Category Archives: photography

Yesterday’s Banjo Shindig

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It was a long and busy day. I got to meet a lot of old friends for the very first time.

I always enjoy teaching and I love working with my dad, but I think the best part of the day for me was when I took a break and everybody in the room kept on making music and sharing with each other. A room full of strangers suddenly felt like a family gathering.

Thanks to the nice folks at Bedford Banjo Shop for sponsoring the event. Folks, if you are in the market for a banjo give Mike a call.

A big thank you and a high-five to Randy from Ohio for making the trip to help out. You are turning into one heck of a teacher, my friend.

Most of all, thanks to Amy for her love and support.

I am still worn out, so Invictus the cat and I are going to curl up together and watch a B-movie.

God bless,
-Patrick

Sunshine and Shadow

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This morning, after church, Amy and I went for a walk in the gardens at the Benedictine monastery. I have been hurting so bad lately that I haven’t been out hiking very much, so being out in the sunshine with the flowers and bees was a real treat.
bee butterfly

Friday’s trip to Johns Hopkins did not bring us much good news. I am in a lot of pain, but the doctor is unsure as to the cause. He commented that the operations and infections have left everything in a chronic pain state and suggested we look for a pain specialist.

I have been through pretty much this exact song and dance with Hopkins before, so I think it is time to look for a second opinion. The only problem is that I don’t have any idea where to go for that second opinion. it is incredibly frustrating to have gone through so many operations only to end up deaf and in pain just like I started.

Right now I have to focus on getting ready for the May 11 workshop and the Banjo Retreat. I am in a lot of pain, but I am also surrounded by blessings. A loving wife, an amazing family, friends all over the world, a Maine coon cat and a hedgehog. I am the luckiest man alive.

As I write this my ear is starting to hurt like hell again. I think I will curl up on the couch with Amy, Invictus and Quinoa and watch my old VHS copy of A Night at the Opera. Tomorrow I will start tracking down a pain specialist and think about other places to look for help. If I am up to it, I will try to knock out a Daily Frail workshop.

Goodnight and God bless,
-Patrick

Hopkins Again Tomorrow

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Amy is running me up to Johns Hopkins again tomorrow.

I have been in a lot of pain, which makes it hard to work, but Invictus the cat has been good company. He loves to sit out on the patio with me while I play my banjo for the local mockingbirds.

mockingbird Invictus

This weekend I will be gearing up for our workshop in Bedford, PA. I have not seen Dear Old Dad for a few weeks so making music with him and all of you will be wonderful!

If you are planning on joining us for the workshop and jam please drop me a note. I have some great ideas for workshop topics, but I would love to hear your thoughts. You can leave a comment here, send an email to ask.patrick@gmail.com or text me at 703-371-5069.

Tomorrow is going to be a long and painful day for me, but I will get through it by thinking happy thoughts about seeing so many of you in person.

God bless,
-Patrick

Virginia Bluebells

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Amy and I woke up before dawn and ran out to the stone bridge at Manassas National Battlefield so we could see the bluebells.

Little Signs of Spring

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Easter

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skyline drive

After a nice sunrise service, Amy and I picked up her dad and the three of us took a cruise along the Skyline Drive.

When we started our trip the rangers told us to be careful as there was a fog bank rolling across the mountains. Undaunted, we forged ahead and found ourselves on a trip where the mountain views were constantly changed by the swirling mist. One moment all would be nothing but white and then, slowly, the trees and valleys would come into view only to vanish again with the next gust of wind.

clouds

valley

I thought rolling from moments of complete confusion to moments of breathtaking clarity was a perfect way to spend Easter.

Christ is Risen!

Happy Easter, everybody!

God bless,
-Patrick