It's not a criticism, it's an observation.
I'm Ambivalent, She's Magnanimous
Mike Cox

I've flown solo in a Cessna with a cab the size of a Nissan pickup. I've hit a walk off home run, caught the last out, and been carried off the field on the shoulders of a group of celebrating 12 year olds. I've sat in the stands and watched each of my sons celebrate a state championship. My list might be minor compared to some, but I've had great memories. On Monday, September 10, I added another one.

The story began with Making the Band. The South Carolina Musicians and Songwriters Guild invented it to encourage and support their members. Anyone interested puts his name in a hat. Each group of four names represents a band. There's only one rule; each band must perform original music.

The first name out of the hat was Chris Conner, who has played in several local bands over the last two decades and is an accomplished singer and songwriter. Chris is outgoing, friendly, and a consummate professional. Anyone who is close to him knows his recent bout with cancer also qualifies him as a warrior.

Bill Stevens's name was on the second sheet of paper. Bill is a bass player, backup singer, and world class teammate. He loves joint songwriting efforts, anthropology, and wants continue learning. In a pinch you can use his smile as a light source.

Danielle Howle was next. She is a free spirit dedicated to being the best singer ever from South Carolina. Danielle can smoke a ham, understands the importance of real grits, and realizes y'all has four syllables. She sounds like, well, nobody. When she opens her mouth to sing, you know it's her.

At this point, the gods of music decided to handicap the group. Mike Cox, local pretend writer and old fat guy was added to the team. Now things are more interesting. A dream team of local talent has an albatross to even things out.

For a couple of meetings over the next month, a song I wrote was doctored, fine tuned, and improved. I wrote the tune about the woman whose garbage I'm responsible for and her penchant for showing off her Clemson education by

Iu'msin Agm bbigiv waolerndts. It's called , She's

Magnanimous. My three band mates added words, chords, and talent to a lame project, and before long we had something pretty good.

On that Monday evening we stood on the stage and performed for other members of the Guild. When the song started, 40 years melted away.

Suddenly I was back in the Tuscaloosa Elks Club with my old band. I tried to keep up, stay on key, and not wet my Dockers from total joy.

The number was over too quickly and regular life took over again, but the experience was added to the scrapbook with all the other highlights. I will never be able to repay Chris, Bill, and Danielle for what they let me do.

Now if someone can tell me how to get this stupid grin off my face, I'll be back to normal.