It’s been awhile since my last posting. Lots of life-changing events.
2013 has gone to wherever old years go…it was an emotional one.
We moved twice…finally settling on Camano Island, about an hour northwest of Seattle, overlooking Port Susan Bay and the Cascade Mountains. We lost two pets, my dog, Kelly, and our favorite cat, Milo. Gordo, Milo’s formerly introverted brother, and our sole remaining cat, has come out of his shell and grown into the role of family cat. We are proud of him.
Biggest news is our daughter,Carrie, expecting our first grandchild this March. She and sweetie, Daniel, made the move with us to Camano and I have already been primed for “mannyhood.”
Amid all the mishagos I have made some headway on my long-awaited by me) third cd. I have had the fortune to tap the talents of my friend, Greg Deer, to work on the musical arrangements…such as they are… and Greg will be playing the main guitar parts. He has also been coaching me on singing and has had the audacity to insist I not chew gum at the same time. Hmmm.
Also, am slowly getting back to public performing. Somehow, through miscommunication, I missed a scheduled gig at SoulFood Books in Redmond a week ago…not a great start to a New Year. One date I will be sure to keep is this Saturday night at The Black Dog in Snoqualmie where my special guests will be the fantastic duo of Mike Antone and Camelia Jade. Greg, hopefully, will be joining me because we need the practice prior to hitting the studio.
My political and music hero, Mike Dumovich and I have been asked to serve as fill-in hosts on the KSVR-FM (Skagit Valley) “We Do the Work” weekly radio show. Founders and hosts Rich Austin and Ken Winkes, will be off for a month or so attending to union and other business. We tape the first show this Friday…our first interview: Rich Austin, Ken Winkes, and co-founder/engineer, Janet McKinney. The topic: Why in hell would you entrust your precious show to the likes of Dumovich and me? Broadcast dates will be announced.
It’s good to be back!
Gary Kanter 
First off I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question that I’d
like to ask if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself
and clear your head prior to writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.
I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to
15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to figure out
how to begin. Any recommendations or hints? Kudos!
Hi, Sasha,
The fact it has taken me so long to respond may give some small indication that writing is not always easy…nor is motivation.
For a variety of reasons I have let the website slip while focusing on other projects.
As far as I know, the best way to clarify your thoughts is to just write whatever comes out…relate emotionally, not critically, and pay attention to how it makes you feel…you can correct grammar and syntax later. Read what you have over a few times as if for the first time…is it interesting, engaging…? Does it draw you in and lead you to a logical conclusion? As my daughter, the lawyer would say, does it make an argument?
And finally, has it gone where you wanted it to go? If not, find the spot where it diverged from your message and take it from there…if so, polish as you see fit. Sometimes, putting it away for a day or more can bring fresh ideas.
Hope that helps….Now I’ve got to go and practice what I’m preaching.
Best wishes,
Gary