Tools
Michael T Hahn
November 06, 2025
I'm a stickler about returning my tools to their designated locations when I'm done working. Hammers, squares, catàpaw, rasp, crow bar and other longish tools go in the large, wooden toolbox that my grandfather built. Screwdrivers, pliers, scissors and wrenches go in commercially made, plastic toolboxes. Power tools, levels and hand saws sit on the wooden shelves that I built in the garage. Although our garage might appear to be a disorganized mess to everyone else, I know the assigned location of each implement, and I'm able to quickly find whatever I need. If I'm tired at the end of a hard day and my recliner is calling to me, I might feel tempted to leave the tools scattered. I resist this desire, because I¥ learned that putting things away requires less time than searching for tools that haven't been put away.
My obsession with returning things to their allotted place is even more pronounced when it comes to musical gear. Every microphone, amplifier, stand, cable, instrument, etc. is stored in a particular case or duffle bag, and each piece of equipment is transported in a specific position in my pickup truck. Because I know exactly where everything is, I'm able to set up the band and be ready to play within 90 minutes of arriving at a gig site.
For some reason, my methodical approach to tools doesn't extend to my accumulation of notes and lyrics. I sometimes record melodies, lyrics or ideas for a newspaper column on my cell phone, and I have an extensive file on my desktop computer devoted to such notions, but these efficient solutions contain only a small percentage of my musings. Most of my contemplations are scribbled on scraps of paper and stashed in random piles in my office, which looks like a paper factory demolished by a tornado. Additional stacks of haphazard ramblings cover the kitchen table and shelves in the living room. I don't know why these notes, which are essentially tools used to create stories and songs, don't motivate my obsession. Maybe my creative process requires a certain amount of disarray. Maybe a rigid structure inhibits inspiration in my thought process. I don't know about that, but I do know that my sloppy system of notes sometimes works. For instance, I wrote this column after finding an old, cryptic memo: "Tools in their place. Ironically, notes and lyrics.
Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings call 802-754-8889.JUpcoming Gigs:
First Night in St. Johnsbury/n New YearàEve, time TBD
Bull Wheel at Jay Peak on Saturday, January 31 from 4 to 7
https://www.thebridgeweekly.com/rural-matters
My obsession with returning things to their allotted place is even more pronounced when it comes to musical gear. Every microphone, amplifier, stand, cable, instrument, etc. is stored in a particular case or duffle bag, and each piece of equipment is transported in a specific position in my pickup truck. Because I know exactly where everything is, I'm able to set up the band and be ready to play within 90 minutes of arriving at a gig site.
For some reason, my methodical approach to tools doesn't extend to my accumulation of notes and lyrics. I sometimes record melodies, lyrics or ideas for a newspaper column on my cell phone, and I have an extensive file on my desktop computer devoted to such notions, but these efficient solutions contain only a small percentage of my musings. Most of my contemplations are scribbled on scraps of paper and stashed in random piles in my office, which looks like a paper factory demolished by a tornado. Additional stacks of haphazard ramblings cover the kitchen table and shelves in the living room. I don't know why these notes, which are essentially tools used to create stories and songs, don't motivate my obsession. Maybe my creative process requires a certain amount of disarray. Maybe a rigid structure inhibits inspiration in my thought process. I don't know about that, but I do know that my sloppy system of notes sometimes works. For instance, I wrote this column after finding an old, cryptic memo: "Tools in their place. Ironically, notes and lyrics.
Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings call 802-754-8889.JUpcoming Gigs:
First Night in St. Johnsbury/n New YearàEve, time TBD
Bull Wheel at Jay Peak on Saturday, January 31 from 4 to 7
https://www.thebridgeweekly.com/rural-matters
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