I wanted to take this opportunity, almost at the end of my proverbial “mowing” season, to write a post based on my reasons for enjoying the “Mow” as much as I do. I have recently had more than a few questions regarding my love for outdoor work, so I thought I would take the time to give you all an explanation. It’s more than just the few cold ones I enjoy while riding the mower and waving at the neighbors waiting to see how long it will take for me to take out the corners of flowerbeds! Being a producer for many years and working with many great musicians, writers, and engineers, I have often wondered where they get their ideas or who(what) they find to be their “muse” for creation. As life and God have been good to me over the years, I look for solice in anything that I can. Something away from the noise of the phone, TV, office, people wanting part of my time which I am only too happy to give…often to a fault. When I was younger, my parents had a place at a nearby lake which I spent a lot of time on our boat listening to music, alone, thinking, planning, and wondering how things would turn out years in the future. As life would have it, I am still wondering how things will turn out in the future. Mowing my lawn for me affords me the ability to think, plan, and wonder about the future and what is currently on my plate as well as future projects that would be fun, informative, and entertaining for all of “Butch’s ” fans. Music has played an enormous role in keeping my wheels turning and the new ideas flowing. Listening to the greats, writing, thinking, pouring over particular songs that touched me deeply, and analysing every note of every instrument. Years ago, I recall my then girlfriend Mary, who is still a great friend (with her husband Tom and her family), asked me about why my taste in music was so broad. “Jeff, How can you like almost ALL music that you hear, when I absolutely HATE some of it!” The only answer at that time that I could come up with was ” When we listen to music together, I don’t hear the same thing that you do!” It was at this point that I started to think very hard about this question and realized that I hear things very differently than most people. I can find something good in just about any piece of music that I run across. This is what lead me in a totally different direction in life from the picket fence, which honestly, is what I secretly crave! Funny how things turn out, huh!?! My mowing music ranges from Classical to Kiss and everything, and I mean everything, in between. This music, much of which I grew up with, opens the door to the wonder and renewal of dreams that I once had when I was younger that I did not have the means to attain. My means have allowed me to do a few things but I think Butch, instead of a trustworthy woman, has kept me in check these last six years.Â
Merriam Webster defines “Muse” as “to become absorbed in thought; especially : to turn something over in the mind meditatively and often inconclusively” As fate would have it, being single at this point in my life, Butch has become my muse! He has given me direction, purpose, and a family freindly perspective which now drives everything that I do with “My Buddy Butch.” I am now working on some interesting projects, with Butch, that hopefully you will find entertaining for your kids and the whole family! The radio show will be expanding, we will be introducing new individuals to the show, and we will be working on more video and our newsletter. So thank you for listening and monitoring the site, reading the book, and sending us your emails! Stay Tuned!
