05/05/2026
4.5.2026: Today marks a different type of post. As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health issues and have been on a journey for answers. Taking a much-needed break from being creative. I have been more inspired to create during this time than in any other part of my life to date. Yes, I have been painting; yes, I have been playing music and even playing out, and it feels great to complete projects. Skating and riding the ol’ motorcycle have been on the to-do list as well. - - Although this was the area that needed my immediate attention and focus, health. —— Having battled hearing loss for the better part of the last 20 years, among other conditions. These words needed to be said: Most of you know this is in part from exposure to loud music and shows/concerts. Although I’ve protected my ears more so than most, having taken great care to protect my ears even in practice, work, concerts, mowing the lawn, you name it, earplugs were involved and part of the equation. Yes, I have crazy, constant, and consistent ear ringing in both ears… The fact is, my specific Venn diagram of overlap is too great and could be caused by almost everything/anything. There is no true ground zero for my specific type of hearing loss. And it is significant/extreme for someone my age. Yes, I have the hearing of a 95-year-old. There are plenty of receipts to prove this fact… With this said, there have been jokes, and there has been an air of folks deliberately taking advantage of this; well, those times have officially ended, and a new chapter has taken the place of the negativity… Kindness and understanding are not weakness… There will be an adjustment period, and there will be adjustments made. Patience is all that is asked, as this has had a profound effect on who I am presently. Given that music at its core is my life, I have made moves to play more. And for the first time, there is actually gear on the market that I dreamed of when I first started playing. I have been thinking about a follow-up to “The Stars are Falling” for some time, and I have started experimenting and jamming with friends on ideas. This time has been super exciting, to say the least. On the real…