an`EDENview: MATT MORRIS

I didn't wake up this morning knowing I was going to write this.., I've sorta taken a hiatus from 'reviewing' artists and I only write when I'm really moved, of late. But, just now I was surfing around and landed on my 'friend', Matt Morris' page and caught this video that just underscores how incredibly gifted he is. To sit there, live, and sing with such confidence and tenderness is just a gift that very few really possess. Okay, there's...

Eoghan Colgan, Michael Logen, Craig Lyons, Jono McCleery, Keegan, and a few more that come to mind.., but today, I'm highlighting MATT MORRIS.

Please remember his name and look for his debut release on Timberlake's label, Tennman Records - Interscope Records, in '08.., yeah, that Timberlake.

Merry Christmas.

`EDEN

Matt Morris recording "Someone To Love You" at
Texas Tree Fort in Austin, Texas, 2007

`EDENintheDESERT

413 VASSAR DRIVE SE

STUDIO B

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87106

1 JOHN 3: 16-18

The TENTH Commandment

It's a good time to remind us all, to consider how easy it is to slip into the rhythm and pattern of the world around us, as we blissfully go about our business during these holidays. We, as believers, are required to remember the reason for the season.., and perhaps go just a little farther in making sure we're not guilty of violating the Tenth Commandment. This was my devotional for this day and I felt it appropriate to share it with my friends. In case you're wondering about the other nine, they're listed at the close of this post.

Happy Holidays.., and Merry CHRISTmas.

`EDEN

The TENTH Commandment

I've never, in my years as a Christian, heard a sermon on the Tenth Commandment. We can't possibly preach on "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods" because Western society is based on that. It's called capitalism. Mass advertising tells us we need things none of us need. It sows confusion about what's important for life. The level of need has moved to such a level of illusion and sophistication that what were once ultimate luxuries have become necessities.

In our culture, people cannot feel good about themselves unless next year's vacation is more luxurious than last year's, unless everything is upgraded—while most of God's people on this earth starve.The affluent West has made happiness impossible. We've created a pseudo- happiness, a pseudo-success, a pseudo-security that will never satisfy the human heart.

Most of God's people are forced to learn to find happiness and freedom at a much more simple level. The gospel says that's where happiness is always to be found.That is about as traditional, old-fashioned, conservative a gospel as there is, and it will never change. We have to keep saying it:

"There is a Tenth Commandment."

EXODUS 20:1-17

1 And God spoke all these words:

2 "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 "You shall have no other gods before me.

4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.

11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

13 "You shall not murder.

14 "You shall not commit adultery.

15 "You shall not steal.

16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

A NEW BEGINNING...

I am so pleased to be in a new place, with new brothers (and sisters) and finally the fresh start I dreamt of at the beginning of the year when I moved body and soul from NYC to the desert of New Mexico.
At that time, I only knew that I needed to spend my 50th birthday in a new space, in every sense of the word. What I didn't know was exactly where I would settle, or what I would do, once settled. The blogs that follow this post chronicle that transition and it was interesting to re-read some of them. All I see when I read them is GRACE.., God's unmerited favor that has sustained me through every twist and turn.
If you truly desire to know me and haven't found the courage or the time to ask me those questions that are burning in your mind and soul.., I suggest you read these blogs, link around my many, many sites and just see what God has in store for you as you peruse this part of my life's journey. I suspect that if you're still reading this in this moment, you might already be a good friend of mine and most of this info is already part of our relationship.., but I sense that even those that think they know me, will still experience a few new insights.., if not about me, perhaps about yourself.
I know that my wish for all of us in this Thanksgiving season is for us to be more kind, more considerate and less judgmental of one another as we discover that we're all are on the same path to enlightenment, at different levels.

With all of that said, in closing,

Be more forgiving and you'll not need to be forgiven.

GOD Bless Us All...

`EDEN inthe DESERT

J-Dog's Adventures: The Peak is Mine

J-Dog's Adventures: The Peak is Mine

DESERTATIONS - TRANSITIONS

Today, I'm reflecting on the TRANSITIONS of my Life.

Some are obvious, others were not because they were just out of sight, beneath the surface.

From high school,

to college,

to my first professional road gigs,

to the Air Force and marriage,

then divorce and the birth of my first child

and the abortion of another,

homelessness in NYC

then retreat back to Texas to heal,

coming out fully to my family and living that life for nearly 15 years,

the illness then death of my Brother,

working with Phyllis Hyman,

the death of my Father,

becoming connected to Shirley Horn,

losing all of them, too soon...,

establishing not one but two businessess in NYC that were passions but not callings,

losing all,

retreating to a basement apartment in NJ,

getting sober,

reconnecting with God,

recording my inspirational debut, Just Listen,

getting 'discovered' and acting in over 300 film and tv productions,

walking away from it all for a stay in the desert of New Mexico,

truly connecting to the Vision of EdenDust,

then, living monastically and working in a University setting...

all before turning 50 years young.

I wonder, What's Next??

EDEN in Albuquerque

New Monsatic Life

MONASTIC: of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a secluded, dedicated, or austere manner of living.

NEW MONASTICISM: a seeking after a more thought-out, prayerful, contemplative, and peaceful life.

AUSTERE: rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent

I CORINTHIANS 7: 7. Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me - a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.

~:~

My original birthday post was just a preview and a foundation for what I really wanted to share about turning '50'.., a milestone in so many ways, especially considering that my blood brother only lived to the age of 42. For a little while now, I've been living a pretty austere life. I know looking at my humble but well decorated abode might not appear that austere to some but in comparison to the mini-mansions of my siblings and the volume of land that I grew up on, trust me, this is austere! More importantly, I'm not using the word with regard to it's traditional externally referenced definition. My usage more accurately is one that reflects what's going on inside of me. It's not just a term that descibes 'how' I'm living but more importantly 'why' I'm living and especially why, I believe, I have the quality of life that I do.

Everyone has been most complimentary of the fact that I look much younger than my 50 years. While this is certainly nice to hear, I'm more excited about feeling as good as I do for the age that I am. The range of motion needed for my new job makes me grateful, daily, for being of sound body and mind than just possessing mere physical grace. For those that have known me longest, my present health and state of mind wasn't always as it is, now. There was a period of time when I shunned exercise, hated sunlight, loved pasteries and sweets to a fault and rarely slept longer than four hours. Even today, I'm not a health nut, 'tho I'm painfully aware of my diet and I average about six hours of sleep because my body just automatically wakes up around that same time, regardless of the day of the week. What I did change was my over-indulgence of things that once were so important to me that I placed them before my good health and good senses.

In December, I will celebrate 12 years of soberity from drugs and alcohol and I'm certain that this is the foundation of everything good that I have in my life today. I've also been celibate for a number of years, now (four or five, depending on the varying defintions) and of late, I'm considering making this a permanent lifestyle choice. Determining to live a Monastic Life at this level without being forced to, is a pratical decision that I'm feeling will not only assure me of a much longer and healthier life, but also one void of the usual drama and emotional highs and lows that accompany the opposite lifestyle. Spiritually, I feel most focused when this element of distraction is simply no longer a part of the equation as the basis for any relationship or interest thereof.

If there are any others out there that have already chosen this manner of being, I sure would enjoy having a dialogue with you about your journey to and through that decision. In the end, just know that I'm not denying myself anything I haven't already experienced.., just the need for 'more' of the same when I already know the end results. Specifically, I prayed for wisdom and knowledge all the days of rest of my life on the eve of my 50th celebration. This is the beginning of that answered prayer.

Be careful what you pray for !!

PEACE,

`EDEN in Albuquerque

EDEN is 50 !!!

Welcome.

On July 16th, 1957, I was born in Newton, Texas, delivered by a mid-wife, at home. I feel this is significant because the most precious thing to me, now, is to be at home, peacefully. I absolutely love it. So, welcome to just a snapshot of what my life is like, today, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This is my inspiration wall, but if the truth be told, the whole place inspires me. It's filled with images, messages and reflections of my past and future states of mind, vision and accomplishment. Just out of frame is a plaque that reads, "Dance as though no one is looking".., I do.., ALOT.

This image is called Happiness in my profile and I am certainly that in this new home! Divine Shelter!!

I spend the little time I have here (from a 40 hour work week) in serenity, reading listening to my favorite artists, watching DVD's (my distinct passion) and just relaxing, knowing that I'm blessed to be of Sound Mind and Heart at this stage of my journey. I'm loving becoming '50' for instinctly I know that my real impact is just beginning.

Revealing this is about as intimate as I can get!! But, this is what I wear (in many colors) when I'm working and it's probably the reason I need my own studio.., so I can truly be 'me' and thereby sing from the most comfortable of places. I've yet to be recorded this way.., but it's soon, I sense. For those wondering, I weigh a very healthy 173lbs at 6'2". Yes, this is what '50' looks like!! New cross tattoo and all!!

I'm here, in this spot, every evening there's a sunset. I thank GOD for my new life and the new opportunities being afforded me. I have asked only 'this request' for my birthday.., 'Divine Health, Wisdom and Knowledge' all the days of the rest of Life.' It's already begun.

Thanks for visiting with me on my special birthday. There's more photos and the larger versions of these in the album entitled 'EDEN @ 50", the detail is great, thanks to a stunning job done my new friend and photographer/filmographer, Colton R.Dean. Look closely in the background and some of you might just see yourselves!!

Peace, Dear Friends and Family.

`EDEN in Albuquerque

Photos: Colton R. Dean

Tattoo: Alejandro Pinto of Stay Gold

MEDIATATIONS - PEACEFUL WARRIOR

Well, after much anticipation, the day has finally arrived:

There are NO Ordinary Moments.

PEACEFUL WARRIOR, my absolutely favorite movie of 2007 is finally in my possession and ready to be viewed by all those favorite friends o' mine, new and old..., not that there are many old friends, yet, in Albuquerque!?! If you don't live here, watch it with me in spirit and talk/write to me about it later. I would love to get everyone's reactions.



If you do live in or near Albuquerque, please let me know if you're interested in seeing this great film with me, and when, ...evenings are perfect, after 5:30p, 'tho anytime on the weekends are best.., and btw, my 50th Birthday is the 16th, just a short time from this posting and I don't have a problem scheduling this movie as many times as possible with different viewings in honor of this momentous occasion, 'cause it's that good!! Yes, you can bring a friend or two, if they're into movies that move you from the inside, out.., or especially if they're not! This movie will change all that, for certain!!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Peace, Dear Friends.

Brother`EDEN

EdenDust StudioLabs

413 VASSAR DRIVE SE - Studio B

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87106

an`EDENVIEW: SOUL SINGERS

Now, I will be the first to admit that what I'm about to write is subjective and certainly open to debate.., and this will be one that I don't care if you agree or disagree with, 'cause I think the examples I'm about to give will bear me out and make my point without fail. Here's the controversial statement:

In this post Hip-Hop era, what's happened to the MALE Soul Singers?

Where are they? WHO's sitting on the abandoned Teddy Pendergrass, Peabo Bryson, Luther Vandross thrones? I don't mean those singers that 'dabble' in the art form, but where are those singing 'soul' fulltime? Can a male soul singer make a living singing about love, passion and angst in this day and age? Are 'non-traditional' singers as accepted as those we've come to think of as 'soul' singers. Well, I think I've found a few heir apparent to those vacated thrones and don't give me any grief about my choices 'till you listen to those I suggest, which, btw, are in no particular order. If you still disagree, Fine... Have it your way, and post anyone you think that is 'throwing down' even more and I'll be the first to say 'uncle!!' This is in fun folks, so be kind in your posts!! Oh yeah, let's make it a prerequisite that they have a presence on MySpace.

`EDEN in Albuquerque

REDD SOUL PAUL MacINNES

JASON ESKRIDGE TIM DILLINGER

JIMMY SALVEMINI VUDOO Soul

MATT CUSSON BILLY PORTER

JUSTIN Figueroa

D E S E R T A T I O N - HOME

"When I think of HOME, I think of a place..,
Where there's LOVE overflowing..."

If you know your lyrics, this one should be really familiar.., it's from 'The Wiz'. The song has always meant alot to me, for reasons beyond the broadway play and later, the movie. See the original artist, Stephanie Mills, would go on to record a newer version of this song and dedicated it's rendition to those of her friends and fans that had succumbed to aids in the early 80's.

"And just maybe I can convince time to slow up,
giving me enough time, in my life, to grow up..,
Time, be my friend, and let me start, again..."

I've been thinking about 'time' alot these days. Funny how much you have of it, when you're not being consummed by the cares of this world and thusly distracted from listening to your own heart and your own inner thoughts and voice. Something's changed in me.., I can feel it, but I can't quite tell you what the outcome of this inner change will be. I find myself stammering for words of late, something I've rarely done. I see 'colors' again, after living in a subdued world of grey for some time now. And, I feel like I'm finding my way 'home', after a long, long journey into a world far away from my core beliefs and values. I truly am a 'simple man' when I allow myself to be. Problem is, for the longest time, I made my own life so very complicated as I neglected to trust in the God of my youth.

"Suddenly my world's gone and changed it's face,
But I still know where I'm going..,"

At the beginning of the year, I promised some news that I've yet to share.., I didn't forget, I'm just not the only one 'in that news' so I have to wait, but I can tell you it's all about the Music that's still inside of me that beginning to surface. Soon, I'll be able to let you hear what I've really been doing with my extended sabbatical... I think it's my best work, ever. Although, I'll have to wait and let you be the judges of that.., I can tell you, it's my most honest to date.

This week, I finally signed a lease on an apartment in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first solely inhabited space I've lived in since 1997. Finally, EdenDust has a home. You're all welcomed to visit.., just not at the same time!!

"Living here, in this brand new world,
Might be a fantasy..,
But it's taught me to LOVE,
so, it's REAL to me..."


Peace, Dear Friends.

BeLIGHT

`EDEN of Albuquerque

BeLIGHT

I haven't had an opportunity to watch any television since the first few weeks of the new year. The last time I've gone this long without my normal viewing patterns was when I was in boot camp in the AirForce in the early 80's! Being in the desert like this has caused many emotions to surface and without my normal distractions, I'm left to do battle with my alter egos without interuption. I've been made to realize that I am being given a rare opportunity to see not only the man I used to be and at times, still am, but more importantly, a chance to really visualize the man I truly wish to become.

The fact that this 'gift' is being given to me in this, the beginning of my 50th year of existence, is especially humbling. So many of my brothers and sisters have been an encouragement to me, 'tho some may think their kindness and consideration haven't quite 'touched' me, or may have seemingly gone unnoticed, I assure them all.., "I heard them".., and most importantly, "I've felt them." I am loved by many and I don't think I've ever fully allowed that love to fill meup to overflowing. I have a habit of deflection and also of giving away more than I allow myself to receive. But, I need to acknowledge and I want to say to those who've written or called me personally to encourage me during this extended sabbatical, that I'm grateful beyond measure and truly thankful.

I am making this a public moment of confession and declaration that once again, my purpose is to:

BeLIGHT more than I allow myself to be in that dark place of hopelessness and despair.
BeLIGHT in my attitude and in my heart.
BeLIGHT on this new path rather than lurking in the shadows of doubt and self-awareness.
BeLIGHT in my demeanor as oppose to the dour man I can so easily become.

There's much joy happening all around me. Friends finding true love for the first time, new births, physically and spiritually, new music and new expressions in art and the written word from other talented souls equally on their ownjourneys of discovery. There's a world of possibilities that I fear I've been only paying lip service to, as my heart clinched in anger at what Icouldn't acheiveinmy own strength and on my own time-table. So, in closing,I think it's fitting that I share one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies,'CHOCOLAT'that seems most appropriate, now, more than ever.

"Do I want to speakof the miracle of our Lord's divine transformation? Not really,no.I don'twant to talk about his divinity. I'd rather talk about his humanity.I mean,you know, how he lived his life, here on Earth. His *kindness*, his *tolerance*...Listen,here's what I think. I think that we can't go around...measuring our goodness by what we don't do. By what we deny ourselves, what we resist,and who we exclude. I think... we've got to measure goodness by what we *embrace*, what we create... and who we include."


AMEN.

BeLIGHT, Dear Friends.


Brother, `EDEN Douglas

...THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

Okay, Friends, Truth is, I've been in a bit of a funk for a few days after I first arrived which is why this update is coming to you so late, having arrived in Santa Fe on Saturday the 6th from my twelve year tenure in New York City.

Met at the airport my a new friend from my previous sojourn, here, I was startled to see so much snow, especially after leaving NYC and it's was a balmy 60 degrees. Once settled, this same friend and his girlfriend wanted me to attend a garthering of Santa Fe's artistic crowd. That evening I was thrusted into the nightlife of Santa Fe only to be totally underwhelmed and then Sunday, the next morning I awoke deathly ill.., no energy, snuffy headache, hypersensitve eyesight... just a mess for two full days! As with all of my illnesses, since I rarely get sick, I know that I'm being immobiled for spiritual reasons, immediately. This time would prove to be no different.
That Monday evening, tho, I pulled myself together to go the FILM TECHNICIAN orientation I had come to Santa Fe to learn more about and while there, all that I heard should have excited me.., but no.., I just couldn't see myself doing it all over again, getting into this self-imposed exile, in a new place, that old 'energy' of networking and making deals I had already exerted in all the other major cities and major moves, in my 20's, 30's and 40's...

But, what could I do about it? Was this all these was for me? Truly what options did I have?

Tuesday was another funky day, 'tho I felt better, but my funk existed and I knew it was for reasons that made this time and place, here in Santa Fe, not the time and place I belonged in...
For instance, I was told at the Department of Motor Vehicle (main office) that I had to get my driving record from Texas (did I mention that I haven't driven or a had license since 1990!!) .., and basically was shut down from even thinking that I could declare myself a citizen of this state in time to make the start of class on the 20th and tuition fees for the FILM school would have to include 'out of state' fees, and with just enough money for school as a resident..., NO SCHOOL., it would appear, at this time.

Fine!!

Now what!!?...

Now enter Ms.Jill Carey-Lickley, the landlady from the Earthship, HelioHouse, I had rented with KEEGAN in November, to the rescue!!

Jill writes me, Wednesday with a dialogue that carried over into Thursday, in response to my Saturday greeting when I landed in Albuquerque I sent to a few via text message, to casually ask how I'm doing..,

I share with her, first about the strange illness that had come upon me.. and she writes back with the comment, "God is speaking to you' and a little advice about coming to visit her, again at the Earthship, to make me feel better.., so I write back, and ask when and continue to share with her my dilemna with school and Santa Fe, and finances and she says..,

"Then, come 'housesit my homes while I visit my kids in CA for two, maybe three weeks...and just get your license here (TAOS), and you can drive my car while I'm gone, as well as while you're here, to get work!!!!

Excuse Me ???!!

After much more conversation throughout both days, she reveals that January has been a slow month with February shaping up to be the same and that I could stay in HelioHouse ( http://www.heliohouse.com/ ) for free, while she's home, and if she rents it, I can stay in her office/den ...all while I get into the rhythm of New Mexico (it's REALLY DIFFERENT here, believe it), which is all I wanted to do in these initial and critical first few months.

That, and truly commune with GOD in this sacred place, for HIS DIRECTION and WILL, not my own version of how things 'could' work out.., but truly, for the first time in my impetous life.. discover HOW THEY SHOULD work out in His Eyes.

AMEN and AMEN!!

Please don't panic or think I've lost my senses (again), the school could still happen.., there's another round of courses starting in Santa Fe and Albuquerque in September, if this is yet important to my transformation in the desert.., but I know this is what I need to do first.., get my residency in New Mexico and...

GET ESTABLISHED with GOD in this Earthship community, in the area I where I fell in love with New Mexico and found my heart and my muse and my faith, again !! Not 'till you're standing in the mesa just outside the front of the home where I stood for three weeks of sunrises, could one even begin to understand the vision I have of life as I look out over this incredible terrain. Even covered with snow, you know GOD is doing a work here.. that the rest of the world will understand in time. These solar powered homes stand as a momument to our humble beginnings as desert people, following a cloud of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night. I know that the more time I get to be here with the old fears and cares I'm traveled with for so long slowly melting away, I'll find not only the peace I seek, but the fulfillment and the use of all my natural gifts and talents. That's why I'm in the desert, dear friends.., all other ground is sinking sand.

It's Friday, now. Thanks for enduring this epistle.. I wanted you all to know the good news and to feel, with me, the Hand of God gently nudging me along this journey!!


PRAYER REQUEST: Employment, Transportation and Permanent Lodging would appear to be needed.., but if I'm to be honest, the one I would cherish above all those is continued divine mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health, 'cause I know with those, I'll be able to hear, perceive, respond and perform as GOD would have his son behave in this strange and wonderful land!



`EDEN of Tres Piedras

LIVING, Again

....

January 6th, I arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with heart in hand, luggage for 20 men and a song in my heart. There's a drive into Santa Fe from Albuquerque's airport that rivals any of the natural wonders of the world in it's absolute splendor, even covered in snow as it was today, it was still breathtaking. The whole journey, I had one sublime thought.., "I live here, now."

LIVING, again. What a concept. Not that I wasn't 'alive' before, but I would be the first to say that I wasn't truly living. I did alot of things for others, and I've been a good brother to many, but in the end, I found that I had taken the adage of 'dying to self' to an unhealthy place and 'tho I was giving from a full heart, I was drawing on such a shallow depth that not only would I run dry easily, I found that the water..in the well from which I drew hadn't been renewed, in quite some time. It was finally time to close up that well and strike out for new terrain with a deeper and more plentiful source of sustenance.

..

It's too early to say for certain that I will become all that I feel called to be, here, but it sure feels like a good place to dig a little deeper.

Much more to come, as the snow melts and the mud clears and the waters settle..

Next stop.., TAOS.

LIVING, again.

`EDEN in New Mexico