We were all pleased when Hugh got fully into the computer field and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the challenge of setting up computer networks. The company he was with seemed to offer a lot of opportunity for advancement and increasing knowledge of and in this rapidly growing field. However, IKON seemed to lack many of the marketing skills necessary to obtain the contracts they needed to thrive. Last spring they had to let many of their employees go. Hugh, with low seniority, was among the first to leave. | |
| Job-hunting seemed to be especially difficult this time around, and finances rapidly became painful. Jess lent moral support and helped Hugh sort out priorities. He regretfully sold his Rodeo to Kristen (who was looking for a larger and newer vehicle) and went back to a more economical motorcycle. He was able to find several short-term projects and even took a temporary job in construction. All of this was more than a bit demoralizing. However, the job market did eventually open up and he is now back to doing technical support, working with United Behavioral Health. His office is in San Francisco and not very far from Bechtel where Roger continues to be employed. As with any job, there have been ups and downs; adjustments to accommodate fellow workers and his boss; and a variety of assignments, some very interesting and others rather boring. Nevertheless, we all hope that this job will last a bit longer than previous ones. | |
This phrase now has special meaning for several members of the Harrell clan. Referring back to Dea's vocal students, meet Jonathan. He is 13 and very musically talented, as is his Mom. Sharon performed and wrote for several groups in the 70's. Unfortunately, it did not provide a reasonable living and she reverted to more conventional jobs, letting her music slide a bit. Recently, she has looked again at some of her songs. One of those is "Start the Music". It had been written in a hurry for an event and was never really finished. She asked Dea to listen to it and make suggestions. And that began what was a project full of fun. | |
| Sharon and Dea met a few times to brainstorm added lyrics and performance ideas. (We swear the wine helped the creativity.) Roger was asked to experiment with some keyboard accompaniment. Jonathan's guitar teacher helped him arrange a guitar solo. Dea wrote vocal harmonies. A bass guitar was added. Roger suggested adding flute lines, etc. "Start the Music" was eventually recorded with 2 lead vocals and 4 harmony voices (Roger, Pam, Jonathan, and Lynn - Jonathan's friend and the River City teen), acoustic guitar (Jonathan), electric guitar (Jonathan), bass guitar (Lynn), keyboard (Roger), flute (Roger) and drums. It really was a "family" activity as the drummer was from Pam & Roger's Worship Team, and the two lead singers came from the dance studio where Kris, Roger, Jonathan and Lynn have taken lessons. Dea, Sharon and Roger took turns running rehearsals and everyone participated in enhancing the song. We all learned a lot, were very pleased with the final recording, and look forward to doing more. You may just hear us on the air sometime. |