The Dissonant Key

At times we can feel dissonant like a single, out-of-tune piano key. We struggle to resonate in brilliance and to bring a presence of value back into our lives.

Maybe we've been played too hard or have been abused by a hand that once moved gently but has since turned harsh. Or maybe the maestro has passed, leaving only the coldness of ivory as we long for his passionate touch to dance over us again.

Regardless, even being slightly out-of-focus or mildly out-of-tune is enough to make us mute our melody, because we hear the false perfection of the other piano keys dancing and bouncing rhythmically. We judge ourselves in the light of their song.

While our song sounds sad . . . always.

What if we embraced our dissonant sound? What if we turned up the volume of what we perceive as imperfect?

Our song is valuable and the dissonant key resonates regardless of judgment. Be differently beautiful . . . be your own song.

This is a photo I took of an old piano that was bound by a chain in a park in Washington State. You can view more of my photography on Flickr.

Sound Engineer

i love you i hate you

A love–hate relationship is an interpersonal relationship involving simultaneous or alternating emotions of love and hate – something particularly common when emotions are intense.

The term is used frequently in psychology, popular writing and journalism.  It can be applied to relationships with inanimate objects, or even concepts, as well as those of a romantic nature or between siblings and parents/children.

Wikipedia ~

The 11th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Eleven - Sound Engineer

I love writing songs.  I hate recording.  The sound engineer hat fits uncomfortably on my head and so I don't enjoy wearing it.  It means that I have to sit for long periods of time, listening to my voice, guitar and recording mistakes over and over and over and over . . . I have to learn about mixing, mastering and monitoring sound.  I hate it.

I just want to write songs . . . I'm a songwriter . . . (fine!) and a sound engineer (sometimes).

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

Listen to my "Take One Project" @ www.jamesolmos.com where I simply hit record and sing, then with minimal editing, post to Soundcloud.

Dreamer

This thought I seed
In fertile matter
Though grey it lies
Endures the chatter

Speaking of hope
Romancing the day
A dreamers note
Soon will play

by James Olmos ~

The 10th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal. A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Ten - Dreamer

We march forward with thoughts and ambitions. We secure hope in the matter of truth while light frees our conscious. Allow your dreams to live in light

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

Take action to your dreams, allowing forever to consume today.

Responsible

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  I Corinthians 13:11 - God

The 9th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Nine - Responsible

I have failed miserably at setting my childhood ways behind me.  I guess that makes me a huge sinner in God's eyes according to this Bible verse.  I focus on doing what's right and I teach my children to do the right thing as I offer them the "space" to make their own decisions and to either fail or succeed.

I'm a responsible father and I mirror my own father's examples.  He's been caring for my mother who's been recently challenged with health issues.  Dad still finds the space for childlike humor.  Smiles and laughter heal.  And childhood ways should be embraced.

Adulthood does not mean that you need to surrender your gifts.  It does not mean that you allow yourself to become wound so fucking tight that you push out the joys and healing aspects of simplicity.

I encourage you to become five years old again.  Buy a stuffed animal; give it name; and smile.

I love my parents.

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

www.jamesolmos.com

Guitarist

"And when my mind is free You know a melody can move me And when I'm feelin' blue The guitar's comin' through to soothe me

Thanks for the joy that you've given me I want you to know I believe in your song And rhythm and rhyme and harmony You've helped me along Makin' me strong"

~ Dobie Gray

The 8th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Eight - Guitarist

"The guitar's comn' through to soothe me . . ." is a lyrical line that I can identify with. I've been playing guitar for over 30 years.  Unfortunately, I'm not much better at playing than I was 20 years ago.  I don't play guitar to improve; I play cause it brings me into a moment. And I don't reside on planet earth to impress; I live to love.

I love playing guitar.

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

To hear my songs please visit my website.  www.jamesolmos.com

Humorous

"Dude, sucking at something is the first step to being sorta good at something."  ~ Jake The Dog

The 7th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Seven - Humorous

I love the cartoon comedy, Adventure Time!  "What time is it . . . Adventure Time!"

We all need a break from the monotony of life and humor can bring relief.  My dad continues to make me laugh, even in his 70's.  And I've been the silliest dad I know to my three boys.  There's something about the kind of laughter that throws you to your knees and buckles you into fetal position, that's healing.

Do you take time to heal . . . I mean, laugh?

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

Here's an uplifting song I wrote a long time ago titled, 'I Don't Fight It'