Time for a run

Ok. So I haven't seriously ran since I graduated from high school (Geez, its already been two years, doesn't seem like it's been that long), currently I jog a mile or two every couple of days, but nothing competitive at all. Anywho. I plan on being competitive in Lindenwood's upcoming 5k run/walk in October, so just to see where I am at currently I pushed myself to run an entire 5k this morning nonstop and managed make it in at 27 minutes. . .so I will keep pushing myself until October, and I will not be disappointed with any time I get, 27 is a pretty decent time, especially first time with no competition pushing me. I will keep I Corinthians 9:24-27 in mind as I train:

     " Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, 

but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. 

Athletes exercise self-control in all things; 

they do it to receive a perishable garland, but we an imperishable one. 

So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; 

but I punish my body and enslave it,

 so that after proclaiming to others 

I myself should not be disqualified."

"Exercise self-control in all things," that is an interesting thought. I am reminded of what the Greek philosopher/physician/scientist Aristotle said on excellence:

    "We are what we repeatedly do; 

Excellence ,therefore, is not an act but a habit" 

As with my athletic training I plan on staying disciplined with my spiritual training and not get side-tracked during this upcoming school year. Who I am is not who I was, and I will not be the fool that returns to his folly. I've got my eye on the prize and I will not be deterred this time around. I will rejoice in the Lord at all times in all circumstances for by His grace I am saved, and by His grace I will be provided for, there is nothing more I need. The Lord is my Shepard. I shall not want.

God Bless,

   Poncho

Major Change

Literally. I just changed majors not too long ago after much prayer and speaking with folks with experience and wisdom. Formally, I was a Music Education and Percussion Performance dual major. After realizing the lessened market for teachers, and that all of the people I have always sought to emulate have been men like Warren Buffett and Richard Branson I decided to switch out the Music Education degree path for a degree in Business Administration (which is a fairly broad degree).

Life is good right now. My God has blessed me, and I am highly favored.

Recent Projects:
   Made myself a new messenger bag with discount fabrics from JoAnn's
   Sewed my sneakers back together
Current Projects:
   LeaveMeAlone Box
   Lyre 2.0

God Bless,
   Poncho

Current Project in Luthiery: Lyre 2.0

So I started designing my second lyre/harp instrument. I am basing it somewhat off of everything that I did not like about the first lyre I made, and everything I like about the Kithara. In the first lyre (or Fran as I named it after my late Grandmother) I was heavily influenced by the way Violins and Archtop Guitars are made, as in utilizing an arched soundboard and a floating bridge/tailpiece. Lyre 2.0 (as it is yet to be named) will feature a similar arched top, slightly bowed arms, more strings (not sure how many yet), and will be over double the size of Fran. Also when I made Fran I tried to use as few pieces of wood as possible, and successfully carved a lyre out of two pieces of wood hollowed out and glued together. Lyre 2.0 will be fundamentally made out of three separate pieces: The Body, The Soundboard, and the Back (other small parts will include the bridge, nut, etc.  .  .)

For this build I am working with Padouk wood that I acquired from Rockler Woodworking (I love that store so very much. . .). For those that don't know, Padouk is an excellent tonewood and can often be found utilized for marimba and xylophone bars when Rosewood is too pricey an option. Also it is a beautiful redish color naturally.

Other News:
   Currently Practicing: Mozart Sonata 1 for piano
   Currently Reading: The Music Lesson by Victor Wooten
   Currently Contemplating: Why I am still awake at this time
   Currently Enjoying: a cup of warm tea and God's grace.
   Currently Pandering: "A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men" - Prov 18:16
                 -(was Solomon talking about bribes and royal gifts or talents that bring a man before great men? I have always interpreted as talent, and will probably continue to do so.)

test post

this is a test of your visual senses. can you read this?


Good. You are good. I approve of you and acknowledge your existence. Have a nice day!

The new site!

I'm Currently working on a new site for my professional endeavors, and I'll tell you what its a blast.

Wix.com provides an intuitive yet highly adaptable and open platform for creating nearly any kind of site you could imagine. More posts to come. . . .

http://www.wix.com/dml089/DLowe



EDIT: The new address is now http://www.AuralArtistry.com