Stoneman
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4/23/2018 6:06:25 PM
---- Updated 4/23/2018 6:10:54 PM
I Remember When They Use To Laugh At Me
I remember all those summer days when they use to laugh at a brotha because he was too busy trying to learn to play and instrument to come out and play football, basketball or chase girls. Yeah, they would laugh at me and say "that fool thinks he is going to be a star one day. He thinks he is going to make it out of the hood. But we all know that hood rats die in the hood. They laughed at me when I would dress up in my band outfits to go play. They would laugh at me and I would laugh with them knowing that I looked stupid but this was the gig you know? I was an aspiring artist and I had a dream. They laughed at me because my dream was outrageous. Nobody from Watts California ever made it out of the hood. But I was persistent and hopeful. I came back from the war with lots of ambition and was ready to make my move. They laughed at me as I told them about my moving to the Bay Area. They said I would never make it here. But guess what? They are not laughing at me anymore. Now they have the nerve to call me looking for a hand out or some help. I could be vindictive and turn them away but I am not that guy. I give them as much love as I can. I want to help as many as I can to get a fresh start in a new atmosphere conducive to good well being and prosperity. But I remember when they laughed at me. I remember how that felt. I am glad that it motivated me to get my shit together. i knew that the only way to truly silence their laughter would be to actually accomplish the things I claimed I was going to do. So, after 43 years of sometimes working 3 jobs a day, touring with several bands and creating award winning music in 12 genres, I finally made it to the point to where I could quit all my day jobs and concentrate on only music every day. Retirement has been a blessing for me. But now the laugher's are calling asking me for things. "Remember me homeboy? I am trying to get a place in the Bay area. Can you help a brotha out? I'm like well, I'll try but the housing market around her is through the roof. I could sell my house and go somewhere else to live like a millionaire but I'm not leaving. This is home now. I made it in spite of all the laughter. I wrote this just to say, people may be laughing at you and your dreams. Let them laugh! It's okay man. They may be doubtful of your abilities. Thats okay to. People every where suck! Black, White Brown Yellow, it don't matter. Were all assholes. Don't let an asshole stop you from pursuing your dreams. No matter what they may be. You must believe in a higher power and yourself. Belief is essential. Turning your belief into action is the ultimate key. Stop talking about it. Get up and do it. You will notice that the more you achieve the less they will be laughing. Then, one day they will be coming to you asking for help. But the truth is that all they really need is to believe the same way that you believe. They don't laugh at me anymore. All those summer days I spent trying to learn to play various instruments has paid off. I am now a one man band. I am doing everything I said I was going to do. No, I am mot a star but I never said I was going to be a star. I said that I was going to make it in music and get the hell out of the stinking hood. Who's laughing now? Well, it certainly ain't them.
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Neil w Young
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4/27/2018 10:34:45 AM
Well said, Stoneman.
Love, hope and dreams - the cornerstones of life that guide and light our path in our journey.
I'm reminded of an anonymous quote that has a great message: "The dream is not the destination, it is the journey."
Keep dreaming, Stoneman - the journey is long from over and you have much more to contribute.
Neil
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