Round 2 - Day 26: Free album

My day started with the beautiful Beth Ann telling me that I should write Morning Pages.  Truth be told, today was the first day that I had written Morning Pages since last Tuesday.  Truth.  So, I dragged myself out of bed to do so because I know that she was right when I told her,

"I haven't done them in a while.  So, I don't see the point..."

"All the more reason to do them.  C'mon, get up!"

So, I did.  Ate breakfast and not to my liking took yet another cab to ensure that I get to work on time.  Work was the same.  No social media.  Only a few web sites did I look through.  However, I sure did steer clear of Facebook and Twitter (as hard as it was.)

Upon returning home, I find a much cleaner apartment and Beth Ann asking,

"I did good, see?"

"My God.  This is amazing!  I'm so proud of You!"  The bottom line is: Beth Ann's friend is coming into town for almost a week and will be staying with us while she is in Chicago.  However, with our busy lives in tow, our place tends to get wrecked...a lot!  By the time we get home, we're too exhausted to do a thing.  Therefore, on my day off tomorrow before the show with KAVUS at the Hard Rock Hotel, I will spend the day helping Beth Ann clean the mess that I helped to make.  Guilty.  ;)

Speaking of KAVUS, that was my gift today.  I contacted an old, long-time since we spoke Army buddy that I contacted and wrote to through a mutual Army friend.  He REALLY took care of me above and beyond when I wasn't the best (if at all, a decent) soldier.  The last response, however, was March 12th.  I dropped the ball - yet again.  The irony?  He was asking as to where he can find my music.  Therefore, I gave him a digital download of the KAVUS album as a gift today.  I wrote to him stating:

"In fact, I'm gonna give you a digital download for my KAVUS album right now. It's my way of saying 'Thank you' for being a friend and for ALL that you have done for me in the past. Please accept this gift and let me know what you think of the tunes..."

I have a fear that he will NOT download the album or do the whole, "oh, I can't accept this gift.  I'd rather buy it."  At that point, I'd feel down and would NOT feel good about accepting his money in this regard.   However, the gift has been offered and THAT'S the main thing.  As I give more and more, I understand the importance of receiving as well.  The exchange can NOT be completed without the latter.  I was told once that I'll never have a problem with receiving.

"Umm, I'm not sure how to take that.  Doesn't that make me greedy?"

"No, no."  This came from my old pastor when I was a teenager.  "Not at all.  There's a difference between accepting a gift with greed and stinginess and in accepting with love and gratitude.  You know that it's a gift.  You don't take it for granted.  That, in itself, is a gift.  Most people have a problem with that."  The last statement may be a bit (if not, a LOT) paraphrased.  However, I have never forgotten the sentiment, love and meaning behind said message.