Vie’s Verses – What I Am Thankful For
Another Thanksgiving is upon us. Thanksgiving is undisputedly my favorite holiday. It’s better than Christmas, because we get to enjoy the company of family and friends, yet not have to worry about giving gifts to anyone. It’s better than birthdays, because it is a holiday that is shared with everyone. It’s better than Easter, because there is just a great sense of family bond and tradition. As far as I am concerned, Thanksgiving is the greatest day of the year.
Welcome to this special edition of Vie’s Verses. Normally I use this column to vent my frustrations about high ticket prices, debate 5 bands or songs or tours that are great (or not great), or talk about upcoming albums and concerts that I want to see or hear. Yet, this edition of Vie’s Verses isn’t going to cover the normal column topics. This edition of Vie’s Verses is all about what I am thankful for.
Rob Rockitt
First and foremost, I am thankful for Hard Rock Hideout’s owner and editor, Rob Rockitt. Not only has he become one of my best friends since I started writing for this site, but he has also afforded me the opportunity to put out a bi-weekly column on pretty much any topic of conversation that I want to discuss. No other editor in America would be crazy enough to do that! I appreciate that Rob lets me write this column every other week and continues to publish it. It is a true blessing to write for Hard Rock Hideout and I am grateful that I am allowed to be part of such a wonderful, dedicated, hard rock
music site.
The Fans
I am also thankful for the fans—both fans of Vie’s Verses (yes, they actually exist) and fans of Hard Rock Hideout. Let’s be honest, without fans, writing this column would be fun, but pretty much worthless. If no one reads and comments about the column, it might as well be a diary. Yet, the fans of Hard Rock Hideout are always willing to voice their opinions, whether they agree with the material in the column or not. And that is something I love the most about Hard Rock Hideout fans, they speak their minds and they do it respectfully. I love fans like Kent and Bob and Frankenfurter that are always posting comments, telling me their thoughts (whether they agree or disagree) and recommending music and books about rock and roll that I should be checking out. It’s nice to see that people read this column and actually care enough to leave a comment. Nothing makes me feel more wonderful.
Kiss
I am also thankful for the rock band Kiss (shameless plug for my favorite band here). The fact that all four original members are still alive and active in the world of rock music is amazing and enjoyable. And with the new incarnation of Kiss producing records that are worth buying and listening to multiple times, I couldn’t be happier. Kiss has been a big part of my life since I was 7 years old (the first time I ever played Destroyer), and their music has gotten me through some rough spots in my life. The fact that I can still go out and see my favorite band live on tour is a blessing beyond belief. Hopefully next summer, I will be seeing them live once again.
My Family
There is nothing that means more to me than my family. My brothers, sisters, mother, grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and my dear devoted wife—I love them all with all of my heart. No one has been there more for me than my family, and there is no one that I would do more for in my life than my family. They have always been very supportive of my career choices, my hobbies, and the decisions that I have made on my journey of life. It means the world to me knowing that I could reach out to any one of them and they would be at my side in an instant. It means the world to me that my wife puts up with my long hours of working, writing, concert attendance, sports watching, video game playing, comic book reading habits, and never complains. She is a saint, and I am blessed to be married to such a wonderful woman. This thanksgiving, I am extremely thankful for the family that I have.
Last, But Not Least…
Lastly, I am thankful for everyone who read this post. Thanks for taking the time to read these words that I strung together for this special edition of Vie’s Verses. Be sure to come back in two weeks when I return to my regular writing of complaining about high ticket prices, speculating on tours for 2013, and covering all things hard rock. Until then, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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Okay, I know I’m reading this almost a week late, but I too am thankful for HRH, and the great information it provides. Ryo and Rob, etc, I also enjoy the interesting discussions we get into. It is fun to discuss music with people who are as passionate about it as I am, whether we always agree, or not. Happy holidays everyone!
Nicely put! I’m thankful that there are groups like this that exist that “speak my language” on all things rock. It’s had an impact on my knowledge of band releases and my growing CD (yes, CD) collection! So, thanks, guys. Keep up the good work!
Happy Thanksgiving to Ryo and all of you hard rockers out there!!