portrait

little things make us /  by admin

© 2011 Gary Garbett

My life is a grocery store line A "We'll be just fine" Don't know how we survive, but we do

My life is an early spring snow The last thread of hope That I just keep hanging on to

My life is pieces of paper that I'll get back to later I'll write you a story, how I ended up here Why the little things make us and how long it takes us To figure out what matters the most. . . . .

My life is a two dollar beer Friday nights here With friends that I've known since high school

My life is an order to go A rainy car ride back home And someone you love to lay next to

My Life is pieces of paper that I'll get back to later I'll write you a story, how I ended up here Why the little things make us and how long it takes us To figure out what matters the most . . . . .

Someday well I'll look back and wonder Someday comes around quicker than they told you Asking "Did I do, what I was suppose to"

In my Life Don't know Why the little things make us and sometimes it takes us To damn long to figure what matters the most . . . . My life is green grass through the snow A sweet reckless hope

And baby I know...what matters the most

I reviewed this album on my other blog last week. Drop in and give it a look. Lyrics from "The Most" by Lori McKenna from her new album Lorraine. 

All rights reserved to Universal Music Publishing Group in Nashville (c).

eyes on the road /  by admin

©2011 gary garbett.com

I drove several miles yesterday, perhaps even more than usual. Just seems like a standard when you live in a rural area. I always seem to find an inner calm during those drives. Usually it's just me and the music, getting lost in the moment as I pass the road markings like falling dominoes.

I'm not sure why, but yesterday was just a little bit different. I listened to the quiet instead. Between that and the whistling of the fresh air making it's way through slightly lowered windows, it seemed like I drove farther than those miles I left behind me in the rear view mirror. These healthy places find me far more often than they use to.

paperwork's complete. bring on tomorrow. /  by admin

©2011 gary garbett.com

Next to being a Dad, my middle aged return to higher education has been one of the most rewarding events in my life. Receiving my bachelor's degree at 48 years of age was a personal landmark. It was official. I'd been bitten by the education bug and prior to graduating in 2008, I'd already applied and accepted my invitation to attend graduate school in Virginia Commonwealth University's highly ranked School of the Arts program. 


I continued my forward educational momentum while also working full time for the university. Education and creativity surrounded me. I felt at home. Two years and one day after attending my very first graduate level class, my thesis art exhibition opened at the Rawls Museum. My frantic pace and life's ambitions merged. It was spectacular. A few weeks later, just before graduation, I was humbled with my invitation and induction into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. 

Throughout my entire life, I've always attempted to make good decisions. There were certainly numerous times when I fell far short, but my late in life decision to return to college has become one of my absolute best. Quite honestly with my working class upbringing, I never would have imagined ever being able to use the phrase college graduate associated with Gary Garbett. And to one day earn a Masters degree was simply unimaginable. My only regret is that I wish my father could have seen some of this unfold. He would have been so proud. Who knows, maybe he was watching.

There was a voice mail waiting for me on Monday as I returned home from the office. The voice was personable, upbeat, and professional. It was the university's Student Services office calling to say that my diploma was ready for pick up. I smiled and erased the message. With a few moments to breathe, I now look back and I'm incredibly proud of the work, direction, and growth, both personally and artistically that I've made over the past few years. I'm truly a blessed and lucky, lucky man. 

I'm just now feeling like I'm getting started and I've got a hell of a long way to go before being done. Life is simply that good and I look forward to what it decides to bring tomorrow. I may even set my alarm earlier for a preview glimpse.

man of substance /  by admin

©2011 gary garbett.com

Yesterday I met one of the richest persons I've ever known.

Douglas Moody is the shoeshine man at the Richmond International Airport. There were few travelers in the terminal as I passed by his stand in the afternoon, but his smile was welcoming and better yet, real. I was compelled to stop... just to say hello. The two of us chatted and laughed for a moment. His words were genuine and in between bites of his Almond Joy, he offered me his $7 shine for $5. He explained it as his "slow day" special. I wasn't really interested in shining my old Dr. Martens, but I knew at that price, the time with Mr. Moody would be worth every dollar. How could I possibly go wrong?

He gave my old docs one hell of a shine, but his tale about how to be a good man and an honest person really polished my soul. He was also quick to offer repeatedly just how much he loved his wife. His baseball cap pretty much said it all. Man of Faith.

As he finished shining my shoes, he wrapped up his story. Another customer then walked up and waited for a shine. Saturday was getting just a little bit busier for Mr. Moody and just as he had minutes earlier, he welcomed it all with his sincere smile. I handed him a $10 bill, told him to keep it, and thanked him for the special.

You're a rich soul, Mr. Douglas Moody. For a small $10 investment, I walked away a little richer myself, ...and with shiny shoes. Thank you again.