There is a theory that we tend to change on many levels in 7 year cycles. Physically, emotionally, etc. I have always accepted that as probably true, but not done much with it otherwise. Can you describe them in 100 words or less? Can I?
First Cycle 1953 - 1960 ages 0-7
Ah, born in Chicago in 1953. My earliest memory was living across the street from a very large park called Garfield Park The park would fill up with snow in the winter months and create a wonderland to my 4 year old eyes...
* Whose woods these are, I think I know - his house is in the village so
He will not see me stopping here, to watch his woods fill up with snow.
I remember coming into consciousness at this location. I had my own room, and was busy coloring on the wall when I heard people at the front door. Hmm, danger! my brain said (no idea why) and I hid under the bed. They went to tell my mother I was not in my room. I then appeared from under my bed. Mother not happy about my hiding or coloring on the wall. My Grandparents (the visitors) engaged me and talked with me, not AT me like my mother. I liked them.
Second Cycle 1960 - 1967 ages 7-14
A little school boy now... became a cub scout, didn't like school much, and was very bullied by my mom. When I say bullied, I mean child abuse, emotional abuse, the whole nine yards. Not a happy time. I did all I could to stay out of the house; hit the door early and not come back till almost dark. Started walking to a church about 3/4 of a mile away on Sunday morning. Didn't ask anyone, just did it. Several times Minister visited the house to see what the heck was going on there. (ha).
Discovering music was a game changer... I got my father to show me what he knew on guitar, (a five chord progression) and worked it from there. Did my first public performance in 5th grade backing a girl singing Downtown by Petula Clark.
Got a growth spurt around age 12, that put an end to my motherly beatings.
Third Cycle 1967- 1974 ages 14-21
Entered all-boy vocational High School at 13, terrible first year. It was like a prison run by the inmates. Some of the older "boys" were in the 20's. They somehow kept enrolled so's not to get drafted. I cut school all sophomore year, earned 1 credit (I think it was gym).
Started my third year a year behind, so with the help of some teacher/allies, I attended class day and night and summers until it was time to graduate in the summer of 1970. Didn't make it out with my class, a math teacher I had political disagreements with failed me (after assuring me he would send me on), so I had to take Algebra I for the third time in summer session. An official graduate though!
Left home at 17. Got my own place, supported myself. Met a girl. Moved to Houston. Bye bye Chicago.
In Houston actually got married the summer I turned 20! (1973) Wow! That sounds nuts huh?
Leaving 1974 for...
Fourth Cycle 1974 - 1980 ages 21-27
Things picking up. Got in a band I could pay the rent with, quit my day job. After a year of this, my bride said, "I'm gonna go visit my friends in Chicago" (and filed for divorce). The very harshest of emotional times for me to that date.
If I were to make an appearance to my 22 year old self I would explain: "Hey, you're just starting a new cycle, relax, everything is in divine order". Better days (and nights) ahead.
Eventually fell in love, wrote a bunch of songs, played a great deal many shows right up until I could see the end in site about 1980. Married (again in 1979) with child, mortgage, needing to figure out a new career.
Wow! Piano Tuning!?
Fifth Cycle 1981 - 1987 ages 28- 34
Goodness time flies when you are in the thick of it! Worked two full time jobs nearly two years. Became competent as a tuner, became a father for the second time, built a business I could support a family with, while continuing to play music on the weekends. Funny some of these cycles seem to have flown by. Fancy plan: come up with a way to franchise piano tuning. - Didn't work.
Third Cycle 1967- 1974 ages 14-21
Entered all-boy vocational High School at 13, terrible first year. It was like a prison run by the inmates. Some of the older "boys" were in the 20's. They somehow kept enrolled so's not to get drafted. I cut school all sophomore year, earned 1 credit (I think it was gym).
Started my third year a year behind, so with the help of some teacher/allies, I attended class day and night and summers until it was time to graduate in the summer of 1970. Didn't make it out with my class, a math teacher I had political disagreements with failed me (after assuring me he would send me on), so I had to take Algebra I for the third time in summer session. An official graduate though!
Left home at 17. Got my own place, supported myself. Met a girl. Moved to Houston. Bye bye Chicago.
In Houston actually got married the summer I turned 20! (1973) Wow! That sounds nuts huh?
Leaving 1974 for...
Fourth Cycle 1974 - 1980 ages 21-27
Things picking up. Got in a band I could pay the rent with, quit my day job. After a year of this, my bride said, "I'm gonna go visit my friends in Chicago" (and filed for divorce). The very harshest of emotional times for me to that date.
If I were to make an appearance to my 22 year old self I would explain: "Hey, you're just starting a new cycle, relax, everything is in divine order". Better days (and nights) ahead.
Eventually fell in love, wrote a bunch of songs, played a great deal many shows right up until I could see the end in site about 1980. Married (again in 1979) with child, mortgage, needing to figure out a new career.
Wow! Piano Tuning!?
Fifth Cycle 1981 - 1987 ages 28- 34
Goodness time flies when you are in the thick of it! Worked two full time jobs nearly two years. Became competent as a tuner, became a father for the second time, built a business I could support a family with, while continuing to play music on the weekends. Funny some of these cycles seem to have flown by. Fancy plan: come up with a way to franchise piano tuning. - Didn't work.
So life was family, church, band, pianos, repeat. No real complaints. Actually quite fulfilling.
Sixth Cycle 1988 - 1994 ages 35 -41
Looking back, it all seems like such a blur. When you try to pick out a few words to describe 2555 days, you realize it can't be done. Children growing, still busy as a musician / band leader, trying to keep my marriage going, it was a lot of juggling. A busy life is like a ride on the Autobahn on BMW motorcycle - keep focused on what's coming in front of you.
Seventh Cycle 1993 - 2000 ages 42 - 48
If you are hitting 40, relax. I found it to be the best decade of my life. Still young enough to do foolish things, but smart enough to not get caught. (ha). Some innate sense says "it's your last decade to be young, still look good, feel good, and you have a few bucks.
Sixth Cycle 1988 - 1994 ages 35 -41
Looking back, it all seems like such a blur. When you try to pick out a few words to describe 2555 days, you realize it can't be done. Children growing, still busy as a musician / band leader, trying to keep my marriage going, it was a lot of juggling. A busy life is like a ride on the Autobahn on BMW motorcycle - keep focused on what's coming in front of you.
Seventh Cycle 1993 - 2000 ages 42 - 48
If you are hitting 40, relax. I found it to be the best decade of my life. Still young enough to do foolish things, but smart enough to not get caught. (ha). Some innate sense says "it's your last decade to be young, still look good, feel good, and you have a few bucks.
Midlife crises hits. Strong urge to hit 'reset', but after a turbulent time, don't. Marriage improves, Strangest time of my adult life. Renting pianos for concerts kick into high gear, and some light traveling take me and my pianos around Texas and Louisiana.
Eighth Cycle 2001 - 2007 ages 49- - 55
Eighth Cycle 2001 - 2007 ages 49- - 55
Still playing music for weddings, corporate events, etc. Got a retail store going, full blown music business. Wound up being in charge of Mother as dementia took over and made living on her own impossible. Not an easy time, but did the best I could with what I had to work with; me, her, sisters, nursing homes, etc. J.C. made it to January 2008 before crossing over.
Having employees let me go off playing jobs out of town, spouse holding down the fort. Kids grown up, house paid for things going pretty well until wait, what's that? 2008 coming up?
Ninth Cycle 2008 - 2014 ages 56 - 62
Ninth Cycle 2008 - 2014 ages 56 - 62
Ah the Great Recession is here! I am fortunate enough to recognize that business is slowing when it "should" be growing. Liquidated the store quickly and tried to find my next move. Very nearly became a truck driver. Instead piano backline took off. Marriage faltering at the 35 year mark. Working a vocal duo at this point.
Tenth Cycle 2015 - 2022 ages 63 - 70
Tenth Cycle 2015 - 2022 ages 63 - 70
Newly single. Is this what they call the Second Act? Yes must be so. The question now is "What do I Really Want?" Takes a while to let go of We and pick up Me. 'Don't mean that in a selfish way, but the number of years left is not many, so let's figure out how to make them count in some way. I will say it is nice to be here in the 10th cycle. Thanks for tuning in.
