Wednesday, May 27, 2015

IF ONLY...

I have wondered and wondered why things are like they are.  Why the things I feel so good about are being taken advantage of and abused by so many.  Why do folks have to get more than their fair share?  Why is it that stopping behind the white line – intended to be a place where one would stop on or just behind – is not enough?  Is there some reason that folks have to go just beyond?  Some far enough that the line may as well not exist.

As a former truck driver of many kinds but mostly 18-wheelers, I found that 'past the line' offense to be ridiculous and at times made my task of maneuvering that rig around corners, into parking lots, onto highways, etc. much more difficult.  It surely didn’t make it easier.  All because a driver HAD to go beyond the white line. Really?

Speeding.  Folks seem to just decide that 5-10 MPH is legal and some have the viewpoint that those who doesn’t do it are problematic.  Really?

Why don’t folks abide and obey the laws?  Why not be more courteous to others, be kind, give a little more, take a little less, think less of one and more of many?

I am feeling this way for many reasons, the examples above are just the tip of the iceberg.  I guess we all come up short here and there, but lately that’s not it… I don’t think.  It’s a general overall attitude that says “me me me”, and “I’ll get mine” even if it is yours too, and couldn’t care less if you got any, much less your fair share.  It is sad and very selfish.

If only we all would just do the right thing all the time.  If only we didn’t even consider bending the rules and breaking laws.  Drive the speed limit, obey the traffic laws, keep right except when passing, STOP at stop signs, use turn signals, don’t tailgate or act like Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon does when they race on a controlled track with other expert drivers – on public highways.  I bet they drive normal on public highways.

If only people would treat each other with kindness and respect.  What if no one broke the laws and never stole from people, didn’t sell drugs, didn’t use drugs, didn’t assault others, didn’t get into trouble with the law?  What if everyone did the right thing and stayed out of trouble to start with.  No need for rioting and looting (I don’t understand that anyway – WHY LOOT?), stop hating and doing wrong?

If only law enforcement officers did the right thing all the time?  What if they didn’t exert extra force, didn’t abuse their power, didn’t decide when and when not to write citations because of ulterior reasons, assume the worst because of a gender or a race, pretty and thin or ugly and fat, the type of car, the decals or bumper stickers, or part of town?

If only politicians weren’t corrupt.  What if those we elect to office actually worked for us instead of other forces, monetary or power, or political, or otherwise?  What if the legal system was fair and not jaded by opinion or hatred?  What if voters would research the candidates and issues instead of going by what the advertisements say?  What if a party of choice was a general idea and not a religion?  What if the “news” sources actually reported the truth, not some ill-gotten stream of data/text/hogwash that got ratings?  What if those ‘news’ sources couldn’t be altered by the owners of the station/network/conglomerate or some hate group?

If only we were all for one before one for all.  What if we tried to do the right thing?  What if we did this in as many places in our lives and day to day doings as best we could?  What if ALL of us did this?

If only we could find a way to find peace.  Harmony.  Balance.  Fairness.  Forgiveness.  Love.

If only…

Thursday, May 14, 2015

PIVOTAL CAREER EVENT?

Here's a post I placed on my Facebook pages today (5/14/2015) after my Wednesday night (5/13/2015) solo performance opening for the world famous Doobie Brothers at the wonderful Music City Roots here in Franklin, TN...


 Music City Roots

Good morning FB people...

I'm feeling pretty stunned from last night's event at Music City Roots - where I performed my solo set opening for the Doobie Brothers.

Opening for the Doobie Brothers. Wow, still hard to absorb.

I couldn't have dreamed this to happen for me... my dreams are either so far out of reality or too close to reality. Last night seems to fit somewhere between the two... but it was a real thing.

Everyone in the Doobie Brothers band, crew, techs, of course John Cowan, Bela Fleck, Jim Lauderdale, Keith Bilbrey, Craig Havighurst... the Music City Roots folks, crew, techs... all were so great to work with! It is refreshing that people with all that they offer: legendary status and world famous decades of experience and sucess, are so friendly and down-to-other people's level.

I am encouraged by success - my own baby steps, and the giant steps of others. I strive to be a professional and as good as I can be in my chosen career. I work hard to find that 'place' where humbleness meets confidence but avoid either being too meek or too egotistical, so I can give the best I can to those listening and buying the product. It's not easy for me, or really for anyone. Some work harder at it than others... I think. Some are better at it anyway.

We all try to be as good as we can be on our instruments, singing, songwriting, performance, etc. And like an old proverb says - loosely "the joy is the journey, not the destination", I am really enjoying my journey.

In the end, I'd rather be around good people with excellent talent than around anyone who perceive themselves as excellent and share their talent to those who deserve to experience the greatness.
Last night, the legends who are the Doobie Brothers, were great, friendly people of excellent talent and shared that world class musical energy and creativity performing to their fans. That's what they want to do. That's the way they seemed to me anyway.

I am honored to be a part of Music City Roots' roster of performers, and to have experienced a once in a lifetime evening. Thanks to all who made that happen, and for all the fans who came out to support MCR, the Doobie Brorthers, and little ol' me.

I guess I can retire now! Opened for the Doobie Brothers on a Wednesday, and got my senior discount at Kroger's too!