May 3rd, 2008
From the desk of Bryan A. Stross
Jacksonville, Florida
email: strossba@sensoryllc.com
web site: sensoryllc.com
Christian Musician
4227 S. Meridian, Suite C PMB#275
Puyallup, Washington 98373
Attn: Mr. Bruce Adolph
Mr. Adolph:
On May 1st, 2008 the city of Jacksonville, Florida celebrated The National Day of Prayer at our Municipal Stadium. The event was an uplifting of music, prayer and witnessing that I will never forget and am most grateful for the organizers and participants of this true expression of Gods’ Love and Blessings.
It was here before the ceremony that I ran across your March/April 2008 edition which I purchased at a vendors’ stand. Now, this Saturday morning I have read it and sir I thank you from the top of my heart and bottom of my soul for delivering a wonderful media to the public. I was uplifted and encouraged by Billy Rays’ interview, especially the fact he was sleeping in a car the year before the 1993 Grammy’s. I was moved to tears more than once reading the tributes to Larry Norman. A man whose music and life I was not familiar with, but feel I know him and what his life stood for much clearer now, thanks to your publication.
I would like to specifically respond to your editorial “Where Have All The Disenfranchised Gone?” and your appeal to help find them and bring them back to their roots for the Glory of God and the enrichment of their spirits and those around them.
I feel the Lord brought me to that vendors’ stand and to purchase your publication. I feel the Lord inspired you to write your editorial. And, I feel the Lord has compelled me to respond to your plea for help in this endeavor.
First let me say that this “disenfranchised” attitude with many musicians in regards to using their God given talents to honor and spread His Word and Works is a microcosm of our society today. Many, many people have been turned off by the structured church environment. All you need to do is watch the news and you see the troubles with the Catholic and Mormon faiths and the issues of child abuse and sexual perversion. But it doesn’t stop there. We often hear stories of pastors and ministers who have fallen from grace by succumbing to the temptations satan (sorry, I refuse to capitalize his blasphemous name) puts before all of us. It is a sad truth these are the stories we hear most often and not the success stories and good being accomplished in our Christian environment regardless of race or religious preference. (Cont. pg 2)
(Page 2)
Another problem is that many of our fellow musicians have struggled to blend in with their church of choice in regards to using their talent before, during or after worship services. Many religions have a very structured ceremony and music (besides the choir and keyboard) is not part of the celebration. This adds to a feeling of, “my gift is not wanted here” so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ have developed over the years.
I attend services on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights at an Anglican church close to my house. The Sunday worship is a structured service held in the church proper. The Wednesday service is informal and held in the community dining room. The Wednesday service starts with an acoustical set of several songs performed by various guitarists and vocalists playing old time hymns. I play the harmonica with this group that differs week to week but the one constant is Reverend John who plays the guitar, sings, and makes the music selections. Most of these songs I’ve never heard before, but I blend in and harmonize with the vocal track as I have not yet developed a consistent vocal range.
I must tell you that the feeling I get sharing my God given gift with the congregation is one of the highlights of my week. If this “feeling” could be experienced just once by some of the “disenfranchised” I know their attitudes would come around and be a positive addition to their walk with Christ. You’ve felt it, as have many of your readers and certainly the artists you highlight in your publication.
As I sit here and write this listening to Bruce Hornsby and the Range.."The Way It Is" CD, I must tell you that another fact many musicians fail to realize is that the power of God and the witness Christ has to offer us, is all around us, everyday and every night. I hear the message that artists deliver in sublime ways to their audience. Not every one wants to be labeled as a specific type of musician whose message may then only transcend to those in that particular category. The truly great artists appeal to the masses. The truly great song writers appeal to the world at large in ways often mystical to describe. This is how the Lord works and this is what the “disenfranchised” must soon realize. No matter what your talent, no matter what your skill level, you can use it to glorify God and enrich yourself and those around you in this mystical art we call music.
I would like to share something with you very close to my spirit. I am sure you know who Stevie Ray Vaughn is. When he passed I heard it on the radio during my lunch break as I was driving to a burger joint in Tampa, Florida. I had to stop the car as the tears welled up in me to such a degree I could not see. I sat there for a half-hour in tears as I could not believe one of my musical heroes was gone in such a tragic and untimely fashion. Many who didn’t really know him would say Stevies’ life was far from holy, but they could not be more wrong. We all have our day to day struggles, we all have our temptations and Stevie was no different in that respect than any of us. There is song of his few have heard. It was released after his passing by his family. It is on a CD called “The Vaughn Brothers, Family Style” its title is “Tick-Tock” (track # 7).
(cont. pg3)
(Page 3)
I would encourage any and all who may read this to listen to this song whether you are “disenfranchised” or not and take it to heart for its’ message is profound and its’ deliverance is masterful.
Time is slipping away from us as the song states. Please do not waste any more of it by sitting on the bench wasting your gift. If you can’t use it or if is not wanted by your current church, than find another one who appreciates your efforts to glorify God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Remember your works are measured in the Kingdom of Heaven. Use those works to His benefit and your life and those around you will be better for it.
Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I appeal to you to help bring those on the sidelines of life back to their root, back to their first calling, back to the wondrous glory that can be found in Gods’ Holy Word, which includes the performance of music and dance from Genesis thru Revelations. It is there to be found if only we seek it. To those who have found it, use it to bring those lost souls back to the Kingdom of God, the Glory of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost moving in the Spirit.
Thank you for your talents and your time.
Continue to harmonize in His Grace, He hears every note you play.
In His Service:
Bryan A. Stross
Fellow Christian Musician
Jacksonville, Florida U.S.A.
Psalm 98
P.S.
For those who would like to know more about the use of music, instruments and dance to worship and glorify God, Holman’s Illustrated Bible dictionary has an excellent four page description for your consideration and enrichment.
Gods’ continued blessings to you and yours now and forever more.
B.A.S. …:}…
www.bryanastross.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 31, 2008
EWTN Letter
To all the Brothers and Sisters, Priest, Supporters, and
The Blessed Mother Angelica:
It is a great day in the eyes of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
His Father, God Almighty is pleased with your works and has blessed you all in the spiritual ways of life, which transcend the physical shell.
True there is much suffering in the world today. But isn’t that the devils’ creed.
Given domain over this planet to cast his net of thorns. He eludes our capture and poisons the innocent mind.
Those that suffer will be the first to heal. Those that bring on this suffering will be the first to go to a place of infinite suffrage.
The Lord this day of days has delivered unto you a messenger. He is a messenger among millions of messengers. But his stories are your stories. His beliefs are your beliefs. This messenger comes in peace and understanding of The Way. He is among you, he is watching you, he is praying for you. And he knows you pray for him too.
Do with this messenger as you will. His message is eternal, his gifts are to share.
Seek council to understand the light in the message.
Shun the truth and you will toil with darkness.
Hebrews chapter six tells us of a time where all will be understood.
By His Grace He will transform men and woman. He will bestow gifts of great talent and wisdom to the children of the present world in order to better receive this message.
For as promised the coming is near and the path must be cleared.
The Lord will not make His triumpet Return until He is Satisfied that we as men, women and children have made this world as safe, clean and prosperous as we can possibly achieve by our own hand and the Touch of His.
No Master, no Savior wishes to stain His feet with the hatred, waste and poverty of any world. His coming is that of an angel from the stars. More grandiose and graceful than anything possible by our own hand and mind.
This messenger that God has sent has roots deep in the Words mysteries. Not all mysteries have the same meaning or outcome. Given that, this message is based on and centered on the current events and history of this Earth.
Do with this messenger as you will. His rewards are already many. He learns more with each passing hour. His cause is just and his heart is pure.
Do with this message as you will.
But remember Gods’ Will will prevail
Written and delivered by the hand of B.A. Stross thru the Grace and Gratitude of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and God Almighty.
Blessed days and sleep filled nights.
12/28/07 7:51 AM
The Blessed Mother Angelica:
It is a great day in the eyes of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
His Father, God Almighty is pleased with your works and has blessed you all in the spiritual ways of life, which transcend the physical shell.
True there is much suffering in the world today. But isn’t that the devils’ creed.
Given domain over this planet to cast his net of thorns. He eludes our capture and poisons the innocent mind.
Those that suffer will be the first to heal. Those that bring on this suffering will be the first to go to a place of infinite suffrage.
The Lord this day of days has delivered unto you a messenger. He is a messenger among millions of messengers. But his stories are your stories. His beliefs are your beliefs. This messenger comes in peace and understanding of The Way. He is among you, he is watching you, he is praying for you. And he knows you pray for him too.
Do with this messenger as you will. His message is eternal, his gifts are to share.
Seek council to understand the light in the message.
Shun the truth and you will toil with darkness.
Hebrews chapter six tells us of a time where all will be understood.
By His Grace He will transform men and woman. He will bestow gifts of great talent and wisdom to the children of the present world in order to better receive this message.
For as promised the coming is near and the path must be cleared.
The Lord will not make His triumpet Return until He is Satisfied that we as men, women and children have made this world as safe, clean and prosperous as we can possibly achieve by our own hand and the Touch of His.
No Master, no Savior wishes to stain His feet with the hatred, waste and poverty of any world. His coming is that of an angel from the stars. More grandiose and graceful than anything possible by our own hand and mind.
This messenger that God has sent has roots deep in the Words mysteries. Not all mysteries have the same meaning or outcome. Given that, this message is based on and centered on the current events and history of this Earth.
Do with this messenger as you will. His rewards are already many. He learns more with each passing hour. His cause is just and his heart is pure.
Do with this message as you will.
But remember Gods’ Will will prevail
Written and delivered by the hand of B.A. Stross thru the Grace and Gratitude of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and God Almighty.
Blessed days and sleep filled nights.
12/28/07 7:51 AM
Success
Written July 2006: Re-visited May 9th, 2008
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again; just learn from your mistakes and don’t make the same ones over and over again.
Two heads are only better than one if they are attached to the same neck. Three heads are better than two, but not as good as a grouping of four. You can only have five of the same head, if there are wild cards in the deck.
The meek shall inherit the earth, and the rich will pay for it.
If I asked you to decide your strategy for a race and said you can go fast in the curves and slow on the straights, or fast on the straights and slow on the curves what would you decide? Logical thinking and gravity would have you go fast on straights and slow on curves. But my illogical mind has chosen the opposite of you….why? I chose to go slow on the straights and fast on the curves because I left you without an important piece of information. If you’re going to race on a track you’ve never seen before, wouldn’t you need to see it first to choose your strategy? Of course you would, you see I’ve seen the track and it does not have straights, it is a constant circle, nothing but curves. So if I go faster than you in the curves, it doesn’t matter that you go faster than me in the straights, because there are none on this track. We just keep going round and round.
If clouds hold rain, what holds the clouds?
Why is there air? So it can hold up the clouds.
I love you like a long lost Father Mr. Cosby.
Your humor has touched my emotions since I was 5 years old.
I still remember your album. White, you dressed like a gym teacher spinnibg a volley ball on your finger tip and asking….”Why is there air?”
Well now we know…””To hold up the clouds!”
If at first you succeed, pass on what you learned to others.
The world will be a better place with more achieving and less mistaking.
I met a fair haired lady; she spoke of dreams gone by. I asked her for her reason and this she replied. Dear Sir, I have lost hope in my dreams because I have given up my dreams in search of hope. I then realized she had put her hopes ahead of her dreams. I then asked her of what hope could ever outweigh your dreams. She said, at one point in my life they were the same. Then I had children and their dreams became my hopes. I can only share their dreams, they belong to them, and I live now in the hope their dreams will come true. To this I said, dear lady, do you not understand that you have not given up on your dreams, you have acquired new ones. Your hopes and your dreams are still one in the same. Your personal dreams may or may not always come true, but by sharing in your children’s dreams you have increased your chances of a good nights sleep. At this point I think she fell asleep. But she must have been having a nice dream…..There was a smile on her face, and her skin had a soft gentle like glow. Her mind must have taken her to that special place, where hope springs eternal, and all our dreams come true.
Sweet Dreams and a Peaceful Night to you my brother © BAS …:}…
Friday, August 29, 2008
Letter to Patrick
Hey Patrick...thanks for the funnies. Since you took the time to send me an email (which few others have) I thought I'd share a bit with you. My company is not doing real well. In part because I have so, so many ideas I've had a hard time concentrating on something specific. Lately I have been doing tree trimming and hauling and fence repairs as result of the storm. I have some possibilities with Shands Hospital and Jacksonville University to do some systems work for them. I'll be back in touch with them after the holiday. I am also practicing with my harmonicas and percussion instruments. I have a CD collection of some 300 plus CD's (mostly 70's, 80's and 90's rock) but hey I even have a little hip-hop too. I have been going to a local Anglican Church on Wednesday night and Sunday mornings. We do a traditional service on Sunday at 8:30 AM and an informal accoustical service on Wednesday at 6:30 PM. I play my harmonicas and do some percussion tricks when needs be. I also have been going thru quite a bit of spiritual awakening over the past several months. I know this type of thing turns you off at times, but this has been one heck of a roller coaster ride buddy. I had a nice PA system I used a few times for outdoor gatherings and night clubs but I had to sell it back due to cash flow issues (I can always rent one when needed). I am pursuing working with churches and most importantly service providers for the less priviledged and troubled in our society. I have developed numerous contacts with support groups such as Teen Challenge and others who I am working with to put together educational and entertainment venues for drug addicts, prostitutes, the homeless and mentally and physically challenged. This is a patient endeavor and I am slowly running out of money while I pursue my true desire to help people walk a more enriched and peaceful life. When we last seen each other you hugged me...it said a lot to me and maybe I'm reading to much into it but I feel we have a friendship, a bond and a respect for each other that doesn't come around much in life. I miss the people at Jax Sound, I gave 16 years of my life to it. I just feel the Lord has more for me to offer society than an 8-5 job. So I am doing my best to receive it, understand it and use it to the best of my ability. I know I've done and said some crazy stupid stuff, but I look at it as part of a learning experience that was put in front of me. I am stable, thinking clearly and doing my best to live a good life and treat those around me with the respect and dignity they deserve provided I am treated the same. I will tell you I have had numerous run ins with the darker side of our society and by the Grace and Power of God I have lived thru it and put them in their place. I do not judge anybody, but I do defend my beliefs, my life and the lives of those around me. I could go on but I won't take any more of your time. If you want to see some of my thoughts I have a blog out there. It is http://bryanastross.blogspot.com The title of the blog is "Recent Thoughts of Distant Memories" take a look if you desire, hopefully you'll find something there that will mean something to you. Take care my friend and Gods' continued blessings to you and yours. B.A.S. ...:}... August 30th, 2008 Midnight
Psalm 56 .......Have a safe weekend.
Psalm 56 .......Have a safe weekend.
A Soldiers Story
A soldiers' story, left and forgotten.
Once the hills were climbed, the jungles burned and the tunnels crawled.
Now there’s a piece of me here another there and still even more others everywhere.
Tripped a damn mine, blew me to bits. Wholest part left is half my spine.
I hope my wife will be fine. My son and daughter will inspire me, even thru any fire.
My body will never be found. Hey vulture leave my brains alone.
Where lies my heart ? Ah who cares ?
My soul has escaped like a double agent spy.
And unto Him I wait to arrive.
With deepest respect to all who served for the savior of democracy !
© BAS Saigon, The River, elsewhere and everywhere …;}…
P.S. Please be sure to watch the Glenn Beck show tonight
...Thank You...
In His Service:
The Book of Joel
August 29th, 2008 10:00 PM EST
Once the hills were climbed, the jungles burned and the tunnels crawled.
Now there’s a piece of me here another there and still even more others everywhere.
Tripped a damn mine, blew me to bits. Wholest part left is half my spine.
I hope my wife will be fine. My son and daughter will inspire me, even thru any fire.
My body will never be found. Hey vulture leave my brains alone.
Where lies my heart ? Ah who cares ?
My soul has escaped like a double agent spy.
And unto Him I wait to arrive.
With deepest respect to all who served for the savior of democracy !
© BAS Saigon, The River, elsewhere and everywhere …;}…
P.S. Please be sure to watch the Glenn Beck show tonight
...Thank You...
In His Service:
The Book of Joel
August 29th, 2008 10:00 PM EST
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Letter To Howard
Howard:
Please forgive me for communicating to you this way. I do not have your email saved in my current listings. I tried the old one and it failed. I do not have a home line or funds to send this via fax. I could mail it but it will be delayed two days. I do not know if you have ever been to my blog...but I use it to share my thoughts and also it is a useful communications tool when needs arise (such as in this case). I wrote this letter in Micro Word earlier today around 5:00- 6:00 PM EST (then I went and voted). I type in M/W and then copy/paste to my blog. I prefer to do email comms in the same fashion as I have lost valuable thoughts in email engines. If I do it in M/W, save it, then c/p it works best. Any way here is the letter...it is two pages and I will mail you an original (as always) when I can afford a stamp. I will call you breifly to advise you of this posting. If my cell is cut I'll call collect with instructions on how to get to the blog. Anyway, have a great day and please enjoy your week. Love Always Bryan
Uncle Howie:
As I write this I am listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Youngs’ Déjà vu’ album.
It is a classic I have listened to since I was 14 years old. It speaks to me in my highs, lows and calmness all thru the ever changing days and nights that make up our lives.
I am not always good expressing my self on the phone. And the times we’ve spent together has been to short and infrequent. We both have very interesting lives. Yours is an especially interesting tale…what with the Tie Kwan Do and barefoot skiing at 60 years old ! I always remember those days I lived with you in the condo. They were very special times for me and I learned a lot from your professionalism, will for life, and attention to your home life. I look to you as a mentor and father figure in a life that never really had one. I love you and that is not said enough. After all you even married me and Elizabeth in another moment in time I will cherish forever. You are blessed with the good life and I am blessed to have such an example in my life. Thank you !
Our last conversation was misunderstood and too short. So, please indulge me to explain:
I know I need cash and I am formalizing ways every hour of my days and nights to do so. I have many items I could sell, but I have worked my whole life for some of these items that I hate to see them go. Some of the items I have are one of a kind and hard to put a price on. And other things are simple trinkets and nostalgia. In return for your gracious efforts to help me I am sending you a cherished item I ran across for $1 at an estate sale. I have not listened to it, it is in mint condition and I do not know if Granpa is on it but, it is an album. It was produced by Harmony for Columbia Records. It is an unbreakable (ox”Lp”279) HL 7056. It is Arthur Rodzinski conducting The Cleveland Orchestra. Tchaikovsky Overture “1812” !!!! For One Dollar. I do not have the cover just the sleeve and it is labeled Minute Masters. (which is crossed out). I do not know if you have a record player, but maybe you know someone who does. I can not see a date anywhere on it. It is a recut for a radio station that went belly up in Gainesville a few years ago. I got about 20 more that I think have some value (perhaps on E-Bay). My favorite is one that details the Music of the Strauss Family. It is by the Musical Heritage Society Inc. It is the Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra…conductor Eduard Strauss. Side One is all Johann Strauss (1825-1899). Side 2 has 2 pieces from Johann and one from Johann Sr. (1804-1849) and one by Josef (1827-1870). I have the cover and the sleeve and it is mint. I am going to send you both. The Cleveland is for you, the Strauss is for safe keeping until I get established again. It is fascinating work by the masters of old.
I will put them both in the Strauss cover and send it out marked fragile via UPS as soon as I have funds to do so. Thanks again for the loan. As far as family goes these albums are priceless. It is this sort of thing that is hard to put a price tag on.
On other fronts I am trying to secure cash flow immediately. The service garage we started talking about is a goal to astride for…not an immediate course of action, which I tried to explain but as I said our conversation was too short and misunderstood, sorry.
Bob (at JSC Inc.) has been busy with storm damage and such. I left him a voice mail that I had a business plan drafted for a position as a primarily commissioned sales man. This would allow a bit of a flexible schedule unlike the grind of a project manager or branch manger as I was doing before. I have also contacted the electrical company I worked for before and apologized for my rudeness (I also gave them a lead on some storm damage). I did not ask for my job back I simply apologized and said if they needed my services and would consider it I would return. If not I understood and thanked them for the opportunity. I have also left a message with my friend George who is Vice- President of Power Design Inc. in St. Pete. I would not have to relocate; I would be doing systems work out of town (and some out of state). They provide a truck, gas, lodging, etc. and I would probably work 4 -10’s with a split on the drive time or something like that. They do work in a five state area east to Texas and north to the Carolinas.
I have also put flyers at about 25 damaged homes offering various services (tree cutting, fence work, etc.) but no bites on that. I have talked (briefly) to a friend who owns a restaurant to see if I could work for him in some fashion. We’re supposed to get back together in a day or two. There were other things in the paper but I kind of want to see if any of these pan out quickly. With my funds being low I can’t afford to be running all over town doing interviews. The economy is good here so something should break this week. I have all sorts of tools to do all sorts of things so I am not just sitting here doing nothing. Since I do have some free time I do spend some time doing things around here.
I have been practicing with my harmonicas and doing some writing. My passion has always been steered towards the arts. I do not pretend to believe it is any thing more than a hobby…but practice makes perfect as I think you once told me, several times as I recall.
I have been taking my meds and have to reschedule my canceled appointments. The VA was closed Thursday, Friday and I think Monday too. I do not feel I am in a manic state. I have moments when I am playing or writing that I feel “inspired” but as I hope you can tell by the tone and content of this letter I am thinking logically and clearly.
We all have dreams and inspirations. My heart and soul has always been faith based and continues to be so. Do I feel overly inspired at times? Yes, I do. And I think for the most part it is a natural release of my inspirations and dreams. At times they get out of control, the trick is to manage them and channel them. This I have strived to do.
I guess as an example it would be similar to reaching your “chi” as they call it in the oriental martial arts. You channel your bodily strength thru the calmness of your mind.
For you it is channeling thru those bricks, thru that next cut on the ski. For me at times it comes out in my music and writing and overflows into my daily actions. This is where it gets tricky so I stay on my meds and try to maintain a level of logic and professionalism.
I hope you can understand this a bit. I don’t know if you have ever visited my blog. It is http://bryanastross.blogspot.com There is a posting there from a few days ago called Explanations. I do not feel I am a one man mission to solve the worlds’ ills. However, I do have dreams and inspirations to serve God and my fellow man in a way to hopefully make some slight difference in the lives of those I come in contact with. To do less would be a disservice to God and my fellow man. This is and has always been my goal in life whether high, low, or stable. Again, I hope you can understand my emotions.
Love you with all my heart and soul:
Your Nephew:
Bryan ...;}...
In His Service:
Proverbs Chapter 10….Psalm 97
Gods’ continued blessings for you Howard.
August 26th, 2008 6:30PM EST
Please forgive me for communicating to you this way. I do not have your email saved in my current listings. I tried the old one and it failed. I do not have a home line or funds to send this via fax. I could mail it but it will be delayed two days. I do not know if you have ever been to my blog...but I use it to share my thoughts and also it is a useful communications tool when needs arise (such as in this case). I wrote this letter in Micro Word earlier today around 5:00- 6:00 PM EST (then I went and voted). I type in M/W and then copy/paste to my blog. I prefer to do email comms in the same fashion as I have lost valuable thoughts in email engines. If I do it in M/W, save it, then c/p it works best. Any way here is the letter...it is two pages and I will mail you an original (as always) when I can afford a stamp. I will call you breifly to advise you of this posting. If my cell is cut I'll call collect with instructions on how to get to the blog. Anyway, have a great day and please enjoy your week. Love Always Bryan
Uncle Howie:
As I write this I am listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Youngs’ Déjà vu’ album.
It is a classic I have listened to since I was 14 years old. It speaks to me in my highs, lows and calmness all thru the ever changing days and nights that make up our lives.
I am not always good expressing my self on the phone. And the times we’ve spent together has been to short and infrequent. We both have very interesting lives. Yours is an especially interesting tale…what with the Tie Kwan Do and barefoot skiing at 60 years old ! I always remember those days I lived with you in the condo. They were very special times for me and I learned a lot from your professionalism, will for life, and attention to your home life. I look to you as a mentor and father figure in a life that never really had one. I love you and that is not said enough. After all you even married me and Elizabeth in another moment in time I will cherish forever. You are blessed with the good life and I am blessed to have such an example in my life. Thank you !
Our last conversation was misunderstood and too short. So, please indulge me to explain:
I know I need cash and I am formalizing ways every hour of my days and nights to do so. I have many items I could sell, but I have worked my whole life for some of these items that I hate to see them go. Some of the items I have are one of a kind and hard to put a price on. And other things are simple trinkets and nostalgia. In return for your gracious efforts to help me I am sending you a cherished item I ran across for $1 at an estate sale. I have not listened to it, it is in mint condition and I do not know if Granpa is on it but, it is an album. It was produced by Harmony for Columbia Records. It is an unbreakable (ox”Lp”279) HL 7056. It is Arthur Rodzinski conducting The Cleveland Orchestra. Tchaikovsky Overture “1812” !!!! For One Dollar. I do not have the cover just the sleeve and it is labeled Minute Masters. (which is crossed out). I do not know if you have a record player, but maybe you know someone who does. I can not see a date anywhere on it. It is a recut for a radio station that went belly up in Gainesville a few years ago. I got about 20 more that I think have some value (perhaps on E-Bay). My favorite is one that details the Music of the Strauss Family. It is by the Musical Heritage Society Inc. It is the Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra…conductor Eduard Strauss. Side One is all Johann Strauss (1825-1899). Side 2 has 2 pieces from Johann and one from Johann Sr. (1804-1849) and one by Josef (1827-1870). I have the cover and the sleeve and it is mint. I am going to send you both. The Cleveland is for you, the Strauss is for safe keeping until I get established again. It is fascinating work by the masters of old.
I will put them both in the Strauss cover and send it out marked fragile via UPS as soon as I have funds to do so. Thanks again for the loan. As far as family goes these albums are priceless. It is this sort of thing that is hard to put a price tag on.
On other fronts I am trying to secure cash flow immediately. The service garage we started talking about is a goal to astride for…not an immediate course of action, which I tried to explain but as I said our conversation was too short and misunderstood, sorry.
Bob (at JSC Inc.) has been busy with storm damage and such. I left him a voice mail that I had a business plan drafted for a position as a primarily commissioned sales man. This would allow a bit of a flexible schedule unlike the grind of a project manager or branch manger as I was doing before. I have also contacted the electrical company I worked for before and apologized for my rudeness (I also gave them a lead on some storm damage). I did not ask for my job back I simply apologized and said if they needed my services and would consider it I would return. If not I understood and thanked them for the opportunity. I have also left a message with my friend George who is Vice- President of Power Design Inc. in St. Pete. I would not have to relocate; I would be doing systems work out of town (and some out of state). They provide a truck, gas, lodging, etc. and I would probably work 4 -10’s with a split on the drive time or something like that. They do work in a five state area east to Texas and north to the Carolinas.
I have also put flyers at about 25 damaged homes offering various services (tree cutting, fence work, etc.) but no bites on that. I have talked (briefly) to a friend who owns a restaurant to see if I could work for him in some fashion. We’re supposed to get back together in a day or two. There were other things in the paper but I kind of want to see if any of these pan out quickly. With my funds being low I can’t afford to be running all over town doing interviews. The economy is good here so something should break this week. I have all sorts of tools to do all sorts of things so I am not just sitting here doing nothing. Since I do have some free time I do spend some time doing things around here.
I have been practicing with my harmonicas and doing some writing. My passion has always been steered towards the arts. I do not pretend to believe it is any thing more than a hobby…but practice makes perfect as I think you once told me, several times as I recall.
I have been taking my meds and have to reschedule my canceled appointments. The VA was closed Thursday, Friday and I think Monday too. I do not feel I am in a manic state. I have moments when I am playing or writing that I feel “inspired” but as I hope you can tell by the tone and content of this letter I am thinking logically and clearly.
We all have dreams and inspirations. My heart and soul has always been faith based and continues to be so. Do I feel overly inspired at times? Yes, I do. And I think for the most part it is a natural release of my inspirations and dreams. At times they get out of control, the trick is to manage them and channel them. This I have strived to do.
I guess as an example it would be similar to reaching your “chi” as they call it in the oriental martial arts. You channel your bodily strength thru the calmness of your mind.
For you it is channeling thru those bricks, thru that next cut on the ski. For me at times it comes out in my music and writing and overflows into my daily actions. This is where it gets tricky so I stay on my meds and try to maintain a level of logic and professionalism.
I hope you can understand this a bit. I don’t know if you have ever visited my blog. It is http://bryanastross.blogspot.com There is a posting there from a few days ago called Explanations. I do not feel I am a one man mission to solve the worlds’ ills. However, I do have dreams and inspirations to serve God and my fellow man in a way to hopefully make some slight difference in the lives of those I come in contact with. To do less would be a disservice to God and my fellow man. This is and has always been my goal in life whether high, low, or stable. Again, I hope you can understand my emotions.
Love you with all my heart and soul:
Your Nephew:
Bryan ...;}...
In His Service:
Proverbs Chapter 10….Psalm 97
Gods’ continued blessings for you Howard.
August 26th, 2008 6:30PM EST
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Recipes for a Good Buddy
Fontanas’
I hope you enjoyed the spaghetti and goulash mix (I sure did)
A formal setting wood be a round plate with 4 parts spaghetti on the outside and 1 part goulash in the center. What I brought you was a bit mixed. Any way here’s my latest creation; enjoy and if you can use any wait, cook, bus, bar, or whatever help let me know…I’m starving over here!!!
I would also like to talk to you about private parties. I have my own sound system for your upper deck…400 CD’s of all kinds of music…I cook with the best of them (meaning stove top in front of clients or in back) and I always leave them with a smile and a very, very unique experience. Let me know I’m really interested in using my skills to make some extra cash and watch people have a good time.
I also play harmonica. What I do is play the song they are used to hearing on the radio from my CD collection. I do backup. lead. or rhythm with the wind harp. Again, most people tell me they have never heard a harmonica played like that before. I have my own creations as well that suit the dinner atmosphere. Give me a try..it is one of a kind.
Seez Meez & Cheez Menu Recipes:
Main Course Skin’d & Seez’d Chik’n
Remove excessive fat and skin from any cut
Pierce Chicken with fork to open & tenderize
Coat with light layer of Extra virgin olive oil
Season with (in order):
Adobo, Onion Powder, Montreal Steak, Garlic Powder, Carraway Seed
Cinnamon, and Sesame Seeds on top.
Bake to desired choice
Cut into bite size pieces and moisten with Balsamic Vinaigrette and serve.
Salad Dressing: Meez Casa Rosa:
For ½ head of lettuce and assortments & garnishments:
6TSP mayo
6 TSP Dijon Mustard
12- TSP Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette (with virgin olive oil)
6 – Fluid ounces B&G roasted peppers (garlic and onion)
Add in same seasoning as for the chicken (less the olive oil)
This wets their appetite as they try to figure out the taste of the awesome salad
They get the main course and side dish and it has the same zing (cool to see ‘em react)
Side Dish: Cheez Lueez
Macaroni and chese dish with the same seasoning as main course.
Add additional pepper to taste.
The secret to these recipes is the cinnamon & seeds!!!
Enjoy buddy:
These recipes (and others I have) go back generations to multiple blood and ethnic lines.
The are unwritten. They are passed on thru tradition. When that fails dreams and prayers work best. Good Luck to the best place for Chik’n Catch A Tori in town (especially when you make it for me)
Luv yu guys: Always a friend: BAS Jacksonville Florida 32207.
In His Service:Acts chpts 12, 13 & 14 Proverbs chpt 10 & The prayer’s of St. Anthony
I hope you enjoyed the spaghetti and goulash mix (I sure did)
A formal setting wood be a round plate with 4 parts spaghetti on the outside and 1 part goulash in the center. What I brought you was a bit mixed. Any way here’s my latest creation; enjoy and if you can use any wait, cook, bus, bar, or whatever help let me know…I’m starving over here!!!
I would also like to talk to you about private parties. I have my own sound system for your upper deck…400 CD’s of all kinds of music…I cook with the best of them (meaning stove top in front of clients or in back) and I always leave them with a smile and a very, very unique experience. Let me know I’m really interested in using my skills to make some extra cash and watch people have a good time.
I also play harmonica. What I do is play the song they are used to hearing on the radio from my CD collection. I do backup. lead. or rhythm with the wind harp. Again, most people tell me they have never heard a harmonica played like that before. I have my own creations as well that suit the dinner atmosphere. Give me a try..it is one of a kind.
Seez Meez & Cheez Menu Recipes:
Main Course Skin’d & Seez’d Chik’n
Remove excessive fat and skin from any cut
Pierce Chicken with fork to open & tenderize
Coat with light layer of Extra virgin olive oil
Season with (in order):
Adobo, Onion Powder, Montreal Steak, Garlic Powder, Carraway Seed
Cinnamon, and Sesame Seeds on top.
Bake to desired choice
Cut into bite size pieces and moisten with Balsamic Vinaigrette and serve.
Salad Dressing: Meez Casa Rosa:
For ½ head of lettuce and assortments & garnishments:
6TSP mayo
6 TSP Dijon Mustard
12- TSP Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette (with virgin olive oil)
6 – Fluid ounces B&G roasted peppers (garlic and onion)
Add in same seasoning as for the chicken (less the olive oil)
This wets their appetite as they try to figure out the taste of the awesome salad
They get the main course and side dish and it has the same zing (cool to see ‘em react)
Side Dish: Cheez Lueez
Macaroni and chese dish with the same seasoning as main course.
Add additional pepper to taste.
The secret to these recipes is the cinnamon & seeds!!!
Enjoy buddy:
These recipes (and others I have) go back generations to multiple blood and ethnic lines.
The are unwritten. They are passed on thru tradition. When that fails dreams and prayers work best. Good Luck to the best place for Chik’n Catch A Tori in town (especially when you make it for me)
Luv yu guys: Always a friend: BAS Jacksonville Florida 32207.
In His Service:Acts chpts 12, 13 & 14 Proverbs chpt 10 & The prayer’s of St. Anthony
Friday, August 22, 2008
Home
Lenny # 7
Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble : Guitar, Vocals, Bass and Percussion.
Bryan A. Stross : Lyrics, Harmonica
Home, Home Sweet Home again.
Home, Home Sweet Home again.
These days I don’t know anymore,
I just don’t know.
Home, Home,
Home, I long to go Home.
Please, Please hear me babe,
I want to go Home and there I’ll stay.
BREAK
Back, back in the valley.
Back, back in the valley.
Now I know the reason,
The reason you stayed away.
Come back babe, I want to go Home,
I just want to go Home !
Back to your waiting arms,
To have & hold all the way Home.
BREAK
Don’t leave me this way.
Don’t leave me this way.
Oh no, oh no, no no,
Don’t do me that way.
Just come Home,
Back to me where we’ll stay.
Oh Home, Home,
I long to be Home.
© BAS 8/22/08 10:00 PM EST … :} …
Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble : Guitar, Vocals, Bass and Percussion.
Bryan A. Stross : Lyrics, Harmonica
Home, Home Sweet Home again.
Home, Home Sweet Home again.
These days I don’t know anymore,
I just don’t know.
Home, Home,
Home, I long to go Home.
Please, Please hear me babe,
I want to go Home and there I’ll stay.
BREAK
Back, back in the valley.
Back, back in the valley.
Now I know the reason,
The reason you stayed away.
Come back babe, I want to go Home,
I just want to go Home !
Back to your waiting arms,
To have & hold all the way Home.
BREAK
Don’t leave me this way.
Don’t leave me this way.
Oh no, oh no, no no,
Don’t do me that way.
Just come Home,
Back to me where we’ll stay.
Oh Home, Home,
I long to be Home.
© BAS 8/22/08 10:00 PM EST … :} …
Tornadoes in Jacksonville, Florida
I have been in two tornadoes in South West Michigan when I was a young boy. I watched our chicken coup explode in front of my eyes looking out the front door of our farm house (which was about 200 yards away) in one of them. After the other one there was a 10 -20 foot path cut threw our vineyard (which was 80 acres square). The posts and vines were intact (with scattered grapes) outside of this path. However, in the path was nothing except a few shattered posts. Needless to say it was quite an education in the power of these freaks of nature.
Channel 4 WJXT is doing a great job in tracking these current events and explaining things to its’ viewers. Thank you so much for the coverage and information. Your technology, mapping and video is fascinating and really awesome.
Three things to look for in these sudden and deadly weather events; it will get dead calm before you hear the sound like a train (which is the swirling wind) as you explained. So, if it is raining or windy, that’s a good thing. However, if it is calm keep your ears open for thundering wispy type wind gusts. Sometimes they are barely audible in the distance. Obviously as they get closer the sound intensifies and the calm quickly turns to chaos.
Also, as far as the sky what you look for is bright sky to dark sky with the clouds perhaps moving from south to north to your east and north to south in the west. That is for this particular set of storms we are having this afternoon. What you are seeing is the edge.
There was a clear path from Bayard thru Sawgrass, Baymeadows, UNF, St. Nicolas & Glynlea, Downtown, then on to, the Airport and Hilliard skirting the Arlington Express Way and Ft. Caroline. This is classic movement as it formed first in North East St Johns county thru Duval and on to Hilliard and South Georgia before dissipating (thank God).
It was dead calm in my area for well over a 30 minute period from about 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. It was bright towards downtown and dark towards UNF. At one point at about 2:45 PM the winds swirled as I previously described and I faintly heard the wind rumble. Needless to say I was ready to hit the bathroom area (my dog was already in there), and I thought I saw the beginning of a funnel cloud to my north (it only dipped for about 10 seconds). Fortunately this passed, but I expect this watch to continue thru tonight.
I once again thank you for your coverage, I hope you find this information helpful and worthy of your consideration. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been in the path of this latest storm, especially Sunny Brook Nursing Home.
Please be safe and continue to keep us informed.
Sincerely:
Bryan A. Stross
St. Nicolas area of Jacksonville, Florida 32207
3:30 PM EST August 22, 2008
P.S. I’m thankful to have electricity thru this. I hope those without are properly prepared.
I’ve had 12 inches of rain in my backyard collector in the last 24 hours …
Channel 4 WJXT is doing a great job in tracking these current events and explaining things to its’ viewers. Thank you so much for the coverage and information. Your technology, mapping and video is fascinating and really awesome.
Three things to look for in these sudden and deadly weather events; it will get dead calm before you hear the sound like a train (which is the swirling wind) as you explained. So, if it is raining or windy, that’s a good thing. However, if it is calm keep your ears open for thundering wispy type wind gusts. Sometimes they are barely audible in the distance. Obviously as they get closer the sound intensifies and the calm quickly turns to chaos.
Also, as far as the sky what you look for is bright sky to dark sky with the clouds perhaps moving from south to north to your east and north to south in the west. That is for this particular set of storms we are having this afternoon. What you are seeing is the edge.
There was a clear path from Bayard thru Sawgrass, Baymeadows, UNF, St. Nicolas & Glynlea, Downtown, then on to, the Airport and Hilliard skirting the Arlington Express Way and Ft. Caroline. This is classic movement as it formed first in North East St Johns county thru Duval and on to Hilliard and South Georgia before dissipating (thank God).
It was dead calm in my area for well over a 30 minute period from about 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. It was bright towards downtown and dark towards UNF. At one point at about 2:45 PM the winds swirled as I previously described and I faintly heard the wind rumble. Needless to say I was ready to hit the bathroom area (my dog was already in there), and I thought I saw the beginning of a funnel cloud to my north (it only dipped for about 10 seconds). Fortunately this passed, but I expect this watch to continue thru tonight.
I once again thank you for your coverage, I hope you find this information helpful and worthy of your consideration. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been in the path of this latest storm, especially Sunny Brook Nursing Home.
Please be safe and continue to keep us informed.
Sincerely:
Bryan A. Stross
St. Nicolas area of Jacksonville, Florida 32207
3:30 PM EST August 22, 2008
P.S. I’m thankful to have electricity thru this. I hope those without are properly prepared.
I’ve had 12 inches of rain in my backyard collector in the last 24 hours …
Explanations
It’s 5:15 AM EST in Northeast Florida August 22nd, 2008. Do you know where your mind is?
Well, mine is on a song or two and the fact there is a tropical storm camped over this area that has been dumping wheel barrels full of rain and 50 mile an hour gusts of wind for a day and a half and I’m thanking God I still have electricity because my laptops battery pack doesn’t work and my gas grill doesn’t work although I have a full tank of propane.
As a matter of fact my laptop hasn’t worked right for a week or so. I’ve got so many viruses on it that it has livs…laptop infected virus syndrome. Yes, at times it has a mind of its’ own. I can’t control what it does, it just does it.
In a way that explains the last three years of my life. This is about the time three years ago that I started having life changing episodes occur that affected my family, friends and faith.
My family and friends are exasperated with helping me when these “episodes” cause hardships for me. My family and friends are hoping that I will get back on my feet (again), find steady work, live a normal life, and play a productive part in society. I agree with that and can think of no other useful goal than that for myself.
It is a grand goal that will be hard to accomplish. I am two months behind in all my bills to the tune of three thousand dollars or so. I do not have a job. My car is not drivable and my truck is barely drivable with various items in need of repair and only a quarter tank of gas. I have $65 to my name at this point with one job interview on Monday.
But I have hope. At least I have a roof over my head, electricity and water (for now), and food in the refrigerator. I have a good friend who has been with me thru a lot and to be honest I don’t know why she still cares for me or even spends any time with me. But she does and for that I am most grateful. Being totally alone thru a lot of this would have been incredibly difficult if not impossible. I must say my sister and my son have played a huge part in keeping me going and realizing that no matter how low or high I got they loved me and were always there for me and pulling for me to “recover”. Out of all the friends I’ve had and lost there are two that have been there at times too. They’ve tried to understand me and console me on the occasional outings we’ve had as they have also had their highs and lows thru their lives. Thanks you guys I love you endlessly and eternally and my deepest wish is to repay all of you in some way, but most of all by meeting the before mentioned goal to stabilize my life.
But what all of you must know is that over the past three years I have had major uplifting moments and also huge strains put on my faith. When the highs hit me I’m a free spirit absorbing the world around me, creating, doing and saying things I never thought possible. And when the lows grab me I feel all is lost and that I have been deserted by the graces I once felt drive me. But always, always I have returned to that faith for it is not just faith in yourself or your family and friends, but faith in something larger at work that protects you when you do the outlandish, guides you when you feel lost, consoles you when you feel depressed, pushes you to the next chapter of your life and opens doors of understanding previously hidden and locked.
As I started I have two songs in my head. One is “Green Grass and High Tides” by the Outlaws of Tampa, Florida and the other is “Tick Tock” by Stevie Ray Vaughn of Austin, Texas. Both of these songs speak to me in mystical ways that I can not describe. Listen to them; I hope you feel the same “magic” in them as I do. And if not listen again, it will come to you if you desire for it.
All my love…Bryan ...:}…
In His Majesties Service:
Psalm 27, Luke 13, Job 10, 1st Samuel 4, Luke 14, Revelations 6
The Book of Malachi
Amen
Well, mine is on a song or two and the fact there is a tropical storm camped over this area that has been dumping wheel barrels full of rain and 50 mile an hour gusts of wind for a day and a half and I’m thanking God I still have electricity because my laptops battery pack doesn’t work and my gas grill doesn’t work although I have a full tank of propane.
As a matter of fact my laptop hasn’t worked right for a week or so. I’ve got so many viruses on it that it has livs…laptop infected virus syndrome. Yes, at times it has a mind of its’ own. I can’t control what it does, it just does it.
In a way that explains the last three years of my life. This is about the time three years ago that I started having life changing episodes occur that affected my family, friends and faith.
My family and friends are exasperated with helping me when these “episodes” cause hardships for me. My family and friends are hoping that I will get back on my feet (again), find steady work, live a normal life, and play a productive part in society. I agree with that and can think of no other useful goal than that for myself.
It is a grand goal that will be hard to accomplish. I am two months behind in all my bills to the tune of three thousand dollars or so. I do not have a job. My car is not drivable and my truck is barely drivable with various items in need of repair and only a quarter tank of gas. I have $65 to my name at this point with one job interview on Monday.
But I have hope. At least I have a roof over my head, electricity and water (for now), and food in the refrigerator. I have a good friend who has been with me thru a lot and to be honest I don’t know why she still cares for me or even spends any time with me. But she does and for that I am most grateful. Being totally alone thru a lot of this would have been incredibly difficult if not impossible. I must say my sister and my son have played a huge part in keeping me going and realizing that no matter how low or high I got they loved me and were always there for me and pulling for me to “recover”. Out of all the friends I’ve had and lost there are two that have been there at times too. They’ve tried to understand me and console me on the occasional outings we’ve had as they have also had their highs and lows thru their lives. Thanks you guys I love you endlessly and eternally and my deepest wish is to repay all of you in some way, but most of all by meeting the before mentioned goal to stabilize my life.
But what all of you must know is that over the past three years I have had major uplifting moments and also huge strains put on my faith. When the highs hit me I’m a free spirit absorbing the world around me, creating, doing and saying things I never thought possible. And when the lows grab me I feel all is lost and that I have been deserted by the graces I once felt drive me. But always, always I have returned to that faith for it is not just faith in yourself or your family and friends, but faith in something larger at work that protects you when you do the outlandish, guides you when you feel lost, consoles you when you feel depressed, pushes you to the next chapter of your life and opens doors of understanding previously hidden and locked.
As I started I have two songs in my head. One is “Green Grass and High Tides” by the Outlaws of Tampa, Florida and the other is “Tick Tock” by Stevie Ray Vaughn of Austin, Texas. Both of these songs speak to me in mystical ways that I can not describe. Listen to them; I hope you feel the same “magic” in them as I do. And if not listen again, it will come to you if you desire for it.
All my love…Bryan ...:}…
In His Majesties Service:
Psalm 27, Luke 13, Job 10, 1st Samuel 4, Luke 14, Revelations 6
The Book of Malachi
Amen
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