A few random thoughts three days removed from my birthday

Hello, my friends.

I just turned 32 the other day -- November 8th, if you want to be specific.  As it turns out, it was also my twin brother's birthday, but since this is my blog, I'm going to talk about me, thank you very much.  Get your own damn blog, Adam!

I kid because I love.  And because it's fun.

My twin brother, Adam Huff, is actually an excellent bass player who will be contributing his considerable talents to my upcoming album.  That's the secret to my success -- I surround myself with extremely talented people, and I exploit them shamelessly.

So...my blog has now reached over 700 views.  I think that is awesome.  I don't know if people are enjoying this blog or not -- I try to be informative, and funny, and, at times, thought-provoking.  That's what I attempt, anyway.  And I really hope that, if you nothing else, you find it entertaining.

But here's the thing -- I've gotten no feedback!  None at all.  But since people still view this thing, I'm going to keep going as I've been going until people tell me otherwise.  I'm assuming that you like this.  Bear in mind, though, that I love getting feedback!  I cannot stress this enough!  If you want to tell me something you like, something you don't like, something you'd like to see done different, whatever...drop me a line!

Just to see if this gets the ball rolling: aaron.gabriel.music@gmail.com  There.  Now you have no excuse.

My website is now in the 1100 visits area.  That is also unbelievably cool.  I apologize for the lack of recent updates -- I've been elbow-deep in editing, re-recording, stuff like that.  It's mind-numbing, time-consuming stuff, but it isn't exactly exciting to talk about.  Believe you me -- when something cool happens, you'll be the first to know.

As it is, I think I'm done with tweaking the various songs for the new album on my end.  I'm waiting to add Merideth Kirry's vocals to a few songs (a very talented singer who also happens to have a crazy busy schedule), ship the songs off to Adam to add bass, and then start mixing and mastering.  All in all, I'm quite pleased with how things are progressing.

My in-laws gave me a hand-made dulcimer for my birthday.  I am very excited about this.

My wife and I are in the third trimester of our pregnancy!  Things are looking good thus far, my lady is still feeling good and still dancing, and some friends helped us get our hanging bassinet set up.  Only a few months to go, and the nervous excitement is really kicking in.

My parents celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on the 7th.  They are truly inspiring, and a great model to look up to -- my wife and I recently celebrated our 4th year of marriage, and now a baby's on the way.  A lot of stuff is going down.

As I have mentioned time and time again, I am a big fan of the Thrilling Adventure Hour.  Lately they've been taking questions from fans, and this most recent podcast included a question I had submitted!  I felt very honored.  Click on the link and take a listen.  And while you're there, listen to their other podcasts, too -- you will not be disappointed.

As the new album gets closer to being finished, I'll be sure to release a teaser track or two to (hopefully) whet your musical appetite.  And when the album's out, I hope you like it, because I'm rather fond of it...which is saying something, because usually I hate my own material.

Take care, stay safe, and in the words of Kevn Kinney: Life's too cheap for short wine.

Cheers,
Aaron
www.aarongabriel.net

A shout-out to my father

October 1st, today, marks my father's 75th birthday.  Sadly, it isn't the 75th birthday that I quite envisioned for him, as he is currently dealing with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

I will admit, this has been tough on me.  My dad always enjoyed good health and an active lifestyle, and it's been rough seeing him lose weight at a rapid pace and be unable to move without the aid of a walker; in most cases he needs a wheelchair.

Yes, I am aware that I am mortal.  I know that I will one day die.  But it's an abstract concept that most of us, I assume, brush to the back of our minds.  To spend your time dwelling on your own demise is not a healthy way to live -- the act of living, and of enjoying life while I'm at it, is what keeps those thoughts at bay.

My father's illness has shifted things a bit.  I am confronted with mortality in a very real sense, watching an incurable and fatal disease work its will on a man that I respect and love with every fiber of my being.

Like I said, it's been tough.

I've also had to confront the typical reactions, faith-wise, of such a situation -- why him, God?  What did he do to deserve such a fate?  Don't you care?  Those sorts of things.  Yes, I'm angry.  I'm heartbroken.  I'm confused.  But faith helps ease those stings -- the belief that, when all is said and done, he will be in a much better place.  The relief that, as far as incurable diseases go, this one is relatively painless, and his mind is still his own.

What I had not anticipated, though, was my father's good cheer.  Not that I was expecting doom and gloom, of course -- I'm just not sure I'd be in such good spirits if it was me.  But I remember talking to him on the phone when he told me he had ALS: "Aaron, I'm seventy-five years old!  And it seems a pretty fitting way for this Yankees fan to go out."

And that, right there, is what helps me the most -- his peace with his situation.  Yes, every child loses their parents at some point.  I'm nearly 32; a lot of sons don't get that much time.  But I will admit, I am greedy, and want my dad around as long as possible.  As my wife wisely points out, that's all well and good, but it wouldn't do to sacrifice the quality of life for quantity.  And since I only live about 25 miles away, I'm able to still see him regularly.

So let me just wish my dad a happy 75th birthday.  Will he make it to his 76th?  I don't know.  I hope so, but I'm not going to push the issue.  But in a funny sort of twist, I find that my father has given me a gift.

He's given me hope.

-Aaron
www.aarongabriel.net

If you're at all interested in learning more about ALS and what you can do to help fight it, check out www.als.net