It is a very good thing that folks in the LeFlore Co. area are resilient and tough ! Now I don’t have to explain tough – that’s “John Wayne tough” ! But resilient by def. is “People able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.” That be us !
I remain optimistic . Mainly cause of my faith , but I still believe that people are basically good . That has been tested in the last couple of years . But it’s like we just came up for air after being held under too long !
New Year’s was celebrated this year . Folks are getting out more , responsible and cautious , but getting together more . I am proud of that . Because isolation was becoming a sickness in itself . We are social beings . We are too much “alone” now when we are together . Just look around in waiting rooms , restaurants , even churches , where everybody is on their cellphones , Alone , instead of talking and visiting . Pass that social skill on to the younger generations . Use it or lose it !
Live music and being able and wanting to socialize go hand in hand . It has been a strong desire of humans since the Garden . Without the need to get up and go out , Live Music could easily become a thing of the past ! I looked back at my article from Dec. 2019 . There were 9 places listed in our area and 30 or more round Ft. Smith to celebrate the New Year . Dec. 2020 , there were zero . That was a lil’ fear but mostly round here , it was just plain ole common sense .
This year Dec 2021 , I wrote about 4 places to celebrate and several in Ft Smith . There are rumors of parts of the country that are having problems again . Let’s pray and remember that God has got this ! It will turn out just like it is supposed to turn out . I am so glad that I wadn’t put in charge . And you should be too !
On a personal note , my move to Panama has been a drain physically , but spiritually uplifting . I am better company than I used to be – remember , progress , NOT perfection . Mom has been very flexible and understanding when I moved something or threw things away . I am settled in , helping keep the fire going , keep the wood rack in the kitchen full and rotating dawgs . My dawg , Clover , picked our first week here to come in heat and despite my best efforts to keep her outta reach from Pokie , there may be some pups for sale soon !
Living here on the two acres on Coal Creek Rd. is more like living in the country than I remembered . So far , there has been a possum up a tree , regular armadiller sighting and a big mean tomcat that stood his ground and fought back thru the chain link fence . Only real danger is in the skunk department . Squirrels have cleaned out the pecans and are NOT in any danger cause I can’t see good enough to shoot’em . But there is a really good garden place out back . I just hope my health holds out so that I can plant it this Spring ! But I am optimistic bout that , too ! We are ready with over a hundred fruitjars just waiting to be filled .
OK , ‘nuff of my ramblings ! On Jan. 7th at JJ’s over in Ft. Smith , Butch Cavandish will be making their 3rd appearance . This band is fronted by singer , David Carbrey ! We hit it off when we first met at an Open Mic at the Coffee Cup . David sang a couple of Gram Parsons songs . Music that I loved so we quickly became friends . This Bakersfield Honky Tonk style mixed with Oklahoma Red Dirt has become the “Butch Cavandish” trademark . Country with a Kick ! They will play from 8:30 til 11:30 !
Then on Jan. the 8th , Bridge South Band will be at Joe’s Place just South of Poteau on Hwy 59S . This will be a great fit for this band . Check out their songs on fb and you will understand why I am excited bout them . Lotta talent whether on stage and in the recording studio ! Their high energy is contagious so the regulars out at Joe’s Place better get ready . I finally got to meet Tylor Smith/lead player/songwriter . Purty savvy dude to be so young and a great guitar picker . Got a lotta passion for their music and staying busy practicing , songwriting and recording ! So this Sat. at Joe’s Place will be his chance to do his stuff ! Music is from 10 pm to 1 am . Watch this young band . They are going places and a real treat to listen to live ! Heck , ya might even see this old timer there for a while. Contact Tylor Smith on fb for bookings ! Check out BSB fb page for the newest recordings ! Over You and Night on the Weekend are Hits for sure !
Thanks for all the Birthdat’ wishes ! Made it 70 years , one day at a time !
Contact me at 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com .
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