Don, I just stumbled on your Substack and reading this I find so many parallels. I play guitar also, want to perform but am so critical of my voice that I never make the leap and just go out and play. Instead I play bass in a group periodically that keeps me in the background. I write poetry & journal and need to gain confidence to share my writings. I meditate also which has helped. Looking forward to reading more from your blog. Thank you for getting your voice out here.
Sounds like we have a lot in common. Thanks for subscribing! If it's any help, I actually envy anyone who can play in a band; I think that would be great fun, but I never got good enough to accompany others with an instrument, to play along to another's key.
Thanks for following me. Shy Guy Meets the Buddha is such a splendid and delightfully irreverent name for your Substack blog/newsletter. I relate to that image, 99%. 😊
Thank you so much, Deborah. I think I was lucky with the name; it just came to me. And thank you for subscribing. I hope you enjoy the reading. Thank you for saving dogs!
I remember you playing ‘What’s the Matter With Ainsley’ for me. It’s a great song which reminded me of a guy I used to see around town. I played it for my wife when I got you CD. Love that song.
I’m also reminded of a song you played in person when I stopped by a job site. “Song For a Friend”.
I feel privileged to have had a solo performance by such a talented songwriter. I am going to revisit ‘Songwriter’ this weekend. 😀
That's amazing that you remember! I remember that day you stopped by the job. I was obsessed with writing that song and neglecting the oak flooring I had half installed. Thank you, Mark.
Perhaps it's because I hear the words in your voice, there is a welcoming cadence to your writing. These past two articles leave me feeling satisfied, at peace, content. There are writers I find hard to read, even if I like their subject material. This has a gentle flow like a comfortable walk along the shore. Mahalo.
Bert, your comment does the same for me: leaves me with a sense of calm. It takes a gentle man to know one, I think. Thank you! Let's keep on sending forth those peaceful vibes!
Hi Don - interesting to learn how you came to be on Substack. As far as your songwriting goes, sounds like you made an impression on some people with your music from what I can see from the comments. Also, pretty crazy the teacher got to read everyone's journal! That's personal stuff!
I'm sure your nervousness and feelings of insecurity performing are not uncommon. Are you still writing any music? Funny how getting up in front of an audience can cause us to lose our composure quite easily. By the way, I always marvel at people who can write hundreds of songs in a relatively short period. I take a long time to write a song usually. I think I set the bar kind of high for myself.
Excellent! Writing is writing, whether in lyric-form or essay. It is true what you said, writing lyrics is a unique form of expression, a different challenge in conveying ideas in a more short, succinct, and impactful way. Both are fun in their own way :D
Oh boy, I wonder what I have available on line as for music! I do have a YouTube channel and an Instagram. I'm trying to post more on there. I also have a demo coming out by the end of the month for a song I wrote called Baby Blue. This song is actually a lot about shying away from the spotlight. I will let you know if and when I make it available. Originally, the idea is to put the first demo on my Patreon, keeping it a little exclusive before releasing it into the wild fully.
Don, I just stumbled on your Substack and reading this I find so many parallels. I play guitar also, want to perform but am so critical of my voice that I never make the leap and just go out and play. Instead I play bass in a group periodically that keeps me in the background. I write poetry & journal and need to gain confidence to share my writings. I meditate also which has helped. Looking forward to reading more from your blog. Thank you for getting your voice out here.
Sounds like we have a lot in common. Thanks for subscribing! If it's any help, I actually envy anyone who can play in a band; I think that would be great fun, but I never got good enough to accompany others with an instrument, to play along to another's key.
Thanks for being here, Lance! Keep on creating. 💚
Thanks for following me. Shy Guy Meets the Buddha is such a splendid and delightfully irreverent name for your Substack blog/newsletter. I relate to that image, 99%. 😊
Thank you so much, Deborah. I think I was lucky with the name; it just came to me. And thank you for subscribing. I hope you enjoy the reading. Thank you for saving dogs!
I remember you playing ‘What’s the Matter With Ainsley’ for me. It’s a great song which reminded me of a guy I used to see around town. I played it for my wife when I got you CD. Love that song.
I’m also reminded of a song you played in person when I stopped by a job site. “Song For a Friend”.
I feel privileged to have had a solo performance by such a talented songwriter. I am going to revisit ‘Songwriter’ this weekend. 😀
That's amazing that you remember! I remember that day you stopped by the job. I was obsessed with writing that song and neglecting the oak flooring I had half installed. Thank you, Mark.
Perhaps it's because I hear the words in your voice, there is a welcoming cadence to your writing. These past two articles leave me feeling satisfied, at peace, content. There are writers I find hard to read, even if I like their subject material. This has a gentle flow like a comfortable walk along the shore. Mahalo.
Bert, your comment does the same for me: leaves me with a sense of calm. It takes a gentle man to know one, I think. Thank you! Let's keep on sending forth those peaceful vibes!
Hi Don - interesting to learn how you came to be on Substack. As far as your songwriting goes, sounds like you made an impression on some people with your music from what I can see from the comments. Also, pretty crazy the teacher got to read everyone's journal! That's personal stuff!
I'm sure your nervousness and feelings of insecurity performing are not uncommon. Are you still writing any music? Funny how getting up in front of an audience can cause us to lose our composure quite easily. By the way, I always marvel at people who can write hundreds of songs in a relatively short period. I take a long time to write a song usually. I think I set the bar kind of high for myself.
Cheers!
Thanks, David. I haven’t written a song in a long time, but I’m writing essays like crazy! Having a lot of fun :-)
I haven’t listened to your music yet. I think I will do that right now.
Excellent! Writing is writing, whether in lyric-form or essay. It is true what you said, writing lyrics is a unique form of expression, a different challenge in conveying ideas in a more short, succinct, and impactful way. Both are fun in their own way :D
Oh boy, I wonder what I have available on line as for music! I do have a YouTube channel and an Instagram. I'm trying to post more on there. I also have a demo coming out by the end of the month for a song I wrote called Baby Blue. This song is actually a lot about shying away from the spotlight. I will let you know if and when I make it available. Originally, the idea is to put the first demo on my Patreon, keeping it a little exclusive before releasing it into the wild fully.
Excellent. I look forward to listening!
That was such a satisfying story Don. You have always been such a great writer!
Thank you, Trish. And you are one of my favorite mentors!