OK, so here's where the ramble comes in... I have a few things to cover in this post.
First of all I played a half hour set for the SOCAL something or other competition at the Gypsy Den last night. I actually filled in a slot that someone forfeited. There is a video from that HERE.
Today, I was really getting the itch to go play the street again somewhere. Street playing is something that I love when it is at the right place. Sometimes it is the most fulfilling experience and serves as the ultimate battery recharge.
This passion was actually birthed in Artist Village, the home of the Gypsy Den. When I used to frequent the Thursday Open Mic, I would always find people to jam with after the show and many times it went on till the wee hours.
When I moved to Costa Mesa I found a welcome spot at Henry's Market and would play there till closing and then head over to the On The Run gas station and play there till the wee hours. I have met some wonderful people and experienced great blessings playing the streets .
When I moved to Yorba Linda a few months ago I started to focus on other areas of this whole music journey. I have been finding new venues to play and just getting re-acclimated. The past couple weeks I have really been missing the street and that kind of interaction with people who stop and listen. I have been getting a taste of it at the Yorba Linda Farmers Market.
So this afternoon I just really had a wave of, "I gotta get out there" and I said, "Lord, where do I go?" I then got a picture of Trader Joe's on Yorba Linda Blvd. I suddenly realized that would be a great spot. So I packed up my gear, jumped on my bike and to Trader Joe's I went.
This was indeed what I needed. I found the right spot and played for 3 hours. I was blessed by the smiles and kind words (and tips - Thank You!!), and I got to talk to a few people. I love bringing the ambiance to a public place where people least expect to find a little oasis. People always comment that it brings a peace and a calm.
At this point I have to say that there is something about that little girl that confirms a work of God. What am I talking about? What little girl? That little girl with the sparkle of innocence, purity and grace in her eye. She often shows up when I play the street. You might say she's my little angel.
Today it was a little girl with her Mom that walked right up to me with that gleam in her eye and handed me a dollar. She could have handed me an eviction notice and I would have been blessed. It's that innocence and pure joy of wanting to bless someone that radiates from their eyes. Yes, you can see it in boys too but these little angels melt my heart every time.
I have to take this opportunity to share a picture of another little angel that I met at the Newport Pier last year. She sat and gave me her undivided attention as I played a song for her. I later received an e-mail from her Dad and I found out her name is Yediah. He said it was a blessing to him, his wife and his daughter and I have to say that moments like these are what it is all about.
So, I don't know the name of today's angel, but you did this jaded heart great good.
Last but not least for this post, I wrote a new instrumental out there and it is added to the Jam & Ramble player above.
It is called Breakthrough.
Peace,
RC
September 8, 2011 at 12:33 AM 
