Happy New Year

As we enter the waning hours of the year I suppose some reflection is in order. The question was raised on another site and I echoed it here as to whether or not Piping was in a recession. I put together and posted a little survey. Judging from the responses I can only assume that Pipers are far too busy to take time to reply (read prosperity) or they can no longer afford their internet connection!

This got me thinking (very dangerous). There really are many different economies to consider. If you work for a large company you haven’t seen a raise, probably have experienced some manner of work furlough, and possibly a cut in wages and or benefits, all the while experiencing no cut in living expenses. This economy really sucks!

On the other hand, if you are self employed and you service a local need you are probably doing rather well. You have not experienced any reduction of income and so your purchasing power relative to your neighbor who is sweating out a “pink slip” in his next check has improved.

For example, you are the village Piper. People continue to die (sad but inevitable) and you are continuing to pipe them home. People are depressed about the current economy, but they continue to socialize at the pubs, one of the last amenities surrendered. So, you continue to get gigs there. Now your compensation may not always be in cash (maybe car repairs, meals, chickens, pigs, etc.) but you are still compensated.

Maybe we need to reorganize our society around the micro economy, rather than the macro economy and let the bankers and brokers eat each other.

Just my thoughts at the end of a rather remarkable year. Regardless, have a Happy and far more prosperous 2010.

Slainte,
Pops

A peaceful Saturday

White Tanks Cemetery is frequently defamed by the media. It is a place where the poor often go as well as those who are “unknown” or "unclaimed". It is Maricopa County's "Potter's Field" and it is maintained and improved out of a very tight county budget, the landscaping lagging behind the burials by years.

But those resting here are not forgotten. All life is sacred and no passing should ever go unnoticed or unmourned. As you can see in the attached video, there are such humble markers as poor families can afford, and judging from the fresh flowers and arrangements I find there every Saturday these graves are visited frequently by loved ones.

Piping recession?

I read a post earlier this morning questioning whether or not piping was in a recession. Asking if the "Brave heart effect" is wearing off. I guess I was oblivious to the Brave Heart effect! Still it is a valid question in general. If "Paying the Piper" is an option, are we doing more or less than before the crash? In areas like funeral piping where cost is not usually a determining factor how are you doing? Wedding piping is a little more discretionary but still the cost of the piper is not a large percentage of the total cost (usually). Parties and special events may be impacted? And how are receipts from the ever popular pub crawling (not that we would ever cut back on the most fun item!), up or down? I've posted a a little questionnaire and hopefully we can all get some feedback.

Slainte

Veteran's Day Parade

Well... it seems that on my last visit to the cemetery I managed give my right knee a pretty good twist. While it is bad enough to have to put up with the discomfort, I have now missed the Veteran's Day parade in Anthem yesterday, and will in all likelihood miss the Veteran's Day Parade in Tempe as well. El Zaribah Shrine is participating in both! I just cannot bring myself to pipe from a "float". It just doesn't seem right.

While getting old is better than the only known alternative, it is beginning to have some draw backs!

El Zaribah Shrine Ceremonial

Saturday I had the honor and pleasure of piping for the El Zaribah Shrine's fall class of 2009 initiation. Seventeen new nobles were brought into Shrinedom!

A hearty welcome to you all! There is much hard work ahead for you, but it will be the most rewarding work you can possibly imagine. As exemplified in the Arch Degree, the need is great. But just as great is the fellowship of good men doing great work.

Our Ceremonial was held at the Nautical Inn in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This is the home of the London Bridge (sort of an oddity for a desert city). Google it, it is an interesting read.

The Fallen

First of all I realize that it is usually a mistake to post anything "political" on this forum. However, that being said, I attended my first Patriot Guard Riders funeral today. It was very moving, for many reasons none the least of which was the tear filled expressions of thanks from the freinds and family.

The purpose of the PGR honor guard was to shield the family and loved ones of the deceased from the obscenities and insults of a group of Topeka "Christians".

Suddenly it occurred to me what a great honor these protestors were paying to the deceased. Captain Corey Jenkins gave his life to insure them the freedom to hurl insults and obscenities at his greiving family. Such was the value he placed on personal liberty.

Captain Jenkins, you are a far better man than I!

I’ve read the bios on so many pipers now and there seems be some very common threads. They fall into the one or more of these categories:


1.) I am the most experienced piper alive (at least in this area).

2.) I play at the highest level possible (as defined by those who should know).

3.) I am very competitive and have won many prestigious awards (surely you’ve heard of them).

4.) I have been playing most of my life (maybe even longer).



Wow, not much room there for anyone else!


Well, I thought I should write my bio.

“I am a piper who plays for the joy of playing. I leave and always will leave competition to athletes, businessmen etc. and of course to many bagpipers. I have no idea what level I play at I only know that it brings me great joy, and if you enjoy hearing me play I will be happy to play for you as well. I will not play for anyone who has not already heard me play, and I will only play for such a person at thier request. I do believe that if my piping is advertised, promoted, and whored out like a business the joy will leave and I can’t bear to think of that. I also believe the joy is contagious and infects those who hear me. So it is my mission to protect the joy my piping brings, and share with those who so desire. Nothing more, nothing less.”

A passing

I parted with an old friend this past week. I closed my Ebay store. for over a decade I have been importing and selling bagpipes, harps, bodhrans, sporrans, pins, brooches, etc. With the recent economic meltdown I had a horrible holiday sales season, and with our moving, and starting a new company there just wasn't time. I sadly put the remaining inventory in storage and vowed to re-open upon retirement.



Now I will focus on my own piping with what free time I have! Things are beginning to settle down and I have actually found time to play again. I discovered that horses (the neighbor has four) have a fine appreciation for piping, which of course is what you would expect from such a noble beast! And, as I have told you before, my dogs love to sing along. All in all it is quite a spectacle.

While the neighbors themselves have yet to express their opinion on piping, at least they have not shown up at the door with pitch forks and torches!

All things considered life is getting back to a pretty good place. :-)

Slainte,
Pops