Once upon a time I got an error message saying that I needed to press and hold the power button on my computer, therefore turning it off. Perhaps the previous story occurred multiple times today. I was baffled. Macs aren't supposed to crash like that. Especially when everything was working fine up until that point. I was able to eliminate the problem... it was my wireless keyboard that I use during recording in the studio. (Not like the 88 key kind... the computer kind, similar to the one I'm using to type this). I was quite discouraged seeing how I had just installed the brand new keyboard only a couple days ago (pretty sure that is the nerdiest sentence I have ever written). But alas, I was at a loss.

I mentioned the problem to my dad, who was working on his own project: installing new speakers in the Tahoe. He said he would look at it later. Quite suddenly, I realized that I had ignored an excellent help source: google. When the opportunity presented itself, I sat down and tried to put my problem into words. (I am going somewhere with this) There it was... the second option "wireless keyboard crashes Snow Leopard" where I promptly found 9 easy clicks to fixing the problem. Elation ensued. I went and told my dad that I had fixed the problem with a little help from whoever else had entered the problem on Apple Support... to which he said, "Funny you should say that... I couldn't figure out how to get the panel off the door in the truck... second thing to come up on youtube was this guy showing how to take a panel off the door of a tahoe"

Who does that? Some angel of a person, apparently. There I was with my problem. I look for help, and what do you know? Tons of other people have the same crisis... and some generous soul offers a solution. For free. My dad has an issue come up with the car, and with hardly any effort, finds that someone else has experienced the same scenario, and learned how to overcome. It's a mundane illustration, but now do you see where I'm going with this?

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" - 1 Corinthians 10:13

No matter how diverse or obscure or even shameful the situation is, SOMEONE and probably MANY people have experienced it, and those with faith and a will strengthened by the Holy Spirit have made it to the other side. As helpless as a situation may seem, or as difficult as a trial may appear, it has not reached you or me without the Lord allowing it... and with it comes a way of escape. Be encouraged, God is truly faithful.

Studious

"There are a number of technologies used for variable gain amplification, each having different advantages and disadvantages. Vacuum tubes are used in a configuration called 'variable-mu': the grid-to-cathode voltage changes to alter the gain. Also used is a voltage controlled amplifier (VCA), which has its gain reduced as the power of the input signal increases. Optical compressors use a light sensitive resistor (LDR) and a small lamp (LED or electroluminescent panel) to create changes in signal gain. This technique is believed by some to add smoother characteristics to the signal because the response times of the light and the resistor soften the attack and release. Other technologies used include field effect transistors and a diode bridge.<sup>"

Um, yeah, ok.</sup>

The new normal, I suppose

Grace Coleman, coming to you live from... my desk.

The past few months have been a whirlwind of big decisions. Big decisions that were propelled by lots of prayer and accompanied with mixed emotions. Most of you have probably figured out by now that I'm not at school anymore, at least not physically. I'm still getting quite schooled. My biggest decision of the summer was to stay home this semester (and maybe more) and continue pursuing music/composition independently. That was a tough one. If you recall, I loved school. I loved learning about my passion (music) and being surrounded by other people my age who were also passionate about it. I quickly made many friends (two things that don't normally happen: quick and many) and I learned an intense amount of knowledge (not just academic). So why in the world would I not go back?

Well, after attending the guild in NY (I think I told you it was life changing, and if I didn't... it was) I was incredibly inspired. I watched John Campbel do what he does so well and it actually made sense. I thought to myself that with a little practice I could figure this out, and save a lot of money in the process. Which brings me to my second reason for not going back: money... or lack thereof. They don't call us starving musicians for nothing.

My time at PBA was not wasted. Before attending, I wondered if college was for me. But being there for a semester gave me a good taste of what college life is like. I learned foundational information that I will use every day of my entire career. And I gained friendships that I hope will last untill the day I die.

Meanwhile, the Lord has just confirmed this decision time and time again. Providing the finances I need to buy equipment, tutorials, books, etc. and also placing very special people in my life who can direct me to the next step, and the next, and the next. I am so thankful, and also very excited about what the future holds.

I'm planning on releasing an EP next month, although it's turning into quite a project and might morph into a full length album, in which case it won't be released until November. Lord willing. Then, hoping to release a second EP Feb. 1st. Lots to work on. Fun times.

Well, back to my studies about compression, and variable-gain amplifiers, and other stuff that I don't understand. Peace.