In many ways it is difficult to believe I am in my sixties. While some of the energy and physical abilities are not what they used to be, the drive, passion and beauty in my life still motivate and push me forward everyday. There is always something new, grand and amazing to learn or experience.
I have reached another time and point of reflection. Early February of 2015 my daughter Alisa and I discussed starting a blog. She had an idea powered by an amazing sense of urgency. She wanted me to not only give more people the opportunity to hear the songs I have written and recorded over the years – songs she had grown up with, went to sleep with, woke up with and watched as the final versions became etched in what ever media was available at the time – she was firmly committed that I should also tell ‘my story’. She insisted (over and over) that I have had a fascinating life and wonderful experiences that people would enjoy and even learn from.
I don’t feel special, exceptional or – I hate to use the word worthy, but it does fit here – though I have known and attracted so many amazing people and been very lucky to have been involved with them to become a focal point in their lives.
I was not sure what the benefit was and frankly I – as I often do – found it difficult to believe others would be interested in the realization of dreams, struggles and successes I managed to accomplish over the many years. I knew how much the people and music meant to me, of that I had no doubt and never down-played. I could talk about them for hours. It was the subject of promoting myself that was always alien territory for me. I just never considered going there.
She did not give in. She refused to give up. She did not accept my cavalier attitude when talking about my work. She also saw me as a person who played by the rules – sometimes to a fault – and saw the limited acknowledgement and success I had achieved while others became famous by using ‘tactics’ that were not even in my personal vocabulary. Her design was to use my vocabulary. To ‘play the game’ on my terms, to reach out to an audience without standing on a drowning man’s shoulders to get above the water.
That month; February 2015, I surrendered. We launched the MIDIMike blog. I wrote articles and ideas for posts. She pushed and pushed to make sure I shared my stories and the feelings experienced for them. She worked hard to set up the blog site, reach out to other bloggers, schedule releases of songs and so much more. In fact, reading this article she will probably say “you are doing it again!”. She would point out this is not about her, but about my work and my life, which are so often one in the same. Old habits and all that LOL.
I was not sure if this would survive three months but I was determined to put in at least as much effort into the blog as she did. I was not going to be the reason if it did not match her goals and plan. If it lasted six months we could say we gave it a great effort.
The first anniversary for MIDIMike came this month. I look at the articles posted, the comments from followers, the amazing relationships and shear talent of this community and wonder how I could find anything more ‘worthy’. I have learned so much from so many of you it is difficult to thank each of you individually, but I am sure you are aware that I try very hard to do so. I do not take your selfless time, effort and caring for granted.
You have allowed me to share past events and the emotions experienced during those and current events. From deaths of loved ones, creation of new songs and old ones, tragedies, fires and life changing events friends have been faced to new poetry, ancient videos and my recent unemployment late in life. It has been an amazing year.
On this anniversary, I am also aware of your support. Your kindness. I am only driven harder than Alisa could drive me, if you can believe that is possible! I will continue. Not only with MIDIMike and our community but with more of the music behind everything I do. Your comments have inspired me to bring more of these gems out of deep storage, or to take unfinished works out of the closet and record them.
To take your advice and to thank you again for so much, I am releasing a new EP on this first anniversary. “Before The Chase“ is now available on iTunes and CD Baby. A new song along with new/updated recordings are on this first release. I promise you there will be more and I will continue to share the stories behind them with followers of this blog, and I guarantee to listen to and be guided by your comments.
Like so many talented musicians and artists we do not start out thinking ‘this is a great career path’ and we will be rich making popular songs. We start because we feel it and enjoy what we do. The truth is probably closer to reality – we do not become rich until someone else realizes they can make money from those talented people and their works.
So much in one year. Totally appreciated.
Greta Title of the Post – thank you Midi Mike for a very entertainning blog and i have to agree – two years later for me and here I am another nigth tapping away at my blog talking to my favourite anonymous friends….take it easy! Congrats on the release!
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Good to know. You are so welcome. I certainly hope to be plugging away two years and frankly do not see a reason to stop visiting fellow bloggers and posting new articles for a long time. Thank you so much. Always good to hear from you.
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Good Man! Ta!
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You know it takes one to know one!
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Yay! Congratulations on your blogiversary and let me know when it drops on I-tunes.
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I know! This has been great and I am so thankful for the support and comments. I will let you know, and post the link as soon as I know it is live.
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Happy Anniversary! Keep on playing the game on six strings, four strings, white keys, black keys or any way you want it. Ok, enough with the metaphors and musical references 😀 Just keep on being the person you describe in your post ’cause that’s one good man 🙂
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Your comments always make me smile! Such a great outlook. Thank you and I will continue to share my music and the great music my friends have allowed me to participate in.
I try, and appreciate your friendship more than you know.
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Now YOUR comment made ME smile 🙂 I know you appreciate all of us following your blog cause it’s all in your writing 🙂
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Good to hear! In many ways I intentionally cut off outside personal contact and I consider this a life-line to humanity. Maybe with your help I will heal enough to venture out again. Thank you so much.
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I did that too, isolating myself from the outside world. But given the right community – that seems to exist here – there’s so much humanity can give you that you can’t find behind the confines of a wall. You can take that wall apart brick by brick and and build in a door for whenever you feel like taking a walk on the outside. I’d be very happy to help you 🙂
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I agree with you totally and have come to appreciate this environment more than I thought possible. I have been dismantling the fortress little by little and actually you have already been a help and I will continue to depend on you, as I am open to your suggestions!
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It’s good to know that you’re coming out of your fortress – even for a little while!
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I know! Progress. I just need to work it into a routine or habit.
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You will, don’t worry 🙂
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Congratulations!
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Thanks! Could not have done it without you (and of course, my daughter)!
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I’m getting a copy of your ep!
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I am glad to hear that and hope you enjoy! Those are some of my favorite acoustic tunes. Thank you.
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Everybody has a story, Mike–and every one of them has worth and value–and you never know when yours may save somebody who’s drowning.
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I agree. I often ponder the actions of others and how a thoughtful comment or story at the right time can change a life or inspire other stories. You are a great example, and it has been my pleasure to be a part of your story.
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Thank you for the lovely words 🙂
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Just keep posting and reaching out. You fill a very large void in my world.
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Wow…guess we just never know. I’m humbled by your comment–thank you, Mike.
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You are right, we don’t know until we are given feedback. I try to make sure I let people know the impact they have and do not want to take it for granted. It is often too late when we realize what we ‘should have said’.
You are always welcome and appreciated.
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I agree with you–it doesn’t cost any time at all to appreciate others with a few words 🙂
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I love your story.. keep writing..
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That is wonderful of you to say. I respect your thoughts and comments. Thank you for making me smile!
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Congrats! Happy anniversary! I’m so glad you started this blog, as I’ve enjoyed the stories and music you’ve shared. It’s been wonderful getting to know you. Always remember, everyone has a story and every story is worth telling. Thank you for being so open with all of us!
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Thank you! We both win and it is hard to think of a better way to spend my time. I am glad you have been a big part of this. Some things we ‘have to do’. It is so wonderful to have things we want to do, and I really appreciate your encouragement and ‘open ear’!
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My pleasure!
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Rock on, Mike!!
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Guaranteed. Ha! Not sure what options there are. It is in my blood and so much history I would not know what else to do.
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Aren’t the kids a wonderful influence ;-). Happy Blog-aversary and continued success with your music!
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Good point! Yes, if we have the courage to listen to them LOL. Thank you so much.
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Happy Birthday, MIDIMike; how was the leap-year party?
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Thanks! The parties get smaller every year, but the people are still great and we had a good time. I was hoping you might be there, but I understand.
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Thanks! As a new blogger, I appreciate hearing about your journey. I’m inspired. Thank goodness you listened to your daughter:)
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You are quite welcome. Thank you for the visit and comments. She was rather persuasive!
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Wow just wonderful! Congratulations on your blog, and music!
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That’s what I thought LOL! It has been my pleasure and a great first year. Thank you as always!
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Peace.
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Congratulations.
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Thank you! It has been really fun. The best part is finding y’all! Take care.
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Always wish you the best, Mike.
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And it does not go unnoticed. Many thanks.
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Reblogged this on Bioman – Bruce E Saunders and commented:
This is a good man – his music is sound and his heart is excellent!!
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“It was the subject of promoting myself that was always alien territory for me. I just never considered going there.”
That chimed with me. Also your comment which describes how you feel your accomplishments would be of little interest to others. I know that one too. ‘Truth is, there are stories to be told – big stories, I mean – of the smallest of matters. But they’re only small in their untelling. And they become big when told; so need to be told. We’re all especially ordinary: which is to say, as my daughter once observed, why does extraordinary mean what it does, if extra-ordinary is what it says?
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Only small in their untelling. Beautiful way to view this. Your daughter is right. It is a wonder we can communicate at all when words confuse their own meaning.
Much appreciated and your comments helped a lot.
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Pleasure to help, and be helped …
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That is the win-win I have come to appreciate here. Thank you.
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Happy 1 phenomenal year anniversary! I may not be familiar with all the stories you have shared and mentioned in this post, but what I can speak to is how truly genuine your writing comes across. One of several admirable qualities I read is your relationship with music regardless of whatever you might be facing. Too often I have encountered individuals who along the way due to life challenges give-up the thing that is going right for them, whether it is a passion, talent, hobby, or anything that brings them inner happiness. When life gets tough, I believe one must hold onto the things they still have with greater urgency.
Also, I did not know the backstory to your blog’s launching; sounds like you have an amazing daughter! Enjoy the rest of your special day.
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Thank you so much! I get caught off guard with compliments like genuine or sincere as in your comment (which I truly appreciate as you know) because I don’t say or do anything different. I am a guy balanced delicately between emotion and logic – and there is no safety net LOL! I am glad you see that is really who I am. A line from one of the songs on the new EP says, ‘I gave my last dime when I was begging on the streets’. That is the way I feel sometimes and never regret it. Logic insists we cannot live like that for long, but when it is needed we all have something to share, even if it is only words of encouragement or understanding. I agree with your observation as well. I think many people do not have a ‘core or center’. If things do not go well, they drop what has been good for them. Maybe out of desperation, maybe because they do not know any other way to respond to difficult times. I am lucky in that I have that core. Along with family and great friends, I am centered; stable. I have a lot of history to hold on to when other things slip away. I am glad to know you and appreciate your insights.
She does all the work and I get all the credit! We make a great team.
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One of the many things I like about writing and blogging is how I believe a greater picture is created by the individual, or in your case the artist via your music. There are no character limitations, rather the content is more raw, which I believe is more beautiful. You demonstrate having acquired great wisdom throughout history as you say and your writing or music represents sharing that wealth of knowledge. I enjoyed reading your statement regarding balancing logic and emotion (as it sparked an entire philosophical investigation in my mind), and I think it is something very difficult to do and we as humans struggle to understand. I agree 100% that there is no safety net; at the end of the day we try to do the best we can. New perceptions, realizations, and other changes result from trial and error. We all have a relationship with the human condition, whether we choose it or it chooses us, and it sounds like you chose to confront it, given you were able to build a stable core foundation as an outcome. Through suffering the heart and soul are strengthened and made more balanced. The line you mention from your song captures exactly to what you speak of between balancing logic and emotion, and I would add speaks on compassion. I am grateful I met you and that I have the honor to learn more about your story and voice. Indeed, both you and your daughter are blessed to have one another.
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My good friends have always called me ‘a closet teacher’. I do enjoy sharing things I have learned or been helped by others to see. Sometimes it is simply a different perspective, and sometimes it is a new realization that inspires me. I feel we all struggle with balance in one way or another. I also mention having history in making lots of mistakes. Trial and error are great instructors and if we do not fear making mistakes we have no choice to get better. Not only with the task at hand, but also in surviving and learning from those mistakes. I am not afraid to say I don’t know something. The strengthening you mention I sum up with the saying that kites rise highest against the wind. If things are always ‘blowing your way’, how can you get stronger? The honor is mine and I thank you so much for being here with me. Your comments are precious.
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Your response made me smile. Thank you!
I hope you are having a meaningful day.
Regards
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We are both celebrating our one year anniversary this month! Congrats! I am really thankful I’ve met you on here and smile at the testimony you gave about the persistence and love of your daughter because she is right, your posts/songs affect people. Cheers.
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Wow, very cool and happy anniversary! It may have taken me half my life but I think I have finally found ‘home’. Here is to another good year!
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Raises coffee cup lol, Cheers 🙂
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Congratulations…
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Thank you! It has been a pleasure indeed.
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Alisa is very wise, good thing she kept pushing you. You are a reminder that morals, ethics, and being a person of substance is far more important the fame and fortune. Doing it on your terms is admirable.
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She is a smart cookie! She understood what the blogging community is and how I could relate to so many special people in a way that would engage me and allow me to come out of my shell. I have also seen fame, fortune, unhampered freedoms ruin some of my best friends and public celebrities. I am happy just where I am! Thank you for your thoughts and great comments.
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Ooops, forgot to say congratulations on your one year anniversary!!
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Ha! That was taken for granted LOL!
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😁
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Happy anniversary MM.
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Thanks, and on to the next year!
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Hello MidMike:) Happy Anniversary! Tonight I about the neighbor visiting friends. I’ve stopped by to see how your doing since the job thing happened. Here, again, a lovely post and gracious words for your daughter and fellow neighbors and friends:) You are one of my very first “followers” and I appreciate your help in encouraging me along my hearts journey. Your post have made me chuckle, cry tear for your friend who lost his home to fire, and smile at your wedding photo:) blessings to whatever you place your hand to Mike. You are awesome and a gentlemen, and it is a privilege to call you friend:)
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Thank you, neighbor! I am filling up my free time rather quickly. I figured it would take a while to find a position I like, so I am not discouraged – yet! What more can a guy ask for? You take your valuable time and share it with me and your posts are shared with others. I will continue to follow and enjoy our friendship as well. Thank you for the awesome comments!
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I couldn’t imagine being on Earth as long for as long as you have. Wishing you many more years of good health and happiness!
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It is hard to think I will be here for a few more decades as well. But I will try to enjoy every minute of it!
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Congratulations! First, your daughter sounds amazing. I am so glad she encouraged you to start this blog. I love reading your stuff and chatting with you. I appreciate your support and kindness. I love reading about your music and your sound engineer work. Can’t wait to hear your music on Itunes!
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Thanks! The people I have met made this so much more than I anticipated blogging would be. It has been a great first year and I am preparing to leap into the next. I am glad you have been involved and I will continue knowing it is appreciated.
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I’m glad I am involved too!!
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Another win-win. Score! LOL
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Happy anniversary! I’m glad you jumped into it. The edge can seem frighting, I know, but if no one does it we loose all those great stories we recognize ourselves and feel united with. This world needs brave people like you, just keep going, Mike! 😉
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Thank you! I am glad I jumped in as well. Not so scary once you get your feet wet LOL.
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I can so feel your heart in this post. I remember my very first piano teacher. I was 7 or 8 years old. She only taught me for a few months, but whenever we sat at the piano, she was so excited about music and teaching it, it kept me excited and engaged. Plus she was humble and approachable. Turns out she knew quite a few famous/influential people too. Sounds like you, right? 🙂
It’s not always the names in lights that emit the greatest light. Congrats and well done, Mike. Keep sharing your talent.
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You are lucky to have had an example of great teaching so early. It is the enthusiasm that drives us and when we get a chance to see it in others, or to show out to others we gain so much from sharing. Like you, I believe it is everyone of us that radiate the light that guides. Too often the spotlight can blind us. Thank you so much for the thoughtful comments. It means a great deal to me.
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You’re welcome, Mike. I’m glad it did. Thanks so much for your response too. I am, of course, in total agreement.
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Keep in touch. You have great observations and outlook. Happy Friday!
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Thanks Mike. Will do. Wishing you a great week.
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THANK YOU for sharing your words in this way. As a fellow musician and songwriter, it’s so inspiring and refreshing to read about your journey and all of the ups and downs. And you’re right, no one chooses this path for the money and that makes for a brave and honest soul! Thanks Midimike for writing and sharing your music!
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You are so welcome and this truly had been my pleasure. I am really glad my writings have had a positive impact. It is humbling to read your comments. Here is to all the brave and honest souls out there, and thank you for being one of us! I am also inspired by your kind words. Thank you so much.
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It’s been purely an honor being invited into your life via this blog! I’ve enjoyed getting to read your thoughts, opinions and get a taste of your music all at the click of a button! Thanks for writing, and thanks to your daughter for her perseverance 🙂
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What an amazing comment. I am not sure what to say. When I stop smiling I will try to think of something witty LOL! For now, thank you so much for visiting and your time. You are very welcome and I will thank her for you as well. If it were not for her I would have missed meeting you and a great platform to share music and stories with so many great people. Thank you so much.
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You and your daughter are like old souls one enchanting the other. What a nice place to be for the both of you. I’m glad I found your blog.
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I think of out more like brain washing LOL! We do make a pretty good team. Good to know you as well. I will hopefully have new videos posted in the next few weeks on YouTube. Slow progress but I have some ideas I am working on. Thank you for the kind comments.
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Belated congratulations on the first anniversary of your blog and releasing your EP on iTunes.
Like you, I find it hard to believe I ‘m in my sixties. Thanks for visiting my blog pages. I have been silent this last month, settling my mum into a care home has depressed my spirit, but reading your blog this morning made me realise that I will feel better if I return to writing my book – and post a new blog entry. So thank you from your follower across the water.
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Thank you so much. I know what you mean about time moving through the decades! I also understand the difficulties of caring for family members as they get older or as health fails. I have been fortunate in that I am doing fine and continue to take care of myself as much as possible. I am sure you have been told depression is normal when faced with dramatic changes, but that does not make it easier. Keep working on what inspires you and makes you happy. If I have helped in some small way I am glad. Music and writing have helped me through a life of constant change. Some great things and some tough ones, so keep writing. It is actually a ‘small pond’ after all! Thank you for keeping in touch.
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