Guest columnist Chris here. Recently it has been very meaningful to share experiences with Austin in two of the things I love the most...music and football.
I've been working on some songs in my "home studio", but figured a good way to get time with Austin is to let him be a part of (some of) it. So, I took a song I'm working on, muted the vocal track, and told Austin, "Make up a story and sing it over this. Go!" I think he has some talent for improv with his musicality, imagination and randomness. We've done a few songs, the first of which (I think it's his best work musically) has been named "Dead Pizza". In my work as a music critic, I've uncovered that the protagonist in this narrative is Sydney, the Jack Russel terrier we're taking care of over the summer. Sydney is a girl dog, but is referred to as "he" in the song, possibly for purposes of anonymity. Or because Austin doesn't know that Sydney is a girl.
The song is a journey of discovery. Click on the link to listen.
His sophomore effort was over a tune that he named months before. I had come up with a new guitar riff, and asked Austin "what should this tune be named". His answer was "Bridges Too". I've always been unsure whether it should be "Bridges Too", "Bridges Two", or "Bridges To". The following video may shed some light on it, but I think the experience is the richest when we see it in multiple layers. The actual song of mine is called "Catacombs", the words of which I wrote after our visit to the catacombs outside Rome, but the tune proper is indeed "Bridges 2/Too/Two/To". This is Austin's improvised interpretation...
Are You Ready for Some Football?
I'm not as ready since I probably have a completely torn ACL. But, I'm still helping with the Guardians by coaching and refereeing. We have practice on Tuesday nights and games on Sunday nights. I usually only go on Sunday to have more time with family during the week, but I figured this week, as I won't be actively playing, I could take Austin along. Upon arrival, as I was conferring with other coaches about the practice schedule, the next thing I see is Austin, right with one of the Guardian players doing some warm-up exercises.
The practice consisted of a series of competitive drills involving passing and catching, defense, blocking, and tackling. I was the judge awarding points to each team. Austin was my assistant who help up a placard with a numeral 1 thru 4 to signal to the scorekeeper. These are the placards we use for down-markers in games.During a water break, Austin, seeing as he was good and warmed-up, decided it was time he go toe-to-toe with a Guardian. Not just any Guardian, but the biggest guy on the team, Peng (pronounced "Pung"). Peng probably weighs about 330 pounds.
Austin was screaming in delight and disbelief as he was chased by this...BIG...MAN.
But, look below to see who got the best of whom...
Anticipation had built throughout the night as I had told Austin that I would try to use my connections to give him the opportunity to lead the "1,2,3 GUARDIANS!!!" shout as we all huddle together at the end of practice. Well, the connections worked. Our head coach introduced Austin, saying (in Chinese) "We have a very special, honored guest tonight to lead us in our final cheer". Hands came together as I elevated Austin in the middle of the mass of men. After a brief moment of hesitation, Austin said confidently, "One, two, three"... I think the soundwaves from 30 shouting "GUARDIANS!!!!: blew him back a couple inches, but he came out smiling. So did I.
1 comments:
It looks like Austin has quite the take-down technique for an opposing lineman! LOL.
I, too, enjoyed visiting, and participating in, the Guardians practice when I was there last month. I am glad Austin is learing his Dad's (and his uncle's) love and passion for the great game of American football. Perhaps one day, Austin, and Bennett too, will be throwing opponents to the turf at Keenan Stadium in Chapel Hill!!
By the way, speaking of Chapel Hill, I'm sure that Chris is aware that if he is interested in coaching football full-time, UNC has a head coaching position open! HA LOL. :)
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