Monday, June 21, 2010

My Little piece of Heaven, (Lake Windemere, Cumbria U.K.)
























      Tranquility of the lakes, Formerly Westmoreland now Cumbria, The Lake District.
Calm, peaceful atmosphere, people rambling (as is a term for people walking or hiking in the lakes).
Watching yachts, bobbing up and down, even a rainy day is no deterrent, for enjoying every waking moment which has an extremely calming effect.
Somehow a rainy day, is more relaxing, calming and enjoyable than a hot sunny day.

Whether one is fortunate enough to be anchored off shore in a boat, sail or motor yacht, ski-boat, even a row boat or canoe, taking in the sights and sounds of the lake is absolutely wonderful.
Surrounded by forests and mountains this breathtaking paradise, saved in part by one of England's best loved, best known authors "Beatrix Potter", (Tale of Peter Rabbit), who saved more than 4000 acres of farmland, from developers, what a wonderful and brilliant woman.

There is so much to do, so much to see, so much to enjoy. A must in one's life, to treat one's self to the simple pleasures of this tremendous area of England, it is without doubt, one of the last remaining unspoiled areas in the country.

Not only Windemere, and surrounding areas such as Bowness-on-Windemere, wonderful shopping areas, cafe's, souvenir shops, restaurants, places of interest a short walk or, short drive away, depending which direction you wish to head, even if you feel energetic over hill and meadow, through grazing sheep (are you shearing that sheep, no go find your own).
Coniston Lake, a few miles drive and you arrive at coniston lake, where Donald Campbell, and his Bluebird hit 300 mph on his last attempt at the water speed record, in January of 1967. He is now buried in the local cemetery, as he and his Bluebird were raised from the mirky depths of Coniston in 2001, I personally think they should have left him where he loved to be, in the water with his Bluebird. (Picture of Coniston with the sun going down, and Donald Campbells grave).

If you ever get a chance to enjoy the lakes, either by yourself or with someone special, it will remain in your heart forever. It will remain one of the most spectacular and enchanting places on earth. Nature in all it's natural beauty.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

"What Can We Do Now"



We are in an age, when most of us are more concerned about our little lives, that everyday slips by without too much concern for what is happening, what has happened, or does it matter !!!

Where has all the camaraderie gone, more and more people are staying in watching TV, (What on earth is on anyway, that's worth watching ?).
Where can one go to meet people anymore ? Go down the pub !!! they still have the atmosphere that makes us feel good and part of the scene, most have good food, good selection of ale's, beer, wine and spirits, and we can meet new and interesting friends.
This is a picture of the Merlin pub in a wonderful little village in England, Chalfont St. Giles, I am trying to help save the Great British pubs from closing down.
I have teemed up with Inez Ward, CEO of Justice for Licensees & founder of Pub Week.
Inez has been battling to bring to everyone's attention the plight of the great British pub. Inez asked if I would write and record a song to help, which I along with my studio engineer / co-writer Tim Bushong (Lovewar & The Channelsurfers) did so.

The song "What Can We Do Now" is available on CD Baby & I-Tunes, 79p in U.K. and .99c here in the U.S. not only are landlords and pub licensees losing their homes, but they are also losing their livelihoods, and we are losing a heritage that should be around forever.
Wether you are a musician, tourist, local, who ever, we are all losing out.

More than 40,000 pubs have closed in the U.K. which is disturbing, if it can happen in the U.K. it can happen any where.

As far as the entertainment industry is concerned, 40,000 equates to more than 40,000,000 (Fourty Million), in lost revenue and royalties for ASCAP, SESAC, PRS, MCPS, BMI, and song writers / musicians.
Less venues for musicians / artists / bands to play, yet not too much is heard about it, not too much is done about it, but be assured when it is too late, everyone will be whining and wondering what on earth happened, IT WILL BE TOO LATE !!!