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!

Hey everyone – we hope you are doing well. I have been asked to expand on “Thanks is a four letter word!” So here goes!

We were in the United States Military Veterans Day Parade today in San Antonio and I want to share the magnitude of this event for me and how it affects my life.  I was brought to tears with what I saw and able to participate in.

First of all, I want to say thank you to all the men and women out there who have ever served in the military for their country.  I don’t care if you were a good soldier or a bad soldier – it takes sacrifice.  One gives up much to be in the service.  Imagine if we were mandated by government to serve, like some countries.

There were thousands who participated in the parade and thousands more who came to watch the parade.

I am grateful for and proud of the men and women who serve in our military.  The duty and sacrifice is enormous – but those that served during wartime and actually fought in one of our many skirmishes – I have a different type of respect for them.

People involved in conflict are scarred in one way or another – if not scarred, certainly affected.  They have endured man at his worst and maybe even had to be that person that they never dreamed of.  I mean, how would I react to the atrocity of war?  Anyway, I just saw so much today – a people proud to wear their uniform and show their colors – and a people willing to come and say thanks…

That is what I mean by Gratitude is an Action – Actions speak louder than words. So here are my suggestions:

1. Volunteer – You can always give back by helping someone else who needs it;
2. Say “Thank you!” – I have posted about this before – it is the nice thing to do;
3. Pay it forward – Blessings always come back to those that give;
4. It is better to give than to receive – Trust me, it is true – try it ad see;
5. “I am sorry” doesn’t always cut it – change the behavior;
6. If you have the means – help – People need all kinds of help and if you can help, please do it;
7. There are more ways to help than just giving money – time is help as well as sharing with others what you know how to do;
8. Do it with a smile – God loves a cheerful giver;
9. Do not expect anything in return – Nothing is worse than giving with conditions, makes you look like a user; and
10. Check your motives – See #9, it is important to show your gratitude without ulterior motives – otherwise, it isn’t gratitude.

I’ll tell you what I saw that brought me to tears – I saw men proud to be part of this great country, proud to wear their uniforms and proud to show others that they stood for something (even if they were not appreciated).

But more importantly, I saw a veteran standing on the side of the road as the parade passed and he was thanking everyone as they passed.  He was very sincere.  But then a women that was walking with her group in the parade, left the procession and ran to that man.  She gave him a big hug and said “Thank You!” He and I were shocked. She caught him off guard. It was beautiful!

I didn’t capture it on camera – but I will never forget it.  He meant it and she meant it and that was enough.  The fact that she went out of her way to hug this man was the most memorable part of the day for me.

I know I was touched by the spirit this day, because I was “sentido” the rest of the afternoon.  That is when I know I have been touched by the spirit, when silly movies move me…(That’s another blog topic)!

Anyway, just remember that it doesn’t take that much more to do the right thing and give a little of yourself.  And if you take the road less traveled – traffic is usually light.

Take care, God Bless and Cool Runnings, mon! – Michael Arellano

if you want to leave a personal message, contact us at latinfusiontv@gmail.com