tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83047088326543338322011-07-08T06:15:41.232-07:00commentary from Tina Haase Findlay, a lover of soul groove disturbanceTina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.comBlogger291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-25974105278314446152009-06-03T08:18:00.000-07:002009-06-03T09:09:12.073-07:00

Lately, Brandon and I have been splendidly fortunate to spend time in the presence of true musical greatness, wrapped up in the talents of two ordinary yet extraordinary guys named Bruce and Bob. 1. Brucewww.brucekatzband.comMaestro Bruce Katz, a virtuoso keyboard genius in the organ vein of Jimmy Smith and Des Moines' own Sam Salamone, gave us a night to remember at www.bluesongrand.com last

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-81704939790066793282009-05-01T20:36:00.000-07:002009-05-01T21:35:24.489-07:00

"Knowing that you don't know is the first and most essential part of knowing, you know?" --from the movie 'Synecdoche, New York', written and directed by Charlie KaufmanIt's May Day 2009 and I am once again in transition. Actually, when are we ever not in transition? However, that sense of "moving on up" into a higher, deeper place is even more palpable than usual. Some things in life are

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-43118786670122483572009-04-01T07:39:00.000-07:002009-04-01T08:05:45.625-07:00

I'm on a composition bender these days, and the words are coming from some pretty deep places (don't they always...). Here's your latest psychic snoop:Out Of EdenLiving out these consequencesOf the things that I did wrongOut of Eden, hope still holds meAnother garden keeps me strongI believe in wild salvationI believe in ancient dreamsDestiny's on my horizonAnd I still know what grace meansWoo,

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-87159077677053656342009-03-27T09:34:00.000-07:002009-03-27T10:11:56.655-07:00

One man's trash is another man's treasureOne man's poison is another man's meatOne man's pain is another man's pleasureOne man's trial is another man's treatYou made a big mistake when you held my love at bayYou made a big mistake when you damned my love to hellYou made a big mistake when you threw my love awaySo I will give the treasure of my love to someone elseYeesh, them's fightin' words!

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-28387824603149348012009-03-17T11:49:00.000-07:002009-03-17T12:14:22.519-07:00

1. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip -- Aaron Sorkin's next project after "The West Wing" was a little disjointed in terms of tone, which made it a little awkward at times to view...should we be laughing, crying, thinking those deep Aaron Sorkin political platitude thoughts? But when his writing was "on", the resonance was gripping. It didn't help matters that "30 Rock" came out about the same

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-41960622953660840242009-03-09T12:12:00.000-07:002009-03-09T12:30:56.363-07:00

Just recorded a demo version of this, a power lash-out ballad I wrote which includes the following:Blessing In DisguiseChorus:I loved you, but you did not love meWhat was then, was then, and what will be, will beSo thank you for saving me from your pack of liesFor your absence has become a blessing in disguiseAmazing to look back at the loss of someone/something you cried for, craved for, never

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-53015220039400066112009-03-03T12:20:00.000-08:002009-03-03T12:28:45.691-08:00

For your consideration (a.k.a. snooping), here are the daily learning tools I've been using for refueling and refocusing purposes. I highly recommend them, as well as all other works associated with their authors. So with the hope of bringing a few more fans to these extremely well-deserving sources, here are the 3 latest & greatest selections from my personal Soul Portfolio:The Artist's Way--

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-45957033996454536282009-02-20T06:47:00.000-08:002009-02-20T07:20:06.069-08:00

Three of my latest audio fetish sources, all of which have given me delighful moments of laughter, tears, and bittersweet inspiration, are as follows:1. Soundtrack to "Grey Gardens" - the award-winning Broadway musical -- Having been a fan of the original documentary for quite sometime (and I can't wait for the HBO film with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange), I had to procure this collection.

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-13412386524923654742009-02-13T08:17:00.000-08:002009-02-20T07:25:11.983-08:00

One of my "authors of the year" is Brian McLaren, who recently posted this powerful response to the "stim" situation. His words are always right-on-point, and this piece is no exception. Be blessed by the wisdom you find here:Brian McLaren/economic recovery (there are several entries with this theme throughout February--read 'em all!)Down with addiction, both personally and nationally!

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-17283135465571977402009-02-05T07:42:00.000-08:002009-02-05T07:59:42.995-08:00

The glove of addiction and overconsumption continues to be peeled off in the Findlay household. However, one thing I've had trouble with is commitment to daily fitness and exercise. We have a treadmill in the basement, and I was doing ten minutes a day for a little while. The treadmill is beside a wall, facing a wall, beneath a low ceiling, in a chilly basement climate. And a constant torment

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-22195950970910249712009-01-27T08:58:00.000-08:002009-01-27T09:29:28.682-08:00

Did you know that you really are allowed to consume spaghetti for breakfast? And did you know that there are numerous principles in life generally accepted as "the way you're supposed to do things" that in fact, are just crying out for reinvention, renovation, reinvigoration? That's what the "spaghetti for breakfast" principle means to me, knowing that life is a journey from A to B, and

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-53834124421797195002008-08-07T08:14:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.065-08:00

The other day, I had a lovely time with a group of 3 to 12 year olds, at the West Des Moines Library, where incidentally, I've been doing a lot of my recent blogging. On this day, it was time to represent Metro Arts as a children's seminar leader for their Green initiative. So I did my part to use music to declare the glory of "taking care of our planet, because if you do this, the planet will

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-20041778415378423202008-07-18T08:16:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:29:58.793-07:00

It's working...as Oprah would say, "I get it, people!" Sugar, caffeine, white flour, all the satan substances, are steadily on the culinary decline in the Findlay diet. We are feeling better all the time, yet still are in the throes of reprogramming ourselves out of "the food matrix" once and for all. We are learning that so much of what is shoved into our faces via marketing is so harmful,

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-90184217743415269302008-07-09T07:47:00.000-07:002008-07-09T08:02:10.479-07:00

Once again, it's time for a glimpse of the diverse sources I've recently been calling upon in the formation of my "frame of life reference" mentally and spiritually, so savor the proceeding wackness:1. Paula White/televangelist and inspirational speaker - Yes, I think she's a bit crooked financially and I hope Senator Grassley calls her to the carpet in that area. But I am captivated by her

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-76615552495122753472008-06-17T09:45:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:14:30.280-07:00

Love your quirks--they are what make you YOU! The more eclectic, the better, I say. Just like the diet for the body, our minds and souls need diversity to enable us to maximize our productivity. Our psychic muscles crave the delightful shocks that variety brings, not just the predictable nuances of the humdrum patterns we always resort to, but the NEW, truly new, extraordinary tidbits of

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-70727907197705218972008-06-09T08:53:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:15:01.378-07:00

Today I launch 2 series on the concept on the "Portfolio" approach to song and soul, one which I'm embracing more and more as I age. I'm realizing that to achieve the most effective frame of life reference, I must cultivate a varied song/soul diet from a plethora of sources. So here's my snapshot of Portfolio Song:1. Tori Amos - I love this lady's music. And I love her book, too. Though we would

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-74027630703973320042008-06-02T13:07:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:15:28.323-07:00

"Addiction stays on tight like a glove..." -- lyric from not one but two songs on the hauntingly beautiful Emmylou Harris project entitled "Wrecking Ball"Bottled water, oatmeal, and loads of veggies--that's a glimpse of my latest attempt to get healthy and detoxed. If I had a dime for every 44-ouncer I've downed in this life, I'd be Trump-rich by now. But like the Girl Scouts say, it doesn't

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-92075246968060053332008-05-19T19:47:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.065-08:00

For the boys in my APF Action Packed Fun group, whose "Men of Peace" stage presentation project (through my work with www.partnersunlimited.org) is coming to a bittersweet, celebratory end:Keep Peace Alive In Youby meVerse:What doesn't kill you makes you strongAnd sometimes it becomes a songThere is a right so far beyond the wrongAnd down the road I hope you findAdventure plays to please your

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-13284332263907099482008-05-11T13:05:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.066-08:00

On the night before Mother's Day, while lounging at Karen's on pet-sitting duty watching all 4 hours of Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra, my husband showed up around 9 pm with 2 sacks; one from Taco John's and the other from our beloved 1/2 Price Bookstore in Clive. Here are the contents of the book sack, lovingly chosen as strategic investments for my life right at this very moment--this guy

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-41849458731293008222008-05-06T09:44:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.066-08:00

"We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun, but the hills that we climbed were just seasons out of time..." -- from the song Seasons In The Sun by Terry Jacks, written after he lost a loved one named Michelle, which also contains the lyric of this blog titleIt's amazing that I could even remember this lyric, in light of this week's tragic personal loss. Our friend, KCCI Channel 8

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-17199812662860649602008-04-27T13:38:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:15:52.113-07:00

Here's a series for us to 'fess up with our tiny eccentric, eclectic, electric sources of enjoyment that are seemingly so out of character, or wildly unexpected, or just dipped in the soupy sauce of innocent wackiness! OK, I'll start...1. Wilson Phillips - these ladies accompany me via cassette to and from Iowa City, and they let me sing along on every harmony part, bouncing around from high to

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-36545971360054906722008-04-21T08:51:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.066-08:00

...correctly pronounced "coom-play-AHN-yose fay-LEESE." That's how you say "Happy Birthday" in Spanish. And that's what I celebrated this past Saturday the 19th of April, my 43rd year of existence. I'm probably closer to the end now than the beginning; and for all the fear this provokes, it also inspires passion, urgency, wonderment, thrill, as well as the "less-sexy" qualities of gratitude

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-27507923512600942482008-04-16T11:05:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.067-08:00

this is a very very interesting book; check it out and be influenced by it...www.influencerbook.comit's from the same people who did the "crucial conversations" books.yoo-hoo, be an influencer right now, and please report to me on your findings...

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-64908222931126771442008-04-12T16:22:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.067-08:00

Anyone savvy about blogging will tell you that it's supposed to be used at times as a commentary on things like culture, recent headlines and trends, politics, government, economics, celebrity tabloid stuff, etc.. When I combine the heavy issues of the world at large with the heavy issues of my own world, sometimes honestly all I feel like doing is screaming, crying, or sleeping. So it may seem

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-23770506263614100632008-04-07T09:15:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.067-08:00

If you are the least bit interested in theology and future spiritual/cultural trends, or even if you're not, I cannot recommend the works of Mr. Leonard Sweet highly enough. One of my favorite writings of his is called "From Learned to Learner" and here's the link to it.www.leonardsweet.com/llltransformation.aspYou really should check out his whole site, www.leonardsweet.com, and bash in the

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-83290578275291458482008-04-02T07:31:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:16:17.454-07:00

Lately during my oh-so-vast expanses of free time, I've been gravitating toward films with some kind of experimental bent to them. Me being the free-spirited open-minded cinema student that I am, I've thoroughly enjoyed my recent imaginary travels through these 4 films--try one or more out and enjoy the "mind grapes"--bonus to you if you know where that's from:1. Yes - with Joan Allen, a Sally

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-91747666919290794962008-03-28T11:29:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.067-08:00

Last night, my husband said the most amazing thing to me, in one of my "getting fewer but still appears once in an annoying while" moments of major depression mucky-muck. He took my hand and declared, "Honey, for everything that is haunting, hunting, or hurting you, I am here. Let me be here for you for all those things." Talk about a miracle statement. This from the guy who was just depicted

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-7722487662007013482008-03-25T13:25:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.068-08:00

I sped past my usual newsstand on the way to work, peering over to discover today's headline...Iowa City family murdered. At that point, all I wanted to do was just keep on driving down the highway, all the way over to my daughter Dove in that same city, look at her face, hold her in my arms, and be reassured of the love we have for each other. What a horrific tragedy--simply put, there are

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8304708832654333832.post-52013263346166258732008-03-20T17:30:00.000-07:002009-01-04T11:04:17.068-08:00

I begin by revealing how radically I've been changed by my interactions with the 2 most important people in my life...my husband Brandon and my daughter Dove. They've carried tiny chisels and refined me into something much closer to a masterpiece than I ever could've achieved on my own. Dove's influence has led me to very pleasant obsessions with Project Runway, Sex and the City, and my latest

Tina Haase Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486021474981993292noreply@blogger.com1