Gratitude

In this episode - Gratitude . . .

Have you ever experienced a giddy feeling of lightheadedness? I’m not talking about an event that calls for a trip to the hospital but rather a delightful moment that fills you with wonder! Such was the case for me just yesterday during my first visit to Normans Rare Guitar in Tarzana. CA. When I left that day, I experienced an immense feeling of joy.

I’ve wanted to upgrade my favorite practice guitar - a Squire Strat - and decided we needed professional advice. If you are shopping for a guitar, watching YouTube videos is fun, but you must get your hands on one and find an instrument that sings to you. One that tickles your ear with a sweet sound and has a remarkable feel in your hands. Today, there are so many variations of acoustic and electric guitars; how can one decide?

Admittedly, I was intimidated planning the trip to Los Angeles to pursue my dream guitar. For those unfamiliar with Normans Rare Guitars, I would best describe it as a specialized “guitar club” - a family of guitar professionals serving a client base of some famous guitarists. Check out the video on YouTube, Who Shops at Norms. Norm Harris has been in business collecting and procuring some very rare and valuable guitars since 1975.

I’m not famous and hardly a professional musician - just a guy moving into retirement who has been nurturing a passion for playing guitar for many years. After a three-hour drive, we pulled into the parking lot of Norm’s and strolled into the shop. At the register was Brandon Soriano.

“Good morning; how can we help you today?”

“Good morning, I’m Patrick - You’re Brandon, aren't you? I know you guys from watching Guitar of the Day videos; you’re the “Spec Check” expert from the “Guitar of the Day” YouTube channel.”

“I would like to upgrade my Squire to a Fender Stratocaster - but there are so many variations.”

Brandon’s expertise and willingness to share his knowledge about the Stratocaster line were remarkable. He answered all my questions and guided me through the vast collection of instruments, making the process an absolute joy. As previously mentioned, it is crucial to listen to the instrument you are considering and connect with the inner inspiration that drives your musical performance.

To that end, Michael Lemmo created an environment that made me feel valued as a customer and fellow musician. He demonstrated the guitar I had tentatively selected from the American Ultra Fender Stratocaster group.

He effortlessly played tune after tune, as he said, “To play Stevie Ray Vaughn, use this setting. For Van Halen, use this one. And for a smooth jazz sound, try this combination. This guitar is the most versatile in the Stratocaster line.”

And play he did, folks; this guy is an accomplished musician. Watch a few Guitar of the Day episodes he hosts on YouTube.

My new Fender Stratocaster is not just an instrument; it is now a cherished part of my musical journey. Also, we made history yesterday; I own a guitar played by the great Michael Lemmo. I'm confident that it will inspire me to create beautiful music for years to come, and I am incredibly grateful.

Again, Michael and Brandon, thank you for your unwavering commitment to providing outstanding service and creating a haven for amateur guitar enthusiasts like me. Be sure to check out Lemmo’s album Blue Comet on Spotify.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

Finding Our Place

In this episode, Finding Our Place: Hope and Humanity in the Age of AI . . . Yesterday, I overheard a conversation that echoed a question many of us are quietly asking: In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, where do we , as humans, truly fit in? My younger colleagues, sharp and driven, were "joking" about AI taking their jobs. Their concerns felt valid, prompting me to reflect. Will machines really replace us? My answer, unequivocally, is No . And here’s why. What makes us uniquely human isn't merely our ability to perform tasks. It's our innate capacity for creativity and our deep-seated need to serve others. These aren't just abstract ideas; they are the very essence of what gives meaning to our lives and work. While AI excels at processing data and automating tasks with incredible speed, it cannot replicate the spark of human ingenuity. It lacks the empathy to truly understand unspoken needs or the intuitive synergy that fosters breakthrough solutio...

The Curious Crew

In today's special episode, The Curious Crew . . . Oh, our young folks are ready, with AI so grand, A new era of wonders across every land! With curious minds, vast as Space, full of creative delight, And a zest for exploring, with all of their light! They welcome new tools, with a gleam in their eye, To learn and to grow, way up to the sky! Our thinking's a marvel, a clever design, We make new plans, so fantastically fine! With problem-space maps and memories, too, We build new ideas, quite fresh and quite new! With smiling faces, showing gratitude's grace, We find our own wonderful, human-filled place! Sharing a meal with generosity and love, A warm human spirit, a gift from above! We stand tall together, collaborate, and help with a grin, For with Agentic AI, together we win! Not machines all alone, but with us by their side, We'll create and serve, with nothing to hide! I'm Patrick Ball. Stay curious and ask questions. See you next time.

Beyond June Gloom

Beyond June Gloom: The Milky Way Awaits! ✨🌌 Has the seemingly endless marine layer got your telescope feeling neglected? For us sky-watchers on the beautiful California coast, May Gray and June Gloom have played a persistent game of hide-and-seek with our celestial views. But there's good news tonight: as summer officially arrives, a stunning cosmic spectacle is about to reveal itself, and you absolutely won't want to miss it! We know the drill: that persistent marine layer turning our sunny days into cool, misty ones. It's a hallmark of our coastal climate, and while it's kept our telescopes under wraps, consider it nature’s way of building epic anticipation for the celestial show that’s about to unfold The Return of the Galactic Core! (Photo courtesy of Gemini) As the days grow longer and the summer air warms, those stubborn clouds will begin to dissipate, revealing a breathtaking sight: the core of our very own Milky Way galaxy! That's right, the vibrant heart...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...

On The Fly

Search This Blog