open space

There are few bands that I’ve listened to consistently for 40 plus years, with regularity. There are far fewer bands that have stayed intact that long; with the same members, performing the same original music.
Few bands that have remain dedicated to performing their music in their own unique style; free of trends and kowtowing to industry demands.
Rush was one of those bands.
This Canadian trio forged music on its own terms, uncompromising, diligent to the point of exacting, both live and in the studio.
You cannot deny the talents of front man and bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson, but behind it all was the percussive magic of drummer Neil Peart and the lyrics that gave the sound its soul.
Together these three musicians were unparalleled.
The band stopped performing live in 2015, releasing its last studio album in 2012.
The oft asked question was whether the band would ever play together again, or whether there would be another album.
The questions were answered Friday when it was announced that drummer Neil Peart had died following a three-year battle with brain cancer.
As I read the news Friday, about his death earlier in the week, I went numb. The quote above, one of the first I read on my mobile device that afternoon, stuck with me.
This man — this band — never compromised. As a result, we were rewarded with decades of amazing music. Rush did what they did, and they did it well.
The band will forever be more than a footnote in the annals of music history.
Rush left an indelible mark.
I’m still listening.

01/12/2010                                         j.g.l.

It is your story
Tell it.
Believe it
Live it.
It’s not the same
as anyone else’s.

j.g.l.

j.g.l.

Try something new.
It’s a new year, a new decade, and it is time for something new.
Don’t overwhelm yourself (often that can prevent any attempt at a new beginning; oh, the anxiety that comes with change), just set an intention to try something, anything, new.
It doesn’t have to be anything big, just something new.
To often we think change has to be a monumental thing, when we know (or we learn) that it’s the small, subtle changes that become the most noticeable over time.
What is important to you?
Try something new, for you.

01/02/2020                                       j.g.l.

     Open mind,
 eyes blind to what
is before us.

If we can look past
all we know or see,
    is it possible
 to think past
     what we believe?

  What lies ahead?
      What will be?

12/31/2019                                          j.g.l.

Believe in the coming day, the opportunities that will come, and the generations to follow. What is now is not what will be, and all we had is only a shadow of where we were.
Evolution happens, no matter how well, or how poorly, we are prepared. If we have not readied ourselves for the times ahead, we may well gain a more meaningful experience by simply maintaining a spirit open to the expansion and contraction of our lungs, and allowing our eyes to wander
If we only look straight ahead, we will certainly miss out on uncertain wonders, necessary distractions, and our true potential.
Breathe and see what could be, and let others notice exactly what you are.
Celebrate the darkness, and the light, that will guide you through another year.

 j.g.l.