The weblog of Darren Friesen

Friday, June 29, 2007

Steve Bell and Orchestra

I first got to know Steve almost 20 years ago working at YFC Winnipeg. I just found this clip from concert last fall with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, which would have been an amazing night. There is a symphony tour planned for the fall, and all the details can be found at his web site. Enjoy!



There is a great moment near the beginning where Steve just seems to sit back and take in all that is happening right then. This was on his birthday, and I cannot imagine what it would be like to see one's own ideas and dreams take shape over the years into a place like that. Pretty amazing stuff!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Alive and Kickin'



It looks like it's time for the first official update since my surgery, which was 8 days ago.

First, the surgery was a success. Everything went as it was supposed to, and doctors and nurses during that time were very good, at least according to those closest to me.I have vague images of the ICU, but I hear that I was fairly funny. I am wondering about becoming addicted to valium and taking it on the road.

The week in the hospital is a bit of a blur. One of the factors that one doesn't think of unless you've been through it is the effects of anesthesia. That stuff can do a number on you like you would not believe. If you have been under it, you know. I had panic attacks and - dare i say - hallucinations of the not kind or fun variety. That seems to have subsided now, thankfully.

I came home on Friday,and although it seemed too fast for me, I think it was good for me to do that. It is good to be back with Sherryl and the kids, although their lives haven't slowed down for a minute. Last night was the first decent sleep I've had, which has been frustrating.

My incision is amazingly clean, and the scar won't be too noticable at all after the gray chest hair grows back in. My sternum is sore - obviously, but I guess I've adapted somewhat to the pain. I think I feel better than I thought I would, and that is a wonderful surprise.

Thanks to so many of you for your thoughts and prayers. They have made all the difference over the last weeks - I am convinced of that. Thanks also to the many of you who have visited, called and sent emails. Although I can't answer them all, I am very thankful for them.

If you'd like to call, please do. We are screening our calls a bit, only for time and because of my energy, but feel free to leave a message. If you live around here and would like to stop in, please phone first to make sure it's a good time.

Take care.

Monday, June 11, 2007

I may have to die on this hill...

I heard some disturbing news a few days ago. Apparently there is a song climbing the country charts that is called "I Wanna Check You for Tics". Here's an example of the lyrics:

Every time you take a sip
In this smoky atmosphere
You press that bottle to your lips
And I wish I was your beer
In the small there of your back
Your jeans are playing peekaboo
I'd like to see the other half of your butterfly tattoo.

Cause I'd like to see you out in the moonlight
I'd like to kiss you way back in the sticks
I'd like to walk you through a field of wildflowers
And I'd like to check you for ticks.

Now I am sure that there are some out there that love country music, and may even love this song. I don't mean to offend, but this is just BAD songwriting. I don't care if the tune is catchy. I just had to say this out loud: I rally do not like country music, and this song shows why.

Monday, June 04, 2007

Paris turns to God's word before prison | NEWS.com.au

Not sure what this means, but I might be turning to God to after the verbal shot to the head that Sarah Silverman laid on her at the MTV Movie Awards last night. Check this out (content warning):

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Two months...

...since I last posted here. With the onslaught of facebook, my time has been taken up elsewhere. Anyhoo, just to let the few of you who read this blog know that I finally have a date for my surgery - June 18th. I'd appreciate your prayers for my family and for peace of mind over the next two weeks. Thanks. Oh, and I'll try and to get to posting some more.