The Sun is Rising

It is 5am. I am sitting on the floor in front of the reingnited fire. Owain is squirreling around on his faux sheep skin rug smiling and laughing. Life is grand.

My day normally starts this way. Lately I am having to roll him back over onto the rug. He lasts about an hour and then needs a nap. Right now there is just too much excitement and need to giggle and flail arms and legs, perhaps throwing in a high E (highest on the piano) for joy.

Every day Owain is growing and changing. He can see farther and focuses longer on your face, or the fan. He giggles, smiles and interacts with faces and people. There's not a better sound and sight then my son cackling with his mouth wide open, legs kicking and his two tiny hands pressed together bouncing off his chest. Much like his father he does not like being still, enjoys going on walks, and lets loose loud, high pitched squeals of joy. Oh, and his farts stink.


Charis is a beautiful mom: spiritual, nuturing and beautiful. Owain and I are blessed to have such an awesome force in our lives.

The rest of life has been great too. My saxophone playing opportunities are a gift. I played a sextet gig a week ago. After leaving Portland and hearing the Alan Jones and Mel Brown sextets, I wanted to try and replicate the big, swinging sound. Tenor, trumpet and alto upfront creates a sound that makes me smile. What a treat to hear that sound and make it at the same time. Plus, we played seven songs I wrote. I am evolving weekly in my writing ability. Basically I have the vision (or sound dream) of a more orchestrated jazz group. In my tunes, I want all six players to have a written part and no part to be the same - heavily influenced by Dave Holland and Alan Jones. I also want tunes that are more complex than head, solos, head. I am starting to get there, and excited about the attempts and alterations made to my tunes. The big band I play in is performing monthly. I like about 70% of the tunes and it is great practice for my reading and chops and a blast to watch people swing dancing sometimes just five feet in front of me.

School is fun and struggle. I am constantly trying to figure out how to create and sustain community. I teach the same class subject 5 times a day and have over 120 students. What do I do? My professional development goals for this school year is to focus on four students. I wrote down their names and a goal I have in relation to them. I do not know if I can do anything more than that. This year is a little better because I see the students I had last year in the halls and before and after school. Those tiny meetings are the highlights of my teaching day.

With little sunlight left after school and all things dead, I am not able to do much of anything on the farm. This is the biggest struggle for me. It is difficult to not be more involved and active. I know this is just a phase in my life and it will change. Besides, I only get so many hours of "awake" time with Owain, and I want to enjoy it while I can.

We were blessed by our many visitors. Family is always fun to have around. Watching them I learn more how to be a better father. Having some of Portland here was also a treat. Matt stimulates my mind with thoughts and questions and models great parenting. Amy and Corrie loved on Owain and gave me rest and rejuvenation.

Corrie asked me how my life has changed. I am more joyful: his giggles and smiles are priceless. I am more still: I can actually handle not being busy. Owain as a sack of potatoes on my shoulder is a perfect hug. I am more rounded and whole; I feel complete; I am confident and assured in everything I am doing and being. I am astounded - Owain came from Charis and I, and he will grow up to be a man.

Speaking of Owain becoming a man, before we know it he'll be drinking PBR and (once he passes hunter safety) hunting deer. The neighbors are getting ready!