Hello - Goodbye

Bill McCloskey · From: Nanuet, NY

It has been a while since I last posted here. I've missed all of you quite a bit. Unfortunately, I'm having to become resigned to fact that not only will I not have time to post here much anymore, but that I don't have time to play much anymore. My lap steels, dobros, pedal steel guitars, weissenborns, and guitars sit before me unplayed.

My business is at the threshold of a huge success but it will take years to realize. When I was posting more, I was working from home and only had a few employees. But my company has been successful and as a result, I've had to open an office in the city, I'm now commuting (2 hours each way) and am responsible for the livelihoods of over a dozen familys including my own. Investors are starting to put money into my company so I'm under even greater presure to succeed. My life is no longer my own. On the one hand its a good problem to have. On the other, I realize that I will not be able play much music at all for the next few years. Nor will I have the time to contribut to music forums.

So, I'd like to hear from any of you that have been in my position. Loving music, loving to play music, enjoying talking about music, but for the sake of career having to put it all on the back burner, maybe for years. I need to hear some good stories.

Beyond that, I hope to pop in now and again, but resigned to the fact that the conversation will go on with out me. Hello. Goodbye.

Mark Eaton · Posted 6 Nov 2005 3:10 pm

We were wondering what happened to you, Bill.

Best of luck with the growing business!

So...do you wanna unload any of those SuperSlides?

------------------
Mark

Kevin Macneil Brown · From: Montpelier, VT, USA

When my first child was born, I left behind a marginal--but satisfying-- career as a solo singer-songwriter. Working 60 and 70 hour weeks as a chef to pay the bills for my new family, I was afraid that I would lose music in my life forever.
After a while, I vowed to practice every day, even if it was only for five minutes. And I ended up learning how to get a lot of musical growth and satisfaction from those few minutes.
Now I'm an empty-nester with two grown kids. I work as a record store manager and free-lance writer. I'm singing, writing songs, playing lap steel and tele in a band that's building real momentum, and I'm recording solo projects at home.
I don't know if my story helps; but I wish you the best in your endeavors, and I hope that you achieve a satisfying balance in your life.

Charles Dempsey · From: Shongaloo, LA

Bill,

Three years ago I was living in the country raising kids, happy as a clam, but as they grew up we had to put them in better schools, carpool for soccer/football/skating/parties etc, and there was more and more shopping associated with them. My 45 minute commute went to an hour and a half, and then two hours. I finally said to heck with it, sold out, and moved to the city. The kids are happier, the job is only 2 miles away, and it's not quite as weird as I thought it would be.

Long story short, I gained 3 1/2 hours a day, my playing buddies are a lot closer, and I'm saving a ton on fuel and maintenance.

Charlie

Don Kona Woods · From: Hawaiian Kama'aina

Bill,

No matter how busy you become, your body will still need some time for relaxing because sooner or later if you don't treat it right, it will rise up and tell you so in one way or another.

Leaving your guitar out so that you can have immediate access to it can give you a few moments of relaxing.

You might have to think about other diversions as well in order to not have adverse consequences develop.

I speak with some experience here in the matter.

Aloha

,
Don

[This message was edited by Don Kona Woods on 06 November 2005 at 06:00 PM.]

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Bill, I was wondering when you were going to get your head out from between the necks of that D8 Super Slide!

Welcome to the club. You've seen part of my business. I employ 26 people and I have my hands full. I'm also involved in real estate out on Long Island which takes up a lot of weekend time.

In my case, it's the continuity of time. Part of the season I can put some time into practice, and other times I can't pick it up for several weeks. I enjoy my profession and take satisfaction in what I've accomplished and the goals I have realized. That's important to me also. So, if I stink on steel, it's the listener's problem, not mine.

You can always come back to your music and you have a good foundation. Everything will level off and you'll find some time for playing. Your business, if you neglect that, chances are you won't be able to pick that up as well as that nice Celtic Cross Baritone. Grow your business while you have the opportunity. You'll get a great satisfaction out of that also.

It all comes down to compromise. Yes, life is a compromise. I find that true even in personal relationships. I'm single because I was never able to compromise. Now, at this point in my life, I realize that compromise is important.

For example, I have high moral standards, but if I met the right gal, I'd be willing to lower them.

Bill McCloskey · From: Nanuet, NY

Howard my friend,

Your post brought tears to my eyes. Or maybe it was the 3 martini's.

Either way, I count you as one of my dear friends even though our time together has been all too brief.

Besides, you are one of the few people who know exactly what I'm going through. We owe each other a drink. I'll give you a call.

Bill Bosler · From: Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, USA

Bill - Congratulations on your business success . I've been self-employed for 35 years (with my two brothers)and always kept some time for playing as a weekend warrior. The three or four hours on stage and the travel time to the gigs gives my mind a chance to clear and think of something other than the daily grind.

Kris Oka · From: San Francisco, CA, USA

Bill, good luck with your business but yikes, 2 hour commute each way. Does it snow up there? Hopefully, you will be able to move closer to your business or hire a manager. I am with Kona, you need to take your essence to a quiet place regularly or your body will let you know. Drift away in your music even for a few minutes a day and you'll see how theraputic it is. Wish you the best and don't ever say goodbye.

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

Bill, when I was in graduate school and the first few years of my business career, I had to put music entirely on the back burner. That lasted about a decade. In the end I was wiped out, drained, resentful, and aching to get back into playing music. So I changed my life around completely, and put music (and my family) into the foreground, instead of them both getting the dregs of what little was left of me after working so hard for some company. This turned out to be much for the better, in my case. I'm much happier and my wife and kid like me better too (and so do I). I'll never know where I could have taken my music if I hadn't lost that decade (or, for that matter, if I'd gone into music professionally, instead of business), but I'm content with the compromise I made in my life. I hope you'll be satisfied with your decisions. I do endorse the suggestion above to keep an instrument out and readily available, for those few minutes here and there when you can just sit down a play a little something; it'll be good for your soul and make the rest of your life, including your business life, go better. All best wishes to you, whatever you decide to do,
Jimbeaux
The (Part-time) Master of Acceptable Tone

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

Best of Luck on yer Biz Bill
i'm sure you'll be checkin' us out when you can as well as maintainin' yer Love fer Musik & Steelin too

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

First, the bad news; then the good news.
Having a successful go is a great thing.
Congratulations.
Play as needed.

Randy Reeves · From: LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA

Bill. I have always enjoyed your posts. I will miss the regularity.
I wish you continued success with your life.

one thing that bothers me is your long commute.
is there a way that you could use mass transit or car pool? someway to allow your hands to be on the intstrument during that time instead of a steering wheel.
all the best.

[This message was edited by Randy Reeves on 07 November 2005 at 05:53 AM.]

Ron Brennan · From: Orlando, Florida, USA; Formerly, Edison, NJ

Bill,

While we have never met, just a few reflections on your positive situation....

Please know, that I too have enjoyed your post's with regard to your Steelguitar life. From your latest post above, I do think you have it right (family, direction & priorities) both as an adult and a professional.

That said, I would offer that the sentiment should be: "Hello And Until Till We Meet Again". It seems to me "Goodbye" connotes finality. In your case, it's my conviction this is not the case.

Your one of the "good guy's" amongst many around here. Dropping in now and then, at the very least, is good for all and for you as well.

I too miss reading SGF regularly, as my professional life and industry (Airlines)is undergoing a good amount of turmoil. As a result, I am practicing less, although it is a respite from the added stress and hours I and my colleagues are putting into our troubled industry.

In our case, it's like looking at a tunnel at the other side of the light vs. in your case, seeing a light at the other end of the tunnel. I am happy to say, "Good on ya" and while not easy to do, it's a good problem to have and goes along with being an "accomplished" person.

In my case I am 63 and getting close to retirement. This is a good thing. Alas, there is a time for everything. And yes, it is true, hope springs eternal. You are not at a crossroad, just a temporary Jersey Barrier in the road of life.

Many of us will look forward to your Steel Guitar adventures and posts on SGF, even if it is now and then. Soooo, Until we Meet Again!!!! Best Wishes

TX
Rgds,

Ron

------------------
JCFSC member since 2005 "Be of Good Cheer"
"55" Stringmaster D8,"59" Stringmaster D6
"67" Telecaster,
"60"Fender Concert Amp 4-10's

[This message was edited by Ron Brennan on 07 November 2005 at 09:40 AM.]

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Reece Anderson · From: Keller Texas USA, R.I.P.

Bill M....I'm happy for you that your business is expanding, but consider it unfortunate you will find little time to contribute to the forum. I always enjoyed reading your comments.

I wish you continued success.

Chuck Fisher · From: Santa Cruz, California, USA * R.I.P.

Add the following items to the office:

Steel Guitar

Amp

Couch

Glenmorangie Port Barrel Cure

Shaver and toothbrush

Sincerely,
CF

Mike Ruffin · From: El Paso, Texas, USA

Bill
I, too, have been wondering where you had disappeared to. I have missed your posts to the forum and I hope you have time to contribute once in a while.
I am happy for you that your business is doing well. You should keep a steel in your office for those moments when you have a moment!
I wish you well.

Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

Congratulations on your business sucess! Things could be way worse--long story short- I was in a great band that never practiced and played once a week- made great CD, lil' tour, etc.- wonderful- too much sucess in the band made for playing 4 nights a week, plus day job, plus holding down a family- something had to give- financially could not afford to be a musician and fulfill financial obligations- had to quit the band. Stopped playing completely for 5 years- just stowed stuff on top of the steel- finally realized I was treating the guitar as if it were a girlfriend who done me wrong- had to laugh at the situation. Now back to music full time (Steel Guitars of North County)- on the retired side of financial obligations- kids grown- understanding wife,etc. Use your music as a stress reducing drug- enjoy your sucesses- use the commute to visualize new stuff to do on the guitar- wowow- great kudos to you!

Bob Stone · From: Gainesville, FL, USA

Bill,

I wish you all the best with your business endeavors. Life takes many twists and turns. Follow your passions and things will work out for the best. There will always be steel guitars waiting for you to play them...

Congratulations on your successes.

Best regards,

Bob

Peter Feller · From: Palisades, New York, USA

Bill, Don't worry about a thing. Do the business thing; no music baggage. That's how things go. I think probably everyone here has had to set the guitars aside for a time. I only played a little at home for the past thirty five years, and you know yourself how into it I am now that I'm retired. I suspect you won't have to wait quite that long to slide back into it. Don't let the sight of your great guitar collection torture you in any way. In your two hour commute, you should be able to spend some quality listening time. Of course, I know well the whole-body demands commuting into NYC can place on one. So don't get too caught up in your CD's. Even streets run east, no turn on red, keep your EZPASS current, no coffee just before rush hour, cabbies are better armed than you are, don't block the box, have some dollars handy for the window washers, curse Robert Moses every time you think of it, and turn that frown upside down. I'll stay in touch. Later, dude.

Bill McCloskey · From: Nanuet, NY

Thank you all for the wonderful, wonderful posts. You know I won't be able to stay away forever. And I'll check in from time to time. The good news is that if everything works out, in a couple of years I'll be able to play all the time. And if things don't work out, in a couple of years I'll also be able to play full time.

I am going to try and get to Norwalk next weekend though, so I hope to meet many of you face to face. And I'll take your advice and keep the instruments ready to use - a few minutes here and there will hopefully keep me sane.

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