All posts by Jonathan Hilton

People are People In the Air Tonight

March 16, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

Day 11 Nostalgic Music Month

Phil Collins by Jon Hilton

1985 was an important year in my life, it was the year I graduated from high school and first left home to venture out into the world. The music of Phil Collins always takes me back to those times, when I was getting ready to leave high school and the first tentative, scary and exciting steps into life. Growth and change are a part of the living process and to move forward to find new things, old things have to be left in the past. This music reminds me of some of the things I left behind but still carry pieces of around inside. Our lives are literally defined by the stories we tell, and these are the stories that Phil Collins brings back to me. Welcome to 1985!

One More Night– I don’t know the name of the band that played the prom at Lincoln Academy in 1985 but I do know that they only knew one slow song, and this was it. They played it about 6 times and by the end of that evening, I was sick of this song. I was never a prom kind of guy but thought I should go to one to have the experience. I remember it was fun, I got stopped for speeding in Bristol because I was distracted. Lost my license for 30 days. I blame Phil Collins and this song for that. Like a river to the sea. I will always be with you. And if you sail away, I will follow you.
You Can’t Hurry Love– Even though this is a remake, this version of You Can’t Hurry Love reminds me of that entire senior year of high school. So many lessons I learned and have carried with me. I often marvel at the amount of information that has a major impact on your life in those early years. Why do people stay stagnant in life? They seem to stop learning and developing as they travel through life and then we realize later that we should have been embracing change all along. One lesson that has lasted, you can’t hurry love. How long must I wait how much more can I take
Before loneliness will ’cause my heart, heart to break?

3. Long, Long Way to Go– 1985 was just the beginning, and this song reminds me of the long distance I have come since then. I have experienced much, met many people both good and bad. All have had an impact on me. The positive ones have enhanced my life journey in some way they are easy to appreciate. The negative people have also provided influence that is ultimately positive. Appreciating them is more difficult but I do this as well. Even now I know there is a long, long way to go in order to be the best version of myself and to be a positive influence on those I meet. Turn it off if you want to. Switch it off it will go away. Turn it off if you want to. Switch it off or look away.

Take Me Home– Home has been a concept that has changed over the years for me. In 1985 I thought it was a physical place, where you would go for acceptance and support for all that you are trying to do in life. Life has taught me that those things and that place in just as much in your mind as it is in reality. The feeling of home can come to you almost anywhere, and that love and acceptance of the circumstances you are in today are home to you. Embrace them, accept them and if you want them to change, take action to do that. Home is not a place, it is a feeling. Thank you 1985 for being a home for me. There’s no point escaping
I don’t worry anymore. I can’t come out to find you. I don’t like to go outside. They can’t turn off my feelings. Like they’re turning off a light.

1.In the Air Tonight– From the unique beginning to the end this song reminds me of the year of 1985. In my life, like all others, there have been many moments of change and growth. Life has taught me that people will let you down sometimes. You will let others down sometimes. Nobody is perfect. It is taking the lessons, both good and bad and using them to become better that counts. Not allowing the negative to make you bitter, or hateful toward others. That is a waste of time. What others think of me is none of my business and I don’t have time to care. Life is short. That is what I think of when I hear this song by Phil Collins. I’ve seen your face before my friend, but I don’t know if you know who I am.

HM-Don’t Care Anymore, Two Hearts, Groovy Kind Of Love, Do you Remember, I missed again, Another Day in Paradise

Day 11 -Depeche Mode by Mike Martin

Thank you, Shipmate, Dave Griepsma, for checking in and offering your selections for #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth. Your help is greatly apprenticed and very much needed.

Last night (Thank you, Shannon, for picking up my slack) was my weekly Belgrade boy’s night out, and this morning, I had to go to BCS to discuss my youngest-oh that Maddy Girl-you are the best of both me and your mother.

I met Dave in 1985-my first day aboard the USS Jouett CG-29 which was commissioned December 3, 1966, a little less than 6 months after I was born. Dave Griepsma is at least two years older than me. I remember this because when I was 19 and 20, I borrowed Dave’s California Driver’s license which helped me get into places that I wasn’t allowed otherwise.

Now Dave and I both have blonde hair, blue eyes, and a bit of a Scandinavian look about us, but Dave is 6’7’ and I am a tad under 6 ft. But, that was the 1980’s- back when the majority of Americans were more interested in having fun than trying to run others down and get them in trouble-oh how the world has changed.

So, thanks to my Shipmate- Dave Griepsma- my Day 11 #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth selection is the English electronic band that formed in Basildon, Essex, England -: Depeche Mode – People Are People

I can’t understand

What makes a man

Hate another man

Help me understand

’s #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth. Contributions-Thanks Brother!!!!!!

Depeche Mode: Everything Counts

The Smiths: How Soon is Now

Billy Idol: Rebel Yell

The Cure: Pictures of You

Oingo Boingo: Private Life

The B52’s: Roam, Private Idaho

Echo and the Bunnymen: The Killing Moon

Soft Cell: Say Hello Wave Goodbye

Party-on folks, 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!

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

Life Lessons

Damariscotta Lions 1982

March 16, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

Sports As It Should Be

It is said that as we remember the events of our lives, what we really remember is only bits and pieces of the entire picture. Our memories are colored by our own prejudices and experience, we basically remember what we want to remember, and it is not always the most accurate retelling of events. I try to keep this in mind, as I remember the summer of 1982 and playing Babe Ruth Baseball for the Damariscotta Lions. It was one of the most purely fun events I ever participated in.

Damariscotta Lions 1982: left to right: front: Tom Wright, Jason Cray, Brian Farrin, Mike Genthner, Chris Perry, and Gordon Fletcher. Back: Coach Tom Burnham, Eric Leeman, Bruce Farrin, Jon Hilton, David Hanna, Shane Creamer and Coach Dana Bond

In the summer of 1982 I had just finished my freshman year in high school, and was I think pretty typical for that time. When I look at all of the sports specialization that goes on today, and the over parenting and over coaching of kids, it is with deep appreciation I look back on the experience of being a part of this team. We had two coaches, who at the time were in their 20’s, Tom Burnham and Dana Bond clearly had a love of the game and wanted to teach the game of baseball. I don’t remember many specifics about the game. I know I was allowed to play most positions on the field at some point, during the season, playing the bulk of my time at second base, but also playing third, first, catching and all the outfield positions.

I remember the focus was on winning and having fun. That is what I remember. Perhaps that was the main focus or perhaps because we won all our games it was fun. Who knows which, but I know that I couldn’t have looked more forward to playing. Double header against Wiscassett? No problem. Play two or three position get eight to ten at bats and win two games. Sounds like a great day for me.

Trying to remember specific things is difficult at this time. They don’t really matter now, only the complete mosaic counts. I think that many people on that team have positive memories of the experience. There was no complaining by the players or the parents about positions or playing time. In fact I can’t recall any negative experience at all during that season. All of the parents supported every kid and since we usually had nine and some times eight, we still managed to win. I remember we won one game with only eight active players after one of our guys got ejected for throwing his bat. All I can say is he didn’t mean to. I ended that game playing center-left field.

It may be impossible for sports today to ever provide that type of experience. You would have to have a group of individuals who were not under any pressure other than to do your best, try to win and have fun doing it. That was the recipe that provided me with this wonderful experience I was fortunate to have when I was 15.

And it was not just me that remembers this team in this way. In the past year I have had conversations with three of my teammates from the Damariscotta Lions and each mentioned this team and how much fun they had. Yes my memory may not be what it used to, but four people who remember an experience as fun, awesome and great, have to be remembering it correctly.

Thank you to Dana Bond and Tom Burnham for dedicating their time and love of the game to all of us.

Life

The More Things Change

March 16, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

Tragedy Strikes A Great Idea

An anonymous friend of mine agreed to cash in his 10-year-old stepdaughter’s change collection and start her first savings account. I was informed of this decision and asked to participate in the endeavor. Knowing that learning to save is a critical skill for anybody, and realizing that I lack that skill myself, I decided I would help get the project off the ground.

Purple Crayon Bank — The “culprit” the purple crayon bank

Trouble Hits

Now the change was housed within the plastic walls of his step daughter’s “piggy bank”, which is a deceiving name because it was not shaped like a pig at all. It was shaped like a big purple crayon. I have never trusted the color purple and now I know why. Half way between his door and the car, the bottom of the “bank” gave way and all of the change went clanging all over the ground. I have heard of pennies from heaven, but this was ridiculous.

Moving Forward

There were some angry words spoken at our immediate misfortune, but both realizing the value of our mission, and not wanting to disappoint anyone, we started to do the only sensible thing we could do, we started picking up the coins for deposit. This should have been an easy process, but my friend and I can’t ever seem to do anything without fighting and arguing about it. What is the best way to pick up the most coins? How do you get the least amount of mud and pine needles in the bucket? We both differed quite a bit in technique and in the acceptable ratio of pine needles to coins.

Pine Needles Don’t Count

My friend picking up change, carefully with no needles

I am from the school of “Let’s get this done as quickly as possible”. So to my thinking, there are going to be a certain number of pine needles and mud, no matter what you do, so you might as well just pick up the coins as quickly as possible. And that is how I proceeded and was chastised for my technique and effort.

Neatness Counts

My friend had the idea that if there were one or two pine needles in the mix the change machine at the bank would reject his money and there would be a heartbroken 10-year-old out there and it would be at least partly my fault. I was not from this school of thinking, and freely shared this thought and criticized his technique as slow and inefficient. Our bickering actually made the time of picking up the coins go by quickly, and before we knew it, a combination of techniques had picked up about $150 in pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.

I Was Wrong

As my friend continued to clean pine needles from the hoard of coins, I continued to give him free advice as to how to complete the job quicker and with better results. He ignores all of my ideas out of hand, it is his conditioning. But I thought my idea of using gravity to separate coins from needles was just brilliant and quick. He had other ideas. Then finally, the needle ratio reached an acceptable level for him and we were off to the bank. At the bank, he started to deposit the coins into the machine and all was fine at first. Then the machine jammed because we definitely didn’t reduce the pine needle ratio enough. This was a miscalculation on my part because I wouldn’t have removed any, and my friend was trying to remove every one of those pesky needles. In hindsight, I guess he must have been right.

Happy Ending

In the end, we got the job done. There is one more child with a savings account in the world and she can now learn the value of saving her money, and how neat it is to watch the overall value of the account grow. My friend learned that those machines at the bank do not have an unlimited pine needle to coin ratio on them. I learned: You can’t trust purple, plastic crayons, you can’t tell your friend how to use gravity, although pine needles don’t bother me, they can really mess up machines and that although learning to save is a worthwhile endeavor, it can be time-consuming.

In the end, I was left to conclude because of our fighting and my friend’s insistence on ignoring my great advice and doing everything his way that The more things “change”, the more they stay the same.

Nostalgicmusicmonth

Born to Be Ironic

March 15, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

Nostalgic Music Month Day 10

Bruce Springsteen by Jon Hilton

It would be hard to think of nostalgia and music for me without including Bruce Springsteen. For many of the formative years of my life, the music of the E Street Band punctuated the activities and defined many of the moments. Even though I have never raced cars in the streets, or even been to Atlantic City, there is a message in the music that a kid from Maine could definitely relate to and find comfort in. Growing up, I listened to Bruce as I fell asleep many nights, to the dismay of my brother who I shared a room with. The people I shared these times with are very special to me and always will be.

Rosalita– This song reminds my of my own Rosalita, we were the best of friends and in a world where most people suck, it was good to have one who was awesome to hang out with and have fun. There were many nights we would listen to Bruce Springsteen, sing, laugh and just enjoy being alive. Those nights with my Rosalita are bright memories and I think of her now whenever I hear this song and wonder why I made the mistakes I did. Rosalita is still in my heart and always will be. “Someday we’ll look back on this and it will all seem funny…..”
Hungry Heart– When it comes to decisions in life, I think sometimes we make choices in the moment and we don’t see the long game. I was never good at expressing how I felt, and when feelings I didn’t understand came into my heart, I shut down. The whole thing, I would just avoid the situation. Not the best coping mechanism. Like a river that don’t know where it’s flowing. I took a wrong turn and I just kept going. Too many times this has been the case as it was with Rosalita.
Atlantic City-There is something magical about the Nebraska album that resonated with me and still does to this day. The desperation in life that a person can feel and the hope of a new day. The message of this song is exemplary of the quiet desperation filled with hope that I had as a young man and still do today. Oh, everything dies, baby, that’s a fact
But maybe everything that dies some day comes back.
Spirit in the Night– There are many times that the spirits in the night remind me of. I knew Hazy Davy and we used to drink Black Label and talk about what life would bring, even though we really had no idea beyond the day we were in. Rosalita is always a prominent memory from this song because of the many times we spent together just talking about life. Again we had no idea what was in store, it was all ahead of us then. Now not so much. Spirit in the night (all night), in the night (all night)
Stand right up and let her shoot through me.

Racing in the Street– I have never raced a car in the streets, but as a metaphor, this song captures how I feel about life. People have dreams and over time many of them have been forgotten echoes of who we used to be. Life has a way of making you forget your dreams sometimes as obligations and expectations replace those dreams. It is important to remember that it isn’t too late to do what you dream of, even if that is just racing in the streets. Some guys they just give up living
And start dying little by little, piece by piece, Some guys come home from work and wash up, And go racin’ in the street………

Honorable mention- Thunder Road, Born To Run, Born in the USA, Badlands, Jungleland, Dancin’ in the Dark, I’m on Fire, Human Touch, Brilliant Disguise, The River, Because the Night, No Surrender, The Rising, Prove it All Night, The Promised Land, Backstreets

Alanis Morissette by Mike Martin

Today is a day to discuss Irony. What’s irony? Thanks to Alanis Morissette-Jon Hilton, My Spiritual Advisor, and I talk about ‘it” on the rare occasion when we have nothing else to discuss. Isn’t it “Ironic” , don’t you think.

Alanis Morissette is a Canadian American alternative rock singer-songwriter, musician, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actress. She was born June 1, 1974. In 1995, she released “Jagged Little Pill” which sold more than 33 million records, and more importantly, she gained me as a lifelong fan

Her best work came when she played God in “Dogma”, a 1999 American fantasy comedy film, written and directed by Kevin Smith, who stars along with Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Alan Rickman, Bud Cort, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, Jason Lee, George Carlin, and Janeane Garofalo. . I have always thought that God is a female. This movie proves it! -Is that ironic? I’m not sure.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary “irony” is “a figure of speech in which the intended meaning is the opposite of that expressed by the words used”

Let’s face it, the irony is a confusing concept. I guess “Ironic” isn’t technically ironic, but the verses are rich with situational ironies-defined as “the state of affairs or event(s) that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects to happen”.

An old man turned ninety-eight

He won the lottery and died the next day.

This circumstance is situationally ironic-Jon Hilton-you really must think!

“Ironic” was Morissette’s highest ranking hit reaching number four on the US Hot 100 chart on April 13, 1996. Jagged Little Pill was only expected to generate enough money for Morissette to make a follow-up album, but the all changed with the success of the album’s first single, “You Oughta Know”–a raunchy tribute to an ex-lover–a much easier concept to understand than irony, I really do think!

And I’m here, to remind you

Of the mess you left when you went away

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

Beliefs

Isn’t It Ironic? Don’t Cha Think?

March 14, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

Isn’t it Ironic? Bad Luck is Not Necessarily Ironic

Isn’t it ironic? I am sure that I am not the first person to take issue with Alanis Morrisette and her song Ironic. But I heard it today and have to point out once and for all, the many examples she provided of things that weren’t ironic at all.

Alanis Morrisette Ironic — Alanis Thinking about irony,

I hope that by pointing these out in detail, people will understand what irony really is, and may be able to identify it in their own lives.

Isn’t it Ironic

Let’s start with the definition of irony-

WHEN THE LITERAL MEANING IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF THE INTENDED MEANING, THAT IS IRONY.

or if you want to add a little more depth:

Definition of Dramatic – A situation in which the audience knows something about present or future circumstances that the character does not know
Definition of Verbal – A contradiction of expectation between what is said and what is meant
Definition of Situational – A contradiction of expectation between what might be expected and what actually occurs often connected to a fatalistic or pessimistic view of life

The word “irony” is among the most commonly misused (and misunderstood) words in the English language. Most people think that irony means a juxtaposition of opposites.

Now let’s look at all of the examples from Alanis Morrisette’s song, Ironic, and evaluate if they are in fact……….Ironic.

An old man turned ninety-eight, He won the lottery and died the next day

THIS IS NOT IRONIC, IT IS A LITTLE TRAGIC AND DEFINITELY BAD LUCK, BUT IRONIC? It does not fit any of the definitions.

It’s a black fly in your Chardonnay

DO YOU CONSIDER THIS IRONY, I DON’T. IT COULD HAVE BEEN BUG SEASON, BUT CALLING A DEAD INSECT IN YOU BEVERAGE IRONY IS NOT ACCURATE. THIS IS JUST THE CIRCLE OF LIFE. ALANNIS KNOWS THIS.

It’s a death row pardon two minutes too late

THIS AGAIN FALLS INTO THE BAD LUCK CATEGORY, OR EVEN THE TRAGIC CATEGORY, BUT NOT IRONY.

And isn’t it ironic… don’t you think.

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!It’s like rain on your wedding day

HOW CAN RAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY BE IRONIC? MIGHT CHANGE THE PICTURE LOCATIONS AND IS UNFORTUNATE DEFINITELY, BUT NOT IRONIC.

It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid

ALREADY PAYING MAKES THE RIDE NOT FREE, SO THIS STATEMENT IS AN IMPOSSIBILITY, BUT ALSO NOT IRONIC. IT’S LIKE SAYING AFTER I PAID FOR MY HOUSE THE BANK GAVE IT TO ME.

It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take.

IF YOU AREN’T SMART ENOUGH TO FOLLOW GOOD ADVICE, YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE. NOT IRONIC IF YOU HAVE POOR JUDGMENT.
Who would’ve thought… it figures

NOT ALANIS, I GUESS.

Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly, He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight And as the plane crashed down he thought

“Well isn’t this nice…”

A PLANE CRASH IS NOT IRONIC, AND IF YOU WERE AFRAID TO FLY YOU WOULDN’T BE WAITING YOUR WHOLE LIFE TO TAKE A FLIGHT, YOU PROBABLY HAD A PREMONITION WARNING YOU THAT IF YOU FLY YOU ARE GOING TO DIE. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR INSTINCTS BUT DON’T CALL IT IRONIC WHEN YOU DON’T.

And isn’t it ironic… don’t you think

STILL NO!!!!!!It’s like rain on your wedding day

STILL NOT IRONIC!
It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid

STILL IMPOSSIBLE AND NOT IRONIC
It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take

STILL POOR JUDGMENT IN AND OF ITSELF DOESN’T CREATE IRONY
Who would’ve thought… it figuresWell life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything’s okay and everything’s going right

And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything’s gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face
THE FACT THAT YOU THINK LIFE IS SNEAKING UP ON YOU LIKE A CRIMINAL SHOWS PARANOIA BUT NOT IRONY

A traffic jam when you’re already late

YOU CAN’T BLAME TRAFFIC ON IRONY, SMALL TRANSPORTATION BUDGETS AND PEOPLE WHO CAN’T DRIVE, YES BUT IRONY, NOT!
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break

YOU SHOULDN’T BE SMOKING ANYWAY, BUT A SIGN DOES NOT LEAD TO IRONY. JUST BETTER HEALTH.
It’s like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife

THIS DOESN’T EVEN MAKE SENSE, THEY ARE NOT EVEN TRYING FOR IRONY, JUST CUTLERY.
It’s meeting the man of my dreams, And then meeting his beautiful wife

TOUGH LUCK, HONEY, MANY PEOPLE ARE ALREADY IN RELATIONSHIPS. IS IT IRONY THEY DIDN’T SPEND THE LAST 10 YEARS WAITING FOR YOU TO DROP BY AND SAY HELLO. GET OUT MORE. OH, YEAH, THIS ISN’T IRONY EITHER.

And isn’t it ironic…don’t you think

NO, NOT AT ALL.
A little too ironic…and, yeah, I really do think…

NO YOU CLEARLY DO NOT THINK

It’s like rain on your wedding day

UNLUCKY, NOT IRONIC
It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid

ALWAYS IMPOSSIBLE, PLEASE TAKE AN ECONOMICS CLASS, AND A PHILOSOPHY CLASS AND A BASIC ENGLISH CLASS
It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take

BECAUSE YOUR NOT VERY BRIGHT
Who would’ve thought… it figures

BASED ON YOUR RECORD OF CONSISTENCY WHEN IT COMES TO RECOGNIZING AND GIVING EXAMPLES OF IRONY, I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT AND FIGURED THAT YOU WOULD NEVER FIGURE IT OUT.Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out

LIFE CAN HELP YOU OUT, AND WON’T USUALLY SNEAK UP ON YOU LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT.

Personal Development

My First Reading List

March 14, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

reading list Jonathan Hilton — My Reading List

A reading list is quite important. Over my recent history, I have been on a mission of learning, a quest to improve myself and to understand why life works the way that it does. I wish that I knew the wisest man in the world, who could simply relay all of the vital information I need to know to me. Unfortunately, I don’t think that person exists, and I don’t think that the experience would be quite as vital or memorable as it has been. I have traveled many miles in the distance of understanding and followed many paths by using only my mind and my reading list. The vehicle which has allowed me to do this has been the gift of literacy and the knowledge imparted to me from the wisest people who have ever thought thoughts. I wanted to compile a list of all of the books I have read that have contributed to my journey of self discovery. So that if you are looking for knowledge you will find out if you need to read these books or not.

The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz

The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho

Identity- Stedman Graham

Inflection- Window for and Inspired life- George Alexiou

That is That- Nirmala

Give up your Excess Baggage- Sri Vishwanth

The Reading List Continues

7 Ancient Keys to Happiness- A 90 Day, Lesson-a-Day Guide to Achieving inner-Bliss -S. Mills

Think and Grow Rich- Napoleon Hill

Frank Betther’s How I Raised Myself from Failure To Success (infinite Success Series)- Karen McCreadie

An Easy Guide to Meditation – Roy Eugene Davis

Ask, Believe, Receive- 7 Days to Increased Wealth, Bett3r Relationships, and a Life You Love- David Hooper

Thought Vibration- William Walker Atkinson

The Secret Art of Self Development – Karl Moore

Quantum Success- Sandra Anne Taylor

18 Rules of Happiness: How to Be Happy -Karl Moore

Frequency- Penney Peirce

The God Formula: A Simple Scientific Blueprint that has transformed Millions of lives – Jeffery Martin

Leveraging The Universe- Mike Dooley

Believe in Yourself – Joseph Murphy

The Game of Life and How to play it- Florence Scovel Shinn

Your Invisible Power – Genevieve Behrend

Thoughts are Things- Prentice Mulford

Radical Happiness- Gina Lake

Secret of the Ages- Robert Collier

The Power of Concentration- Theron Q. Dumont

This is still an incomplete list, but will do for anyone who wants to get started on the path to knowledge and understanding this reading list will give you a push in the right direction.

Nostalgicmusicmonth

Tangled Up in Teen Spirit

March 13, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

Nostalgic Music Month Day 9

Bob Dylan- by Jon Hilton

It is hard to find an artist with a broader reach of influence than Robert Allen Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan. He has been singing and performing since well before I was born and influencing people much older and much younger than myself. His music has been relevant in the turbulent 1960’s all the way to today. His music has been part of the soundtrack of many movies and has punctuated memories in the lives of millions of people.

My personal connection to Bob Dylan started in the 1980’s, in a time when I was trying to answer some of the key questions of the world. Why are women so hard to figure out? Why are people so mean to each other? Why do older generations seem to not understand or care about youth? What is this life all about? Many of the answers came from the music of Bob Dylan. At least his songs were a roadmap to start to look for the right answers. There is a flood of nostalgic memories and thoughts that come from hearing the thoughtful words of Bob Dylan.

Don’t Think Twice– Relationships end, that is a part of life. Sometimes it’s hard and sometimes it’s a good thing. This song was the first to state my feelings about when it is good to move forward, leave a relationship behind and it was a good thing. Sometimes people don’t treat us the way we deserve and it is good to move forward. Goodbye is too good a word, babe. So I just say fare thee well, I ain’t sayin’ you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don’t mind. You just kinda wasted my precious time.
Shelter from the Storm– In all lives there are storms and these are the times when we are challenged to change and survive. The storm is raging and you feel like a piece of debris. It is that these moments, shelter from the storm is most appreciated. I have been fortunate to find shelter from the storm several times in my life and I am grateful. This song always reminds me of those moments I needed help and got it. Try imagining a place where it’s always safe and warm. Come in, she said, “I’ll give ya shelter from the storm.”

3. The Times They Are A Changin’– The words are as true about politics and our country today as they were in the early 60’s. The generations and misunderstanding. Leadership gets more convoluted, and the divisions in the world become bigger. Until we change and accept each other and our differences we are in trouble. Come senators, congressmen. Please heed the call. Don’t stand in the doorway. Don’t block up the hall. For he that gets hurt. Will be he who has stalled. There’s a battle outside and it is ragin’. It’ll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls. For the times they are a-changin’.

2. Forever Young– This song is my wish for all the people I have ever cared about in life. I wish you the best and that you are able to stay forever young. To hang on the essence of you, that made you uniquely who you are. The world will try to change you and cover up your abilities. Don’t change to be popular, don’t hide because you’re afraid. Be brave and be the best version of yourself. May your hands always be busy. May your feet always be swift. May you have a strong foundation. When the winds of changes shift.

Tangled Up In Blue– Bob Dylan took a phrase that meant nothing and supplied it with a story. One that many people could relate to. We have all been tangled up in blue in our life’s narrative at one point or another. Nostalgic music month allows us to look to the past, relationships, regrets, triumphs, and positive things. The many times that I was tangled up in blue. But all the while I was alone. The past was close behind. I seen a lot of women. But she never escaped my mind. And I just grew. Tangled up in blue.

Honorable mention- Like a Rolling Stone, Hurricane, Gotta Serve Somebody, Subterranean Homesick Blues, A Hard Rains Gonna Fall, Rainy Day Woman #12 + 35, Blowin’ in the Wind, It Ain’t Me Babe, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

Nirvana by Mike Martin

I like listening to Nirvana. At the time their music became mainstream listening to them made me feel angry and invincible-now it kind of makes me a little scared.

As I’ve mentioned prior, I use music to help educate my children, and playing the ‘grunge” rock sound of Nirvana is the right time to have a discussion about the dangers of heroin, depression, and mental illness.

Nirvana was formed by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in 1987. Dave Grohl, who later became the front man for the Foo Fighters, joined the band as their drummer in 1990.

They released their second album Nevermind in 1991. The success of the albums first single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” introduced alternative rock music to the masses-a new music sound that was embraced by Generation Xers like myself.

For about a second, Nirvana was the hottest band in the world, but Cobain’s personal demons and battles with drugs lead to a quick and violent end to the band from Aberdeen, Washington.

On April 8, 1994, Kurt Cobain was found dead in Seattle, Washington. It was quickly determined that he had killed himself with a shotgun. After reading the lyrics written by the Cobain and the other members of Nirvana, I can’t help but speculate-why did my power go out this morning? It Indigenous Peoples Day for peat’s sake?

And please always- Come As You Are

“Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be
As a friend, as a friend, as and old enemy
Take your time, hurry up, the choice is yours, don’t be late
Take a rest as a friend as and old memoria
Memoria, memoria, memoria, memoria”

And, if that doesn’t work, there is always – Lithium

“I’m so happy because today
I’ve found my friends
They’re in my head”

Please. Party-on folks, 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!
#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

Life Lessons

The Notebook Problem

March 13, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

Why All Women Love the Notebook!

by Jonathan Hilton

It astounds me that no matter who you meet, their age, economic background, political leanings or any other dynamic that you can think of, all women seem to be universal in their love for the movie, The Notebook.

I spent a little time to try to understand this phenomenon. I think that if I can understand this fascination then, perhaps, I will be on my way to finally understand the fairer sex. It’s the classic story, rich city girl Alli Hamilton meets poor country boy Noah Calhoun and they fall in love, Noah promises to build her a house, and even though they are separated by unforeseen circumstances for many years through trials and tribulations.

Even though Alli blows Noah off he still carries a torch for her through his stint in world war II and losing his best pal. Alli moves on to find another guy to marry who her parents like much more than Noah.

He still carries his love for Alli even though every normal person would have long forgotten her and her foolish ways. It just seems that all women secretly long to be so important to someone else that they build a house for them.

As our two lovers come back together, we see them pick up where they left off and realize that her mother schemed to keep them apart for all of those years. They decide to stay together and have a happy life, and that is the story. As Alli is in declining health, Noah reads the story of their life to them out of a Notebook, in the end dying together before she forgets everything all together.

What a Woman Sees In the Notebook

When a woman watches the movie, they seem to be very selective about what they see.

It seems almost without exception they see a man in love with a woman, who carries a torch for her even though she has apparently forgotten all about him and moved on to some rich guy.

They also see a guy who spends all of his money and time rebuilding a house which to them is a symbol of his everlasting love. Women also see a man who is carrying around in his heart a quiet but sure flame for his true love, I mean why else would he build her a studio in his house?

It is so lovely! At the end of her life, he loves her so much that he comes back to spend every day with her at the nursing home, even though she doesn’t remember it, and in the end, the last time that she remembers him, they hold hands and pass away peacefully together.

How sweet, they think, he really loved her and if only I could experience that kind of commitment from a man I would be happy.

It must be a universal theme because so many women say that this is their favorite movie. I don’t see it on many lists of favorite movies for guys, though. Noah Calhoun represents their ideal man, which no man can possibly live up to.

What a Man Sees when he watches the Notebook

The perception of a man is quite different than his female counterpart. First of all

they look at a man who was totally mistreated by this woman, and still he was so whipped that he spent all of his time, going off the deep end, building a house for her, and only sleeping with women that reminded him of her.

When she finally does come back, he welcomes her with open arms, even though she has been out fooling around with rich guys and not thinking about him at all, or at least very little.

You wouldn’t be marrying someone else if you were still in love. This guy can’t accept the truth or take a hint. He pines away for her like a fool. Even in the end, he can’t even die when he wants to, he has to check out of this life on her schedule.

Totally, and completely whipped. Who would want to live like that? The Notebook totally disregards the male perspective and perpetrates this female dream, that if a man truly loves you, you can treat him like crap and he’ll still build a house for you.

The real problem with this is that when they are faced with a real relationship, they measure every guy compared to the dude in the Notebook. It is not realistic and those guys do not exist, and the sooner you understand the difference between reality and the movies the happier we all will be.

Birds Have Meaning In The Notebook

From the opening scenes to the end of the story there is a constant present of birds throughout the movie.

Birds have traditionally been seen as vehicles of messaging or of foreshadowing of things to come. These birds represent the story of Noah and Alli from the start to the end of the movie, at one time they even say, “I’m a bird.”, and Noah replies, “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird too.”

I think that the overall representation is that the birds throughout the movie show the perceived timelessness of their love. All of this just contributes to the myth that for every heartbroken Alli Hamilton out there, a Noah Calhoun exists just to make all of their inner dreams come true.

I suppose this could be the case. Perhaps I am so adamant because I have been hurt, or maybe even deep down I have a hope that love like this can exist somewhere. Either way, I will probably start a new tradition of watching this movie I “hate” every Valentine’s Day until either something romantic comes my way or I turn into a bird.

Philosophy

SMART Goal Setting

March 12, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

Goal Setting For All

When you want to accomplish anything in life it is important to set goals for that ambition to come true. Goal Setting allows you to more easily move from the theoretical of, “Gee it would be nice if that happened” to the realm of “Wow, that was an awesome thing I just did.” I have heard of many ways to organize your thoughts when you are goal setting, and I wanted to share one of the most successful for myself with you. If you are truly looking to accomplish something in life follow the S.M.A.R.T. technique and you will see it happen before your very eyes. Well almost.

The S.M.A.R.T. Technique of goal setting is simple to follow but write it out and it will work best.

S.- The S stands for Specific– When you write down your goal you need to be specific about what you want to achieve. If you want to make more money, then write in your goal specifically how much, if you want a new relationship, then write down specifically what you are looking for in a significant other. Whatever the thing is write it down specifically so that there can be no misinterpretation about it. You will set your mind on the path to achievement by being specific in your goal setting.

M.- The M is for Measurable- When goal setting, you have to quantify the goal in some way, so you can measure it. How else will you be able to assess you progress toward your goal if you don’t measure it or can’t measure it? Do not be vague in any way, just like you were specific in the first step, make it so that you can measure your goal in some substantial way. In finances or in action.

A.-is for As If Now- When you write your goal down, write it in the present tense, as if it is happening right now! This type of statement will help you set your mindset in the right direction. If you approach something as if it is happening right now in your life, it will be easier to bring about. This is because your subconscious can’t really decipher between real thoughts and thoughts from your imagination. So write your goals in the present tense: “I am improving my sales by 10 today because I was more attentive.” Or, “I am nicer to people because I value their unique perspectives.” This is an important part of goal setting.

R. is for Realistic- Although you should reach for a target that stretches your current position, you have to make your goal setting realistic and possible to achieve. This simply means that your goals can’t be physically impossible in any way. Your goals can be a stretch just not an impossibility. An example of a possible goal, I am making 15 more sales a week or I am meeting 1 new person this week. Don’t limit yourself in the scope of your dreams, look to become the bet that you can be. Just make sure your goals are within the laws of physics.

T. – Time Sensitive- Goal setting really becomes relevant and powerful when there is a time frame involved. It will force you to take action and attempt to reach your goal. If your goal is to be achieved by next Friday, then you have to start taking action today. Taking action is the only method to achieve goals.

There you have it, a simple S.M.A.R.T. plan for goal setting that can help you start moving toward your dreams. A wise friend recently told me that a person without a plan will go nowhere but around in circles and I agree with him. Setting goals will allow you to start to build the future that you dream of.

Nostalgicmusicmonth

Sweet Baby Desperado

March 12, 2018 Jonathan Hilton Leave a comment

Day 8 Nostalgic Music Month

James Taylor by Jon Hilton

Music punctuates moments in your life with meaning and allows you to resurrect those time when you hear a song after a week or after 30 years. Like a time warp, you are transported to that place, feeling those emotions. The music of James Taylor does this for me for sure. It takes me to a time when I was youthful, hopeful and hadn’t made a lot of mistakes in life. A time when possibilities were seemingly endless.

It was the 1980’s and I was out in the world for the first time, seeking my fortune. I first went to South Portland to go to school first, and that was the classroom I started to learn about “real life” in. When I completed two years there, I went on to the University of Maine at Farmington, for more life lessons. The Music of James Taylor accompanied me on that journey.

Carolina In My Mind– I don’t really want to go to Carolina I think, but the sentiment of the song reminds me of my life in Maine, and childhood in Greenville in particular. I have always idealized the experience and the place. To me, it was the best location to grow up. It was safe, fun and full of great people and experiences. I never wanted to leave, and I still visit that place and time if only in my mind. The signs that might be omens say I’m goin’, I’m goin’. I’m gone to Carolina in my mind
Steamroller– James Taylor defined how I felt when I was 20. I was a steamroller, guaranteed to blow your mind. It seemed like there was nothing I couldn’t do or acquire if I set my mind to it. Life tends to take that out of you. But at the time, I was a steamroller baby and I’m gonna roll all over you. I still feel that way on occasion today.
You’ve Got A Friend– Friendships have been a big part of my life, and during that period of life, living in South Portland, life would have been nowhere near as good or as interesting if not for the friends I had. The troubles we faced were few, and we had a lot of fun learning how to navigate life. Friendships in adulthood have not been the same. As deep or as reliable, so as the years go by I cherish those times and the friends that made them great!
Sweet Baby James– Being a country boy from Maine, this has always been home but I still had a healthy wanderlust, and still do, to see the places I have never been. This song reminds of some of those travels I have had and those still to come. With 10 miles behind me and 10,000 more to go. I think that our lives are all a song we sing so that others of like mind and sentiment will understand. He sings out a song which is soft but is clear as if maybe someone could hear……..

Something in the Way She Moves– When you are young and in love, you think that nothing could ever be like that again. It is the biggest, the best and most wonderful connection that can never be duplicated. Yet, these things tend to end, and leave you with memories and the realization that good times will come and other relationships will hit you just as hard in the future. BUT …It isn’t what she’s got to say, But how she thinks and where she’s been. To me, the words are nice, the way they sound I like to hear them best that way. It doesn’t much matter what they mean……….

Honorable mention- Mexico, Fire and Rain, Mockingbird, Never Die Young, Shower the People, How Sweet it Is, Your Smiling Face, Country Road

Ten Lesson from the Eagles by Mike Martin

If I had to pick one friend to accompany me on a road trip, without a doubt (apologizes to my other friend) that friend would be Daryle Doustou.

I met Daryle at Ruby Tuesdays in Presque Isle, Maine. Daryle had moved to Maine to manage a sneaker store in the all-new Aroostook Centre Mall which opened on November 1, 1993.

Daryle has family roots in Fort Kent, Maine, and since no one else from the Midwestern athletic apparel company had ever heard of Maine than again Presque Isle, Maine, Daryle was given his first shot at store management.

He did a great job and was basically the de facto Mayor for the Aroostook Centre Mall-everybody knew Daryle. Which is why Larry (can’t remember his last name right now) the bartender at Ruby Tuesdays was shocked that Daryle and I had never met.

I had moved to the area about the same time as Daryle, but I was in a relationship and spent most of my nights either at home or working on my dirt removal business. So, we never met until that day. We instantly became friends, each happy that we found someone else in the area that was both brave and stupid enough to enjoy life to the fullest.

With saying such as—“If you’re not living on the edge…..”, and “My name is……take me as I am or……” Daryle and I always have much fun and make the best of every situation.

I have many funny stories about the adventures that Daryle and I have shared which include getting arrested for doing laundry, watching Daryle try to ride a baby moose while traveling on the “Golden Road” and our “Planes, Trains and Automobile” moment when I jumbled in Daryle’s bed after learning about The Centennial Olympic Park bombing on July 27, 1996.

Me: “Do you have any close on?”

Daryle: “No”

ME: “AHRG—how about those Bears?”

A few months after I met Daryle. We took a two-day road trip to Montréal, Canada to see the Eagles. The trip was memorable and we did not get arrested.

I have always loved listening to the Eagles for reasons that are difficult to put into words.

Jim Valvano the famous basketball coach who led the NC State Wolfpack to an impossible championship in 1983 said this in a famous speech while his body was riddled with cancer.

“If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”

I guess the Eagles just help move me to something special. Thank you, Daryle Doustou for completely understanding my bullshit and for being one incredible friend.

Ten Lesson from the Eagles:

You are never alone: Linda Ronstadt “Desperado” Live

Lying sucks: Eagles – Lyin’ Eyes
You won’t be the new kid forever- Eagles / New kid in town (Live 1977)
Don’t get lost: The Eagles – Hotel California
Mornings are best: Tequila Sunrise – The Eagles
Always do your best: Eagles – Best of My Love (Live at the Capital Centre,1977)
All time is good time: The Eagles – Wasted Time (Live-2005)
Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself: Eagles – Take It To The Limit (Live at The Capital Centre 1977)
There is no time for hate, judgment, and jealousy: Eagles – Get Over It – Hell Freezes Over

And, take it easy: The Eagles – Take It Easy (1977) Live

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

Day 11 Nostalgic Music Month

Phil Collins by Jon Hilton

Day 11 -Depeche Mode by Mike Martin

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Sports As It Should Be

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Tragedy Strikes A Great Idea

Trouble Hits

Moving Forward

Pine Needles Don’t Count

Neatness Counts

I Was Wrong

Happy Ending

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 10

Bruce Springsteen by Jon Hilton

Alanis Morissette by Mike Martin

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Isn’t it Ironic? Bad Luck is Not Necessarily Ironic

Isn’t it Ironic

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The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz

The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho

More Reading list

Even More Reading List

The Reading List Continues

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 9

Bob Dylan- by Jon Hilton

Nirvana by Mike Martin

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Why All Women Love the Notebook!

What a Woman Sees In the Notebook

What a Man Sees when he watches the Notebook

Birds Have Meaning In The Notebook

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Goal Setting For All

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Day 8 Nostalgic Music Month

James Taylor by Jon Hilton

Ten Lesson from the Eagles by Mike Martin

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Personal Growth, Self Improvement, Positive Thinking