It is Larry who originally encouraged me to write. I never thought I would say, "I make my living as a writer or artist." My desire to create has always been labeled "a pipe-dream" and so my daily ponderings, it seemed, nobody understood or I was too afraid or confused to admit. I have introduced Larry to several musicians that he would have never paid attention to otherwadmit. I have introduced Larry to several musicians that he would have never paid attention to otherwise. One band in particular, Collective Soul, is now one of his favorites. When I began writing life, several mise. One band in particular, Collective Soul, is now one of his favorites. When I began writing life, several musicians inspired me, but I consider, Ed Roland, lyricist and lead singer of Collective Soul, one of my first teachers. I had incorporated more of Collective Soul and Ed Roland's music within my first audio-blogs and when Larry first listened and read my beginning writings he looked at me with astonishment and said, "You think like him (Ed Roland)." Usually, it is common for loved one's to tell an aspiring artist something that most others will never see or hear, however, coming from Larry, I accepted this as one of the most appreciated compliments of my life. Larry never offers simple words for lip service.

I don't know if Ed Roland would agree, but I do know that it is his style, the band's determination to break from control of a record label and his words that helped me hear rhythm and harmony, find my style, gave me confidence to break from tradition and create without control from any industry or support.

As I finished my digi-tome: life and it's audio-blog volume, I decided to use collective soul as the title for JUNE's representation. The music at the end of the JUNE: collective soul chrack is from the cd, FROM THE GROUND UP, track 2, YOUTH. Ed's beautiful voice sings, "And you said we would be golden when we grow old." I used this as a representation of the hope of love, the promise of God, the promise of anyone that allows you to indulge in the promiscuity of the rhythm of your soul.

In the end, whether it be collective consciousness or collective soul, we are all the same, but different. From APRIL and MAY's pain, I realized there is everything and nothing that separates all of us or allows us to be golden when we grow old in life, love, knowledge or ourselves. What I give and send out, comes back to me and the same works for you. Within, there is a piece of us all that is collected and shines as one.