Latin Fusion TV BLOG

Greetings everyone and hope all is well in your world!

I was recently introduced to a young man who plays the harmonica.  He is a young protege of the man that introduced us.  The man that introduced us is considered one of the  best “Chicago Blues” harmonica players in San Antonio – his name is Benny Harp. And for those that do not know – the harmonica is also called a “harp.”  Why so – I do not know – but if you know why – without giving the wikipedia definition – feel free to inform us all.

Being that I am not a musician – I cannot tell you one way or the other if Benny Harp is a great musician or harmonica player.  I have heard him play and I enjoy it, but I am no critic…  What I will say is that I respect Benny Harp for reasons unrelated to music. Benny is a mentor to this young man, teaching him what he knows about playing the harmonica – and I respect that.

And that is what I write about today: Sharing, caring and passing it on.  So many people have talent, some of it is polished and some of it needs to be developed.  We are all born with talent – but it needs to be developed and we need someone to help us do this.

This is why we have teachers and coaches.  This is why we have mentors – but more important is this is why we NEED teachers, coaches and mentors.  And I am not talking about doing it for pay, but because it is important to pass things on or “Pay it Forward.”  Because it was done for us.

Ever see the movie “the Sandlot?” Remember the kid who wanted to play ball but didn’t know how to throw.  Bennie “the Jet” taught him how.  My dad taught me how to throw and catch and now I am teaching my daughter. These are just examples of passing it on.

Anyway, someone taught Benny how to play the Harmonica and now he is teaching Justin Vasquez.  I don’t know how good Justin is – but I enjoyed what little I heard.  I am including a little link for you to hear for yourself.  I hope you can get it on your system and I hope you enjoy it:  Harmonica_Justin Vasquez

Feel free to let us know if you would like to see more of this young cat.  He is actually a very cool young man, too.  But hey, here are the reasons to Pay it Forward or Pass it on:

1. It shows that you appreciate God’s gifts enough to pass it on;
2. It shows you care about others;
3. It shows you care about the future;
4. It feels good to help someone out;
5. It is a gift to you both;
6. It allows for the cycle to continue;
7. You never know who will eventually get influenced; and
8. It is the right thing to do!

Look, we have all been influenced and have been an influence in one way or another.  I used to be a bad influence and sometimes still am, but with my recovery today – I am more of a positive influence than not.  I am grateful for the time that others spent with me so I could get to where I am today.

I was unbelievably fortunate to have some of the teachers and mentors I had.  I don’t know that I have a lot of skills to pass along – but when I can – I try to help.  I have taught chess, checkers, ping pong, math, English, writing and even a bit on spiritual matters, along with many other things.  Because someone took the time to teach me – I try to do the same.

After all, by sharing this blog with you – I am passing along of part me that I enjoy – writing and informing.  I could write all about me and how wonderful I am – and I am… But I don’t … But really – I am wonderful!

I would rather share with you things that matter to the world at large and have meaning and substance to more than just me.  I want to make the world a better place – one Blog at a time.  I hope I am making a difference.  I hope that I write about Matters of Influence rather than just a self absorbed literary diatribes on self and achievements.

I hope you get it! And I hope you pass it on and I am not just referring to the Blog itself, but the messages within.  With that, I wish you well!

Take care, pass it on pay it forward and Cool Runnings Mon – Michael

P.S. Thanks for all of the great comments. We read them all and get rid of lots of junk so you do not have to read them…If you really want to get a hold of us, put your email in the comment itself – we will clean it up before we post it. Later!