imjustdrew

Another person tried

But nobody died

Get out of my face

You’re just spiteful and undelightful

What a disgrace

You have to backstab and make up lies

You don’t get your way and you pout and try to catch flies

Flies with vinegar? No! Use honey

This has never been funny

You wanted a competition! You got it champ!

Let’s run it, y’all will see my stamp

I earned this the hard way

You’re in for a war, forget a battle

You have to really make things shake, roll and rattle

Throwing stones and hiding your hands won’t work here

Hard work and integrity wins dear

I am preparing my guest lists and am about to record Episode 71 of the #ImJustDrew podcast, the part of the #ImJustDrew brand.

To the naked eye, it would seem that I focus simply on making friends and basically networking. That’s the purpose of the #imjustdrew brand. The podcast goes deeper and focuses on a broader variety of topics. These come into play whenever I interview a guest. I’ve had more than a dozen guests come onto my pod. I ask them questions about themselves and what they’re doing. They are the focal point. We may talk about other topics and things but the guest is the spotlight.

I was taught by my mentors in podcasting and communications to produce the content I am comfortable with and to keep it consistent. I like to stay socially conscious and even talk about my family and friends in a positive light. When you’re on the airwaves talking for 30 minutes, the game does change.

Shakespeare knew several different ways to tell the same story. I’ve did that on all of my platforms. The technique on the #imjustdrew podcast is to explore different angles of the parts of the whole. I continue to learn, grow and adjust with all of the content readily available.

I hope this helps for those that wish to listen, become a guest or recommend a guest.

#imjustdrew

Unlike middle Earth where winter is here, middle age is in my case and the ones that grew up around and near me.

We are now the new adults, aunts/uncles, influencers, role models, and even grandparents. Many in my age group are watching our friends, classmates and family pass on.

My mom and uncle both said by the time the 50s come so many around you have passed away. This is definitely the truth. It isn’t the youth I once knew.

I’m glad I founded a brand based on forming constant connections and friends. You miss your old ones forever but like Job, you can start anew.

I often tell people saying goodbye in any form is not easy. I haven’t grasped how I’m going to live the rest of my life without my mom. I know I have the strength and resources. This is a part of life also. However one day we will all be together!!!!

#imjustdrew ##fromdarktosunshine

I usually look forward to writing this piece but it’s been one of those years.

From recovering from my ankle injury suffered late last year to losing my mom, 2023 wasn’t a red-banner year. It did come with upside of course.

My uncle Kenny was released from prison after serving 20 years and most of his life. I’m so proud of the good he’s doing in the church and overall community, also managing to stay active and out of trouble.

Professional wise, I celebrated 8 years with Amazon with some management and counterpart changes. I’m looking to try for another promotion in 2024 as we wrap up our Peak season.

I had some good adventures this year, making it back to the mountains, taking my uncle to see the Braves play live, Diner en Blanc again, my friend Troy’s wedding which was a Nigerian ceremony, and gatherings with several friends, family members and acquaintances. I also got to celebrate my cousin Heath Eubanks’s 50th birthday and my friend Asherla Bonner’s 50th as well. My cousin Sandy also turned 70, a year after Kenny. 1953 and 1973 bestowed a lot of blessings!

Small businesses took a hit this year as I watched Ballerz Lounge, Hybrid Grind, and of course Wisefire close this year. The latter one hurt the most as that was my regular hangout and many folks there are like family.

My podcast has taken off with nearly 68 episodes overall and lots of stellar guests. I even did a live show in August and will do another when I have more kinks worked out with my new equipment.

In addition to losing my beloved mother, Debbie Lanier, I watched others around me transition: my Aunt Ann Batchelor, Tommy Martin, Paul Adams, Dolores Hernandez, Scott Gordon, my dog Ninja, James Dover, Debbie Lee Yang, Sister Pat Hodges, Beth Rolling, Tori Parker, Tres Nelson, Harriet Reynolds, Rev Clark, my uncle George Gaines, Arthur Newson, Linda Lecroy, Jackie Brockington, Danelle Girdner, Mandy Carlton and Helen Strange.

2024 comes with more optimism as I look to wrap up my mom’s probate court affairs, get back into the gym more vigorously, and enjoy my family, friends and loved ones. I still have my cat Mosey and my uncle is preparing to move on his part of the property. He has two Jack Russell terriers, Spud and Bud. I know my mom would love them as it’s like she sent them for us.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Festivus, Happy Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year to all!

It’s cold dark and lonely if you catch my drift

The Holidays are here and every moment is a shift

Rest, but not relaxation

It’s not quite the same sensation

I still have so many questions to ask you

Mostly day to day stuff for you

You are needed now more than ever

I will love you forever

Keep giving me the signs

Prepare me for the penalties and fines

I’m sitting here while it’s raining. All of my energy is draining. I’m holding this memory of you in a frame. I wish this were a game. I want to see you now. Eight months is far too long, so foul. You’re happy but I want you here. You mean so much to me dear. You would be so proud of what’s going on. I know the time won’t seem long. Thanks for sending those small dogs. I need more wood and logs. I still love bonfires. Your spirit keeps away the liars. I keep your frame near the door so that’s the first thing people see. The Holidays are here and you’re celebrating gleefully. Stay happy, pain free and joyous. I’ll be there eventually with the rest of us

Silence is golden, platinum is peace

I want to buy love, not rent nor lease

I have goals and plans as I rattle these pots and pans

You all are all about material things and turkey wings

I just want my loved ones close

All in one room, gotta vacuum

I’m going to miss some of you, but the love is true

Let me finish this flute album, I listen to allum

I am in a great spot, I love what I got

The bar is closing, it’s the last call. I don’t drink but I feel for all. One day you will hug someone for the last time. You will spend your final dime. We will go inside for the day and not return back out. You will hangout with your folks one more. That’s it, once more, not again or times four. You want one more minute but in fact there’s none. The time you all had was great but it’s now done. It sure was fun. The next time you’re out with friends and family, don’t forget to get one more.

The ball comes like a slew of meteors one thousand fold. This neverending transition is getting old. Will I ever gain some normalcy? There are too many losses you see. Gotta keep eating, keep the machine fed. Remember the people that you have led. Life will continue to be on that intense pace. You will win the race. Preparation will always beat anticipation. Enjoy the fun times and inspiration. Refuel and isolate as you need. Rest! Pass the test! Remember that we all bleed. Ensure you get your first aid. It’s time to show others how you were made. It all feels like a thousand daggers. This won’t last like grocery store baggers. Take it slow, stay in the moment and trust the process. The future is shiny and never a mess

Preface: some friends aren’t close and others are associates. I actually wrote about this in “From Darkness To Sunshine”.

When I was at my friend’s (I can call them that) Andrew and Haley’s wedding a year and a half ago, Andrew’s dad Frank was his best man. He said in his speech for his son to “follow the manual”. Frank meant The Bible of course.

I mentioned the other week how my book has sustained and aged. Often times I’m going back to my own advice and knowledge as I navigate my own relationships with people and connections.

I don’t hate anyone. There are those I distance myself from and those I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to hang with. It’s nothing personal.

I’m realizing as I get older I need to focus more on the people that give me equal, reciprocal attention. It doesn’t hurt to check on others. Just remember to not expect the same out of others that don’t feel like you do.

It really comes down to just “reading the manual”. That and going back to the granular basics tends to put things into perspective.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine