It seems we spend so much time on the gerbil wheel, just spinning in circles and never getting anywhere. Sometimes we get lucky, step out of the wheel and rest for a while. Then it starts all over again.

Next thing you know, you're getting older, getting married, having kids and taking on the responsibilities that come along with it. Then there's always an unexpected event, like a death, which makes you step back and really think about life – something to make you wonder if you're heading down the right path and doing the right thing.

The next time you get stressed out or things are moving in a hurry, just stop for a second and listen. You'll not only hear the wheel whoosh and squeak, you'll also hear your heart beating way too fast.

I always try to relate these intros to music and/or art, and this month is no exception. It's no coincidence people who create music and art are busy people. They usually have a full-time job, create music or art part time and then support the scene the rest of the time.

More and more, it seems there's less and less time to go out and see music and art. When you get home from work, you're too tired to go see the band you never would've missed before, but now, you have to put the kids to bed and get up at 6:00AM the next morning to go to work. I know this cycle doesn't happen exactly the same way for everyone, but you get the idea.

On nights when there's a show I want to see, I sort of wait and decide if I want to go out, but I usually decide to stay in. Of the weeknight shows I attend, most of the crowd is younger than me. There are always the hardcore fans which I see year after year, but sometimes they seem to fade away as well. When I do go out, though, I always have a great time and it inspires me to keep doing this magazine – and to do more in general.

The next time you're feeling down and out about what you're doing or where you're heading with your life, go out into the world and take in something new, like a local band, a local artist displaying their work, or a film by a local filmmaker. Or pick up a locally published music and art magazine like Rift and read about people who are trying to make a life out of creating music or art – people who are trying to get off that wheel. They might just inspire you to try something different with your own life.

One a separate note: Rift has been a training ground of sorts for Journalism students, graphic artists and photographers. We pay for a few things, but most of the people who do the work – including myself – volunteer their time.

Rift doesn't make any money and while we're non profit (meaning we end up losing money most of the time), filing to be a non-profit puts restrictions on some things we do.

In short, we need your support more than ever. Please join our Fun Club or Musicians Club. It won't cost you much and you'll be doing a great thing by supporting local music and art. Plus, we'll give you some cool stuff, too. Check out
www.riftmagazine.com for more details.

rich@riftmagazine.com
myspace.com/riftmagazine