Ryan "ryno" Nicholson: Journal

Just the other day I received some unfortunate news about a classmate of mine who
made the decision that it was time he leave this world and move on to the unknown.

It was only 2 weeks ago that my new friend and I were walking stride by stride, as
we left class, talking about the brown recluse spider bite he'd gotten during gym.

Everything seemed O.K. but it apparently wasn't. My teacher said something in
class that will forever resignate with me. She said, "don't make a permanent
decision based off a temporary problem." Boy does that ring true. Yes, life is
hard....filled with it's blessings and it's curses...but it is as she states "a life
worth living."

Please read this uplifting passage by Ralph Murphy. We are so lucky to have the
opportunities we do.....

Light and Love,

Ryan "ryno" Nicholson
www.ryannicholson.com

p.s. - a few new songs have been uploaded to the website...feel free to check them
out. One is a song called "Keep movin' on."

Friday, March 3, 2006

Something new

Today is a new, unique, original day. So find something new, unique and original to
do with it.

You are knowledgeable, talented, and creative. You live in a universe where new
possibilities are continually multiplying.

What new creation can you bring to life today? In what new and original way can you
express the blessed uniqueness of who you are?

Go beyond merely moving though the motions and the moments. Put some real creative
life into your thoughts and actions.

Consider how very flexible and adaptable and open you have the ability to be. There
are truly amazing things that you've already done with all that ability, and even
more great things you are now able to do.

This moment is your opportunity to make more than just a rerun of the past. Give of
yourself something new to life, every chance you get.

Well 2006 came in with a bang eh?? If you're like me you're probably asking yourself, where did the last 6 years go??? Heck, it was only yesterday that I was stocking my pantry with water and food. Not only that, I was extremely tempted to buy gold because supposedly money would be worth nil' due to a coming technology disaster due to the date. Yes the year was 1999.

Over this last 6 years I've also battled with something we all know.....and that's "our purpose."

After reading this special story below, I couldn't help but share it with you as a little reminder that everything little thing we do in life matters. And it's all apart of "our purpose."

Here's wishing you a blessed and amazing journey through 2006.......please feel free to share this with somebody....

Love, Ryno


STORY of a CAB RIDE

> Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I
> arrived at 2:30a.m., the building was dark except
> for a single light in a ground floor window.

>

> Under these circumstances, many drivers would just
> honk once or twice,wait a minute, then drive away.
> But, I had seen too many impoverished people who
> depended on taxis as their only means of
> transportation. Unless a situation smelled of
> danger, I always went to the door.

>

> This passenger might be someone who needs my
> assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the
> door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail,
> elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged
> across the floor.

>

> After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman
> in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print
> dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it,
> like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was
> a small nylon suitcase.

>

> The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it
> for years. All the furniture was covered with
> sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no
> knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the
> corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and
> glassware.

>

> "Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I
> took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to
> assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked
> slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my
> kindness.

>

> "It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way
> I would want my mother treated". "Oh, you're such a good boy", she
> said.

>

> When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then
> asked, "Could you drive through downtown?" "It's not
> the shortest way," I answered quickly. "Oh, I don't
> mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to
> a hospice".

>

> I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were
> glistening. "I don't have any family left," she
> continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long."
> I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

> "What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

>

> For the next two hours, we drove through the city.
> She showed me the building where she had once worked
> as an elevator operator. We drove through the
> neighborhood where she and her husband had lived
> when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in
> front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a
> ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

> Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a
> particular building or corner and would sit staring
> into the darkness, saying nothing.

>

> As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon,
> she suddenly said,"I'm tired. Let's go now."

>

> We drove in silence to the address she had given me.
> It was a low building, like a small convalescent
> home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.
> Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we
> pulled up. They were solicitous and intent,
> watching her every move. They must have been
> expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small
> suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated
> in a wheelchair.

>

> "How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into
> her purse.

> "Nothing," I said.

> "You have to make a living," she answered.

> "There are other passengers," I responded.

> Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.
> She held onto me tightly.

> "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she
> said. "Thank you."

> I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim
> morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the
> sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up any
> more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost
> in thought.

>

> For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What
> if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who
> was impatient to end his shift? What if I had
> refused to take the run, or had honked once, then
> driven away?

>

> On a quick review, I don't think that I have done
> anything more important in my life. We're
> conditioned to think that our lives revolve around
> great moments. But great moments often catch us
> unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may
> consider a small one.

>

> Ten things God won't ask:

> 1...God won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll
> ask how many people you drove who didn't have
> transportation.

> 2...God won't ask the square footage of your house;
> He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your
> home.

> 3...God won't ask about the clothes you had in your
> closet; He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

> 4...God won't ask what your highest salary was;
> He'll ask if you compromised your character to
> obtain it.

> 5...God won't ask what your job title was; He'll ask
> if you performed your job to the best of your
> ability.

> 6...God won't ask how many friends you had; He'll
> ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

> 7...God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived;
> He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

> 8...God won't ask about the color of your skin;
> He'll ask about the content of your character.

> 9...God won't ask why it took you so long to seek
> Salvation; He'll lovingly take you to your mansion
> in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

> 10...God won't ask how many people you forwarded
> this to; He'll ask if you were ashamed to pass it on
> to your friends

St. Theresa's Prayer:

May today there be peace within. May you trust
God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and everyone of you.

I read a cool quote from Harold Whitman the other day and thought I'd share it with ya.

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive."

In case you're interested I thought I'd update ya a little on what's goin' on this side of the woods (no pun intended)

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to co-write with a very, very cool friend and writer in town. The song we're writing is just "Magic..magic...magic" and I can't wait to share it with ya...

Also, last night I had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people at the NSAI Holiday Party. Just a fun, fun time.

I'm also currently writing with a few other great writers in town (on-going) and we have come up with some amazing stuff. It's just so cool when you have 2 or 3 minds working towards a common goal. A few of these songs will be demo'd professionally in studio and the others I demo'd here on my pro tools system. One of the songs is called "missin somethin" available to listen to now at the listening page of my website.

Haven't been painting at all....it's too cold (LOL) the paint just freezes...(joke)

Oh yeah, the new CD "Dream" just arrived and I've got a few left so if you'd like to get yer hands on one b4 x-mas, please let me know or simply go here and get one www.ryannicholson.com/products.html

Well, have a fantastic weekend.....

Ryan "ryno" Nicholson

www.ryannicholson.com
www.myspace.com/ryno

_______________________________________

want to put my banner on a web page? here's the code.

finally, i'm finished recording the new album "dream" formerly "simple life" for those of you who thought that would be the name ;-)

i figured since i'm pursuing my dreams right now...and am trying to inspire others to do so as well that i'd name the new album "dream". it will be available just in time for x-mas...yeah!!! they're coming hot off the press with artwork and everything...so it's going to be really cool.....

now you can buy your "dream" cd to go with you "Based on a true story" album...and if you don't have that one...I did have some more of those printed as well....so they are now in stock....

thanks again for all your support....i couldn't do it without ya!

love,ryno

Hey ya'll....

I hope October treated you well and you got enough candy to fill your halloween baggy ;-)

What's new? Well, last Saturday, my ASCAP class got the opportunity to have a song recorded. So, my group and I decided to write a song called "Someday". It's a tune that'd I'd worked on a little back in AZ and had a few lyrics too but after a few meetings with some other great writers (Kristen and Jaime) we hashed things out and came up with a killllller tune...sounds kind of like the band GARBAGE...and it's my first song ever with a bad word in it...yeah, I'm human too ;-) Sometimes you say what you feel right?

I have a few edits to make and then I'm going to upload it here.

BTW - A huge thanks to Darrell Brown for bank rolling all of the demo costs at the studio for the ASCAP Class members...you rock dude...and your writing/producing is nothing short of amazing.

Ummmmmm...just been doing more writing.... currently finishing up on 2 new songs (Little Town Livin' and Missin' Somethin') that are going to blow ya away......oh yeah, just finished another tune as well with a few friends called NAUGHTY (it's not as bad as you think...i promise) It's a cute idea that we just had to roll with...i this town ya just have to think outside the box!!! and we sure did *Haha...

Well, have a great week, chat with ya'll soon i'm sure...love ryno

p.s. you are 1 choice away from following your dream ;-)

Last night was a blast...we were invited to go to a neighborhood hay ride at a 200 acre farm just across the street. You can check out the farm online at www.taprootfarm.net

Heard some really cool war stories about how the troops in the civil war came through and fought on these lands...pretty weird when ya think about it. My back yard could have been a camping site...ya never know!!

The leaves are finally starting to change and the weather is finally getting chilly...when I get a moment I'll upload a few picts of the area...Today it got up to 55 degrees and is supposed to stay under 60 all week. At night we're supposed to get to 32 degrees at least for the week...burrrrr....can you say I need to shop for winter clothes...(in AZ ya didn't need a whole lot to keep ya warm ;-)

I'm heading off to watch game to of the World Series....enjoy your week!!

Love,

Ryan

I just completed co-writing an amazing and empowering song called "why couldn't i" and am fixin' to have a full demo done tomorrow 10/13/05....it'll have killer nashville cats playin' on it along with a freaking awesome vocalist....when we were auditioning for singers i knew she had to be the one to cut this song..she's ammmmmmmazing.....am i excited? you betcha!! can't wait till you can hear it. well...other than that, just been learning all i can about this town and trying to become the best songwriter i can......i hope you're having a great day...don't forget to smile it'll leave nicer wrinkles (love ryno)

Believe it or not but I got to meet one of the men responsible for writing one of the most inspiring songs I think I've ever heard. If you haven't heard this song, please take a moment to look this song up on the net. It's "live like you were dying" by Tim McGraw. He's also the ASCAP writer of the year...very hard pressed to come by.

HIs name is Craig Weisman and he is truly the most down to earth and inspiring person I've met since coming here. He told a cool story of misfortune that actually helped guide him (goes to prove that bad things happening to good people might actually be good things)

Some cool wisdom he shared that'll I've long believed but will share it again is - Leave the past in the past....Don't worry too much about the future...it'll come in time...maybe.....and Live in the NOW!

So many people get caught in auto-pilot and try not to think to much about life....it's O.K. to think...it's O.K. to challenge yourself....it's O.K. to LIVE.....

Well, I hope you have a wonderful week....love ryno

Well, I've been doing some co-writing in town and am excited to share with you some of the new stuff....we might be doing demo's here within the month (trying to book studio time) so wish us luck...

love,ryno

Wow, that was one of the most amazing shows I've ever seen in my life....next to Cold Play of course *LOL*

Had a wonderful night of music from a lot of the big country stars of today..including Keith Urban, Billy Currington, Craig Morgan, Leann Rymes and Alan Jackson...just to name a few...

Today was a very cool day...learned a lot about how co-writing goes in this town. I had the opportunity to meet up with a really cool guy that's had 11 number 1's and over 65 cuts. I also want to tell you about a website to go to in order to raise money for New Orleans. He wrote this tune and it's at www.neworleanssong.com

Just thought I'd share some cool news with ya'll.

I was accepted into the ASCAP pop/writing workshop here in Nashville. Fortunately, I found out about the workshop on the deadline date and turned in my submission the day of.. (just in time)

From what I hear, they only accepted 20 up and coming writers to work with Nashville's top writers. So man...I'm super excited to be a part of this....

Thanks again for all your support...and you know who you are!!

Have a great week and please keep praying for the people affected by the Hurricane......

Love,

ryan

Wow...tonight was great....thanks again to NSAI for inspiring the younger writers out there trying to make it in Nashville. If you're a songwriter, you've got to join...it's worth every penny. www.nashvillesongwriters.com - Tonight we had the pleasure of sharing an intimate show with John Ford Coley, Byron HIll and Georgia Middleman. If you haven't seen these songwriters perform, you're missin out ;-) Very wonderful night....they made me proud to be a songwriter....have an awesome week...love ryno

Well....last night was real cool...it was pitch to a Christian Record Label night down at NSAI and my cousin and i had the pleasure of making it just before the doors closed. Long story short, we both pitched tunes to Dave Moody of Lamon Records and he loved them....so I'll be sure to let you know what happens...have a great day!

Yes, it's a true story...

I learned many important "life lessons" last night that I will never forget.

Last night, on music row, I met a homeless person named "Bob". After spending a few hours with "Bob", I realized that the struggles we meet day in and day out are simply miniscule compared to the hardships that other's are going through at this very moment...

"Bob" didn't blame anyone for being put in his position. (Sure, he fell off a roof and smashed his leg to pieces)
but instead of focusing on "poor me" he knew it was a gift from God, to help him grow and become stronger person. In fact, when a gentleman strolled by paralyzed in a wheelchair, "Bob" looked at me and said..."See him"? "Now that's got to be hard", "It makes me feel so fortunate".

This statement came from a man who doesn't know where he's going to get his next meal. Yesterday, when I took him to dinner, I asked what he had for breakfast and he said "You're lookin' at it". He hadn't eaten all day, actually
he'd gone two days without a bite to eat. I can't go without a meal without being a baby.

All night I tried to put myself in his shoes. I've never been homeless and I've always been
one in the back of my mind that says...go get a job...don't be lazy...etc...etc....

Some of the homeless people really can't work..."Bob", because of his leg the way it is (one more
surgery to go...on his 4th), has trouble standing for more than 10 minutes at a time. Even though he's been in construction his entire life, No day laborer will hire him. He also looked for inside work at many of the downtown companies, but they're just not willing to take a risk...

Talk about a helpless feeling...

But still he goes on day to day just hoping people won't criticize him for the way he looks and for the way he's living life during this moment of despair on his journey of becoming a better and stronger person.

When you feel life has thrown you a curve ball please think about "Bob"...I'm sure he'd be thrilled to know he helped make a difference.

A few words of wisdom from "Bob"

"Treat everyone as you wish to be treated", yes homeless people are people too with feelings.

"You make a big difference in others lives even though you may not know it"

"Enjoy the journey!"

Love,

Ryan


Free music available at www.ryannicholson.com
If you like what you hear, and you will, please tell a friend or two....thanks!!

for anyone out there ever wondering what Nashville is like....here goes...

it's got big beautiful rolling hills...with lush, lush grass and trees.

though it's a bit sticky at times, the weather has been amazing.....o.k....except for the tornadoe watches *LOL*

all in all, it's a true blessing to be here following my dreams. i encourage you too to seek in this lifetime what makes your soul happy....may your life be filled with love, joy and purpose....ryno

SUNDAY JUNE 5th
Hey.....I hope your day is going great......
Just wanted to let you know that I'm taking the next step in pursuing my dreams (singing/songwriting) and am moving to Nashville, TN. They say if you don't try you'll never know....so...I'm gonna go find out... :-)

I truly want to thank you for helping my dreams come true and for supporting my journey.
Lots of love,
Ryan "ryno" Nicholson

MONDAY, MARCH 28th
wow!!..if i would have written this just one day earlier then i'd be on a roll for 27ths.....freaky...LOL. well, we just had a gig 2 nights ago at Borders in Chandler and it was awesome....talk about a packed house...i can't thank each and everyone of you enough for all your support. looks like next time, fans will have to bring their own seating...no really...for a while there, there wasn't a single empty seat. there were some highlights from the night...1st memorable moment was when i accidentally went to the restroom in the ladies room...(it really was an accident) talk about feeling weird...especially when there's another lady waiting on you so that she can go....(funniest thing is that i remember walking in and wondering why there weren't any of those wall units to go to the bathroom in....) oh well, i made it out safely and wasn't harmed in anyway....also Eric Douglas made it out to play Harmonica on Dream with us....he's amazing on that thing....not to mention he did a guest appearance and played "Heartland"..it's my favorite song of his...
binki boy (matthew..our youngest fan) also made it out...and we got him to scream "HEY YOU!!" all by himself....we were so proud of him.....I heard later that he was a little upset with us because we didn't remember how to play "ILENE" his second favorite song....yes, we need to practice that one for the next show..in case he's there..
i was also very pleased to see dadra and her big group of friends (she practically filled up the place herself with all those people.....was so glad to hear they all had a great time)...saw a very familiar face off to my right (the clay table) and wanted to thank him for bringing out his family and friends (i do know that we met him at the Coffee Plantation in Gilbert back in December of last year....) Also, wanted to thank the clay extradorinaires (hope that's spelled right) for making us a "RHINO"..a "BASS GUITAR" and a "TREE" for the rhino...you guys are to sweet...
thank you also to Wayne, Swati for making it out...Ben and Jen (with family)...and David (potential new drummer for "RYNO") and his wife and Linda (and her friend) well, if i left anyone out, i must sincerely apologize....please take a moment though and check out the picts on the photo album from the night...they're awesome...and you'll get to see the "CLAY creations"
i hope you all had a wonderful easter day...and wish you a great week...please stay tuned for our upcoming shows...or just enter your email on the home page and we'll let you know when and where we'll be....."don't put off till tomorrow what you could do today" ryno (from the song free to go)

SUNDAY, FEB 27th
alright..this is getting a little spooky...it appears the last 2 times i've written in this journal, it's been on the 27th...well i've got about 5 minutes till it's the 28th, so i'll make it fast.....hope this msg reaches you in good spirits and great health......SO WHAT'S NEW....welllllll..........i quit my full time job to pursue music (finally) it was a very hard decision but heh...if i don't have faith in myself, who else will. I'm up tonight just finishing some editing on a new tune that Peto and I wrote called "LORD it just ain't right.."..it's a cool up beat tempo song with a very catchy hook.....I hope to be able to put vocals to it either monday or tuesday of next week.....i also am working on a new piece of art...should have picts of it up next week too....i tell ya, if you haven't tried painting with acrylics, ya gotta do it...it's so much fun....and fairly inexpensive. oh!!! i also got some business cards in today for you ryno fans out there that want to carry a few in your wallets or purses to give to friends...i'll have them avail at the next show on March 26th, 2005 at Borders chandler...(see concert page for details)....well, gotta go now, it appears it has hit midnight and my time is up...it is now officially the 28th... ;-) have a great...great...great...great week.....love and light......ryno
oh!!! real fast....i'm reading a book called The Right Questions by Diane Ford - if you are looking for a very inspirational read, i highly recommend it......peace...