Thursday, August 10, 2006

Papa Rooster's Mid-Life Crisis

Papa Rooster is having a midlife crisis.

He’s too sensible to buy a Corvette, and he’s already bought all the really expensive theology books he has room for, so what does an East Coast-born, ordained Anglican priest and father of six who spends 2.5 hours on the road daily turn to for novelty and excitement?

Country music! Though his former musical stages have included everything from secular and Christian 70’s and 80’s bands to smooth jazz to Andrew Lloyd Weber, Wagner, and tenor Bryn Terfel, he’s previously only dabbled in country.

No longer. He’s now a devotee. He thinks it's honest, Christianity-based, family-centered, patriotic and—best of all—fun.

He says Kenny Chesney's song “Summertime” is almost as good as a gusty ride in a sleek red convertible:

Perfect song on the radio
Sing along 'cause it's one we know
It's a smile, it's a kiss
It's a sip of wine, it's summertiiiiiiime
Sweet summertime

And he's drinking in these lyrics (by the same artist):

Well, me and my lady had our first big fight
So I drove around till I saw the neon light
At a corner bar. It just seemed right
So I pulled up.
Not a soul around but the old bar keep
Down at the end and looking half asleep
But he walked up and said What'll it be?
I said The good stuff

He didn't reach around for the whiskey
He didn't pour me a beer
His blue eyes went kinda misty
He said You can't find that here

Cause it's the first long kiss on the second date
Mama's all worried when you get home late
And droppin' the ring in the spaghetti plate
'Cause your hands are shakin' so much
And it's the way that she looks with the rice in her hair
Eatin' burnt suppers the whole first year
And askin' for seconds to keep her from tear...in' up--
Yeah man that's the good stuff

He grabbed a carton a milk and he poured a glass
I smiled and said I'll have some of that
We sat there and talked as an hour passed
Like old friends.
Saw a black and white picture and it caught my stare
It was a pretty girl with boufant hair
He said That's my Bonnie, taken 'bout a year
After we wed.

He said I spent five years in the bottle
When the cancer took her from me
I've been sober three years now
And the one thing stronger than the whiskey

Was the sight of her holdin' my baby girl
The way she adored that string of pearls
I gave her the day that our youngest boy Earl
Married his high school love.
And it's a new t-shirt sayin' I'm a grandpa
And being right there as the time got small
And holdin' her hand when the good Lord called...her up--
Yeah man that's the good stuff...
It's the good stuff.

So. As mid-life crises go, how could a wife not breathe a sigh of relief at this one?

(Love you honey--you are The Good Stuff!)

10 comments:

Dr. Anette said...

bJeanne, I really think you should start pondering a book outline of some sort. You're a great writer. Pray about it and watch your ideas beginning to take shape! Go check Baker Books and see if they publish something that looks appealing for you to do too.
Anette

At A Hen's Pace said...

Anette--Coming from you, that's such a compliment! Thank you, and I will take it seriously.

I have thought--and others keep telling me too--that I probably have a book in me somewhere. I think it's a question of timing. For now, I think I'm supposed to be waiting--and investing in six children.

But I also felt permission from the Lord to start this blog, partly to find out if I could make time to write daily, and if I could keep strong boundaries around the writing so that I didn't neglect my kids or home--a tough balance to strike! Also, I'm trying out different voices and topic and figuring out what I like to do and what I'm good at.

I'm partly hoping too, that through blogging, I'll get a clearer sense of what my message is, of what the Lord may want me to communicate more in-depth, in a book sometime.

So thank you for the encouragement. Pray for me if you think of it--and let me know if you have any ideas for me! I think we believers need to be mirrors for each other (see "A Mirror for my Birthday" under Past Post Highlights in my sidebar). I'm convinced that I need others' perspective to see myself clearly--so I'd love to hear from you or anyone who's been reading here regularly.

Waiting on the Lord is often about incubation, I believe. You house and protect these little dreams until their time.

So how's YOUR book coming?? Nearly done?

Love,

Jeanne

Curious Servant said...

That is cute, sweet, and an awfully nice read!

Dr. Anette said...

That's what I'm thinking too: You are already writing. It's not a future but a present reality for you. I like your idea of trying out different genres and then landing somewhere comfortable and right. I sent off my manuscript last week, so now it's forth-and-back with the editors about details. Time consuming but fun. They have asked me to write another book for them. So, I'm thinking about that.
Anette

At A Hen's Pace said...

Woo-hoo!!

One book finished and a request for another? Way to go, Professor!!

You must be headed back State-side soon. Since the Bergner's moved, please know that you're welcome to stay with us anytime you want to journey back to this area--we'd love to see you!

Jeanne

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure you remember me, but we met once during a "get-to-know-you" shindig for people becoming members at Church of the Rez back in April. You shared about your enjoyment of blogging and gave out your blog address. I've been reading and hooked ever since! Your blogs are so inspiring, thoughtful and entertaining. I definitely think you're a very gifted writer.

As an avid country music fan myself, I especially liked this blog.

Perhaps we'll meet again sometime at church...keep up the good blogging!

Kirsten

At A Hen's Pace said...

Oh, Kirsten--thank you! Yes, of course I remember who you are (that's why I like to attend those shindigs when I can). I've heard from Bethany about your plans for fall, and I've seen you, across the aisles, after church, but we'll have to connect face-to-face soon. (And maybe you could recommend an album for a birthday that's coming up...!)

Thanks so much for the note--it's always fun to get comments and find out who's reading!

Jeanne

Cathy said...

My husband bought a motorcycle during his mid life crisis--- not a cruiser, but a sport bike. Thank goodness he has the sensibility of a middle aged man rather than a fearless 21 year old. Helmet and protective clothing so I don't worry soooo much.

Country music would have been much easier to deal with.

Fun post and thanks for sharing.

Here via Blogging Chicks.

Pamela said...

I should listen to country music more I guess..
(or listen to the lyrics)

as for mid life. My hubby became a bicycle enthusiast. He doesn't just take a 10 mile spin.

it's usually 30 to 50
and then a century ride (100) when he's on a roll

Karmyn R said...

If only my husband's mid-life crisis was country music. I'm not complaining, because, yes, you are right, it could be a lot worse. No, my husband chose to start listening to Rage Against The Machine....only in his car when he's on the road and not in the house. I would prefer country music, thank you!