raymond hayden

You know, recently I've been reminded how much we all take for granted. Not so much me personally, but, well...people around me.

SIDE NOTE: I know this is a music website, but I thought I'd just include a note to explain why I BLOG how
I BLOG. Actually, it is quite simple....I BLOG like I write songs...I just put my hands on the
keys and start letting them do their thing. Just thought I might share that for those of you
who don't know me. Music is everything to me...but, my friends and family mean more and,
well, this is how I relate.

Back to taking things for granted. Things like mental health for instance...we take this for granted every single day. There are millions of souls out there who have had ugly experiences in their lives and just cannot let go....people who look back on their lives and , well, maybe...just maybe aren't where they thought they'd be at this point in their life. There are people who are just plain un-happy and really don't know how to pull themselves up off the ground. These aren't bad people...they are not mean people...they are simply "lost souls." Not to mean that they cannot find their way...just that they are lost.

I believe it is incumbent on each of us to recognize these traits in our loved ones (friends/family). Not that we should focus on these things or become obsessive-compulsive, only that we should not turn a blind eye to them. Re-direction is a tool utilized with toddlers instead of just saying "NO" all the time. So, why can't we do this with adults? Why indeed?

We've all had friends or family that we just wanted to "get away" from because of the drama or the tension that consistently ensues when they are around. How about we take a different approach....the hard path to be sure, but different in....well, like maybe inviting them to a movie...."one on one." Dinner? The park? Starbucks? Anything that might demonstrate to them that someone else actually cares about them. Time is our most valuable commodity and I believe we can all make concessions that would allow us to reach out. Time is also one of the most precious things we can "pay forward."

So, if you know someone who could use a helping hand up off the ground....and it may be difficult due to the weight they may have been carrying around (not PHYSICAL weight either) for many years....give it a try. Who knows, it could be YOU one day that has fallen and needs help up. Trust me...it'll make you a better person...or, at least feel that you've tried to make a difference.


IMAGINE
Can you imagine if each of us reached out a hand to one person in need?
Can you imagine if each of us opened up and let someone in that we may never have sought out before?
Can you imagine bringing a smile to a face that has worn a frown forever and a day?
Can you imagine being so un-happy that you are afraid to tell anyone?
Can you imagine a world where people weren't afraid to communicate their true emotions?
Can you imagine?
Can you imagine? I can...
Can you imagine what the world would be like if we turned the other cheek?
Can you imagine what the world would be like without drama?
Can you imagine what the world would be like if YOU smiled more?
Can you imagine a life with more laughter?
Can you imagine yourself without your friends?
Can you imagine being alone?
Can you imagine being too afraid to let your friends know the REAL you?
Can you imagine what life would be like if we all opened our minds more?
Can you imagine what life would be like if we didn't judge people before we got to know them?
Can you imagine what life would be like if, well....if you let things go and just started a new day?
Can you imagine?
Can you imagine? I can...

written by rameer mohammad aghili

Live, Love, Laugh more often my friends...you deserve it!

much love,

raymond





P.S. Can you imagine a world without dreams? I CAN'T

Well, this has been an interesting year. Not bad...INTERESTING. Lately, some of you have been worried that something is wrong with me, and have reached out to tell me so. I assure you that all is well...I have just slowed things down a tad so as to breathe and not miss anything...that's all. I know, wweeiiirrdd....Raymond slowing down? Ha ! But, alas' it is true...I have decided that I need to take a break every once and again...and, by the way, it has been working. My memory is getting back to where it use to be and I'm more creative than ever !

So, no worries....all good ! Ray is discovering BALANCE. If, I say IF, I achieve something that resembles balance, well...I'll BLOG about it. For now, I have so much on my plate (and love it) that I need to at least work towards balance.

And so do YOU ! We all need time to work, play, dream and rest.

much love...from the world of raymond hayden =)

P.S. M21 / FVT / P1 - Understood?

Hey...thanks to our utility guy...light guy Cory Rheault, I have some live photos. For more, go to the BLOG on the www.mauricethefishrecords.com BLOG .














lots more gigs coming up...more photos to come...

So, I'm on the road for business in Southern California. Life is good...have two shows coming up this weekend. Once in Portland and one on Whidbey Island....can't wait. The show on Whidbey is all original...we'll do songs from Rob, Eric/Julianna and myself. I actually am going to do songs from September Sky as well as "You Make My Blood Sing," from my next album. I am so excited about how our originals are turning out....it is AWESOME !!!! I know that Eric, Julianna and El Robbo are excited as well. Dave SAwyer (acoustic guitar player) was there for part of the rehearsal and played some sweeeeeeeeeet acoustic guitar to my newest song...

So, it is a little late and I'm tired, just was thinking about all of you who read my BLOG and thought I'd say hello. I sure appreciated your nice words and time that you take to peruse my ramblings. It means something to me...

So, how are you? Are you happy? Are you keeping the glass "half full?" Are you realizing that you have things better than most in third world countries? Do you know how much you are loved and NOT taken for granted? You should...if you don't feel this way...well, you have the wrong friends and need to lift your head up...push out your chest and be YOU.....after all, nobody else can be you better than YOU.

I'm tired and am off to bed. Have to get up at 5am to workout and run along Whittier Blvd. Yesterday, some homeless people followed me on my morning jog...that was interesting. The workout is MUCH easier with Mikey there, but it'll have to do for now.
I did up my push ups and sit ups by 5 each today...phew, step by step....

O.K., I'm pooped...g'night my friend. If you need a friend , reach out to me...I've always got time to respond to your emails. I'll be back in Washington on Thursday night and will be back to rehearsing...working on new songs, etc....

much love,

raymond

So, another 6am will call to work out with Mikey Renville...oh, and Rob Rigoni joined us this am. We had maurice the fish rehearsal last evening...and have a show tonight....sweeeeeeeeeeeeet ! This morning, Mikey and I actually increased our reps on our push ups and sit ups by 10% (give or take a two) and sped up our run. Hey, one foot after the other...baby steps so that we have fun doing it...and WE ARE!!!

The key to our success (as small as it may be in that we are only working out) is getting a friend to do it with you. Self-motivation is difficult with all of the other things we all have going on in the world...work, family, friends, chores, etc....So, I challenge you to partner up and get done what needs to get done. Whether it is working out...studying....rehearsing....networking....etc....there is POWER in numbers!!!!

Again, there is power in numbers. My record company is LIVING PROOF of that. We are a team/family of individuals who continually pump / push each other daily. We strive to make each other grow and know that they are encouraged to follow their dreams. Like a great relationship, we bring out the best in one another. That is what it is all about....

A good friend of mine once wrote a poem entitled: "Reach" it is in the liner of my CD September Sky. Read it and remember to REACH. Thank you Joyann....

So, off to the gig for now. Sending good thoughts out there to all of you. Hoping that you are following or at least THINKING about your passion.....now the challenge, ACT UPON IT!

FYI....I know I can come across as philosophical and ranting, but, like I write my songs, I just let it flow out.

BTW, my "friend in training" (JoyM) had her son fly home safe from Iraq. God bless him...I am also a Veteran and understand his sacrifice.

Much Love,

raymond

P.S. Live, Love, Laugh

Laugh. Makes the heart sing.

that simple...

much love,

raymond

The Eagle and The Butterfly



Mysterious artists different, but alike

Brimming with emotion; filled with life

Kindred spirits, it was fate they meet

Their words delicate; poignant; sweet

Creating beauty from the soul

Never straying from their goal

Extracting passion from the heart

Each understanding their part

An amazing friendship; a powerful connection

Giving to each other instinctive direction

Encouraging others; reaching out

Knowing their journey; what it’s about

An unusual pairing

Dancing across the sky

The majestic eagle

And the gentle butterfly



Copyright ©2008 Terri Lois Downs

July 31, 2008

So, Mikey Renville have begun doing my old military workout three days a week...maybe, just maybe...I'll be able to put some weight on. We were both tired after the first workout...but the burn will do us some good. With a hectic life and lots to do, well...and getting older...decided it was time to get on the fast track to getting back in shape.

Wish us luck....cuz'..." I am Ray, and He is Mikey...and, we are here, to pump...YOU UP! "

Alas'...another cheezy SNL stolen phrase...eh', what are you gonna do.

Make sure your blood is pumping baby !!!

Raymond

FYI...If you want to join us, Tues/Thurs/Sat at 6am at Washington High School Track in Spanaway along Spanaway Loop Road.

=)

Who have you encouraged lately? It is hard to believe, but, BUT...it comes back to you ten fold!

So, again I ask you...WHO have YOU enocouraged lately?

Think about it...then act without haste...life is too short, and you may not realize the power encouragement will play in both your and the people you encourage's lives.

If you need an ear....words of encouragement...or any type of positive re-inforcement, email me...my email is on my home page. I can't promise a long diatribe...but, I can promise you that I'll do my best.

raymond

Almost sounds like the title to a Queensryche album eh'? Anyway, Maurice the Fish had gigs this weekend in Battleground (30 minutes North East of Vancouver) and at the Gorge Hotel about an hour or so East of Portland along I84....phew, what a weekend ! We rocked the crowd at an outdoor concert on Saturday and partied until the weeeeee hours at the after show party...again, thank you Scott for the Pizza ! Then, we got up the next am and jammed up the road to the next gig....what a beautiful event, again...outdoors. We played from 4pm - 10pm and, well....put it all out there....Rob was his usual self...out with his wireless guitar system amazing the peeps! It was an amazing weekend filled with great friends, great food, beautiful women....and, of course, GREAT music!

Not to mention, hanging with the fish is a treat as always. It is so fun to be able to play with your best friends...makes life much easier and more balanced. Everyone is growing as artists and the musical "chops" (if you will) are growing at a staggering rate. Over all, the best way to put is this way....WE ARE HAVING FUN ! Bob and Cory did a superb job of crewing for us...Cory never let our beers get below a half a cup...and Bob (besides forgetting to put my bass back into the PA a few times) had the front of house sound tweaked beautifully and our monitors were WONDERFUL. It is so nice to be able to hear yourself.

I sincerely hope that as you read this (rambling) BLOG...that you are surrounded by people who care about you...if not, put IT out there. What is IT? Only you know..., but put it out there and you will be surprised what will come back to you. I dedicate this paragraph to my "friend in training." By the way, this person's son is coming back from Iraq...please put your prayers and good thoughts to the Universe out there that he arrives home safely. And that when he returns...he finds Joy. (Funny thing...that is a play on words that only this person will know....) Prayers be with your son !!!

In the immortal words of the late and great singer for INXS....Live Baby Live !

Motto for the week !

Much love....raymond

P.S. Honesty among friends is paramount. Life is too short for games and deception. Isn't it nice to be
among people who lift you up...hold you high, among the clouds....love can be so beautiful ! =)