Turning What You Love into What You Do
By Patrick J. O’Connor
Part I of this two-part series in my August blog set the stage for a closer look at John O’Connor’s musical journey in turning what he loves into what he does. It’s a path filled with a wide circle of family and friends who share the feeling we get when things go exactly as they should. No worries or problems… just sort of floating along with life and its own natural, organic energy. And, like music, the feeling is contagious. So… how exactly has he done it?
A Recipe
John has concentrated years of time and energy building a solid musical foundation. The following four pillars stand out in that foundation. It’s a recipe for turning what you love into what you do.
- Musical Buds. Music has magical powers, whether solo or in a group. For John, much of his solo effort was in preparation to join his musical buds for practicing and performing. These buds are part of a long series of practices and performances in numerous venues. Kids, grandkids, spouses (he only has one), friends, relatives, co-workers, church buds and occasional strangers are all drawn into his musical circle. Hundreds of listeners have been touched by their talent and dedication. Some have even been moved to tears. Ask any Kairos participants.
- Practice and Performing in a variety of places – homes, church, assisted living centers, music festivals, Christmas Kettle and open mic nights. Lots of lessons (Terry), practice at home (praise band), while traveling (co-worker Sutton Taylor), around the campsite (festivals) and anywhere other musicians were practicing. The great golfer Sam Snead once said, “practice puts memory in your muscles.”
- Open Mic Nights – Open mic nights are a good place to refine your skills and try out new material. The host at an Irish tavern gave John his stage name —”Johhny O” — which stuck. Sometimes he begins his performance with an original song. Some of his favorite artists to cover are Willie Nelson, Robert Earle Keen, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt and John Prine. Many performances are solo, but musical buds Ed and Kristen often join in.
- Teaching – Although a quiet fella, John is a real “get-everybody-on-board” kind of guy. A former math teacher, he’s very good at teaching others to play. Teaching something to others is a good way to improve your own ability. This was evident when he taught his grandchildren to play ukulele. He continues that effort, teaching the daughters of his nephew Ryan to play the ukulele.
What Matters Most
The hours logged in the above activities have helped John prioritize what is important to him, using music as his vehicle. He believes music makes people and places better. He has integrated his immediate and extended families into his personal, faith and musical lives. He’s written songs capturing the important people, events and even pets in his life.
Some years ago, he wrote a Mother’s Day song titled “No One Like You.” He also wrote a song for his bride Sue (“The List”). A long-time, big-time pet lover, John also wrote songs for his pets. “The Dirty Dog” and “ The Foot Stomping Dog” were dedicated to his Golden Retrievers. His special cat Kringle got his own song, titled “The Black Cat Blues.” John’s goal was to help Kringle adapt to his new home in a move from central to Northeast Florida.
Memories through Music
Those who have joined John on his musical path have also turned what they love into what they do. Two integrated thoughts converge when people do what they love. First, they get a deposit into their psychic income account. Each time we do something for someone without expecting anything in return, we get a deposit into the account. This is a deposit-only account. As such, there is no way to spend it. We can only save it.
Second, the good things good people do to make their communities better places to live, and work contribute to social capital. These things are typically done on a volunteer basis without expecting anything in return. And they are often done anonymously. The people who do this have quiet confidence about them.
“Each time we volunteer, we get a new circle of friends.” ~Maria Phillips
John makes it very easy to join him on his musical journey. Many of the same people have been together for years, celebrating their love for music. It’s a warm feeling when people sing along with a song you wrote. It’s the feeling you get when you see a prisoner pray for forgiveness. Everyone connected to his musical journey appreciates John’s contributions. When they thank him, he quietly responds, “God brought us together. Thank him.”
When you get where you’re goin’
Don’t forget turn back around
Help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind
(“Always be Humble and Kind.” Lyrics by Lori McKenna. Recorded by Tim McGraw)
