Anyway, back in Europe now after two stunning weeks in SoCal. If you’ve never been to San Diego, you don’t know what you’re missing. Absolutely love it. Great bands, friendly folks, perfect weather, water sports, great museums (even floating ones) – and, although it pains me to say this – some restaurants to rival the French (ouch!), Loved hanging out with Andy and Mags and their friends and doing some studio work there. I will return, hopefully soon. I love it!

Nov 19, 2009/8:47 pm

It’s a tough situation to deal with and as you say Jim words can do much damage, especially to sensitive children, often the ones who are picked on. Sorry your daughter has experienced this too.
Unfortunately the mob mentality also comes into play so if teachers are tuned in better some of this ganging up will be nipped in the bud hopefully.

Nov 19, 2009/8:41 pm

Bullying. Yes, in my day it was simpler. Pick the ring leader and hit him hard enough that he wouldn’t want to get up. End of bullying. It worked for me. But these days, I don’t know – kids in school with knives, links to gangs with guns…..I don’t know. Even in the ‘better’ schools, it’s the words that sometimes hurt harder than a broken nose. Maybe it’s a simpler situation for boys to deal with than girls – or maybe not. When my daughter was in school in Italy at age 10, she dealt with the bullying the old fashioned way. Instant success. However, at almost 14, she’s had to endure some severe verbal bullying which wouldn’t necessarily be set right by the old-fashioned method. She’s turned a deaf ear, but it’s been hard on her. It’s not like she can justify lashing out. Although I’ve told her if I get hold of the bully’s father… well, you know the rest. It spills over onto the parents and it takes an effort not to react in an uncivilised fashion. I’m of the opinion that the most effective way to deal with a bully is to find out the best way to humiliate him/her in front of his/her acolytes – a bully always need acolytes – and do just that. However, what to you do when the threat of weapons are involved? I’d really not know how to deal with this.

Nov 19, 2009/8:34 pm

These issues are very close to home for me as my twin sons experienced difficulty in this area. Teasing etc in the school systems is a major problem and you address it so well. I’m certain this project of yours will make a difference.

Nov 19, 2009/7:58 pm

I really hope it gets into the schools so it can take center stage right on location where these problems arise.

Nov 19, 2009/7:26 pm

That is fantastic news Johnny! I have heard your song and feel that it should be show cased in as many venues as possible.It is an important piece of work and if it helps even one child speak up to their teacher about bullying then what a great help to kids in this modern age. I think it has the potential to seriously help MANY kids and all involved did a wonderful job! Keep me posted please about this venture as I am very interested in it…Great work! You actually can contribute to positive change this way through your creativity.

Nov 19, 2009/6:43 pm

Hi everyone,
Bit of news about one of my songs. Speak Up To Your Teacher At School is going to be featured on a national uk child welfare site in the new year called kidscape.org.uk with a story about the song and a link to the video for teachers to checkout.
Its a site all about helping children to combat bullying with lots of resources for teachers to use to help kids with this problem. They saw my video online then phoned me to ask if they could feature it on their site.
I also have a few meetings to attend locally here for the music video for the song to figure out how to get the video into schools.
So fingers crossed it gets into the local schools and helps the good kids stand up to bullies.
Johnny

Nov 19, 2009/6:01 pm

Char sends a super coo and I will tell Frank you liked his piece!

Nov 19, 2009/4:23 pm

Hi Felice! Good to see you and yes it’s been an incredible ride here on the blog and participating in the 6pack competition. Win or lose what a wonderful gathering of people.Listening to those in the contest has been an amazing experience. To get some insight into peoples lives,feelings and musicality has been so very valuable…Every year I am amazed and this year more than ever…

Nov 19, 2009/4:22 pm

Hi Penny,

Good to see you and Char back on the blog. She always cheers me up. What fun we have all had this year in the Six Pack. Great friends, wonderful music and some outragious comments to laugh at. I hope Jesse Ray makes an appearence a couple more times. xoxo, Felice, Oh, really enjoyed Frank’s electronica piece. Cudos to him!!

Nov 19, 2009/3:47 pm

Peter, know one says it better then you. It has been a crazy ride and on the way we picked up such wonderful passengers. Lots of laughs and sometimes tears and frustrations but all in all it was “Nothing But THe Best”:) Thanks for the invite to your house, wish we could come, but I’ll be thinking about you and how much I have enjoyed being your friend. xoxox, Felice

Nov 19, 2009/3:43 pm

and knowing they are here is a great thing….:)

Nov 19, 2009/3:41 pm

and Peter your words are so wise and wonderful.I love all the crazy musicians and writers on here too.What a wonderful crew, each and every one! I wish we all lived closer to each other but we do have this white page to communicate on and it does count for a lot…I have a couple of close friends here in Vermont but you know I really appreciate and feel in ways I know my kindred spirits here on the blog and their inspiring music…

Nov 19, 2009/3:30 pm

Hellooooo David!!! So good to hear from you and hope that the work stuff goes Ok for you. I understand about the school situation and home schooling is a good way for many kids. It’s a lot of time and focus for whoever is doing it but sometimes it’s an excellent path.
Brightened up my day to see you hear xoxoxoxox Pen

Nov 19, 2009/3:23 pm

Can’t you feel it in the air. Submissions are almost over (and to tell the truth, I was never good at being the submissive type. ooooops, wrong blog).

But, what has me excited are the coming holidays. People start showing up again, IE: Stein and David. God, it is so good to know you are only a keypad away and fighting the good fight.

Challenges: yeah, many of us are facing life changing events, some at home, most at the work place. Whether it’s children or habits that need to be fed (you know who you are), you are not alone. Not if I can help it. And, those who call themselves citizens of the seventh can.

Ian once shared with me the fact that he feels closest to the group here than those within reach (Sara of course is still number one). And, for good reason!

You are all unique and special in ways that can not be fully explained (at least not in a sane world) and will never be duplicated. . .even those of you who at various times have literally pissed me off.

What a bunch of Arrogant Artists, Bucolic Bohemians, Digital Divas, Sampling Sycophants, Errant Egotists, Grandiose Guitarists, Simpering Songwriters, Lackadaisical Lyricists and especially those of you who remind me of me.

If you’re in the area, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina that is, consider this my holiday invitation. I got a pull out couch and a 50 mile view of God’s Country.

Just call ahead so I can start the turkey and chill the cranberry sauce. I’ll even go down the general store to pick up one of those cinnamon brooms to hang above the fireplace.

as always, your friend in music.

Nov 19, 2009/3:20 pm