When I was much younger, I met a psychic. It was a very interesting experience, to say the least. I did not intend to get a psychic reading or anything. It just sort of happened. My girlfriend at the time invited the friend of a friend over to my house to give me an acupuncture treatment, as my bad back had been acting up. I was glad to get the free treatment. I was not prepared for what I was to hear. After treating my back, this fellow took me for a walk, and proceeded to tell me everything about myself, things he never could have known, things I barely even admitted to myself....

I would have to say that the first time I decided to run a marathon, I didn’t know what the hell I was doing. First of all, I did it mainly to be supportive of my wife. She wanted to run a marathon and I encouraged her to do it. So I said I would do it with her. Now I like to think I’m a good husband and all, but I have to tell you, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Had I known, I might now have been such a supportive husband. We joined L.A. Roadrunners. Over 98% of everyone who trains with them finishes the race. They’re a great group. We trained for six months....

One day, back in the fourth grade, I was sitting in my seat as calmly as you please, more than likely drawing pictures in my notebook instead of diligently working in my grammar book, when the teacher brought one of the boys up and announced that the young gentleman was going to play guitar for us. I looked up to see Roy (yes, Roy—boys could be named Roy back then) standing at the front of the class with a white Fender Mustang electric guitar plugged into a small amplifier. Roy proceeded to play the surfing classic, “Wipe Out.” And that was it. From that moment on, I knew I was...

It was nothing but a word Some vibrations in the air And had it gone unheard You would not know it there But a word can make us laugh Or a word can bring a tear Could speak on our behalf Or make real our worst fear Could word then lift us up? Then a word may make us fall A word could bring us peace Or else, destroy us all Of all mankind has wrought Of this I feel assured The greatest tool we’ve got Is the power of the word –Wilson/05

About thirty years ago, I performed at an open mic night at a local bar. I got a really good response. The manager of the bar kept motioning for me to do one more song after another. And when I finally finished, I got a good round of applause. Even if I do say so myself, I’ve always been good at putting on a show. Being able to play guitar and sing is one thing, but it doesn’t really matter if you are not entertaining. Let’s face it, the whole point of performing is to entertain. That’s why people come to see you. Anyway, I put on a good show, and after I left the stage,...