BLIND GAMER plays CALL OF DUTY: ADVANCED WARFARE

I've been thinking a lot lately about creators who love creating art whether it's writing, illustration, cosplay, graphic design, music, video games, apps, films, web series, podcasts, etc. We all fall into the trap of thinking that the art we create is worth something and we ask someone to buy that art for a fee. But in reality it needs to be the other way around.

I'm here to tell you we need a paradigm shift back to an old concept. Artists were tasked by patrons to create a piece of art and that patronage would fund that art. We need to bring the patron back. That's why I'm going to follow this statement and have it as a motto for my life and I hope you as artists will join with me in this.

ART IS FREE. THE ARTIST ISN'T.

Tiny Story - Headlights

I woke up to the light of dad's car as he pulled into the driveway.  So as not to wake my mom in the next room, I quietly went downstairs to the front door.  My mom was already there.  She quickly motioned for me to get down as she whispered, "I already called the cops."

Tiny Story - The dead moon

And thus the moon died.

Not with a bang but with the passing of tiny moon fireflies.

Tiny Story - Money vs. Love

The things I did for money out weigh what I did for love.

As I begin a new project of what will be a few that I want to accomplish throughout the year, I wanted to write this.  I saw the idea of writing a letter to oneself about the things I would want to do in 2014.  Some changes I wanted to happen in my life and some encouraging words I can go back to if things get tough.  It's not a list of resolutions, it's a document of what I hope 2014 to be.  

Listen to the audio above, or on YouTube, if you want to hear me read the letter out loud, otherwise you can read it below.

--

Dear Steve,

You're 30 now.  By all intents and purposes you're an adult.  It's scary I know.  Living three decades on this beautiful blue and green marble is a feat not easily accomplished, but you did it.  2013 was an amazing year for you.  Without even realizing it, you spent your last year of your twenties doing things you never thought possible.  You've created new friendships that have become the closest you've had in years.  Remember those times you sat in your room by yourself wondering why no one wanted to hang out with you?  That's all changed buddy.  You are loved not only by family but by friends who deeply care for you.  Remember that in 2014.  You don't have to sit in a corner anymore feeling sorry for yourself.  Your friends are there for you.  They live busy lives as much as you do, but all it takes is a text or an email, or a Facebook message or even a phone call for crying out loud, and they are there for you.  That shyness you had about yourself is gone now.  Be proud of who you are.  Be proud of what God made you out to be.  As someone once told you the way you are when you're 30 is the way you're going to be for the rest of your life.  So take this year and with God's, your family's and your friend's help, kick it in the balls!  I know you have a deep fear that because 2013 was amazing that 2014 will be horrible.  What once was up, must come down.  Why the hell are you thinking that way?  2014 is what you make of it.  Not of some worry that it's going to suck.  You seek out that fear and you will find it.  So don't even bother.

You have big plans, you always do.  You build up this expectation of things to come in your head that whatever happens gets you discouraged.  Don't be.  The fact that you accomplished any goal is amazing!  Love the act of finishing things.  It's far better than the accolades you will get for that thing.  You made something out of nothing.  Be happy about that!  Remember your own words, THINK BIG, scale small.

Be kind, be fun, be generous, still carry that large heart of yours and never let it shrink because you think the cynical world expects you to.  Be courageous.  Do things you only dreamed about.  Be positive.  The world can put you down for who you are, don't let it.  There is much good in this world, you've seen it.  Keep that goodness and share it with others around you.  Be spontaneous.  Do more things on a whim.  It's never about "Why?"  It's about "Why Not?"  Be assertive.  Make the first move.  You never know where it may lead.  Just be AMAZING!  It's not hard, just help make the world around you suck less and you've literally changed the world.  Also be yourself.  That sounds cliche, but the secrets in life are found in cliches.  

In summary, let 2014 be just a year on a calendar that you fill with many memories.  That is what makes up a year.  Not a list of accomplishments, but with amazing memories.

As always I remain obediently yours

Steve

P.S. Don't Forget To Be Awesome.  

A brand new story from me called "Soulmates"

You can Pay-What-You-Want for the mp3 file at:  http://stevesaylor.net/stories/soulmates/

BLACK SHADOW IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Listen to BLACK SHADOW FOR FREE and buy BLACK SHADOW Merch at http://stevesaylor.net/blackshadow!!!!!!

Watch the video above about the story of how I came to write my first novel Black Shadow and the Art of Finishing a Story!

I love Talk Radio.  The mechanics of it, the personalities, the interviews, the stories, everything about it.  It's taken on a new form all together with the advent of podcasting and I wanted to take that into a different medium to a certain degree.  Hence, a vlog in a talk radio segment format where I will talk about what I'm interested in, my opinions on things and maybe even rant a little bit.  Which brings me to today's topic...

Star Trek Into Darkness is the WORST Star Trek film OF ALL TIME!  Just watch, and you will see what I mean.

Enjoy and as always I remain obediently yours.

Was on the air with Jim Richards on Newstalk 1010 to talk about "WiFi Squatting" at coffee shops. Is it wrong? What's the limit? How long is too long without buying anything?

My blog on Tumblr turned 3 years old.  Does that make me an old fart on Tumblr now?  haha

Man Jack Nicholson is great in this movie!!!!!! #LoveThatJoker

What the hell does that mean? lol #Rhubarb

"YOU WANNA GET NUTS?!"

Talking with Larry Fedoruk on http://newstalk1010.com again about the Rob Ford Drug Video Scandal.

On http://newstalk1010.com discussing the Rob Ford Drug Video Scandal. Could the video be faked?