For Better or Worse,
Lookin back on the last twelve months I can see almost nothing that was business as usual. I text my sons if I wanna talk to them! My “touch screen” phone sends me email and tells me where I am currently and how cold it is and shows me pictures of places I won’t be today and where the nearest Starbucks can be found. Of course I don’t go there these days cause I don’t have the budget to cover a cup of coffee.
I’m a newlywed at Fifty Six! Raising two teenage daughters! Well I’m throwing money at the problems anyway. I wrote two books and had one published. My first acknowledgement that music might not be a sustainable compensation. My fingerprints are on file at the police station too. A true sign that I’m still not above the law and spiritual insights don’t always translate to appropriate behavior.
It feels like I’m changing horses in the middle of a stream. It’s uncomfortable sometimes but then there is a real sense of adventure again that I didn’t see coming.
I’m not sure the new Social Media circus I’ve joined is not corrupting my writing skills. The punch line has to come before the joke can be told. It comes with a realization that nobody pays attention to anything for more than a few seconds. I signed up for FaceBook and Twitter, posting everyday in hopes of rebuilding visibility for my work.
I tend to judge my worth by number of comments on my sites. Still lookin for validation in the wrong places perhaps. I read more books this year than ever but missed my goals by half.
I bought a car that I don’t drive. Lost all my back memory on Computer to a theft. “old things are passed away because I didn’t back it up”. I’ve tripled the list of co laborers I know by first and last name.
I book most of my own shows and handle my own travel. I write and produce and look for true synergy. I started a non profit public charity for Radio Rehab. I’ve gone from “Singer/songwriter” to “content provider” in a single year.
The good news is, no body I know well died this year! (though a couple of friends tried). I’m still reasonably functional too, still walkin which became a problem several months back. I’m old enough to worry about not recovering from a health set back. I only got sick once. which is still once more than usual for me. But I watched my dad suffer a stroke and fight with Alzheimer’s at the same time. A not too subtle message of preparation for what comes before eternal life!
Amazing Grace continues to be my favorite song. I’m discouraged about my sphere of influence though it might be greater in a tighter arena. Most of the things I worried about this year didn’t happen. I still live in a spectacular home even though it is rented. And that is something to thank God for in this world of foreclosures.
I hope that I appreciate what others do for me, more than I have in the past. That success truly does have many fathers. “It’s a Wonderful Life” continues to remind me that friends are where the real wealth is. And the strength of family should not be discounted. And it all comes as a result of sacrificial giving first and placing the needs of others above our own is the only true way to survive.
I’m old enough to dream dreams that I might not realize but young enough to crave a vision for what I still might do that is a contribution to sanity in this life.
Disaster’s have a way of clearing a path for a new way of seeing the world. Hardship really is the pathway to peace. Thank God for a little more time: A new year with a new agenda is on the horizon. Seize the moment.
by Al & Norma
Brother Duncan, you were the artist at our first ever Christian concert in Nutley, N.J. where you commented
What’s the town mascot- the squirrel?’ We immediately bought “Quiet Prayers” and were blessed that you glorified Jesus’ name
and edified our souls.
Anyway, we’ve sent an email or two and a cd gift to either Street Level or Ray ware in the last two or so years. It was right after I ran into you and another NehoSoul bandsman on Broadway after the “Dove” awards were you got mad at them and told me about
it.
I totally embraced you and commented on Bernard Harris who was gigging on Second just across from the “Wildhorse”.
I gave you your space even though you told me your were humbled by my admiration of your anointed work.
I later worked in Memphs and worshipped Easter at a chruch where a sister there new you from ealier days I have to recall who she is another time.
Anyway, we are blessed to read of your newest endeavors and hpe to buy some music soon.
I also was totally blessed at a Street Level event at a venue just down a bit from the Wildhorse when you and the other musicians were so amazing. I HOPE THIS TIME we can hear back from you.
You and your website did make it on one of record liners… for God’s glory always.
I have so fortunate to work with many artists as I volunteer at a N.Y. area FM station- STAR 99.1.
I’ll close here prayerful that you will receive this message, be blessed buy it and receptive for all that He has in store for yuo in ‘10.
Know, Bryan, that you have inspired me to travel the world, to praise and worship with many believers, write and record… all after praying for you after we met you in Nutley. HOPE YOU DON’T think we’re nuts.
Here’s a voicemail number if you’d like 888-354-2755.
I will try again to reach out through Street Level / Ray Ware.
Pls. reply ?
THE LORD’S WILL BE DONE, HIS LOVE BE WITH YOU ALWAYS, Al and Norma.
posted 6 months ago
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