Wednesday
Nov162011
Reflections on One Love, One Year
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 07:12PM 
“A bit of adviceOne year ago I was standing at the foothills of a mountain. What was before me looked unscalable but for many reasons I knew I had to start my climb. A song a week was a daunting task indeed. I remember being asked early on if I thought I would make it and to be honest I wasn't quite sure. I often joked that "by around March" there was a chance I would be "licking the walls."
Given to a young Native American
At the time of his initiation:
As you go the way of life,
You will see a great chasm. Jump.
It is not as wide as you think.”
― Joseph Campbell
To my surprise, with inspiration around every corner and fueled by my love for writing and producing, after hundreds of hours stuck inside while my friends were out enjoying life, mentally taking the challenge one week at a time, I reached my goal. One love song a week, 52 in total, written and produced - for an entire year.
I learned a lot about love, a lot about myself, a lot about songwriting. I learned that even when you think the well is dry - if you push through - there is often something beautiful just on the other side of your resistance.
Many people have asked "What now?" First, over the next couple of months I am going to be reorganizing this site and while "One Love, One Year" will be a part of it, it will also include new music, in-depth reflections on my songs and songwriting and much more. I hope you'll stay with me for the next leg of this journey. I will be also doing some regional touring in the southeast, producing and writing for other artists and exploring several professional options.
Many thanks to all of you who have made this trek with me. I literally couldn't have done it without your support and feedback. I sincerely hope you've connected emotionally with these songs and maybe even worked through some of your own "stuff" because of them. Or... at the very least you've been entertained.
So now after a long and often difficult climb, here I stand at the top of the mountain. It is not the end of the hike, however. I've not written my final song; this is only the beginning. Here on this cliff I only have two options - retreat and be satisfied with my accomplishments... or jump. I don't know exactly where I'll land - how the future is going to unfold or where this music will lead - but I'll be damned if I've come this far to stop now. It's time to jump.
3... 2... 1...
Reader Comments (5)
Perhaps
you've been pushed!
Love you and proud of you man.
What a glorious journey...................................
Thank you for letting us take a glimpse into your mind and your heart this past year.
During this ride I was both entertained and worked out some stuff so you can charge me double! Checking for new stuff each week had become a habit...now what am I going to do on Monday mornings?
Amazing ride. Gracias.
What's the percentage of accomplishment? 100% - 150%? It's a lot, I know that. Maybe more than ever. I'm writing down a list of the things I've done over this past year, and perhaps I'll do that from now on in my life. This climb was a soldering, and perhaps the first time you have ever done something like this. I know this was year was certainly that for me too.
I'm not sure long term what the goals will be, sounds like you don't either. But I know we both know this: No matter what goals we put out there, no matter how big or ludicrous or gigantic it seems; there is zero doubt that by taking a step at a time we will get there. Cut out the fat, cut out the voices, push away the people that don't understand, that weigh you down, that put their failures on you, that attempt to define you. No one defines you, but you. If this accomplishment was anything, it was this: An idea, pulled from nothing, created, defined, completed. People can say what they want, but if they say 'I could do that', now they have to do it.
You don't', because you already did.
Timestamp: It was an awesome journey. Thanks, man.
Thank you for being more than a friend, for being an inspiration, an example, and a brother. You are on my mind daily and I am truly blessed to know you.