We could all use a break

We just returned from a long road trip to South Carolina, it was roughly a 40 hour round trip spread across 8 days from beginning to end, we stayed in a few places along the way and even took an early morning nap in our vehicle! For the first time in nearly 6 years all 8 of my children (blood or not) were all gathered in the same place at the same time. It was kind of amazing to see, I was likely just staring off befungled at how incredible they all are. How they've grown, the personalities, differences and all that. It was magical.

After we got back it wasn't like an exhausting journey where we needed a vacation to recover from a vacation or anything like that, it was more like a much needed break from the routines and habits that I've settled into. Kind of a wake up call that if you don't like where you're headed or feel stagnant in life, it's never too late to change. Crush old habits, start new routines, ya know- better yourself n' stuff. 

Meditation, having a positive outlook, and at times even soul searching has had a major impact on my mental health growth over the last few years, but even I couldn't do it alone. Mental health is no joke, I've had my closest friends and loves pull up a shoulder to cry on, and lent my own in exchange. We're all going through this battle of life, and it's so much easier to know that you're not alone. See a counselor, talk to your friends, take the day off, watch your favorite show, go for a walk, or hell, stare at the moon all night. The ceiling of the sky watches over us all!

In my humble opinion, I think the most brilliant man alive making music is Devin Townsend, and he very recently made it known that his 2025 tour will be his last in quite a while. Devin said this:

"I've made the decision to take a break from touring — an indefinite one. This upcoming North American run will be the last time you'll see me on stage for the foreseeable future.

"That doesn't mean I'm done playing live. Not by a long shot. I'll be performing until my final breath. But right now, I need to be present for the people who need me, and to give myself the space to reflect on everything I've been through."

I've only ever seen Devin once in concert, and it was literally one of the coolest experiences of my music loving life!

Among the ashes during one of the most difficult years of my adult life, one concert, particularly one moment stands out as a turning of the perennial page. My beautiful wife and I made a poster that I took with to see Devin live in Oshkosh WI. He was actually one of the opening acts for Dream Theater (who were awesome too), but let's be honest, Devin overshadows everyone else!

When we arrived to the concert we realized there was no pit and assigned seating, and our seats were a mile back!  I really wanted Devin to see the silly sign we made, so during his finale I took a chance and ran up the middle of the isle directly in front of him! We locked eyes, and he pointed right at me!  After the song ended, he said on the mic that the dude that came up with the sign to please come back, and when I returned to the stage he took the sign, and handed me the pic he was playing with!  I was such a goon and completely mesmerized. 

Regardless of if you're a cat (and now dog) loving nerd that draws pictures of felines in space and hand them to your favorite musical artist or have passions of your own, please for all of us! GET YOUR STUFF OUT THERE!  We would love to hear from you! I would love to hear from you. Say hi, share a song or a joke, or a funny video!  We're all in this together!  Let's all root for one another! <3