If we can achieve the momentum to attain our dreams by being pulled along in the slipstream of another's success, is that a bad thing? None of us accomplishes anything without some help from others...
Another Wave of Motivation
Another Blogging from A to Z April Challenge is now wrapped and reflected upon as all that remains is to be pulled into the slipstream of hundreds of motivated bloggers who plowed through the month with whatever they could muster. I made it with them--as I should. And as has been the case in every Challenge aftermath, I am riding a wave of motivation in reaching my own goals.
As always the wave will dissipate in the coming days--I have felt it already in a slowing of the energy current around me, within me. There is still the A to Z Road Trip (sign up opens May 20th) and the lure of the open road always catches my attention. Of course, I have my real road trip to look forward to in summer.
The open road is calling. Riding in the slipstream provides an illusion of relaxation--no need to expend energy to keep moving forward. The slipstream in the wake of a semi-truck can be dangerous. The slipstream in which I wish to ride is a metaphorical one. And I can't depend on riding the slipstream forever.
But I can have a "slipstream" Battle of the Bands post...
Battle of the Bands
Van Morrison "Queen of the Slipstream" (1987)
I didn't start following Van Morrison's music until I heard his Poetic Champions Compose album in 1988. His name first came to my attention back in 1965 when his group Them released the song "Gloria". A few years later I was captivated by his solo release of "Brown-Eyed Girl" and though many of my friends who played in bands covered "Moon Dance" and "Tupelo Honey," I never got overly enthused about Morrison--until 1988. One of my favorite songs from the PCC album is this one...
Richard Thompson "I Ride in your Slipstream" (1994)
A contemporary of Van Morrison, Richard Thompson came onto the music scene in the respected folk-rock band Fairport Convention. I'd long been interested in knowing more about Thompson's music since I had read so much about it over the years, yet I didn't hear any of his albums until I bought one of them in the 80's. He's a great guitarist and he writes some excellent songs. Here's his "slipstream" song...
Time to Vote!
Two great artists with two great songs! Decisions, decisions. I like both of them, but I'm going to pick one as a favorite. What about you? Have some fun with us. What's your favorite between these two choices? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.
Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
Angel's Bark
Debbie Doglady's Den
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Cherdo on the Flipside
A I Love Music
Winner of this Battle Announced Wednesday May 22nd
That post will be likely my next post unless I feel an overpowering urge to put something up before that time. No need to announce the A to Z Road Trip on the 20th since I already did it in this post. I'll just be riding in this slipstream for now.
Did you ever feel caught up in the slipstream of another person or some movement or event? How long does the motivation of your completing a major accomplishment take to wear off? What one thing would you like to accomplish in your life that would give you an ultimate sense of reward?
