Monthly Archives: April 2018

Gratitude

Friendship Thing

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grateful for friendship
I have known this guy for over forty years and he still makes me laugh by ignoring signs and being funny. (he is trespassing)

It should not be difficult to look at one’s friends and to feel an overwhelming gratitude.  For me, that is certainly the case.  Friendship isn’t a relationship that you can buy or force anyone to participate in, it is a connection over a shared experience that binds you to that other person in a positive way.   I think that the right positive friendships in life can enhance your life.  At this point, I have come to realize that all friends are not created equal, but all friendships are a valuable thing, and here are my thoughts on why.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Life is too short to go without laughter, and a good friend can usually bring about a laughing fit about almost anything.  It doesn’t matter how long you have been friends, looking at life in a humorous way is going to allow your friendship to grow.   I have always been drawn toward the people who can snicker at the day to day events we are faced with.  If you can’t laugh about it then you are probably going to be spending a lot of time crying.  Think about your friends and how many have been centered around laughter.  I am having a hard time thinking of one person that I have enjoyed spending time with that didn’t involve laughter and joking of some kind.   I am sure it is possible to be friends if you don’t laugh but it would seem to me a much more dour prospect.

Think about your friends and how many have been centered around laughter.  I am having a hard time thinking of one person that I have enjoyed spending time with that didn’t involve laughter and joking of some kind.   I am sure it is possible to be friends if you don’t laugh but it would seem to me a much more dour prospect.

Old Friends, Always Friends

grateful for friends
All friends are valuable and don’t need to be labeled.

I was blessed to grow up in a small town in Maine, where I went to school with the same group of kids until the seventh grade.  The neat thing about these people, is that now almost forty years later when I run into one of these people, the time that has passed does not matter at all.

With some, it is as if no time has passed at all, the conversation is a bit different but the relationship is still the same as it was back in the old days.  The shared experience of growing up like that apparently builds a bond that isn’t easily broken or forgotten.

 I am grateful for these relationships because no matter what is happening in my life, those people know who you are and always accept you the way you are.  I am grateful for these connections.

Some Come and Go and That is OK

In life, I think friendship is often like the tide, inevitably moving in and out.  It has become a belief of mine, that people enter your life for a reason, most often to teach you something.  Friendship is no different.

Maybe it is how to do something or how you look at things, but the more you allow people into your lives the greater your personal growth is.  Unfortunately once the lesson is learned, these people often move out of your life.

This is OK because you will have to grow, be open to new experiences and new lessons that friends yet unmet will teach you.  The value of the old friends is not lessened by the fact that you have to move on for now.  You can keep in touch and when you see each other later in life, you will always have that shared experience.

Since new friends are a great path to growth, you always have to be willing to greet and make new friends, which can be difficult.   My advice is to take them wherever you can get them from.  I have learned much more from the friends I have made over the past year than they could ever imagine.

Toxic Friends

Not everything in friendship is a bowl of cherries.  Sometimes, there are people you are drawn to who initially are great, but after awhile you realize that all they do is talk about other people in a derogatory manner.   Sometimes it is as blatant as making a comment as soon as someone is out of earshot.

If they are doing this, what do they say when you are out of earshot?   Probably nothing good.  I am grateful that I haven’t had to deal with too many of these, but the ones I did have to deal with, taught me a lot.

I think there are only two choices here, change the dynamic of the friendship or move away from it.  The people that you choose to spend your time with will not only define you to the world but will impact how you feel and how you react in it.

Changing the dynamic is nearly impossible but give it a try.  When something negative is said about somebody, immediately say something nice about them.  I have done this twice and in both cases, the person found reasons not to discuss other people with me again.    Life is too short for negative thoughts and feelings, I am grateful to keep most negativity out of my life.

Thank You Friends

Friendship is one of the most important factors that makes this human experience worthwhile.  There is something about sharing, thoughts, ideas, laughs or good times that is bonding to all of us.   The educational experience, the work experience, the life experience, all of them are grounds for bonding through friendship and through friendship we are able to grow exponentially further than we could by ourselves.  Isn’t that the basis for blogging?  Putting your ideas out there and seeing if there are like minded people who can appreciate what you are thinking, feeling or doing?

Personally I am grateful for all of the friends that have entered my life, either for a season or a lifetime and I look forward to meeting those that come into my life in the future.  Friends are the measuring stick of Your reality.

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Nostalgicmusicmonth

Turn Me Loose on the Midnight Train to Anywhere

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 28

Journey by Jon Hilton

In the early 80’s the music of Steve Perry and the group Journey was a part of the fabric of my life. When I remember the high school freshman version of myself. I am sitting in an English class at Lincoln Academy, listening to my teacher Mr. Murphy rattle on about sentence structure. Staring out the window at the rain-soaked soccer field, watching the seagulls fly around and eat worms. My only thought was, “I have four more years of this? I’ll never make it through the boredom.”  The Journey song, Don’t Stop Believing always takes me back to that version of myself and the lessons I learned then. I did make it and it wasn’t all that bad. Now those days are just a random memory or two.  Thank you, Journey, for all the help along the way.

  1. Don’t Stop Believin’– From the opening notes, this song always makes me feel 15. Even though I have never been to Detroit, and I have never taken the midnight train to anywhere, I can relate to that feeling as a young man. We all have dreams, goals, and things we want to experience in life. I am still chasing my dreams and will continue until the day the game ends. This song was a motivation then and it still is today. There is always a chance to achieve success and get what you want in life.  Just Don’t Stop Believing. Working hard to get my fill.Everybody wants a thrill. Payin’ anything to roll the dice, Just one more time. Some will win, some will lose. Some were born to sing the blues. Oh, the movie never ends. It goes on and on and on and on.
  2. Lights– This song takes me to a visit of the 19-year-old version of me. I was living in South Portland, at SMVTI. It was located right on the ocean and at night you had the perfect view of Portland Harbor with all the lights of the city and the boats coming and going along with the lighthouse at Spring Point. It was a time of freedom and growth that only a young man can know. If I only knew how much more I needed to learn then. But youth doesn’t see life that way. It is protected by a lack of experience and a confidence life can take away from you. We were all golden then.  When the lights go down in the city. And the sun shines on the bay. I want to be there yeah, in my city. Ooh, ooh. So you think you’re lonely
    Well, my friend, I’m lonely too. I want to go back to my city by the bay.
  3. Wheel In the Sky– Most functional people set goals and have desires about the things they want to achieve. Sometimes we experience glitches in the system that appear to be setbacks toward our dreams. But when you look at any experience from the end back, you can see how that perceived bad luck actually pushed you toward success. You gained a valuable skill or learned a lesson you needed. That is how the game of life works. The wheel in the sky reminds me of this, to be hopeful in our down times that they will take you where you want to go. It is just not in the fashion you thought you would arrive there. Life is a growth game,  it serves people well to remember that. Oh the wheel in the sky keeps on turning
    I don’t’ know where I’ll be tomorrow.
  4. Feeling That Way– If you have any doubt that Steve Perry’s voice isn’t one of the greatest instruments in music, then listen to this song. When Perry sings his part it grabs you and makes you remember all the times that you were wondering if she was feeling that way about you, or not. This song is a memory of all of those summertime romances. Some were feeling that way and some weren’t. All of the lovely ones that I am thinking of had an impact on me in the best of ways. Take a trip to a memory and listen to this song and appreciate the talent that is and was Steve Perry.  When the summer’s gone. She’ll be there standing by the light. What she’s been to, where she’s gone to. She should know wrong from right. Is she feeling? Are you feeling, you feeling that way too?  Or am I just, am I just a fool?
  5. Still They Ride– Even though it has been over 30 years since I had my moments of growth at Lincoln Academy. There is still a part of me that is firmly rooted in that community. it takes a short trip to
    Midnight train going anywhere

    Damariscotta/Newcastle to be flooded with memories of those old times and the people that I shared that experience with. I still see Wright’s Store in my mind, the arcade at Laverdiere’s.  Yellowfront Grocery downtown, and a thousand other things that have changed. I don’t want them back because they could never be as good in reality as they seem in my memory.  But maybe just for a moment, we can still cruise through town and see those familiar faces one more time.  This ol’ town, ain’t the same
    Now nobody knows his name. Times have changed, still, he rides. Traffic lights, keepin’ time. Leading the wild and restless through the night.

    Loverboy  by Mike Martin

    Today is a good day to pick on my uncle Billy. I coached Madelyn’s softball team this year. I was somewhat hesitant to volunteer my serveries to the team.  Madelyn, like her father, is intense. She speaks her mind and is not scared to show her emotions.

    These facts left me hesitant to lead the team because I wasn’t sure how Maddy would respond to my leadership style. She responded well and the season was a success, concluding with a playoff victory and a sleepover birthday party.

    After our playoff win, the Superstars (the name the 9 and 10-year-old team members decided to call our team) were all recognized for a prominent trait they had shown over the course of the season.

    We, the coaches of the Belgrade Superstars, gave each team member a team photo with a certificate, an award thanking them for their commitment and dedication. Superstars were recognized for loyalty, leadership, dedication, confidence, courage, positive attitude, and other qualities that they brought to our team. Maddy was recognized for her passion.

    Passion is a Martin family tradition and every time I watched Maddy respond passionately to a circumstance created from her involvement on the team. I would think of my uncle Billy.

    Bill Martin is a passionate man. When I was young, I spent much time with my uncle. He is someone that can be counted on. He was always available for the loan of a car or a ride to the concert. (Or a ride home from California but that is a story for another day)

    Loverboy is a Canadian rock band formed in 1979 in Calgary, Alberta. Throughout the 1980s, Loverboy accumulated numerous hit songs in Canada and the United States, earning four multi-platinum albums and selling millions of records.

    In 1982, Loverboy was extremely popular, and when they were scheduled to play at the Augusta Maine Civic Center during the summer of 1982, all my friends wanted to go. I could have found another ride to the show, but my uncle Billy volunteered to be our chaperon, so I had to accept his offer

    I was thankful for the ride, but my uncle, my cousin Heidi and our friend Lisa Rowe were ready to leave long before I was. I am not sure how Heidi and Lisa found me during Loverboy’s performance, but they did, so I had to leave early. Just like I’m ending this post early because Jon Hilton is in a hurry because he is working this weekend vs Working For The Weekend.

    Everybody’s working for the weekend
    Everybody wants a little romance
    Everybody’s goin’ off the deep end
    Everybody needs a second chance, oh
    You want a piece of my heart
    You better start from start
    You wanna be in the show
    Come on baby lets go

     

    Loverboy – Turn Me Loose 
    I was born to run
    I was born to dream
    The craziest boy you ever seen
    I gotta do it my way
    Or no way at all

    Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

    #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

Gratitude

Found My Voice

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my computer for expression
My computer allowed my voice to be heard. In much of my adult life, there was a voice inside of me that had no expression.  There were thoughts that were forced to lay dormant and unexpressed, feeling no life except for the minuscule moments that thought sparked a light on them, only to see them cast back into the darkness from which they so hopefully emerged.

My voice, for whatever reason, could not speak these thoughts or express the feelings I felt, for many years this was the way it was, until one day, I found that I had a voice.  This voice was not an uttered word, but a written one.

What an amazing liberation that was, to free these observations inside of me, about people, places, life, religion, hope, fear and everything else in between.

I have been grateful to relay my observations about other people and in doing so, observations about myself that needed to be expressed, needed to be shared, even if nobody ever read them, by offering them to the world on their own merit, at least they took a form outside of myself.

Many times I hbeing yourself expressing the truthave wondered what this sharing would lead to?  Anything? Are there others who think like me?  This voice of expression is honest and from the heart and it is truly me.  It feels sometimes when I write something about gratitude or feelings I feel free, totally free from all of the expectations and restraints of life and of others.

It should be easy to leave these behind, the negative voices in your head, to follow the true voice inside your heart.  Writing has allowed me to see this voice, hopefully someday soon

find your voice, gratitude
Have you found your voice?

it will help me to trust it.   As each day comes, I feel so much hope in my heart that this will be the day that magic happens for me.  Yet that is determined by me.

I am grateful for the ability to write and express what I feel inside myself.  Each small step to understanding life, or other people or the Universe and how we all work together is amazing and my vehicle for this exploration is my voice and that voice is to write what is inside my heart.

Being yourself is the scariest thing you can be because there is no facade to hide behind, the world can see you and judge you and that can be difficult.  Yet it is only in being ourselves that our true talents can show, I am grateful to at least be on the path to this truth.

 

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Gratitude

Grateful for Change

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leaves change and so do we
A picture I took at a random location of the fall foliage.

 The lessons that nature teaches us are on display all around us each and every day.  All we have to do is listen and being fortunate enough to live in an area the has a distinct four seasons, I am lucky to experience these changes and I am grateful for it.

For many years I am ashamed to say that I never really enjoyed or contemplated too much about it, but lately, I can’t help but be amazed and think about all that the changes of the season bring to the world.  Right now it is autumn in Maine and that means that each and every day you will see a wide array of colors, red, yellow, orange and even brown.  This change where once there was only green makes you think and often about gratitude.

On the Surface

Seeing the leaves change is a pretty miraculous thing. To think that nature knows exactly how to work itself for the trees to survive is amazing, and further than that there is the show they put on.  I have been fortunate enough to see, bright-colored leaves reflecting on the still waters of a fall lake surface.  It brings many thoughts to my mind as I look at the colors and understand them for what they are. Harbingers of what is to come and we merely need to listen to hear their warnings and to learn from them.

Change Is Constant

One of the best reminders of fall is that change is happening all around us all the time.

fall is a season which depicts change
Leaves are falling all around, it’s time I was on my way.

You may not be able to see it visually, but everything is changing all the time.  These variations are usually never as visual as the leaves but they are as real.  Each relationship, job, and personal journey is changing all the time.

No matter what you do and no matter what you think of your current circumstances, it matters little because soon they will be different because things are always changing.   Just like the fall will eventually give up its life to the oncoming winter, so must we learn to let go of our attachments to this life.

It is the values of these changes that make them appear good or bad.  Yet aren’t they simply just experiences?  The fall season helps me to contemplate and understand the changes that are happening in life all the time.  I have a gratefulness inside for all of the changes that have happened in my life and that growth is not possible without change.

Endings Are Just Endings

Another great thought of fall is the twilight of the year, the ending of summer and how this season represents an ending in our lives.  The phrase “The Autumn of our Lives”, captures this effectively.

I have a problem with this phrase because we simply do not know with any kind of certainty when this life is going to end.   it may be over in five minutes or it may last another 30-40 years.  Nobody knows.

When you look at the fall it will have an ending, just as all of our lives will, but there is a hidden promise in the fall.  It is there in every nostalgic feeling and thought, that eventually, the spring and beautiful summer will come again.  We just need to be patient.  All things will eventually end, that is the way that the universe works.  All things have a beginning, a middle and an ending.

This is not a bad thing, it is only a thing.   So it teaches you to enjoy the summer, or the fall or the winter or whatever season you are experiencing right now because that is all you have right now.  There may never be another summer to look forward to, so not completely enjoying today is a foolhardy choice.

The fall makes me grateful for each and every day and what it has to offer.

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Maiden Against The Wind

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 27

Bob Segar by Jon Hilton

In my musical history, there are several chapters that have been punctuated by the music of Bob Segar. From the time I was a hormonal high school kid to becoming a “responsible” adult, there are messages in these songs which are relatable to my life situations.  From trying to lose those awkward teenage blues to realizing we need to have beliefs that stick with us like a rock. Life is a constant pattern of change and development. The music of Bob Segar has helped a generation or two become more aware of these patterns and to be the best they can be.

  1. Night Moves– The biggest focus of a young man is young ladies. In my early life, winning the affection of girls was one of the most important goals of all activities. I liked sports because they were fun, but also a good way to meet girls. So from an early age, I was working on my “night moves”. This song allows you the chance to look back and idealize those times and the people that you knew. Everyone is young in your memory and none are touched with the harsh pains that reality and loss can bring. Some days it is enough to be able to remember the times before we had so much experience.  I awoke last night to the sound of thunder. How far off I sat and wondered. Started humming a song from 1962. Ain’t it funny how the night moves. When you just don’t seem to have as much to lose
    Strange how the night moves. With autumn closing in. 
  2. Still the Same– Aging is a process that nobody is really prepared for. For much of life we just ignore the fact that we will get older, it will be something that will happen later on. It isn’t relevant now. I am only 20. I am only 30. I am only 40.  It stops there. Nobody ever said I am only 50.  No, at that point you realize that you getting old is happening. Like it or not. But inside, people feel exactly the same. The essence that is you does remain the same. It has more experience and hopefully has figured a few things out about life. But inside we are still the same you. And you’re still the same. I caught up with you yesterday. Moving game to game. No one standing in your way. Turning on the charm. Long enough to get you by
    You’re still the same. You still aim high. 
  3. Mainstreet– There have been a few main streets that have been a part of my life. One for sure is in Damariscotta, Maine. We had nothing better to do than to cruise around town. Ride from one end to the other, to see what is happening? Then to continue on our way to that happening.  Were these wasted times or were they great memories I am not sure. But today if I go to that town, that is what I think of. Cruising around Damariscotta/Newcastle, looking for trouble. I guess we all had to find it somewhere. Through the long lonely nights she filled my sleep. Her body softly swaying to that smoky beat. Down on Mainstreet.
  4. Against the Wind– In any life of substance, there are going to be times that you take a wrong turn, or make a poor decision. That is what happens. These are the moments when we are running against the wind. We will either learn how to adjust our sails and use the wind to our advantage. Or we will allow that wind to blow us under.  There is nothing wrong with the experience of taking a wrong turn because, in the broad tapestry of life, you may gain a skill you need to reach your success. A broken heart today, can lead you to find the person who will allow you to become your best self.  There is no point in regret because the past can’t change and nobody is perfect. Understanding this is one of the first steps to happiness in life.  Well those drifter’s days are past me now. I’ve got so much more to think about. Deadlines and commitments. What to leave in, what to leave out. Against the wind. I’m still runnin’ against the wind I’m older now but still runnin’ against the wind.
  5. Like a Rock– If you take some time and listen to Bob Segar you will feel like you did back in the summertime of your youth. I don’t care who you are, there were moments when you felt like you were indestructible. Life can systematically dismantle this confidence if you let it. The fears and doubts that come into your mind, slowly chip away at your confidence because you know that you can be hurt and you can lose things and people. The fear of losing these things can become worse than the actual experience of loss.  We all still have that strength inside of us, that will allow you to try again, start over and build something totally new. This is courage and it is in you, standing there just like a rock.  I also have the urge to buy a Chevy truck when I hear this song for some reason. My hands were steady. My eyes were clear and bright. My walk had purpose
    My steps were quick and light. And I held firmly To what I felt was right,
    Like a rock. 

 Iron Maiden by  Mike Martin

 

Iron Maiden is an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris. The band has produced thirty-eight albums, including sixteen studio albums, eleven live albums, four EPs, and seven compilations.

I swear that I have seen Iron Maiden in concert twice both times at the San Diego Sports Arena accompanied by Michael Lally, a longtime friend, and Jolly J shipmate. I got to see Mike the last time I was In Vegas. I met his wife and soul mate, Bonnie and got to watch his youngest child and only son. David, play baseball.

It is a great thing when you see someone that you haven’t seen in 26 years and it feels like you saw them yesterday. Of course, Mike looked a little older and seem a bit more mature, but the bond that share was unchanged and exactly as it was back in the 1980s.

The funny thing about memories is that they are often skewed-the human mind is complicated to understand. I researched Iron Maiden’s 1985-1987 tour dates, and they appeared twice in San Diego during this time frame, on March 23, 1985, their World Slavery Tour and on February 24, 1987, their Somewhere On Tour.

Well, I know for a fact that Mike and I saw the 1987 Iron Maiden show and I know for a fact that I wasn’t welcomed aboard the USS Jouett CG-29 until the early fall of 1985, so there is no way that I saw the 1985 Iron Maiden show in San Diego. I am just wondering where that memory comes from, maybe Mike’s accounts of the World Slavery Tour were so descriptive that I have mentally decided to share his memories, which works perfectly fine for me.

Pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal, Iron Maiden achieved initial success during the early 1980s. After several line-up changes, the band went on to release a series of platinum and gold albums, Since the return of lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith in 1999, the band has undergone a resurgence in popularity and released their sixteenth studio album, The Book of Souls, on 4 September 2015.

I don’t listen to Iron Maiden much anymore and don’t believe that I have even heard one song on their 2015 studio album. But, what I do know for sure is, if my old pal Michael Lally asked me to see Iron Maiden with him for a “third” time, I would be there with bells on!

Iron Maiden – The Rime of the Ancient Mariner Full Length

The mariner kills the bird of good omen
His shipmates cry against what he’s done
But when the fog clears, they justify him
And make themselves a part of the crime.

Sailing on and on and north across the sea
Sailing on and on and north ’til all is calm.

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

Gratitude

A Good Cup of Coffee

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gratitude for coffee
One of my favorite coffee stops was Tim Horton’s, now they are gone from the area but I am grateful for them still.

Day 2 of Gratitude project-  When I look back on my gratitude journals for the past year, I am continually grateful for the delicious cup of coffee I am usually enjoying at the time I am contemplating all that I am feeling grateful for.  Yet I think it is more than that.

Coffee is one of my favorite beverages and I can enjoy it at any time of day.  It doesn’t affect the way I sleep at all.  It seems like that no matter what is going wrong in the world, a hot cup of coffee can make it all seem better.  If things are going great, what better way to celebrate than to enjoy a tasty cup of Joe?  There isn’t one.

I am also often quite grateful for the people I am sharing the coffee with.  Even if they don’t drink coffee themselves, there is a conversation that coffee inspires all the time.  It brings people together, helps to build understanding, and allows for many problems to be solved.

Since most coffee is consumed in the morning, I think that when you drink it, for the most part you have high hopes about what the new day is going to bring.  Will that problem be solved?  Will that person call?  Could you get that new job or raise?  Whatever is on your mind can be pulled out, discussed and contemplated in a way that can only help you.  All because of a delicious cup of a hot beverage full of caffeine and deliciousness.  Tea I am sure works the same way as well.

According to Sheldon Cooper of the Big Bang Theory you should always offer someone a hot beverage when they are upset about something. Coffee works for me and I am sure for most people. The truth of this practice has some psychology behind it. What will make you feel more nourished and cared for? A hot beverage in your hands, that warm feeling might even be mistaken for love. No matter what it will make you feel better and that is the point.

So Today I am grateful for the thousands of cups of coffee that I have been fortunate to enjoy in my life and for all of the many wonderful people I have shared them with.  I am grateful for the problems that were solved, the issues that were brought to light and the fact that no matter what happened, life was just a bit easier to live after enjoying this wonderful drink.

I am grateful for all of the many coffees I have enjoyed in my life, the people that have shared them and the solutions we found.    

My Top Five Coffee Stops EVER:  1. Panera Bread 2. Dunkin Donuts  3. Tim Horton’s   4. Breton’s Store  5. Starbucks

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 26

David Bowie by Jon Hilton

It would be hard to have a nostalgic music month and not include the decades of creative power the late great David Bowie has provided to the soundtrack of our lives. He had a shock value in the 70’s, which was really before my time, but in the 1980’s he was a part of the MTV video era that introduced me to his music and made me pay attention to his music in more depth. Like with all of these artists it is difficult to choose just a few songs, so I did the best that I could.

  1. Fame– Who didn’t think at a young age that they would be famous someday. I know I always thought I would be a famous athlete. Unfortunately, that plan didn’t pan out. But this song makes you wonder if the price is worth the reward of fame for sure.  We should always be careful what we ask for because we just might get it.  In our society today, they love to build people up, just to tear them down and then if they can build them back up again.  It is a crazy game where celebrity is more important than substance.  Fame is probably not worth the cost. Fame makes a man take things over. Fame lets him loose, hard to swallow. Fame puts you there where things are hollow (fame). Fame, it’s not your brain, it’s just the flame. That burns your change to keep you insane.
  2. Let’s Dance– When you are young, dancing is a natural part of your expression. As I got older, dancing became a much harder thing to do. Letting yourself go, for all to see. It was difficult to do. This song takes me back to a time when I was young and danced with a passion because it was fun. As I have got even older, I realize that the only reason we don’t dance is that we are worried about what others think. Since what others think of you is irrelevant there is no reason you shouldn’t give your best dance at every opportunity. Let’s dance. Let’s dance. For fear, your grace should fall
    Let’s dance. For fear tonight is all. Let’s sway. You could look into my eyes
    Let’s sway. Under the moonlight, this serious moonlight.
  3. China Girl– This song always reminds me of how fickle a young man’s affections can be. This song came out around 1983. There were many different young ladies that I was “in love” with at that time.  I had no more idea of what love was then than I do now apparently. But the memories of all of those experiences make me smile when I think of a young man trying to figure out life, in a school full of a bunch of other young people trying to do the same.  All I can say for sure today is that I did the best I could.   I could escape this feeling, with my China girl
    I feel a wreck without my, little China girl. I hear her heart beating, loud as thunder. Saw they stars crashing. I’m a mess without my, little China girl.
  4. Changes– It is a consistent and inevitable force in life that all people seem to have a difficult time dealing with. Looking at your own life you can see the changes that have happened to you physically, emotionally, and in experience. But inside there is still that same person that you always have been. That essence of you never gets old but collects experience. Change is going to happen, enjoy the good things because they won’t last forever. Know that the bad things won’t last forever. Life is change. I watch the ripples change their size. But never leave the stream. Of warm, impermanence and So the days float through my eyes, But still the days seem the same.
  5. Golden Years– This song typifies what this whole Nostalgic Music Month was conceived for. We look back at the past and idealize certain parts of it. Forgetting the negative and building up the positive. To some, there was no better time. To me, I think I am realistic and I try to remember the true past. There was a lot of good but also nothing was easy all the time. There were lessons learned that came at a hard price. There were tough times of loss and sadness.  But for today and the purpose of this song, we are looking at the days of our youth as the golden years, where life was all before us and we could do anything. Even though there are fewer sunsets in front of us than there are behind. The value of our days are still golden. Don’t let me hear you say life’s taking you nowhere, angel. Come get up my baby. Look at that sky, life’s begun. Nights are warm and the days are young.Come get up my baby.

Miley Cyrus by Mike Martin October 26, 2017

Today my daughter, Kyera Ripley, turns sweet sixteen. Kyera is an amazing person, smart as they come, and already has a job.

Miley Ray Cyrus, an American singer, songwriter, and actress, also had a job as a teenager. She became a teen idol starring as the character Miley Stewart in the Disney Channel television series Hannah Montana in 2006, starring alongside her daddy Billy Ray Cyrus, who became famous with his – Achy Breaky Heart 

Mike Martin’s favorite show

Kyera is not a Miley Cyrus fan, but she and I must have watched a few hundred of episodes of Hannah Montana together. Don’t tell anyone, but I really liked the show. Though a little racy at times, the family show is filled with life lessons and provided great topics for conversations during Kyera’s Hannah Montana years.

I can’t imagine growing up in the public spotlight, the pressures and judgments must be unbearable. Miley has been overly securitized and condemned. With all that nonsense, she has remained confident and is still adored by many.

Billy Joel, a famous American singer-songwriter, and pianist seems to have much admiration for Miley Cyrus when they performed New York State of Mind together at Madison Square Garden

Billy Ray must be as proud as Miley as I am of Kyera. Being a young person in 2017 is a challenge. Because of Social Media and generations of overly critical adults, the young people of today are experiencing hate, jealousy, and loathing, on a scale that has never been seen before.

My advice to all you overly critical Asshats. Take a good long look in the mirror and fix your own house before trying to condemn a generation, that basic biology says, are a heck of a lot shrewder than yourself

My advice for Kyera on her 16th birthday. Don’t listen to the hate honey, trust in your instincts, and always remember it is not where you are going but how you get there.

Happy Birthday, Kyera-I love you!

Miley Cyrus – The Climb

The struggles I’m facing
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I’m not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I’m gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

‘Cause there’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb, yeah!

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

 

Life Lessons

Rhythm of Life

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Law of Rhythm- All things have a rhythm, a cycle, or an ebb and flow. 

There is a rhythm in all aspects of our life.  It is in everything from our daily routines to the natural world all around us. Things work in cycles, sometimes the flow is intense like a thunderstorm and others the flow is smooth and easy like a gently flowing stream. But all of your experience is moving as a part of a larger mix of the world.  Calendars, astrological movement, tides, and seasons are all easy to see examples of how rhythm affects your life.  Learning to dance with the tempo is going to determine if you are enjoying the ebb and flow of your life. Understanding that your life is a cycle itself can provide meaning and direction for you in your daily activities.

The Unsteady March of Creation and Destruction

In hindsight, looking at anything it is easy to see whatever it is as a fluid creation of yourself or life in general. But when all things have closely evaluated the ebb and flow of its creation are quickly revealed. All things have periods of intensity followed by those of easy creation.  Like the heating of iron to create steel, there are times of intense heat and those of significant cooling in order to create the perfect final product. Rhythm is the creative tempo of life.  In the life cycle of all things, there are times of creation, destruction, and preservation.  Each interacting with others to make or break all of the experiences we have in life.

The value here is to look for the rhythms in your life and see the tempo with which things are moving.  Jobs will come with an excitement of something new and leave as a mind-numbing obligation. The situation was the same but the rhythm of perception changes as you grow, and move to your own music. Look for the rhythm of your relationships and see how they ebb and flow.  People come into your life like they are arriving on the tide. They leave their influence and then are whisked away back out of your life.  Were they even really there?  This is important because as the song of life moves along you have to make room for new notes to appear and guide the rhythm where it is supposed to go.  Creation, destruction, perseverance only happen in a balance with the music of your life.

Natures Examples Observed

Look at the moon and how it works in a complete cycle, sometimes pulling the tides in and others pulling them out. This natural rhythm can be observed, documented, predicted and used to understand how our oceans work.  You can know what time low or high tide will occur on any date in the future with a simple observation and calculation.  The seasons work the same way, we know when the spring and fall equinox will occur as well as the summer and winter solstice.  If the rhythm of the seasons in our lives that allows us the chance to see how it works in other areas of our lives.

Farmers have been able to use the cycles of nature to predict behavior for many generations.  This information is used to decide when to plant or harvest crops.  Plants and trees develop and decompose based on the season. Animals also adjust to the rhythm of life as some migrate to warmer areas during winter.  All of this shows that you can adjust to the season which is upon you and thrive, just by being aware of what is happening to you.

The Pendulum

We see this come true in all aspects of our lives, from politics to business. Whenever something swings one way, right or left, it must eventually swing back the other way. Economies are continually moving this way as people go from stretches of spending confidence to periods of thrift, fear and holding back.  Each swing brings an experience for people in all economic brackets.  It makes sense then to not let any of the cycles we encounter in life make us too high or too low.  Maintaining an even keel through all the swings of the pendulum seems to be the healthiest mindset we can have.

By not letting the extremes of the pendulum effect you in a wild way, you are able to achieve peace and pursue your dreams. Calmness has a majesty about it which allows cool heads to prevail in difficult circumstances.  Learning to dance through the difficult times allows you insight, and wisdom about preparing when the good times come back again.  We can benefit from this philosophy in any area of our lives. Look for the patterns of it where you are so that you can predict where you are going.

“In the universe, in life, and in all things there is a season. A time for all things.”

 

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Running on American Pie

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 25

Jackson Browne by Jon Hilton

Jackson Browne has been an icon for several generations of people. In my life, he has provided comfort in times when things didn’t go so well. But also his songs remind me of the way we live life in the United States. Much of what we have is unprecedented in the history of mankind. We are tremendously fortunate to live the way we do, but we seem unaware of our good luck.  People spend time separating themselves from others, rather than enjoying all we have together.  Jackson Browne reminds me of times in my life where I have had experiences with people who were caring, real and helped me out for no reason other than their own innate goodness.  All people are capable of great goodness and also great evil. We choose where we fall, and the music of Jackson Browne will make sure you fall on the side of goodness.

  1. The Pretender–  There is a dream that we were all taught from a young age. Go to school, get an education, get a good job, be a responsible consumer, retire and wait to die. This is the life of a pretender I think. In my life, I didn’t fit into that plan too well.  Although I tried, it still didn’t fit. Like I was playing a part. Just pretending. There is a calling in all of us to do something bigger than ourselves. I envy all people who understand immediately what that calling is for them. I am still trying to figure this all out for myself.  We are all pretenders to some degree, playing roles throughout life. If we try hard enough we might not even see that they are not who we are.   I want to know what became of the changes, We waited for love to bring. Were they only the fitful dreams. Of some greater awakening? I’ve been aware of the time going by They say in the end it’s the wink of an eye. When the morning light comes streaming in, You’ll get up and do it again Amen.
  2. Running on Empty– Who hasn’t felt like this. Life can take a lot out of you. There are times when you have all you can do to put your feet on the floor every morning. The tank is low and you are just hoping that you can make it to the next chance to get filled up. We are filled up with the love and kindness of other people. Then things change, a new job, a new relationship, or some other circumstance comes to you and life moves easier.  But you should never forget the times you were running on empty and the lessons born from those moments. Hopefully, one time is enough to learn all you need to know.  For anyone who is running on empty today, it will get better. Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels. I don’t know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
    Look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
    Looking into their eyes I see them running too.
  3. Doctor My Eyes– Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. This simple phrase from Friday Night Lights says all you need to know about life. This song seems to express the desire I have had about looking at life. We all choose to see the world in a certain way. Some choose to see it as a world full of danger and fear. This leads to a heart that is not so full, because you are always trying to protect what you have, rather than share it with others.  I see the world as an opportunity to find happiness and to become a better version of myself. The good news is that you don’t need a doctor to clear up your vision of the world, just the ability to make different choices. How you look at things determines much of what you see.  Doctor, my eyes have seen the years, And the slow parade of fears without crying, Now I want to understand. I have done all that I could. To see the evil and the good without hiding. You must help me if you can.
  4. These Days– All that we have is the time that we are given. It could all be over in a second. As a young person, I never thought about how soon it could be over. You just take this life for granted and assume that it will get better on its own. It won’t. If you don’t take responsibility for your part and take action toward what you desire, nothing will happen. These days we all are living the life our choices has created over the years. The circumstances may be out of our control, but our reactions and actions are all ours. We are 100% in control of the choices we make in every moment. If we are of sound mind, then there is no reason to blame anything or anyone from our past. You are responsible for you! Today is up to you. That is what Jackson Browne taught me in this song. Things are bound to be improving these days. One of these days. These days I sit on cornerstones. And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend. Don’t confront me with my failures. I have not forgotten them.
  5. Your Bright Baby Blues– There have been people I have known who have helped me in my journey. Some do not know how much they have assisted me. They may have only been in my life for a short time, but it was a vital short time. It is amazing that people don’t know the positive effect they can have on another in their journey. My path has taken me on many roads, and on each, I have learned something of value, even though the experience hasn’t always been pleasant. There have always been pleasant things and people sent my way to assist me along the way. This song reminds me of all of those who have helped me survive the difficult times of change and loss. Hopefully, I have been there for those who need me in their times of challenge and change.  I am grateful to the bright baby blues that pulled me through.  ‘Cause I’ve been up and down this highway
    Far as my eyes can see. No matter how fast I run. I can never seem to get away from me. No matter where I am. I can’t help thinkin’ I’m just a day away From where I want to be. Now I’m running home baby. Like a river to the sea. 

Don McLean by Mike Martin

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth is going splendidly. I must admit that it is incredibly challenging to produce some kind of nostalgic music feeling and put it to words daily during the month of October.

I’ve had some successful productions, some so-so productions, and one complete failure when I failed to save my Day 22 submission (a big thank you to U2 for saving my bloody Sunday.)

Today, thanks to my old pal and shipmate, Roger Alston. I am celebrating the West Pac of 86-87 and the “day the music died”

American Pie is a song by American folk-rock singer and songwriter Don McLean. Recorded and released on the American Pie album in 1971, the single was a number-one hit for four weeks in 1972 and refers to the 1959 plane crash which killed three young rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens.

Roger remained me yesterday that we listened to American Pie often on

American Pie

the USS Jouett CG-29. During my first West Pac, Roger along with our fellow shipmate Audraft Alfonso Young were my tour guides. Roger and Audraft had complete a cruise before I arrived on the Jolly J and each was full of knowledge about how to get the most from visiting the countries of the Pacific.

We had much much fun while on the cruise of 86-87, and I am very thankful for the wisdom shared from my fellow shipmates. But, the most memorable parts (outside of the fortunate car wreck that brought Bill Spillman and I a little extra time on the beach in Australia) are from the

Polly wog to Shellback

time that we spent “Haze Grey and Underway.”

Without going into great detail, we spent our time painting just about everything we could get our hands on, laughing incessantly at a slew of practical jokes that we played on anyone and everyone, while I grew from a mere “Polly Wog” to a seasoned “Shellback”.

Crossing the equator on naval vessels is a religious experience. For Shellbacks like Rog and Draft, you get to beat your fellow shipmates with a firehose as you direct “Polly Wogs” such as myself through garbage pits and other disgusting and painful exercises.

The highlight of the ceremony is a beauty contest and getting your face shoved into a fat man’s belly. I survived and lived to share the experience with others, but I swear that the 12 hours that we, the Ploy Wogs of the Jolly J during the cruise of 86-87, endured more than I was ever allowed

A different American Pie

to inflict on any Polly Wog that I helped initiate.

Don McLean now lives in Rockland, Maine, the town that host the World famous Maine Lobster Festival, which is about an hour from my house. There is controversy around where American Pie was written and what the lyrics represent.

When asked what American Pie meant, McLean jokingly replied, “It means I don’t ever have to work again if I don’t want to.”

Later, Mclean stated, “You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me … Sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence

I am not sure if I really care what kind of statement Maclean was trying to make through the lyrics of America Pie. What I do know is that this song will forever remind me of three people: Roger Alston, my longtime friend and shipmate 2. Adam Peterson, my longtime friend, a bar patron, former roommate, and candlepin bowling teammate. 3. Danny Daigle, my lifelong friend, a childhood neighbor, and former paperboy.

Don McLean- American Pie (with Lyrics)

But February made me shiver
With every paper, I’d deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn’t take one more step

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

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Bohemian Rhapsody Photograph

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 24

Queen by Jon Hilton

The source of many a nightmare. Thanks Queen.

Today I choose the music of Queen and the late great Freddie Mercury.  Not only does their music stand the test of time, it also takes me back to the late 1970’s and 80’s. They are also responsible for some of my greatest nightmares as a kid because the album cover of the killer robot scared the crap out of me. But eventually, I was able to get over my fear and just enjoy the music and receive the message.  Queen created songs that were motivational and moving. If you don’t like Queen then you don’t like good things in life. You need to readjust your priorities or the killer robot is going to get you.

  1. Bohemian Rhapsody– Classic Queen that was made even more popular when it was used in the movie Wayne’s World. It became a classic sing

    Wayne’s World- Excellent!

    along song. For me, it is also used as a code word. I had the good fortune to work with a great group of people. One thing we always wanted to avoid was running into the owner of our business. Because life was easier if you didn’t. The code word for when the owner was around was “Bohemian Rhapsody”, that warning would allow people to make themselves busy or scarce whatever the best plan of action for them was.  A great song which brings back nothing but great memories of those great people. I see a little silhouetto of a man, Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango? Thunderbolt and lightning Very, very frightening me. 

  2. Bicycle Race/Fat Bottomed Girls– These two songs always went together on the radio when I was a young kid. The thing is that when this came out I was pretty interested in riding my bicycle and I wanted to ride it where I liked. There was a time of innocence in most people’s lives that change over time. The second song is about that type of change. As you grow up and hormones take over, the preoccupation with the fairer sex is inevitable for most young men.  Not Freddy Mercury so much I guess, but for me. Fat Bottomed Girls made me laugh and still does. These songs go together for me as an ode to my personal development in life. You say Rolls; I say Royce. You say God; give me a choice! You say Lord; I say Christ! I don’t believe in Peter Pan, Frankenstein or Superman All I wanna do is bicycle./  Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin’ world go round.
  3. Under Pressure– There is no force less talked about but more prevalent in the lives of people than pressure. We all put pressure on ourselves to be successful, happy, or perfect. Or at least to create the image of perfection.
    Nope still scary. Why did they do this to me?

    Today more than ever Facebook lives are not real but they are an image someone creates that they want the world to see. The pressure is really in being who you are and saying to hell with the world and what they think. This song always takes me back to the times in high school where it felt like you would never fit in or never get to a point in life when you could just be yourself. Don’t wait to be who you are, it is the greatest gift you have. Why can’t we give love that one more chance. Why can’t we give love give love give love give love. Give love give love give love give love give love. ‘Cause love’s such an old fashioned word. And love dares you to care for The people on the (People on streets) edge of the night And loves (People on streets) dares you to change our way of Caring about ourselves.

  4. Another One Bites the Dust-Throughout my life there has always been competition. I enjoy competing and I enjoy winning. Especially when there are factors you can control, strategy, planning, and execution that can be better than others. Most people think that they are smarter, or more deserving than others. We are all the star of our own reality show. This song has always been in the background of every accomplishment or victory I have experienced in life. Winning isn’t everything, in fact, it is the cooperation that competition brings about that is most important.  Competion is isolated, but cooperation is a true team sport and in cooperating the best of all people will rise to the top.  A group becomes a
    One of my favorite championship teams. 2004 Boston Red Sox. We lived to see it!

    team and true victories are achieved.   Are you happy, are you satisfied?How long can you stand the heat? Out of the doorway the bullets rip
    To the sound of the beat.Look out!

  5. We Will Rock You/We are the Champions– Stomp, Stomp, Clap! Stomp, Stomp, Clap! Where would we be without this simple Queen contribution to the world? It is fun to do and brings people together. Combine that with the simple phrase, We will, we will, Rock You. You have a winner.  This is a perfect introduction into We are the Champions. The true measure of a champion is the journey they take to get the prize. In sports as in life, the obstacles overcome to achieve greatness are the very things that give them their real value.  We have all been down at some point in life and had the choice to quit or fight back. Fighting back and rising again is the great human story.  But it’s been no bed of roses. No pleasure cruise. I consider it a challenge before the whole human race. And I ain’t gonna lose!

Def Leppard by Mike Martin

I clearly remember the first time that I heard Def Leppard- an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield, England. I was riding around Greenville, Maine in my dad’s truck with my lifelong friend Danny Daigle-something we did often.

Def Leppard strongest commercial success came between the early 1980s and the early 1990s. I got my driver’s license in the summer of 1982. Their 1981 album, High ‘n’ Dry helped the band define their style, and the album’s standout track-Bringin’ On the Heartbreak  -became one of the first rock videos played on MTV in 1982-a TV program that still not available on regular cable n Greenville, Maine.

Someone, please correct me if MTV is now available, I understand that

This post sponsored by the good people at Spectrum Cable. Redefining what a cable company can be.

Moosehead Cable finally fell to the pressure and recently sold to the monopolized corporate cable company that now controls cable TV in most of Maine, so things may have recently changed.

When I heard the unique sound of the new wave of British heavy metal

movement lead by Def Leopard, I was hooked and couldn’t hear them enough. The band’s next studio album, Pyromania was released in January 1983, the lead singles from this album turned Def Leppard into a household name in the U.S., and changed the sound of the carnival rides at the summer agricultural fairs here in Maine forever.

To this day when I hear the songs from Pyromania, I’m instantly transformed into a teenager and remember fondly when I could ride the rides at the Skowhegan State Fair (a setting for the great barnyard story Charlotte’s Web) without getting sick to my stomach-oh how things have change

 

Carnival rides at a Maine State Agricultural Fair

Photograph 

Photograph I don’t want your
Photograph I don’t need your
Photograph all I’ve got is a photograph
But it’s not enough

DEF LEPPARD – “Rock of Ages”

Gunter gleiben glauchen globen
All right
I got somethin’ to say
Yeah, it’s better to burn out
Yeah, than fade away

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville