Voodoo Drums

Pain

2012-01-19T02:19:00.000Z

I am Pain _Dark God of the New Moon's scythe _the shadow that moves across the snow _a crimson stain where once was a soul _mouth sewn shut and eyes wide open _salt in your wounded mind _feel me like a sacred blade _a spine wrent free to clatter in the wind..

New Life?

2011-12-10T14:35:00.000Z

Time to resurrect the Voodoo Drums blog. I'm surrounding myself with new friends, new inspiration..hopefully this will pull my creative cork..

Weeds

2011-07-26T03:31:00.001+01:00

Voodoo's Cracker Jack Philosophy For The Day:
In times of drought,weeds flower..laughing in the face of man's precious lawn..accentuating our futile attempts to control nature.Struggling for something,anything,we can control in our out of control world..we choose the hopelessness of grass.duh..
power to the weed flowers..

Negatives & Newspaper

2011-07-26T03:14:00.000+01:00

Cheap Camera ~ Double Angel

2011-06-16T00:22:00.001+01:00

Taken with 35mm color film in a $2 Japanese plastic camera..multiple frames exposed..light leaks through camera back.Two angels.one upright..one sideways..

A Sith

2011-02-06T03:01:00.003Z

have you seen the moon tonight?
a yellow-orange Cheshire Cat smile
like cheap tequila
a one eyed God
but a blink of lunar light
...a scythe of nocturnal bliss
a Sith am I in mind
these tattered wings unfurled

Not Dead

2011-02-02T23:03:00.002Z

No...this blog is not dead.Thank you for asking though.Lack of inspiration is kicking my ass...

The Crows

2011-02-02T23:00:00.002Z

...the crows.my pets.mia familia.my soul painted black and dressed in feathers.my love drenched in a rain of tears.the trickle of my heartbeat in the Paris gutters.the coyote's cry in the black of night..

tHE dEATH OF dIGITAL

2010-10-17T15:50:00.001+01:00

I loved my Canon Powershot..but the Powershot is shot.Time to venture back into the analog world..mechanical gizmos and doodads..FILM..I found a funky little camera at the local Goodwill store years ago,used it for awhile,then shelved it when I bought the Canon.I own several nicer film cameras,but I'm choosing to use the Olympus Trip 35 for today's photo shoot..loaded with 35mm Ilford Delta 100 B&W Pro.I've taken some wonderful shots with this camera/film combo,and it's time to revisit the velvety textures and shadows of old school analog photography..If I get a few cool shots off today,maybe I'll post them on the Lomography website.You've got to check this site out if you're into this sort of thing..

Awesome Cellist

2010-01-13T00:42:00.001Z

NIGHTMARE #13

2010-01-02T18:27:00.001Z

I love this cover art.It truly is what my nightmares as a child were made of..

Hexentanz ~ Asmodeus Rising

2010-01-02T18:19:00.002Z

Hexentanz - Asmodeus Rising from Jaba Chutlashvili on Vimeo.

For Hecate

2009-11-30T14:36:00.001Z

Blood red moon

Sanguine starlight on the dark heaven sky

Black as my heart

Forever on fire

My love eternal

My Priestess

My Hecate

Spirit Wind

2009-11-30T14:34:00.001Z

In Darkness' embrace

Spirit wind caress me

Skin crawls with fear

I do not run

Mist of a thousand years

Arise the dead

This necromantic lust

Clouding my head with visions

..of VAMPYRES..

Tribal Zappa: Art by Voodoo

2009-11-18T15:07:00.001Z

The Cemetery,All Hallows Moon,Clouds and Wind

2009-10-31T05:07:00.003Z

Halloween in the Cemetery

2009-10-31T04:59:00.003Z

What a beautiful night for a stroll in the cemetery..a great addition to Halloween weekend.Last night was the Type O Negative concert at The Rave in Milwaukee.Tonight was the 2nd Annual All Hallows Cemetery Crawl..and the 31st is bonfire night at our house.Friggin' sweet...

Stella Scooter art by Voodoo

2009-09-22T01:55:00.003+01:00

Naked Barbie art by Voodoo

2009-09-22T01:50:00.008+01:00

The Brown Recluse Spider

2009-09-22T01:28:00.005+01:00

I was bitten by one of these little bastards a few years ago.While cleaning up a remodel of an auditorium ceiling in a Wisconsin school,it crawled up my shorts and bit me on the hip..very close to the important stuff.I thought that it was possibly a fiberglass sliver from old ceiling tile at first.It was like a very itchy boil.By the next morning,I had a six inch bruise around it.I knew at that point it was a bite.The 'on call' doctor at the local clinic took me in immediately,and confirmed that it was,in his words, "a big ass spider bite.Probably a Brown Recluse." having doctored previously in Missouri,he had seen these bite symptoms before.He started me on a high dose antibiotic,and gave me his cell phone number.His instructions were.."Keep an eye out for necrotizing flesh.If anything changes for the worse..at all..call me immediately." WOW.This kind of concerned me..to say the least..The next day I was doing a little better,and within 48 hours,I could tell the drugs were going to bail me out of this one.Yikes!..nasty little bugger..I have since captured a live one at that same school.If anyone ever tells you that the Brown Recluse isn't in Wisconsin..point them to this post.

Spawn of My Loins #2

2009-09-22T01:26:00.003+01:00

Ravens

2009-09-21T19:25:00.002+01:00

Gothic Photo art by Voodoo

2009-08-23T14:35:00.004+01:00

The Electric Hellfire Club

2009-08-15T18:44:00.001+01:00

This band is originally from Kenosha Wisconsin..not too far from me.Great techno industrial goth metal.

Chris Angel Seance Part 3

2009-07-13T04:01:00.001+01:00

Chris Angel Seance Part 2

2009-07-13T03:59:00.000+01:00

Chris Angel Seance Part 1

2009-07-13T03:50:00.001+01:00

The Wandering

2009-07-12T15:49:00.002+01:00

Gargoyles in my dreams_ red eyes in the night_ I wander the Catacombs_ seeing nothing,Darkness...and the eyes of the Watchers

In Darkness' Stream

2009-07-12T15:45:00.003+01:00

Full moon_ fire night_ bending light_ the West Gate winds_ hissing in the trees_ coyotes cry_ the home of the crow_ in Darkness' stream_ a current flowing_ flickering flames_ astral plane

Blade 1 : Blood Bath

2009-07-10T02:21:00.000+01:00

Moonspell - Vampiria / Queen of the Damned

2009-07-10T02:20:00.002+01:00

Moonspell - Night Eternal

2009-07-10T02:08:00.000+01:00

Type O Negative - Black #1

2009-07-10T02:01:00.001+01:00

Hexentanz

2009-07-05T14:27:00.007+01:00

Check out Hexentanz...Hexentanz,German for Witches Dance,is traditional witch music featuring occult author Michael W. Ford,and fetish model Dana Dark as well as others from the industrial black metal band Black Funeral..Ford is probably most noted for his literary works and leadership in Luciferian Witchcraft,and the exclusive Black Order of the Dragon.

Morbid Shadow

2009-07-04T18:05:00.002+01:00

Check out this link to the Morbid Shadow myspace page.Beautifully dark.

KaitouCoon IS the Evil Dead

2009-07-04T16:10:00.002+01:00

This is KaitouCoon creeping out of a storm cellar trap door in a cabin near Bayfield Wisconsin..trying to look all spooky and such..

Leilah Wendell

2009-07-04T15:08:00.003+01:00

Leilah Wendell..self proclaimed soulmate of Azrael,Angel of Death..author..artist..definitely Queen of the Macabre.Her 'Westgate Necromantic' website is a journey into the darkest reccesses of the mind,and an incredible visual journey through death,time,and space.I own a beautiful copy of 'Our Name is Melancholy ~ The Complete Books of Azrael'...Reading it,I was shocked to see we actually share some experiences.Yes,I'm a freak too..

"The rapture to which we succumb, is Death"

In the shadow voice
I speak your name,
Azrael..
through the darkness of the humid night,
it resonates
in cathedral carillions,
tolling, like some great, deep bell
heard for miles afar,
lulled on the swell of the wind,
this symphony,
mighty in sorrow
carried on huge, dark and silent wings,
obliterating all light,
extinguishing every flame
that strives to survive your immense unfurling.

Your name, an attribute, a mortal gift,
a blessing passed through many lips
and given meaning in their prayers.
A word
becomes an invocation
simply by the emotion
imbued in its speaking.
Azrael....
The sirens sing your name
in ways that bring the angels
and the demons to their knees.
They cannot help that they have fallen.
Your name stills the heart,
silences their breath,
culls the flame of longing from their loins.
Azrael.....
the name is Love
and ever fleeting in that kiss,
that eternity could be so quick,
so demonstrative in but a moment
where time does not exist
and forever
becomes the blink of an eye,
yet so much longer
than these days.
We speak your name,
and like them, fall,
weak-kneed into your cold, cold arms
just waiting for that kiss,
however fleeting it may seem,
it is longer than our days
and fuller than our nights
and so much stronger than our dreams profess,
and so much sweeter when Life is willing
to surrender to this song.

Copyright by Leilah Wendell

Konstantinos

2009-07-04T15:03:00.002+01:00

If you have an interest in the occult,the books of Konstantinos are a must read.His 'Nocturnal Witchcraft' is one of my favorites.

Wolf Queen

2009-06-19T23:02:00.003+01:00

I love this cover from Heavy Metal magazine.The art is by Koveck.

Ravens Song

2009-05-30T22:28:00.000+01:00

video/audio clip taken by Kaitoucoon near Bayfield Wisconsin

Sebastian's Voodoo

2009-05-30T20:33:00.000+01:00

Raising My Cain

2009-05-30T15:34:00.001+01:00

Old books by gaslight_ tomes of the dead and forgotten_ raising my Cain in dark shadowed halls_ I hear their breath,chanting my name in huffs and gasps_ no such thing as dead_ as the dead are living_ as living as the raven's kaw under my bristled flesh_ as living as the eye shine of demons under stairs_ as living as my blood upon your tongue...

Black Candles

2009-05-30T15:32:00.000+01:00

Calling up the spirits of the Dead_ your eyes shine in black candle light_ Ouija on our knees,the winds of visitation caress and chill_ billowing curtains as the storm of Souls encroaches_ the Abyss yawns to swallow us whole_ I've seen the cavern_ the mine shaft that leads to the Underworld_ wandered the catacombs of the mad Arab's witch_ held The Book of Tones_ stood fast,blade in hand_ casting spells of love and torment_ haunted by the black candles light..in your eyes_

Do You Know What?

2009-05-24T00:00:00.009+01:00

The vile lying bullshit that makes up 99 percent of American religious politics has been the impetus..the push..the shove..to bring me to where I am today.Thank you.Without your fundamentalist crap,I wouldn't be so well adjusted...HA!

Peering Into The Abyss

2009-05-16T15:03:00.007+01:00

One late night (1/24/09 to be exact),while returning from an astral journey to Berlin,I happened across the edge of the Abyss.Peering deeply into its Darkness,Elemental creatures drifted in and out of the blackest of black,as if it were a scene from the depths of the Mariana Trench.This creature is as close as I can recreate in a 20 second sketch.The 'Hell's Bells' and knocking noises associated with a look into the Abyss occurred only once with me..but WOW.Talk about a lasting impression...

Oh The Horror!

2009-05-15T14:14:00.003+01:00

...a little gobble of Dark Art by Voodoo

Satin Katana

2009-05-12T04:12:00.010+01:00

I drown with every breath_ every gasp without you brings me closer to Death_ our lives together,entwined by blood..and time eternal_ forever joined by golden circles_ and hope,the veil of Babylon be lifted_ once again finding understanding in words_ we are old,and wise,and foolish_ wise fools of fable and truth_ the ABRAXAS of Sun against Moon_ so different,offset by the balance_ I the coyote,the Dark,and crow_ You.the cat.the Light..the sweet chorus of birdsong_ AH..I hear your breath at night_ feel your heart beat_ see your dreams_ but dare you see mine?_ innocence washed upon the shore_ a burnt offering_ a katana wrapped in satin love_ sweet satin..katana love

Saint & Cemetery Fairy

2009-05-11T21:57:00.004+01:00

Here's the new vocalist with Lucifer Was Framed..Mary Bloodsoaker

eLECTRIC dEATH mASK

2009-05-08T02:27:00.007+01:00

yES.tHIS IS a pICTure oF mE.mY arTwOrk.yEp.CoOl...

Black Sabbath Live in Paris,1970 "War Pigs"

2009-04-15T16:22:00.002+01:00

AWESOME early Sabbath footage.Bill Ward is a maniac on the drums!Ozzy sings different lyrics!

UFO tv series Opening Sequence

2009-04-15T15:56:00.001+01:00

...And The Dead Shall Walk The Earth

2009-03-22T14:04:00.008Z

Okay...time for freaky talk.In the Book of Revelations,the last book in the Christian Bible,the prophet John writes.."And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works"... "and the dead shall walk the Earth"..Some people take that as literally rising from graves.My Dad thinks he's going to rise up from his eastern facing grave like Charles Schultz's "Great Pumpkin".These related Biblical passages have been misinterpreted for centuries.The thing is..the dead are already walking the Earth.It's just that we can't see them...well...most of us can't.There is a veil that separates the worlds of living and dead.The veil is thinning.The dimensions are occasionally intermingling,causing experiences some people refer to as 'supernatural'..There is no supernatural.All things are of nature (and therefor science),and nothing is above it.God is of nature,as the emanation of the power that originated nature is a part of the essence of God.One day the veil between dimensions will no longer separate these worlds..then it may seem as if the dead are walking the Earth.It is simply part of the natural progression of things..a sort of evolution that was prophesied by the Apostle John..a precursor to the New World Order.According to the Bible,a united global government will be established based in the "New Jerusalem"..more on that later.

Spooky Melvin

2009-03-15T14:18:00.002Z

My chihuahua pup Melvin getting ready for 'trick or treat'...

A Vision : An Important Flag?

2009-03-07T21:19:00.010Z

I had saved this post,hesitating to publish it until I found the flag I was looking for.Well,I've found it on a fellow blogger's profile.It's not exactly as I envisioned it,as seen in the sketch,but it is indeed the flag.The crude trident defines it.I'm not sure what any of it means,but here is the original post as written... "I can't get this flag out of my head.It consists of two horizontal stripes of red..an orange-ish red..separated by a yellowish or gold stripe or image in the center.I see a gold trident like figure.crude.but basically a trident.I recognize it,but I can't identify it.It is an important component in the future of the USA..or the world order.."

Crescent Moon & Crescent Venus

2009-03-07T01:35:00.003Z

Beautiful crescent Moon & crescent Venus pic.rare and cool.

More Mystery Sigil?

2009-03-07T01:13:00.008Z

Dammit!..I'm almost there.Moon.Mercury.Mars...click on pic for detail.Maybe it hasn't happened yet.uhg..i'm seeing the future again..and I drew Cassiopeia backwards..upside down..I knew the drawing wasn't quite right.

Marilyn Manson-Beautiful People Video

2009-03-06T02:41:00.003Z

This is an incredible,creepy,awesome music video for a true modern classic rock anthem..BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE..WOW

Jack Kerouac's Word Jazz

2009-03-06T02:20:00.001Z

Black Sabbath Never Say Die Tour,1978

2009-03-04T01:27:00.007Z

I saw this same concert in Milwaukee in 1978.Van Halen was the opening act..on their first world tour.The next morning,I had my high school senior picture taken,then went on a three day camping trip with my friend Ken in Devil's Lake Wisconsin.Now those are the good ol' days!Here is the entire show..57 minutes.

Broken Angels

2009-03-03T04:00:00.004Z

Morning Star_ Bearer of Light_ the Favored Son_ what have you done?_ the left hand of God_ cast to the ground_ against our will_ clipped our wings_ bound to earth_ Wormwood_ the Fallen Star_ the bitter leaf_ the damned infernal_ the broken angels

Edgar Allen Poe

2009-02-25T00:33:00.003Z

I think it is rather amusing that 'Poe' is known by his entire name,the same way we label our serial killers.The Poe Society of Baltimore is a great resource for Poe fans,of which I am one.This poor demented soul of an author reigns glory upon the dark tales and tomes that I love so much.

Luis Ricardo Falero

2009-02-23T02:46:00.003Z

Luis Ricardo Falero,1851-1896,was a Spanish born portrait artist.I love his interpretations of witches.Beautifully done.Fairies were also a popular subject for him.His specialty is the female figure..very edgy for the era..

Deciphering the Sigil

2009-02-17T23:13:00.005Z

Here are most of the components of the 'mystery sigil'.The remaining part is on the tip of my mental tongue.Soon I will find it.It will fit in the middle of these two photos.Since no occultists responded to the post,maybe I should be appealing to astronomers for input.The top photo shows the crescent moon,Venus,and Jupiter.The bottom photo is Cassiopeia,from the base of the sigil.

Spiritual Autopsy

2009-02-16T02:51:00.012Z

In my Mystery Sigil post,I had wondered if the sigil in my head had something to do with a guardian angel.What is known as The Cross of Lorraine,or The Cross of Joan of Arc..is also known as The Cross of the Archangels.As for the circles on the sigil?..representative of four angels?..maybe..and the crescent moon?Gabriel is an Archangel,ruling over powers of the moon,and also one of the guardians assigned to my troubled soul.Hmmm.I dunno..could still very well be dark forces.I came back from my astral trip with a little baggage.I'll talk more about that later.This blog was created for me to express my spiritual stumblings and discoveries,and both the questions and answers will end up here eventually..splayed out like a spiritual autopsy.THAT is Voodoo Drums.

The Seals of the Seven Archangels

2009-02-15T16:16:00.003Z

The Shackles of Terra

2009-02-15T14:37:00.005Z

do not cry dear one_ though your world seems a crushing weight_ one day the healing,the taken joy returneth_ a soul mate set free seems more like chains to thee_ oh Terra,thine shackles bind_ who knoweth justice?_ not I as well_ enslaved it would seem,to a world of judgement and pain_ Michael.Gabriel.Raphael.Uriel.Legion of righteousness_ set us free

Untitled Faith

2009-02-15T13:19:00.006Z

One eye shut_ taught by edited tomes_ the tainted words of men_ forgetting the forgotten_ ignoring the ancient as fiction_ is not the Book of Enoch the word of your god?_ and so the Books of Moses.. Nag Hammadi.. The Keys of Solomon the King_ my nun denied the Revelations!_ so many speak of faith,yet remembereth not what faith hath wrought_ the death of ancient cultures_ the burning of the witches_ the blessing of fascism_ the slaughter of Gandhi's India_ corruption of the priests_ an allegiance to the flag of a nation of men?_ stinking with foul words_ watching Appalachia starve_ where is the faith my doubting Thomas,when your journey ends at Sunday noon?...and of faith,where indeed is mine?You need not know_ my faith untitled...

Torn

2009-02-14T19:13:00.002Z

I'm really going through a difficult period.Because of health issues,I'm having to give up my sweetheart Stella scooter.I haven't done it yet..and don't honestly know if I can.But my back is not the issue that pains me the most.It's my daughter's fiance' that died on 1/24 during brain surgery.One of my very best friends essentially said "Don't cry too hard.He's probably not even a real person.Maybe he just doesn't want to talk to her anymore."..ouch.I am a very forgiving soul.I've been hit,verbally abused,trampled underfoot,abandoned..and have always been able to forgive.I can forgive this..maybe..eventually.But,I'm having an awfully hard time forgetting.This friend doesn't have a clue as to the history we've shared with this fine young man..and I shouldn't have to explain myself to anyone that is truly a friend.I'm crushed.I know your past my dear,and I honestly feel for your charlatan experience.The S.O.B. that burned you has his own baggage to deal with..his own bad karma.Don't hand it to me under the guise of friendship.We are still in mourning.very much so.Happy Valentines day.

Strinberg and Helium

2009-02-14T16:07:00.001Z

Strindberg and Helium...a hilarious weird series of Gothic cartoons.Thanks to my Shadowpeople friend Laura for the cool link.

Voodoo Drum Sigil

2009-02-14T02:05:00.003Z

I've got a couple of old marching drums that I may decorate with sigils.That will really heighten the energy around the fire.I know how to design sigils with a purpose in mind,and various ways of charging them.I haven't sorted out the last posting yet,but I'm onto something very cool.I have several unusable guitars available for art as well..for the G4V Art Guitar Program.I may do a sigil guitar with a healing energy.That would be great for a vets home,or anyone else for that matter.

Mystery Sigil

2009-02-13T01:27:00.007Z

This mysterious 'sigil' has been stuck in my head since my astral travel of two weeks ago.It's one of those things that seems to loose something in the translation from mind to paper.This is the best I can duplicate it.My gut tells me that I know this symbol..and that I always have.It has a nagging familiarity.Angels comes to mind..one of my guardians?(birthday is July 4th 1961).As a whole,I see the crescent moon that inspired my 'Lucifer Moon' poem,a Cassiopeia like W,and maybe some stars and/or planets in between.The Cross of Lorraine is obvious as well.Venus has been awesomely bright of late,and quite near the moon,but I couldn't guess at this point what the other circles may represent.Does this sigil chart an astral path?.PLEASE..If there are any astute occultists out there that may have an insight,post a comment (comment link below).I'll publish anything pertinent.Thanks in advance..

A Concept of Time

2009-02-12T14:04:00.006Z

..a Voodoo Drums quote.."time (as we know it) is only relevant to the mind of man"..since everything else in the known universe couldn't care less what time it is..what hour and minute it is..why is it so important to us?The theory of past,present,and future was fabricated by mankind to help us understand the order of things.That is why we are bound to them..not necessarily because it is fact,but because we believe it to be fact.Some scientists have been theorizing that our future may be somewhere elses past,and visa versa,depending from where in the universe you are observing.Brilliant.That's something occultists have known since Adam bit the apple (lol)..all exist simultaneously..therefore,all are accessible.

A Dark History

2009-02-09T13:07:00.005Z

I just finished reading 'The Black Arts' by Richard Cavendish.It is an all encompassing historical perspective and in depth analysis of occult science through the ages.I did breeze over a couple chapters that either didn't interest me,or I found too in depth to the point of being wordy and overwhelming.That being said,it was a very enjoyable read.The bibliography is worth a look as well.Though this book was first published in 1967,Cavendish remains the undisputed expert historian of The Black Arts.

MRI/The Burn

2009-02-07T22:26:00.006Z

..wandering in darkness_ shadows in the black_ flashes of light_ the shapes of colors_ prismatic geometry_ primal magnetic beats_ telling me stories of nether realms and dreams_ showing me truths that can't be seen_ burn down the lies of my catechism_ Malleus Maleficarum_ Hammer of the Witches_ your infallible Caesar_ Pope

A Little Poetry..Witch Style

2009-02-07T22:15:00.003Z

The wind shall blow_ the snow shall bite_ a werewolf's howl in the dead of night_ beware the raven_ beware the crow_ lest your blood be on the snow...

Lucifer Moon

2009-01-31T15:45:00.003Z

Lucifer moon in Aquarius_ a Cheshire cat smile in the night_ sometime,feeling lost at the end of your own hand_ don't eat the bread crumbs_ you may lose your way home_ that place in your skull that gives you tears_ a place in your skull where evil sleeps with angels_ where truths lie in fissures_ and pain is your name..

A Dream World

2009-01-31T15:32:00.005Z

I received a glimpse of a beautiful land the other day during a brief meditation...liquid black starless sky_ great emerald pyramids lining a boulevard of golden sand dust rivers_ spires of mosaic mirrored glass poking at the heavens_ no life..but a consciousness ubiquitous.

What About The Good News?...

2009-01-30T00:10:00.004Z

..OK..There HAS to be some good in the middle of all this feces..and I'm struggling to find it.GUITARS FOR VETS...SQUARE WAVE TRIO...maybe TAI CHI or YOGA..maybe a THC prescription..I did meet some really friggin' cool cats in The Shadowpeople.Friends for life.I've got a decent job and a good lovin' family.still searchin' for the truths of the universe,diciphering mysteries as I go.wish me luck.insights to follow...it's all good..right?

More Bad News...

2009-01-29T23:04:00.005Z

Well..I finally got the results of my MRI.The scan was on my lumbar region (lower back).Every vertebrae and disc had an issue.By issue,I mean bulging discs,disc deterioration,vertebrae deformity-misalignment-deterioration..swollen and pinched nerves,friction on the spinal cord..I'm sorry,but I gotta say this..WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!..the rest of my back is assumed to be in the same basic shape.So are my feet.more arthritis,bone deformities,and spurs..and arthritic joints pretty much everywhere.The doc says 47 years of hard work and play is the culprit.I can for the first time in my life actually feel my spine from tailbone to skull.Let me tell you,I don't much care for it.Last night I told my family what was going on.It wasn't easy,but compared to the last few days..not that hard.Today I had to fill in my brother,and so many other musicians that I've worked with in the past,that I was quiting everything but Square Wave and the G4V Art Guitar Program.Telling Kim from The Shadowpeople was a crushing blow..AND..I have to sell that drum kit.shit..and maybe other drums as well.My beloved Stella scooter has to go.If I would take a spill,I wouldn't be able to fully recover.I couldn't do that to my family or myself.GOD DAMN IT!HAVEN'T WE HAD ENOUGH THIS WEEK?..ok ok ok...enough rant.I had to purge..now it's done.onward...

Amazing Pain

2009-01-28T01:18:00.005Z

Tuesday January 27th.I feel like a million dollars..a million dollars worth of dog poop.My whole body aches.I have a nasty dull pain behind my forehead.I'm stunned by the events of the last few days.The pain,sorrow,and anger will dissipate..but I will never be the same.I dragged my sorry hinder into school,heading for the cold darkness of the loading dock to get my work keys.My hands were humming..buzzing..it seemed almost audible..with an intensifying electric like energy.I stretched my arms and fingers straight out in front of me in a rather 'abracadabra' sort of way,trying to snap crackle pop my kinked nerves back into order.I was startled by the sudden flash of light that surrounded both hands..an inner layer of intense pale to medium blue,reminding me of a natural gas flame,and an outer layer of bright sunlight yellow with a sharply defined outline.After shaking off the amazing rush,I felt completely drained.The rest of the day was physically and emotionally difficult..

The Altered Future

2009-01-28T00:31:00.004Z

..WOW..amazing shiest going on.January 23rd was supposed to be a Guitars For Vets 'thank you concert' by Square Wave for Arrowhead High School.They raised $3000 for G4V. Amazing job!.Sadly,my sister-in-laws grandfather passed away,and the funeral was set for the 23rd.Patrick (Square Wave guitarist) needed to be with his wife that day.I had already taken the day off from work to play the gig.I remember Pat saying during our phone conversation that postponing the gig 'just changed the future'.It sure did.Because we weren't gigging,we would be doing something else,right?..a different future.I had hurt my back the previous week,and it wasn't healing well.I was going to just suck it up and do the gig.Finally I went to the doctor.The Friday the 23rd in question was now slated for an MRI on my lower back.I've had several MRI's,so I wasn't concerned at all about the procedure..a hassle taking out my piercings,but a piece of cake otherwise.The night before,I learned of Heinrich's scheduled surgery.So,the altered future was already in my face...Friday morning I appeared at my MRI appointment,fully prepared with no metal in my head,pajama pants and Guitars For Vets t-shirt.The procedure was going well.I was feeling kind of strange though.My body had no feeling.I became a consciousness laying on a pillow.I saw my body walking around the MRI suite..then,face up against the glass staring at the technician.She didn't sense my presence as far as I could tell.I was out of body and exploring the room..and the control booth.freaky.Things eventually wound down,and I was out of there..buzzing like I never have before.I was dopey,yet wired.I had a crazy charge building up in my body.I think this is what gave me the 'push' to astral travel to Berlin Friday night to be with Heinrich..Yes Patrick..The future indeed was changed.I think if the gig hadn't been canceled,I never would have had the energy to be with our friend in Germany that night.I wouldn't have changed that for the world..

Heinrich and Lucifer

2009-01-27T04:08:00.005Z

This is Heinrich in an art shot done by his cousin for a school project.The cuz got an 'A' on this one.I dig the angle..looking at the camera through the mirror..very well done.The other shot is his cat,Lucifer,as a kitten.Lucifer is all grown up now.Heinrich's mother managed to smuggle Lucifer into the ICU for a brief visit.What a thoughtful surprise.

An Emotional Journey To Enlightenment

2009-01-26T16:47:00.010Z

I wasn't going to blog this,but I think it will help me better understand what happened if I spell it out.In my last post,I wrote of Heinrich's ability to astral travel.Last Friday,11pm our time,he went into surgery to have several cancerous brain tumors removed.The surgery took place in Germany.We were all very concerned about the outcome of the procedure.From a dreamlike state of consciousness,I contacted Heinrich and asked him if I could observe the surgery.He met me out of body,and we both observed the operation from above.We could see the tumors.There were several,of varying size,attached to very sensitive areas.Both of us saw the futility of the surgery.He new the outcome would mean no quality of life,and no recovery.He couldn't let his family and friends suffer through that kind of emotional trauma..and still have to pull the plug.He had been given no viable choice.At that point,he permanently left his physical body,and was set free.I awoke to see the clock..12:23.Little did I know that my youngest daughter was still awake.Shortly before 12:30 she broke into tears,sensing that Heinrich was gone.This whole experience has profoundly effected me,and my anger toward God is starting to diminish..as bits of understanding slowly move me down the road..on an emotional journey to enlightenment...

Meditation and Astral Travel

2009-01-25T13:46:00.003Z

A few months ago,our friend Heinrich was struggling through the physical effects of cancer.I gave him a few instructions on how to do a simple style of meditation.He had great success the first time he tried it,expanding his consciousness outside the confines of his body.He had developed this skill over the months to achieve the ability to astral travel,and on occasion has visited us 'out of body'.Our physical connection with him will be sorely missed,but our spiritual connection with this special young man will remain.I think it sad that people become trapped in the confines of their preconceived ideas about such things.The misconceptions,and outright lies perpetrated by 'corporate religions' prevent people from accepting such concepts as astral travel and out of body experiences as part of our natural human abilities.There is no such thing as 'supernatural'.All things are from nature.We find ourselves labeling things we don't scientifically understand as supernatural or occult.This quote is from the Temple of the Vampire website.."The difference between science and magic is the knowledge of the observer."

Epitaph for a Friend

2009-01-24T16:37:00.005Z

Our dear friend Heinrich was born to the cosmic consciousness last night.He passed into the next life during surgery to remove several cancerous brain tumors.We are devastated.Heinrich was a wonderful young man of 17..a born warrior,with Bushido in his heart,incredibly well mannered,intelligent,and funny.He will be painfully missed from our daily lives.Our hearts go out to his family and friends..particularly to my daughter..to whom he had proposed marriage just two days earlier.I am questioning the existence of 'God' at this point..or at the very least..the archetypal christian concept of Him that I've been raised with.I know that death is only painful to the living,but this is an inexcusable instance to me.I'm crushed..and so god damned pissed off that I'm ready to renounce the Almighty Wizard of Oz himself.I understand the beauty and grace of Christ's life and his martyrdom as example..and the interconnecting ubiquitous power of the 'Holy Spirit',as some people call it..but I'm having a serious fucking problem with the 'master plan'.What kind of bullshit is this?Heinrich went through his disease with incredible bravery and grace.Unfortunately for me..I'm not feeling very gracious right now.

Sick Bat

2009-01-18T14:57:00.004Z

We found this Little Brown bat hanging from our garage door one day.I blew on him to chase him off,and he fell to the ground and scurried away.He was apparently sick.The next morning,I found him dead.

The Bush Plague

2009-01-18T14:52:00.001Z

I'm so glad we will no longer be plagued with images like these...

LWF's Patrick Exorcising His Tourette Syndrome

2009-01-18T14:27:00.004Z

Buddy Rich vs. Animal Drum Battle

2009-01-18T14:04:00.000Z

Muppet Show - Drum Battle Buddy Rich Vs Animal - The most amazing videos are a click away

Weird Dream,Ouija,and Shadow Man

2009-01-17T17:55:00.008Z

I had a very strange dream last night.I haven't been reading or watching anything occult this week.No tarot..no Ouija..nothing.So I'm not sure where this is coming from.The dream was about a man,looking much like Harry Potter's Hagrid.He presented my wife and I with an ornately decorated African djembe drum.It was hand carved with symbols resembling crop circles.He was very pleased to give it to us,as it was to be used in magick rituals.Then he proceeded to instruct us by example on how to properly charge a Ouija,or witch board for use.He placed the board on the floor right side up.Then he reached into a cardboard box and pulled out a large stone wolf's head figure..similar to something like a giant brown,beige,and white marbled chess piece.He placed the head,facing us,on the center of the board.Then he pulled a weathered silver plated cast metal pig out of the cardboard box.It was about the size of a couple of fists,and reminded me of a 'piggy bank'.The underside of it was hollow.The man took an ugly old knife blade and scratched the inside of the pig,creating a bloody red line.A few drops of blood seeped from the metal,dripping down onto the stone wolf head and the Ouija board.Smearing the blood around on the board with his hand,he said "There.It is done."At that instant,I woke up.Very lucid dream.It was as if I was conscious.As I was typing out this story,our house guest Omar came up stairs.His room is in the back corner of the basement.He told me that he awoke during the night to see a 'shadow man' standing in the doorway to his room.Very strange night indeed...

Rue Morgue

2009-01-16T15:27:00.005Z

If you are a horror fan,you have got to check out the best fan magazine on the market today..Rue Morgue.It is hands down the most in depth and diverse publication available.Published in Canada on high quality glossy stock,it features great photo stills,reviews on new and classic film,campy cult classics,gore and slash,video releases,movie previews,printed materials such as comics,interviews,and any number of other features.Each issue is a collectors treasure.Rue Morgue is always available at Barnes & Noble.Check out the Rue Morgue website..a lot of awesome stuff on there too.Cool links.

Pandora Radio

2009-01-15T15:14:00.003Z

Pandora Radio is an awesome online interactive music source.Setting up an account is as simple as an email address and password.You can choose to listen to any number of favorite genres,or custom create your own 'radio station' by simply typing in a favorite band or song.Pandora will then match that style to an endless list of similarly styled bands or songs.I typed in Moonspell,a favorite goth metal band,and got a play list including them,Type O Negative,Rammstein,My Dying Bride,and an onslaught of other kick ass goth metal bands.After 30 minutes of listening,I had an ear to ear smile.I WANT THIS SERVICE IN MY CAR!

Guitars For Vets Art Guitar Program

2009-01-15T13:02:00.004Z

This Gibson Melody Maker guitar was autographed by Joan Jett for raffle by G4V...Very cool.
Friday January 23rd at 1pm,Guitars for Vets will be accepting a $3000 check from Arrowhead High School in their auditorium.That is a lot of money for a high school fund raiser..very generous.My jazz trio SQUARE WAVE will be performing for the staff,students,and media to celebrate the gift.These funds will go to help many vets gain music therapy,in the form of guitars and lessons,to help them recover from both physical and mental hurdles suffered from combat...I've been asked to head up the G4V art guitar program.This program takes guitars that cannot be played or repaired and puts them in the hands of local artists to transform them into works of art.The art guitars are then sold,auctioned,or raffled at G4V events to earn money for the program.All artists work is donated.If yo have an old guitar to donate,or know an artist that may be interested in helping this wonderful cause,please contact me directly at voodoodrums13@hotmail.com My family has agreed to all lend a hand to make the art guitar program a success.Many hands make work light,so please feel free and encouraged to contribute.

Square Wave Trio

2009-01-14T23:59:00.005Z

Patrick's magic fingers
Luthier Steve Benford
Batman
My jazz band Square Wave is back to booking gigs again.Nothing yet,but I'm hopeful things will get back to normal.A year and a half ago,the jazz gigs dried up and I had to pick up part time work to make up for the lost cash.I'll tell ya,gigging every weekend is a lot easier and more fun than working 80 hours a month as a donations attendant at the Goodwill.

Laid Up

2009-01-14T23:53:00.002Z

Rats..messed up my back.two physical jobs and a schist load of shoveling snow.I went to the doc after a week and a half of pain.A series of x-rays revealed an ugly degenerative arthritis,a nasty bone spur,and a bulging disc in the middle of the chaos.friggin' wonderful.A few days off work and a bucket of drugs..hopefully I'll soon be back to my normal self.phooey.

The Beauty of Winter

2009-01-14T23:47:00.002Z

For those of you that are burning out on the old fashioned Wisconsin winter we're having,check out Vicki's birding blog.She's snapped some cool(okay,cold) pics that will warm yer icy little heart...have a look at 'Birding Journey'

The Monster Times

2009-01-10T14:32:00.004Z

..summer of '74.comic books and monster movies were my life.I bought an issue of The Monster Times and read through it til the pages wore out.I hung the Godzilla centerfold in my room.My dad eventually freaked out on the comic book thing and tossed my entire collection in the trash.Over the years I've managed to collect some of those prized memories..including this copy of The Monster Times..

Egyptian Queen by Frank Frazetta

2009-01-09T21:03:00.002Z

This image has stuck with me since I was a wee lad reading monster comics and watching classic old horror films.Frank Frazetta's posters were available by mail order from several horror/monster magazines and newspapers back in the day.At the time I was dreaming about my future career choices..egyptologist,archaeologist,horror film makeup genius..This piece is still one of my favorites.

Humorous

2009-01-09T18:11:00.004Z

'Lucifer Was Framed'...Jammin'

2009-01-09T16:06:00.006Z

Mantis style Kung Fu

Patrick and I got together to jam for the first time in ages..since the Guitars For Vets fundraiser at Maxie's Southern Comfort.It was nice to play with him again,and to play on the Iconoclast Studio's Ludwig drum kit.I love the sound of this set.Some of the songs we'll be playing include originals such as Pagan Whore,Scare Me,and Three.These songs fit well with the LWF ideal.If we can get organized,and stay focused on the Goth vibe,this thing is gonna frickin' rock!