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… to the Guitar Circle as begun by Robert Fripp.

Last week Other Derek and I ventured to the Glen Cove Mansion on Long Island to participate in “Zen and the Art of Guitar; an Introduction to the Guitar Circle” led by Robert Fripp.

Quick summery: yes, this was and remains an excellent thing to do. I always sensed Robert as a remarkable man. These days with him further proved it.

An excellent, funny, compassionate man of extraordinary intelligence and profound vision.

So glad I entered this circle and not just left it in the domain of theoretical.

Some glimpses:

the only snap I dared take of me and Robert

On night three were were told of a concert we’d be putting on for Robert and the other teachers and active Audients. My band was called “Unplastered”:

On the return trip we spent the night in NYC. 2 fellows joined the band Other Derek and I began earlier in the programme. Here are The Three Dereks performing “The Mistress of the Night Terrors”:

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June and July were difficult times for Captain Cat. But, after a radical procedure he is doing quite well. This was the last photograph of him in his collar, helping me sort my ghost tips the other night:

Here’s him in the crow’s nest earlier that day:

Clearly his spice is returning.

And us last night:

Pet insurance: worth it.

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After an unexpected early adventure with Captain Cat, I returned to Cambridge for a house call. This client is one of a handful that go back over a decade. Moreover, he is one of the most excellent people I have the honour to know. He will definitely have a chapter in my autobiography (Pickled Zen) in the section dedicated to the remarkable people in my life …

Then, I was off to Allston village to obtain an additional bit of costume for Harlan Hayvrast. This was followed by a phantastic feast at Punjab palace:

Then I met Brother Jerome for some air conditioned car times in his parking lot. I had (for inexplicable reasons) two bladders of Mai Tai from OLG to beat the heat. Chico Hamilton’s “South Pacific” was the perfect lounge music. We also sampled the exquisite and excellent Jane Walker scotch:

A powerful conversation and GT indeed.

More Chico Hamilton, a drop of Tori and a splash of some new Fripp completed the score of excellence:

Later, an ablution with Other Derek, just moments before the storm. Some post storm colour:

Then it was back to the OLG:

Now off to the big city of dreams, as part of a post-lock down series. From week one:

Now remember:

Remember yourself always and in everything.

Choose optimism: it gives you the most options.

… and live well Now Today.

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NGFY!

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What an assembly!

It’s been years since this particular fellowship has gathered, and what a grand celebration it was.

Joining me were Mr. Y, Herr O the rock ‘n’ roll doktor, and RDG.

Catering by OLG:

The set list:

Pretty nice, right?

The last official track was number 23 which was a mingling round in which we enjoyed the catering. Just shy of completing the first half of the second Circle we had a heck of a time.

Certainly some extraordinary songs were played, a couple of questionable choices, and certainly this particular assembly was not prone to the free expression aspect but, if there were any other assembly having as good a time as this:

I ain’t never seen it.

And here is one of the many moments:

And yes, a ghost story was told. I also noticed that there were some unfinished businesses. So, as a courtesy I’ll leave the Venmo information below for everyone to settle the score.

Until next time!

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Not only the first Circle of 2021 but the first Circle since the BeforeTime.

Visitor Blim, aka The Caliph, was fortunate enough to join the event.

A few welcome images:

Here we see the Caliph delivering the first speeches of the New Paradigm:

Captain Cat made several appearances:

The OFFICIAL Triptych:

(Featuring strange visual anomaly)

The playlist:

Pretty nice, right?

A short clip of the ablution:

Be on the look out for GTs of the New Paradigm!

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What a day. A triumphant return to The Good Times:

The ablution:

Ah yes, the first set list in many moons. Visitor Blim, the Professor and the Host had 90 mins each to add to the pace:

Pretty nice, right?

Catering by OLG (not pictured)

The Aftermath:

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So difficult to keep up with the times … life is a live experience …

Yesterday was BSMXXII.

Beachmont Frank and Other Derek joined. Here’s a profound clip:

… and this morning’s ablution:

Oh yes, and there’s already talk of the forthcoming Extensions Saturday ..,

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So much to report, so little time. This video has many related elements:

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The last photograph of the labyrynth:

… of 2020.

Be nice to have 20/20 in the hindsight.

Yesterday’s Full moon.

My new lighting option:

Pretty nice, right?

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