Influence

During a visit to my Uncle Paul's house we were down in the basement listening to records when I commented that he had many of the same albums that my parents did when I was growing up.  He looked at me and matter-of-factly said "influence my dear, influence".   We put each of these records on the turntable and gave them a spin and listen.  I was instantly transported back to the days when my dad would pull the speakers out of the large console unit, turn them toward each other and sit me between them to experience Time and Money by Pink Floyd.   Then to the car where we would take road trips with James Taylor and Don Maclean urging us on with miles of sing-a-long.  Many of these artists are in my collection to this day.  I still "let time go lightly" with Harry Chapin and have slipped away on Lightfoot's carefree highway.   


Every relationship I foster brings occasion for influence.  The opportunity to learn about something from a different perspective is precious but can oft be ignored.  I believe there are no coincidences, you get exactly what you need and every thing/person/experience has something to offer. 


I am forever grateful for the influences that shape the soundtrack of my life.