Time is a Thief

My 52nd birthday is in a few days. Covid-19 lockdowns first started 6 years ago. I've been doing my TOM MONITOR music and art project now for 8 years! Everything has been a blur with the exception of a few memorable events along the way. There is a sense of urgency to hurry up and complete what I have set out to do. Honestly, that objective has changed quite a few times along the way. Not for the reason of failure, but more for adaptation. 

I did learn that just because you want things to be your way, and your way only, it's not just feasible. At least not when you have honest people on your side making sure you don't believe some unrealistic goals. No, I don't listen to everything said to me, and I still go against the norm, but for survival in this current time frame, possibly anytime really, you have to weigh your options. The days of going full on with a dream and a couple of bucks in your pocket are long gone. Which is unfortunate because that's where historically, all the good music and art came from. My initial goal was achieved when my music was played on the radio and got fans from around the world and all walks of life. They are not in the millions, tens of thousands, but they are there. I check in on them as they on me. They give me joy with their stories as I try and give them some escapism through my music, stories, and photography. It's a mutual respect that we have. 

So, do I have planned anything special for my 52nd birthday on April 1, 2025? No. I will be going into work as usual. Instructed coworkers and managers to not do anything for me as they do for other employee's birthdays with cake and lunch. No. I don't need that. Not anymore. I did order myself a cake from the market across the street. It's a tres leches cake with a raspberry filling and no decorations. Plain, simple, and very good. This will be my own personal celebration when I get home that afternoon. Another year of life lessons learned and filed away into my memory.