Shameless Self Promotion Time

For the most part these hallowed pages here at Complex Distractions are meant to highlight musicians and bands that I find interesting. Artists that inspire me enough to talk about them and spread their word across these internet wastelands. As well as talking about music, movies, books, and other art-related stuff, I talk about me. […]

“Black Narcissus” : Discovering Joe Henderson’s ‘Power To The People’

Despite not knowing all that much about jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson, his debut 1963 album Page One was one of the first jazz records I bought. Sure, there were a couple CDs I bought in the mid-90s when I wanted to broaden my musical horizons; there was Thelonious Monk’s Monk’s Dream(that one stuck), as well […]

Double Weekend, Making Things, One Week Till Rocky Mountain Way

It was a weird last few days. I was off last Wednesday and Thursday, then went back to work on Friday, then off again for another two days. It was like a normal weekend, then compressed an entire work week into one day and BOOM….the weekend. I’m not complaining, though. I’ll gladly welcome any paid […]

Live Shows, No Sleep, Road Trip, Vintage Toys : The Last Few Days

It’s Sunday morning. I cleaned up the dog’s little puke pile, took him for a poop walk, cleaned up the kitchen and dining room, and am now in my La-Z-Boy. Fresh cup of coffee next to me and writing. The process. So it’s been a busy last few days. Thursday afternoon after work I gassed […]

A Few Words On The Mental Health Value Of Cleaning; Or, Feng Shui Therapy

I’ve been putting a lot of energy into cleaning lately. I mean, I clean a lot around the house. It’s sort of my go-to process for working out stress and anxiety, but also I think it might be a compulsion. I’m not washing my hands obsessively every 10 minutes or so, but there is a […]

Hot Weekend…Home Improvements…Flying Solo

It was another scorcher of a weekend. Taking the dog out in minute intervals so he doesn’t stroke out, taking the dog out in minute intervals so I don’t stroke out, keeping the blinds shut so the place stays cool,…you know, in preparation for the future when we can no longer go outside without PPP […]

I Do Not Like The Heat

With every passing year and season I’m coming to the conclusion that heat is just not my friend. Granted, last January’s polar vortex certainly made me pine for warmer days(or at least temps in the single digits) but now that we’re currently in a heat wave I’m thinking single digits are doable. You Florida and […]

Long Weekend…28th Wedding Anniversay…Father’s Day

At the last minute last Thursday I decided I was going to take Friday off. It wasn’t like I had any plans, it just hit me that I needed to take a 3-day weekend. Not much going on at work, and my son and his girlfriend were leaving at 7am Friday morning for Tennessee for […]

It’s Hot Out…So Stay In And Watch A Horror Movie

Today is the start of the official “hot” season around here. Temps are climbing into the upper 80s/low 90s and lots of humidity. I know my elder dog won’t like it, and I know I’m not gonna like it either. It’s supposed to stretch clear into next week and even get those “feels like” temps […]

Watch For Deer, Hello Anxiety My Old Friend, Rocky Mountain Way

A couple weeks ago my wife was heading home in the evening after going to our daughter’s place when a deer ran out in front of her. The deer took off, but left some hair and some damage on the right front hood, grill, and fender. It could have been a hell of a lot […]