More compliments online for the Exit - Glory Road album!!!

You are never going to believe that our friend, Bernie Rolfe found more comments and compliments online about the Glory Road album. For those who haven't known us long, this is the only album that was made by the band that Terry played with in the late 70's (when we met). They recorded it the year before we were married and it actually came out the year we were married. (There's more to that story, but I won't go into it here.)

It's so amazing to find comments online from total strangers raving about the music from an album that was recorded over 30 years ago on vinyl. The internet really is a wonderful thing. You'll see that one of these bloggers lives in Australia! How in the world did he hear of GR ?

Anyway, check out these links and enjoy for yourself...and maybe even leave a comment if you heard the album or the band (and can remember anything about it).

The Ancient Star-Song - is a guy in East Randolph, NY. He has a place where you can download the whole album of music. Not sure about the copyright issues there, but for what it's worth.

Ascending and Descending - is written by Christopher Orczy, an Australian blogger. He also has some kind words to say about the album.

Really took me on a walk down memory lane. Such precious memories of a blessed and unique season of life. Fun times!

If any of the band members read this, it sounds like they would love to hear from you on these sites.

Some of my favorite people!
A week ago (Friday) we were privileged to have a few old friends over at the house to do some reminiscing and catching up. Several of them were former members of Glory Road, the band that Terry was in when he we younger. Greg Williams was in town from northern California visiting his new grandbaby, so we tried to get a few other folks together to see him. Rob & Toni Brunner, and Bernie & Kayelen Rolfe came by. And Dave & Kathrin Argentati drove up from Tucson. Sadly, another Glory Road member, John Heath wasn't able to come because he was at band practice for his current band. We missed him and others too.

We enjoyed a simple dinner, then while catching up on the latest news, we found out that Dave was chosen as a finalist for the TKMA Songwriting Contest and will be playing two original songs at the Tucson Folk Festival on May 2nd. We asked him to play the songs and thankfully he obliged. As expected, they were wonderful and Kathrin sang along with him, which was an added treat. The other nice thing about Dave playing the songs was that it got the guys started playing music.

Over the next few minutes, Terry kept going back to get more instruments and soon there was an instrument in each of their hands. For those who are observant, try to count how many different instruments they played. (They were all Terry's.) The cool thing was that they kept taking turns playing different ones.
They sang such a wide range of material, including several originals written by the guys and some old Glory Road and even Shira songs. They also played songs by James Taylor, the Eagles, the Band, and many others. It was such a blast!! Everyone was singing and jamming and having an amazing time. They kept it up until almost 2 a.m.! It made me feel young again.

I had fun singing along and taking pictures. I even dug out the video camera and taped a song or two. If anyone can tell me how to transfer an 8 mm videotape over to a computer file, I'd be happy to post the songs. I don't know if I'd need more software or anything, but let me know if you know how to do it.

What a huge blessing it was to be able to share this night with such precious friends. It was so much fun to see the joy in their eyes and hear the laughter of a lifetime of friendships.

Even though some of them are in other cities, these are the kinds of friends that just take up right where they left off the last time we were together.

What a gift that night was!!!

"IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO GROW OLD FRIENDS"

This saying is on a sign we have hanging on our wall at home and it's such a precious truth to me. In this day of commuter families, mobile societies, and shallow relationships we are so blessed to still be in touch with many "old" cherished friends.

Last night we were privileged to be able to spend time with a small group of them. These friends, in particular, are some of the folks that we've known since high school and college age. Most of the guys all played in a one of the most popular Christian rock bands in Phoenix (Glory Road) during that era. They were HOT!!! (O.k. so I may be a little prejudiced, since I married the leader.) Dave and Rand were in other groups that were equally excellent.

The awesome thing is that many of these guys have stayed active in music in one form or another, so we can continue to enjoy their gifts as well as support and encourage them in what they give back to others. This was such a night. Dave and his wife Kathrin live in Tucson and in the last few years, started a band called Late Rain. When we found out that they would be playing here in Phoenix at a coffeehouse, called The Music Corner, we marked our calendars for a chance to hear them.

We also used it as an excuse to get a few of us (eastside folks) together for dinner beforehand. It had been way too long, so we really enjoyed our time of food & fellowship together with Rob, Toni and John, then headed for the concert. We were sad that Kim didn't make it...maybe next time.
The concert was beautiful! Every song, every harmony & instrument expressed the hearts of the musicians. I personally loved Dave's guitar playing and the cello added so much too. The lyrics (by Dave) were sometimes heartbreaking, but always inspiring. What a gift God has given him. I'm glad we had the treat of being there.

Here are a few pics from the concert and afterward and a link to some more photos of the evening. Enjoy!

I think the guys were talking about the fact that Terry's the only one with short hair. You can't see Rand's, but it's down close to his waist. Mine used to be the longest, now they all beat me out. Interesting, huh? Yeah, I guess even though they're all very responsible citizens and work full time "regular" jobs, they're just still a bunch of hippies at heart...and I love that about them. It's so amazing to be with people who are comfortable with who God created them to be and don't try to put on masks or pretend they're something else. I love the way we can accept each other just the way we are and can laugh together in the good times and cry together in the hard times. What a GIFT God has given us. It's priceless and I hope we never forget how special it is!!!! Thank you God for the gift of friends. They give us a glimpse into your perfect love for each of us.