Finding Joy in the Blues: A Personal Journey

Sitting with my guitar strapped around me, and the barely audible hum from the two amp speakers on either side, is now my happy place. The microphone is just a few breaths away from my face until I am ready to begin my performance patter and ultimately sing. I am dressed to entertain from head to toe. Everything is intentional. My outfit has been coordinated, and even the equipment cables complement each other.

"80% of success is showing up." - Woody Allen

It's a reminder that being present and taking action is often the most important step toward achieving success. This is success for me. Out of all the things I have tried in my life, playing the blues brings me joy.

I haven’t let being a novice musician and singer stop me. I am fueled by a desire to share the feelings that playing this music gives me. These feelings are great, even a release from all the stress and anxiety I’ve felt while caregiving for my wife these past three years. Sometimes, I cry when I play the guitar and sing Ray Charles’s "Drowning in My Own Tears." I wear sunglasses to hide my tears.

My mother and sister recently commented that I look so sad in my YouTube videos when I'm playing. Laughing at their revelations, I admitted that I am, but performing is healing me from the inside out.

The blues genre is often considered sad because it originated from the African American experience of hardship and suffering, particularly in the Southern United States. The music reflects themes of pain, loss, and longing, which are expressed through its lyrics and melancholic melodies. The use of "blue notes," which are notes played at a slightly lower pitch than standard, adds to the music's emotional depth and sorrowful tone.

However, it's important to note that the blues is not just about sadness. It also conveys resilience, hope, and the ability to overcome adversity. The genre has a rich emotional range, capturing both the struggles and triumphs of life. So while the blues can be sad, it also celebrates the strength and spirit of those who endure and persevere.

Blues music originates in the soul. The blues is a deeply influential genre of music that evolved from the oral traditions of the enslaved African in America from work songs, spirituals, and field hollers. Blues music has had a profound impact on many other genres, including jazz, rock and roll, and R&B. Today, it is universal to the human condition of love, hardship, and resilience.

With guitar in hand and backing tracks as my invisible band, it has been a joy to contribute to the success of a luncheon for veterans, a wedding reception, entertaining seniors at three nursing homes, providing the background vibe for a hundred people at a motorcycle rally for three days in a row, and performing at private celebrations for successful people at Halloween and Christmas parties.

I am really grateful for the encouragement and positive comments I've received on my social media posts. I've been vlogging my practice sessions and using the videos to critique myself. I look at what colors look best and what music moves or doesn’t move the viewers. I hope some of my friends will invest in me and become patrons to help me continue both emotionally and financially

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that music has been my sanctuary. Despite being a novice musician and singer, my passion for sharing the emotions that music brings me has been unwavering. The support and positive feedback from my social media followers have been invaluable, and vlogging my practice sessions has helped me grow and improve. Performing at various events, from veterans' luncheons to private parties, has brought me immense joy and a sense of accomplishment.

"80% of success is showing up." - Woody Allen

This quote resonates deeply with me. Showing up, being present, and taking action have been the keys to my success. Playing the blues has not only brought me joy but has also been a healing experience, helping me cope with the stress and anxiety of caregiving for my wife. I am grateful for the encouragement and hope that my friends will continue to support me on this journey, both emotionally and financially.

Support me on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/revkennblanchard).

Caregiving

My entry into caregiving began with taking care of my wife during the global pandemic. My wife of 33 years retired in 2020. Tragically, after her retirement, we discovered she had a large brain tumor. It was partially removed in May 2021, leading to a new life of illnesses and hospital visits.

She has been bedridden since then and has undergone four more surgeries. She suffers from neuropathy, has had two blood clots, pneumonia, and has recovered from fungal meningitis. She had a shunt put in for fluid removal from her brain (twice) and is now recovering at home. She also had seizures and now has to take medication for them.

She constantly complains of pain and is unable to use her legs. With home therapy, she is slowly gaining use of her arms, but her fingers are contracted, making it painful to move her into the wheelchair.

I accepted the call into the Gospel ministry in 2001. I was called to pastor a small church in Washington, DC from 2007 and did so until 2014. This vocation did not exempt me from experiencing despair. I have learned that nobody is immune from heartache, suffering, regret, or depression.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

I have learned that joy is entirely unrelated to enjoyable circumstances. The joy I feel while playing guitar is supernatural. It helps me be cheerful in the midst of my hell.

My wife's condition has changed our household. It has changed the way our children, now adults, react. It has changed our outlook on the world, holidays, and traditions.

Joy is the second “fruit of the Spirit” that the Bible mentions in Galatians 5:22-23. The Holy Spirit helps us develop the ability to feel more joy. So, we can discover joy in every circumstance – even in difficult times.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…" - Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

I’m making life changes. I know people worry when you stop taking baths or go off on strangers. Those are indicators that something is amiss. It feels like that, although not as dramatic. I am changing. I have learned that there is power in focus. I know that I have tried to accomplish a lot of things consecutively, unsuccessfully. It’s time to just be one thing. I don't feel like a motorcyclist much anymore and will probably sell my bike if given the chance. I’ve had a motorcycle since I was 17. I don't feel like a gun enthusiast/marksman either, even though it has been my nom de guerre for most of my life. I think I am done with painting oil and watercolor pictures and writing poetry.

It is now just performing and learning the blues.

Through the trials of caregiving, the solace of music, and the strength of faith, I have found a path to joy. The blues, with its deep roots in resilience and hope, has become my sanctuary. It has allowed me to express my emotions, heal from within, and connect with others. As I continue this journey, I am grateful for the support and encouragement from my friends, family, and followers. Together, we can face life's challenges and find joy in the midst of adversity.