Out Walking: Changes are Coming

A Blog Sabattical

Jerry Read Smith

Changes are Coming

Sunday, January 28, 2007

I've been busy on sabattical. New design and new content will come on line February 1st! Please visit the site then.

Posted at 03:08 PM in Purpose | Permalink | Comments (0)

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About OutWalking

Welcome to OutWalking, a likely over-ambitious source of reflection on the true, the good, and the beautiful in the world. (more). . .

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Current Reading

Clarke, Erskine: By the Rivers of Water: A Nineteenth-Century Atlantic Odyssey
A 19th century missionary tale, and true, the author tells the stories of John Leighton and Jane Wilson and their encounters with the indigenous people of West Africa and newly freed slaves that sought escape from slavery in the Americas.
McNair, Wesley: Dwellers in the House of the Lord
One long poem, McNair tells of the difficult experience of his sister and brother-in-law, the latter an alcoholic before sobering. There's faith (his sister's), plenty of sin (mainly his brother-in-law's), and a backdrop of politics (Donald Trump), though the latter seems misplaced.
Ralph Ellison: Invisible Man
A 1952 classic, Ellison's novel really gives voice to the experiences of an "invisible" black man expelled from a Southern college, transplanted to New York, and used by progressives to stoke a Harlem race riot before he wised up to the plans of his would-be masters.
Miller, Paul E.: J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life
Long book, but short chapters--yet not short on humility and dying to self, which are at the heart of Tripp's ruminations. Don't read it in a hurry, or as a how to, but let it settle into your life experience.

Current Listening

Jan Krist: Curious
A former Detroit singer-songwriter with a great voice and lyrical touch, Jan was the first artists I worked with. This is an enduringly fine album from 1995 (Yikes!). The title track is my favorite, followed by "Angel Baby."
Mindy Smith: Long Island Shores
Great voice and great folk-tinged songs. Her holiday album, "My Holiday," is one of my favorite Christmas albums, but this is one of my favorite for all-year play.
Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs: Under the Covers, Vol. 1
Power-pop guru Sweet and former Bangles band member Hoff take a run through 15 Sixties hits. Try "Cinnamon Girl" or "Who Knows Where the Time Goes." I once met a high, glassy-eyed Sweet backstage at a concert at UCLA.
Jill Phillips: Kingdom Come
During this time of physical distancing and more, I've not wanted my usual melancholy (singer-songwriter) or happy (Beach Boys) songs. Rather, I gravitate to earthy hymns and praise songs that speak the truth but encourage me to look to God. This is one of my favorites, though you can put the needle down anywhere in Phillips' catalog and do just fine. "Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if with His love he befriend thee." What a great hymn.
Van Morrison: Three Chords and the Truth
That unmistakable voice. On this one, some of that old magic Van has still shines. Listen, and then go back and play "Tupelo Honey." It do go on, don't it?
The Innocence Mission: See You Tomorrow
A three-song teaser for now, but this soon-to-be released album will soothe and calm with its simple strums and deceptively simple (yet profound) lyrics.

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