Let me start my first blogpost by saying I have no idea what I’m doing! Ha!! But here we go:
12/2/18
It’s early December as I write this; our Christmas tree is decorated; my wife (Amanda) and daughter (Adley, 10) reading on the couch, and my son (August, 6) already asleep upstairs. I’m nursing an annoying cold/cough with an “essential” oil mixture my wife googled, that is surprisingly helping. And I take a quiet moment to reflect on all that has happened this past year: turning 40, coaching my son’s soccer team, Amanda’s surgery, losing my grand-mom at age 90, our band playing at Creation festival, and so much more.
I think about life and all that it encompasses. How it can be an incredible adventure, but can also be incredibly mundane. At times it can fill you with hope, but it can also break you down.
It’s a funny thing turning 40. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I do notice a subtle awareness now of how fleeting life is, and the sense that we all live day to day so casual, without any sense of urgency. This leads me down a trail of thought about my own purpose in life and what (if any) sort of unique mark I can contribute to this thing called existence.
The thing I keep coming back to, which may be a small thing, are songs. I’ve been writing and playing music for the better part of 10 years now, and even though it’s always been a “side thing” for me, it has actually been one of the main things driving me. So even though it’s not my career, I do it with a sense of purpose and passion.
However, as life has evolved, and responsibilities have grown, I’ve had to prioritize my time and energy to the most important things, and see what’s left for the rest. This can be frustrating. Just being honest. There’s only so much time in a day and my energy level is not what it used to be! With that said, I recognize and appreciate this season of my life for what it is, and try not to waste time wishing it could be any different, like having more time to do music (hard to do).
Social media also doesn’t help, when you see other people constantly pursuing and accomplishing their dreams. “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Repeat, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
All this leads me to my main point and purpose for this blog/site. I was recently inspired by a friend who has his own web site for posting any creative projects he works on (music, film, photography) with blog posts about each one. I thought what a great way to have a home base like that as a creative outlet. And I figured “why not give it a try?” Then I thought, to give the idea some parameters and context (plus I like goals), I decided I would try my best to release 1 song every month, perhaps accompanied by a little post about the song.
So that’s why this is here. A creative dumping ground that will allow me to keep working on music, while still keeping up with all the responsibilities life is throwing at me. A place for me to “get it out”, even if no one ever reads or hears any of it.
With all of that said, be on the lookout in the very near future for hopefully new song releases (first one in January)!! And thank you for taking the time to read.
Love it babe! So happy you are doing this.
XOXO
What a great idea Aaron! I’m excited to be able to keep up to date with your music, and you:)!
Thanks so much Kev!! Miss you guys. Hope all is well in Florida!
Great start! God is going to bless your obedience!
Thanks Corie!! I really appreciate all your support the past couple years!
Hey Aaron I here ya, after years of talking about playing piano a few weeks ago I actually started to take lessons. My goal is to have a better understanding of music and writing, hopefully adding more colors to my pallet.
40 didn’t seem like such a big deal but 50, 60, and this week 70 still don’t. What is very real is how short our time here on Earth really is.
Yeah Glenn!! That’s awesome to hear. It’s great to always be stretching ourselves to try new things. Keep me posted, we should work on some songs together! And by the way, Happy Birthday!!
Congratulations! One song a month is a good goal; I’ve been painting to the detriment of songwriting, but my goal for 2019 is also 1 song per month. Let’s do it!
Ha! Let’s do it Lee! We can encourage each other to make it happen!
Way to go Aaron! I know we will all be inspired by your music and your thoughts on life.
Thanks dad!!