Classic Endeavors

The final ten seconds of a finicky year rushed to the finish line, never to be experienced again. The ball had dropped in Times Square, marking the end of yet another labeled chapter of this crazy thing called life...

Whatever time zone you were in, the results were similar. People were either fast asleep, working or could give two shits about the current date. Most, however, gathered in different sized groups for the annual ritual of saying goodbye to the year that was, a special dedication to 365 days, now bundled and sealed, left to the history books to sort out.

2023 became 2024.

As a writer whose amassed a few accomplishments in his journey, my reflection of 2024 is mediocre at best. A few highs, a few lows and all the tediousness in between, somehow left me content. I'm happy still. I had a blast living, dreaming, wanting and not getting. A scenario all too familiar in the wide spectrum of artists. I purposely left out 'struggling' as I find it to be a negative state of mind lacking direction. I'm not struggling. I'm venturing. It's always been me and my ideas venturing to the next stop. Venturing into the future.

Where shall I take these ideas now?

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Spending the first four months of 2024 searching for a house was as hectic as one would expect. My time was split between working, writing and the monotonous task of slowly packing box after box, clearing room after room. It was time to leave my life in Michigan to return to Ohio. The move marked its completion on July 1st of 2024.

After much thought and aching muscles, I decided not to go back into restaurant or retail management. I wanted to do something where I can make my own schedule so I could focus on entrepreneurial goals.

My love for creating is not limited to writing. Lately, I've been taking the deepest dive into a couple ideas from two years back. Both are practical, everyday items for anyone, and the startup costs aren't insane. This is the part where a Business Major would come in handy. Thanks to shows like Shark Tank with the ultra-rich, Mark Cuban, I've learned a few tricks and know enough business lingo to formulate a plan of action. A great starting point.

My return to these ideas led me to taking a delivery job with a local courier service. It pays more than expected due to daily incentives and steady business. Being late for work is now a thing of the past. And it gives me plenty of time on the road with myself, my thoughts and the Radio Gods.

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No one ever sets out to be known as a one-hit-wonder, but guess what? One hit is better than none and in the music biz it's really all you need to solidify a name.

Timeless songs that never get old. This continuing fact is proven with each generation as they too latch onto the mass appeal of catchy songs released well before their birth. I find it comical to hear a twelve-year-old singing "Free Bird." Which brings me to my unconditional love of classic rock. I listen to it more than anything else out on the road.

My Playlist of The Year consists of classic tracks that had something to say to me. Sometimes the message behind the song felt direct, like the disc jockey had been listening to my thoughts. Eerie even. Similar to how Stephen King's Christine or the Transformer's Bumblebee played selected songs on their radio as a form of communication. Quickly sifting through vast libraries of frequency-modulation to formulate messages to the outside world. At times, I think the same thing can and does happen in some of our minds. From out of nowhere, the jukebox in our head selects a tune appropriate for the moment. It may even be an absurd, in-your-face song with lyrics that bluntly answers your question. Either way, it comes through loud and clear.

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This first track made the list for coming on the radio when I was already in a self-assessing mindset. It also felt ironic that my life had become the highway.

Life is Highway- Tom Cochrane

Makes you want to pack your bags for a road trip.

This next track invaded my ear space when I was contemplating publishing a story. I was on the fence as usual about if it was ready to release into the wild. This track helped me decide.

Safety Dance - Men without hats.

I easily applied the meaning of this song with the waltzing my thoughts do every day.

Anytime I’m graced with the rare opportunity of catching this track on the radio, I always turn it up a touch. It's a whimsical mood enhancer and reminds me of the days my cousin and I attended Karate School. I was 11 at the time, he was 9. We impatiently counted down the hours every week until Friday rolled around and we could continue our lessons with the honorable Sensei.

Kung-fu Fighting - Carl Douglas

Culture-crossing fun!

I get knocked down, but I get up again/you're never gonna keep me down. Are the repetitive lyrics in this next track from 1997. Talk about hammering a line into your head. Although the catchy phrase had little to do with my interpretation, it worked to refocus when the day would not go my way. I didn't think twice about turning it up a bit.

Okay, well, it may have also triggered a few beer chugging sessions in the past.

Tubthumping - Chumbawamba.

Here's to 'pissing the night away' 🍻

I love when a song allows your mind to wander, to visualize the scenes in your head mentioned in the lyrics. This track is not only great to listen to but to write to as well. I'm positive this band had much more to say to the world. Unfortunately, the lead singer left us for the Pearly Gates at age 28 in 95'. Momentum had just begun to increase for them. They remain the only ones on this list whose Albums I ever bought. For good reason too! Their music exemplifies Poetry in Motion. Join me in listening to this track right now!

No Rain - Blind Melon.

Gotta love the Bee Girl.

Sometimes a loud, obnoxious, bass-heavy song came on the radio and this one was right on time. The rebel in me was happy to indulge. It helped to release tension built up from a case of bad timing earlier in the day. And yes, I turned it up all the way! You should too!

Jump Around - House of Pain

Worth every decibel.

We've all had that adrenaline rush you get from celebrating an accomplishment or when floating on a fluffy cloud with the one you love. This song puts things in perspective and compliments that feeling. It describes the need for more.

Hooked on a feeling - Blue Swede

'High on believing' Great line!!!

If there ever was a song to uplift the soul, this one is it! A self-help anthem with the ability to lighten the mood and words to those who have wronged you. I'm here to say, I will survive. I have survived! Thank you, Gloria.

I will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

She's got mad survival skills!

What an apt title for this next track. When reaching for goals just over the horizon, but still out of grasp, remember to keep stretching as far as you can. You're almost there, but it slips further away. I dedicate this to everyone who has lived it.

Almost Paradise - Mike reno and Ann Wilson.

The final track I chose says it all in just four words. When things crumble to pieces and worlds collide, don't focus on the negative side. Personally, I believe worrying won't change a thang. Bobby gives us a pleasant reminder.

Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby Mcferrin

As you may already know, the selected tracks on my list are all considered one-hit wonders—topping the charts only once within the span of their careers. There's a special thing to be said about this, not-so-coveted category, and everyone else whose fifteen minutes left faster than it came... Their determination overshadowed self-doubt. They never gave up looking for that hit. They found it! The results will speak forever...

Most writers have similar goals. Get a hit! If only people read as much as they listened to music, our chances of attaining any status for what we do increases as well. But we can't make people read more.

Metaphorically, if musicians hunt for success by Lier jet, writers are on the Greyhound bus line. It's a slower trek but can still get you there. Just keep going, keep striving, keep creating. Try different angles until you find that Hit! And when you finally get off the bus to celebrate a win for something You did. Remember it was you who released the weighty restraints of doubt and fear and proclaimed to yourself... 'I can do this!' I will do this.