One of my first employers was a man named Bob Carr. He had about an acre of rolling garden beds next to his family home on the north side of town. He sold flowers and shrubs, and hosted a garden tour every summer that was like a miniature Woodstock for old people. On Saturdays, I […]
An Amen for Bob Carr Read More »
On Tuesday mornings, the garbage truck would come into my five-year-old view from the staircase window—the truck’s square nose pausing in front of Mr. Rugland’s hedges. The worker hanging on in back would hop off at Mr. Wenzel’s driveway, tossing one or two small bags into the truck. Mr. Wenzel was the high school English
Garbage Day and the Lost Rhythm Read More »
Last night I placed a small Bluetooth speaker on the top cupboard shelf in the kitchen, hit play on my iPhone, then set off to do the dishes. The only thing strange about this scenario was the musician I chose. He’s somebody I never put on. “Who are we listening to?” asked August, my eleven-year-old.
What My Family Thinks of My Next Album Read More »
In Thailand it’s common to see monks in orange robes walking the streets in sandals or barefoot. Their denial of earthly possessions and comforts is inspiring. Early in the morning I see them carrying urn-shaped containers. They stop and people put things inside—pieces of paper or wrapped candy. The monks then chant while the person
A Monk Walks Down the Street Talking Into a Smartphone Read More »
Every once in a while I stumble across something in the archives that reminds me how a song really started. “Small Town” began on a long drive back to Denver after spending several unexpected weeks in my hometown of Roseau, Minnesota. The Song I like small towns The nights are quiet No interstate highways Screamin’
Small Town: The Story Behind the Song Read More »
Thanks for looking in! Here are a few samples of some recent watercolor-sketched postcards. I’ve been having fun mailing out little street scenes and things I’ve found interesting while traveling with my family. If you’re someone who likes art, handwritten notes, and real mail, you can learn more here. P.S. Want one mailed to you?
A Handful of Watercolor-Sketched Postcards Read More »
Sitting at a café early one morning, I pulled out my watercolors and began painting the scooter across the street. The air was nice and the sun warm. A dog barked in the distance. An occasional car passed. Midway through painting, the owner of the café brought me sunny-side-up eggs and toast and said, “Oh,
Sketching a Scooter Outside a Café Read More »
I’m often asked to write songs for TV commercials. The thing about TV commercials is they’re made by companies. And for the most part companies don’t want to offend anyone or be controversial. They need lyrics with a positive message that speaks to as many walks of life as possible. How do I write a
Could Mister Rogers Sing It? Read More »
Do you read books with embarrassing titles? Like How to Win Friends and Influence People or The Four-Hour Workweek or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? If you’re anything like me, you stayed clear for as long as possible. The cynic in you despises these titles, having already made a thousand judgments without reading
Read Books with Embarrassing Titles Read More »
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Protected: On Sleeping in Your Car Read More »