My Birthday Thoughts...

I'm at a really good place in my life, and in an unusal fashion, I'm actually looking forward to celebrating my birthday.
Although I really miss my Mother, Father and my Sister Caroleigh, and I desperately wish that I could see them again, I do what I can to keep their memory alive in me always.
My family has always been proud of me, and have always supported me throughout my life, yet it took me quite a number of years to realize how fortunate that I am. My life is filled with stories, allegory, and spirituality to help me face any situation and I'm grateful to have had such a loving and caring family.
The family that I've lost have been replaced by my new family, I have a loving caring wife in Vickie, my children and grandchildren are the greatest things that could have happened to me.My younger Sister Lauren is the best. My In laws make my life worthwhile, as well as my family of friends ( co workers, band mates, and my blogging family).
One of my dearest friends on the Earth (who also, is now deceased) once told me that I should write down my story because she said that my life is so interesting and full, and I told her that not one person in the world would wanna hear what I had to say. In 2 seconds they'd be headed for the toilet, or they'd need a stiff drink because it's so boring.
Well here I am years later, I'm telling my tale of trying to be in the music business and people all over the place are sending me e-mails of encouragement, they make comments here on my blogs, they come to see my band play, and on Friday I got the shock of my life...
I went outside of work to pick up library materials from our off-sight book-drops, and while in my vehicle I listened to a local radio station, when all of a sudden they play music from the Carpenter Ants latest CD, and the DJ said that we are a great local band from here in Charleston ( that was enough for me…), but then he mentions my name and said that I work at the St Albans library and that the people down there just think he is the greatest…he actually said that. Well first I was embarrassed beyond belief, then, I cried for about an hour…what an honor !!
You just never know how you affect people, but I am so unbelievably grateful to everyone for all of the kind things that they have done for me and for this band, but mostly for the encouragement toward my dreams.
My birthday thoughts this year are leaning toward the hope of continued desire, and passion about playing music for the masses; and for the few, and to be healthy enough to enjoy it.

To DJ Rick Cochran, you’ll never know how grateful I am for what you said. I’m still in shock!!
To Charisse Campbell, I'm glad that I finally listened to you and started writing...I miss you more than ever.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always…and blow out the candles with you’re favorite bands or singers.