Nothing Is Ever Lost, On A Well-Worn Path

Observation.

As I looked across the train I could not help but notice the casually dressed gentleman standing across from me. Had it been a busier time of day he would most certainly have been obscured from view. This day, though, he was quite apparent. He was sporting an extra long trench coat, which although potentially stylish, on his average frame only served to shorten him. The peculiar aspect of this man was not his attire. Immediately after boarding he retrieved a large key ring from his backpack. The sort you would expect a janitor to carry on his hip. Upon inspecting them for a minute or two, my subject of entertainment for this commute found a number of colored key holders, the sort that encapsulate the large part of the key, in his pocket. These items were of various shapes and sizes, not in the least uniform. Yet it appeared that the intelligent organizer had a very accurate system to maintain. He would carefully select a key from his collection, remove it from the ring, add the colored label, and return it to its rightful place. It was an odd event to witness, as it seemed nearly impossible to keep track of all of these different keys. And further, one would think that adding random colors to these keys could not help to identify them in the future. Yet the wise man continued on until all that was left was a single black key holder in his palm. This last piece he considered for some time. In the end he would settle upon a key that was suitable. It was clear that this was not his ideal, but it did not seem to bother him for more than a minute. The result of this labor was a key ring twice the size of the original. I had to think, ‘why does this man have all of these keys? What is he the guardian of?’ Sure I only have three keys on my key ring, but I probably cling to things in a similar fashion. Whether it be clothing, keepsakes, or more valuable items, are they not all accessories to this life? And ultimately are they not just as useless as a key to what is likely a forgotten lock, or even an old apartment?

St. Patrick's Day

Had a pleasant evening with good friends last night. Culminating in some rather average dessert, it began quite pleasantly as I enjoyed a pint with Chris and Scott. It is a rather silly holiday in part (the part with silly hats and people in bars and people drunk by noon) but part of it is nice. I think anything that promotes friendship and consuming wonderful things should be encouraged. I suppose anything good can be tainted by hooligans though, so you just cannot expect too much. It was nice to experience it in NYC though, and as long as you avoid the bars with patrons literally spilling out on the streets you can find some nice things. A highlight was Ace Bar, which just happened to be nearly deserted and we were able to enjoy billiards and darts in relative peace. I hope wherever you were that you were able to enjoy at least a bit of it and if not, then take heart because spring is on its way (for more on this subject and a brief excerpt on current trending pop music, please visit my WordPress page).

More Of The New

Two new posts over at my WordPress location. I have not yet forsaken you, Blogger. Do not fret.

Changes Around Town

Real-Time Update

Changed some things around at my alternate blog. Not sure if I will make the switch permanently or anything just yet. But WordPress is just proving more and more superior as time goes by. Not that it is Blogger's fault. I think it just is more suitable for most things. And it looks really nice. So feel free to wander over if you like. I posted a lengthy update on the music I have encountered recently.

Hope all is well,

Freedom Blog

A FUTUREBLOG Production

I reckon that I have not updated this in quite some time. I am ambitious to bring it back to life though. First I must make my announcement of freedom. Three days ago was my last day as a full time employee of Express LLC. And having only been released for three days, I am not sure what the consequences are in full, but so far it feels right. I have wonderful plans and hopes and dreams in my head as to what I will do with my freedom. I just hope that I get around to all of them.

One of my new projects that has just got off the ground is serving as a contributor for a new music blog called Paper Trail. I have written a couple little reviews so far and am looking forward to getting more involved over the next few months, writing concert reviews, taking pictures, maybe getting into some free shows. Anyway, I will let you know how that progresses. But so far so good. And it is nice to write with a purpose again.

Another happening is my continuing work with Dan Towne Hall on his upcoming Cygnet Wings debut. I think we are nearing completion on one of the five tracks, while the others await some general clean up, a few vocal additions, and some mixing. It is all quite thrilling and will hopefully be delightful to listen to.

With the advent of my freedom, I suppose the next step is getting healthy. The doc tells me that I have a sinus infection. After taking all five doses of my antibiotic, I am not sure that I feel any better. So we will just have to hope that changes soon. Who knows.

Not sure what else there is. I am looking forward to living a life again. A real one. Things are looking up. Hope they are doing the same for you.

February Begins And So Do We

Update

Dear readers, we have already blown through an entire month of this new year. And although it has gone by quickly, I feel alive. More-so than years past. This truly is a year for following your dreams and accomplishing things that you have put off in the past. It is slightly discomforting, but I cannot help but feel that the end will be worth it. So take heart, if any of you are feeling concerned, or uneasy. Things are never as bad as they seem, and although it often appears that we have no choice in this life, ultimately we are the controlling factor. And there is always a choice.

My associates and I attended a fabulous Lost-themed event last night. It was really a sight to behold. Free island-inspired cocktails from 7-8, a Lost-themed band (including a sing-a-long refrain "I once was found, but now I'm lost, and all my friends are dead" right before the show began) and comedy show (though horrible) 8-9, and then two hours of glorious t.v., the likes of which no movie could best. The venue (The Bell House, in Brooklyn) had every little detail in place, even down to the replica Oceanic Air raffle tickets (I may have to take a picture of this to prove it, I didn't believe it either). The show was great, and no doubt was aided by the crowd. They were (maybe 400 or so) at once enthusiastic and thoughtful. No word was missed, but there was plenty of cheering. Taking an emotional ride the likes of two hours of Lost, with 400 strangers joined by a common interest is such a great feeling. And only in New York. I am sure there were Lost parties elsewhere. But how could they compete? Next step is to call my dear friend C. Ryan Fields for an update.

Good luck with the rest of the week,

Into Poverty I Go (Deeper)

Reality

I will be leaving my 'cushy' full time position with Express LLC. This will happen in two weeks. And by leaving I mean stepping into a part-time position so as to have control of my schedule. And therefore, my destiny. It was pay week this week. Which is usually so exciting. Except that the large majority is already written off to rent. And by large I mean, well, I am afraid to calculate the percentage. It may be above the ninety range. At any rate, I do not need money to be happy, but I would like to eat. And live. I am hoping that at least one of those things will be solved by leaving the retail front. But the point is, that I am already starting to fear the decision I have made. Will I be able to survive out there in the cold? I certainly stand to make more money, but while it is not guaranteed each two weeks to produce a paycheck, I think I may have entered the most impoverished time of my life. Which is exciting in a way. Half because it rather suits me being poor. Half because leaving Express could be wonderful for my mental health. I think I have reached previously unreachable levels of unappreciatedness (apologies for the created word), while employed there. So take rest, dear reader, if ever (read: when) you are unappreciated, know that there has been someone before you that has endured worse (possibly, I wouldn't dare make that claim without knowing the circumstances, of course).

Because of this poverty, I have stopped eating. Which suits me as well.

That may be all I have for now.

Cheers,

G. Alan Busch Jr.

Post Script. Traveling to Brooklyn today over the water (via bridge, the Q train) I was inspired. It may have something to do with listening to A.A. Bondy while in the train. His particular brand of folk just reminds me of the road (do listen to his latest album "When The Devil's Loose", or at the very least, its opening track "The Mightiest of Guns"). If I do not get out there soon I fear I may perish. On the spot.