Another Monday. Back to reality. No, not reality. Back to trying to make a living. I often think the choices that I've made lately just aren't that good. Well, at least they aren't working out very well. My latest endeavor, the Chesterfield, was based solely on location. I've heard for years that the three most important things in business are location, location, location. If that's true, as good as this location appeared to be, it hasn't affected the business in a very positive way.

The basics of business are to provide a good product that there is a market for. I'm beginning to believe that there is no market for original live music in Sioux City, Iowa. We are providing this little town in western Iowa a selection of world class music like they've never heard before. We are giving the locals a chance to step their lives up. Even just a small amount. But they apparently are satisfied doing the same old things they've always done. I'm sure this attitude explains why Sioux City is smaller in population than it was in the late 1800's.

Less than a week ago, I thought that the music scene in this town might have made a breakthrough. But I fear it was too insignificant to have any lasting effect. A few of the die-hard music freaks will come out more than once every month or two, but not enough to actually start a music "scene". I may have to go back to enjoying the rare shows that make their way to a Sioux City stage and return to the road trips that satisfied my desire for original live music. The very near future will tell the tale.

You know, I've been trying to let go of the handle bars and just pedal. I'm leaving the steering up to a higher power. I struggle with this, but I do find it much better. I can steer all that I want, and I still end up where I end up. I can't change the path or the destination at all. So why fight it? I'm willing to keep pedaling though.

I read a blog last week by a person who is recovering from several addictions. He talked about his "God Box". He writes down his worries and concerns, and puts them in his God Box, and forgets about them. That's what I'm talking about. What a cool thing, let go and let God. It sure makes life seem better. Why worry about things we can't change.

Last night something strange and wonderful happened in this small western Iowa town. Over 125 avid live music freaks, turn out on a Tuesday night to witness Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown. It was cosmic! We may have turned a corner in our quest to create a live music scene in Sioux City. I use the term "we" to include the promoter (me), the fans (the fans) and the bands. As a music lover, I have been trying to build a clan of live music supporters for over 10 years. Every now and then we have a small victory, and it's cool. No matter where you live, take advantage of every opportunity you have to support live music...your life will be better as a result!

It's interesting how as people around you get older, you begin think. Our son turned 23 years old yesterday and our daughter turns 25 this Saturday. How can this be, they are still our little kids. It makes me realize how short life is. It doesn't seem like that long ago that they were playing in the sandbox without a care in the world. Now they're both all caught up in life. They are worried about their jobs, rent, insurance... all of the unfortunate realities of life. Wouldn't it be great if we never had to be concerned with this crap.

I look at my grandson who is about a year and a half, and he is so carefree. I wonder if he realizes how great life is at this point? I wonder if any of us thought to ourselves when we were young, "Man, it doesn't get any better than this!" I know when I was young, I always wanted something more. I guess as humans, we're never satisfied..."the grass is always greener." Does everyone feel this way? Is it just me? Maybe some people are completely OK with where they are.

I certainly shouldn't complain... although I do. I have most of the things I ever wanted. I just need to get a better hold of the wheel, so it doesn't feel like I'm out of control. Or maybe as our church newsletter states, I should let go of the wheel and quit trying to steer. I like this idea, it takes some pressure off of me to steer in the right direction. I'm willing to take the back seat and pedal as hard as it takes.