Legacy

1. I'm sure you've heard February 3rd, 1959, referred to as "The Day the Music Died." That was the date of a famous plane crash outside of Clear Lake, Iowa. The crash killed early rock'n'rollers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as the airplane's pilot, Roger Peterson. The phrase originated in the Don McLean song, "American Pie."

2. You're no doubt familiar with the expression "life in the fast lane," which comes from the 1976 song of the same name by the Eagles. I'm sure the expression is used by some people who have never heard the song.

3. I'm also assuming that you've occasionally heard something described with words similar to "this one goes up to eleven," usually meaning that it's over-the-top in some form or another. That term was first used in the following routine from the 1984 mockumentary film This Is Spinal Tap.

4. I am sometimes asked what, if any, goal or goals I have as a writer. Some writers would settle for having any or all of their work published. Well, I've already had some of my writings published.

Others would say that they want to be able to support themselves by their writing, and only their writing. I did that briefly for a few months, but I'm not ambitious enough to make that a long-term reality.

Some would say that they'd love to see at least one of their works adapted for television or motion pictures. So would I, but I'm not holding my breath.

But as for my own goal? I only hope that someday, I may write a phrase which will enter the English language as the three examples listed above have. Even if people don't know where they first read or heard my phrase. Even if they don't know that I'm actually the one who wrote it.

That, to me, is immortality. And it's  the only form of immortality I have any desire for at all.

Thanks for your time.