SG Treasures: "Hymn Sing" (Blackwood Bros)

A couple months ago, while looking through some of the archived records at KWFC Radio, I came across an old Blackwood Brothers album. It was a two record packaging, and it intrigued my interest. I looked it up online. Come to find out, it was their second recorded project, "Hymn Sing"... released in 1956!

My reaction was simple.... "WOW!" What a gem. I was thrilled. It's not often that you get to find something that might be considered rare.

I placed the album aside and made sure it was put up where it wouldn't get lost. It's just too special to get shoved away again.

Well, this week, while browsing my personal LP collection, I found I own it too!!! I'm happy...

~Matt

http://wolfewww.sghistory.com/index.php?n=B.Blackwood_Brothers_1950s

Camera Happy

Around the first of the month, Lydia and I were able to upgrade our iPhones at no cost, from a 3GS to 4S. It was exciting to have a phone that is now able to run faster and keep up with what I needed it to do. For a time, it would take longer than usual just to get the camera app up and ready to take a picture. It was frustrating.

With the new phone, I'm now able to quickly open the camera and take the shots I want! I'm happy. In fact, the we got the phones the day before I left for our church's men's camping trip. I was excited to be able to use it that weekend. It took great shots, and I'm very pleased with the quality. It also has a front-facing camera, which is neat when taking self-shots with the kids and Lydia. I'm also trying out those apps like SocialCam.

However, I forgot that there might be an issue with a better camera. You see, if it takes better shots, that means that the file size is larger. Yes, I knew it, but didn't really take it into consideration. That is, until over the past weekend.

Apparently, I have been very "camera happy" since I got the phone. I got it on the 6th, and by the 22nd, I had taken over 800 photos. Now granted, several were videos. There were several activities lately that contributed to the accumulation of pictures. We had a Family Day that included a trip to the zoo and pool. I took great shots, but I also took many photos! That was the beginning of my trouble.

My camera-roll syncs with my dropbox account, and I was notified that my I was nearing my limit. At first, I didn't understand it, and began going through my dropbox files, deleting and cleaning out unnecessary files. But that didn't really help. It wasn't until I clicked on the camera folder's properties that I finally understood. It was over 5gb!!! Wow! And that was less than a month's worth of files.

Sure enough, I had taken a lot of photos and it was taking up that much space. Oh my. So, I backed them up and I'm fine for now. I guess I need to be more aware!

~Matt

Before Clicking "Send"

Lydia and I text a lot. I try to send her notes throughout the day, and when she gets a break or takes lunch, I hear back from her. But that's not it… even in the mornings and evenings we communicate through our phones.

We constantly keep up with each other. Of course, we are best friends, and a married couple! Duh! ;)

There is one thing I've learned: check before clicking "SEND"

Sure, it sounds simple. Now, I'm not just meaning to check for spelling errors, but making sure that it's going to the right person. I have made the mistaking of sending "love notes" to others besides my wife! YIKES!

Thankfully, it's been with friends who have done the same thing when texting their wives. Whew, that's a relief. However, I'm more cautious now.

I wouldn't want any of my friends getting the wrong impression! lol!

~Matt

She Said "YES"!

Ten years ago today, I proposed to Lydia….

We had been dating for three months. I knew she was the one. It wasn't a hard decision. I was just hoping that she'd see me the same way when I asked her the question.

I was pretty certain that she'd say yes. We had talked about it, discussed it, etc. But there was still a bit of uncertainty. But, one presented… she said "YES!"

Whew.

I am blessed. There is no other woman like her. I'm sooooo glad she married me.

~Matt

Golf Towel Logo Design

When this post goes up, I should be out on the golf course. Unfortunately, I won't be playing the game, but helping out as part of KWFC's Golf Invitational. A neat event, it's something I've been involved in every year with graphics, media, etc. Let me explain…

Over the years, I've had the privilege of designing graphics for different things and products. I've done stained glass, t-shirts, packaging, even a NASCAR (Swing-vote)!

Just recently, I was assigned to coming up with a neat graphic for the golf towel to be given to those participating in my works tournament. Since it was to be stitched, we tried to think of big and simple. We had several concepts, and finally decided on the look.

Now, I think it looks awesome!!! But, I'm a bit biased.

~Matt

Mysia's Ear-bud Clip Idea

Several months ago, Mysia spent her birthday money on a mp3 music player. To help her out, we purchased some ear-buds for her. She was thrilled. However, she quickly discovered how easily they get tangled. Her solution... a hair clip!

She's a genius!

I was getting frustrated with my ear-buds too. So, I asked if she an extra one that wouldn't look too odd for a guy to use. Excitedly, she ran to her room and brought back a clear one that works perfect. "Now you're like me" she proudly exclaimed.

Anyway, it's such a neat idea, I figured I'd share. It just might end up on Pinterest. Who knows, perhaps this could become a trend!

~Matt

Summer Reading

I love to read. However, I don't have as much time to devote to it as I used to. I used to read books all the time. Now, it seems that most of my reading is done on the internet. Yes, I get sucked into reading news articles and blogs. Plus, there's Facebook...

Once again, the local library system is doing a summer reading program! Besides the kids, Lydia and I will try and take part. Lydia has already got the reading charts for the Mysia and Malachi.

We enjoyed taking part of the program last year, but I didn't do as well. I'm hoping that this year will be better. It's not required that the books be from the library, and since I read books on my Nook Tablet, there is a possibility that I can add to the list this summer. I also have a few new books in my home library that I need to read.

Mysia and Malachi have already started. So to keep up, I better get started!!!

~Matt

Getting Some Rest

Over the past weekend, I got to go camping with Malachi and get rest. It was great to get away from the 'normal' stuff. Even though we were active doing things at the campsite and going fishing, I actually did get rest. I had the chance to visit and not worry about the things that needed accomplished at home. No projects, chores, or anything!

I also had the time to take notes and let my mind wonder, without any rush on anything pressing. Yes... my mind was on vacation! It felt great.

Some of those thoughts may appear here. At least, that's the plan! Ha!

~Matt

One Letter Mistake

I found out that one letter could become a costly mistake. I'm constantly designing things at work… that's my job. It's why I was hired. Often, I'm working on several projects at a time. Sometimes, several projects are combined as one. This was the case!

Since the end of last year, I had a design for the upcoming "Summer Celebration Concert" in July. I did the design for the calendar that was printed before January. As the concert date was approaching, I started working on the web banners, email banners, poster, and tickets. Many projects of the same basic design.

Of course, as long as one is correct, the others should be fine too. Well, that's in theory. I also use templates from previous projects, like the last concert's tickets for example. And that's were the trouble showed up.

While fixing the date on the new tickets, I put an "N" where a "L" should have been. Now sure, right now that doesn't sound so bad… right? It does when you consider that it was the date. Once printed, we noticed the mistake.

The ticket said "JUN" when it should have said "JUL"……

UGH!!! We had to do a reprint! It was a good reminder that we need to proof it with more eyes than just mine.

I'm guessing that there could be a great object lesson from this. Something like: proof the things you do before going ahead.

I think I'll stick with trying not to make the mistake again!

~Matt

Teacher, Teacher… I declare!

The other day while walking out of the grocery store, I saw something I didn't really want to see. But it was too horrible and funny not to notice.

There was a couple in front of me, walking to their car hand in hand. The guys shorts were practically falling off and I could tell the designs on his boxers. His shorts were almost to his shoes. In fact, they were covering more of his socks then his boxers!

If that wasn't bad enough, the gal had super-tight Capris on. It's not like she wasn't out of shape, but they were so tight that it accentuated her love-handles, giving her thighs a ripple effect. She didn't really have fat rolls, but it sure gave the appearance of it. And what's worse… it was obvious that she was wearing a thong!

You don't know how much I wanted to just walk up to them both and congratulate them for at least wearing UNDERWEAR!

Perhaps I could have suggested that they change apparel. It might have worked. But alas… I could do nothing. I was wearing a shirt with my work logo on it. ;)

~Matt

How To Treat Your Wife

"The way his father treats his mother is what will influence a son the most."

Now there is a provoking quote. To be honest, I've often heard it said in different ways, yet the thought still hits home. I've heard it talked about, preached, and lectured.

How a father treats is wife will effect how his son treats other women. It also effects how the son treats his mother. There should be compassion, respect, and gratitude. All those are part of "LOVE".

I can't tell others what they are doing wrong, or even what they are doing right. I just think of it this way: Step back, take a look from your son's eyes. How would he want his daddy treating his mom? Just think of how your father was. How did he treat your mom? Whether good or bad, he was an example to you. As an observant son, I'm sure most knew what was the best way a mother reacted to a father's actions.

As father, this is your chance, treat your wife the correct way. Your reputation to your son is on the line. Be the best. Try your hardest. Make your son proud. It is truly a great influence!

~Matt


PS   Another thought: Your daughter will take notice too. Most likely, she'll want a man that will treat her the way her dad treated her mother. This is your chance to someday gain a great son-in-law!