Influences

I feel at peace when I am near water. Growing up near the Atlantic Ocean gave me the pleasure of visiting the water on numerous occasions. I recall summers spent on docs, watching fishing boats come in and waiting until high tide to swim. The salt on your skin and the wind in your hair.

As I grew older, I explored other beaches along the east coast. I have a fond memory of frolicking on a southern beach at 1am in the moonlight. I also had the pleasure of losing a ring in the Gulf of Mexico. I have seen the sun set over the Pacific Ocean and felt the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. And I had the pleasure of playing in the exotic waters of Hawaii.

Whenever I am near the water, I can breath. I do not care about the rest of the people around me. All I want is to just listen to the water and watch the waves eternally moving. It feels like home. The ocean is always changing and moving. An entity that encircles the world. Known by many names, but lives as one. I do not mind if I never get a chance to live close to the water, as long as I can see the ocean every once in awhile and explore her beauty elsewhere.

Great minds inspire. It is so rare when they document their creations to share with the world. Books contain the ideas and dreams of their creator and leave it to the reader to interpret them. I recall reading a piece called “The Passionate Mind”. It was about how once something is created, that it is open to the world as a gift and it is the passionate mind, that understands that fact. For those who create, thank you.

Simon De Beauvoir: I adore everything she wrote. Although her work is primarily studied as part of the feminist movement, I interpreted it as basic existential philosophy. She had a way of emphasizing her sex, but never making it the only angle. Truly a pioneer. “The Second Sex” is her greatest work.

I also adore numerous other philosophers. Friedrich Nietzsche for his simple and direct view of society. Martin Heidegger and M. Merleau-Ponty for their work in the field of consciousness. And William James for his metaphysical views on pragmatism and empiricism.

Two very meaning books to me are “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran. Both have fairy tale qualities to their stories. Innocent and dreamy but underlying points that bring you full circle.

And last but not least, I appreciate the work Douglas Admas. I know that every piece I pick up will make me smile in moments. There is no equal to the man's work.

Music inspires. It can capture emotions like no other form. Forcing people to be surrounded by its message. My musical tastes have changed throughout my life. I always found it fascinating the way people treat each others musical choices. Conversations about musical taste tend to have a wine snob feel to them. Some thinking their music is far more superior than others.

For me, music is more of a mood based theme. I adore a great variety of music and tend to stay away from trends because of it. I am a sucker for a simple piano. I prefer artists with a simple outlook on music and lyrics. Occasionally something to dance and run to. Music meant to inspire destruction. And the few songs that can make me cry.

Many of the artists I like tend to come from goth/industrial/dark tendencies. VNV Nation, Nine Inch Nails, Stabbing Westward, The Cure, Ministry, Switchblade Symphony, Tool, Portishead, Hooverphonic, ohGr, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, A Perfect Circle, and Skinny Puppy.

I also enjoy women with talented voices. Sarah Brightman and Sarah McLachlan both sing beautifully and when I'm in that sort of mood, they fit perfectly. Edith Piaf is another great woman that inspires me. Nothing quite like a french woman singing about love.

One of my favorite artists is Nobuo Uematsu. Someone dear to me shared his music and it opened up a whole new world. The Final Fantasy series are wonderful to play, but the music speaks to my soul. The man is truly a gift to the world.

Throughout my life there have been numerous people that have left their mark on me. In some way, they guided me or held onto me when I needed it. I am one of those people that doesn't like asking for help. It makes me feel weak. I am finally learning to take a hand when I need it and to ask for it. But these people never left me, despite how hard I tried to push them away.

My best friend and companion, Dave has helped me battle all the demons that face me. He has always been there to pick me up after I make my own mistakes. Someone who listens and someone who speaks honestly. I have never known anyone that gives more.

My pseudo-big brother. The blond boy on a bike. The kind of guy I would glance over and label as shallow and materialistic. Scott taught me all that was wrong. He really showed me that who you are on the outside is not necessarily what you are on the inside. He has been a good older brother to me, as well as a trusted friend. He deserves all the happiness that finds him.

Alexis is a crazy spirit that I care about. Loneliness brought us together and the enjoyment of watching each other grow keeps us together. Different and the same. Being able to share, fight, laugh, cry and then have everything seem better in October. I know someday, she will find what she is looking for.

My father. Despite how much I disappoint him, he has always been there for me. Calm and collective. Sometimes, just having him near me was enough to make me feel better. He tried not to judge me and to give me the best advice. I admire him for his loyalty and determination.

I know this list could go on forever. I know that my brothers, sisters and mother have helped me become the person I am. That former lovers made me understand what I wanted. The numerous friends that I have lost and gained still effect me. And the professionals and teachers I met gave me their knowledge.

I thank you all.