The Real Memphis Mike (don't settle for imitations)

I enjoy writing. I always have. In high school, whenever there was a writing assignment, I'd usually have it finished before the bell rang. Unlike most folks, I can usually write something coherent and entertaining on demand. I've written stories, poetry, copy for brochures, catalogues, and web sites, music reviews, feature articles, you name it, I've probably written it. The only thing I enjoy even more is writing music. I find that term to be a misnomer though...I never actually write anything down. I have my reasons for this...but more about them in a minute. I love creating music that, mere minutes before, didn't exist anywhere but in my head. It's been said that all music is already written and floating around the cosmos...and only a lucky few have the internal receiver to pick up these frequencies. If this is the case, I'm one of the ones with a few crossed wires. I can't write music on demand. Lord knows I've tried. I can usually come up wit...

When I was a teen, I was heavily into punk rock (and speed). I had spikey hair, often dyed different colors, ripped up jeans, the whole "uniform". We didn't see it as such back then...but it is what it is. A couple of years ago, I had to go to the mall. Ross Park Mall, to be precise. I hate going to the mall...any mall...for any reason. But, it was the holidays and I had to pick something up for dear ol' dad...so off to the mall I went. Luckily, dad will usually tell me, well in advance, what he wants, so it makes it simpler. So, I'm at the mall, have found dad's gift, and was in the checkout line waiting to get the hell out of there to go home. Behind me was a kid of about 16, dressed almost identically to how I used to dress in my teens! Same hair, many of the same buttons/pins on his jacket, and wearing the same style jacket I wore! (Mind you, my jacket was originally my dad's from the 50's. It was still cool in the 80s, it fit well, and was mul...

Catchy title for this piece, dontcha think? If you're expecting to read about my self-loathing and deep-rooted negative emotions, you're likely to be disappointed. But...since you're here, why not finish reading the rest of this and see if it makes any sense to you. I Hate Me . I've been thinking a lot about these words lately. I read an article last week about record producer Rick Rubin. It seems that when he first started working with the late Johnny Cash (let's face it, Rubin resurrected the man's career!), Rubin suggested that Cash use the words "I" & "Me" less. As a writer myself, it can be tough to omit those words! We all tend to see the world only through our own eyes. Most of us, regardless of what we think, feel, or believe, lack any true sense of empathy. It would probably be safe to say that even Mother Theresa had her own reasons for doing everything she did. Her actions were noble and positive and helpful to many others....

Let's call this post a two-for-one special! I quit my job today. I know...sounds crazy...but I gave it long and serious thought. It was a matter of weighing the pros and cons. The cons definitely outweighed the pros. The job kept me in near crippling pain every day. I'm no stranger to pain. I've been in near contant pain for 40 years. I also have a higher than average pain tolerance, which has long been a source of concern for my doctors. Seems I'm prone to hurting myself without knowing it. To some, this may seem like a blessing...until you factor in the long term damage. I've had back problems for years. I had my 1st spinal surgery in 1998, after 3 years of misdiagnoses (there's that high pain tolerance. Most people would've known something was wrong much earlier. All I got was a headache that wouldn't go away). Since my surgery, I've had nerve damage and pain in my left leg. After many tests and various failed treatments, I simply learned to l...

I allegedly have a mess of kids out there in this world. Sadly, I never got to be a dad to any of them. I think I would've been a good one. An ex girlfriend's daughter used to occasionally call me daddy...and let me tell ya, that kid grew up into an amazing young lady! I can only hope that the limited time we spent together had some miniscule cause & effect relationship that led to her awesomeness. (Her mom's genes probably helped too) My dad is an amazing guy. He can be a grump and a SOB at times (like father, like son) but having spent 50+ years as a cardiologist, working 6-7 day weeks, 12-18 hours a day, can do that to a man. Anyone that I know who has met the man, always speaks highly of him. When I was in a coma back in 2002, I suffered some brain damage and lost a lot of early memories. My childhood is a mass of random memories and second hand stories. One thing I do remember is my dad always working and saving lives. That's a tough act to follow! I knew b...

Soooooooooooooooooo...........an old friend defriended me on Facebooger tonight because of a dead baby joke. Really? Really! I was informed that I have neither soul nor class. Personally, I think I have both in abundance. What I may lack is a boring, overly-sensitive sense of humor. My friend was offended (for personal reasons). I understand her reasons. However, to explode and become vitriolic with me over a joke denotes that the problem isn't with me, my sense of humor, or the joke in question. Sure...the joke was gross and perhaps tasteless...but most jokes (that I find humorous) are. Most of my friends share the same sense of humor. Most importantly, if you don't like it...don't read it! Don't tell me, or imply in any way whatsoever, what I can and cannot say. My Facebooger page is private...between me and my friends and family. If someone who has known me for almost 18 years hasn't figured out yet that I am who I am, then perhaps they've been too bus...

I sold a guitar today. This, in and of itself, is nothing unusual. I've sold dozens of guitars over the years. Some I bought for no reason other than to sell. Some, I sold to upgrade my gear. This one, I sold because I desperately needed money. Luckily, I sold it to a dear friend. I know that she and her husband will take great care of it and show it love. It will be played. It will be enjoyed and hopefully give joy to those who play it as well as those who hear it being played. This guitar is special. It's not the fanciest guitar in the world nor is it the most expensive. It's just a guitar...but it holds within it's wooden body much magic. In the years that it's been in my possession, it's been played by some well-known musicians and by some amazing players...as well as by unknowns and rudimentary players. I'll never tell who all has played it. That would risk the guitar being placed in it's case and not being played. This particular instrument was m...