My name is Alan. Al – Monday to Saturday; Sunday – Alan. For 30+ years I did the corporate thing and had a good career, which paid the Wolfman and raised the kids. Now, with the blessing of my wife, it’s my time. I have always been a creative person. Writing poetry and short stories, playing guitar, writing songs and music, taking photographs. I always wanted to be an artist(e). So, now, at my age, that’s what I’m going to be. Oh, and a craftsman. I am reinventing myself as an artist and craftsman building guitars and small furniture.
I love creativity. I love being around creative and positive people. I love to travel and experience new cultures and surroundings. I believe that 99% of the human race are decent honest people trying to live a moral life according to their code and wanting nothing more than to provide and get on with their neighbours. You don’t hear about them –you only hear the negative stuff.
So, my blog is me travelling in cyberspace and hopefully linking up with fellow men and women across the world. It’ll be about creative positive people and their/my work. I grew up in the 60’s and believed in peace and love, man. Aaarghh, sod it – I still do.
singlemaltmonkey 
I’m going to show this to Jane. I’ve done my 30 years. I want it to be my time. I have plenty of lube to get the laptop out of an awkward place.
Go for it, John. No pain no gain 🙂
Dig your manifesto, man! You’re SO right and I look forward to reading and seeing your work. Guitars?? I’d love to see that process on the blog. Like your sweet wife, I hope to someday afford a similar opportunity for my husband – give him the support and space to explore his more creative levels without the worry and distraction of work. I probably sound like a whacky cheerleader, but I believe we are meant to be cheerleaders for one another – to celebrate each others’ accomplishments and passions.
GO TEAM!
Thanks, Melanie. I’m right with you. When I see people creating and getting a kick out of it it’s “Yeah, wow , look at that !! ” I know I’m lucky to be where I am today. I made it through the sludge and out the otherside. I’d like the light under the bushel to glow a little brighter now and to leave some smiles behind.
Great post, Al. Sign me up for Team Creative! Can’t wait to see some guitar and furniture pics.
Thanks Christopher, I’ll update my woodwork as I go. Then everyone can share my tears too when the wood fails to behave itself. 🙂
I enjoy your writing! Thanks for sharing it with us all out here in cyberspace. I am still making my way through your blog – but have enjoyed my time so far. (hope your shoulder gets better).
Thank you for the kind comment, Melissa. I’m feeling a lot better thanks ( cider and pills always work). Good luck with the Peterson addition. I hope it all goes well for you. 🙂
Cool intro. I look forward to meandering through your postings. I’d enjoy reading a bit more background like where did you grow up? How did you get from there to where you are now, both physically and metaphorically. Call me curious.
Thanks Joanne. I’m a believer in aural/oral history and given that technology zips us forward so quickly even 50-something’s have seen some stunning changes. I’ve been thinking of recording a few memories at some point – whilst I can still remember them ! I’ll work on it.
You deserve it. My dad did the same thing: put in his time with the business, provided well enough for me, my mom, and my two brothers that mom didn’t have to work and we kids had money to help us through college, and we had a charmed life to boot. Dad was responsible, and mom was frugal. We had nice things and mom took care of them so that even though they weren’t “Brand name” clothing, it was good (and fashionable, very important to teenagers) quality and lasted. Dad has since retired and is fulfilling his dream of life on a boat. He plans on going through the Panama Canal in March sometime with his brother and some friends. I hope you find at least as much enjoyment with your time as my dad does. 🙂
Sounds like he’s having a great time and fair play to him. I’m hoping to spend some time this year in Seville learning to play flamenco. I’ve played guitar for years and now I’m really digging in……and I’m a sunflower too. Can’t resist it. The Panama Canal sounds like a great great trip. I believe the whole thing is awesome. 🙂
I would love to see your woodwork and I suggest u start exploring painting as well… woodwork and painting go hand in hand.
My deepest respect for you, sir.
P.S: In a post you mentioned you started learning Spanish. Italian is easier… and after that… e-mail me… i can try and teach you Romanian:)
Yes Teo, I intend to get some painting done somehow this year. I already know a little Italian too, ( his name is Guiseppe, only kidding !) having travelled there several times. Spanish is so that we can travle in Spain and S. America at some stage……and I might just take you up on your Romanian offer.
Love your attitude. I too believe that we’re all mostly trying to do the right thing. High five. Child of the 60’s, too. Creativity! Yes Yes Yes!
Thanks, Zahara. I see you’re from California. Now that’s my kinda music. Check out my post “The Last time I choked” on The Cork Board. I’m a Euro-Deadhead at heart (I know it’s old hat by now). 🙂
I used to live in Jersey, UK. So I know all about the strange seasons in England. You know Sardegna is only a few hours by plane from England. Hope you have a great sunday. Ciao.
Thanks Jennifer, we had a lovely day – and thanks for dropping by my blog. 🙂
Sounds like you’re a modern day renaissance man. I have a lot of the same interests. Love the pics and stories.
Thanks, Peter. I try to be – in my head, anyway. Thanks for stopping by my blog and the positive comments. I’ll respond in kind. 🙂
I wrote a post based off your latest comment on my blog: Where Wine is Born. Check it! 😉
I hope you will follow your dream and become an artist. Nice work with all of these, photographs, poetry, writing stories and playing guitar, I don`t have any words to congratulates you and your blog. Perhaps the life seems to have bad parts and other parts – the creative people.
Hi Alan,
Amused by your blog and more so about the way you are living your life now.
I am 30 years old, married with a daughter about 3& half years old.
Engrossed in my corporate job, yet there is this longing to express myself creatively and roam about places. Like you I have been hoping for it be taken up in my latter years.
Would love to have that positive rub off. Cheers
Hi Mandar, nice to hear from you and thanks for dropping by my blog and commenting. I guess many of us have to do the corporate thing and raise the family but if we are lucky enough to have that creative gene inside us it will come out at some stage. Hang on in there and I’m sure it will surface. Would love to see some it when it arrives (like a newborn babe ?! ). 🙂
Thanks AL. That’s really encouraging. Will keep coming back. Cheers !!
Great intro! It’s so great that you can pursue your passion for art and guitars. Look forward to reading more 🙂
Thank you very much,mschristiner. I hope you enjoy what you find here. 🙂
I have awarded your blog a Liebster Award.
http://jjhiii24.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/liebster-award.png?w=204&h=73#038;h=73
Please visit my blog to see the other writers I have awarded, and to see the rules for accepting the Liebster Award.
http://mawwrites.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/receiving-a-liebster-blog-award/
Thank you.
http://playamart.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/beautiful-bloggers/
did you hear the jing jing jingling and ting ting tingling of awards’bells?!
z
I do now. Thank you, Lisa.
ha ha! you are very welcome! z
Sir, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ll keep coming back and read more of your posts as and when time permits.
Thank you. 🙂