RockOm Blog

The Touch of the Master's Hand

Posted on September 5, 2008 at 05:24 AM

The following is a poem by Myra Brooks Welch which was circulated for years, often as an anonymous work. It has seen its way onto plaques and trinkets, quoted in sermons and even recorded (by Wayne Watson, others). Perhaps that's because for decades this simple story has touched people with its simple truth. Though you may have heard or read this before, experience it today anew with a fresh understanding. Here is "The Touch of the Master's Hand":
'Twas battered and scarred and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good folk?" he cried.
"Who'll start the bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar ... now two ... only two ...
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice,
Going for three" ... but no!
From the room far back a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow.

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Punk Rock Your Life

Posted on September 4, 2008 at 06:17 AM

"Punk Rock Your Life: The Simple Six-Letter Word That Determines Success" [by Brian Clark / Leo Babauta from zenhabits.net]

It's June of 1976 in Manchester, England, and a small group of people gather in a tiny venue called the Lesser Free Trade Hall to see a band play. There's nothing really remarkable about this group of 42 people, and that evening's featured musicians are unknown at the time.

The band calls themselves the Sex Pistols.

As I mentioned, there were no famous people in the crowd at this show, or at the follow-up show that happened about a month later. The Sex Pistols had not yet caused an uproar throughout Britain with songs like Anarchy in the UK and God Save the Queen, and it was well before they invaded the US in 1978.

Attendees ranged from the local mailman to a few rebellious school children. But a handful of others in that small audience became some of the most influential people in independent and now mainstream music.

Click below to read more and see how this story can encourage success and growth in life...

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Previous Posts

What's New @ RockOm: Tues 9/3

Posted on September 3, 2008 at 04:46 AM

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Dissonance / Dealing With Negativity

Posted on September 2, 2008 at 09:13 AM

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Sacred Music - Sacred Being

Posted on September 1, 2008 at 06:32 AM

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The Concert

Posted on August 30, 2008 at 06:41 AM

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Inked

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 04:41 AM

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Welcome!

RockOm is an online community to celebrate, share and explore the common ground of music and spirituality, inclusive of all faiths and all musical styles. We at RockOm have created this venue to be a haven for spiritually-inclined musicians to share and promote their art, for listeners to encounter the power of their musical expressions, and all to forge new friendships, help each other, and discuss and further explore the bonds of music and the spirit.

Featured Track of the Week

Mike Reeb

Mike ReebChicago, IL

http://mikereeb.com http://myspace.com/mikereeb

"Like A Wing"

Album: All That's Left (2008)

"Although 'Like A Wing' was written for a friend of mine, I believe it is a song of encouragement and hope for anyone in need. In the midst of our problems, it is comforting to know that God offers us shelter and safety under his wing (Psalm 61)." [Mike Reeb]

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September 2008 Articles and Interviews

I'm Gonna Let It Shine: An Interview with the Legendary Odetta

OdettaOdetta, the "Queen of American Folk Music" (anointed by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1961) is one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century, with countless artists indebted to her pioneering ways. RockOm had the extraordinary opportunity to have an exclusive, one-on-one with Ms. Odetta where she shared her thoughts on singing and music, the civil rights movement and even Barack Obama.

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The Rhythm of Life: An Interview with Christine Stevens

Christine Stevens FrontChristine Stevens is an internationally acclaimed author, music therapist and speaker. She is the founder of UpBeat Drum Circles and is the author of The Healing Drum Kit and The Art and Heart of Drum Circles. Christine shares with RockOm about the healing power of drumming, the joys of drum circles and how to tune into "the rhythm of life."

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Rooted in Philosophy: An Interview with Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya

Debashish FrontGuitar maestro Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya is one of the world's phenomena, creator of a unique "Trinity of Slide Guitars" and a master of classical raga - the music of India. He recently spoke with RockOm about traditional Indian music, the spirituality and philosophy behind it, and how music makes us all "brothers and sisters."

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Featured Articles from the Archive

Sparrow Song: An Interview with Abigail Washburn

Abigail ThumbnailAbigail Washburn is the unofficial leader of a bluegrass, alt-country/classical, Chinese-folk Super Group called The Sparrow Quartet featuring cellist Ben Sollee, Grammy nominated violinist Casey Driessen, and multi-Grammy Award Winner Bela Fleck. RockOm's Tom Crenshaw met up with Abigail in Savannah, GA earlier this year at The Savannah Music Festival to discuss her career and the power of music to transcend cultures.

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Krishna Das: From Blues to Stones to Kirtan

Krishna Das Thumbnail for ExcerptIn yoga centers and practitioners' MP3 players worldwide streams the melodies and voice of artist Krishna Das. Krishna Das recently shared with RockOm about his rock n' roll past and the influence of his guru.

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Send After the Harpist to Play: An Interview with Ricky Skaggs

Skaggs Thumbnail"I'm a Christian, born-again," says Ricky Skaggs, "and I believe that music was created for Him and by Him - especially bluegrass!" Check out renowned artist Ricky Skaggs as he discusses his music, motivation and David, the Bible's prominent musician.

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