Remaining Open

When you remain open, you get much more. I went to an event to support one of our local high schools I attended, and in the sea of faces at the time, I knew very few.

I tried a new Hazy beer from one of the vendors, exchanged some laughs and walked around - eventually asking a couple sitting at one of the myriad round tables if I could join them.

“Yes, please do.”

We had much in common – where we grew up, families we knew, and after comparing and sharing some food together, more commonalities of what make us people trying to get along emerged.

Two young people joined us, who turned out to be the couple’s daughter and possibly future son in law. They were gracious, kind and fun human beings.

A man tapped me on the shoulder. Reunited with another good-hearted soul at this event, he talked about trying to redirect his energies to take better care of himself.

I listened, and offered that he was on the right track.

“Not many people figure this out, until they crash and burn, and then make a change. You are a wise man for doing it now.”

He laughed.

I excused myself, left temporarily to get another beer, and someone said after shaking hands, “When I think of you, I remember when you used to play drums with that band doing Led Zeppelin.”

I smiled. “Oh, yes. Our drummer, Dave Wilkes was an awesome young man. He’s probably still rocking.”

“You didn’t play the drums?”

“No…I’ve tried it, but you need that special knack for it.”

I told him I did the vocals, that it was a distant memory, but those were great times, and I explained that our lead guitarist is now a professional, and plays in many well-known twin cities venues.

I decided I didn’t need another beer, and went back to the table. My thirst must have been quenched in conversation.

My friend Sean intercepted me in the crowd, and we went back to my original spot and socialized some more.

Another person told me I should keep writing and that I should tell everyone that I sell a lot of books, which isn’t the case.

“Don’t you sell a bunch?” He continued.

“For me, it would be nice, but I do it for the catharsis, and I believe I have something to say and offer.”

There was a pause, and then I said, “I more than break even, but I do not get cash advances like Oprah, Sting, or Taylor Swift.”

Not sure if Taylor has a book out, yet. I just said that anyway.

He laughed. “Don’t sell your stuff too short. It’s good. Tell ‘em you sell a lot.”

He was persuasive and enthusiastic in his advice, but I am just not built that way.

But, I remain open.

I am also open to you buying my books.