The barbershop quartet and the art of singing are alive and kicking!  Recently, I experienced the harmony and love of a barbershop quartet, at a barbershop, Shegog’s Barbershop located in University City, Missouri.

But before I describe the music of the quartet, I have to set the scene.

It was a late warm Saturday afternoon when I decided to take my now tw0-year-old son (Christopher) to Shegog’s Barbershop to get a hair cut for his birthday party, which was the next day, Sunday.  We arrive at the appointed hour and began our wait as there were two people in line in front of us.

At this point, I know I am in trouble because an almost two- year-old has noooooo patience at all.  I thought ahead, I have the requisite toys and books, but I know they will only satisfy him a while, a very short while.

First problem, while we are waiting a gentleman, Dr. Williams comes in with White Castle.   Two double cheeseburgers, french fries and a chocolate shake.  Well, of course, Christopher decides he wants a fry or two. So he walks over to Dr. Williams and takes two fries and proclaims, “Mine” and stuffs them in his mouth and runs back to me, as if I would save him.

I apologize a thousand times and Dr. Williams accepts graciously, but Christopher keeps running to get more of Dr. Williams’ french fries when Mr. Shegog belt’s out, “Go get that boy something to eat, I’ll save your spot.”  Translation get that boy something to eat so he can leave my other customers alone.

We go to White Castle, which is a block a way and come back to the barbershop, just in time to get Christoper’s cut, as Mr. Donald vacates the chair.

Second problem kicks in, Christopher is in no mood to get his hair cut, nor sit in the barber’s chair, he is extra stubborn.

We get in the chair, Mr. Shegog starts to cut Christopher’s hair and the conversation takes a turn amongst the four of us in the shop.  The conversation turns to family in general and children specifically.

Dr. Williams talks about his two sons and his fond memories of taking them to the barbershop as young boys and as young men.  Mr. Donald discusses his two daughters and his son and how quickly they have grown up.  Mr. Shegog smiles brightly and discusses his recently married daughter and his college senior son. I hold Christoper tighter (out of love and abundance of precaution as his haircut continues), while soaking it all in and even visualizing the positive things to come for Christopher and me.

Just then all hell breaks loose, Christopher has had enough of getting his haircut.  Christopher has had enough of sitting in the chair.  Christopher has had enough of me holding him tightly, so he can safely get his hair cut.  He starts screaming at the top of his lungs, kicking and thrashing about.  Christopher was demonstrating that he was comfortably in his terrible-two’s and hell bent on getting out of the chair, despite the fact that we were only half way through his cut.  It didn’t look like we would make it to a full cut.

That’s when it hit me.  Fall back on what you know.  So I started singing, singing of all things the ABC’s.  In the past, when I would sing the ABC’s, it had calmed Olivia (Christopher’s big sister) down and brought a smile to her face.  I felt like, I had nothing to lose, so I started singing the ABC’s.

I began, ‘A, B, C, D…’ and right around ‘L’ I noticed the other three gentleman (Dr. Williams, Mr. Arnold and Mr. Shegog) in the shop were singing along with me.  We made it all the way through Z and in unison sang the chorus “Now I know my A, B, C’s …” and started again in unison all the way through the chorus.  By then Christopher had quieted and was beaming at the Shegog Barbershop Quartet who had just given him a command performance of the ABC’s, in harmony I might add.

While I suspect this performance of the Shegog Barbershop Quartet was its first and last performance, I bet the ABC’s have never ever been sung with such love and support coupled with such fond memories of years and times gone by.  Just imagine we were four unattached men who enjoying the brotherhood of Fatherhood.

While Christopher will probably not remember the Shegog Barbershop Quartet, I will and I will always thank the gentleman who cared enough and shared in a moment when I was just trying to be a good Dad.  My takeaways from the one time performance-Fatherhood is GREAT and it takes a village to raise a child!

Thanks for the read!

-The Love Guy

I’m happy to say I’ve worked a little ahead on Daily Love Notes and our plans in the coming year – because today I’m finding myself wanting to get outside for the first time in months!

There’s something that’s just undeniable and powerful about this change in the seasons. And while I enjoy watching summer turn to fall into winter and so on, you can’t help but notice that people are just happy to be outside. They smile at one another and say “Hello” as they walk past.

It’s been a long winter for many of us. A lot of the United States spent the last three months just trying to stay one step ahead of what seemed like endless snowstorms that never stopped. Sure, for the romantically inclined like myself, I say “Let it snow!” – there’s nothing like eight more inches of snow to keep you curled up on the couch with the one you love.

But seeing people of all shapes, colors and sizes outside with a smile on their face, seeing the sun shining and communities meeting each other again for the first time in months, I welcome the change.

Hopefully this post finds you enjoying some nice changes in the season and full of hope and love for spring.

The Love Guy

A few months ago, I was in the mens restroom of a St. Louis eatery (washing my hands) when I heard the following, “Dad, I love you!”  The speaker of these very powerful words was probably about eight years old.  He went on to tell his Dad why he loved him too!

“You are the best Dad in the whole world,” he exclaimed.

“You take me everywhere and you teach me everything!”

“And you are cool, too!”

“You ain’t like Jimmy’s Dad always yellin’ and stuff.”

“I love you Dad cause you are my REAL best friend.”

Of course, I smiled and even chuckled a bit, because the kid already understands the importance of love and showering the ones you love, just because.  I am sure his Dad did not expect the comments, but I imagine that his Dad’s heart beat a little stronger when his son lavished him with love.

And most importantly the Dad responded by saying, “I love you too, cause you are a great son and my BEST friend!”

So if there is a lesson, anytime is the right time to say, “I love you!”

Thanks for the read,

The Love Guy

This week we celebrated President’s Day. Many will still work on this holiday, but a lot of you will had the day off and got to relax, reenergize and possibly reflect. We reflected on President’s Day and the message of love it shares.

George Washington supposedly chopped down a cherry tree when he was a kid. The story has it that when young George’s father gave him his own sharpened hatchet, little George was so excited he ran outside and chopped down a tree. When his father took notice of the downed tree, he asked his son if he knew how the tree became axed. Young George looked at his father and said “Father, I cannot tell a lie; I chopped down the tree.” Whether this story is fact or fiction the message is important. This is one of the first stories children hear about the importance of honesty and the power of truth.

Honesty and truth are beautiful traits you can find in the sphere of real love. Think about everyone you love in your life. That love has many different traits, including honesty. Love is honest. When love is honest it is wholesome.

Little George Washington was honest with his father, meaning he was also honest with himself. When you are honest with yourself, you allow that honesty to be shared with others. That is love.

The ones you love deserve honesty. An authentic love is pure, which can make relationships magical. So at a young age, George Washington discovered that being genuine allowed him to share the love.

Let’s not forget that President’s Day also celebrates number 16, Mr. Abraham Lincoln who also went by Honest Abe. The story has it that Mr. Lincoln, as an attorney, would  charge very little to his clients who made less money than he did (and Abe didn’t make a lot). Another story goes that Mr. Lincoln received $25.00 dollars for attorney services rendered. Mr. Lincoln sent back $10.00, informing the client that they were being much to generous. Now, that’s showing some love.

Enjoy your day. Enjoy the ones you love.

The Love Guy

Valentine’s Day is today and it got me to thinking about some of my favorite love songs.  The more I thought about my favorite love songs, the more songs I added to the list.  During this look back, one of the coolest things was each and every song brought a smile to my face and reminded me of a special someone or time.  It reminded me of why I started dailylovenotes.com.

It’s as though the songs and the artists made up the soundtrack to my life and the life I have shared with others.  The great thing, as I reflected back, is I have enjoyed my life and continue to do so with a lot of great people!  It’s funny how music can remind you of a simpler time when nothing else or no one prevented you from the magic of love.

While this is my list, and it’s certainly not an exhaustive list (cause we can always add more), I just wanted to share 14 of my favorite love songs; some you may know and like and others may be new to you.  Take a listen (just click on the title of the song ) and fall in love again.

Donny Hathaway – “A Song For You”;

Teddy Pendergrass – “Close the Door”;

Lionel Richie & Diana Ross - “Endless Love”;

Kenny Rogers  – “Lady”;

Rod Stewart - “If We Fall in Love Tonight”;

Luther Vandross – “House is Not a Home”;

Commodores – “Three Times a Lady”;

Little River Band – “Reminiscing”;

Anita Baker – “Same Ole Love“;

Joe Cocker – “You are So Beautiful”;

Ashford & Simpson – “Solid as a Rock”;

Bob Marley – “Is this Love”;

Marvin Gaye - “Let’s Get it On”;

Boys II Men – “On Bended Knee”;

I am interested to hear your thoughts good, bad or otherwise.

Thanks for the read,

The Love Guy

Just wanted to give a “shout” to the Love Nation, about Valentine’s day. Valentine’s Day is one of the best times of the year! In honor of Valentine’s day, I am writing a love note every hour for 24 hours. I’m going to start at midnight on February 14th and write a love note every hour until midnight February 15th. That’s how we get “24 Hours of Love.” I am really excited about sharing the love! This Valentine’s day, be sure to visit www.dailylovenotes.com so you can share the love, too. Why settle on one love note, when you can send as many love notes to as many people you love. Think of the joy you will share with your friends and family when you send them a written reminder of love.

Not only am I writing 24 love notes on Valentine’s Day; I am also giving away 24 VISA gift cards. If you go to our Facebook page and “Like” us and then send a love note via DailyLoveNotes.com you will be automatically entered to win a $20.00 VISA gift card. It’s that simple. So please encourage your friends and family to do the same by sending them a link to this blog posting.

My only goal is love. I love sharing, and receiving the love. I have received so much love from you, the Love Nation. I wanted to show you some love and a little bit of appreciation with the 24 Hours of Love promotion.

Here’s to love, laughter and life. Cheers.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

It seems the love is starting to get noticed. Recently, Deb Peterson wrote a spot about yours truly, and my website DailyLoveNotes.com, on stltoday.com (You can read that article by clicking: here). The love did not stop there. I was also asked to come down to the KPLR studios in Saint Louis and film a segment for their afternoon show with Patrick Clark. I wanted to share the experience with all of you and personally thank you all for your support. It was an easy interview, only lasting about two minutes but it was fun and I was able to tell a bit of my story and the the story of DailyLoveNotes.com. I included the KPLR segment for your viewing pleasure; check it out by clicking on LOVE. I would like to thank Deb Peterson for her wonderful write-up and the good people at KPLR for letting me share DailyLovenotes.com and making my visit comfortable. Don’t forget, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and I have some surprises up my sleeve for that special day. Thanks again, friends.

~The Love Guy

Everyday I thank the stars for giving me the ability to live, love and laugh. If these emotions were not a part of my life, I would be known as “The Sad Guy.” With friends and family knowing how adamant I feel about love, I frequently get asked questions regarding the “feeling of fondness.” Recently, I was asked “Hey Love Guy, where do you find love during tragedy?” That question made me think, but it didn’t take long for me to find my answer. My answer came from the heart, and I could not sum it up in two or three sentences; My answer was simple and I could sum it up in two words: love wins. Make love win all the time. We are constantly seeing tragic events unfold in the news, we deal with tragedy within our personal lives as well. We will never escape tragedy, but we can turn tragedy into positivity. We need to let love win. I know some might be laughing to themselves or shaking their head in disbelief as they read this, but I truly believe if you put your mind into allowing love to win, you can make it happen. Mind over matter, right?

I never want negativity to consume my life. I personally denounce anger when I think it is trying to engross my spirit. I find a way to let love win. I understand as individuals we face different life adversities, and during these tough intervals we react differently. With that being said, well…typed; I believe we should try and focus on the good, the positive and the love that can be mentally summoned from a tragic event. Some tragedy is worse than others, and summoning love can be extremely difficult. This is when you have to call to the depths of your being and find the love I am writing about. It is there. I swear.

If we allow hate, sadness and negativity to prevail, we will never grow spiritually as a community. Love is spiritual, no matter what your beliefs are. Love also gives us a since of community, and communities build individuals.

Love builds us.

This is how I face times of tragedy. I call on love. I understand that it is difficult, I understand that many could not do it, but that would have to be for lack of trying. Grieving and sadness is healthy and should be a part of the healing process during tragedy, though do not let grieving and sadness consume your life.  Call on love and let it become a part of the healing process; let it consume your life.

Love wins.

It was 5 years ago when I first laid eyes on her.  It doesn’t seem like it was quite that long ago, but it has been five years, since the Ogre in me died.  You see, its not that I was cold and unfeeling, its just that I was kind of cold and unfeeling.  Life for me had a certain logic to it.  I had never allowed myself to fully enjoy the ‘Highs” of life because I thought I was protecting myself from “Lows” of life.  So if I won a million bucks, I was like “Ok, I won, next.”  Consequently, if I lost a million bucks, I was like “Ok, I lost, next.”  Hmmm, as I think back on my life, it had a pretty flat affect.

Now fast forward to Nov (2005) when I met her for the first time. When I actually met her, I was like, “WOW!”  She instantly blew my mind way away.  Prior to us meeting, I had observed her over the course of several months, thought about her, even saw a few pictures of her and considered, “It would be cool to meet her,” but I tried not to get to excited though.

I had not planned what I would say, I just thought I would say whatever came naturally, enjoy her company, get to know her, but not necessarily get out of whack.  It would be like, “Ok she’s here, let’s see and proceed forward.  You know, kind of really logical!

Little did I know, once the doctor handed me my daughter for the first time, that not only would my life change, but my heart would change too.  From the nano-second, he put her in my arms and I heard her first cry, I could literally feel my heart melt (I know it sounds like a cliche”) I was enveloped by a range of positive, loving emotions (and tears) that I had not ever allowed myself to consider let alone enjoy.  It was as if O’s birth, was my birth too.

In an instant, I threw away years of logic to really enjoy a heartfelt moment.  I began to smell the roses as I walked by.  I began to listen to the song birds sing and even appreciate the chill of a St. Louis winter.  In one precious moment, I began to live!  I embraced life, and began to share more openly with my family and friends. I  began to cherish all of those special moments that come a long with opening your heart to life’s possibilities. With O’s birth, I began to love!

The Love Guy

Recently, boxing promoter Don King lost his wife of some 50 years and I came across an article in examiner.com wherein he paid homage to his wife.  I must admit, I never thought of Don King as the romantic type, nevertheless I was touched by his words and thoughts on his wife. Please read below and give me a shout with your thoughts.

“My wife is my life, you know what I mean? My wife is the greatest lady in the world. She has been with me and stuck with me through ups and downs.  She’s a terrific lady. A mother, a lover, a friend. A confident that I can talk to.  She’s a woman for all seasons and all reasons.

She personifies helping me, and with her and God in the forefront, she’s just made my life worth living.  She taught me to love the life that you live, and to live the life that you love.  I guess we’ve been together for 50 years or so, you know, who knows? Its been an eternity. She’s the love of my life.”

I read and re-read the quote and thought love is a wonderful thing and how great it is to share it with someone, anyone but especially the right one!

-The Love Guy