*hint ...the further you scroll down ... the more up to date you'll be with Jerry and his "dreams".

Silence is golden.  (jrs 06/24/08)

Here are two shots of my newest showroom space.  It's still in relatively early development ... but ... you can "get the idea".  You can't see all the higher end instruments in these two pic's but this is the place to really take one for a test ride.  Come visit when you can!  (jrs 06/25/08)

Don't you love it when someone you care about shares something with you ... and because you love them ... you take the time to really slow down and try to see what it is in their sharing that made them think of you?  Well, I do anyway, and it happened last week with music.  I'd never heard of Andy Gullahorn but a dear friend gave Lisa one of his Cd's.  He's a singer/songwriter and Lisa's more of an instrumental type person so when she told me "you've got to listen to this guy" I was stunned.  Anyway ... if you have some time ... give a listen.  The Cd we have is entitled "Room to Breathe".  (jrs 06/27/08)

Here's a picture I took this morning from my neighbors deck.  I think it's quite appropriate because what I wanted to tell you all this morning is that Song of the Wood is "expanding".  If you care about me or Song of the Wood in general ... don't worry ... it's not a bad thing.  It's just that I have a lot of dreams.  I suppose that one of my frustrations with life here on earth is that, probably like you, all my dreams don't come true.  I've so often wondered why ... and then I remember ... Oh yeh ... I'm not in charge.  Whew ... why do I keep forgetting that one ... I mean, it's foundational.  Well anyway ... I hope our dreams ... coincide some day.  I can assure you this ... I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen from my position ... can you help from yours?  (jrs 06/29/08)

Perelandra is almost ready.  It's small ... it's intimate ... it's intended.  You can't see it all from this view but 53 invited guests will be able to experience music like, I'm pretty sure, they have never experienced music.  I hope you can make it when I invite you.  (jrs later on the 29th)

You are loved.  (jrs 06/30/08)

Ok ... so back to the expansion.  I am currently looking for 3 people who might like to move to the mountains here and work with me.  The first is a design engineer.  That is ... someone who might like to help me implement my design innovations.  The second is a luthier ... or fine woodworker, with experience, interested in musical instruments.  Lastly ... a finisher preferably with knowledge in HVLP and hand finishing.  If you know of someone who you think might be interested ... please ... direct them to this web site.  You can reach me directly at:  jerry@songofthewood.com  Thanks for your interest ... it's time for my "walk".  (jrs 07/01/08)

Whew ... what a couple of days the last two have been for me.  Yesterday I was up at 1:49 AM.  Within 3 minutes I was completely and totally awake.  I worked, with small breaks for food, until 7:30 PM.  Then it was a very nice Cabernet Sauvignon, Blackened Salmon, Baked Potato with Sour Cream and some Zero Calorie spray type butter type stuff (one must make occasional concessions for the sake of discipline!) ... and a Salad.  Sweet!  Today God gave me a break and I wasn't on my feet until 6:21 AM.  I'm nearly finished for the day and it's not yet 7:00 PM.  Cool!  Had a very productive day that included some spontaneous improvisation with my friend Matt at a motorcycle shop.  He had walked in unexpectedly ... to me ... but I spotted him way across the room and did the old "manager on the P.A. gag" much to the initial chagrin of a few, I'm sure (but not Matt) and it all ended with good will and some laughter ... but no sale!  Anyway ... I love you guys ... but I think I'm going to take a break for a couple days.  I'm not saying I won't post.  But I'm dragging out the swim trunks ... so don't expect any pictures.  (jrs 07/02/08)

I hope you had a happy "holy" day yesterday.  My day had many unexpected twists and turns, both metaphorically and figuratively.   I did enjoy it although there were many moments that were very difficult.  I'm so thankful that I have a God that I can fall back on.  I'm so glad He's always there ... even when I can't "feel" Him.  I'm not sure why He makes me go through the things I have to go through ... but I'm especially grateful that He had a whole bunch of folks feel so inspired by His Spirit that they had to write.  Then He protected His words until this very day.  And ... I can go to them for comfort.  Thank YOU Jesus.  Thank YOU Father.  Thank YOU Holy Spirit.   I hear thunder off in the distance but it's safe here.  (jrs 07/05/08)

Hey Steve ... Jerry here.  Whew!  So where do I begin?  I guess I could say ... thank you ... I'm home.  I've really been thinking lately about what you said.  Your perspective helps more than I think you know.  I didn't call ... or write ... directly, I mean.  But I really needed to tell you ... my heart is breaking for you.  I'm so glad God gave me you to be my brother.  Quoting my favorite songwriter of all time I must pass on his words to you ... "this is not at all ... how we thought it was supposed to be."  By the way ... I love you.  (jrs ... much later on the 5th)

Alright ... so now it's 3:27 EST ... and I just got off the phone with my favorite cousin.  So ... I'm typing away but lightning is close now ... and so I ask ... "what about the change"?  And, coincidently, my father calls from "the other room" ... and says "relax" ... why are you always so impatient?  And then HE says ... wait ... I'm the dad ... just sit back and listen to the rain.  And, I love you.  And so I must close now and ... listen ... I mean, he is my dad ... after all.  (jrs 07/06/08)

It's a nice morning here ... a little cool (I love that) ... a little humid, as you can tell by the mist in the valley.  This view looks from where I live to where I work.  Actually I live and work in both locations!  I guess that eliminates the need of the two phrases "I gotta go to work" and "well ... I guess I've gotta go home".  Anyway ... let's go to work!!!  (jrs 07/07/08)

Ok ... so who's the guy with the funny hat.  Don't worry ... he's not performing tonight ... he's just the M.C.  This pic was triggered by his
tree guy, Pat ... as they conspired on "the view".  And if you're guessing Pat's sitting in the second row, 5th from the right ... don't worry ... our M.C. has nothing but blanks!  (jrs 07/07/08)

And ... back to expansion!  I'm in the process of finding "'grace partners" and "contributing partners".  I'm having a very spirited response.  It seems there are a few folks who don't think I'm "nuts" after all.  I probably should invite a few over to dinner to reassure my mother!  (jrs 07/09/08)

Rumor here in the valley is that a new kid is moving into the neighborhood.  Now, I'm a golfer, so when I heard this guy might even be designing his own putting green ... I started paying close attention.  Obviously he must play ... and somebody said they thought they'd even heard he was good!  Now I'm probably about a 10 so I'm not sure he'll be able to teach me anything ... but I enjoy talkin' with the youngsters these days.  I'm hopin' maybe I'll spot him working on his driving down at Joe's Practice Tee.  Somebody else was sayin' he can be erratic!  (jrs 07/09/08)

Took a ride this morning.  Normally I walk ... but ... it gave me a chance to listen to music.  Strolled around the grounds of a cool hotel here in Asheville checking out the architecture and landscaping.  If this whole expansion thing works out ... I figure ... I'd better be thinking ahead.  I think the fireplaces were a little large.  (jrs 07/11/08)

OK ... so now it's like ... later ... than the last entry.  So ... what can "I" do?  Well ... I can listen.  I can suffer.  And ... on that particular subject ... I learned something new today  as well.  A steak ... particularly a filet ... is, actually, better at 350 than my previous contention of 500.  The trick seems to be, more than likely,  that more time is good ... at least ... for the time being.  So ... if you have the "audacity" to actually cook one the them "bad boys" ... like, early ... add eggs.  (jrs, later)

I am so encouraged today.  I got all my work done early ... so I've been enjoying music in HD.  Now I know that I had a "rant" several pages back.  I'm sorry.  But today ... I really connected with "that hope" ... because of you ... and you ... and you ... and so "I  fall" gratefully, to my knees ... and praise the One we know.  I am singing ... here ... in my mountain home ... to your perseverance ... your belief in ... that same hope ... the same one I "hold."  I have an idea.  I admit ... I did not actually pen it ... but a dear friend I've only seen ... suggested ... I'm paraphrasing here ... "consider a choir."  I'm thinking ... "yo"!  PS.  I'm struggling here ... a little ... so please forgive me if I'm speaking out of line.  Now ... I've been in the kitchen with my beloved ... so I come back in and there's a band called "Black Crowes" ... and ... I'm eternally hopeful ... but ... I listen to one song ... and find so many discrepancies.  Make up your own mind.  But here's what I say ... let that lead singer come to see me ... and take his sunglasses off ... then I'll know for sure.  Come ... singer ... come .  (jrs  07/11/08)

Good Morning!

Yo!  Lisa's in the laundry room trying to salvage some of my clothes.  Radar's in the hallway ... dreaming of lunch.  I spent a little time on my putting ... without a ball.  Now ... I'm listening to Dave Matthews, cooking a burger and putting off my return to "copy editing, execution."  Norm is really making me "put my thinking cap on."  What can I say ... he's a professional.  Thanks Norm ... no, really.  One Steve called, one Julie called.  That's good.  Feeling ... and sounding a little like rain right at present ... and, that's a good thing.  I hope I don't have a Radar condition, only worse, you know ... one that needs "immediate medical attention."  Anyway ... I had a minute ... so someone we know said "post."  Back to the music ... go Dave!  (jrs 07/13/08)

I forgot to mention a good movie ... "A Thousand Clowns (1965)."  (jrs ... later)

So right now ... shun fear ... embrace life.  It's important.  If you have some extra time ... listen to some good music.  (jrs 07/14/08)

It's one of those quintessential, cool mountain mornings here in Asheville and I've got my espresso is brewing.  It's just me and "Buddy" prowling around the living room, kitchen and deck ... everyone else is peacefully sleeping including McDuff (which is becoming more common)!  Kevin and I have finally reached a decision on the room speaker set up for Perelandra.  Now we can continue installation knowing "we've got it."  It's very exciting.  Expansion continues as I've had numerous productive meetings this week.  I'm hearing from folks who are beginning to ponder moving here to help me ... and that is a blessing I'm not sure I can put into words ... at least, not yet!  I still have many very important contacts to make so it will be fun to see how God has written this part of His play.  I am so thankful that He chose me to have a place.  Hallelujah!  (jrs 07/16/08)

Watching tonight.  Daughtry ... is he real?  I'm a Carolina boy (by transplantation) and I say ... yes ... he's homegrown and beautiful.  What about now?  He sings "I am yours" ... is he an idol ... or is he pointing to something ... someone ... sometime?  It could be tonight.  One last thing.  Pete Townsend ... you still got the chops my brother ... and Roger too ... kudos!  I'll always love you.  (jrs ... later)

Lenny Kravitz ... no offense to you personally ... but you are a very poor imitation of J.H.  At least ... in his ignorance ... he was sincere.  Do you know what you are projecting?  It's important.  Contact me ... we can talk ... maybe, over coffee.  (jrs  07/18/08)

Here's the view from Perelandra this morning.  (07/19/08)

I'm going to say ... it was 1968 ... OK, I could be off by a year ... but the point is ... my best friend in the world put a set of headphones on me and played something he liked.  My world was rocked.  So tonight I'm watching a confluence ... like many around the globe ... and, honestly, it tickles me pink.  Side note ... I actually had a "T-bone" for breakfast this AM ... no kidding.  (jrs 07/20/08)

Things are going very well here at Song of the Wood.  Everybody's working very hard.  Lots of wonderful folks are stepping up the plate to help the owner!  I hope to get back in the workshop and spend more time than I have been able to spend in there lately.  Still ... good things are happening I'm pleased to report.  Thanks for your prayers.  (jrs 07/25/08)

Gary ... is my brother.  He is now ... my friend.  We took a drive this morning and gazed upon these 7 peaks together.  Don't you just love family?  (jrs 07/26/08)

Movie suggestion ... thanks Gary.  "Across the Universe" (1997).  Lisa and I are really enjoying tonight.  Blessings all.  (jrs 07/27/08)

Music ... IS ... the universal language.  So ... let's sing, let's play, let's tell the TRUTH.  We can "rock" ... we can "waltz" ... we can evoke the tears of those whose pain is a burden we, ourselves, would pray never to carry.  And yet ... there are those who don't know where to turn.  They are trapped by their fear.  I'm pretty sure there was ONE who said "do not be afraid."  Can you be honest enough with yourself to believe those words ... or will you remain "trapped?"  (jrs 07/28/08)

It's later on the 28th.  I'm listening to ... music ... !  I want to apologize for being cryptic.  Here's what I will say, ... and then I'm pretty sure it's past my bedtime ...God Will Reign.  Why ... you ask?  Because HE lives.  Glory Hallelujah!  (jrs ... for him)

I must admit ... there is a very sad component to my predicament that causes me anguish.  I have been saying good-bye, one by one, to some friends ... and some relatives over the last few years.  It has been extremely difficult for me.  I find it strange that you can spend so much time trying to love someone ... and then ... in an instant ... realize that they either despise you or fear you.  That's a real shocker, at least, to me.  What I am most thankful for ... are those who take the time to investigate ... because they care ... that much.  Some friendships return ... over time.  Relationships are mended ... confusion is dispensed with.  Now ... I will be the first to admit ... "I am a cad."  I thank my Lord and Savior that I am also a Son.  May Jesus ... and no other ... receive all the glory.  (jrs 07/30/08)

Tomorrow night Lisa and I are going to attend a house concert.  I am looking forward to it.  Lisa's going because she knows how much it means to me.  Don't misunderstand here ... she loves the artist ... she's just feeling a little tired this week.  I'm struggling as her husband.  But ... we are committed to one another ... and so ... we'll go.  Pray for Lisa if you know her.  If you don't ... know this ... she is The Love of my life.  (jrs 07/31/08)

The concert went great.  The artist was back on track.  The sound guy (they needed amplification) was OK.  I stood ... for the first half of the set ... I'm sure ... to the dismay of the folks behind me ... but I just ... had to.  So there I was ... facing ... the music that has so often lifted me up in my times of trouble.  And I gazed off into the distance dreaming (as I so often do) that ... this is real.  So here's what I would say ... "this is real."  (jrs 08/02/08)

Ok ... this is just me ... but my favorite all time 3 piece rock and roll band ... no offense intended to Leigh Stevens or Cream (you argued too much early on) ... so ... the one at the top ... and I'm thinkin' you don't want to argue any more ... is zz.  Alright ... so they hurt ... occasionally ... but it's just rock and roll.  Am I wrong?  You have to admit ... when they rise from the ashes ... you're tappin' your foot.  They're just 3 piece after all ... no frills.  That can be so sweet.  Glory!  (jrs 08/03/08)  PS.  The secret to golf is trust ... not control.

I spent a lot of time today on my motorcycle.  I visited a Performing Arts Center an hour or so away and got a wonderful tour with Paul ... the director.  I learned a lot.  So onward we "truck" ... toward a goal worthy of the effort.  Come on ... roll up your sleeves ... or retire.  (jrs 08/05/08)

Tomorrow ... August 6th, 2008 ... on Good Morning America ... my friend will speak.  ABC cannot, at this point, guarantee the time slot.  OK ... they're corporate.  So ... if you're up ... watch at 7:00 and again at 8:00.  It will happen.  Listen to my friends words ... very carefully.  (jrs later)

There are just so many stories to share.  We have been given the time.  Let's not get "ahead of ourselves."  We will sing ... we will dance ... we will ... be silent ...  it's all good.  Those who do not understand will turn ... and walk away.  We must let them go.  It's not because we don't care ... you KNOW you do ... as do I.  But, still, they will not understand.  We might question ... but we must accept.  They have already suffered ... they will simply ... at some point ... fall asleep.  But ... alas ... they shall never wake.  Do not despair.  He is faithful ... and, despite debate to the contrary ... also, loving.  Let us sing!  (jrs 08/09/08)

Well ... it's late (for me) on the 10th and Perelandra has "launched."  I'm very happy ... and tired.  Thanks Dan ... and Stephen.  I will be silent now ... for a season.  I realize I tend to write in a seemingly haphazard way.  There is a chance that you have no idea how much I pray over these very words.  Does that mean anything?  Am I careless?  I will stand silent now before those who would portend to know.  (jrs 08/10/08)

Oh Lord ... and I thought I was done.  The cries of your children shall be heard.  The meek "shall inherit the earth."  If YOU think you own ... anything ... do not raise it up in your pride to display your ignorance.  Rather, humble yourself, and HE will exalt you at the proper time.  OK ... so am I being cryptic again.?  That is certainly not my intention.  I suppose it's possible I just don't know how to communicate.  Make up your mind.  (jrs ... for now)