Counting Stars - TUnESDAY!

If you look up the meaning to OneRepublic’s Counting Star’s you’ll notice there are many translations. The one quoted by the bands frontman, Ryan Tedder, is the meaning that reached me the most. Life has been a struggle the past few years, success it’s not in the place I wished it would be. We’ve all been there and some are still there...Can I get an AMEN!?

“Lately I’ve been sleep. Dreaming about the things we could be...”
Nights are rough, I hate sleeping. I feel like I should be up working on these books and scripts I have in my mind, but when I get out of bed and put fingers to keyboard...nothing. I run blank. I had a great streak of blogs and rants a few years back and it made me come alive and realize what I wanted to do to create my staple in life. I want to be a writer, but without words there’s just a blank page. And a blank page doesn’t create a future.

“Old, but I’m not that old. Young, but I’m not that bold…”
I may have my days of feeling like I’m 80, but I’m not 30 yet. I understand that, I have forever in front of me, and each blank page is for me to fill. And now for the bold part...confident Ryan struggles with the self confidence part of what he creates….I know! After I write this I won’t even read it again. I’ll send it to someone who will proofread, edit, and probably even post for me. I’ve written many things, recorded many voices, and acted in many productions, but never once taken a look back. I’m afraid to. I guess you really are your worst critic.

“I feel something so right, By doing the wrong thing. And I feel something so wrong, By doing to right thing.”
And now here’s your part… I’ve heard people tell me I will do great things in life. Really wish you could fill me in, because those are fantastic words, but doesn’t make it easier. I know the future I want for myself, but know some of you will look down on me. And I know the path some want me to have, but I know where I need to be. I want to make books and scripts that will change lives. I want to create movies and television shows that will make people laugh, love and learn. I want to bring some class back to Hollywood. “In the world but not of it…” right? If you really think I can become anything I believe I can be, then believe in me. I have a family filled with ministers, pastors, and evangelists, and I’m sure that’s the path most of you wish I would go down. I am, just on a different stage. I want to create a visual that families can enjoy together. I feel right doing what you wouldn’t recommend, but I feel wrong ignoring what you wouldn’t have me do. “All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts…” I am writing the parts I want to play. I won’t disappoint you.

“Take that money, Watch it burn…”
It’s not about the money. Yes, money makes things better. Everyone who tells me money doesn’t buy happiness was usually just talking about struggling financially. It might not buy happiness, but it doesn’t hurt. I want the opportunity. I have other dreams besides writing. I have been blessed with some many people who have greater talents than I could ever carry. The money just helps us move forward. You know who you are...I want to open a record label for you. I want to create a clothing line for you. I want to help you create, design, market, and promote. I want to help your dream come true. I want to help create your ellipsis.

“Everything that kills me makes me feel alive.”
This life is hard, but I’m learning how to live it. And with your help we will survive. I would have never imagined I would want to be a writer, and if any of my old teachers read this I’m sure they’re completely agreeing with me. I never like to write growing up. But I’ve gained a lot of new skills and talents I would’ve never expected.
So if you bare with me, help me, pray with me, we'll be able to sit back  and say
“no more counting dollars. We’ll be counting stars.”

Check out OneRepublic
Twitter - @OneRepublic
www.onerepublic.com

Check out the lyrics and meaning below...
http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107859452557/

http://click2connect.hubpages.com/hub/OneRepublic-songs-Counting-Stars-meaning-and-lyrics

MentiONDAY - Mike

In the beginning I only looked up to Mike because he was tall. Didn't know him at all. He was just that guy who worked at the same place I did. I never would've imagined him becoming the influence he is today. His passion and drive for music is incredible. He's an amazing bassist, but then he wanted to play the guitar, Done, then he wanted to sing, Done! He is one of the greatest inspirations I've had the pleasure of watching chase their goals and passions. Mike is one of the kindest, most humble human beings I've ever met. His Quick wit makes every conversation interesting and usually humorous. But above all, he stands out as a father. I've noticed this look he has when he's on stage, deep in his music and connected to his worship, that is the same when his lil girl does something that makes him proud. It's the twinkle in his eye and that cheesy little grin. It's that moment, that makes me step back and think "wow, he is blessed." You hear people say their blessed, but to actually see it radiate from them, that's when you wonder what it would be like to be him for a day.

Go - Friday Fortune!

Dear You,

Growing up I remember people always telling me, you can be anything you want to be. You can do anything you want to do. At the time, it was nice and inspiring. I thought I could just close my eyes, dream of being an astronaut and when I opened my eyes I would be there, floating above earth. But they left out the part about how it wouldn't be easy. They never explained what struggles we would have to overcome. No, it was just a simple, Go! Go....hmm...if only I would've opened my eyes and done just that maybe I could've been a part of NASA...or at least recently laid off from NASA. It's great being able to dream big growing up, but at some point you have to Go! You have to open your eyes and tell yourself I am ready to be whatever I want to be. I realize all this time I've been waiting for someone to put me where I want to be, but I can't just stay and wait. I have to Go. We have to make a move and effort. Will it be a smooth ride? Maybe. But you'll never know until you Go. And if it gets tough along the way you have me here, by your side. I will struggle with you. I will fight with you. We will Go! Ready? Close your eyes. Focus on that dream, endeavor, or goal. When you open your eyes, there's no more sitting and waiting. Breathe. Inhale. Exhale. Go!

I love you and there's nothing you can do about it.

Ryan Barton

Killing America - Thursday Throwdown

Bill O’Reilly has three books out called Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, and Killing Jesus. All of which detail the events leading up to the murders of 3 of the world’s most popular men. As I listen to the O’Reilly interview with David Letterman on The Late Show I think, maybe his next book should be called Killing America...or for my southern friends Merica! I know, cynical, but where are we going? So the government shutdown is over! Yay...at least until January, and then what? We begin all of this wonderful news coverage all over again? What happened to us...or to the U.S. rather? We were the top dog, we were the powerful, we were the wealthiest. We had everything. But little by little we dissolve our rights, beliefs, faiths, trusts, and lives. We were feared. Now...and just thinking...other countries probably just laugh. I know I do. North Korea is probably thinking, “Wow...South Korea isn’t that bad compared to the U.S.” Will we ever get our stuff together? Wait...did I say “We”? I’m beginning to think there is no “We”. Both parties are getting what they want, but what about “We”, the American people. The ones who voted in these “Parties”. I understand government feels the need to help war-torn, tragedy-run, and disaster-ridden countries, but at some point you to take their training wheels off and see if they can ride on their own. How long do we have to hold them up? How long do we let our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, family, friends, ...heck, those people we don’t even really like but still respect and call acquaintances. They too put their lives on the line for a cause (one that is much like a used car sale's pitch for a Pinto). But I digress, since July 4, 1776 we have stood tall on keeping our guns, saying whatever whenever we want, and trusting in God. And now what? I can’t keep my gun? Or trust in God? Or say any of what I just said? Why? Why indeed?! Because someone has a problem with whoever says whatever whenever whyever….again...WHATEVER! We need change, I get it. But how about some good change, no, how about some GREAT change? It’s time we get real and get a life. If you want a gun, fine. Just don’t be stupid or you will be responsible. If you want to say, do, or be however you want then fine, but you may be held accountable for your actions to a judge, jury, or a much higher power (I know all the religious people were waiting with baited breath for that one!). This brings us to religion; I am a Christian and I believe there is a God. If you don’t want to, then ok, but that doesn’t mean you have to denounce everything I or anyone else says. Do what you want. We will see one day what is really going to happen. If you are Homosexual, Bisexual, Heterosexual then you be happy, again...religious peeps just simmer down for a bit until the plane has come to a complete stop. LGBTH, H is for the straight folk, it is not my Ryan Barton, place to judge and I will not do so. I love you, no matter what I believe is the right or wrong sexual lifestyle. I love you and there's nothing you can do about it: I will never turn my back on you. People still freak out over interracial relationships, some made allowances for Mexicans or Asians, but shtuff hits the fan when white folk bring home an African American. I don’t get it! Don't you see we’re all just one big box of crayons making this world a beautiful picture? Who cares what color! At this point, we should be worried what they'll say when your kid starts falling in love with his robot in the future...awkward, but you know it’s gonna happen. 

To clarify, I say what I say because I can, because my life began in 1776 when I was given the opportunity to talk and say anything I want. It began then. Change IS NOT fixing what’s working, it’s correcting what isn’t. So when you drive to work and the men and women protecting you are getting their pay, don’t snarl and look with an uneasy gesture. Smile, because you are alive, you have the chance to give your opinion, your right, your belief, and a chance to breathe. Who knows how long we have...cause they climbin in yo wallet and snatchin your money up, tryin to take over and dictator this country up! Hide yo guns! Hide yo knife! Hide yo guns! Hide yo knife!

If you’re interested in the Bill O’Reilly books check them out here-

www.billoreilly.com

If you’re concerned some of the words are made up..they are. You’re welcome.

And if you disagree with anything I have to say…

Not sure if the site will be back up yet, but here’s my First Amendment…

Archives.gov - Constituione

Wednesday Wisdom - YOLO

I think we can all agree YOLO has served its time, because let's face it, you only live once. I think it's time for a refreshing, for a new look at it. How about, you could have talked to that person, you could have gone for the job, you could have finished college, you could have lived out your dreams, but, and here's the refreshing part, you only live once. I'm guilty of this too. It irritates me that I haven't met more people, traveled to more places, finished college, or pushed forward with my dreams. But today is a new start, a refresher. And today you get to do more because yesterday you only lived once.

And now for something that'll get stuck in your head all day...

TUnESDAY - Demons

 

Demons...I expected another meaning. I don’t know what I expected, just didn’t expect it to hit home. “Everyone has collected at least a little "dirt" on their seemingly spotless appearance over the years; everyone has a few "Demons" in their closets, buried in the deep catacombs of their subconscious mind.” I’m not sure how much more true it gets. It always bugs me when other act like they are perfect and haven’t done anything wrong. I know. I know. You’re rolling your eyes and saying, “This coming from the arrogant and conceited one.” I have confidence, but I’ve never hid the fact I have demons. I’ve made mistakes, some of you have made the same. Our Demons are not much different. To be honest, in my personal opinion, I am not putting your Demons above mine. Your’s are right in line with mine. You’re no less than me for the things you’ve done. Again, just my opinion, but I’m forgiving. I’ve learned I have to be. It almost feels like I walked through a rainshower of Demons, some beading up and running off, but some absorbing in and creating a new situation. But with each Demon has also come a lesson, a way out, a plan of what to do if they try to come back. I can’t give you every answer to what you’re going through. I’ve learned I can’t do this on my own. I’ve tried, I want to be able to fix myself, but I can’t. I need help, I’ll admit it. I can’t wipe clean the dirt from your life, but I can help you open the curtains and see where to start. It’s time we change the course and look outside of us to a new beginning. Together we can get rid of the Demons.

Demons by Imagine Dragons
www.imaginedragonsmusic.com
Twitter - @ImagineDragons
 

*Listen Here - http://grooveshark.com/s/Demons/50ZeLx?src=5

Meaning and Lyrics - http://click2connect.hubpages.com/hub/Demons-by-Imagion-Dragons-song-of-the-week-62313-62913

MentiONDAY - Riley!

 

Standing in Target I say "Riley, try this jacket on." He handed me his hoodie and out of the pocket fell a pack of Poptarts. "Why do you have these?" With that innocent Riley look he said "In case I get hungry." If you need a moment of random, talk to Riley. If you need someone you can trust, talk to Riley. He is one of the most remarkable people I have had the pleasure of knowing. The only person I trust more with my money, even more than myself. He's great with money! Seriously, if you need a financial plan, you should talk to him and he should charge you! ...and I should get a finders fee! I think karma has a stipulation where if you have any wrong doing toward Riley, Karma will hire me and I will show you the wrath of karma. Treat him with kindess and you will be blessed, but that part won't come from me, that'll come from him. Riley, you are one of the greatest inspirations and influences in my life. Without you, I would never be the same. I'm proud of you and your future endeavors.

Check out Riley on Twitter @MrRileyRies