time.
May 6, 2008
When I was a young man, just out of school, I took a job at an electric motor repair shop. This was before my first real engineering job, and I learned a great deal there – how to use torches, milling machines, lathes – practical tool use. I also cannot forget the lead winder I worked under, the look in his eyes after the long hours at work. His marriage was failing, and he spoke longingly of returning to Fiji, his homeland.
He used to say to me, time and again, “Brett, don’t waste time.” I’d tell him about some concert I went to see, or some rockin’ party, or some other stupid thing I’d done on the weekend, and he’d always say, “Brett, don’t waste time.”
Fast forward about 8 years, I had married, and had a child with my wife, Cathryn. My hero. We’d had some good times, and some tough times. I was in a new job, with what I thought was a bright future, and I was working 60 to 80 hours a week.
One day, she sang a song to me. The song that Dave Navarro blogged about today, “Cat’s in the Cradle”, by Harry Chapin. My wife sang it to me again, a little while later, and I started to wake up. As a matter of interest, I went to find out a little bit about Harry Chapin’s life today. I didn’t realize he had passed away, a long time ago, at age 38 – the same age I am today – in a car accident. Sad that a man who sang of valuing your time with your family, had his life cut tragically short. Lesson one.
About a year and a half later, I was back where I’m working now, with three more children and a lot more on my plate. My career was progressing, but something wasn’t quite right. Late one night, I was reading some mindless web page detailing some obscure nuance of a Linux project that isn’t even in existence anymore. The message from Harry Chapin’s song still hadn’t fully hit me, but it was simmering in the back of my mind.
I cued up a Pink Floyd track on my computer. Time. Track #4, from “The Dark Side of the Moon“. I had listened to it dozens of times before.
But never truly listened to it. I was always too busy, I didn’t have the time. Damn it, I had even seen Pink Floyd live, and didn’t get it then.
I didn’t make the time.
I cued it up again. I finally got it. I looked in the mirror afterward. I lay awake in bed that night, thinking back to what the man from Fiji had said.
“Brett, don’t waste time.”
Lesson two.
I talked with a co-worker of mine the next day, asked him if he knew the song. He did, but he, too, had never truly listened to it, and was surprised by the meaning behind the words.
The words:
Time
(Mason, Waters, Wright, Gilmour) 7:06
Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way.
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way.Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain.
You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today.
And then one day you find ten years have got behind you.
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.So you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it’s sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again.
The sun is the same in a relative way but you’re older,
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death.Every year is getting shorter never seem to find the time.
Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines
Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way
The time is gone, the song is over,
Thought I’d something more to say.
I had chatted with Dave Navarro on Twitter about his upcoming post, and it made me think about Time. I had considered writing about it before. And hadn’t made the time. Until today. I committed to Dave by email that I would write a follow-on post to his, after he published it.Then, it seemed that the universe was truly in harmony today. You see, my wife had to go to hospital today. She has been dizzy the last few days, and had numbness in her limbs.
She suffered a skiing accident as a teen, long before she met me.
An accident, not much different from one suffered by Copyblogger, one that he blogged about today, where he talks about the secret of life.
I can’t say it as well as Brian Clark does, so I’ll just quote him:
What do you want to do?
Why aren’t you doing it?
I don’t care what your answer is… this is the only shot you’ve got.
This is not a dress rehearsal.
Who are you to chase your dreams no matter what, you might ask?
Who are you NOT to?
This is the only shot you’ve got, the only shot I’ve got. This is not a dress rehearsal. Why aren’t we doing whatever it is that we want to do?
Well, some of you are, and I am sincerely happy for you. Others might be jealous, I am not – I feed off of your energy.
As I said, the universe is truly aligned today. I know I what I want to do. Why am I not doing it?
I know better. I have written about my cousin a while back, about how she was terminally ill and no longer had the privilege of choice. Sadly, she is no longer here. She passed away not quite two weeks ago. I didn’t have the words at the time to talk about it. Today, I do, thanks to Dave, Brian, and quite frankly, all of you.
This is not a dress rehearsal. Make time for your family. Make time for your dreams.
Make the time.
–
I wrote this today while sitting with my wife. I took the afternoon off work. I’m hoping it is just a pinched nerve, but we’ll have to wait for an MRI to be sure.
Tonight, I’ll be going to watch our oldest son’s first soccer game of the season, and tomorrow night, the triplets also start soccer. I am looking forward to that.
Yes, I have to return to work tomorrow. To pay the bills. But I have been sitting on a lot of ideas for a while. Good ones.
Many false starts. Fail early, fail often – AND LEARN SOMETHING. Today, I learned something.
I’ll be starting on those ideas now. Who am I not to chase my dreams?
Brett -
Fantastic post. We can’t hammer at this message enough … Fight Club should be mandatory viewing once a year and the questions you raise should be asked every day. Fingers crossed for the MRI and I’m with you, bro.
Dave Navarro’s last blog post..Wake Up, Damn It! You Won’t Get a Second Chance
You are so right. Time is so limited, for all of us, and it’s all we can do to take advantage of it.
I really, really, REALLY hope everything comes back fine with your wife. I know how stressful it can be to wait for medical results.
Allison’s last blog post..Cinco de Mayo Roll
this post is beautiful. Best of luck to you, and please let me know if I can help in any way with your new plans. I really mean that.
–Clay
Clay Collins | The Growing Life’s last blog post..The Alternative Productivity Manifesto
I hope everything turns out okay for your wife… hang in there.
Brian Clark’s last blog post..Can White Papers Make You Wealthy?
Indeed, Brett, on all counts.
Our thoughts are with you, and we thank you for adding to the great chorus we’ve heard the last couple of days about chasing our dreams.
Niebu, brother.
Bob Younce at the Writing Journey’s last blog post..178 Ways to Improve Your Internet Writing
I’m crossing my fingers and hope that all goes very, very well. You’re an awesome man, Brett.
Clay Collins | The Growing Life’s last blog post..The Alternative Productivity Manifesto
Brett, I’m sitting here crying because of your post. My heart aches because I feel your pain of lost time. Your words should be strung up on a clock and hung from every tower, every school yard and in every home for all to read before they get up and before they go to bed.
The timeless music of Pink Floyd only helps to further drive this point home.
Thank you for helping us remember what really matters.
I’m sorry to hear about your cousin and hope with you that Cathryn will have a false alarm. Please let me know if you need anything at all.
Niebu my friend.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..So Your Are Published – What Next?
@Dave,
Thank you, my friend. I was standing on the shoulders of giants – your post, and Brian’s post.
I agree, Fight Club is required viewing once a year, or more. I think I’ll be watching it again this week.
And thanks for the wishes.
@Allison,
I believe that all will turn out well for Cathryn. And I know that you’ve been there too – things will be okay for you and yours. Hang in there
@Clay,
Thank you for your kind words, Clay. I will be in touch – seriously. I think I will need your expertise for at least one of my ventures.
@Brian,
Thank you, my friend. I have faith that it will all be okay. And thanks again for your wonderful words yesterday.
@Bob,
Thanks Bob, for your words and friendship. I’ve really enjoyed interacting with you, and with all of you out there, in the short time I’ve been doing this. Keep on chasing your dreams.
Niebu to you too, my friend.
@Monika,
I think I should really get a Kleenex alert logo done up (anybody good with Photoshop?)
Today is a different day today, I hit the ground running and I won’t stop. I was actually playing that song on the way into work today. I think it will be my soundtrack for some time to come.
Thank you for your kind words today. My cousin was fortunate not to linger too long, so that is good in a way. I believe Cathryn will be okay – she seemed to feel better today after a rest.
I’ll stay in touch (as per Skype this morning).
And niebu to you too!
@All,
Thanks for your encouragement, and for being a part of my life. And thank you for letting me be a part of yours.
Thanks my friend. I keep my thumbs crossed for Cathryn and am thankful for your cousins quick pass over. She is now in a better place and will keep watch over you and your family.
That Kleenex alert sounds like a reasonable thing, I think many of us could do with it.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..So Your Are Published – What Next?
Brett,
Too much to say…
First and most important….Prayers are right now flying out for Cathyrn. I have to tell you I fell off the uneven bars in high school and had a neck and back injury and once in awhile feel this way, I am hoping and really believe she will be okay.
second-I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. I am sending you a big squeeze hug. I hope you can feel it.
third….Focus and execution. We can and will.
fourth… I have had a hate-love relationship with that song since I was a sixteen year old Mom. Back then I had this panic feeling that time was slipping through a sive and I couldn’t catch it fast enough. Now I get it better. If we are breathing..we have choices. Back to Focus and execution. We can and will.
Hold hands gang..we’re going up.
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..The Attitude of Staying Put
Wendi,
Thank you for your prayers. I believe she will be okay too, and I’m sorry that you are also affected by this from time to time.
You are so right – we can and we will. If we are still moving, still breathing, we can choose. I think that the next little while will be interesting for us
Brett…I am deeply touched and moved by your recent posts. So much so that I find myself at a bit of a loss for words. Something that, as a fellow blogger, doesn’t happen to me very often.
So let me just say two things…that I’m keeping you and Cathryn in my prayers. It sounds as though the two of you have already been through more than your share of life’s challenges. And…thank you for being bold enough to share some of them, along with the insights you’ve gained as a result, through this blog.
Lisa Wilder’s last blog post..FREE Skin Cancer Screenings
Lisa,
First off, thank you for stopping by today to say hello – it is a pleasure to meet you. You have some really great things going on over at your blog (whenever someone new stops in, I go and have a look before I do anything else – and I’m finding I usually end up subscribing!)
Thank you for your words of kindness, and for your prayers. While we have had our share of challenges, we have also had more than our share of good experiences too, and we look forward to what lies ahead.
And you are welcome, I am happy that you have enjoyed reading our story, as much as I have enjoyed sharing it. The encouragement words such as yours give me, keep me going!
When I first started writing here, I didn’t know that the best part for me would be interacting with everyone, after the story had been told. Then again, the interaction becomes part of the story…
Brett – I hope all is well with your wife. I know there is probably nothing I can do, but if there is, shoot me an email.
And that the blondies sustain no injuries in their sporting endeavours. I could never be a “Soccer Mom” — do they have those in Canada? Yikes.
I used to listen to that song with my dad. So I had a little flashback reading the lyrics. My dad was batshit crazy, and not in the good way, but one thing he had right was that life is short. He used to say “Don’t work too hard; it’s habit forming.” And he was right.
Amy Derby’s last blog post..Law Firm Blogger’s Pet Peeve #407: Blogging Lawyers Who Don’t Do Comments
Amy,
Thank you, my friend. Well, we can chat about all kinds of neat stuff from “the cook” to blogging to food snark stuff
believe me, it helps to chat with friends. I believe that she will be okay, and perhaps just did a little too much this weekend, and is now suffering from that old injury.
The blondies will have a good time tonight, as long as the coaches keep them apart! At that age, watching them play soccer is like watching a pinball game gone haywire… I definitely couldn’t see you as a Soccer Mom!
Oh yes, we do have them. Generally, a Soccer Mom here is just an “off-season Hockey Mom”. You can tell, because they talk longingly about the hockey season, all throughout soccer – it drives me bonkers
Your dad was right about that. Working for a living is overrated. Work for fun, because you enjoy it, and don’t forget about the important stuff.
Thanks for saying hello, my friend.
Hey Brett…thank YOU for the thoughtful response, and for popping over to check out The Wilder Zone.
“While we have had our share of challenges, we have also had more than our share of good experiences too, and we look forward to what lies ahead.”
I know just what you mean…the last several years of my life have brought some of the most difficult challenges of my life, while at the same time, bringing some of the most amazing, joyful experiences as well.
That’s actually what prompted me to name my blog, The Wilder Zone. I think when you truly embrace all that life has to offer, the joys and the sorrows, that life can be a wild ride, but if you let them, the challenges and sorrows make the joys that much sweeter, and give us a greater appreciation, a deeper sense of gratitude, for all of life.
There’s something very powerful about sharing our experiences through writing…through storytelling, and you do an amazing job of it, Brett. I look forward to more of your life stories.
Warmly,
Lisa
Lisa Wilder’s last blog post..FREE Skin Cancer Screenings
Give Cathryn by best wishes, Brett. I think she’s had her fill of stuff – no more! Let me know how things turn out.
This post is very relevant to me, because yeah, I’m following my dreams, but there doesn’t seem to be enough time to fit it all in.
Take care, and I’ll be thinking of you and Cathryn. And your son kicking his first game ball.
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..Bodhisattva Blogger
@Lisa,
You are very welcome, and I am happy that I did – I’ve subscribed and will be enjoying your words tonight with a nice cup of tea
I like how you tied in the name of your blog with your own name, and your own personal meaning. It is almost like a life mission statement in the title.
There is something special about storytelling, I agree. For me, it lets me relive the good memories and also helps me to heal from the not so good. I’ve always found that when I talk with people about difficult subjects, it is as though a weight is lifted.
And thank you for the nice compliment – I will look forward to seeing you again, and sharing stories and conversation with you.
@Ellen,
I actually saw Cathryn a few minutes ago, and we took a short walk (it is nice that we work at the same location). I think that things will be okay. The universe owes us
Believe me, I know how you feel, as I too am working on many different things.
Crystal had a nice post today at Big Bright Bulb, where she talked about this – about how as long as you have a lot of ideas, and then pick the good ones, and work at them a little at a time, you’ll get there.
http://bigbrightbulb.com/in-general/whats-10-percent-of-nothing
I like that post.
Thank you – and take care of yourself too – I’ll talk with you soon, my friend.
Brett,
Oh, my thoughts are with you both. I tried six times today to say something, but the words came out ick. I wish you peace and a good resolution.
From Thoreau:
“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation
and go to the grave with the song still in them.”
Not you, my friend. Nor Cathryn either. Thanks for writing these songs from your heart.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Brand Propheteers: Part Three – Grand Concepts, Practical Advice, and the One Great WoM Story
Kelly,
Thank you so much, my friend, what you did finally say was beautiful. I like that quote – I’ll think about it for a while, it says a lot in a few words. Thank you, too, for listening to my songs.
-Brett
Brett,
I knew I’d heard the “quiet desperation” thing before, and I knew I was too… distracted… to have noticed there were words to any Floyd songs, back when Floyd was a peripheral part of my life, so I went searching and found where I’d heard of it before.
I hadn’t heard the whole quote in a while, but those two words “quiet desperation” roll around in my head a lot, reminding me to seize the day. I’ve got a mantra for every moment.
Your “voice” here is always in perfect pitch. You have my ear for a long time.
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Brand Propheteers: Part Three – Grand Concepts, Practical Advice, and the One Great WoM Story
Brett,
So many things. First and foremost I’ve added Cathryn to my prayers, and hopefully it’s a minor thing that can be solved easily. Second, my condolences on your cousin’s passing. Death is never an easy thing, but sometimes it wakes the rest of us up.
I imagine you watching the triplets in their first soccer game and have to laugh at the image. How you both keep up with four I can’t even fathom.
Your recent posts have been beautiful, and though I haven’t made time to reply, I have been reading. I’ve been struggling with making time this week, but as you’ve noted, the recent posts by bloggers in this circle have gone a long way towards reminding me what’s important.
Actually, I think I’ll take the evening off. Thanks.
Nicole
Nicole’s last blog post..Reserved Tea Time
Oh…I am crossing my fingers that everything is ok with you and your wonderful wife.
What a well timed post…yesterday, Tei did a tarot reading for me and it left me thinking hard about where I am and where I want to be. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. I feel like I need to finish my degree to do what I really want to do…but the more I think about it, the less certain I am. I am beginning to see that doing nothing while I work on my degree is a waste of time…I need to start on that dream NOW. Today. Right after I finish this comment.
Thank you.
@Kelly,
I have found that to be so often the case with music, especially from that era. Perhaps a lot of people were too busy enjoying the “atmosphere”
to hear the message behind the music.
(Guilty as charged, here…)
Thank you, my friend. If I have your ear here, you have my eye at your place. That series you are doing right now is killer.
@Nicole,
Hello my friend, and thank you for your prayers, and kind words.
Oh, it was fun tonight, in a way that could only be triplets. Owen was chasing the ball so hard he kept running off the field – I think he’s the one who wants to play most. Aimee didn’t want to play for a while, but wanted to say hi to everyone and throw grass on herself. Ian wanted to play too – but he seemed to have an upset stomach, and I had to take him home to change him (insert reference to underpants, yuck!)
Thank you, Nicole. I’ve been keeping an eye on your blog, too, and I very much liked your description of tea time.
Enjoy your evening. We must all do that, from time to time. To do what is important.
@Sandie,
Thank you my friend – she will be seeing her doctor very soon, and I’m sure everything will be okay.
Chase your dream, Sandie. Run it down, and grab hold of it by the tail. Make it yours. I know you will.
Brett,
“Atmosphere.” I think that’s the word I was looking for. How’d you know? Were you there?
Sometimes, hearing Floyd, especially, many years later, I say, I used to hate this, and now I realize there was more to it. No offense, but it seemed like the “guy” thing ladies had to put up with at the time. I (almost) like some of Floyd now.
Maybe sober people caught the substance of Floyd at the time, but I don’t think I knew any of those. We were all busy with the “atmosphere.”
Thanks for the kind words about the series. It’s been fun (and now I plunge into the next one, behind the scenes), but I’m glad to leave the writing of it behind and get back to regular posts for a while. Whew!
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Brand Propheteers: Part Three – Grand Concepts, Practical Advice, and the One Great WoM Story
Kelly,
I think I was there
I saw Floyd in 1994 and I’ll always remember a friend of mind saying part way into the show, “I can’t feel my fingers anymore!”
Thankfully, we had taken the train to the concert… there was so much “atmosphere”, and combined with the light show…
I think personally I’ve grown to appreciate that kind of music more, as I’ve matured. I’ve taken the time (pun intended, perhaps) to really listen.
You are welcome – it is obvious that you’ve been putting much thought and work into your series, I can see that you’ll need a rest *whew* indeed!
-Brett
Brett,
LOL! I just put the little person to bed and I’m tearing up, trying not to laugh so loud she comes out to see what’s so funny!
Ahhh!
I’m better at appreciating the lyrics (Floyd) on paper (or on the screen). ‘Fraid hearing it usually just gives me flashbacks… sort of… I dunno if that counts as flashbacks…
Every once in a while, I hear Floyd on a classic rock station as I’m driving, though, and I say there really is something here. Too many memories are in the way of appreciating it. I wonder if they knew at the time what a group of goofballs we were, and how we’d only half-care what they were writing if they got the tune just-so.
(What kind of target marketing was that? I’d like to have a tape of some of the A&R meetings back then… “but can you write more to the ones who like the “atmosphere”? The ones whose families haven’t cut them off yet… they have money…”)
OMG. As far as I can recall, I could always feel my fingers. I think.
Eeeek.
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Brand Propheteers: Part Three – Grand Concepts, Practical Advice, and the One Great WoM Story
Kelly,
Now you have *me* laughing… thank you
you only thought you could feel your fingers!
Lots of that old stuff was pretty deep. Sabbath was the same, perhaps not as accessible for a lot of folks, but very thought provoking… hard to imagine that bumbling old Ozzy who can’t even pour his juice on TV anymore, used to be the Prince of Darkness (and Deep Thought)
And I know nothing of “atmosphere”…
Brett,
So then my next, I’m-now-a-responsible-adult thought is, Hey Wait! You’re 6-months younger than I am! Where were YOUR fingers?
If you were Harry, I could allow this…
Boyfriends: Monty Python, Pink Floyd, Rush (still like them), Van Halen (still love them).
[What I missed: Black Sabbath, Motorhead (where does the darn umlaut go?), Ozzy. I had the wrong boyfriends, evidently.]
Me: Prince (OLD Prince), Madonna, Eagles, Stones, Clapton, and all sorts of weird stuff. Very eclectic. Now, even worse eclectic.
I’d like to think there are boyfriends playing something by Sinatra in honor of me right now, but the truth is, I’m playing 5150 because of them. Floyd, only when they pass by me in traffic.
Oh, dear, this has gone OT again, hasn’t it?
Later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Brand Propheteers: Part Three – Grand Concepts, Practical Advice, and the One Great WoM Story
[...] you to Brett (time) and Dave (wake up damn it, you won’t get a second chance) for giving me a kick on the bum [...]
Brett
Those Floyd lyrics are awesome. I always like them, but as I’m getting further into my 40’s, they increasingly depress me.
Especially “shorter of breath, one step closer to death”
…Holy shit! That’s heavy, man.
I better get cracking and write that novel, climb that mountain, and solve global warming!
@Kelly. There is a Classic Rock station in Ottawa. They over-play Floyd half to death. I make a game of it….turn on the station randomly and see how long it takes them to play Floyd. Any time of day, whenever…more ofthen than not….it’s within 30 minutes.
I like Floyd..but Geezus….get some
Friar’s last blog post..Cubicle Envy…
I know, I know, I am so late to post it seems almost pointless, but I wanted you to know I read your “time” and am reminded…
that nothing is as precious as this present moment we are in, and if I keep postponing my notice or appreciation of it, my “time” will pass.
THANK YOU BRETT!
Harmony’s last blog post..Help! I Want To Lose My Mind
[...] Time Jobs from Indeed [...]
Hi Brett – that is really sad. I love that song and I had no idea the singer had died.
This is a brilliant post – I have also been thinking about how much time I’ve wasted. Instead of concentrating on what I really wanted to do, I spent too much time doing what others wanted me to do, without a thought as to how much of my life was slipping away.
And it does slip away faster than you imagine it will – I’m 40 next year.
But your post has reminded me that we are lucky that we hopefully still have time left and we should make the very best use of it that we can. Thank you.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..To Share Or Not To Share?
@Kelly,
Where were my fingers?
I’ll save that for my super-secret confessional blog…
I liked a lot of what your boyfriends liked too, very cool, and then some really obscure and extreme stuff (some with names I can’t print here…)
And everything you listen to, very nice – all very talented artists.
Going OT here? 90 percent of the fun, so keep doing it!
@Friar,
Their words certainly do carry a lot of weight, when you look at them closely. Like most of the really good artists, I guess…
Yeah, time to get cracking – how you take the words is up to you. I know for me, there was only one way to go – UP!
@Harmony,
You are never late, and I am always happy to see you! I think it just means that you understand the meaning behind these words, and are busy doing the important things…
You are very welcome – and thank *you* for what you do.
@Cath,
Thank you for your kind words, and I’m glad that you enjoyed my writing. We are still young (I’m 38) and we have (hopefully) lots of life left in us.
As long as we do good work, and spend time on the important things, the past does not matter. I think everyone to some degree takes a while to find what they really want to do. We cannot change the past. But we can live in the now, and have a better tomorrow.
Thank you to everyone for stopping in to say hello.
I think when you reach your late thirties, your own sense of mortality starts to hit you.
That’s when you realize time is finite. You realize there has to be more to life than just running about earning your paycheck, dropping off little Damien to karate class, cooking supper, washing the dishes and going to bed.
Only to repeat the same thing again and again, every day.
I’m done with the treadmill. Lemme off this ride. I wanna try another one.
Some might call this a “Mid Life Crisis”. I call it waking up and smelling the coffee.
Friar’s last blog post..Management Visual Aids for Dummies
I wish your hero well, Brett. Nice thoughts, nice thoughts.
I have met some really good people on the internet lately – people who have served as reminders. You’re one of them. Thank you.
Christine O’Kelly (selfmadechick.com) recently wrote a post on her blog – I haven’t replied to it ‘cos I don’t know what to say, because I’m struck by the truth of what she mentioned and I feel I need to go away and really think about it.
And then yesterday, my father called me on the phone and DEMANDED that I follow my dreams, that if things aren’t working for me where I am, I should go to where it might work. He was quite passionate about it. I was somewhat amused but it’s stayed with me and I’ve been thinking about what he said.
And now I read Monika’s recent post (which lead me to yours) and I’m just seeing all these ‘reminders’ and I just need to do a lot of thinking, remembering, regathering.
Thank you again for another human(e) post.
Brett- I am late to the party as well. I was relieved a little while ago at Dave’ s that I did NOT need the Kleenex… I shudda known better….
Wish I could wax “elephants” ( wax eloquent) but too choked up. Happy and sad tears for someone gone too soon. At least I was lucky enough to call him friend.
You brought Tommy back to life for just a little while. Pink Floyd. Tommy.
Guys bring us lots of things. Music we might not have listened so closely to, Fight Club because it is a frame of reference…the best thing they bring… is themselves.
Do it now…with heart and passion.
I’ll add my prayers to those above….
How I am supposed to get any work done if I am constantly reduced to tears? Antidote please…she pads off for more coffee…Dave got me up at 4 am!!! : )
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..It Begins With a Puddle
Hi Brett, I’m sorry to arrive at this post a bit late…
I am sending positive thoughts/prayers your way and you know, science shows that they really do work!
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..Devilish, Daring, and Demure: Meet the Hottest Women in Poetry
Truly a beautiful message you’ve written — I found your site through Freelance Folder’s email feed. I have bipolar disorder and waste so many hours and days in bed while the hours fall away. I always need a good boot to get going, so I’ll think of this post next time. Meanwhile I’m off to chase my dreams…thanks.
Damian
Damian’s last blog post..New blog on crack addiction rehabilitation and War on Drugs
@Friar,
I agree with you for sure – people often call it a mid-life crisis, perhaps people who have given up and settled? Or people who have it all, and don’t want you to have it too, like reverse jealousy or something. At least in my experience I’ve seen that.
Don’t listen to ‘em. Just do it.
@ebele,
Thank *you* for your words. And I would return the compliment, you are one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting out here.
I checked out that post by Christine (my RSS feed didn’t pick it up for some reason – must go over and comment tonight) – wow, how true that is.
When you have support from your family, you really are empowered. I’ve always found that. Spend some time with your thoughts, and then go for it.
You can and will do it.
@Janice,
Thank you for stopping in – you’re not late at all. The party is still going on, it seems. Thankfully, as I didn’t have anything else to write today…
I read your words at Dave Navarro’s place and I could feel the emotion there. I feel for you, Janice.
Let us all resolve to do it now, finally do it this time, with heart and passion.
I’ll make sure my next post is crazy funny – deal?
@Melissa,
Likewise – you’re not late – the party just got even more rockin’ now that you’re here!
Thank you for the positive thoughts and prayers. I’ve seen research that shows that really does work, so I believe it.
Thank you, my friend.
@Damian,
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to stop in today to say hello. I think we all waste time, to some degree, and it is harder for some of us than others, just because of the way we are. Take heart, though, and chase those dreams.
One of the most successful businesses I know of locally is run by a woman who is much like yourself, in that way. It can be done.
Put your mind to it, and you can do anything.
@All,
Thank you once again for your wonderful words. In time, when I work for myself, I’ll be able to respond in a more timely fashion… meetings… yuck!
@ Brett- deal : ))) 15 minutes of now is powerful thing when someone is really present. It resonates long after the person is gone…it’s how really great art, music, literature, life, love, any human endeavor endures…if we know what we are about.
Looking forward to crazy funny you whacky Viking with a heart.
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..It Begins With a Puddle
@Janice,
I agree – what you can do with 15 minutes, if you think about it. Just 15 minutes a day, every day, is 2.5 days a year. Not bad, if you think about it.
So 15 minutes of now – how far will it take us? To the stars.
Off the wall ??? One of my favorite flavors. I’ll have two scoops please. : )
Really present, in the zone…yes… to the stars.
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..It Begins With a Puddle
@Janice,
Two scoops, coming right up
That was a wonderful post Brett, very thought provoking. I hope all goes well with Cathryn, I believe she will be just fine.
I sometimes feel like I am running to catch up with myself, hopefully someday soon I’ll be able to say, “Hey You! Slow Down!”
Jenny’s last blog post..How Quickly Things Can Change
Brett, sending you a ton of good wishes! Hope all is well–keep us posted, ok?
Sonia Simone’s last blog post..How to Take a Punch (Without Hitting Back or Sinking to the Mat)
[...] a Kleenex alert…(Well, that and my latest post wasn’t ready to go yet. I took some time to thing things over, important things.)So, eight random facts about me. I’m sure I could [...]
@Jenny,
Thank you very much for your words. We should know within the next couple of days, but I figure it is just that nerve injury.
I know how you feel about running all the time. Yet, with just a simple thought, we can slow down. It is up to us.
@Sonia
Thank you *catches wishes out of the air* so far so good, I will let everyone know when I know.
@All – thanks again for stopping in to chat (the fun part!) and for your support.
Brett and Everyone,
I would like to introduce Jenny to you, who posted just a few comments ago up above. I have known Jenny in real life for so many years, I can’t actually remember. Really…over a decade…
She is my right-hand woman at theater and the most reliable person you will ever meet and also the sweetest, kindest. She just started this blogging thing and is trying to find her way around our wierd little world. As far as her comment about slowing down….hahahahhaa Jenny…You NEVER slow down!!!!! (LIke either of us ever would…:)
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Listening
Wendi,
I’m glad that Jenny stopped in today! I had a quick peek at her site and it is very nice indeed. And any friend of yours is a friend of mine.
I am sure she will do very well at blogging. Jenny, don’t be afraid to make mistakes (just go see my latest post for a coding error!) – that’s how we learn, as I’m sure you know – and that’s the way I work best around here
Usually I get it right, sometimes it blows up…