The Lifecycle of Dreams
Pedal Beats to Guitar Strings: Charting the Music of Aspiration
When I was a little boy, I had a bicycle that was my ticket to freedom. I used to ride it as fast as I possibly could, my little legs pumping furiously. When they couldn't go any faster, I would lift them off the pedals and crouch down low over the handlebars, making myself more aerodynamic to squeeze out that extra bit of speed. I can still vividly recall the rush of the wind against my face, the blur of the scenery whizzing by, and my heart pounding with exhilaration. Back then, the purpose of my life was simple – to go faster, to feel that fleeting moment of unbridled freedom.
This childhood memory is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It symbolizes a deeper, universal pursuit – the quest for speed and freedom. That uninhibited joy of pushing the boundaries, of reaching beyond what seems possible. It's a feeling that transcends time and age, a thread that weaves through the fabric of our lives.
Years later, when I discovered the guitar, I found a new avenue for this pursuit. Although it wasn't about physical speed anymore, the essence remained the same. The guitar became my new vehicle for exploration, a means to push the limits of creativity and expression. It's fascinating how the thrill of speed from my cycling days translated into a different kind of thrill in music – the rush of a perfectly executed riff finally achieved after hours of practice, the exhilaration of evoking powerful emotions through shifts of melody and timing.
Now, as I reflect on these experiences, I realise how they connect to a larger pattern. We all have our unique stories, our idiosyncrasies that seem incomprehensible to others. Yet, in some profound way, we are all similarly connected. We share the same physical universe, the same human ancestry that dates back not just thousands, but hundreds of thousands of years. Our journeys, though distinct, are part of a greater human narrative.
In embracing both our individuality and our shared humanity, we find a balance. My journey from a young boy on a bicycle to an older musician with a guitar is just one thread in this intricate tapestry of life. And I believe that each of us, in our own way, is adding vibrant colours to this ever-expanding masterpiece.
So, as you go about your week, I invite you to think about your own 'bicycle moments' – those times when you felt unbounded, free, and truly alive. How have they shaped you? And how do they connect you to the larger world? Let's cherish these experiences, for they are what make us uniquely ourselves, yet eternally part of something greater.
Gigs:
Not many remaining this year, unless I can squeeze one or two last minute dates in….
TODAY Sunday 19th November - The Veteran, Ryde. 4-6pm
Sunday 10th December - The Veteran, Ryde. 4-6pm
Thursday 21st December - ONLINE - Dance up The Sun from 07.00am
Sunday 24th December Xmas Eve - Wheatsheaf, Yarmouth 12 midday-2pm followed by the Apple Beatles duo at 3pm
Andy