“You’re a bum, Rock!”

Wednesday, July 23rd 2014

Today, I write from Mellello cafe ́ all the way from downtown Medford. It’s a long stretch, and I’m not sure this blog will reach you all by tomorrow afternoon. But, here goes nothing.....

I love this weather. It’s a cold and cloudy day, with steady rain and possible thunderstorms. Did I tell you I love this weather? I definitely favor the Fall/Winter months over any other, if I had to choose. There’s an overwhelming nostalgic feeling it gives me that can never be topped. Like sitting in a European café on an October morning, watching the leaves roll by. If I could live that everyday, I’d be alright. When in town, this is always my go to place to get a cup of coffee, throw some headphones in, and get some work done. Whatever the day calls for. It’s the setting, really. The windows face West and open up to Alba park, then wrap around, displaying a corner of downtown Medford. So, on a good day (like today), I can imagine I’m anywhere but Medford. I have a love/hate relationship with the place. Sorry, but not really.

I know I said I’d be writing weekly from somewhere on the road, but this week finds me home. And I’m not sure how I feel about that, actually. I feel as if I’m letting you all down. Like we’re all missing some serious action somewhere in the Western Hemisphere, and it’s all my fault. It’s okay. If it helps, I could drive out to Ashland and write this, or, heaven forbid, White City. Yes? No? Either way, I just don’t think it would hold its luster. I’d eventually just come to accept the fact I’m just in crappy weather in Southern Oregon sooner or later. Just goes to show it’s all about the setting to get those creative juices flowing. Which brings me to my next topic. I’ve been sitting here for over an hour, babbling about my surroundings and useless opinions of my hometown, trying to keep you occupied while I find a real subject to write about. And then, as if on cue, I get a message from my sister. A link to an article titled ’16 reasons you’re succeeding in life (Even if you don’t feel you are). Every so often, she’ll send me these to keep me motivated. Thanks for the vote of confidence, sis. Keep ‘em coming.

That was all at about 9:30 this morning. It’s now 2:41 AM and I’m sitting at Shari’s, neck deep in a pot of coffee. I’ve been at the day pretty much non-stop since I started writing this blog this morning. And the topic has been on my mind ever since. What defines success? While I’m at it, what defines freedom? I find myself constantly thinking about this. I guess That's a good sign for a budding entrepreneur of sorts. But really though, what does it mean? These days, it seems, you can have one or the other. But not both. And I’m not just talking about “American” freedom. Or your college summers at Coachella. I mean true, wind in your hair, Peter-Fonda- Easy-Rider freedom. The kind so many dream of, but few actually taste. My good friend Rusty knows what it is. Last I saw him, he was coming back from Columbia, then off on a motorcycle to live it up in Mexico for the next couple of years. Keep the dream alive, brother. There are many vicariously living through you out there. I’m getting ahead of myself though, let’s get back on point. Success & Freedom. The pursuit of happiness. The rat race. You could even call it Chasing the Dream. But why must we pursue, race & chase? Why can’t we just have? We’re all born into this world equally, yet society divides us up with what we have to offer, or lack thereof. It’s my theory that infants & children are the most brilliant minds of all. Why? Because they hold an empty canvas. A wild imagination where anything is possible. One of innocence and openness, not yet jaded by the evil ways of the ever-turning world, and everything is brand new. I envy them for that. You don’t see children crying over the stock market, to sum up my point.

So now it’s 5 AM. I’ve spent the better part of 24 hours racking my brain over this subject, and still feel I haven’t adequately put into words what I’m trying to say. I’m free, therefore, in my eyes, I’m a success. That does not, however, make me successful. I chose this topic because I constantly wonder where I’m at in terms of success. And here’s what I came to realize: As much as I hate to admit it, you have to play the game (to a certain extent) to achieve what you want in life in this day & age. And these days, it’s getting harder and harder to make it as an independent musician. You have to get creative, and you have to eventually accept the fact that art and business can (and should) co-exist. It’s called ‘The Hustle’. I honestly feel I still have a long way to go when it comes to success. And no matter how far I go in life, I plan to keep that mentality. To always be at arms reach of success. To keep pushing myself further. To take (and handle) rejection, humbly. But all the while still being that Lion. I’m constantly pushing myself in new directions, and learning every step of the way. It’s what I believe will keep you on the level, and keeps the wheels turning. It’s now 11:30 AM, and I took a late night poll to see what success meant to others. They all seemed to agree that it came down to one thing: Happiness. It’s true. If only happiness could pay the bills. What a perfect world we’d live in! For those of you still searching for success, happiness or freedom, I raised my glass to you, and leave you with one of my favorite misquotations:

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” – Henry David Thoreau