't wait to get out new material.

Update News

2002-07-25T06:00:18Z

BRYN: How's it going everybody? Thought I'd write a little something here so you know we're still kicking.

We've been very busy getting Jazz involved with acting camps and a new dance studio. She has been taking about 3 dance classes a week at JCoreyography and will take a full load of dance classes starting in September. I'll be taking a "Funk" dance class at JCoreyography. (It's the only way I could get my hanging buddy Allen to take some dance lessons, I think he could be a good dancer, but he's a little shy about it now.) Jazz was involved in a 2 week acting intensive class. They performed Shakespeare's "The Tempest." I thought they were outstanding, especially since they were young folks and they only had two weeks to work on the play. At the end of July, Jazz will do another acting camp. This camp focuses on building monologues, working with various dialects, cold reading, marking scripts and etc. Whew! Jazz is a good actress and she wants to keep her chops up and study to improve her acting abilities.

Jazz and I as 3rd Window have been cooking up some thought provoking and fun music for y'all. Our sound is developing along very nicely. We still have some more song ideas that we are working out and are revamping some of the old tunes. 3rd Window continues to be a wonderful journey in music, though we have more hills and valleys to climb, we are very confident and are enjoying the adventure.

We're still here!

2002-03-14T07:31:15Z

BRYN: Hey everybody! I want you all to know 3rd Window is still around and working hard writing new material and developing a new sound. Yes, developing a new sound because Jazz has taken the place of a former duo partner. Jazz is a gifted songwriter and brings her unique and creative personality to 3rd Window. I am totally impressed with the songs she is writing for 3rd Window and the songs we have written together. We are also getting positive feedback from folks who have had the opportunity to listen to our new material. Be patient with us folks, it will take awhile for us to shape our sound and to raise funds for a new CD.

Bryn to the rescue ...the big bushy tree

2001-09-19T19:07:36Z

BRYN: While Jazz was getting ready for school today, we heard thunder through the walls of our house. So before Jazz left to walk down to the corner to catch the bus, we stood outside, looked up at the ominous sky, and she and I both made an evaluation that it probably wouldn't rain for awhile. We had decided with hopeful confidence that she would make it to school dry and not drenching wet. I waved goodbye to Jazz, and Smokey (our neighbors dog) and I watched her somberly walk down the street.

Smokey wanted to come inside the house for a visit with Ginger (that?s our friendly Cocker Spaniel)and I. I clumsily sat down on the couch to eat a breakfast bar and read the newspaper and a chapter from ?To Kill A Mocking Bird.? All of a sudden, I hear vigorous heavy rain smacking against the window. I quickly looked at the clock and fully realized that it was not time for Jazz?s bus to arrive at the corner. I had visions of her standing on the corner, clothes soaking wet. I immediately jumped up from the couch, ran out to the garage, got in the car and as flat out as possible drove down to rescue Jazz from the torrents of rain.

Jazz was standing under a big bushy tree. I usually dislike this big tree because it at times has blocked my view from seeing if any cars are coming around the corner, but I was grateful for it?s bushily grown branches today. Jazz was barely wet. She was also glad to see me because the rain was getting worse. Jazz arduously ran as fast as she could to the car. (She was carrying a backpack full of books.) As soon as she got in the car, I saw lightning in the sky and was so happy I had rescued her from standing under the big bushy tree.

Something to think about ...

2001-09-17T20:09:01Z

For the Lord is God, and he created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos ...Isaiah 45:18

Songwriting.....

2001-08-21T22:40:46Z

BRYN: Jazz and I finished writing our first song together. It is a story type song with a strong character. It was so fun trying to figure out who our character was going to be and what the story would be about. It took a lot of work too, but we accomplished what we set out to do. Yeah!

Songwriting can be a very difficult format when you are trying to make a character with an interesting story. This is because you have to develop a story and character within a few short verses.(Plus write a melody, select words that rhyme and sing well, and the correct tempo and melodic chord structures to make your song paint a picture.) Oh, I suppose you could write a song with a lot of verses to get the full effect of your character, but the song would become longer than 4 minutes, and in this day of many people having short attention spans,that isn't good. Therefore, I try not to go over 3 verses when I write story songs. Jazz and I managed to use only two verses and a bridge to cohere with our chorus.

Well, now we are working on a more conversational style of song. This is a song of a personal nature and those type of songs are usually written in a thought perspective or conversational tone. We decided to choose the conversational tone because there were words Jazz wanted to say to someone, but they wouldn't give her the opportunity to voice them.

Songwriting is a challenging creative adventure. It's also incredibly fun to share songs you have written with folks who like your style of music or listening to your world view in your songwriting. YEAH!

Learn, baby, learn!!!

2001-06-17T14:49:20Z

BRYN: I have been learning a lot of things these days. What am I learning you say? Oh, about writing, reading, people, and etc. It's been at times a wonderful experience to grow my knowledge on writing and reading,(I have been reading some of the classics and Jazz and I are reading, out loud together, Lord Of The Flies) but learning about people has been heart wrenching. Well, I'll write again soon on all this, now I have to go get myself ready for a glorious time at church. Happy Father's Day!!!

Sad & Lonely People

2001-01-22T10:43:25Z

BRYN:Seems like a lot of people were lonely and depressed this last week. I hope they all have a better week this week. Mmmm....I think folks are going through a transitional period since the new year has begun. I think they are struggling with how to deal with being in transition. My week last week was incredibly uplifting. Wonderful miracles took place. Oh, I got frustrated at times because people drive me crazy and I drive me crazy, but I wasn't feeling depressed or lonely. I truly think it's a decision you make if you wallow in depression. (Unless it's a chemical imbalance.) I can tell people just choose to be depressed. No thanks, it's a waste of my time. As far as being lonely...I find that I don't have the feeling of being lonely if I'm communing with God regularly throughout the day. So many people are depending on people to fill up their lives. I learned a long time ago that doesn't work. People are emotionally and morally weak. They will always let you down. Ooh, I sound like I'm bumming on people. Well, I don't mean to, I love loving people. It makes me feel good to take the time to show love and concern for others, but I think you know what I mean.

Two Trees...

2001-01-11T23:25:09Z

BRYN: Well, I made it through Christmas. I did pretty good with my Christmas shopping this year. I really hit the mark with some folks for gifts. I'm going to have to really pay attention to people when I'm talking or hanging around them. I have found you can pick up great gift ideas for folks by just listening and watching what they do in everyday life. They will mention something here or do something there. I noticed how Avery (that's my nephew) loved hiding behind the couch and spying on people. So for Christmas I got him this really cool spy toy. It was clearly one of his favorite toys and I really enjoyed watching him pretend he was a spy with it. Yeah, it fit his personality to a tee.

I got this real cheap digital camera for myself for Christmas this year. I wanted to see if I would like working with digital. I really dig it. I will have to save up for a more expensive digital camera, with more vibrant color and more features. Here's a few pictures with my cheap little camera. When my family comes to TN. for Christmas we hang at our house and sometimes we all hang out at Mike and Wendy's. (my brother and his wife) So we get to enjoy two beautiful different trees. Here's a few pictures.

Our Angel tree...

Mike, Wendy and Trevor's tree...

Not ready for the Holidays.....

2000-12-20T05:05:47Z

BRYN: I'm not ready for the holidays. I never am. I simply hate Christmas shopping. So therefore I do Christmas shopping at the last minute. I've been so bad as to actually have to run to Walgreens on Christmas day. Well, it's the 19th, maybe I will go shopping tomorrow and have my shopping done. Christmas shopping is such a chore for me because I don't know what to get people. Oh, the kids are easy, (toys and new clothes to wear) it's the grown ups. I never know what to get them. I do notice that I do better when someone has a hobby. Last year buying for my brother-in-law Carlis was easy. He loves plants, landscaping and gardening. I merely got him things that pertained to his hobby. David did have some great ideas the other day on what to get folks. He is so much better at Christmas shopping ideas than I am. Jazz, well, she crocheted a scarf for one of her friends in her dance school. As I watched her work meticulously on the scarf, I realized that hand made items are the coolest gifts to give. That scarf has it's own individual look. You can't make a scarf like that with a machine. Mmm, I'm not much into making things, but maybe I can shop for items that folks have made and put their own artistic personal touch too. Ahh, now there's an idea for shopping for Christmas.

Back from Golfing

2000-12-15T23:17:13Z

BRYN: I hadn't hit a golf ball in weeks and I didn't do too bad today. It was lots of fun and ended up being a nice day. Now it's raining and nasty outside. How quickly the weather changes. I think God smiled down on me this afternoon and let the blue sky shine through just so I could enjoy the outdoors today. (I was actually thinking that while I walked the golf course today.) Well now, since it's chilly and nasty, I'm going to go upstairs a make some chilli and Avocado dip. Mmmm.......

Golfing

2000-12-15T17:23:29Z

BRYN:I'm going golfing today. Yeah it's not that warm out, but it's the best time to go if you don't like crowds. One time David and I went golfing when it was really cold. About 32 or 35 degrees. We were the only ones on the course. It was spooky out there. It was also night golfing. They turn on these heavy duty lights so you can still golf when it's dark. Well, I'm going to get ready to go golfing(going to put on my golf attire) and I need to eat something so that my energy level is kicking.

Yeah! It's over, and the president is...........

2000-12-15T10:02:27Z

BRYN: Well, we finally have a new president. Yeah, it's over. My personal opinion is that Gore finally conceded because he was dividing his own party and that's not a good thing. But I think he would of kept on trying to manipulate the system if his party had stayed united and given him support. I'm glad he lost, something about this whole presidential race just really smelled deceitful. If he would have won, my faith in the system (which is really low when dealing with folks with a lot of money) would have really went to zero level. I sound like a Gore basher, but I really didn't care for either one of the presidential candidates. I think both parties are running out of good choices for nominees and in my opinion, the presidential candidacy is all about who has the most money. Politicians; It seems many of them are a bunch of phonies who lie and change their positions on issues to get the vote. They speak with egg shell mentality or they will get a lot of rough press attitude. President Bush seems to be allergic to the press. It will be interesting to have an anti-press president.

I wouldn't want to be President George Bush. Whew, he's got to deal with all this division...conservatives and liberals, democrats and republicans, egos and power appetites. Ooh, it's good his hair is already gray. MMmmm...maybe he will go bald during his 4 years of reign. (*Hee,hee*)

Allergy blues....

2000-12-12T18:49:06Z

BRYN: I've been staying inside today. It's cold...brrrr.....I was hoping it would get cold, I thought it would really kill the allergens outside and chill my allergies. But no,that isn't what happened. I still have a husky voice and my ears are running. Yeah, my ears. My nose isn't always affected with my allergies, but my ears make this annoying, whooshing sound.

Took Ginger (the family dog) to the vet yesterday. Poor thing is really suffering with her allergies. She got a shot in the behind,(cortisone) medicine for her inflamed ears, an ointment for her eyes,(they were gooey and yucky) and an antibiotic that she has to take for 10 days. Ginger still has a sweet disposition despite her allergy suffering. I think a human being, who was going through what Ginger is going through would probably be grumpy.

12 string guitar

2000-12-08T00:36:17Z

BRYN: I decided that when I practice my guitar I would only practice with the 12 string. Boy, am I getting a work out. I was correct in thinking this practice strategy would strengthen my fingers, my whole hand is feeling it.I've been playing some serious barre chords and interesting chord voicings. I love doing that. It makes guitar a challenge. I'll never forget one of my performances at the Blue Bird in Nashville, this guy told me I blew him away playing so many barre chords with my small hands. He said he used to tell people he couldn't play barre chords because his hands were so small, but after watching me play various barre chords up and down the fretboard he couldn't use that excuse anymore. I was playing somewhere a couple of years ago and a guy mentioned the same thing. Ya know, I'm so used to my small hands I forget they are small. I have forced them to do things they probably shouldn't do. There are still things I can't do on the guitar, I really do need bigger hands, with longer fingers. I realize I just have to work with what I have....and practice, practice, practice.

Stars

2000-11-19T11:00:18Z

BRYN: I had fun this evening hanging out in Jazz's room. She has all these florescent stars on the ceiling and wall of her room. She wanted to show me how cool it was when she turns off all the lights. It is very cool to look at the soft glowing stars projecting from the ceiling and walls. I love it! Jazz also turned on all the star & moon lamps and lights she has in her room. It really setup a cool little vibe. Jazz was laying on the bed and I lounged in her blue blown up chair. We were listening to a Chris Cornell CD. (what a good singer he is.)

People...

2000-11-13T03:54:25Z

BRYN: People frustrate me, yet I still love to love them. I will see someone hurting and even if I don't know them, I have a strong desire to let them know I care. Sometimes people don't want you to care. They have been hurt so much, they don't trust that someone is genuinely concerned about them. Then I have met many people who are so needy they almost drain you of your honest solicitude toward them. It takes a lot of patience to reach out to people who can be wonderful and annoying at the same time. People frustrate me, yet I still love to love them.

No tricking, but what a treat...lots of fun

2000-11-03T13:15:51Z

BRYN: Jazz and I went trick or treating for Halloween. We had fun. I think I gave folks a good laugh. I'm sure they consider me too old for trick or treating, but I think they have come to realize that I am a free spirited girl and like to be spontaneous. I enjoyed talking and sharing with my neighbors as we went from house to house. I began to realize that Halloween is a good time to take the opportunity to meet new neighbors or visit neighbors you haven't seen for awhile. Mmm, I wonder if I should trick or treat every year. Hah, Hee, I could see me 80 years old ringing door bells. Maybe I should forge a campaign where your never too old to trick or treat. (*laugh*)

Jazz has a B-day

2000-09-02T07:03:56Z

BRYN: Today Jazz has a birthday.(she's 14) We've been celebrating since yesterday evening. The kids are still here. They are upstairs watching DVD's. I learned more about Jazz hanging with her and her friends this evening. (There's two boys and 3 girls having a sleep over.) Although Jazz has a lot of growing up to do, she is more mature in her thinking and actions than the rest of the kids. I think this comes from all her reading and also because she is an only child.(been hanging around mostly adults) Whew, Jazz is sure not afraid to confront and tell folks exactly how she feels. She does need some work on being a little more gracious about it though.(She holds nothing back, just blurts out the honest truth) It becomes more apparent to me everyday that I have a special and unique kid.

Jazz

2000-08-01T06:33:55Z

BRYN: My girl Jazz has a unique personality. She is 13 and has been reading and enjoying Shakespeare for a couple of years. She simply loves the stuff. Jazz has always been in love with the art of dance, acting, directing and singing. She began putting on her own shows at a very early age. They are good too. Sometimes it seems she was born in the wrong era, she knows all these old songs. She watches old movies and musicals.

Well, because Jazz has a different view of the world than the normal teenager, other teenagers her age, think she is weird. She has always struggled with having friends here in the Nashville area, because they don't understand her. They don't understand why she doesn't care for Britney Spears, Nsync and all the trendy acts. Her favorite style of music is Broadway music. They don't understand that she would prefer to study Shakespeare and read scripts then go running around.

So, I'm having a problem trying to find Jazz a school. The public school system is not her bag. Around here they are really into sports and she has never taken to sports. She needs to attend a performing arts school, where she can be who she is and other folks can relate to her.(There is no such school in the Nashville area) I took her out of school last year (she would come home everyday bummed) and she went to an on-line school, but it wasn't her thing, because you have to be really organized to go to that kind of school. She hasn't developed those skills yet. (Unless it has to do with her love of arts.)
I tried to get her in a school in Leipers Fork, TN that is strong in the arts, but they aren't taking any students out of the district this year. Boo, hoo. There are private schools that have strong art programs, but they cost a lot of money. Wow, it's really been a struggle trying to find a place where Jazz can feel comfortable getting an education.

New glasses

2000-07-14T17:54:44Z

BRYN: I began to realize one day as I was struggling reading that I need new prescription glasses. So as I lay me down to sleep, I had a dream about finding a website that would give you an eye exam in real time with your computer. It wasn't a silly dream either. Everything was in order. I logged onto the site, put my eye in front of the screen and than by some miracle,my computer made small sounds as it began to analyze my eyes to see what power of lenses my glasses would need to be. I was immediately sent my eye diagnosis and then allowed to view different style of glasses. I picked a pair that would look good on me and ordered them.( I can't remember how, but I was allowed to see how each pair looked on my face.) I remember telling folks in my dream that it was so convenient and I saved a lot of money by getting my eyes examined and buying my glasses on the web. Wow, what a dream!

Happy July 4th

2000-06-30T08:34:17Z

BRYN: I can hardly believe it's almost July 4th. I had to hurry and order some July 4th flag lights for our Christmas tree. We are keeping it up all year round. I had gotten kind of lazy with putting lights on the tree and we still had shamrocks hanging up. Drove people crazy when they came in the house. They would always say, "St. Patricks was a long time ago Bryn." Well no more, we now have American flags shining brightly on the tree. Little corny, but fun.

Wishful Thinking...

2000-06-27T04:27:41Z

BRYN: I watched the Peter Jennings special, "In Search of Jesus" this evening. It was pitiful. I read the Bible often, study it apologetically, decipher historical backgrounds in certain passages I don't understand, etc. I don't claim to be a scholar of the Bible, but I knew more about the life of Jesus than the folks on that program. Why don't these shows ever get folks like Josh McDowell? Josh McDowell was an unbeliever in Christ and made a quest to refute the life of Jesus and the Bible. While setting out for this goal, he came to the stark conclusion that Jesus and the Bible are the real deal. Josh is a serious student of Christian Apologetics. I would have loved to see Peter Jennings traveling 'In Search of Jesus' with this guy. Wishful thinking, Bryn......