Life influence?

The summer after I was in 8th grade, getting ready to head to High School, my mom had to go to Los Angeles on business for 2 weeks; one week it was me and my sister and one week it was just me. While my mom was in her work stuff during the day, pretty much I was free to wander (probably not a good idea in hindsight! ). Anyway, during that trip I read the book "No One Here Gets Out Alive" about Jim Morrison. The hotel where we were staying from was pretty close to Venice Beach - not walking distance but close enough the hotel shuttle would take you there. I guess just being 13 years old, starting to discover more types of music, being in California and the Venice Beach scene (which is pretty overwhelming for a 13-year old from Missouri who hadn't traveled much), reading that book in basically the same area where it happened, really had an impact on me. At that time, I didn't know much about the Doors beyond "Break on Through" and "Light My Fire", but it lead to me discovering their music, probably lead to some of my drug experimentation and the desire to want to live the rock n roll lifestyle. I'm sure it had its fair share of positive and negative effects on me but it definitely did have an impact and around 24 years later some of the sensations from those 2 weeks are still very clear memories.

Dave

www.soundclick.com/steakbone

Shad I was having a tuff time trying to figure it out and then I read bapu's post and now I know......they didn't tell me there was 12 steps!

For met it was reading The Once and Future King by T.H. White, when I was 8 yrs old or so. That really gave me a first glimpse of how 'big' the world can be. Little gem of a read, that. I was a very fortunate young man.

Beethoven's 9th Symphony

The book "The Agony and the Ecstasy"

I feel that the 9th symphony put me in touch with the true muse, the highest possible form of human expression, and communion with a much higher authority than mankind, himself, could ever attain. Still feel that way today. The word sublime doesn't even begin to express what the 9th symphony is. Totally changed my life, both musically and spiritually.

The Agony and the Ecstasy gave me a much more down to Earth view of exactly what it takes to live and breathe and succeed at being a artist.

Best regards,
Bill

Well, let's see here -

Taoism - by way of martial arts training. I consider myself extremely fortunate that during my years involved in the arts I numbered among my teachers several.... easterners?.... asians?... (don't want to be un-PC, here) who were born and raised in their respective countries. To them, the arts were NOT about punching and kicking - that was just part of a larger philosphy regarding life, and our purpose therein. With their help, I was able to shed myself of an anger and unrest that had dogged me for a great part of my early life. They showed me that, in the same instant, I was utterly powererless - and the most powerful force on the planet. When you truly realize that there is no contradiction there, let's talk.

I'll resist the urge to wax pedantic on you, and simply say - we really ARE just leaves on a cosmic stream, here by a random convergance of events. Quit trying so hard to control things, and just enjoy the ride.

BTW - I'm well into my 50's now, carrying about 20 extra pounds in all the saggy places - I haven't kept up on my training. But the philosophies will be with me to the grave.

More pragmatically - the writings of Robert Heinlein. I can't think of a single book of his - including his "kids" books - that didn't cause me to think differently about SOMETHING - social conventions, life and death, sex, technology, patriotism..... love. Book after book caused me to look more closely at - and be willing to challenge - our "monkey customs" and tribal behavior. We're not as advanced as we tell ourselves we are - though the potentials we possess are staggering....

(Brother Johnson will now pass among you with the collection plate........)

OH! Can't let this go without credit where credit is due - Art and Jeanenne Peaco. Prior to my involvement in the martial arts, still an angry, restless kid on the streets, this amazing young couple took me into their home, showed me respect and patience, made me take a long look at where I was heading, and what I was doing to those around me. Lost track of them years ago, but on the off chance that they're Sonar users - Thanks, folks. I owe you more then I can ever say - and I'm still paying it forward. Always will.

One step into the light, one step away from night, it`s the hardest step you`re gonna take ...................................................

Find the mission of your life and start to be........................................................................................................................

The truth will set us free, we cannot loose, we just have to choose.


(Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues from the song "One step into the light")

Psychotropic drugs

Women

Insurrection

Music

Art

Noise

Me




(in no particular order)

No particular verse or message in a song/art/book that did it... My older brother (by 7 yrs.) had a massive 45rpm record collection. If I wasn't busy playing army in the back-woods I would sit in the chair and just listen to those records. I would create 'scenes' in my mind while listening. Maybe a form of escapism, but it put me in a better place, and still does to this day. There was a neighbor who had an acoustic guitar and would sit on his porch and sing/play old CW songs. To see and hear someone up close and personal make music, did it for me. It was much more than listening to a record. 10 yrs. later and I got my 1st guitar and it kept me out of more trouble than I was already in and still keeps me in that 'good place'....

ORIGINAL: Nick P

Three of the most life changing influences here have been:

Mike McCue

Space Cowboy

YourOlPal

They have taught me that the art of being a wise**s has no boundaries. Its subtleties expand as one pushes the envelope. They are witty beyond description. True geniuses all.

LOL

Hmmm... run afoul the citizens have you?

Hmmm, a pint of Bailey's? You're on!

If you're "Old Gregg" don't you dare show me your mangina!!!