Prog Metal fan who recently discovered Ambient Pop!

[CRAZY-HORSE]

lmao J-Man....

[MAG2NYC]

Just read your 'Go Your Own Way' & 'Pompeii' articles. Very good. What you should be doing is writing a novel or offering your services to magazines for in-depth articles about real issues. Just my opinion. I think your articles are engaging without being self-serving or boring. There's some real thought behind the words. (unlike rap - sorry, but I had to say that) One thing that comes across is this desire to succeed. This seems to be a big thing in the USA. Everyone seems to be under enormous pressure to earn the right salary, have the right job etc. etc. I have never been to the States, so this is just my own perception and probably incorrect. I find in Europe people are just as ambitious, but they don't let it weigh them down. C'est la vie! But the one thing that comes through loud and clear - you are at a turning point in your life. You have made a conscious decision to change the flow of events. As Bob Dylan once said 'freedom is just around the corner for you'...........try promoting your blog a bit more - you might be pleasantly surprised at the result. I think it's very good - and above all else - very honest. Something that is in short supply worldwide.

Jerome, from the bottom of my heart...thank you for taking the time to read my writing, but most of all, thank you for "getting it." Thank you for your very kind words, and your encouragement. I'm working hard to get my writing career going, and this gave me another much needed shot of confidence that what I'm doing is right. It's funny, but I often go back and read my writing and cringe because I think it's too honest; that people don't want to know that much or hear the message, but *I* do, so I keep going. I'm glad I'm not alone.

I don't think your assessment of the US desire to "succeed" is far off. I've worked in education for almost 20 years, and in retail for the past four, and one of the things that I despise about retail is the way that it drives people to purchase things for the brand name and status rather than choosing things because of quality and craftsmanship. (However, with the recent release of "Ivory Tower" (a movie that exposes the fundamental flaws in US higher education practices) I'm frustrated with education, as well, but I find more hope for change in that system). I find that the US mentality of "more for less" has created a monstrous insecurity that people try to feed with more stuff, more stuff, more stuff, and while I'm not so naive to believe that it doesn't have an important (vital?) role in fueling the economy, I do find that the longer I'm in it, the less I buy. It's a struggle sometimes, though! I mean, I want to look pretty, smell good and have nice things, don't get me wrong! I just don't want to do it at the cost of running up high interest credit card debt and having to pay three times the price as a result. I also don't want to *have* to work a job simply to own and maintain things. Now, if you would have asked me about this 10 years ago, I would have given you a totally different answer, so I recognize that this has been a process of discovery not some kind of moral stance (as some people think). What's most difficult is explaining my approach in face-to-face discussions. A lot of people view it as a criticism of what *they* do (or don't do), but I don't see it that way at all. It's kind of like making the choice to not have children (another thing I've decided and am happy with), people view you as a "child hater" when, in fact, I view it as an act of love because I knew I didn't *want* to have the responsibility so I didn't want to bring a child into my life knowing I'd resent it from the get-go. But I digress...as usual. *laughs*

Just for the record, you've made me smile, think *and* tear up this morning (so, put *that* one in the record books, too!!).

Maybe some day we can collaborate and create a project that combines honest writing with beautiful, inspirational music! Kind of like song writing, but not. *laughs*

Cheers!
Mary

p.s. You better not be dissin' my homegirl rapper, Iggy Azalea! (Blame Music Head for this one - he introduced me to her!! *laughs*)

p.p.s. One of my former students posted this a little while ago, and I just *had* to share because it hits the nail on the head!
[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[Jerome]

A couple of points

Someone once asked me why I decided to not have any children - I told him that I felt I was too irresponsible (which I was at the time) to have any. His answer was - 'Well that's a responsible decision' - go figure.


Yes you are right - many people think that they can fill the void in their lives by buying stuff. Or by constantly rewarding themselves with bits and pieces. It is becoming a disease of epic proportions. I watch people in the company I work for - an American multinational by the way - and they have to have the latest and the greatest of everything. There's a brand new BMW/Merc in the parking lot but he/she does not have the money to fill the tank. Crazy to carry on like that. It's all about stroking your own ego. As for collaborating, you might just have something there - will have to give it some thought. And as for song writing, I have written hundreds. Just never recorded them. Finding good vocalists to interpret them and deliver a performance is an expensive exercise. I have tried session vocalists but never really been too impressed with the results. Anyway, I digress - pursue your writing - it's only a matter of time before someone snaps it up. As for people thinking you are criticizing them in their various 'careers' - they just have not got past the 'me' stage yet. But they will. Then they will see their existence for what it is. Must watch Ivory Tower. The education systems of the world are not encouraging kids to learn about the subjects they naturally gravitate towards - it's 'breeding' new employees for the industries that require young blood to keep the shareholders happy. End result = one very large unhappy workforce. As Bob Marley once said - 'Every day the bucket goes to the well - one day the bottom will drop out'

[CRAZY-HORSE]

i love the conversation MAG2NYC and Jerome are having...good interesting posts,keep it up

[CRAZY-HORSE]

damn!, by posting "good interesting posts,keep it up" ive probably just killed the thread LOL

[MAG2NYC]

damn!, by posting "good interesting posts,keep it up" ive probably just killed the thread LOL

We forgive you, Crazy Horse. You're a new parent!! *laughs*

And don't worry, Jerome and I (and anyone else who wants to jump in) will just talk over you. *LAUGHS*

Cheers!
Mary

[Music Head]

this has got to be the longest introduction thread ever

[MAG2NYC]

You say that like it's a *bad thing,* Music Head!! I'm a loquacious woman, and you guys feed it. Just sayin'... *laughs*

[Music Head]

no words over 5 letters please
I had to look that up

[MAG2NYC]

no words over 5 letters please
I had to look that up

But you *looked it up*...my job here is done. *laughs*