I hate to be dramatic about things…oh, who am I kidding? I'm one of the most dramatic people I know! I've been called a few things in my life, but, one of the most memorable (and apt, I think) is a romantic. I get completely wrapped up in movies and their characters. Suspension of disbelief is my specialty. In this sense, writing a blog is perfect for me. Gives me an outlet to almost make a character of myself. I can read my own 'story' if you will after I finish writing it. Sounds a little bit on the selfish side, but, it's not such a bad characteristic, is it? Anyway, I scrolled back and read my first blog post here and the title inspired me a bit. A bit cliché, but, perfect for me (cue the sappy nostalgic music score here).
Having said that, I think it's time to bring this blog to a close. That's right - it's time to put the following picture to rest.
No, it's not of me. It's Ben Affleck from the final scene of "The Town." It's how I've pictured myself for the last 2 years out at sea. Stepping away from pretty much everything and acquiring some new perspective.
I won't say that the 'Walkabout' is over…not sure if it ever will be. I will say that spending the last 2 years as a musician on ships has done me a lot of good. That might just be the understatement of the year! In any case, I've decided to stop working on ships. At least, for now. Let's consider it an extended break…never say never, you know. To quote an important concept that I think I've figured out over the last 2 years, "Nothing is permanent."
To that end, I want to extend a hearty THANK YOU to all of you who have kept up with me since March 9, 2012. There are way too many people to name, but, this blog has enabled me to keep in touch with so many people while I've been 'away' and I'm very grateful for that and those relationships. Even in today's world of seemingly endless connectivity with the internet, cell phones, and what not - this blog has allowed me the opportunity to share what's been going on with me and stay in touch with people in an entirely unique way. And, people have noticed and read and commented and emailed and called and texted and face-booked and visited and on and on. It has meant very much to me and I hope that we continue to stay in touch even now as the blog goes quiet.
Plans for the future? Well, to steal a line from the TV show "Parenthood" (I told you I was a romantic! What's more over-the-top than scripted TV drama underscored by acoustic guitars?), April 13, 2014 - April 13, 2015 is going to be "the Year of Carl." I've decided that I have a few priorities in my life:
1) Playing trombone for a living.
2) Living on land.
3) Living in one place.
As such, I've made a move to Grapevine, Texas. It's in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and I intend to try and continue my professional musician career on land here. I already have a great start with the cover band, "Party Machine" with whom I'm very happy to be playing weekly. The band leader is a former student of mine from my first teaching job in Wyandotte, Michigan all the way back in 1997 (How's that for drama? You can't write this shit!). It's an excellent jumping off point. I plan to cultivate more gigs, private students, and possibly some clinician opportunities while living here. As I've learned, nothing is permanent. So, I don't harbor any illusions that this is the last place I'll ever live or the last career I'll ever have, but, it is what I'm doing right now. And that's good enough for me.
So - it's time to hang up the blog. For now anyway (nothing is permanent, remember?). I'd like to think that the last post of this blog will be viewed as I view it: from the audience witnessing a slow moving camera shot of people smiling and reading the last entry while that nostalgic motif that is a staple of all the great 80's dramas (miss you John Hughes!) slowly crescendos from the background only to fade into credits. I know, I know. It's dramatic and cheesy, but, the right people will understand.
As my wonderful friend John Garvie is fond of saying, "Thanks for listening."
Stay in touch!
P.S. For my first 2 contracts, I had put together a picture slideshow of some of the highlight pics. My iMovie is not agreeing with me right now, so, you'll have to check my facebook page for the photos and provide your own music. Need help with your background music for that or this post? Here are some suggestions:
Simple Minds: Don't You Forget About Me (The Breakfast Club)
Snarky Puppy: Thing of Gold (a modern one, not from a movie that I know of…and just for fun)
The Dream Academy: The Edge of Forever (Ferris Bueller's Day Off)
The Dream Academy: Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want (Ferris Bueller's Day Off)
Thompson Twins: If You Were Here (16 Candles)
Nancy Wilson: All For Love (Say Anything)
John Musser & Stephen Hague: Final Scene Underscore (Some Kind Of Wonderful)
