Author: Chris

It’s a Trap!

| Chris

This morning, I read this passage from 1 Cor 6:7b… “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” The context talks about disputes and division between brothers/sisters. I thought, well, easy for you to say, Paul!

Anyway, I digress. I can’t help but be moved by the reaction I’ve seen and heard after the tragic events of late. I believe in discourse, but man, this is just straight up ugly! Listen, I’m not much politically-inclined. I make art and music. That’s it! I don’t pretend to fully understand the ideology behind either side of the aisle.

But here’s what’s stark in my mind: Righteousness and evil are obvious. And I have yet to see good fruit grow. Anywhere! Look, when we’re for one, we’re against the other. It only makes sense, right? We love one, we hate another. We’re right, they’re wrong. We see our own needs and cries but we’re oblivious to that of those we oppose. After all, why should we care? So, there’s no sense of humility. No unity. No forgiveness or understanding. Hence, no peace.

Plenty of blame to go around though.

Political convictions, it seems, can become a form of weapon. A means to hurt. At times, without even knowing it. It could be as subtle as a voice. Could be a given right, a privilege. Or it could be worse, as we all have witnessed lately! This weapon, some people conceal it, some brandish it, and some even flat out wield it. Nevertheless, that weapon can easily become our way, our truth, and our life. Our Constitution even. Constantly on the battlefield fighting an unwinnable war. Unaware that love has already won it for us all.

So, you know what I think? I think it’s a trap!

First Stop, San Antonio

| Chris

A friend of mine and I went on a weeklong road trip to Texas and our first stop was San Antonio. Actually, it was Austin but unfortunately, we arrived late in the evening to be able to do any sightseeing. Maybe next time.

Early the next morning, we drove down to San Antonio. It was my first time. This gorgeous city proved to be an enchanting destination for a quick day trip. Since we only had a day to spend, we picked the three obvious iconic spots.

First Stop, the Alamo. Walking up to the hallowed grounds, I was initially surprised by its size. It’s actually smaller than I imagined! But what an incredible piece of history. Standing in front of that famous limestone facade gave me goosebumps. Inside, I was fascinated by the collection of artifacts from the Texas Revolution. It was moving to learn about the brave defenders like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. And it was completely free to visit!

Next, we headed down to the Riverwalk, just a stone’s throw away from the Alamo. It felt like discovering a hidden world below the city streets. We strolled along the cypress-lined paths, and I loved watching the tour boats glide by. I loved it so much I had to hop on one myself! The atmosphere was absolutely magical, as was the scenery. It’s definitely the most charming part of San Antonio I’ve seen.

To cap off our day, we trekked down to the Tower of the Americas. This 750-foot observation tower provides spectacular panoramic views of the city. Located in Hemisfair Park, it’s not just about the view; the tower also features a revolving restaurant and a 4D theater ride that gives a unique perspective of Texas’ cultural heritage. It’s a fantastic way to wrap up our visit!

Even with just a few hours to spare, San Antonio’s top attractions provide a fulfilling and memorable experience, showcasing the best of historical and modern Texas.

Through the Eyes of the Pioneers

| Chris

There’s this little town tucked in the middle of nowhere, Nebraska. I was told about it by a friend years ago. So when I got a chance to travel to Nebraska, I made sure to make a detour. My wife and I were coming back home from Omaha and we decided to swing by a small town called Minden to visit this place my friend told me about. I wasn’t expecting much from a small town museum, but this place completely blew me away! And I love a good history lesson.

First, a bit about Minden itself. This tiny town of about 3,000 people has been around since 1876, when it was established and named after Minden, in Germany. The town was settled by German, Swedish, and Danish immigrants, which explains its quaint Midwestern charm and the incredibly friendly locals I encountered.

But the real star of the show is Pioneer Village, and calling it just a “village” is seriously underselling it. This place has 28 buildings on 20 acres housing over 50,000 irreplaceable items of historical value. It all started because of one guy, Harold Warp, who made his fortune in Chicago manufacturing plastic film. When he found out his hometown had put the one-room school house he attended as a child up for auction, he purchased the building in 1953 and just kept going from there.

Walking through the place feels like time travel. You’ve got everything from horse-drawn carriages to early automobiles, vintage farm equipment, household appliances and even old airplanes. The chronological layout really shows you how America evolved from pioneer days to modern times. We spent way longer there than I planned – there’s honestly something fascinating around every corner.

What struck me most was how well-preserved everything is. These aren’t just dusty artifacts sitting behind glass; most of the items are restored to operating order. You can actually see how these machines and tools worked, which makes history feel so much more real and tangible.

If you’re ever driving through Nebraska, definitely make the stop. Minden might be small, but Pioneer Village is easily one of the coolest museums I’ve visited. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how much ingenuity and hard work went into building this country. You’ll see it all through the eyes of the pioneers! And it’s way more entertaining than you’d expect from a small town museum.

Flying Back in Time

| Chris

One of the stops we made in Nebraska was the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. It’s in a small town southwest of Omaha called Ashland. And what a trip that was! The building is massive and looks like it could house a small airport.

This place is where Cold War history comes alive. Walking through those doors felt like stepping into a different era. I learned that the Strategic Air Command was basically the backbone of America’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, responsible for long-range bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles. What struck me most was how the museum doesn’t just showcase military hardware, it dives into the human side of things, the crews who lived with constant pressure and the families who dealt with the uncertainty.

The aircraft collection is unreal! The planes are the real stars here. The main hangar is packed with seriously impressive aircraft: the B-36 Peacemaker, the B-52 Stratofortress, the SR-71 Blackbird. It was pretty surreal.

It’s more than just military history though. The museum also covers civilian aerospace, with exhibits on the space program and interactive flight simulators. Everything is put in historical context. You’re learning about the geopolitical tensions that drove development and the people who risked their lives flying these machines.

If you’re anywhere in the region and have even a passing interest in aviation or Cold War history, this place is absolutely worth the detour. The collection is world-class, and you’ll walk away with a much better understanding of a pivotal period in American history.

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum isn’t just old planes, it’s a window into a time when the world felt more dangerous, and it’s history you can touch and experience.

Rolling Through Nebraska

| Chris

My wife and I just went on a weekend road trip across Nebraska. Our first stop was the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument in Kearney. It’s a massive archway literally spanning Interstate 80, impossible to miss as you’re driving along. We pulled off to check it out. And I’m glad we did!

Talk about a bridge through time. The Archway tells the incredible story of how the Platte River Valley became America’s highway to the west. This was the same route that the pioneers used on the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Mormon Trail. The valley was basically the GPS of the 1800s. The river provided water, the terrain was relatively flat, and it became the perfect pathway west. Later, the transcontinental railroad followed the same route, and eventually, so did Interstate 80.

Walking through the exhibits was quite an experience. It felt like time traveling between wagon trains and steam locomotives. I imagined following in the footsteps of hundreds of thousands of people who made this same journey with so much more at stake. They were leaving everything behind for a new life, while I’m just road tripping with a can of Pringles, listening to an audiobook.

There were a couple of small windows you could peek through to see I-80 and the endless Nebraska sky stretching over the Platte River Valley. You can almost imagine those wagon trains stretched out across the landscape.

Okay! One stop in, and Nebraska’s already surprising me. This state’s got stories to tell, and I’m here to listen.

Not Young, Not Wild, Just Free

| Chris

I recently celebrated another birthday. Celebrated here meaning I ate at an all-you-can-eat buffet and seriously questioned whether pants with buttons were necessary that day.

And as the flames danced atop the birthday candles – metaphorically speaking, that is, as there wasn’t any cake at all – I couldn’t help but notice something off. Not in a “should’ve used a lighter instead of the blowtorch” kind of way, but in a deeper, more poetic sense. The candles just didn’t seem to fit on the cake like they used to.

Flashback to 30 years ago: San Diego, CA, 1995. A younger version of me stood on stage, guitar slung low, sweating under the stage lights. Oh, and singing the mighty words from Triumph’s Magic Power… I’m young, I’m wild, I’m free!

A friend snapped a photo of that moment, forever capturing a time when life was loud, raw, and deliciously unpredictable. And back then, birthdays came with adventure baked right in.

Today, I may not be jumping off amps or waking up from city to city but I still feel the fire. I still feel the energy. Fewer guitar solos, maybe, but I still hum the melody of a life that’s mine. On my terms.

So here’s to another trip around the sun! Even if the candles lean a little to the left and the frosting hides a few existential questions.

Freedom isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s in the quiet confidence of knowing who you truly are. And still dancing with it. Birthday cake in hand.

And no, I still don’t think pants should’ve been required.

How Cool is That?

| Chris

Wow, what an incredible surprise! I just found out that my song Me and My Samsonite was included on the official 2025 Wyoming Road Trip Playlist curated by the Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming Humanities. I honestly can’t put into words how honored and excited I am.

As an artist, you always hope your music will connect with people, but to know that my song will be part of the soundtrack for so many travelers exploring the beauty of Wyoming this summer is truly special. I love the idea that Me and My Samsonite (#21 on the playlist) might be playing as someone drives through mountain passes, stops at a historic site, or just soaks in the wide-open sky. After all, traveling is what the song is about.

My heartfelt thanks goes to the Wyoming Arts Council and everyone involved in putting this playlist together. It means the world to be recognized alongside so many talented Wyoming creatives. I mean, really… how cool is that?

So, if you’re hitting the road this summer, I hope my song, along with the rest of the playlist, adds a little extra joy to your adventure. Safe travels, and happy listening!

Turning Point

| Chris

It was the last day of April, 1992. In the thick of the LA riots, I had acquired my first Bible. As the city burned outside my Hollywood apartment, I diligently read the Scripture for the first time in my life. Soon after that pivotal moment, I made a decision to be baptized. Yet the years that followed brought unexpected spiritual hurdles. The truth has an uncanny way of doing that to you, I suppose.

Eleven years later, in 2003, God woke me up. Guilt and remorse began to engulf my conscience. Religiosity unraveled. Friends drifted away, some passed on, and my first marriage began to falter. It was a dark time, for sure.

Around that period, I felt compelled to write a song where every line was a jagged little pill. It took three years to finish it. Though it remains the hardest song I’ve ever written, it gave me relief. My soul could somewhat breathe again after. Today, well, I’m still a work in progress, but grateful for the lessons I’ve learned since. God is good!

Hotdogs and Marshmallows

| Chris

The bonfire crackled and danced under the vast Wyoming sky as my friends and I gathered around its warm embrace. A weekend of fellowship was had. The evening air, crisp but pleasant. The usual wind, nowhere to be found. We took turns roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, laughing as some turned golden brown while others, inevitably, met a fiery demise.

The scent of smoke and toasted sugar filled the air, mingling with the quiet snorts of the horses that had joined us. They stood just outside the circle of firelight, their large, gentle eyes reflecting the flickering flames as they observed our little gathering. Their presence added something special to the night — an almost mystical touch, as if they had come to share in the moment.

Conversation ebbed and flowed, sometimes lively, sometimes soft and reflective. Campfire stories were told, as were cringeworthy dad jokes. The fire held us together. Its warmth not just physical but something deeper — a reminder of friendship, of simple joys, and of nights like this that stay in your memory long after the embers have cooled.