A Lesson To Share

Tonight, I read the most intense, most descriptive, and most emotional blog post that I had ever read in my life. 

The blog post comes from Dr. Froth, author of the blog “Frothtonomy”. Better known by THIS blog as the bassist of SIX MINUTE CENTURY. Personally though, I call him the “Father of Dambreaker’s blog” as I have been reading his for quite some time now and by reading his blog, it had convinced me to start a blog of my own.

The post talks about one of the most personal and difficult times in his life.

I had briefly heard this story before. But never in such vivid detail. I have met him before in person. I’ve seen many of his shows, I’ve met his family, I’ve spent time with him inside of his home, and was even invited to his wedding last year.

I think that his recent post though, explores the one side of him that not a lot of people know. And not a lot of people would think that it would define or describe him, as those fans of SIX MINUTE CENTURY have become to know him as a strong-willed, crass, and profane. As well as extremely funny. That of which, can NOT be left out.

To have read his story would probably shock the pants off of some people, and leave other non-believers into a dizzy spell.

Like I said, I knew a little about this story as he told me face to face one day. And as I read and was able to fill in a lot of the blanks by reading this, I was overwhelmed with so much emotion and passion that I simply began a deluge of tears and crying that I could not control.

I had only read one-fourth of the story and I could feel my body tremble. So I began to read it out loud to myself in order to some how distract the rest of my body from doing what is natural and attempting to prevent the tears from coming.

It was unsuccessful.

However I could just imagine how difficult it may have been for him to have to re-live this part of his life in order to tell the story and share it on his own personal blog. Throughout the times reading and hearing my voice narrate, I had a visual sense of “being there” as the story progressed. Even though I knew what the ending was going to be.

But alas, I did not know. I was wrong. And no, I was never REALLY there.

Near the end, Dr. Froth presents a wonderful lesson that he had shared along with his story. And because I was able to get through to the end of the story, I found that message. I found that lesson. And it turned on the light bulb inside of my own head.

Message received.

As I finished up with the last few tears that I shed, in my heart I just have to believe that Dr. Froth know the love and respect that I have for him. Not only as a professional and a musician. But also as a human being and a friend.

I find that “Frothtonomy” has changed my life for good, for the second time. And I am most grateful for that. I cannot say that a lot of people (at least in the recent past) has been able to do that, and more than once!

So I share with you his blog post in the hopes that you too, can learn the lesson that is found within to make YOUR life greater.

http://millsap.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/the-harmoney-of-life/

 

 

Viral Blogging

I have a fun story to tell. Some probably already got a glimpse of this on Facebook. 

I noticed a few days ago that several copies were printed off of my blog post of “The Donut Dollies”. I knew who had done it, but at the time I didn’t say a word. But this morning I noticed that the stack of copies of my printed off blog post were fewer and fewer. So I am guessing that people were taking them to read.

Then the person who was responsible for printing it off and sharing it with the rest of the people here walked in and so I finally asked her about it.

Of course she admitted to doing it and then she explained that she had e-mailed the URL of the blog post to her family and close friends and their families.

She reported that one of her best friends had printed it off and shared the story with their children. And she also sent it to her son, and her son printed it off and shared it with his child as well.

I thought that of course the story of The Donut Dollies was a very interesting one. And apparently they did too.

The children that were told this story actually took the blog with them to school. And they discussed it in their class.

For that, I was amazed and a little flattered.

I know that sometimes my blog as whole gets passed around. That is evident to the amount of total views. Yet I do not really know who else is reading it and I do not know to what extent my blog posts gets shared and passed around. I do however, think that its cool!

And I also know that people are reading, even though they do not come out into the public and tell me “Hey, I liked your post” or whatever. They sit in silence and they read.

I never know which blog post is going to make either a wave or a big splash. But I think that as a writer/blogger when it does happen, it’s something that I become very proud of.

A lot of people seem to enjoy the personal experiences of life that when I look back, is just so funny or silly. Some call me a comedian, but I’m still not on stage or on television talking about my experiences and stories. I’m not sure that’s something I would do. Still people seem to enjoy it.

This post though, seems to have really spread like wildfire, going viral.. statewide.

It will be interesting to see what happens from here. And for those silent readers… thank you. And thank you to all who visit and read my blog.

 

 

 

Deeper Impact

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion”~ Dalai Lama

Tonight, I was totally impacted by a conversation that I had with an old school mate of mine.

She spoke of my kindness and honesty that she has seen recently, as well as from what she remembers back in high school.

And then she told me something that I never knew. Something that was so profound and significant, that flattery could never be the word for it.

She told me of one day while in high school she felt depressed and alone. She had recalled that she had seen me talking to someone in the hallway of the school and when I saw her, I said something to her that made her laugh. Suddenly, she did not feel depressed any more.

Because this happened many, many years ago, I have no recollection of the conversation. Neither does she. But she said that she thought of that moment for many years and how important it had made her feel that I would make her laugh. The memory is faded, but the feelings that were brought on by it are still felt by her today.

I had no idea until today, that she had been so deeply depressed that she was contemplating suicide. But because I had made her feel important, she did not go through with it. My decision to make her laugh caused a big enough impact on her life that she chose to live, rather than end her life.

When I heard this, I did not know what to say. I did not know how to feel. Is it possible that I could say that “I saved a life”? Would it be selfish and egotistical for me to say that? And why would she even feel that depressed at that moment in her life that she would want to end it? When I had heard about this, “I” was impacted.

The deep and meaningful impact and impressions that we have upon other people actually do happen on a daily basis. It is just that we are not told a lot of the times about these things and so we go on living our lives, not thinking that we are that impressioned person to which caused another person joy or happiness.

Just a few days ago, I was speaking to a new friend of mine, whom we had met through a mutual best friend. She and I both agreed that the person we had in common with, has greatly impacted both of our lives in such wonderous ways that we both in our own minds and in our own lives, are filled with love, appreciation, and gratitude for them.

I asked them, “Have you told her this? Have you told her how much she means to you?”. They had not, but they thought that it was an intelligent idea to do so. So I understand that they are seeking their feelings to find just the right words to say.

It is my firm and personal belief that we has human beings have personal influences in which we know that others are making such a difference in our lives. Those who are always there for us when we are down, and those who help us see the light at the end of the tunnel when we are jammed in the fog.

And therefore, we should be able to share with those who make us happy. We should tell them how wonderful we believe they are in our lives. To show our love and appreciation for all that they have done. Even if it is just a simple comment of “thank you”. I believe that if we do this, the relationship bonds will grow stronger amongst us. And we should not fear that. Why would we even think to fear our friends? We should let them know just how we feel. We should be secure in telling them because they ARE our friends and loved ones, that they would never shun us for our feelings.

How are we to know how others feel about us or how are they to know how we feel about them, if we do not say something?

I do not know what would have happened if that class mate of mine would have said something back then. All I know is that I am glad she said something now. Back then, I was unable to establish a friendship with her. But maybe now I will have my chance.

And I know that for me, I will be sharing more of my feelings with those whom I love and care for, because they deserve to know. How else would anyone survive on this Earth if they are never told what they mean to someone?

I would have to say that I have not changed much in that aspect today as I was in high school. Perhaps maybe I have become more in tune with it. But I am so glad that my class mate is with us today, and she did not kill herself back then.

So remember to keep those in mind who impact your lives. Share with them how you feel when they are there for you. Tell them “thank you”. And do what you can to keep your bonds of your relationships that much stronger.

Why Have A Blog?

“I want to start a blog, but what should I write about?”. I receive this question more than you know.

A lot of people have been asking me personally about whether or not they should have a blog. It seems as if they have already made up their minds about it, but they just do not know what exactly to write about.

I think that it is a fair question to ask. A lot of people now are writing in online blogs. And a lot of people do it for a lot of different reasons.

Some use their blog as an attachment to their careers. Writers and authors who want to keep their minds fresh for their personal projects and aren’t working on them, want to be able to keep their creative writing minds flowing.

Other people use blogs for the purpose of free advertisement. Whatever it is that they are trying to spread the word on, they use a blog now because most blogging websites are free to join.

I’ve even seen blogs created for the purpose of being able to keep in contact with masses of people. Their posts update from time to time on what is going on with their lives and instead of writing individual e-mails over and over again, or using mass messages which may have limitations, they choose to use the blog to get their information out there.

And still there are those who just use it as a hobby. They post creative ideas and writings and want to be able to put their personal work some place where they won’t lose it, as well as be able to share it with others.

There are countless reasons as to why a person uses a blog. This blog has used all of the above. I do not get paid for blogging, and I doubt that I ever will. And that’s just fine. Writing is good therapy in the first place, for some.

But you want a blog that will be something that everyone can read, right?? Of course you do! You want it to be something that people will actually come back to read it because they want to read it. Especially after the first initial impact that was made from their first time visiting.

The most important part of any blog is what you have to say and how you say it. People will return to your blog if they like what you write about a specific subject and they like your writing style.

With that in mind, your blog should be written in a tone appropriate to your blog topic. Keep it personable so as to invite interaction through blog comments and links back to your blog.

So the important question you should ask yourself is “What is it that I want to say?”.

Are you going to list your family’s favorite recipes and concentrate on that subject, or are you wanting to do a “How To” blog and share with the rest of the world your knowledge on how to do stuff?

Once you figure that out, the rest is pure gravy. You can find just the right blogging website to suit your needs. Then you just write, write, write!

The people will come, slowly but surely.

Good Luck.