winter of life

One of my neighbors over at the Fur Peace Ranch passed away a couple of days ago. We didn’t hang out together but in the sense of neighbors being friends… we were friends. We both liked to ride motorcycles and I would stop by from time to time when I would see him in the yard and we would share our two wheeled life together. Last year when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he told Vanessa and me with a wry smile, ‘I’ve survived two wars. I’ve had a good life…’

Jack Peavley fought in Vietnam 1966 to ’67 as a young man and went back into the service in Desert Storm in 1990 to’91 as a Marine. Back in Meigs County his country home near the Fur Peace Ranch never showed a sign of these tumultuous times.

Winter comes to all of us, regardless of station. Spring also comes, unbidden, and new life surrounds us. Indeed, the land of the free, because of the brave!

‘The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.’ G. K. Chesterton

Jack’s pain is over but I feel that somewhere he rides through that door into summer where the sun always shines, his motorcycle always runs and there is no gravel on the road.

Fair winds and following seas brother Jack!


Comments

  1. Comment made on April 8, 2011 by Doug Israel

    I happen to love Children of Zion electric. It’s one of my favorite tracks from the album.

  2. Comment made on April 7, 2011 by Joanne

    @Doug Mlyn
    I agree with Doug on this one!

  3. Comment made on April 7, 2011 by Dave Millard

    After reading the various comments on the CD, I listened to “Children of Zion” again – I love that electric guitar on this song! Maybe if you are a purist, you have a point (RGD played acoustic), but as a track in its own right, it works for me.

    Jorma, sorry to hear about your neighbor – he gave his all twice for our country; our thanks be upon him and may he rest in peace

  4. Comment made on April 6, 2011 by Joanne

    Jorma,

    I love your writing, it’s so beautiful!

  5. Comment made on April 6, 2011 by Doug Mlyn

    @greg young
    Greg:

    It’s all good, and I think you’re comment is sincere, but have to disagree with you on this one. I’ve listened to the song a number of times, and never did I get the impression that it was a light-hearted take on this song. I think the guitar work does this song justice for sure!

  6. Comment made on April 6, 2011 by Carlo Pagliano

    Loud report from here in Italy. We are fully involved dancing and singing ‘Angel of Darkness’ & ‘A Little Faster’, duly out in the streets, it took fire on the spot, just the time to switch on the CD, 24 hrs haven’t passed yet and it seems we’re holding ‘Steady As She Goes’ in our hands since always. What a move, what a music, what a blessing in these times! Thanks Jorma,Thanks Tuna, your art and your work give nobility to humanity, and a rythm in the veins that’ll last forever!

  7. Comment made on April 6, 2011 by Brett E

    “Steady As She Goes”…Arrived in my mailbox April 4th!! A NICE Surprise that was…..

    Teased myself…..Did not spin it until nest day on my morning (1 hour!!)ride to work in Greensboro….And was immediately pulled right into the music…

    Every track is strong in my opinion!! Children of Zion included…I enjoy each song for what it is and try not to think about what it might have been, thus avoiding a phenomenom known as “Paralysis by Analysis”

    Keep on Keepin’ on Jorma!! ‘Sall good in my opinion

    PS: The Hurl penned one on that CD !!!…..Track # 5….. A Little Faster…How COOL is that???

  8. Comment made on April 6, 2011 by Shmuel

    A salute to your friend and towards the loving duties of your friendship, picking up the soul-sparks each person entrusts to the care of those he touches in love. The earth puts on its green, and begins its yearly resurrection.

  9. Comment made on April 6, 2011 by AGRIPPO55

    EVERYBODY IS A CRITIC.

  10. Comment made on April 5, 2011 by Richard

    Oh well…let me be the first to get in the mix on the zion topic.In the family of course.Greg,what did you think of the readings of this particular one live? Credible? It was in the electric set.Theres probably a reason as well.This features many different players or instruments and is not solo but hot tuna.Band effort.The les may have been needed for a tad more projection or what have you.Makes me think of burgers and the read of 99 year blues light hearted yes.Papa john sprinkled all over.The slide guitar stuff back on that record slightly overwhelmed but hey..It became classic tuna.So in closing,can’t say that I do agree.Because you could have made this comment during the tour.Jorma…I think you have found a very nice balance between acoustic and electric instruments… Carry on.

  11. Comment made on April 5, 2011 by greg young

    Jorma –

    I want to leave a little constructive criticism. This has nothing to do with your note which is thoughtful as always. I just want to comment on ‘Children Of Zion’ off the new album and I want to keep it in the ‘family’ here because the last thing I want to do is reflect negatively on Hot Tuna.

    I want to say I am disappointed in this take on a very serious and powerful song. I have always respected your take on other RGD songs like ‘Death Don’t Have No Mercy.’ I think the Tuna take on ‘Children’ is too light-hearted and does not reflect the gravitas required for a credible reading of this song.
    Also, the guitar is weak and sparse. I was looking forward to this cut but am disappointed.
    This song is about someone who has lost his family and friends and is turning to Jesus to help him get through this life. Very serious stuff and Reverend Davis could move us to feel the singers pain and amaze us with his passionate guitar. I hope you will add other RGD to the Tuna repertoire but please, put the Les Paul away, get the Martin out and do it justice. Fans – we might have an honest difference here, maybe you agree, but I am sincere and a huge fan since the first album was released.

  12. Comment made on April 3, 2011 by Steve Smith

    Who looks out for us, if not our neighbors? I have a hunch that Jack’s presence down the road will be felt for some time to come. I have no doubt that you guys shared some great conversations and looked out for each other like neighbors do. Thanks for sharing his story, Jorma. Hats off, rest in peace, Sgt. Peavley.

  13. Comment made on April 3, 2011 by toby peltz

    my dear jorma,

    you are such a boobala. your writings is so beautiful.
    stay well and happy.
    toby

  14. Comment made on April 3, 2011 by Richard

    Sorry to hear of jack’s passing Jorma..been a rough winter for all.2 to 3 we”ll be greening nicely.Stay strong and keep the light burning..your still america’s choice. Dick..

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