True Heart

For the most part I actually do get to see the brighter side of humans, but every now and then, unfortunately, my eyes will witness the darker side of some of those around me. When I was writing the first draft of ’29 Dimes’ a few years ago I was simultaneously going through a rough emotional period in my private life whereby I had to make a major decision of whether to keep a so-called friend in my life or not. (She gave me reasons to question her true heart.) So, as I was writing ‘Vehicles’, an original song for the character ‘Teki’ in ’29 Dimes’, the lyrics just poured out of me. ‘Vehicles’ is a song about people who pretends to love and care about you only to get what they want.
Yep, we must be mindful of those we have and keep in our circle. My life changed for the better once I’d cut the ties with this so-called friend. I hope that your life is filled with goodhearted people who show you daily that they want nothing but betterment and happiness for you. It’s a wonderful feeling when you’re surrounded by people who enjoys it when you rise. And you also get a kick out of seeing them rise up as well.
Here’s the lyrics to ‘Vehicles’…
‘VEHICLES’
You pick me up…take me around
You use me up when you’re feelin’ down
Just like vehicles goin’ around and around
Just like vehicles in my town
You only need me when you’re down
Next time when you’re passin’ by
I’ll remember you…and the smile and the lie
‘Cause you’re just another vehicle goin’ by and by
Yeah, just another vehicle goin’ by and by
You hold me… You kiss me
You give me a ride
Maybe some day…maybe some way
We may collide.
– Randolph Randy Camp (from the novel ’29 Dimes: A Love Story’)
Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

New Roads

Several months ago I moved from New York to an unfamiliar city. Getting settled into Des Moines has been both challenging and rewarding for me. One of the rewards of this move has been the new friendships I’ve made. If you’re currently feeling stuck where you are but maybe too afraid to leave, please do yourself a favor and, at least, consider the countless possibilities and rewards when we venture down new paths and open roads. Yes, I know, starting over and the unknown can be daunting but it’s also exciting. I firmly believe that if we never take any type of risks then we can’t expect to grow and reach inner happiness. So, if you’re currently dissatisfied with where you are in life, don’t be afraid to take a step towards new roads in 2016. – Randolph Randy Camp
*(top photo: Randolph Randy Camp, daughter Randie, grandson Noah, and friend Kaur at Veterans' Talent Competition, Des Moines VA, Feb. 26, 2016)

More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Touching Someone

Are you happy with the way you are living your life? Is your life meaningful? Is your life boring?
Normally, I tend not to share the finer details about my private or romantic life on the web but a few months ago I shared a personal childhood memory, in which I’d entitled ‘The Longest Walk’. In ‘The Longest Walk’, I revealed how I had this secret crush on one of my elementary school classmates, and how incredibly cool it is, some forty-five years later, that this “girl of my childhood dreams” is currently one of my Facebook friends today. Ironically, as I also had mentioned in ‘The Longest Walk’, I’m still not revealing the actual name of the mystery girl.
I’m giving you this backstory because I’d received an email recently from one of my followers who was very curious to find out who exactly this mystery girl is. Personally, what I find to be the most interesting thing about this whole ordeal is that I can’t believe that there is actually something truly interesting and kind of cool about my life after all. Typically, we think of a writer’s life as being rather boring, but to have someone curious and interested in my life has given me a different perspective and made me realize that these mere words and stories that I share may possibly touch or impact someone else clear around the world. Yes indeed, words can be quite powerful and meaningful….and here I thought that my life was so boring. Hm. And just maybe, after taking a closer look at your own life, it’s also probably not as boring as you may think. Every day we touch people and we’re not even aware of it. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

GENUINE FRIENDSHIP

 

ALWAYS LEARNING, REGARDLESS OF AGE
I sincerely believe that if you surround yourself with positive people, you will always be motivated and inspired to achieve your greatest desires, no matter how old (or young) you are. Yesterday, May 20th, was a very special day for me. It was my College Graduation Day (in Buffalo, NY). It was a special day not just because I was graduating college (at age 54) but because I was surrounded by positive souls, such as my dear friend Karen. For the past 16 years I've learned a lot about what a genuine friendship is from Karen. I'm grateful and blessed to have positive spirits in my life, and I hope that all of you have a true friend (or friends) in your circles as well. - Randolph Randy Camp

Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp 

THE PICTURE FRAME

Who we choose to walk with in life has a big impact on who we are and who we may become. When I was coming up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, one of my uncles went to prison for something that I honestly don’t remember, but what I do remember about my uncle is that, while he was behind bars, he meticulously made these beautiful picture frames from wooden matchsticks. Our uncle sent his handmade picture frames to certain relatives while serving his time, and I remember, as a child, being fascinated by the glossy shellac finish and the contrasting colors of the half-burnt matchsticks every time I walked by the multi-picture frame in our living room.
I often meet people who tells me that they feel somewhat ashamed of things in which they’ve done in their past, or that they may have people in their lives who are passing negative judgments on them based upon their past mistakes.
This is when I would share with them my uncle’s story because it shows how our life is a true journey filled with both good and bad experiences along the way, and that people will either choose to remember the bad things from your past or they can talk proudly about the positive things that you’re doing right now. And these are the moments in our lives also when we may have to decide to let certain so-called friends go because they could be the very person actually slowing us down as we continue our life journey. And if I ever I slip up and begin to get some crazy inkling to pass judgment on someone I’m immediately stopped by the memory of that shiny matchstick-picture frame sitting on the end table in the left corner of the living room.
As an afterthought, I pray and hope that I’ve helped or perhaps inspired more people than I’ve hurt during my 53 years here on earth. Stay positive Everyone! – Randolph Randy Camp
More at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp