Life throws curveballs. Ones that can hit hard. But no matter how hard they come, it is how you react that makes a difference between enjoyable and happy time on earth, or a miserable and sad time. I do my best for the enjoyable time. Life is too short for the latter. Don't let the curveball hit you and dwell on the bruise, move on and let it heal. A bruise will be there no matter what, but if you don't learn to get out of the way next time, you didn't learn much.

*side note: I had not intention for a baseball analogy.

Life is wonderful. In order for it to be wonderful, we must learn from the miserable times. Deal with them, learn from them, and life will seem so much better when you realized you have made it through something tough and realize what we've been through, and realize there is a reason for the "miserable" times. Use those times as times of reflection.

Live. Love. Laugh.

Today is the last day of June!

So, another thing I have noticed about myself. I believe this came from not being able to use a cell phone. I love writing. It is a stress reliever for me. It is so nice to be able to write down how I feel. Not only that, I really think of what I write about. Like the old saying, think before you talk. Since I am not talking, I really think of what I write and make sure it makes sense in my head and that the message is conveyed clearly (I hope). I am hoping in conversation I will better be able to communicate. I also find myself being more open and honest when I write, a trait that is very important in any relationship (friend, family, girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, etc.) Writing is something I want to continue. I don't know how. I will have the school newspaper for awhile. Maybe I can write percussive articles. I think I would like to write more like how I write this blog. Personal thoughts. Humorous, serious, religious, etc. More perspective writing. Not forcing opinions, just showing mine for others to learn from or try or throw out the window.

Maybe I will write a book someday. I don't know what i would write about. It could be nothing but mindless, yet meaningful thoughts I like to ponder on. Maybe something like why humans can feel emotions, but can't explain them in words. Why do we understand when the emotions feel right, but don't when they feel wrong in our minds. A tongue twister for the mind... especially mine, so I probably won't write a book on that.

Books are too long to write, I am more of an article guy. Just get to the point and excitement right away.

I think I am starting to ramble. I have been sitting on my ass most of the day, so me writing this blog letter is killin' time.

I really want to play some rock 'n roll. Like Buddy Holly, Beatles, Ringo, Chuck Berry, etc. Then we can throw some Journey in. And... John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elliott Smith, Miles Davis (fusion era) and Elton John. What a combination of music. Yet, I just want to be on stage at a jazz club, being creative, have no plan, and just follow instincts. That is freedom! COMPLETE FREEDOM. Something that I haven't experienced in awhile. Even if I wasn't at BCT, there is still no freedom like the freedom experienced while playing jazz.

Music in general, but especially jazz, is such an escape from everything it is literally a whole new world. It is like flying with no assistance. Or driving with the windows down in perfect weather with a road that never ends. (Just sit back and enjoy the ride)

Have you ever sad and listened to music, closed your eyes, and just watched or imagined colors being thrown on a canvas in total response to the music? That is beautiful. I enjoy watching painters paint in response to music. It is an awesome thing, but it can be frustrating if you see something totally different in your mind, but it still captures the same energy. The same music affects people very differently.

I think I am going to pick up drawing again. I will enjoy that.

A class has started. Time to go and learn, and rest up. We have a big field march tomorrow, probably 6-7 miles long in the wonderful heat. Great time for reflection! Peace out my friends.

Daniel D. Heier

PFC Heier, Daniel D.
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110