BS: A Little Help From My Friends...

Subject: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: alanabit
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 04:22 PM

I am a bit embarrassed about this, but I'm going to swallow my pride and ask you for help.
It has been an "interesting" year for me. Without wanting to play for sympathy too much, I can say that there are unresolved health issues around both myself and my partner, Ina. I have recently lost the remaining teaching hours I had. It wasn't a dream job, but I liked the students and it was easy money. The depression has hit Germany and my chances of entering the "straight" world look slim because of my age, my past and the general economic outlook. In effect, I feel that I am being forced back to do what I really wanted to do all along - return to full time music.
Oddly enough, it is a time of enormous opportunity too. I have been making a video (which will cost me nothing), I have been invited down to Linz Festival with my old band and I am involved in making a TV documentary about busking.
I have been loath to go busking in recent years because of my voice troubles and essentially a loss of confidence. I never ever blame the
public for a bad show. It is up to me to play better.
I can turn this around. I believe in miracles and I believe that your vibes/prayers/kind thoughts can help me to do it. It's my job to take advantage of the opportunites, but I am going to put aside my pride for a moment and ask you for a little help. Anything you can send me to help me make it happen again will be most appreciated.
I need my strong voice back and to feel that "magic touch" again which I had when I was working really well. Thanks for your help. Alan.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: lady penelope
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 04:54 PM

May the light of a thousand stars guide the path to your dreams.

I salute you, your bravery is inspiring.

Be sure and keep us posted on how you're getting on.

TTFN Lady P.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 05:11 PM

Alan, thanks for asking and for the opportunity for us all to offer up help. The Universe has a funny way, sometimes, of pushing into what we really want to be doing, doesn't it?


I give thanks for the full recovery of your voice and confidence, for the highest good of all concerned. I also give thanks for an abundance of all that you and Ina may need or desire.
Lots of Light, Hugs, and Good Thoughts are on their way, too!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Alba
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 05:47 PM

Best Wishes to you Allan as you embark on this new Road.
May your Spirit and your Voice go from strength to strength.
I agree with Kat, the Universe has indeed a strange way at times of pushing us in the direction it wants us to go in.
Health, Happiness and Success to You and Yours
Positive thoughts are on their way.
A
Magik happens:>)

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Morticia
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 06:53 PM

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Morticia
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 07:00 PM

hmmmm, gremlins in the works....or I wasn't paying attention.

Alan, I salute your bravery,I know it wasn't easy for you to ask for support. I feel privileged that I knew a little of what you and Ina are going through. I would also like people to know that, while all this crap has been going down for Alan, he has been generous enough to be very supportive of Pixie and I.....you and Ina have all the positive thoughts and prayers I can spare,dear.

Remember the slogan.....I DO believe in Mudcat,I DO believe in Mudcat,I DO believe in Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: pixieofdoom
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 09:39 PM

For everything that's going on for you and your partner, you've definately got my best best wishes and positive thoughts. Hope everything works out for you

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 10:03 PM

Oh, this is a fun one! Alan, thank all that's good that there is no downside to this problem. We're not talking about loss here but happiness... I add my bit of spirit to those in support... I'll betcha you'll feel us all very soon. It's been done for me- and it's a marvelous feeling.

May each day be better and more vital than the one before, may your spirit and your voice and your lungs and your belly work as one until you can't contain the joy and you will express it in song- many songs...

{{{{{{{Alan}}}}}}}

Eb

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Mudlark
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 10:52 PM

All good wishes, Allan, for resolved health issues for you and your partner, and for continued success is doing what you love...making music. It sounds like you are already well on your way.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 07:59 AM

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ prayers going up....

If you want your need circulated around the prayer chain, please also PM Tinker-- she's minding the mailbox for now....

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: alanabit
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 09:12 AM

Thanks everyone. I can tell you that we filmed a set in Trier on Saturday and that it went reasonably well. It was one of by best street shows for some time. I got a good edge and played it reasonably well.
    By chance, sitting behind me on the fountain in the market place, was an Englishman on holiday who was the press secretary of the UK Green Party. He knew my mate Miller Davidson, a former Green Party candidate, who had previously been a busker for many years. I already knew that Miller had died two years ago. In a way, it was a reminder that I have been luckier than many of my colleagues. Strange forces at work here for those of us who don't believe in coincidences!
    The TV documentary will go out on SWF in Germany on July 10th, which is rather earlier than I had expected. One TV appearance will not open the gates of Babylon for me, but it won't do any harm either.
    When people think of buskers, they usually think of people standing in the tube or at the side of the street playing hopefully while people walk past. I like to go out to pull a crowd and play the crowd well. It looks very easy but I know very few people who can do it well - and even fewer who can sustain that self belief and stamina over a longer period of time. I think I may still be able to do it though and if I can get on a roll I intend to stay there this time. Thanks for your help and please stick with me. We have made a start. Alan.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Allan C.
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 09:46 AM

I send good wishes your way, Alan. May the Muses be at your side.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Maryrrf
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 11:00 AM

Best of wishes for you, Alan. I've done a bit of busking in my time and have friends who have done so as well. It isn't easy, as a matter of fact its extraordinarily difficult and you deserve the utmost respect. There aren't many people who would have persevered. Everything goes in cycles and you'll get the wind back in your sails soon! Think positively and open yourself up to the positive vibes of the Mudcatters!

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Jeanie
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 03:34 PM

Hals- und Beinbruch, Schätzle !!
Zoooooooooooming all good thoughts your way...

- jeanie

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 04:28 PM

I sure wish we could see that over here, Alan. Good to know it went well. Your enthusiasm and professionalism are infectious! Beaming more good thoughts etc. from way out West...

kat

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: hesperis
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 01:07 PM

Best wishes for "abit" of musical magic to be heading your way, Alan! It sounds like you've got a great start.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: RichM
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 05:25 PM

I've done a fair amount of entertaining during the last 40 years, though it was never my full time profession-- And I've done a bit of busking...
My best wishes, prayers and meditations go with you. If you give openly of your talents, and honestly try to entertain people, you will succeed!

Blessings,

Rich McCarthy

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: alanabit
Date: 22 Aug 03 - 12:19 PM

I am putting this thread up again to say thanks for your support and to give a bit of an update. Today I got back from the clinic from the test which cleared me of any further suspicion of intestinal cancer. We all have to wait our turn for these things, but as you can imagine, I found the four month wait no more fun than anyone else would have. It's a very good day for me, but it is not the only good thing which has happened this summer.
    After years of suffering from Graves Illness (a horrible disorder of the thyroid gland), my girlfriend, Ina, has been declared free of it. It could return, but she was actually on the point of having radiotherapy to effectively destroy the gland when the blood test showed the hormone levels were back down to normal.
    On the musical side, I did go down to Linz with my old band and it was a blast. They are great guys and we can still do it together. I have not been out busking. The television show of the one man band show in Trier duly went out. It is a nice souvenir (on video) of a good day and I have been thinking that maybe that is the way to go out of that sort of one man banding. I have no doubt that singing with tensed muscles in the shoulders and neck, leaning forward with twelve kilos of drum on the back, is everything that the likes of Don Firth and other experienced singers would advise me against. It does not necessarily mean the end of busking, but I will need a new show. I can do it, but it will be an enormous challenge to my confidence. I am feeling positive but I do appreciate any help I can get.
    With several Mudcatters facing health problems, I am really glad to be able to give some good news. I think a lot of Rick, Walking Eagle and Kendall and all the others who need a break too. Bless em all - and thank-you too. Alan.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: jeffp
Date: 22 Aug 03 - 12:41 PM

It's wonderful to hear some good news from you. I missed this thread the first time around, but I wish you all the best from this point forward. It looks like you are on a high right now and you can use this energy to do great things.

Best of luck!!!!!

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Mudlark
Date: 22 Aug 03 - 01:02 PM

Alan...so glad the long wait is over and with such wonderfully good news at the end of it. Good news about Ina, as well... and with your positive spirit and all good wishes, you cannot fail. Good luck!

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: GUEST,CarolC
Date: 22 Aug 03 - 04:31 PM

I missed this the first time as well. So glad to hear things are going well for you and Ina now. Best of luck to you both.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Peg
Date: 22 Aug 03 - 05:10 PM

great news!   Congratulations on your clean bill of   health and   all   good things in your life.

peg

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Aug 03 - 05:46 PM

Missed this first time - really glad to read the good news without having to wait for it. And I note you didn't give a hint of what was really worrying you. I'm like that - isn't every male anglophone on this side of the Atlantic?

What you said about your voice set me thinking about somethging I was reading toiday about the Alexander technique - how the fella who worked it out got into doing so because he kept on losing his voice, which for an actor is as bad as it is for a singer. It might be worth looking into it, if you haven't already. I know a lot of musicians swear by the system (for example fiddler Tom McConville).

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: alanabit
Date: 22 Aug 03 - 06:06 PM

Yes. I have read a book about the Alexander technique. He was an Aussie actor who worked out for himself that his loss of voice was down to a posture problem. One man banding can't be good for singing posture - as I mentioned earlier. In my case, I think the problem was compounded by a chronic sinus condition (which required surgery a while back). I think I'll check out some of the singing threads on Mudcat. In my heart, I believe it is mainly a problem of mentality - which does not make it any easier to deal with!

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 12:21 AM

Well, you've proven to yourself that you can keep a good mental balance and stay on the positive side enough to do so for your health, so it follows you are also capable of doing so for performing, right? *smile*

Lovely to hear that you are both doing so well. Give yourselves a great big hug and knwo that you have our support and what energy we can send for whatever you choose to do. Thanks for sharing the good news!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 07:43 AM

Alan, glad to hear the health news is good. Best of luck with the music. BTW did you ever connect with Bill(Sonny) via the e-mail addy I sent you?

RtS
(just nosy!)

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Alba
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 10:18 AM

BRILLIANT NEWS ALLAN.
I am so glad to hear that the Health situation has improved, for you and for your partner.
Wishing you both nothing but positive energy and the best that Life has to offer!:>)

JD

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 10:45 AM

Well, Alan, it would appear from what you have written that you have allready done the most important thing and that is prayer and asking for prayers. When we turn it over to God, good things happen. Sounds to me like God is speaking to you through the voices of these many caring and loving people. Keep your Faith and know that God will see you through this. It's His promise to those of Faith.

And, BTW, He certainly loves it when we take a moment to thank Him fir the little blessings that He throws our way to keep us on His path.

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: Carly
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 04:13 PM

I missed this the first time, too... I'm so glad to hear your good news both for you and for Ina; we add our best wishes and love as you travel your path.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: GUEST,karen
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 03:14 PM

Allan and Ina, glad to see things are looking up. I am not religious but I do believe that ONE DAY can make such a big difference to how we feel.

A lack of confidence can be a bummer, but it can quickly be turned around. Maybe the love and support this thread has given you has helped your confidence ?

You seem to be a native English speaker, and a qualified teacher, living in Germany. I hope the busking goes well, but have you thought about teaching English as a Foreign Language ? Even teaching privately can bring home an ok wage, and I have always wondered if there is way of connecting folk singing up with teaching English. Surely there is a connection there ? It would take a bit of thought and a bit of confidence to tie the two things up.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: alanabit
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 03:37 PM

Thanks Karen - and indeed everyone. I am not a qualified teacher, although my Creative Arts Degree (Writing and Drama) does put me pretty close. I have been teaching EFL part time - and at times very nearly full time - for some years now. Yes, after performing it does come easily and I do understand the grammar well enough to teach it properly. However I lost the small contract which I had (which also paid my health insurance). I am now officially unemployed and I am taking advantage of a programme to learn to use a computer properly. I do the occasional translating job and I could tout around my writing/editing skills to pick up other bibs and bobs of work. In the near future, I shall be doing a couple more lessons (freelancing). It looks likely that my old language school will also continue to offer me more translating work. The EFL market is right down at the moment though. It is essentially a consequence of the depression in the world economy which followed two brutal, unnecessary wars and the resulting sky rocketing US budget deficit which has had a knock on effect on the rest of the world. I guess that on that scale my own problems are small.
   Busking isn't the only door open to me, but it does have many advantages. Above all, you can just go out and do it straight away without booking anything. It is hard, but I really like it and I believe that when I am on a roll I am good at it. That is part of the problem. I can't bear to do it badly. When I try to one man band with a drum on my back these days, the body simply says "NO". It actually hurts and my voice collapses. It has become futile. The alternative is to go over to pure comedy again (which I used to do years ago). However, that means new routines, a new concept with which I can reliably pull crowds and the mentality to make it work. It also poses the problem which I had when I changed over to one man banding years ago. Do I only want to make people laugh?

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: GUEST,Karen T
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 03:44 PM

Thanks for the prompt reply there.

My experience of folkies doing comedy is that it helps you pay the bills, but it doesn't fill your heart. Our childhood treats came from the money comedy brought in. Would I recommend it to someone who has doubts? No. Follow your heart.

Subject: RE: BS: A Little Help From My Friends...
From: alanabit
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 03:59 PM

You could well be right. I like making people laugh - and indeed I am very lucky to be able to do it. It feels more comfortable for me though when it is part of a bigger picture. This could be the theme for another thread...