NICK GRANATO
IN REAL LIFE
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VOLUME #57
"SUN DANCE"
My remedy for what ails you!
Song from Nick's 2003 CD
Listen to "SUN DANCE" from
NICK'S
Nick's 2003 CD "Sun Dance"
NOTEBOOKS
VOL# 57 "SUN DANCE"
HEAR - LIVE - CHANGE - EVOLVE
Normally I would resume writing on each of the songs off my new CD "In Real Life", but I felt like I had to depart somewhat from the norm. As a lot of you know my brother Joe passed away on January 5, 2010 at 49 yo. It was a shock to say the least. I had to for whatever reason rush to Nashville to be with my 6yo niece Abby and her Mom Dena to see what I could do. It was a true heart wrenching experience, not to mention one of the coldest weeks on record in Nashville. I spent the better part of a week and 1/2 going through my brothers things in search of a "Will" that he assured me had existed. We never did find it, so the situation is very delicate, I wont bore you with details.
I flew home to South Florida only to return to Tennessee at the end of January with my Mom and my daughter Becky for my brother Joe's services. Again another huge first for Nashville with the most snow on record for those three days ugh! A lot of folks couldn't come to the services because of the ice and snow, we certainly understood, but we pressed on and barely were able to get back home again to south Florida because of all the cancellations.
So back home I'm coughing and hacking, bloody sinuses, just all round feeling pretty bad, add to all that my emotional state, it was a pretty grim time. In the middle of all this family drama was a bright spot, my son Patrick was scheduled to graduate into the Army from Ft Jackson SC on February 12. I figured in Columbia SC, chances of real bad weather in February were about 10% so I rented a car and drove... Well was I wrong again, bitter cold and the evening of the 12th the biggest snowstorm on record hits Columbia OMG... I can't seem to win here - 7 of snow, that's a lot for middle SC so they came to a standstill, I had all I could do to get Patrick back on base in time, it was a harrowing experience. The next morning I braved the interstate to find it completely dry and clear all the way to the Georgia State Line, amazing.
I got back to South Florida only to be sick again. My lease was expiring and I chose not to renew. I found a great place to live about 2 miles north in Boca Raton. I found it kind of quick and fell in love with it. Well, here I am packing and not feeling so great, but I completed the move and got settled in. Whew! 2010 sure threw a hard ball. Running low on funds from all the unexpected travelling, I couldn't afford nor did I have the time for a vacation - did I mention I was barely working because I had to cancel so many tour dates?
I did the only thing that re-centers my spirit - I drove to the ocean to watch the sun dance. There I was in the middle of tourist season, at the beach (unheard of for me - hate busy beaches). God had cleared a small area, I'd like to think just for me, to sit, re-center and balance my thoughts. I put my feet in the water and let the waves sooth my raw emotions, with every breeze and every seagull cry I felt myself regenerating. I looked out past the horizon and saw the endless future and the diamond sparkle of the sun dancing off the sea - I was home again, doing what I love to do best - watching the sun dance!
-Nick-
Welcome! This is the place where I like to share personal thoughts, vent, or just ponder our existence and the strange way we live in it. Subject matter is varied, like an open well, so be careful you dont stumble and fall into the black abyss!
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VOLUME #1
Songwriting
I thought my first Nicks Notes should deal with a subject close to me. Songwriting is my heart. Ive learned over the years to appreciate the soul of a song. Somewhere as a child I developed a knack for rhyming, melodies and expressing myself through words and music. As a songwriter, I know what it feels like to essentially give birth to a song. It starts as an idea, a seed, or a thought, then for me, it grows with the melody, it takes form and structure, until it matures, then viola ... you have a song! It sounds easy, but sometimes its not. There are changes, rewrites, restructuring, just like a child, the song grows up. The next step is really the hardest for any songwriter, and thats getting the song heard. One of the toughest businesses out there is the music industry, if you dont know your way around it; it can be very treacherous and unkind. What makes it even worse is that every creative person is sensitive, that makes it hard. I have been on both sides of the desk, as a writer, and as a publisher, and it is a difficult position to be in, Its not easy to tell someone that their baby is ugly, its even harder to be on the receiving end of it. It is a world of opinions, thats why it is so diverse. Ive seen record labels and recording artists turn down songs over and over again, only to see those songs later become top hits. I learned a long time ago that I dont write songs because I make money at it, I write songs because I have to, its a part of who I am, a kind of therapy you might say. Dont get me wrong, the money is great when its there, but more times than not, its a hurry up and wait business, even the most successful songwriters are never sure if or even when it will ever happen again, the old saying feast or famine really applies to the world of songwriting.
Ive had a lot of influences as a songwriter, some are well known and honored for their abilities like Dolly Parton, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Springsteen, Tracy Chapman & John Denver. Others are not so well known by the record buying public, but still very prolific like Linda Hargrove, Niles Borup, David Wills, Terry Bell & Aaron Sain. Stylistically they cover a wide variety of music. I write everyday if it allows, it is not unlike any other craft, you must work at it to get better, but I also have an unyielding desire to write, sometimes so much so that if I cant I get cranky, imagine that I owe my parents a lot for supporting me and my dreams. They put up with a lot of crap while I made my way. My Dad used to say to my brother and me all the time, Dont ever give up your dream, no matter what it is . I believe that his simple advice has kept me motivated for years. Ive tried stopping, Ive quit, Ive put my guitar back in its case and walked away bunches of times and I came right back because Ive come to learn that the small part of this business that frustrates me at times, is so insignificant compared to the joy I get everyday from living my dream and doing what I love.. and that my friend is priceless! -Nick
VOLUME #2
MY FAVORITE SONGS
One of the frequent questions I always get is as a songwriter, what are your favorite songs? I always reply that its a real difficult question for me to answer, because I love so many. So I decided to sit down and think about it seriously. Here are my 10 favorite popular songs.
1. I HOPE YOU DANCE
recorded by Leeann Womack
2. WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
recorded by Louis Armstrong
3. YOUR SONG
recorded by Elton John
4. LIGHT OF A CLEAR BLUE MORNING
recorded by Dolly Parton
5. TRUE COLORS
recorded by Cyndi Lauper
6. PIRATE LOOKS AT 40
recorded by Jimmy Buffett
7. CALLING ALL ANGELS
recorded by Train
8. FIRE & RAIN
recorded by James Taylor
9. IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND
recorded by Gordon Lightfoot
10.STANDING OUTSIDE THE FIRE
recorded by Garth Brooks
Its not as easy as it reads, I love all kinds of music, and I honestly do listen to a little bit of everything. I will probably remember some great titles right after this posts but heres some I considered in my top 10, but Ill now call them Honorable Mentions includes;
There have been so many great songs written I can go on and on. A lot of folks have been wanting to know a little more about me, the best way is through the music. This is the what I listen too when Im not making my own noise! As a songwriter, my intention is to move your emotions at some level. I hope to one day make someones list, even if it is an honorable mention !
- Nick
VOLUME #3
Hurricane Season
Its so obvious and unnerving to watch the news and see the devastating effects that Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne have brought to the residents of Florida. Undoubtedly they have been life changing. Not only do those who were directly affected have to clean up and rebuild their lives completely, there are those that are on the fringes of the storms whose lives have been temporarily halted. Even though the area I reside was not directly impacted by any of the storms, we still had to prepare and evacuate. We were without electricity several days during Frances, and sat once again with high anxiety as we watched Jeanne come directly at us and then last minute veer off to the north. Needless to say a lot of folks lost work, including myself, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and the such were all put on hold. Life as we all knew it came to a standstill for days. The folks that took the impact of all 4 of those storms have had their lives changed forever.
During the last several months a lot of you know I have been working on a new CD that was musically and lyrically directed at a more political and personal nature. With the world the way it is right now, I felt like I needed to step up and say what was on my mind. The CD was to be totally devoid of the Florida feeling that was felt throughout Sun Dance. Everything was on track until Hurricane Charley. The Southwest coast of Florida is a very special place to me; my heart has never really left there. When the storm hit the Port Charlotte area, it was like it hit a part of me. Though I live in Fort Lauderdale, my mind was in Fort Myers. The east coast of Florida became distracted by Hurricane Frances, we watched and waited, felt some of the affects here, but we were spared the brunt of the storm as it moved into the Fort Pierce area, my heart went out to those folks, a lot of elderly live there and its hard to rebuild your life in your retired years. Then Hurricane Ivan Struck the Northwest Florida coast. If you look at the covers and the pictures on the Sun Dance CD, all the photographs were taken on the Emerald Coast (Pensacola Beach, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Navarre Beach). I used to live there, and I have a lot of connection there with the people and the area. Three weeks later Hurricane Jeanne came at the South east coast, everyone was tired and weary to say the least. Once again we hunkered down, and once again it moved north, unfortunately into the exact same spot (Fort Pierce), so what wasnt already damaged, was destroyed, the stories and pictures are heartbreaking. I went through this before during Hurricane Hugo in Charleston SC, it is unimaginable unless youve seen it for yourself what a Category 3 or higher Hurricane can do.
Anyway, I received a call from the Emerald Coast Chamber of Commerce asking me if I would come to Pensacola/Ft Walton Beach sometime before the New Year to do a benefit. The Southwest Florida Business Association contacted me to come over to Port Charlotte to do one there as well. I also had the folks at my regular gig at Aruba asking me for my Florida songs, they said it was comforting to hear them. Thats when it dawned on me, I am a part of Florida, and Florida is a part of me. The State, Governor Bush, and all parts in between have been there for me when I needed them, now it was my turn to give back. I guess you can say it was an epiphany of sorts. I decided to do what my heart was leading me to do. The new CD (now in progress) encapsulates the complete Florida lifestyle. Needless to say I had written countless songs about it. I am excited about this project, because of the good that can come from it, I have been so inspired. I know to some folks it sounds silly to be attached to a place, but I am, and quite frankly Im proud to be a part of it. No, its not a perfect place, but there isnt anywhere that is perfect, but it is a special place.
Eveyones paradise is different; my paradise is called Florida!
VOLUME #4
Music Appreciation 101
I learned a long time ago that if you look hard enough there is good in everything. Ive been out in the trenches for a while now, playing music and watching people. Besides playing my own original music, I perform quite a variety, everything from Garth Brooks to Bruce Springsteen, Matchbox 20 to Jimmy Buffet, the Calling to Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Train to James Taylor you get the point. I understand that you cant please everyone, but would someone enlighten me as to when music snobbery became vogue? When did it get so in to look your nose down on someones artistry? Im not talking about questionable artists, Im talking about legendary people! The likes of Kenny Rogers, the Bee Gees, Cat Stevens, John Denver, Olivia Newton-John, John Melloncamp (to name a few) have a tendency to draw quiet snickers from an audience, sometimes people even get opinionated enough to actually say something, and then ask me why I would do their material. To say the least, my expression usually says it all. I proceed by asking them who their favorite is, thats at least politically correct. I explain to them that I have learned to appreciate ALL kinds of music. I have had a very diverse musical background. My brother Joe was a huge Elton John fan when we were kids, as he got older he grew into Billy Joel and eventually became a Bruce Springsteen fanatic. My mom loved Harry Belafonte, Marty Robbins and the great Mahalia Jackson, My Dad on the other hand loved Johnny Cash and the traditional sounds of Hank Williams, Roger Miller and the Statler Brothers. I on the other hand was a huge Dolly Parton fan (I still am), as well as being influenced by Merle Haggard, Fleetwood Mac & Emmylou Harris. As I grew, my tastes changed, as everyones does. These days my music collection is eclectic to say the least, everything from, Gordon Lightfoot. Iris Dement and Jimmy Buffett, to Tom Petty, John Denver and even great Gospel music like The Perry Sisters and The Crabb Family, not to mention Classical and standards. I love great music, lyrically and musically. Sometimes there are certain genres of music styles that I cant identify with, but that doesnt make them any less important or viable. Im not a huge Rap Music fan, but it is still an art form, and I still respect what they do. I couldnt do it, in fact no one would really want to see me try either! I have always felt like everyone should be exposed to at least one different style of music every week so they can grow to appreciate it, you dont have to like it, but digest it for what it is, and acknowledge that someone has put their heart and soul out to the world in a song. It is against the laws of nature for parents to like their kids music. My son Patrick noted to me one day that my friends dont like your Sun Dance CD I responded to him by saying I would be worried if they did! Now my kids grew up listening to all types of music, like myself. Both Becky & Patrick have grown to appreciate music in general. Sure they have their likes and dislikes, but in all they are tolerant of most all styles.
My point is, the next time you want to knock a recording artist or a song, consider what was happening in the world at the time it was released and became popular. Where might this artist or songwriter have been coming from? Whether you like the style of music is not important. What is important is that you at least respect the art. I know that if you listen to P. Diddy or Chopin, youre probably not going to warm up to Brooks & Dunn or Point Of Grace anytime soon, but you can still show respect. In fact that seems to be a running theme these days, there seems to be a lack of respect for each other mmmm maybe thats the real problem here, maybe music snobbery is just a by-product of a much bigger issue. Is it possible?
Its certainly something to think about!
Nick
VOL #5
THIS TO SHALL PASS
Weve all been there. Some of us, like myself, have visited this place many, many times. You know the spot, quiet and serene, that complacent little corner of your world. Just when you think youve got everything in your life under control then BOOM! It all blows up in a million pieces spread out over several months of sorting and recalculating. When youve grown to expect the proverbial other shoe to drop at any moment, it comes as no surprise. Other times it sneaks up on us. It might be personal, like hurt feelings or getting more organized. It might be financial, the car died (again), or struggling to make ends meet. It could be physical, an illness or a weight gain or loss. However it chooses to sneak up on us isnt whats important, its how we choose to deal with it when it arrives.
Life is not easy; anyone that says that it is lives in a bubble. Life can be downright difficult at times. We have all wanted to throw our hands in the air and scream. Sometimes thats good for you. (make sure you do that in private, we dont want you scaring small children or the elderly) I know that feeling of complete helplessness, when it seems I cant do anything right. I often wonder how many times I made it worse by thinking that was really the case? If Ive learned anything in my time on this planet, Ive learned that patience is essential to everything. My Dad had a favorite saying when things seemed bleak, hed smile and say this too shall pass. It would annoy everyone when hed say it, BUT, he was right. No matter how bad something looks, time has a way of putting things into perspective. While youre In the midst of your current storm, its difficult to see the proverbial sunshine, but alas, morning always comes, and things slowly realign themselves. Giving yourself some distance from a situation, allowing the dust to settle is at times the only way to deal with it properly. When the storm first hits we instinctively react. We all do and say things that a lot of the time we end up regretting. One important trait I have not mastered as of yet, is knowing when not to react to something, and to give myself some time to think about it. My paternal grandfather had what he called the count to ten rule. In laymens terms; if something or someone has pushed all of your buttons, stop, take a deep breath and slowly count to 10. If after you reach 10, you still feel youre going to explode, stop, take another deep breath and slowly count to 20 etc. It seemed to work for him, I dont think I ever witnessed him get too rattled over anything. Obviously my Dad inherited that terrific trait, while I on the other hand, well, I have been working really hard to grow into it.
So remember when you think youve lost control of everything around you, ask yourself if you ever really were in control in the first place. After every earthquake, hurricane, twister, blizzard etc you have to clean up and start over again. The other saying that comes to mind is What doesnt kill us makes us stronger So when I wake up the next morning, and I find Im not dead. Ill take heart, because I know when the first problem of the day blind sides me, Ill stop, take a deep breath, count to 10, maybe even 20 then smile and say THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!! Thanks Dad
Happy Holidays!!!!
VOL #6
GARDEN PARTY PHILOSPOHY
Its all right now, Ive learned my lesson well,
You cant please everyone, so youve got to please yourself
By Ricky Nelson from the hit song Garden Party
If Ive learned anything being out here in the trenches singing everyday, is that it is important to first make yourself happy, way before you can make the average Joe happy. Ive played to crowds that were so appreciative that they hung on every line of every song for hours, responding with thunderous applause and fanfare and made me feel invincible. Ive also played to crowds that acted like I didnt exist, and that if they could, they would wish me away to some cornfield so they could continue their conversation in quiet. Those are the days that my insecurities come to the surface. I question my abilities; second guess my song selections, my guitar playing, my appearance, my reason for even waking up. Im human, and I admit that I have some personal hang-ups, we all do. Where they come from, well I have some suspicions about some of them, others well who knows, theyre just there. We all want to be accepted and loved. We search for that proverbial pat on the back. We tend to be very vulnerable to being hurt. Sometimes its good for us to face criticism, it helps us grow. As a performer, I tend to take each frown, cringe and bad comment, and analyze it to see if I can improve. On the other hand, I cant lend too much credence to it because it might not be about me, it could be about them, a lot of times it is. A good friend of mine, Lynsae Harkins, passed on some advice to me a couple years ago, she said you cant be responsible for how someone else feels. I found this to be some of the best advice anyone has ever given me. For years I concerned myself with how people responded to what I was feeling. Thats backwards thinking. When I came to realize this, my life changed for the better. It didnt happen overnight, but the change in my life was obvious to everyone around me. I lost over 100lbs, and started doing what I loved to do I am a much happier person now because of it. So in my music, as an artist and songwriter, I play, sing and write what makes me happy. Yes I will sing songs that make other people happy, and make them smile as well, but I wont compromise who I am, to make them happy. Ive learned you should never sacrifice your own mental well being, for the sake of someone elses. I also apply this to my everyday life. You are the only one who knows what makes you happy. Besides, if you feel good about yourself and what youre doing, its infectious, people sense that, and fall into your groove.
What you wear, what you think, how you playand being who you are is whats important, and it doesnt matter what the world thinks. You cant be all things to all men. I have attended way too many proverbial Garden Parties in my life, to be concerned about being anything but me. Life is just way to short for that!
Remember;
You cant please everyone, so youve got to please yourself!
-nick
VOLUME #7 CHANGE OF SEASONS
Change thats the nature of life. People come and go; some leave their marks in your path, other pass by quietly. Time is the one thing in life that we have no control over, it is constant, yet ever changing. I know that sounds a bit profound, yet we all eventually fall victim to it.
We all reminisce, we look back fondly on the good times, grimace when we think about the bad times.
Recently I have been stumbling across people, or should I say old friends that I have lost contact with. One old friend that surfaced recently is Bill Watson. It has been 20 years since Ive seen him. As kids we were best buddies and we did just about everything together, from bikes to skateboards, jumping trains, fishing, boats, cars, getting in trouble, we covered on foot just about every square inch of woods and swamp within a 15 mile radius. Bill never realized how much of an influence he had on me. I owe him a nod of gratitude for making my teen years very fun and eventful, which in turn help make them so memorable. After my initial contact with Bill, I got thinking about all the other faces that have come into my life and then vaporized. I wonder about them and where, what and how theyre doing. Long time family friends Pete Donadio & Ernie Van Tassell just reappeared in my life after more than 15 years, it was so good to reconnect, their timing was God orchestrated not only for my life but my familys as well. Debby Derby-McKoin and I lost contact for over a year or so, at one time in my life I didnt think that was possible, she might as well be my sister, but life circumstances sent us in separate directions, she called me and it was like yesterday all over again. I dont want to go getting all spiritual and what about this, but I remember another friend, Donna Wagner telling me one day that God sends people in and out of our lives as necessary. Sometimes we only know someone for a season, never to see or hear from them again. Others we know for a lifetime. Ive found a true friend is one that you can pick up the phone no matter how long its been and start up like no time has passed. Its just good to make contact and hear their voice. Pat & Andrea Boland I havent seen in over 10 years, however we take time to talk on the phone every other month, though I miss seeing them, its like we just saw each other. Being out on the ships for a while gave me a lot of perspective about family, friends and relationships as a whole. We tend to take them all for granted. My brother Joe suffered a brain aneurism about a month ago, by the grace of God, he not only survived it, but has had a 99% recovery. I realized my own mortality that day. Whats important in life, and whats not. I close by driving home my point which is to appreciate those friends and family around you that you love, and dont take them for granted. There will come a time when for whatever reason, you or they wont be there. We all only get one shot at this life, this is the real thing, not a dress rehearsal so live, laugh and love life while you can, make amends, forgive, embrace the good things, let the bad things go and please but dont wait too late! - NICK
VOLUME #8
A PASSIONATE LIFE
I remember working in Nashville as a newly signed songwriter at the ripe old age of 18. I recall being told so many times by different folks in the industry that in order to be a successful songwriter you must write commercial. In other words, I had to write songs that would sell on the radio, they didnt necessarily need to be great songs, or even good songs, just catchy ones. Then I would be told the opposite by the big respected songwriters, they would say not to follow the trends, just write what was in my heart and let them find you mmm just a bit confusing for an aspiring 18 year old. Actually its confusing even now. Wanting to be successful in the worlds eyes, I became part of the machine, cranking out songs that no one would really remember, I called them ditties, a catchy chorus or refrain, mundane verses, just ditties. The good thing about writing all those ditties was that they helped me hone my craft and earn a living. Over time I became more and more creative with words, music and structure trying to make them interesting. I was told early on that one could not write a song about something unless theyve experienced it ie; dont try to describe the ocean if youve never seen it or if youve never had a broken heart, dont tell me how it feels, you get the drift. One great well-known songwriter, Linda Hargrove once told me that as a songwriter, you have to lay your heart on the table for everyone to see. She knew what she was talking about, because she had lived it. I thought I understood that, but I really didnt. There isnt a whole lot of wisdom when youre 18-19 years old; you think you know everything Time is a great teacher. I can now look back and see my life chronicled in song; the truth is its a little scary. Each facet of my life is frozen into words and music, like a musical photograph. The good, the bad, the tears, the joy, the sorrow all laid out there on the table for the world to see and hear. Somewhere along this incredible journey I had an epiphany, I discovered the word passion. Life is nothing but a series of ditties if you havent any passion. A passionate life is the greatest gift anyone could hope for. It is in essence the heart of life. Music is my passion, along with love and life. My best songs are the ones that reflect my heart, or my passions. This is what Linda Hargrove was really saying when I was 18. In fact, my Dad had this figured out a long time ago, he lived with a passion. I wonder what took me so long its never too late for a passionate life!!! Nick
VOLUME #9
A HOKEY POKEY KIND OF LIFE
According to our U.S. constitution everyone has the right to speak their mind, and as long as theyre not hurting anyone, live the way they choose. Politically it has become a major point of contention between the Democrats & the Republican parties. High strung is a good description of the state of affairs here in the USA. The conservatives vs the liberals, they believe that theyre opinions should be everyones. I wonder if they have ever stopped bickering long enough to actually listen to the normal people, instead of them selves and the special interests? Whether you approve of George W Bush or not is irrelevant. How many didnt agree with Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan, it just doesnt matter. What matters is that we respect each others opinions, in our democracy the majority rules. Im sick of conspiracy theories, Im tired of people bashing the President, the Pope, Barney, SpongeBob etc everyone has the right to their opinions, but somewhere in the chaos we have lost the ability to respect each other. Some blame it on the media, others on the religious right, some say its the liberal left that has caused the problem. Some say we have become desensitized. Things as simple as manners, holding the door for someone, smiling, being kind the lesson seems lost somehow. Just get in your car and go for a drive, it happens everyday, all day long, people will cut you off, cut in front, honk their horns for no reason, some people are just plain rude. Other than giving everyone a rum drink and an ocean view, I dont really have an answer. There is that old and wise rule to treat each other as you would want to be treated, thats simple stuff. We are all in this together, and were all trying to find our way through this life. Sometimes it can be pretty tough and we need each other to get through it. Our petty differences are just thatpetty white, black, green, purple, Catholic, Muslim, Protestant, straight, gay, rich, poor, Democrat, Republican, independent we still do all the basics exactly the same breathe, sleep, eat, cry, dream LOVE. Now thats what its all about!!!!
VOLUME #10
MUSICAL DARES
Through the years the music world has been on the forefront of controversy. Pushing the ticket to see how far they could go was almost like a game. The farther you pushed the more publicity you gained. Elvis Presley wasnt the first, there were many before him. Because of the mass media of his time, Elvis became the focus of a controversy that set into motion a chain of events that quite frankly, in my opinion have gotten way out of hand. Im not a prude by any means, and Im for the freedom of musical expression, but I think there is a line that has been crossed. Recently I watched the MTV Video Music Awards as it was broadcast from Miami. The music was somewhat of a mixture of mostly Urban, Rap and Hip-Hop with some Pop thrown in for posterity. What alarmed me I suppose was the way woman were depicted, not to mention the vulgar lyrics and the thug logic that seemed to dominate the stage. I grew up with the big hair & spandex metal bands like Def Leopard, Twisted Sister & Motley Crue. I also came from the generation of Punk Rock, the infamous Michael Jackson crotch grabs, and the introduction of the Madonna pointy brassieres. Weve all witness the revealing Cher costumes, Tina Turners legs, Dolly Partons bosoms, Ricky Martins grinds, Ushers abs, Brittany, Christina, Mariah through it all the music made the celebrity. The packaging was part of the visual, but the music didnt suffer. Somewhere along the way, the public was led down a road that said it was ok to curse and to be vulgar, to advocate hate, to insult and even demean each other. Where Michael Jackson would do an occasional crotch grab, I watched one performer on the MTV VMAs hold his crotch through his entire song. Some of the other performers were just as bad, but what surprised me more than anything was the vulgarity of the lyrics. It doesnt take a mental gymnast to see the effect it has had on our culture, it is a bit frightening, yet certain segments of our culture lift them up on pedestals, and turn them into stars. It once again goes back to the lack of respect. I remember when Country Music used to take it on the chin all the time about the cry in your beer lyrics, but at least the Country Music industry has never advocated hate in a hit song. The onset of the Modern Urban music culture, Rap & Hip-Hop have pretty much incapacitated the R&B Market. R&B has nearly ceased to exist, what a great loss. Through he dismal grays I do see some light breaking through, an artist like Alicia Keys shines, through her music, her lyrics, her presence, pure class. Bottom line is I think recording artists, composers and the music industry as a whole, should be holding themselves to a higher standard. Lets face it, theres not much class in being vulgar, and its not very creative to advocate hate, not to mention theres very little talent associated with being a thug its not something they should be proud of
VOLUME #11
HURRICANE WILMA In The Midst
OCTOBER 2005
Day 10 without power following the Hurricane Wilma.
Dodging hurricanes can be risky. We thought we had it made late season, not direct hits to South Florida, at least nothing severe. We began to let out our breath, and let our guard down. Katrina surprised us, Rita shook us up, but Wilma knocked us down. It was a complete surprise to everyone the strength that Wilma packed. Wilma didnt make the conventional entrance, she snuck in the back door through the SW Gulf Coast of Florida. She clobbered Naples, Ft Myers, The Keys & Miami before she took out her full fury on Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. We saw her coming, but we expected a Category 1 or even a Cat 2, but not a Category 3. Even after landfall south of Naples on the village of Everglades City, she maintained her strength. Boy did she deliver a wallop. It had been nearly 50 years since Ft Lauderdale had a direct hit. The damage is worthy of the pictures Ive seen of Katrina. We do thank God that the loss of life was quite minimal. I in no means want to compare Wilma to the heart wrenching devastation of Katrina. However, to the folks that lost everything the pain is just the same. I count myself as blessed. I sit writing you this from a computer that is being powered by a generator. It has been 10 days as of this writing without power. Patrick (my son) has been out of school for a week and a half and might be out longer. The power outages are widespread. Gas was at a premium until they go generators to run the pumps 3 days after. Things are slowly coming back to normal. There are still many traffic lights out all across the city; it makes it difficult and slow to get around. The Seminole Casino where I entertain took some heavy damage; they just got power restored tonight. My house took some minor damage, I fared better than most of my neighbors. The foliage is probably the most noticeable, it changes the look of everything the good thing though is that the foliage will grow back. This is South Florida and everything grows quickly.
I made sure we have been prepared from day one for any hurricanes. I felt bad for those who were not, but I had to question why? Its not like we didnt have plenty of notice about Wilma, she spent days churning down on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico A lot of folks underestimated the power of this storm. One of my newest heroes is Max Mayfield of the National Hurricane Centers he spent a week trying his best to ring the bell and it fell on a lot of deaf ears I hear people complain about not having this or being without that my question remains whos fault is it really? A hurricane is not like a tornado, we see a hurricane as it approaches, a tornado just appears.
So as I wind down this reflection on my time spent with Hurricane Wilma and her aftermath, I listen to the sound of generators humming in the night, checking the gas gauge on my own. Keeping my flashlight handy so I can find my way to the bedroom to turn in for the evening. I realize with a degree of dread that the night will be long and humid without air-conditioning. Ive also come to realize that I dont know my way to the bathroom in the dark as well as I thought I did!!! Paradise has its quirks Yet another lesson learned
nick
VOLUME #12
TIME, LOVE & MONEY
Theres an old saying that goes Everybody wants more time, love and money, but few are willing to wait, hurt and work for it. I understand this concept all to well. As we approach the Holiday season, we begin to search for all of the above. We ask where did the time go? We look forward to seeing all those friends and family members that we so casually put on the back burner earlier in the year, and finally, we wonder where the money went, and ask ourselves can we really afford to give what we would really like too this holiday season.
When it comes to the time issue, all I can say is that it is the most precious commodity that we have. You can make more money, and love is everywhere, but you cannot make more time. How many times have we asked ourselves I shouldve done this or I couldve done that. You cant go backwards, as my song Upside Down says, whats done is done gone, leave well enough alone. I try to live without regrets; unfortunately I would be lying if I said I have none. There are some things I wish I could change, a lot of things I wish I hadnt waited to do or say, but I choose not to dwell there. If you want to change your life, then do it. If you want to try something different, then try it. If you want to live a full life, then take chances. Most importantly, if you need to tell someone what they mean to you, how much you love them, then say it, life is unpredictable and you may not get another chance, time slips away quickly.
That of course brings me to love. Grandma Isabel used to say you get back what you put out, I believe this. I place the ultimate value on my Family and friends. Sure we argue, bicker and get mad at each other, but when its all said and done, we are all there for each other. Having a few very special people in your life is a blessing, having a bunch is like winning the lottery. As Ive lost loved ones in my life, I must drive home the fact that (back to the time thing again) I wish I had spent more quality time with them, but sadly, time ran out. Love is something that should be shared, nurtured and given freely. Life is too short not to.
Moneywhat hasnt already been said about money. I always wanted to live in a world where it wasnt important. My imaginary world thrives on bettering ones self, instead of power through the accumulation of things, where poverty does not exist. Unfortunately, that Pollyanna world does not exist. The cruel reality of money haunts us everyday. Who wouldnt want more money? I wonder how so many people have so much money? What Ive found was an illusion. A lot of people have a lot of credit but its still a small amount of people that have actual cash. I made my Christmas list of what I could afford to buy for my loved ones this year well it turned into a short list. Christmas is expensive. Just one video game can run you $60 its scary. I had visions of grandeur for the holidays, but unfortunately my vision will have to be riddled with cutbacks. Thanks in part to Hurricane Wilma, Rita and that nasty old B#%CH Katrina, a whole lot of Christmases have been put on hold. I refuse to allow money to interfere with my life. I am choosing to look at the up-side and enjoy the holiday for what it is meant to be. Sure therell be presents, but they will be affordable and thats ok with me, I already have too much stuff for my own good, as you probably do as well!
In closing I want to leave you something to think about. When youre gathering with your family and friends this season, (or anytime for that matter), remember to spend some extra time with them, even if they drive you crazy. Sit and talk, reminisce, laugh, savor those special moments and make some new memories, because next year those memories might be all you have left.
Whats more important to you time, love or money?
Have a safe and memorable Holiday Season!
Godspeed
VOLUME #13
SURVIVE
Considering all the life altering events that have occurred to me and a good many of my family and friends over the last year, I decided that I would share a song lyric that I wrote during a very dark period of my life back in 2001. I have found that when I perform this song, people tell me it moves hearts and lifts spirits. Someone once told me that from the darkest parts of our hearts, comes the brightest light. I decided to record this song last minute, and included it as a bonus track on my new CD. Survive has turned out to be one of the most popular on the project, as well as my most requested song in person. My thought was that maybe the lyric alone might encourage you and give you hope for the New Year. I dont believe in coincidence, so I am amused that Track #13 on the new CD, and Volume #13 of Nicks Notebook are both about the song Survive.
May you have a happy and prosperous 2006! SURVIVE
From the Song Harbor CD
Plastic Pink Flamingos
Lifes not easy, but we live it everyday,
Theres no telling what we lose on the way,
Roads of broken souls and pieces of dreams,
Childhood wishes that wont be redeemed
We pay way too much for just a little peace of mind,
The cost of living, can cost more than the life
So we do what we can, and when its out of our hands,
We fall, we stand.we
(Chorus)
Survive. We win and we lose,
We live and we laugh and we cry,
We survive. We give and we take,
We love and we hate, and we barely get by
But still through it all, we find. We survive.
There are moments that we keep in our hearts,
There we find comfort, when the road gets too hard,
We search for a meaning; we keep asking God why,
In hope we find strength, on faith we rely.
Theres not always a choice, we grow and we learn,
Taking our chances, we bend and we burn
Spinning around in this circle of life
Sometimes we crash, sometimes we fly still we survive.
Words & Music by Nick Granato
© Song Harbor Music/Creighton Island Music/BMI
VOLUME #14
A STRANGE UNEASINESS
You can feel it in the air, you cant put your finger on it, but its there. Everyone you talk to feels it as well. Whats going on? Some say were in for a rude awakening in this country, and life as we enjoy it now is going to vanish. Others say its the biblical end times and that prophecy is revealing itself. Ive heard about a great cycle or purging that is in the midst which will eventually lead us back to the dark ages. A new Ice Age, Magnetic poles changing, Global warming, a massive pandemic, WW3; its all a bit scary. Something is happening, but then again, something is always happening. In February 2006 the worlds estimated population reached 65.5 billion. Now put that many people together and theres bound to be trouble. No one human can make everyone happy. Jealousy and greed feed the fire, while power and wealth will always determine who calls the shots. Think about it, the Ancient Egyptians, The Romans, The Greeks, The British, The Germans, French, Spanish etc wow, just about everyone has been in charge at some point. Now its the Americans. History says our number will eventually come up, and the tables will turn. Will it happen in our lifetime, who knows? We cant go around with the look of dread on our faces. Worrying doesnt solve anything. A lot of people are saying that George W. has ruined the United States, well theyve said that about 2 dozen other presidents, but we recovered. I remember people bashing Jimmy Carter as president, he was a peaceful man in a volatile time, and we recovered. I cant say what John Kerry would have done, or Al Gore, frankly it doesnt matter. Todays politics arent any different than the time of Alexander the Great or Romes caesars. The religious right will always be that, it is a constant in the equation. Whether it be Christian, Muslim, Jew, etc, it is a passionate lot. Mmmmmm Maybe there are aliens coming; you never know. Weve been nosing around up there for a while now, maybe they decided they dont want to send the welcome wagon. Maybe its the weather or the Earth itself? Weve done a good job messing that up! I dont know what the strange uneasiness is; Id be lying if I said I did. All we can do is wait and see. The future is a grand thing it hasnt happened yet. We could be feeling weird for nothing So relax, and dont concern yourself with things that you cant explain or control. Maybe God is just trying to get our attention, maybe we arent listening maybe some of us are?
VOLUME #15
NO COMPROMISE
There comes a point in everyones life that they are forced into compromise. Most of the time it is something that is probably insignificant, like buying a car, or a house, or even where to go for lunch. There does come a time that compromising is not an option. When it comes to our personal convictions, our ideals, our civil liberties, and of course our freedom as American citizens. These should never be compromised. I have had to face all five of these in the last year. I had to stand up because of my personal convictions when they were questioned. I have argued my ideals with adversaries, and I have had my civil liberties violated on more than one occasion. Unfortunately all these are unimportant without the last one being in place my freedom. I understand we are involved in an unpopular war, and I have had issues with our government spanning back before the Clinton Administration. I know that when my Grandparents went to war back in WW2, they did it because they knew of the horrors that were happening, not to mention the fact that their/our freedom was being threatened, and the world needed us. Sometimes there isnt any room for compromise. Im not going to get on a political podium and start bashing the Bush Administration, but Im not going to sing their praises either, it doesnt do any good, and it wont change the situation. I am a typical American, I personally dont care what happens in Iran or Irag until it affects our country. 9/11 had a widespread impact on how we view what happens over there, and we really should care. Yes I think we should have done things differently, but whats done is done. Not being fully informed of the tactical information, I cant say what I would have done differently. Weve heard the same story about the Korean War, Vietnam and Gulf War, not to mention Grenada or the Falkland Islands. I hear people everyday say they should do this, or they should do that but the reality is that being an armchair leader is easy, there arent any repercussions. Ive heard people go on about the phone tapping; another reality is that if we had been doing it all along maybe, just maybe, 9/11 could have been avoided. I dont have a problem with someone listening in to a phone conversation of mine, I have nothing to hide. I actually tend to feel like the American media and the American people know way too much for our own good. Dont forget our enemies watch CNN and Fox too. Quite frankly there is always someone out there wanting to do us harm, and I dont need to know about all of them. We have compromised ourselves into a no win situation, between the media coverage of what our next move is, to the constant barrage of whos wrong and whos right, not to mention the lack of respect issue. My whole point is that if we are not careful, we could end up compromising the very freedom that allows us to speak our mind and challenge our government, and each other. Yes there needs to be some checks and balances, and yes I feel there have been quite a few instances of question. But no, I dont think Bush is the anti-Christ, but I didnt think Clinton, Bush Sr., Reagan or Carter were either. They all have made good and bad choices. If America is such an awful place, why does everyone keep coming here? When I worked on the cruise lines, a lot of those folks I worked with would do just about anything to become a U.S. Citizen, why? because the United States is a great country. Compromise is a dangerous thing, our adversaries are looking for the loopholes, that old saying give an inch, and theyll take a mile, well I think its time we reconsider the give-take ratios. I think weve given way more than what should be expected, lets see how they all feel when we cut them off! Some of our allies make me question their motives. Were not a perfect country, we have our problems, but we still represent the land of opportunity, unlike anywhere else on the planet. So when it comes to compromise, I say its time to stand our ground and stop bickering amongst ourselves. United we stand, divided we fall It sounds trivial, but its true, and our enemies would like nothing better than divide and conquer!
VOLUME #16
PET PEEVES
Well, what irks you? Here are a few things that peel my paint! I know, I know, patience and understanding, but sometimes you just want to #$^#_%** well you know Season just ended here in South Florida and it still seems chaotic, all those people who were supposed to be having a good time walking around with grimaces, complaining about everything from the traffic to the weather, not stopping to consider that THEY were part of the problem!!! Nevertheless (hey thats a big word!), you might find that you have the same things happening where you live, maybe you can identify with them. Here it goes Ill probably be sorry I did this!
Everyone has their own list, I could go on and on with mine, but I might start to sound a little cynical not me!!! REALLY??? be nice
VOLUME #17
ONCE UPON A PARADISE
