creAtive phil

Mowing

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Yesterday I mowed my yard for the first time this year. I love mowing! Sure, you basically spend a couple of hours going around in circles, but there is a clear path to follow and you know when the job is finished. Wouldn't it be nice if life was like that?

On second thought, the unexpected turns and new directions are what make life interesting. Besides, who would want to be stuck in their own yard all time? Life's an adventure, not a chore. I guess God knew what He was doing after all.

I've Been Bad

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:37:00 +0000

OK, so where have I been for the past month? All over! Sorry I haven't kept this up-to-date. Here's a few highlights...

• There are two more episodes of the podcast up at both youTube and www.LivingTheLyrics.com.

• You can now go directly to my facebook page at www.facebook.com/creAtivephil

• Pam's book is FINISHED, YEAH!!!! It is all approved and at the printers. The official street release date is July 28. There is a sneak peek of the first chapter at www.WalkingMiracle.com/writing. While you're there, go ahead and pre-order a copy - you're gonna love it.

• So much more, but I've gotta run. Catch ya soon!

New Podcast Posted.

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:01:00 +0000

Episode #2 of our new video podcast is up and running. Watch it at www.LivingTheLyrics.com.

Drum Roll Please...

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Hey everybody, sorry I've been silent for a while, but I've been busy with our new project! Today we are launching our new VIDEO PODCAST!! Every first and third Tuesday, join me for about five minutes as I share the stories behind your favorite songs. The podcast website is www.LivingTheLyrics.com and the first episode is right here...

We're on YouTube, sort of...

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:29:00 +0000

I was browsing eMusic the other evening (one of my favorite sites for non-mainstream music) and I typed our names in the search box. Sure enough, up popped several of our albums. I scrolled down the page and there in the "Dig Deeper on the Net" were two videos on YouTube. It didn't take long to see the lady in the picture was not Pam, but instead Amanda Darst singing two of our songs at her church's New Years Eve service. How cool is that? You can check them out at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g11K9JiRYnw and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1kVv27ulzs

While you're at it, stop by http://www.emusic.com/artist/Phil-Pam-Morgan-MP3-Download/12087518.html and give us a plug! Just click on an album and write a review so folks browsing can have some personal feedback on our music. Thank you, thank you!

And The Winner Is...

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:05:00 +0000

I know there are awards for people who design buildings and bridges and such, but I have one that will put them all to shame. Anyone who can design a four foot round table and four chairs that fits in a box 8 inches tall and 15 inches wide, with all the pieces nestled together so tightly it doesn't need any styrofoam packing pieces and can be assembled with one allen wrench is a genius in my book.

You got my vote!

You Can Quote Me On This

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:57:00 +0000

I have a photographic memory. The problem is, I ran out of film years ago.

Fount of Knowledge

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:50:00 +0000

This morning after our concert, some wonderful folks invited us to lunch at their house. All I can say is, YUM!! While we were munching, our host asked, "Where do tilapia come from?"

I quickly answered, "The ocean."

"No," he said, "I mean, what part of the world do they come from?"

"Probably somewhere in 2/3s covered by water."

No wonder my kids call me a walking encylopedia.

(RJ, this one's for you!)

Thinking Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:28:00 +0000

At breakfast my youngest daughter said, "I should grow my hair long and then have it cut and made into a wig. Then when I'm old and gray I can wear it and say, 'Yes, this is my real hair.'"

Always thinking...

The Power of Socks

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:33:00 +0000

My attire today was completely determined by my socks. Let me explain.

This morning I headed into my closet on autopilot. The next thing I knew, I was wearing a pair of black socks instead of the the white ones I had intended on. I said to myself, “Oh no, now I can’t where my white tennis shoes.’”

“No problem, I’ll wear my brown loafers.” I casually replied.

“What pants go with these shoes?”

“How about the gray jeans?”

“Excellent choice. What shirt goes with the jeans?

“There’s a nice burgundy pullover.”

“I think you’re right, good show!”

This exchange brings up two very valid points. One, I talk to myself way too much. And two, if my life is this complicated with just black and white socks, I should never buy any additional colors.

Tipping The Scale

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Before our service last Sunday morning I made my obligatory stop at the men's room. When I turned to leave, I noticed a first - there in the corner was a set of bathroom scales. I've been watching my weight, so I can't pass a scale without a quick check. Of course, I always weigh with my clothes off. It probably would have been better if this had been a one person bathroom.

I'm sure glad they didn't put the scale out in the hallway.

Read ALL The Directions

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Ok, I'm a man. That should be enough explanation for what follows.

I decided to hang a ceiling fan in our new downstairs guest bedroom. If you've never installed one of these, it sounds like a simple job. It's just a motor with blades hanging from the ceiling, right? Dream on. I opened the box and was immediately confronted with a surprising number of unassembled parts and a 40 page manual. On the first page of the booklet were the words "READ ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION." Who do they think they are talking to? I'm a guy. I don't want to read, I want to build something. Is the fact they used all capital letters supposed to make me pay more attention? Nice try, bub.

I waded thru the first few pages, attaching hub A thru cover B and cover ring C to shaft D with screws E,F & G, while holding bracket H out of the way and removing and then replacing set screw J. A few more pictures with big arrows would have been helpful, but things were coming along nicely. This is until page 8 where it said, "If installing on a ceiling lower than 8 ft, skip sections 3 thru 6 on page 4." Two problems here, my ceiling is lower than 8 ft and sections 3 thru 6 included screwing together the pieces with the special coating so they won't come apart while the fan is spinning. Rest assured friends, there is NO chance of this baby coming apart, now or at any time in the future.

So, the fan is up and running, though not at the recommended low ceiling height. I think I'll put some yellow and black caution tape on the blades so my taller friends won't get whacked in the head. Oh, and we have a new house rule - no hats in the basement. It's for your own safety.

Why Pianists Should Avoid Sharp Objects

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:41:00 +0000

I know better. In fact, I've told my kids numerous times. Cutting rule #1: When using a knife always cut AWAY from yourself.

One night last week I was rehanging the doors we had painted in the basement. A little extra paint on the door frames was enough to keep the hinges from fitting completely in their designated spots. No problem, I'll just use my utility knife to cut away the excess. Dried paint where you don't want it is tough stuff, so I was having to put quite a bit of muscle into carving out the openings. Sometime in this process, I forgot cutting rule #1. Sure enough, my knife slipped off the frame and went directly into the pointer finger of my left hand. Big ouchy.

I cleaned out the cut and taped everything tightly back in place. No more bleeding, but there was a good bit of throbbing. I found that felt better if I held my hand over my head. Pam tried to be sympathetic, but she still chuckled as I walked by in my Statue of Liberty pose.

On a final medical note. If you happen to accidently make an incision in an appendage and the skin is gaping pretty wide, super-glue really does work! Just don't try to type until it is completely dry. That's another story.

My Future Politician

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:20:00 +0000

My youngest daughter had a friend over to the house to play a few days ago. I was working in the basement that day, but on a break I headed into my office to check e-mails. Much to my surprise, they had converted the area under my desk into a stuffed animal jungle. It looked like an explosion at the Build-A-Bear factory. I turned to leave and noticed my small notepad holder holding not notepads but about a half dozen screws with a screwdriver next to it. I called my daughter in, pointed and asked "What's this?"

"Oh, we found those." she replied.

I know her too well and a bit more prodding produced the rest of the facts. The part she told me was true. The part she didn't mention was where she found them - in the brackets holding the desk together. Fortunately, the desk didn't fall down on top of them during their time of discovery and dismantling.

I have to admit, she is very creative, even with telling the truth. Pray for me!

New Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:38:00 +0000

Hey Everybody,

Yes, it's me - back from my extended blog sabbatical. There has been a ton of stuff happening around here, so I'll do my best to get you up-to-date. For now, I'm rested (sort of), refreshed, and ready to launch into a great 2009. Hang on, the ride is just beginning!

We're Not Lost???

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 04:49:00 +0000

We just visited 5 states in under 24 hours! We started from Missouri, then drove north to Iowa. We spent last night with my cousin, so that means we crossed over to his house in Nebraska. We had a great visit and wonderful food (Way to go Chris!!) This morning we headed out toward Minnesota, so it was back into Iowa again. Somewhere we took a wrong turn and saw the "Welcome to South Dakota" sign. Not to fear, we kept on going, eventually entered Minnesota and made it to our concert on time!

Oh, the adventure of life on the road...

Good Morning!

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

This morning when I took a drink from my bottle of water, the condensation left a neat little surprise on the coaster.

I think it's going to be a good day!

Shoes, Restrooms and Uncomfortable Moments

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

We had a great weekend with concerts at three new churches where we hadn't been before. We always love to meet new friends and met a bunch. Best of all, we were invited back to all three churches!!

On the way home Sunday night, we stopped at a gas station for some iced tea and a bathroom break. (I'll try not to give too much info here, but you need to picture the scene.) I buzzed into the room of rest where there were two sit downs and two stand ups. I was standing there doing my business when suddenly I heard this voice from the stall next to me say, "What kind of shoes are those?" Apparently my next door potty neighbor could see my feet from under the dividing wall.

OK folks, I think we all know that talking in the restroom is uncomfortable at best, and conversation with an unseen stranger doing "serious" business is just unheard of. What was I to do?

To be polite, I answered, "I don't know, I got them on the internet."

"They just slip on, that's pretty cool."

Oh no, now we are actually having a conversation - and I can hear the sounds of him doing his business in there. Gross.

"Yeah, I think life should be as easy as possible."

"That's good, especially since tomorrow's Monday."

Oh man, he's changed to a whole new subject. By now I'm rushing to wash my hands and make my escape, But it's my turn to talk and I can't just leave without saying something, that would be rude.

"Have a good evening."

I think he answered, but I was out the door as quick as possible. I passed another fellow going in as I was coming out and thought, "Good luck, buddy. Hope you like to chat."

I love people and love to visit with them, but if you are a guy and ever see a pair of white slip-on tennis shoes from under a bathroom divider wall, just store up those thoughts and send me an e-mail.

We're on FIRE!

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:54:00 +0000

Happy Monday all!

We are now using FeedBurner to distribute our blogs. They have a wonderful service that helps us track how effectively this information is getting out. If you are already a subscriber, please take a moment to re-subscribe using the button on the right so we can know you are out there!

If you haven't subscribed, why not sign up today? It is free and there are a ton of readers available. Click the orange button on the right for more info. Thanks so much!!

Just Do It!

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:07:00 +0000

I took the family to see the new movie by the FACING THE GIANTS folks this afternoon. Another fine Christian film, go see it. Excellent, except for the upcoming movie previews shown at our local theatre. There were several times I wanted to cover my kids eyes and ears. I guess that just shows how much a wholesome movie like FIREPROOF is needed today. It is time we Christians let our dollars show Hollywood that there is a market for quality, clean and moral entertainment.

This is opening weekend, which really counts in the movie business, so if possible go see this movie and let your voice be heard. Oh yeah, don't forget to take your hankie!

Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:58:00 +0000

Last Saturday I mentioned three bloggable moments and have only done two. Here's part three!

Last Friday we had the privilege of opening a concert for our dear friend Chris Filer. What a wonderful night as Chris introduced his two new CDs. One is a more of a straight forward positive country album and the other is more gospel focused. Great songs, great music, and what a voice!!! If you are like me and tired of the same old stuff that Christian radio keeps dishing out, you'll love these projects. But don't take my word for it (does this sound like an informercial?), check it out for yourself! You can download the projects at www.nimbitmusic.com/chrisfiler. You can also purchase the physical CDs by e-mailing "kfiler@embarqmail.com"

Get both, you'll love them. And tell 'em Phil sent ya!

Revelation

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:29:00 +0000

Last night at men's bible study I had one of those a-ha moments, a revelation. We are studying about "respectable sins," and how in God's eyes sin is sin, no matter the size. We discussed the way that sin is rarely mentioned in the world today. I brought up that the same thing has happened in the church. We used to sing hymns that were filled with references to sin and human depravity. We sang our praise of how great God is in response to admitting our base humanity and need for a savior. Now we sing a lot of songs about how great God is with no mention of us. Look at the middle verse of the classic hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul" -

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Now that's something to get excited about! Remember, grace isn't all that amazing unless you understand that a "wretch like me" is unworthy to receive it. I can't just point a finger at the church, I used to write a bunch of songs on this topic, but I haven't been lately. I think the general trend of society has rubbed off on me and I didn't even realize it.

But no more! I know what I must do. It's time to write more songs about sinning! (OK, that doesn't sound quite right, but you know what I mean.)

Ouch!!

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Saturday I installed a new screen/storm door on my mom's house. My youngest daughter was my assistant for this undertaking, and she was a huge help. She read all the instructions, (at least the ones in English), dug through bags of parts, and retrieved the multitude of screws I kept dropping. Dexterity on musical instruments does not necessarily translate to power tools, bummer.

We had a great time working together with only one slight mishap. Once Alisha bent down to pick up something at the same time I turned around and I whacked her in the head with my cordless screwdriver. Fortunately she is tough and it wasn't the pointy part, but she does have a nice bruise on her cheek. Oops!

I know it's not good to teach your kids to lie, but I told her if anybody asked about her bruise, it probably wasn't a good idea to say her dad hit her in the head with an electric drill.

Name That Tune

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:12:00 +0000

OK, yesterday's blog title was a line from a popular song. When my wife read it, she didn't get the reference. Are my references too obscure? Let's find out!

Send me an e-mail with the song title and composer (to Phil@PhilandPamMorgan.com) and I'll send you a Free mp3 song from our latest CD, "You Move Me." I know some people get behind in their blog reading, so I'll run this contest through the end of September 2008.

I can't wait to hear from you!!!

... as High as an Elephant's Eye

noreply@blogger.com (creative phil) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:24:00 +0000

I had three blogable moments today, but I'll post them one per day so you don't get blog fatigue.

Tonight I took my girls and one friend each to the huge corn maze in Liberty, MO. This is an annual tradition for us, but I think this was the best year ever. The maze was a tribute to the Kansas City Zoo and featured several animals. (For an aerial view of the maze, check out www.libertycornmaze.com) The abundance of rain this year must have been very good for the corn crop, because the corn was about ten feet tall - literally. Here is a photo of Kayla and her friend Rachael who are both about 5' 7". (Why is Rachael wearing a pink tutu? I find it better not to ask these things.)

In three hours we successfully navigated the 150 miles of maze, (it's probably closer to ten miles, but it seemed like a bunch more.) We found all 24 check points and only got hopelessly lost once! Fun times.