Wednesday Morning Music

My Morning Jacket - listen

Enjoy,

Joel

OK, so wes has encouraged me to tell my "kissing story", or attempted kissing story.
My new infatuation is a girl named Lindsay. She goes to the vineyard columbia church.
infatuation is the right word.

So despite the Lord's warnings to put him first and take things in his time I gave into my fleshly desire and went in for the first kiss last night. First date took place on Monday August 31st and none other than the Heidelberg. where my parents first date took place.

Date went great. Even told her we should take things slow.

So why not screwed things up I thought to myself?,
I went in for the kiss - didn't get the pull back or push away ... but did get
the "woah what are you doing" "I don't know what I want yet and I don't think you do either"
she's very smart

FLESH DENIED - HOLY SPIRIT IN THE WAY

Score = Holy Spirit - 1 Flesh - 0

We're still in the first quarter and the Holy Spirit has come out to a strong start with it's defense despite the fleshes aggressive offense. This is a match of heavyweights, expecting this one to come down to the final minutes . Will keep you up to date on the score.

Morning Music

Here is a little selection from Michigan's own Sufjan Stevens. Listen
He wrote an album about the state of Michigan and his latest was about the state of Illinois. Did you know that Michiagn has more species of trees than any other state? Have a good day.

Joel sent me a link that explains Casimir Pulaski here it is Link
Joel also had a hot date last night.

CALLING ALL WHO CARE!!!

Here's the deal: I begin teaching the day after Labor day and I have been planning for the year. I have 6 classes (Zero prep hour ahhhh!) so I am trying to be extra organized. This year I am teaching Spanish 1 and 2. The theme of my classes (along with Language Development) will be Service Learning and Outreach with a target to the developing Latin world. The National Standards I teach to (these are a broad version of the district standards) are called Communications(speaking, writing), Comparisons (to English grammar), Connections , Cultures, and Communities (using language beyond school setting). So all my lessons and activities will hopefully align with one or more of those standards for teaching Foreign Language (sound familair , Ben?).

I'll get to the point: I want my kids to connect BEYOND the Pinckney bubble to the West Coast and beyond learning about the language and its people in Authentic RELEVANT ways. So I want anyone and everyone to have a hand in my classes. Last year, Sarah Jane hooked my kids up with sweet anti-sweatshop Tees to tie in with our concern for those in Latin America who are imprisoned by Corporate America. I had pen pals with Benny's hoodlums...better said...hook-ups not pen pals, ha! I've seen Jake's kids rally around and pray Cancer from my student's lungs, etc. I could go on; these things are amazing and they could be so much more. My students THRIVE during these REAL WORLD lessons and I wish to continue this year with "where the wind (spirit) shall blow"...

I am opening up this for dialogue. Hit me with some ideas this week. We'll chat via phone later. There is nothing more fun nor rewarding than to work with my best friends doing (biased belief) the greatest job in Education. Allow me to roll off a few ideas first...

Sarah and Wes: continue with anti-sweat design and have sarah (when she is up) come in and do a Pablo Neruda demo with the kids????? More ideas????? Bring 'em!

Andrew: WOW! American Apparel connection.!!!!!!..partnership with workers/my students at your factory??? Field trip to A2 American APP store and some Spanish Tapas downtown? You come in and stress the REWARDS of knowing another language...

Jake: a service learning competition (you love comepetitions Coach K)..pen pals....no se?????

Abby and Bec: Christmas project for Homework House???

Ben and Bec: A pen pal via e-mail and our own Gladstone/PCHS BLOGSPOT!!! AND A project for the orphanage in Ensaneda!!!!! How was Hawaii, by the way????

Stevie elementary ED and Shea world class sub....any thoughts from Mt. P????

Lena and Bill special guest speakers??? Ethiopia?? I don't care if it ain't Latin America!

THINK THINK THINK! This could be Napoleon SWEEEEEEEET! Love ya guys. Chime in soon. AND ben, i NEED your cell #.

jefecito

Friday Morning Music

Christ is our Hope and aren't we so glad for it

Listen

It's on wes, (Once and for all, let's establish who's the family music kingpin)


***Just one question? - who introduced a naive taylor freshman to "crooked rain crooked rain"

"Stop breathin’
Stop breathin’
Breathin’ for me now
Write it on a postcard:
Dad they broke me.
Dad they broke me."

Try this one on for size - Nelly Mckey - The Dog Song

Thursday Morning Music

Sigur Ros has a new track on itunes its worth the 99 cents.
Andrew, I upload MP3 files to yousendit.com its a free server that allows you to store large files. just enter your email address and it will send you the link to your song/video whatever. I better start working.

Par Golf

Location, Huron Meadows: 3rd hole, par3, Lena drives the green. First putt 25 feet away comes within 4 feet of the cup, but no gimmie from her hubby. Firm stroke, ball makes a slight curve and then that sound we love to hear as the ball rolls around in the cup. Par 3 for my bride.

Wednesday Morning Music

Here is some morning music for you. Listen

Tuesday Morning

Here is a little poetry to get you started this Tuesday Morning POEM

One body, one follower, two churches

Joel called to be a follower of Jesus Christ through the will of God, Unto the cousings of God which are in various locations, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: 3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

I write to you because of your humor - to tell you I have enjoyed reading this blog. I write to you because of my love for you. I write to you to let you know that I am torn between two congregations.

I have recently formed a incredible friendship with my neighbors, jon and heather. They are a Godsend as I have had no close neighbors since moving into my condominum a year ago. They attend the Columbia vineyard. I love the church, I love the pastor and feel at home. I feel healing and refreshing from God when I am there. However, I am leading worship, have many friends, and have a history with another church in town, Christian Fellowship. I am attending both. CF on Friday and the Vineyard on Sunday. I can tell my parents are concerned cause whenever I tell them about the vineyard they get quiet. "you still there" I always have to say.
Anyway, I am confident the Lord will direct me in the path I should go.

Lastly,
At the vineyard, Josh and Jen McMullen, wes's close friends from fort wayne are attending the church. I saw this as an opportunity to prophecy. I approached them and asked "Hi, my name is Joel, welcome to the vineyard. I'm sensing God speaking to me about you two. Does Ft. Wayne mean anything to you?" yeah, we used to live there!! "I don't know what this name means, but does Wes Gaines ring in your heart?" "Yeah he was one of our good friends in Ft Wayne!!!!!! How do you know these things oh wise one, one so in tune with the voice of God?"

I'm his cousin. (sigh, big let down - I turned out to be a prophet in sheepskin)
We talked they, they mentioned the apple pyramid picture and the mysterious hand under Andrew's crotch. I didn't know that picture was known worldwide.

We at the church of Columbia, pray that Wes and Sara(h) would visit soon. That we would be refreshed in the Lord by your presence. That Josh and jen would be encouraged in the Lord by their visit and that you may impart some spiritual gift that would encourage the church.

Until we see each other again,

Love you all,

Joel

Telephone Po

Check it out!! Audioblogger.com
Also check out Sweet Emma singing "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" recorded from our record player. Listen

Under my thumb.

I'm only titling this 'Under my thumb' because that's what song I'm listening to right now. And I know that Lena jams to the Stones.

So let's see, Thursday afternoon at work provides me with a free second to write a quick thought and update the folks.
It's been a crazy week and we're working on some really amazing stuff here at work. I've grown into this place and I've worked myself into some projects that I think are quite amazing. Our office is responsible for creating and implementing projects that will have a profound effect on our company, the environment, and the community. I thought I'd highlight a few that I'm working on.

We're beginning the process of starting a Charter school at American Apparel. This school would be primarily for our employees children who attend some of the worst schools in the entire LAUSD. I'm sure Ben could fill us all in on the short comings of the local school system. This isn't Pinckney out here! Anyways, this school would be run in much the same fashion as our company. Utiliyzing creative minds and innovative ways of doing business. We really believe with 4000 employees and now thier children we could change things and have an impact on this community. We're aiming to start this school Fall of 2007 at our facility.

Next month we will be installing solar panels on our roof which will power 20% of our building. Our monthly electric bill is $25000 so this will drastically reducuce the amount we spend and depend on dwindling power resources.

We're teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide clothing for disaster victims in the LA area. There were 517 'disasters' in LA last year and it's estimated that we will donate over 1 million pieces of clothing over the next year.

We're looking to re-surface our parking lot with a permeable surface that will allow water to penetrate and filter into storage containers. The water will then collect and be pumped to our roof to water the new plants and garden that will be installed on our roof (Our living roof). The rest of the water will be filtered and put back into the water table.

We're starting a music program which will highlight local bands and play their music in our stores. We look to generate sales with our music compilations and donate the proceeds to the 'Save the Music' campaign that's advocating music programs in California schools.

We're working on a million other projects too, I just don't have time to write that much about it.
I've been keeping busy at work but I've been enjoying it thoroughly. I guess I'm writing this too because I've been frustrated with a lot of short-sighted articles that have been published by ill-informed people. I've been inspired to learn and take on big projects since working here and I wish you all to pay a visit when you're in the area.

I'm heading up to San Francisco this week-end for a wedding. I'm living in Hollywood now with some really good people. And I'm thinking about growing a beard but I fear I've been bitten by Jacob's thin beard disorder.
I wish I could see you all soon. I'm thinking about making a trip to the Mitten state sometime this Fall.
I miss you all and I hope you're well. Send me a copy of the album Steve!
Peace family.

Review of Steve's new album "UP" (rough version)

Today, Steve came over and let Steph and I hear a rough studio version of his latest ballads and WOW! I'm am just so proud of my little bro' for his creativity, humility and passionate pursuit of God's callling on his life. The 12 original songs give off a fresh wind of diversity and lyrical simplicity with an almost Redmanesque quest of the Father's heart. Cheers to Steve and soon.....WES! on their artistic journeys. Hey Jake....DO I smell a DOUBLE RELEASE PARTY MIDWEST/WEST COAST STYLE????? Can't wait to hear the finished copy.

Jeff's Submission

Here you go Jeff, no problem,
Sincerely, the blogfather

PICTURE CONTEST 2005!!!

Ok. Because I cannot for some reason upload my pics for the contest, go to wwww.paintriver.com/fair2005 and check-out the pics from our trip to the Shaiawasee fair with Jami and Ben. Scroll down to the "tractor pics" and take a look at a winner in the close-up of myself lounging on Big Blue with the sunset in the background. What do you think???

shoplift

shoplift
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

check this picture out. Talk about not messing around.

wow, i didn't realize mac's were so desirable

Considering we are becoming a Mac-sponsored family (Ben and Beck win with two), I thought you might all enjoy the ibook's latest spot in the newspaper--not for its sleek look or its user-friendly desktop. . . but for its ability to cause near-riots in
Richmond, Virginia. What? Read on. . .

The Steve Lampi Band breaks up

It only lasted a week, but it was a good one. Read all about it at http://thestevelampiband.tripod.com. The short history of this band is well, short. Take a look at the pics of the band and tell me we didn't mean business. I look like I am giving someone a death stare on the front page. ("Don't mess with Texas") What a blast we had, but it's not all fun and games in the studio. Talk about a lot of work. Tag, wes your it. Have fun.

My contribution

Here is my contribution to the photo contest, let's just say I caught my neighbor at a weird moment...jk lol I'll submit an original soon...

What???

What???,
originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

A preliminary photo contest submission. Is this photo trickery or has Andrew been shrunk?
Hollywood's a weird place to be!!

BABES with ONE bracelets = Heaven 

Ah, nay be shouldn't go in here. Ah, oh well. SPARTY ON! 

Izzo was like a father to me during the 2000 National championship run. Never forget you guys. Mateen 

I might just keep my mouth shut about this one. Let's just say it was a HOT day. HOT 

Ah, that's my quadricep , Jeff. Ah. I know. Just enjoying the blossom. Oh, BTW Jake works out.  

Two guys...only one flower....skins. PRICELESS. Jungle fever, baby! 

Cali plates in Lansing. "THERE IS A GOD" Ah, yeah. 

2001 Spartan upset of Spurrier's FLA GATORS! Jake reminicing BOBBY WILLIAMS style. We goin' to Hona La La. 

Nestled in the arms of Mrs. Clara Bell-Smith; Jake, you could of been pro, man. 

Jeff and Jake just payin tirbute to an ole' sparty icon and LAKER alumn. Nice shades cub 

part deux

mirror,
originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

I knew once I learned how to post photos I'd be all over this like Gramie on white wine.
This one I took last night at a Hollywood after party. I'm totally serious. Let's write some guidelines for a photo contest. Maybe one photo submitted by each blogger. Should we have a theme? Or should it be open? I'm open. Who's in?

Photo test

Echo Park,
originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

I finally got a digital camera and I'm trying to figure out how to post a picture on the blog. This is a photo of Echo Park in Los Angeles. There is a Cuban Salsa festival here and a monument of Jose Marti, there is also a Loutus festival, and a monument to Eliott Smith is being put here. This is one of my favorite places in LA, so I thought I'd share. I'll try to post some more photos later if this works. What if we do a Gaines/Lampi photo contest?! For some reason I think Steve would win this. But Ben will give him a run for his money. Aloha.

Happy Anniversary to the Lovely Couple!

I thought I'd begin the felicidades by saying Happy 32nd? Anniversary to the folks who started this sweet family, senor and senora Gaines! Since there are few instances of photographic evidence of your wedding and no audiofiles (thanks to Libby), I thought a nice old-fashioned wedding sign would do the trick.

Congratulations!
Love You!

HEY JAKE AND ABBY! THE LAMPIS LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON. STEPH, CALEB AND I WILL BE AT THE LAKE (HURON) TILL ABOUT THE 9th THEN WE'LL HEAD INTO B-TOWN TO CATCH UP WITH YOU. GIVE US A JINGLE. C-UNIT SAYS, "WEAR EXTRA SUN SCREEN UNCLE JAKE, SO YOU WON'T BURN SO EASILY." (no idea where that came from j/k) LOL! 

jardinera jardinera

Today is off to a good start with my being able to pick our first three carrots! Part of me is proud, and sometimes part of me thinks, "after all the time i spend out here, this is it?!" it still amazes me that if we plant this tiny, almost non-existent seed, this is what becomes of it.


and thats my over-spiritual moment for today.

(oh, and don't forget that tiny tomato).