The Cowtown Chronicles

Some of you probably recognize the Kenny Chesney lyric in the title of this post. I didn’t until about a week ago.

Since my trip to visit Jenna’s dad in St. Croix, I’ve had a lot of time to think about not only what life’s all about, but also what REALLY matters in the grand scheme of things.

What I’ve figured out is that everyone decides for themselves what constitutes happiness.

I know that sounds like a cop-out, but it’s true. I think that eventually everyone will have their “ah ha!” moment, during which they’ll figure out what it is that’s most important to them.

For some people, that will be working their asses off to make a name for themselves, garner world-wide renown, and be “famous.”

For others, it will be to have as many kids as they can and to pass their values and worldview on through them.

For me, though, I think that it is to enjoy every day that comes to me and to be thankful for the opportunities I’ve had and the things that I’m surrounded with.

I’m not wealthy, I’m not beautiful. I’m not a talented singer, writer, musician, or actor.

And that’s okay.

I do the best I can; I work a job that’s not going to change the world directly, but I hope that I can help someone on our faculty teach someone who will change the world in a positive way.

I earn a decent living, which is enough to feed my family and to pay for not only the necessities of life, but also many of the little luxuries, like being able to shop at Central Market instead of Albertson’s, and Eddie Bauer instead of Wal-Mart. I know that there are a lot of people in the world who don’t have that option, and I’m truly grateful that I’m in a position to enjoy the life that I have.

I don’t live to work, I work to live.

I may not ever be a “Captain of Industry,” but honestly, that’s okay. I don’t know if I want the stress that comes with that.

I’ll probably never be “rich” in the financial sense, but I hope that I’ll be “rich” in friendship and community, enjoying the little things that so often get overlooked while chasing fame and fortune.

I truly wish and hope that I can enjoy every day that I’m fortunate enough to experience, and that I can be an example to my friends who are struggling with their own place in life. I know that the path I’m choosing isn’t right for everyone, but I hope that I can at least live the example that if one chooses not to run the “rat race,” that life can still be a beautiful and fulfilling experience.

The first post from the field with my new mobile posting platform!

Jenna and I just happened to wander into Scat tonight, and sort of fell into the joy of watching the Texas Gypsies, who are playing here right now!

Mobile posting is awesome!

I just found out today that a group of music school faculty members from UTA get together for a jazz jam on Monday nights at Embargo in Downtown. If you’re a long time reader (I posted this nearly a year ago!), you’ll be familiar with my opinion of Embargo. I’d be willing to give it another shot to come out and see something like this, though.

Just not tonight, unfortunately. I have a TON of homework to do thanks to my total lack of discipline preventing me from doing it this weekend.
I guess I COULD check out Embargo’s study place potential, though. Nah, stick to the library, it’s better for you. (No, not THAT Library!)

Technorati Tags: art, bars, jazz, music, downtown, UTA

In this episode:The hugest of thanks to the Fort Worth Weekly.Last Call, come do a show with me!Perrotti’s rocks cowtown, my favorite pizza place, hands downSomeone PLEASE tell me where to find good local wings!My local vs. chain pseudo-rantHuckleberry Finn at Casa MananaBugs Bunny on Broadway at Bass HallV for Vendetta at 1919 HemphillThis week’s band: Darth Vato - Seven SeasBen Folds concert coverageThe Covey - Why do brewpubs do pizza SO OFTEN?Rahr tour - DO IT!Birthday drunkennessContent begging, shameless plugs

We had a great time last night at the Ben Folds concert! He played a ton of cool songs, a couple off the new album, which we hadn’t heard yet. The best part was when he covered Such Great Heights by The Postal Service. Apparently he had gotten a new red $2000 synthesizer, and decided that he could use it for that song. It was kind of funny, though, since he didn’t know the words, and someone had to bring him a sheet with lyrics. By the way, Corn Mo was totally worth getting to the show early for. He also gives this post some “local” cred, since he’s from Denton.

What made it more fun, though, was seeing all the people dressed up in Halloween costumes! Our favorite were Ace and Gary, the Ambiguously Gay Duo! We also saw Fidel Castro (nice to hear he’s up and about), several slutty insert-occupation-here girls, and a very healthy Droog.

“The Outernationalist” by Thievery Corporation from the album The Richest Man In Babylon

In this episdoe:

Who, what, and why of the podcast and the blog.
La Playa Maya (3200 Hemphill St. (817) 924 0698) - great Mexican food.
Boo at the Zoo
Amon Carter Museum exhibit: “Bound for Glory: America in Color”
Auto Escape = mashup of several good bands
www.spaceinsex.com - This week’s featured artist.
Ben Folds in Ft. Worth, Oct 31st.
The Ginger Man - Still not open. Maybe next month?
McHenry’s - Moved from BFE to W. Magnolia. Great live music.
Rahr & Sons Brewing - Tour and tasting on Saturdays from 1-3PM.

Send me feedback! pete@fw.mycityscene.com

I promise. Right after I do that thing. And take care of those late things… And find some content. But seriously, the first podcast will go out this week, even if it’s just of the “hello world!” sort.

You’ve seen the commercials, and I’m proud to admit that I’m a Mac, not a PC. I know this blog is primarily to focus on music and the Fort Worth scene, but I hope you’ll forgive me if I occasionally throw a shout out to a really cool piece of software or website.

Today is the first of those… It’s fortuitous that this application is actually music related as well. Check out Tangerine from the folks at Potion Factory. It organizes your music into playlists based on tempo for working out or just chilling. I hope it becomes the “MoodLogic” of the Mac platform!

Thanks for visiting. Yes, this blog is for real, and it is true that I’m just looking to help you get the word out about your band or your appearance. Look at it this way: It costs you nothing to send me an MP3 or a link and a brief bio. And if even 10 new people hear your music or hear about your gig, then that’s 10 more potential CD sales or t-shirts or whatever.

Seriously, what do you have to lose? Shoot me an e-mail (pete@fw.mycityscene.com) and let’s make some noise together!

“Saturday Night” by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin from the album So I Married An Axe Murderer