THE FOURTH QUARTER

I’m typing this blog on the first day of September. Amazing that we are in the fourth quarter of the year, the “ber” months as some will call them.

There’s still some summer left, so let’s not speed things up, okay?

I am look forward to what the rest of the year brings. Those who follow my blogs, and/or know me in real life, can attest that the first half of 2025 was not kind to me. One thing I will always do is be straight up with everyone and today is no different. I had a rough winter, dealing with seasonal depression. On top of that, after I spent $1200 on struts and rotors (so much for a routine oil change), I felt very strapped. It sucked. Plain and simple. Private lessons were slow, as were any gigs on the horizon. Some bands who promised me “first call” never made good on their word. I could name names but why give them publicity?

Then on my son’s birthday (May 20), the planets shifted. I started getting gigs from bands such as Supernova (I am always first call with them), and also did some debut sub gigs with Blame It On The Girl, Crash!, and recently Vinyl Renegades. Started getting a couple more private students. I will never lie to anyone: having money instead of flies in my wallet puts me in a better mood. I enjoy performing and love teaching, and when extra cash is slapped in my hands, it’s a bonus.

Am I a mercenary? No. But when you’re broke, suddenly everyone and everything pisses you off.

I have my health though. That’s definitely more important. When the seasonal depression lifts, it’s the best feeling in the world. The weather has been incredibly amazing the past two weeks, and it makes for great walks. And when someone says, “Looks like you’re slimming down a bit”, that’s another bonus. Metabolism and gravity are not my friends sometimes!!!

I am also learning to surround myself with better people. Sounds strange but I know/knew too many miserable people. Am I perfect? No. Was I once a miserable prick? Yes. I have been doing a lot of soul-searching over the past few years and learned some cold hard truths about myself. And what people REALLY thought of me. Sometimes the trash takes itself out. Other times I have to haul it to the curb. Another thing people have noticed about me: “You look more content.” That is true. Not feeling this pressing need to impress anyone anymore is liberating. Looking back, I can’t believe how much of a people pleaser I was. I’m usually pretty aware of things but that was something I had to come face to face with.

I sought validation at every turn and would think “Will this ever come to an end?” It did last November, and since then, the skies opened up for me. I’m a good person, a great teacher and guitar player, write cool songs, and am looking after myself as I should have been doing years before. I learned that most wheelhouses are not designed for me. Everyone else can have their little cliques and weird eco-systems…bless them, really. Enjoy your phony friendships and pretend “scenes”.

I know my worth.

What will the remaining four months hold for me? I don’t know and that’s the best part. No more predicting or hoping for things. I learned to manifest my thoughts into reality and as my friend Glenn once said years ago, “The universe will provide.” All I know is, I have 10 demos waiting to become real songs. If a cover band needs me, I just throw a guitar in a gig bag and head out. If a new student emerges, willing to learn, I’m ready to teach.

I’m willing to learn too, so I’m ready, O Universe!