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 See the original artist, Stephanie Mills, would go on to record a newer version of this song and dedicated it's rendition to those of her friends and fans that had succumbed to aids in the early 80's.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

ARTISTS DESERVING of ATTENTION in 2007

NEW YEAR, NEW MUSIC, NEW ARTISTS,

...NEW HOPE

I've got a few things happening at once, which makes for little time looking backwards, as rewarding as that could be, especially in light of the year I've had. This time last year I did an exhaustive list of 25 artists with commentary that truly touched my soul in significant ways with their music and their eloquent articulations in 2005. Time nor that kind of attention to detail will allow me to write that same kind of list this year. As many might know, I'm moving from New York City, my home of 12 years, to New Mexico in two weeks, landing in Sante Fe on the 6th of January, so much of my time and attention is obviously focused on that.

There's also some personal music news/business that I can't fully share just yet concerning The `E D E N Project, that will kick into high gear (literally) on the 1st of the year that promises to begin a new chapter in my long and varied music career, and that's got me looking forward as well.


But, knowing that I couldn't just let the year end without at least one or two predictions, I decided to put my two cents in the ethos and say one more thing about the state of music and some of the artists I've had the pleasure of listening to, getting to know, and admiring from afar. The funny thing about the list that I created is I don't know many of these artists that made it as personally as I now know others, and so it truly is a list that isn't about nepotism, in any fashion, 'tho it may be misconstrued as insulting to those that I love, that aren't on it. I considered a multitude of factors beyond musical hooks, marketability and visual appeal, and I truly attempted to hone in on those with 'something' deeper to say that I felt have truly found their authentic and unique voices for this world we're living in, today.

If you're an artist and you've been represented on my webpages in www.BrotherEden.com and www.EdenDust.com, you already know I think highly of you, and certainly support your continued evolution, so to list most of you, again, is redundant, yes, but necessary for others to find out about your incredible gifts. But with even such an extensive listing on the homepages, there's so many others hidden online, I always feel I'm unjustly ignoring someone. So feel free to add other artists you believe are destined to make an impact as well, if you're not represented, here, or if you're one of those artists that's buried in the sea of online talent and want others to know about you, feel free to post your links.

My prediction after perusing my Artist Friends Listings was this:

Any one of these artists has the potential of turning 2007 on it's musical ears.

They all are 'READY', in my humble estimation, for every good thing that awaits them.

I just want to encourage us all, to purpose in our hearts to do our BEST WORK in 2007. The world at large needs our authentic, honest and courageous voices to stand out and away from the stream of unconscious art that fill our airwaves. Let's dig a little deeper and be worthy of our callings and our gifts.

What a year we all could have!!

PEACE, Dear Friends.., Thanks for keeping my life interesting and joyful.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

`E D E N

THE ARTISTS

BEULAH

London, UK

CRAIG LYONS

Santa Monica, CA

DAN MANGAN

Vancouver, BC

DANIEL CAPELLARO

Los Angeles, CA

DANIELA BOVE

Bucks, UK

DEVIN GREENWOOD

Philadelphia, PA

EOGHAN COLGAN

Glasgow, UK

FOY

Belfast, UK

JEREMY LISTER

Nashville, TN

JON McLAUGHLIN

Anderson, IN

JONO McCLEERY

Surbiton, UK

JOSHUA PAYNE

Nashville, TN

KEEGAN

New York, NY

LESLI

Stockholm, SE

LYNNE FIDDMONT

Los Angeles, CA

MATT MORRIS

Nashville, TN

MERCIES MAY

Gothenburg, SE

MICHAEL LOGEN

Nashville, TN

NATHAN COOK

Kansas City, MO

PAUL AIDEN

London, UK

PAUL MacINNES

Gothenburg, SE

REDD SOUL

Los Angeles, CA

TOM FOX

Liverpool, UK

TROUBLE Over TOKYO

London, UK

TYLER JAMES

Nashville, TN

TYRONE WELLS

Fullerton, CA

UNIVERSAL TONGUES

Boston, MA

WAKEY!WAKEY!

New York, NY

A VERY PERSONAL MESSAGE

A Very Personal Message from `E D E N

I'm being asked about my Faith, alot, these days.

I want to be clear:
I believe in JESUS, I trust in GOD.

I operate in the Gifts of the Spirit and
I live my life very much in the vein of those first disciples that followed Jesus,
without question or doubt,
when they first received The Call to follow Him and become 'fishers of men'.

While it's true that I have been on a journey of discovery and for a moment I did study a lot of different teachings in my desire for a deeper understanding of GOD,
I found that even in the darkest corners of that search, that there really was truly only
ONE GOD,
known to others by the name of their understanding, but recognizable to me as the GOD of Moses, Abraham and David of my Christian upbringing.

I spend little time trying to 'convert' others to my truth, as I know that true conversion is in the heart, and that's GOD's domain, not mine.
BUT,
I am a living witness to the healing and forgving power of the Holy Spirit.

My journey, today, is to 'enlighten' and 'encourage' the faint-hearted.., and along the way, perhaps 'entertain' through my music and my written and spoken word, those broken in mind and spirit.


I'm just a simple man, doing all I can.

`E D E N
December, 2006

The `E D E N Project

"God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts.
Manage them well so that God's generousity can flow through you.
Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.
Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.
Then God will be given Glory in everything through Jesus Christ.
All Glory and Power belong to Him forever and ever. Amen."


I Peter 4: 10-11

Thank you for supporting the Music and Vision of `E D E N

MEDIATATIONS: ONE DAY at a TIME

15 DECEMBER 2006



I'm writing this blog a day early, because I'll be working when the clock actually changes to the 15th.



This date is significant in that I'm celebrating a decade of being clean and sober.



I would love to share the details of all that had transpired up to that moment before I awoke out of that blackout, but the memory of all that is really not as important as my determination, then, to 'never again' allow myself to be that irresponsible with my God-given gifts, the greatest of which was and is, my life. So many good things have happened for me, since then., and they're all attributed to my sobriety, without a doubt. Now hear me loudly, I don't write this to convict another of their choices. EVERY man has the right to live their lives, as they feel honors them, best. For me, I just found out that I wasn't my BEST SELF, under the influence, even in moderation.



So, I'm grateful for this anniversary in ways I could never fully express, 'tho I sure wish I could. I draw attention to this moment,and feel the need to share it with those that can understand what a victory this really is.., and for those that need to understand what a victory this really is.



Ten Years, is only one day, at a time.

PEACE, Dear Friends.

`E D E N

An opening in the storming sea,
Gold deposited on bones.
Once accumulation has begun,
Take care not to interfere.

ACCUMULATION

There is a fable about a pious man whose father had just died. A geomancer instructed the son to bury his father at the mouth of the sea cave. The sea opened at this spot only once in a hundred years, and a family who utilized it would experience great fortune. Although he had misgivings about this unorthodox location, the son threw the casket into the waters at the indicated time.

For weeks the son doubted what he had done. He eventually went to acompeting geomancer who, out of jealousy, advised the son to raise the casket. The son did so. When the coffin was brought up and opened, the man saw that a fine layer of gold had already deposited on his father's bones-a clear indication of the auspicious transformation that had begun. In regret, the son wanted to throw his father back in, but it was too late. There was no remedying what had been done.

Spiritual practice must be uninterrupted. We may be anxious because we see very little happeneing on a daily basis, but we must be patient until we can see what the accumulation of our effort yields. Self-cultivation means steady, gradual progress. To stop prematurely would be more disastrous than never having started at all.

MEDIATATIONS: L O V E

So, this week, I've been working on a lyric about illusions.., and somehow I ended up doing a bit of research about Love, one of life's greatest illusions. So many think it's a feeling. Alas, it is not, in it's purest form. Often, it's simply a decision, ..an action. Love has mobility, in that it moves and breathes and flows. But, don't take my word for it.., here're some quotes from some pretty heavy thinkers.

Feel free to add your own.

PEACE, Dear Friends.

`E D E N

L O V E

"When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece."

Charles Reade

"Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young."

A.W. Pinero

"You must feel love within, before you can share it."

Denis Waitley

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

Mother Teresa

Real Love is not based on attachment, but on altruism.
In this case, your compassion will remain as a humane response to suffering as long as beings continue to suffer.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama

I JOHN 4:

7

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

20

If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

21

And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

MEDIATATIONS: L I F E

"Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest." -- Georgia O'Keeffe

At first glance, I was prepared not to agree with this quote.

I have judged myself, often, as unworthy because of how I've lived. Focusing on the mistakes I've made along my journey and concluding that because of failed attempts at business, a failed marriage, failed friendships and faltering faith, I had missed becoming all I could become.
I have been guilty of thinking, at one time, that I have been too late, born in the wrong family, and certainly in the wrong area for all of my preceived gifts to fully find their rightful expressions and have spent too much time meditating on different versions of my revisionist histories. I've got a different perspective now about that same period of wandering and wondering. I've come to the conclusion, like the quote above, that 'what I've done, with where I've been' is the key to moving on and thusly forward with the rest of my life.
Concentrating on changing your history is a waste of time and God-given energy and yet we meet many who fail to fully embrace who they are, where they were born and how they have lived, whether foolishly or fully, and without full acceptance that things are just as they were meant to be, never divert their full attention on what they can uniquely create BECAUSE of their unique mix of fear and faith, fortune and failure.
In the months to come, you're going to experience more MUSIC that truly reflects my journey. I know this and I call it forth, before the evidence of what I write is manifested. Producers that I have admired from afar have recently made contact with me to finish THE E D E N PROJECT and I predict that I'm about to embark on the ride of my Life. I will be a Harbinger of my own good fortune, not because I'm gifted or even blessed, 'tho that's part of it, but because of my intention to embrace all that I am to the fullest extend, ashamed of none of it and proud of all of it, so that I can be gulity, no more, of attempting to become or portray anything I am not called to be.
I prophesy that if each of us would truly embrace the concept of using our truthful beginnings as strength, not hinderances, we will experience accomplishments that are unique and special.., and needed for these times we live in. The answer to the ills of the world are within each of us. Time less spent in unhealthy comparisons, but truly in the pursuit of our uniqueness and our connection to the whole of creation, will produce work that, in the end, is a Balm for the Soul of World.

PEACE, My Dear FRIENDS.

`E D E N

THANKSGIVING 2006

This is the family that I haven't seen all together in 18 years.
Back Row, from left to right, is Lillian, 53 - Rosetta, 62 - Bonetha, 43 and on the Front Row is EDEN, 49 - Mother, Ida Mae, 81 and Jacquelyn, 40. Not in photo are my brother James, Jr. and father, James, Sr., both deceased in '92 and '99, respectively.

ThanksGiving, 2006 

C O R N U C O P I A

The cornucopia (Latin Cornu Copiae), also known as the Horn of Plenty or Harvest Cone, is a symbol of food and plenty dating back to the 5th century BC.

In Greek mythology, Amalthea raised Zeus on the milk of a goat. In return Zeus gave Amalthea the goat's horn. It had the power to give to the person in possession of it whatever he or she wished for. This gave rise to the legend of the cornucopia. The original depictions were of the goat's horn filled with fruits and flowers: deities, especially Fortuna, would be depicted with the horn of plenty.

In modern depiction, the cornucopia is a hollow, horn-shaped wicker basket typically filled with various kinds of festive fruit and vegetables. The cornucopia has come to be associated with Thanksgiving.

Webster's dictionary also defines Cornucopia as "an overflowing store; an abundance".

Lately, I've been meditating on what it means to be a BLESSING. Having recently been the recipient of many blessings from so many for reasons beyond my personal requests or expectations, I've been wondering if I have, in turn, been a Blessing to others in equal or greater measure? Not in the way of comparisons, mind you, but in direct measure to how much I am 'able and capable' of being, as oppose to what's 'easy and simple and less stressful'. Often throughout this year, I've caught myself complaining about one thing or the other. Seemingly in my 'honest assessment' of the situations I openly disccussed, I've behaved as if I had a God-given right to voice my opinion about the honest efforts of another. How foolish I've been, passing judgement on another child of God efforts!! I'm convicted to the point of apology to any that I've offended or challenged in ways that were unnecessary or unwelcomed, as I made my way in and out of others soul-work with my callous examinations of their efforts. As I continue to learn what it really means to be a BLESSING to others, I'm given to also note that if we are, first, a BLESSING to ourselves, we will have the ability and capacity to really BLESS another, coming from a full and whole heart, as oppose to attempting to fill those fractured places in our own hearts with vainty blessings to another. I've come to realize that often things are done for others that make 'us' feel good and rarely are truly from the intention of meeting another's 'true' needs.

BLESSING:

Something promoting or contributing to happiness, well-being, or prosperity.

Just note the use of the words, promoting and contributing, in that definition. All acts of 'giving', not receiving.

My prayer for myself, this THANKSgiving, is to become a Living Cornucopia... being filled to overflowing with Grace, Love, Kindness, Peace, Generousity, Mercy, Compassion... and to share those true Fruits of The Spirit with all that I come into the presence of...

Help me Lord, to Be a Blessing more than I pray to BeBlessed, in the remainder of this year and the years to come. Amen.

THANK You ALL of you talented souls for all that you are and will become.

I'm honored to share in just a little of those journeys in word and deed and I BLESS you, one and all.

PEACE, Dear Friends.

`E D E N

A HOME and EDENDUST

When a change comes, some species feel the urge to migrate.
They call it 'sookunra', a pull of the soul to a far off place following a scent in the wind, a star in the sky.
The ancient message comes, calling the kindred to take flight and gather together.
Only then can they hope to survive the cruel season to come.
MOHINDER

I'm back from my sabbatical in The Greater World Earthship Community of New Mexico.

KEEGAN did a stellar job on his recordings and I encourage you to visit his pages and listen to cuts from the forthcoming, "WELL KNOWN SECRET" and follow his journey to completion of "STRINGS ATTACHED", two EP's you're going to want in your collection.., trust me. As a disclaimer, I do have a few co-written tunes there and some backing vocals.., but believe me when I tell you that my greatest experiences with him weren't in the studio as I learned much from this young man about simple faith. As a lyricist, KEEGAN has few equals and his tunes reflect a depth of life experience that betrays his 24 years, and watching him grow as a vocalist will forever be a precious memory that I'll cherish for years to come. Remember this blog told you to 'pay attention' to KEEGAN. His contribution to his genre will be significant.

So, as I returned to NYC, I knew that my time here would be brief. I can't begin to compare the two places. Nothing I could write would do Taos and it's surrounding areas justice. But, it's apparent how polar opposite these places are in contrast to the busyness of NYC. I'm pleased with my time and commitment, here and I'm equally at peace that it's just 'time' for me to move along, a little further down the road on my journey. The strange thing about preparing to leave is that for the first time in my life, I'm not moving because of work, or love.., or fear. I'm simply going to establish a 'home' for myself, first, and for those friends that I believe are also in need of a respite from their hurried lives. I'm not ready to address the business of being in New Mexico, whether or not I'll establish a formal entity called EdenDust, there.., if EdenDust is anything, at it's foundation, it's simply 'my home'. But, be forewarned that I don't believe for one second that even as I might be the one that will undoubtedly get the most use of it.., I will never fully be it's sole occupant. I know that if I'm able to establish a sense of home for the first time in my life, it's creation at this stage would have to be more communal than private. My plans at this writing are to be established at the beginning of the year which gives me just a little over a month to truly make the transition of my life. I covet your prayers, honest discourse and divine support as I continue to listen beyond my own sense of what I will need to discover and uncover for this ultimate destination.

By the way, I'm looking to establish my home in Tres Piedras, New Mexico. I'll share much more about my choice of location in another blog. For now, just know that the name translates, Three Rocks, and it's elevation is 8200 feet above sea level.

PEACE, Dear Friends.

`E D E N

The VALUE of HARD PLACES

The Value of Hard Places
by Os Hillman, November 7, 2006

So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. - 2 Corinthians 4:12

Being forced into hard places gives us a whole new perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold the same value. Small things become big things, and what we once thought big no longer holds such importance.

These hard places allow us to identify with the sufferings of others. It keeps us from having a shallow view of the hardships of others and allows us to truly identify with them. Those who speak of such trials from no experience often judge others who have had such hardship. It is a superficiality of Christian experience that often permeates shallow believers.

Those who have walked in hard places immediately have a kinship with others who have walked there also. They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. They know that death has worked a special thing in them. This death leads to life in others because of the hard places God has taken them through.

It is impossible to appreciate any valley experience while you are in it. However, once you have reached the top of the mountain, you are able to appreciate what terrain you have passed through. You marvel at what you were able to walk through. The valley of the shadow of death has yielded more than you ever thought possible. You are able to appreciate the beauty of the experience and lay aside the sorrow and pain it may have produced.

Death works in you for a greater purpose.

If you are there today, be assured that God is producing something of much greater value than you will ever know.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My journey in Taos, New Mexico and The Greater World Earthship Community is nearing an end...

I wish I could tell you in vivid detail all that I've learned, but most of it is far too personal. Suffice it all to say, I did come to a greater understanding of what my 'perceived' fears are, and how they have been orchestrating all that I've requested of them for many years now. They've done an excellent job providing me with excuses for being less than courageous on many fronts and overly aggressive on others. I understand that I've been the warden of my private hell all along, as I suspected but wasn't quite ready to spring me from those 'tight places' that I'd grown so accustomed to. I know that I have talents and gifts that are certainly capable of feeding any vision that I can conceive. The journey for me, this time around, is to take my time, building yet another monument unto myself. This time around, I want to know I'm pleasing my Heavenly Father. In order to fully do that, however, I have to KNOW HIM.., not assume His Character, or His Desires.., but to really stay still long enough to fully comprehend all I feel 'called' to accomplish. I'll write more upon my return, as this journey is still in full swing. I just mainly wanted to stop by today and acknowledge the love and support I've been given from so many 'strangers' and 'friends' alike. Thank you for listening to the music, and reading these blogs.., and for being supportive in your comments.

I read them and receive them, one and all.

BePEACE,

'E D E N

In becoming an enlightened being, this does not destroy the living being, or take it away, or lose it; nevertheless, it does mean having shed it.

Dogen, "Rational Zen"

SEEING What OTHERS Cannot SEE

Seeing What Others Cannot See
by Os Hillman, October 28, 2006

And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. - 2 Kings 6:17

Several years ago, a movie was made called Field of Dreams. The story is about a man who had a vision to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield on his rural farm. He did not know why; he just knew he was to do it. To the chagrin of his neighbors, he built the baseball diamond in the farm community. One night some players showed up. The man realized these were no ordinary players, but were actually the great players from the past. When the skeptical neighbors came to view this phenomenon, they were unable to see what the farm owner could see. This made it even worse for him. Now he was really a lunatic in their eyes.

This fictitious story has a spiritual application for us.

First, if God tells us to "build a ball field," [EdenDust], we should do it.

It is not for us to determine the reason we are instructed to do it. Once we are obedient, God will allow us to see what others cannot see. It is the rite of passage for those who are willing to risk all for God's purposes. God increases the spiritual senses to levels we never knew before. Those around us will observe this.

Do you want to see what others cannot see? If so, it will require a level of obedience that will go beyond human reason.

It may require risk and ridicule from others.

But you will see what others cannot see.

*********************************************************************

Thank you, Bro. Hillman. THANK YOU.

My journey continues in Taos, New Mexico. The weather has been incredible.., sunny and cool.., even snowy for one day!!

But always, scenic.

The people of the GREATER WORLD COMMUNITY have been extremely helpful with their personal stories of how they all came to be here...

So the journey continues to see if I can 'build "EdenDust in the Desert", and they will come' !!

Stay tuned....

Brother EDEN Douglas

EDENDUST in Taos, New Mexico

THIS WILL HAVE to be short...

TAOS, NEW MEXICO is incredible... and our EARTHSHIP is absolutely a Piece of Heaven on Earth... If you're ever in need of a perfect getaway.., www.HelioHouse.com is the place. I'll share more, later, about the whole journey when time permits.., 'till then.. Keep me (and KEEGAN) in your prayers.

GOD is doing a great work in both our lives.

PEACE,

EDEN

JOY !

The journey to the release of this tune has been a looong one. Recorded around the same time as RISE and SAVE ME, this one took a turn and went through delay after delay that at times made it seem that this song above all others was 'cursed'. But being a spiritual man, I've learned that when something that you 'feel instinctly' is a good thing and it's attacked unfairly, you don't give up or in so easily.., but holding on and standing firm will allow that thing you're trusting in to find it's perfect timing and certain exposure. The addition of this tune on the opening page allows the site to become fully EDEN in it's intention. This, too, was part of the struggle, if I'm to be fully honest.. letting go of 'the past' and moving fully ahead, in FAITH that everything will work together for 'GOOD'.



Whoever EDEN will become in this coming year, begins, in earnest, now.



Personal thanks to JAY DEASEL, http://www.deaselmusic.com/ , for recording the vocals and always pushing me to do just 'one' more that usually results in the perfect take..., KEMO, http://www.evocators.com/ , for originally presenting to me the snippet sample and last but certainly not least, GOERSH, http://www.goersch.org/ , who created the beat as a tribute to his late grandmother who was present when he conceived the first ideas of the beat and showed a particular interest in his work.., and when I received the beat and had no idea of it's evolution, I equally assessed the memory of my late grandmother and the opening acapella is based on a tune she used to sing in the many prayer meetings I attended as a child... 'Tho Goersch is solely responsible for this final stellar mix, this confluence of engeries infused this tune in particular with a unique spirit unbeknownst to all those involved.



So, I present to you, JOY.., born of frail men, with serious desires to birth unique visions of collective collaborations in unique communities. We, like every other who listens to the lyrics and feel the drive of the beat, need JOY when the storm clouds roll in and especially when we cannot find a friend.

"JOY, will be our constant friend?!!"

JOY

(Douglas E. Powell - Stephan Goersch Music)

I feel JOY when I think about...

(What Love's Done for Me!)

I feel JOY when I think about...

(What Love's Done for Me!)

I feel JOY when I think about...

(What Love's Done for Me!)

What Love's Done for Me....

JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY (Repeat)

I need JOY...

(Verse One)

I need JOY when I'm lonely,

And my heart overflows with pain,

JOY when the storm clouds roll in.

And, when I'm discouraged,

I need JOY.

JOY, When I cannot find a Friend.

Oh JOY, JOY

(Chorus)

Help me sing it!!

JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY...

Help me Sing it, JOY...

Help me find Sweet JOY,

Can you help me find JOY?

(Verse Two)

Just the other day,

I was troubled.

And, my Brother

Called to comfort me.

Reminding me of the man I used to be...

But when I'm discouraged

I need JOY.

JOY, Will you be my Constant Friend?

OH JOY, JOY.

(CHORUS)

Be My Friend!

JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY

I feel JOY when I think about

What LOVE's done for me.

...for our Grandmas....

(c) 2006 - EdenDust Publishing - Stephan Goersch Music

ALL VOCALS: Brother Douglas as E D E N
MUSIC Programming: GOERSCH

Vocals Engineered and Recorded by Jay Deasel of www.DeaselMusic.com

Music Programming and Master Mix by Stephan Goersch of www.Goersch.org

JEHOVAH !!! Make Me Over

...and now, A New Tune from E D E N

JEHOVAH

(MAKE Me OVER)

(J.Dean, D.Powell)

(Background)

Make Me Over

Make Me Over

(Lead)

Jehovah, Jehovah, Jehovah

(Background)

'hovah...

(Background Lead)

Make Me Over.

I need to change my life.

'Cause

I'm stuck in the Midst of it...

I'm in the Thick of it,

I tried to play around with it...

It's all just making me sick....

(Feature Lead)

"I'm tried of pretending,

to know all these things,

while secretly wondering

about my own hopes

and my own dreams..,

and what's going on,

and what's wrong with me

and when will I get

to have the victory

(Make Me Over)

Over all these things

that trouble me,

and worry me

and make me weep..,

('hovah)

Jehovah!!

Jehovah,

I need you to

come into my heart and

Make me Over!!"

Jehovah, Jehovah,

Make Me Over.

(Background)

Make Me Over

Make Me Over

'hovah..

(Feature Lead)

I got lost doing

all these things,

while constantly wondering,

and I found myself

not caring...

about the little things

that used to mean

so much to my soul,

that once made me whole

Jehovah!!

Touch My Soul!!

Jehovah, Jehovah, Jehovah

Make Me Over!!

Touch My Soul!!

and

Make and Make and Make Me Over!!

Make Me Over

Jehovah, Jehovah

Make Me Over.

('hovah)

(c) 2006 - EdenDust Publishing - Jay Deasel Music - BMI

JOHN

5:6

When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been in that state a long time,

He said unto him, "Wilt thou be made whole?"

All Instruments, Programming, Engineering, Mixing : JAY DEASEL for http://www.deaselmusic.com/

All Vocals, Lyrics, Backing Arrangements : E D E N for http://www.edenduststudiolabs.com/

Produced by

DEASEL, EDEN and KEEGAN

Believers, uphold justice.

Always bear true witness, even if it be against yourself, your parents, or your relatives and regardless of whether the person against whom you are speaking is rich or poor.

God is close to people regardless of their material circumstances.

Do not be led by emotion, as this may cause you to swerve from the truth.

If you distort your testimony, or refuse to testify, remember that God is aware of all your actions.

Qur'an, An-Nisa, Surah 4:135