Wednesday; a Softer Sunday, an 11th-hour SNAFU, and Craigslist Foolishness

Practice session for this weekends Softer Sunday

This weeks Softer Sunday service went pretty well. Of the five songs, we had three that were quite upbeat and we played them pretty hard; it was a pleasant surprise and I wasn't about to complain. 

Musicians on hand this morning: piano, bass, drums, acoustic guitar, three vocalists. The sound man, determined to keep complaints about volume to a minimum, kept our sound levels at an extreme minimum. One of the congregation mentioned that playing a CD would be just as effective. Hopefully things there will soon change for the better.

Last Tuesday we signed the paperwork to close on our house. Unlike most states I'm familiar with, the sale isn't  final until it becomes a matter of record (WA is different-- just gotta go with it); scheduled for Tuesday  9/11. Then, at 4:30 I received a call notifying me that we need to quickly sign an extension request as there was a perceived problem with the septic system. Because the drain field extends below the driveway the county says it's non-compliant. According to the real-estate agents, these sort of things are common and rarely impede a sale. Apparently our lender feels otherwise. So we are now in a holding pattern while the issue is addressed. 

In stressful times like these I'm glad I have music to clear my head. I simply sling on the guitar strap, plug the bass into my little combo amp and let 'er rip. Focusing on the music is a refreshing alternative to stressing about paperwork silliness and issues beyond my control. The power of music is a real blessing.

Speaking of stress, have you attempted to sell anything on Craig's List lately? 

I have, and it seems that more and more people are looking to get something for nothing. Here is a sample of recent replies I've received while trying to sell a guitar amp:

Here is a sample of replies to an add I recently posted for a guitar amp:

- Will you deliver to Vancouver BC? (200 miles north)
- Will you take $325? (asking $475)
- Will you deliver to Eugene, Or? (227 miles south)
- I'm driving to Seattle from Wenatchee; meet me there & take $300? (60 miles north)
- I'm on workman's comp in AZ; will you meet my mother in Seattle? (60 miles north)
- I'll trade you my --beginners level gear-- (add says no trades)
- I'm interested in your amp and can meet you today at 4pm (then never shows/ ignores followup email-- happened twice).

A friend of mine who owns a small guitar shop believes the default mindset of Americans has become "expect more; pay less"-- the marketing slogan of Target, our nations top big-box-store.

Have Americans completely abandoned the concept of value? 

In looking for a musical instrument, author Philip Sudo writes:

"...make sure you look for an instrument of suitable quality... Avoid poor craftsmanship; it's the sign of a poor spirit. That doesn't mean you have to buy the most expensive equipment... Learn to identify quality and appreciate anything thats well made, wherever you find it. Look deeply into the spirit that goes into making an item of quality-- the care, precision, the attention to detail. Incorporate that spirit into your work...make [it] as well as you can. To do otherwise is spiritless."  

It is my sincere hope that Sudo's perspective replaces the current Target mindset in Americans. Maybe I'm just a hopeless optimist... either way, whether or not my amplifier sells is irrelevant; what matters is what it tells us about... us. So, think twice before sending that person on Craigslist, or anywhere for that matter, a lowball offer for their gear. Maybe-- just maybe, together we can change this negative trend and restore a sense of value to our country~