Lightning filled the sky in Phoenix, but the threat of storms wasn’t going to keep my Dad and me from heading up north to spend a night in cooler weather out of the desert heat. We decided the best place to avoid a storm was on top of a mountain. Doesn’t sound logical, but the plan worked--the storms raged all around us as we looked down, like Zeus gazing from above the clouds on Mount Olympus. Aside from some light showers, it was a quiet, cool evening in our little two-man tent on top of Mingus Mountain. There’s nothing like nature to bring a peace to the soul and make you appreciate the good things in life.
This weekend was one of the last before I head out on the road again with my good friend, Rayvon Owen. With August comes the start of the college year, and that means shows for us. I’m looking forward to it, especially with Rayvon’s new EP release at the end of the month, a project I helped co-write and produce. You can check out some of the songs on iTunes now, or at rayvonowen.com. Go to his website to check out the tour schedule, too; maybe we're coming to a college near you! Before these next crazy few weeks started for me, I had to spend some time with the fam. Wherever the year is for you, don’t forget to consciously love those around you, and make some moments before the next big curveball comes your way.
Ross
(Pic I took in Phoenix the night before camping)
It’s been a rough few months for my Dad. Earlier this year, doctors found a tumor on his brain after he’d been having trouble with his vision. Fortunately, they were able to operate on it quickly, removing 95% and zapping the rest with crazy lasers (modern medicine blows my mind). However, he still has problems seeing on his right side. It’s crazy how much we take for granted the little things that can totally alter our lives. Things could definitely be worse, but this whole thing still just, sucks. But if I believe anyone can make it through, it’s my Dad. He’s spent years being tough, as a carpenter, set designer, builder, outdoorsman, seaman…overall, being way manlier than I ever could be. Life throws a curve sometimes, and I know he won’t give up. He’ll just find another way to hit it.
(Gazing down on storms from our campsite on Mt. Mingus)
This weekend was one of the last before I head out on the road again with my good friend, Rayvon Owen. With August comes the start of the college year, and that means shows for us. I’m looking forward to it, especially with Rayvon’s new EP release at the end of the month, a project I helped co-write and produce. You can check out some of the songs on iTunes now, or at rayvonowen.com. Go to his website to check out the tour schedule, too; maybe we're coming to a college near you! Before these next crazy few weeks started for me, I had to spend some time with the fam. Wherever the year is for you, don’t forget to consciously love those around you, and make some moments before the next big curveball comes your way.
Ross