Hey, hey, it’s May and May Day. So, what do you say? I say hey! Let’s talk about the May birthstone. And in case you didn’t already know, it’s the beautiful emerald.

Because the emerald is considered a symbol of rebirth. And superstitious people believe it has the power to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Side note: Elizabeth Taylor owned an emerald pendant that sold for $6.5 million in 2011. So, it apparently was quite the specimen. But Liz still got old and died. Weird, right?

Anyway…

Let’s get back to more practical reasons why an emerald makes a great May birthstone. First, I read how the word emerald comes from the Greek word “smaragdus.” And that translates into green. So, it makes sense that a green gem would be appropriate for the time of year when everything blooms and leaves turn to green.

And second, a polished emerald sparkles like dew on a verdant grass lawn. And while I’m waxing poetic, a couple of years ago I wrote this rhyme that fits nicely into this time of year:

I sat upon an emerald.

So, Happy May to you. And Happy May birthday. Oh, and if your kid’s birthday is this month, you should get them the Kiddin’ Around collection of songs. I don’t recall any references to emeralds. But one of the songs is called “Green Monkey.” The color green comes up quite a bit in the lyrics, and it’s a fun, springy tune.

See and listen to a video demo of the songs in the collection here: (https://youtu.be/dTZTtsyZQdk)

And download all 10 songs for $10 at this link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L6MAH2QKHU5J8

Stay tuned,

The post May birthstone in the poetic zone appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Being a parent, especially one with a baby or young child, can be isolating.

That was a headline that caught my eye this morning. And maybe it’s just me (I doubt it), but that kind of parent seems like the selfish type.

Now, hold on to your hat. Because there are some terrifying things parents do that bring on this problem:

And the article said a survey showed how, due to the demands of parenthood, 66% of the respondents feel isolated, lonely, and “burned out by their responsibilities as a parent.” And “38% of respondents said they don’t have anyone to support them in their parenting role.”

Now, my wife and I didn’t experience the blessing of kids. So, on one level, I’m disqualified to pass judgment on parents who DID have kids. But here’s the thing. Stats, from all kinds of sources, say the average American household, in recent years, has about three people. So, for households with kids that means either 2 parents and a kid or 2 kids and a parent.

Any way you look at it, that’s not a lot. So, why all the “overwhelming feeling of exhaustion,” as described by an associate clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Nursing. She said it like this:

“In this specific role of being a parent, it’s that ability to never really feel like you’re above water. And then that causes other things to start happening. Like feeling more detached from your children and less like you’re a good parent. Loneliness can really exacerbate a lot of those feelings.”

When I was a kid, WAY back in the 20th century, lots of households included more than one kid. In fact, many kids I grew up with came from families with 4 or 5 kids. And that was the case in both households I grew up in.

And even after I flew the coop I never heard my parents mention how burned out and isolated they felt during their full-time parenting years. It wasn’t because they never dealt with any serious issues. Every family has those. No, I believe selfishness has increased exponentially in recent years. Especially since “things” are easy and relationships aren’t.

Because kids need parents (and grandparents, aunts, and uncles) who will help them transition into confident, responsible adults. So, my recommendation is to take the focus off self and put it on serving others. Just as the Navy commercials used to say, “It’s not just a job. It’s an adventure.”

And the best gift you give kids is the knowledge of what it takes to live forever. That’s when you store up your treasures in Heaven where no bank, no foreign power, and no tyrannical government can ever take the away from you.

One of the next best gifts you can give kids is a world of imagination they can find in words and music. And it just so happens I know where you can get some mighty fun words and music. In my “Kiddin’ Around” Collection. See and listen to a video demo of the songs here: (https://youtu.be/dTZTtsyZQdk)

And download all 10 songs for $10 at this link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L6MAH2QKHU5J8

Stay tuned,

The post Being a parent without the inerrant appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Information inside your cells determined whether you’d have brown or blue or green eyes. And it determined whether you’d have black or brown or blonde hair. AND whether you’d be a boy or a girl (Those are the only choices, by the way). Take a trillion trails of that information, see where it goes, and I believe you’ll come to the same conclusion I did: “Whoa, dude. That sounds complex. My head just exploded.”

You could take a lot more than that and still remain in the cells of one, single person. Yeah, you’re gonna need to stock up. Because that’s gonna be a long journey.

Think about the thoughts and memories you have floating around in your mind right now. Those thoughts and memories have no physical parts. In fact, you can’t feel, smell, taste, hear, or see them. And here’s the thing. They didn’t create themselves. Information can’t do that. It’s too complex.

I know I keep saying that, but I just can’t help myself. It’s tru. The information in the DNA of each of your cells is basically equal to a library with 4000 books. It’s like your body isn’t a single star. It’s a whole constellation.

So, to say that much data stored in the 37 trillion cells in your body happened by chance mutations is ludicrous (Not to be confused with “Ludacris” although he IS ludicrous).

Anyway…

Why would you (or anybody) prefer to believe in chance, circumstance, and some sort of mutations dance? And why wouldn’t you (or anybody) prefer to believe in the living, loving God who wants us to live forever? Chance, circumstance, and mutations don’t care whether you live or die. So they certainly don’t care if you live forever. In fact, they only contribute to your hopelessness. Until they eventually erase it altogether.

Toss it aside? Make fun of it? Sure, those options are at your disposal. But you could also check out scientific links I’ve shared. Don’t take my word for it. And see if your belief system is challenged. Who knows? Maybe your belief system will change. That happens a lot when people open their eyes to the truth.

If it hasn’t already happened for you, I hope it does REAL SOON.

Through the trillion trails of starlight

© 2017

Milky Way Bouquet is an instrumental included on the popular collection of lullabies called “Lullabye Bye.” Get all the songs, in the unique songbook and coloring and drawing book for kids by the same title, from this link:

(https://www.amazon.com/Lullabye-Bye-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B08BWFWSLN)

Stay tuned,

The post Trillion trails of information in your personal constellation appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I can hardly believe it’s already been almost 4 years. But the calendar doesn’t lie. And the metadata in the documents I saved doesn’t either. Yeah, almost 4 years since I produced rough cuts to several new songs. And I have a couple of main reasons why I call them “rough cuts.” One of those songs is called “I Can Do.” And, yes, it’s one of the many songs I’ve written where I swim upstream against current trends. But so be it.

And, no, I don’t get some sort of surreptitious pleasure from going against the grain. In fact, I wish my worldview and songwriting style were more the norm. But that ain’t gonna happen. So I know those opportunities I passed up on, back in the day, for recording deals, are the only ones I’ll ever have.

But I know the One who created me, AND made sure I can live forever, is much more pleased with my choice. And He said the world hated Him before it ever hated me. So, I’m in the best of company.

Anyway…

Back to those songs. There are seven of them. So far. And I have a deep and abiding desire to produce them from rough cuts to smooth. But, to my constant consternation, for six years, respiratory issues have kept me from accomplishing that goal. And my wife and I have moved to two entirely different parts of the country to hopefully help alleviate those issues.

Right now I’m gaining some cautious optimism that maybe I’m making some progress (Your prayers are desired and appreciated). And I hope I can do some recording, soon, and make some tracks. Sadly I’ve had that hope dashed against the rocks a few times in the past six years. But the thing about real hope is, it springs eternal.

So, that being said, here’s a snippet of lyrics from a little song in B flat called…

Outside the lines the grass is greener.

I know the morning sun will shine,

I can do…what I need to. I know it’s so, so I can do!

The rest is reserved for when I fully produce this song and the others. Until then, you can dive into lots of my other songs, AND all kinds of books, when you click or tap this link:

(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)

Stay tuned,

The post I Can Do. And in B flat, too appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I just read a short article about a Milky Way black hole problem. And you’d better brace yourself. Because this is a serious problem. Here’s a snippet from that article:

“A black hole with millions of times more mass than the sun is hurtling towards Earth and will one day wipe out life as we know it. The black hole is speeding towards us at 110 kilometres per second and is at the centre of the Andromeda Galaxy.”

The article made sure you understand that the Andromeda Galaxy is huge. And it continued with this:

“Located just 26,000 light-years away. And as we speak, it’s in the process of tearing apart entire stars and star systems, occasionally consuming them, adding to its mass like a voracious shark. Due to the size of Andromeda however, there is only going to be one winner when it smashes into the Milky Way.”

Because evidently, according to the article, most galaxies have a “supermassive black hole which stars swirl around and helps keep everything in formation.” (side note: I think it’s funny when so-called scientists, who believe the evolution origin theory, use words like formation.)

Anyway…

Our own Milky Way’s black hole is no small matter. The article I read describe it like this. “And not just any black hole, it’s a supermassive black hole with more than 4.1 million times the mass of the Sun.”

Whoa! That’s huge. So it’s gotta have a negative impact on us. Right? If not right away, at least some time in the future. Yeah, writer of that article said, “we are safe for now.” But he added, “Panic will happen when the Milky Way collides with Andromeda in about 4 billion years.”

I don’t know about you. But as for me and my household, we’re gonna start freezing a lot more grass fed beef. And we’re gonna add to our solar panel supply. Hey, I was a boy scout. Be prepared is my motto.

Oops. That’s misogynistic and transphobic. Oh well, so be it.

Wait a sec. Come to think of it, I don’t believe I’m gonna let all that panic affect me and my household. Matter of fact, I (we) choose to trust in the Creator of all the galaxies in the universe. And He (that would be Jesus) holds the universe together. Science fiction “scientists” don’t have a clue about that glue.

So, I (and my household) have confidence, hope, and peace about the Milky Way. Even if it has a supermassive black hole, we’ll never be vacuumed into it. Never.

And that’s why I could compose a composed and peaceful lullaby song called “Milky Way Bouquet.” And I confidently included it in a collection of lullabies and put them all in a book. Because I believe, at least for a while longer, our galaxy is stable enough to build, create, and sell books.

If you have little ones, you should be playing the Lullabye Bye collection for them at bedtime. And you can get all those songs, in a secret link, inside the Lullabye Bye coloring and drawing songbook. Links to get it on Amazon are below. Order yours today. Prime members get free delivery.

Through the trillion trails of starlight

Stay tuned,

Here’s the funny looking link to Lullabye Bye on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Lullabye-Bye-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B08BWFWSLN/

The post Milky Way black hole will never get my soul appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I hope you haven’t fallen into the SNAP trap. Because it’s obviously difficult to impossible to escape. And just imagine the horror you’d face without the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Brought to you by your most benevolent and trustworthy government.

I’m glad you asked. That WAS you, right? Anyway. First, it’s made to sound like a program that cares about your health. After all, the word “nutrition” is right in the full name. Second, they want it to sound like it’s just to help those who just need a little boost. After all, the word “supplemental” is right in the full name. And you can supplement something if there’s not something already there to supplement. Can I get an “Amen?!”

Third, they want it to sound like they want to HELP you. After all, the word “assistance” is right there in the full name. But, lurking below the surface of that idea, is their belief that you can’t help yourself, those of you who fall into (or jump into) the SNAP trap.

This subject showed up on my radar because it was a trending topic on Twitter today. And as I scrolled down through just the first 6 to 12 comments, I noticed how almost nobody recognizes the trap.

The first quote included a picture of the inside of a refrigerator. I’ll take her word for it. But my guess is she snapped the picture on her smartphone. And last time I looked, those are kinda pricey. Minor details, Tony.

The second quote says republicans (and they probably forgot to include democrats) who sabotage government “freebies” are extortionists.

I agree. But not for the reason that person would attempt to justify. They ARE cruel. But that’s because SNAP shouldn’t exist. It’s cruel to provide food to able-bodied people who don’t work for it. Because it shows them you don’t expect much from them. And you don’t believe they can succeed without you.

The fourth quote is like the first one. Another shot inside a refrigerator. And probably snapped on a pricey smartphone. And it highlights how many people prefer to emphasize their “single mom” or single dad status. So, of course, they need a nanny. Because who wants to get married and deal with all those headaches? Especially when the most affordable nanny is Uncle Sam.

Finally, the fifth quote would be laughable if it weren’t so utterly stupid. In the first place, it’s highly likely that most “MAGA Republicans” don’t have an issue with abortion. So, they certainly won’t (even if they could) force birth on someone. Secondly, if the tax system was fair and just, you’d never need a government program’s “assistance.” And one HUGE way to make the tax system more fair and just would be to eliminate government schools. Because that would eliminate the evil property taxes that ensure you’ll never again own a home in America.

Because these programs can only exist when the government steals from those who produce and work hard and gives some of what it steals to those who don’t. Key word: “some.” Politicians skim, in one way or another, from ALL the government programs. So, they’re not likely to be motivated to end them. Ever!

So, people like you and me, who sell and resell stuff to provide food and shelter and transportation, are pushed to produce and work harder and smarter. On the one hand that’s good. Because that’s how you increase sales and profits. On the other hand, those increased sales and profits are too attractive to the greed-filled powers that be. And, so the downward cycle continues.

The solution isn’t to “make your vote count.” If you truly wanna do that, don’t waste your precious vote on either socialist candidate you’ll discover on the next ballot. Instead, seek wisdom from God. Ask for His help to tell others about the importance of knowing what happens when you die. Yeah, lay up treasures in Heaven. Where no politician or corrupt and tyrannical government will ever be able to steal them or give them to someone else.

Speaking of working and selling, I’ve been sharing links to one of my collections of songs for kids this week. It’s called Kiddin’ Around. Unless your kid is totally bonkers, he or she (and those are the only two choices) will get a kick out of ’em. So, get the lyric book and all ten songs in one download at this weird-looking link:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L6MAH2QKHU5J8

Or you can get the physical coloring and drawing songbook version with the link to the songs inside at this weird-looking link:

(https://www.amazon.com/Kiddin-Around-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B08BV18T5J)

Help make SNAP stand for Support Native American Producers.

Stay tuned,

The post SNAP trap and why we shouldn’t clap appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Warning. Blatant and obvious bias just ahead. I’m a musician. And I’m gonna share information with you that emphasizes the powerful, therapeutic advantages of music. So, you might feel yourself being drawn toward buying some of my music. And I want you to know, up front, that’s not my goal.

In fact, I’d prefer you don’t buy music from me.

Because my ultimate goal is to live completely and totally (hmm…I wonder if those mean the same thing) of the government. Sure, you might think that means I’ll be living off hard-working taxpayers (like you?). But that’s not true. Because the government is the go-between. So, no harm, no foul.

Since I haven’t made the total transition (that’s such an enlightened word, right?) to ward of the state, I’m still out here hawking my wares, as it were. And it were as it is. The reality of still having to work (so unfair) to pay for literally everything. From food and water to, get this, gasoline. Yuck and Yikes.

And that bias is toward MY wares. And not yours. Or someone else’s. Although, I sneak in links to other people’s cheap stuff, I mean wares, all the time. You gotta be sharp to find ’em though. Because my website and emails ain’t about them other people. I pay for ’em. So, they’re about ME.

And that brings me back to the therapeutic advantages of music.

Music can help with your immune system, brain function, and anxiety. Sure, you might be a Type A personality. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still benefit from all those, uh, benefits.

Naturally (maybe even organically) you might wonder what that’s got to do with my musical wares. And you’d be right to wonder. So, here’s the thing. Maybe you still hold fast to the idea that kids are cute and innocent and should be protected. Yada yada yada.

But if it’s yours, check out Lullabye Bye. It’s a collection of lullabies for kids that parents say isn’t too cutesy for adults to listen to, too (love that ballerina sentence end). The songs contain subliminal, sleep-inducing messages. So, if your kid falls asleep, while listening, that’s on you. I didn’t force you to play the songs. It’s your choice. Let’s be clear about that up front.

OK. I know I’ve made it basically impossible to find a way to go get the music. But you’re just gonna have to dig a little deeper. Because I don’t want you to stumble into a purchase you don’t want.

Now, where did I put that government cheese I have an obvious bias for? Or for which I have a bias?

Stay tuned,

Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the The FunderFlash

The post Obvious bias anytime you hear “try us.” appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Dream Town. I remember playing a multi-timbral sound on my fairly new Korg Triton keyboard several years ago. And the ethereal setting immediately set my imagination in motion. It was one of those magical moments songwriters love almost as much as anything. At least I do.

If you’re a songwriter, you know what I mean when I say the song flowed out and fell into place. Basically, as I played around on the keyboard, the lyrics slid right into the melody. And I didn’t even have to compile a collection of sounds to get the feel I wanted.

They were just there. So, all I had to do was let my fingers go with the flow. And before I knew it, the song was born. And even though it was one of the first songs I composed for the personalized songs for kids I used to sell, it ended up closer to the end. Because it just sort of felt natural (maybe even supernatural) to end up in…

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And now…where you will go

The rain…falls on your hand

You can’t get there with open eyes.

Instrumental

And there…’round that sweet bend

So go…and don’t you look back

Chorus…inst…end

© 2001-2023

Stay tuned,

No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can show your support…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to The FunderFlash Journal

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

The post Dream town is off the map until you take a nap appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

From here to Timbuktu. You’ve heard that expression or something like it. Right? Well, I’m not gonna give you a history lesson on where the expression originated or if it’s even a real place. But it DID inspire a toy store in the Denver area.

It’s one of the 10 fun and silly songs in the Kiddin’ Around collection.

When CD’s were still a “cool” way to get music, we sold thousands of them through several kids’ stores across Colorado. One of those stores was named Timbuk Toys. And I wrote a song by that same name to motivate the store owners and employees to keep the CD’s in stock.

It worked well. And they sold a bunch of ’em for us.

But these days, CD’s have sort of fallen out of favor with most music lovers. So, I created another way you can get these fun songs for kids AND give them a lot more. I published the Kiddin’ Around Singalong, Coloring, and Drawing Book on Amazon.

Inside the book your kids get the lyrics to all the songs in the collection. AND they get coloring pages. AND they get blank drawing pages. PLUS they get a super secret link (which you can help them with) to a free download of all the songs in the book. Here’s a clip from “Timbuk Toys”

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

You can even scan the QR code you see at the top of this page, or in the video or below to go right to the page, on Amazon, where you can order a copy today.

And next time you find yourself in Timbuktu, don’t be surprised if you catch yourself humming the Timbuk Toys song.

My, my what a stroke of luck…

© 2007 Tony Funderburk

If you’re not a scanner type of person, here’s your easy, friendly link to the book.

Get your special, silly kid the Kiddin’ Around songbook today.

Stay tuned,

The post Timbuktu much fun to do appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Just about everybody has a bedtime routine. It makes sense. Because humans are creatures of habit. Like brushing your teeth and changing into pajamas. Those activities just become something you do without having to put a lot of thought and effort into them. And then maybe you read a little and turn off the lights.

And you might think that’s insignificant or unimportant. But nay nay. It IS important. Especially for kids.

According to one source I read, it’s much healthier to make bedtime “as pleasant and calm as possible.” And that source said a regular, predictable schedule is the best option. It also said, “All of the scientific evidence shows us that babies with a consistent bedtime routine sleep better and longer than babies with an inconsistent (or non-existent!) bedtime routine.”

Also, I found out there are actually sleep consultants these days. Yeah, I know. You’d think nobody would need to consult somebody else on how to sleep. But obviously, you’d be wrong.

One pediatric sleep consultant said that a good night’s sleep for your child begins with a bedtime routine. She even has a website with online courses and 1:1 coaching sessions. Wow. Who’d’ve thunk it? Anyway,  she recommends parents “sing a song” (preferably the same song, she says) at bedtime.

“A calming song, sung in a soothing manner, either while the child is rocked in the parent’s arms or patted in the crib, tends to work well,” is what the expert said. And she added, “The important thing is to keep that last soothing step as similar as possible from one day to the next. Predictability in itself is soothing for infants and young children.”

Imagine that. Even the smallest kids love and appreciate dependable, loving care.

The article I read said there’s no reason to stress if you don’t know which songs to sing. The little ones just need to hear your voice. And they added a link to a “curated lullaby playlist.” But there’s no need to go anywhere else. Because your ol’ buddy, Tony, has already got you covered.

Just in case you’re new around here, I have some original lullabies that thousands of American families (and even some in other countries) have enjoyed for years. Best part is, they’re not cutesy. Like one kids’ store owner said, “They’re not the typical kids songs you hear everywhere else!”

I’ve heard good things from parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, store owners, and others. So, I know babies, infants, toddlers, and kids benefit from lullaby songs. That’s why I’ve written and produced so many.

And I published a sing-along coloring book with all the lyrics to that collection. Best part is, there’s a super secret link, inside the book, where you can download all the songs. So, kids don’t just get a fun book. They also get free songs to go with the lyrics.

Click or tap any of the links to get the book for a special kid today. And when those little ones lie down, they’ll Fall Fast Asleep, Rest Easy, and ride a Peppermint Pony through the Blue Celtic Clouds. Then, when they wake up, you’ll enjoy watching them sing-along as they color and draw in this fun book. Works like a charm. Or, as my good buddy, Greg (who has an impeccable bedtime routine) likes to say, “It’s just good science.”

Stay tuned,

P.S. I know these lullaby songs aren’t necessarily the most appropriate Halloween gift. But somebody said there’s supposed to be another holiday before the end of the year that might be way better. Can’t think of what it is, right now. But I’ll get back to you. Or you can let me know what it is if know.

The post Bedtime routine is that time in between appeared first on Tony Funderburk.