The Rust Belt Chronicles: Rock Lines

Monday, March 18, 2013

Feast or Famine of a Free Spirit!

It’s been a strange week.

I had my first rehearsal with a group of friends supporting an up-and coming artist on Tuesday. It isn’t a normal band type situation as I am learning the pre-recorded percussion parts and merely being a backup musician. I am hoping there will be some “freedom” to be somewhat creative with my drumming. The learning curve will be the tell-tale factor in how soon we perform publicly.

Who is this talented young man? You may read about him in the new Rock Lines section of the upcoming expanded edition of the Rust Belt Chronicles.

The other neat possibility is I can see this becoming two or even three separate projects since the bass player has his own material as well. We could entertain in small lounges or dinner clubs with much of the material and/or expand into a rock/progressive band playing in larger venues. Providing time and resources are available our possibilities could be vast.

I really hadn’t planned on being in another band again, but the itch just won’t go away!

On Wednesday, my wife and I had supper at a local Italian restaurant. Look for the restaurant review in the first edition of the expanded edition of the Rust Belt Chronicles.

On Friday, I ran across some questions concerning legal photo usage and how to find a source to use images; so I questioned a few people online. As usual everyone replied. Next thing you know, I have a person who works for a popular blogging site possibly offering me to head his Ohio blog which would give me access to photos legally. The pay is minimal to start, but it would give me a huge audience immediately and could turn into a better position.

Interesting indeed, too bad I didn’t start this type of income two or three years ago.

So I began researching the company, its founders, policies and knowledge base for information. This led me to compare the company to its market competitors. After several questions I cooled my jets realizing instead of trying to get my own paper going; I had veered-off in a completely different direction.

While the company makes millions of dollars per year, the writers only see a small percent. For the experience and what could come out of it might not be a bad idea. But, can I devote enough time and energy to two entire online projects or more and make the best of both worlds?

With my own paper there is no middle-man, but the audience is small starting out. I may try both initially if the proper time and sanity are available.

The week that started out with only a few obstacles ended up taking so many directions, writing a blog was out of mind and impossible.

Who knows, maybe I needed a break. Maybe you needed a break from my daily writings?

I am hoping to refocus on launching my expanded journal and one way or another- making a lot of noise!

Until We Meet Again,
Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

What's your Identity?

Saturday evening I arrived at a local restaurant to pick-up my food order and I heard my named called out. It was a couple (Jennifer and Jeff) that both were employed where I work during the day. Jennifer had moved onto a new job at a different company a few years ago and I hadn’t seen her lately.

Jennifer’s first question was- if I still worked at_______?

After I responded it hit me:

People associate your identity with what they know about you.

It made me realize- where I work isn’t what I wanted to be labeled as or known for. I want to be known as a writer, author, blogger, someone who cares and makes a difference. Apparently, I haven’t made a big enough impact.

In August, I had the privilege of being invited to a private reunion party for a band (Souvenir) I followed heavily in Cleveland, Ohio between 1978 and 1980. The lead vocalist was gracious enough to introduce me to fellow writers and guests. When introducing me, I was referred as being a writer for The Cleveland Plain Dealer. I pulled him aside and explained I just write blogs in the online version of The Plain Dealer and was never employed by the company.

An honest mistake and I have to admit it gave me some instant credence. He stated: “Everyone knows your blog (which was very kind of him) anyway, so it doesn’t matter.” I knew he was trying to make me feel better about myself due to some changes in my music career.George is one of the true genuine nice guys in the Cleveland music scene and it’s an honor to be a friend.

Decades ago, during my years of self-indulgence; I ran into a kid who shares the same name as me at a concert. When the other Jim Carver got in trouble, sometimes people would think it was me (hmmm.. I wonder why). We actually attended the same school. He elaborated at how much he wanted to be like me and how he saw me so many nights plastered on drink and drug.

To him, I was a hero. He made me realize something I never knew- I had been setting a horrible example of addiction and destruction for some younger folks. I wanted so bad to tell him-you don’t want to be like me, but I didn’t have the guts. I am hoping he found his way out of the old lifestyle.

Life is too short to live in someone else’s mind for the wrong reasons. It’s so easy to stay in your own comfort zone and never take a chance on being known for whom you are and what you do. It’s far easier to quietly open a door, instead of making an impact.

One of my goals is to do some things differently in 2013. I am at a crossroads with the direction of The Rust Belt Chronicles and where it goes from here. This year, I will do some things I have held back from doing in 2012, things that scared me.

Perhaps, it’s the push to leave a legacy where people will know what I do and why I do it or better yet; it’s my opportunity to link my identity with something meaningful that matters!