JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Brian Austin Whitney Blog Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Hi Folks,

I keep thinking that I will get back to doing my blog daily, but I usually find conversations going on around the board are more important to get involved with and I use up my time and energy on those.

My life is, whether I like it or not, forever changed. I am still learning my way around this new landscape, figuring out what I can still do and what roadblocks are pinning me in. Days and nights often blend together and pass by in starts and stops with little to define them. I am learning what helps me and what hurts me, what I am free to do and what holds me back. Those who know me know I am outspoken, gregarious and passionate in all things I touch. But my new world has taught me those actions come with a steep pricetag that comes due by way of significant and extended pain, massive muscle spasms, vision problems and a complete lack of focus for the rest of the day and evening. On the other hand, if I take things very easy, things go pretty smoothly for me. I've extended that 2-3 days in a row but then I start feeling like my old self and push it and the whole cycle starts over. I've had a couple trips out of the house this year by myself, once to get a blood test and once to go to Target and get some food. Both trips were under 2 miles in distance. For someone who spent the last 15 years on the road traveling the world 6 months or more each year, it's a big adjustment. My poor neglected red Ford Explorer has sat so long the tires are going flat as are the tires on our travel van. In a way it's a good metaphor.

Right now there's a battle over what my health status really is. 3 meds I am taking all cause massive weight gain so I am dealing with that. One set of doctors thinks I still healing but will have a good chance to get back to my life. Another set are less than optimistic that I will be around to even try. I have a big appointment later this week which might focus in the diagnosis much more so it's like waiting for a verdict in a trial that you're innocent in but which could take your life away nonetheless, or could release you to get back to it. I've made a few "jail breaks" but have paid heavily for it when it's clear that I am still not ready to return to normal life.

So I spend time thinking it could be a lot worse, but also that it could still be a lot better. In he meantime I am losing an entire year of productivity minus this message board, my email communications and an occassional newsletter. I had originally planned a 9 week tour of the Baltic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Findland, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and then over to the Netherlands, followed by a trip down Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Morroco, Gibraltar, Spain and France. We also were planning on a massive North America tour to all 50 States, all major cities in Canada and perhaps a visit to a safe border city in Mexico, if one exists these days. But since none of that is possible in the next year or so, I want to spend time meeting folks in those locations via Skype, the online phone system. I can be found there at just.plain.folks or Brian Austin Whitney, whichever you want to search. If you want to chat, add me to your Skype list.

So... all I can really say is that I am still anxious to get out among all of you and I am still keeping up with our industry and how our folks can create their own success even in a bad economy and a rocky landscape to make music.

Brian

Hi Brian,

Whether you know it or not, you are such a huge inspiration, at least to me. I can't even imagine your situation, but from what I know of you through JPF, this is nothing more than a speed bump. Keep up your positive energy. You have to play by the rules though, at least for now. It will take you further in the end. As they say, whoever "they" are:
When at a precipice, the most progressive move is a step back.

All good things,

Ricki

You have a great attitude, Brian - not one that I think I could maintain in your situation so, yes, it's inspirational to me too.

One thing I have noticed about myself though - I can be productive in situations of forced rest. It's just a different kind of productivity. A lot of thinking and making connections that I didn't have time to make when on-the-go.

Of course I have no doubt that you already know this and, in fact, are doing it

Get well

Scott

HiDee Big Bro Brian!

Hey, Amigo...You are STILL Very Inspirational-as-ALL-GET-OUT.
OK, the Travels-forthcoming aren't forthcoming...right now..But Look How FAR You've taken us ALREADY!!!

Coast a wee bit (Since It's Docs' Orders) & Enjoy The Coast!

I'm a-huntin' up another Webcam this weekend at the flea market...hoping to be Skypeworthy soon...

Lookin' forwards to a Chat witcha, Amigo!

Best Wishes & a Big Great-Guy Hug,
Stan

Hi Brian,
It's SO hard to picture you in this condition ! Words can't really do it justice... I send you hugs from chicago, and my love ! ! You are very strong Brian, I hope you can get back !

Hey Brian! You sure have given me a lot of your time and energy, in person and on the boards. THANK YOU! You were inspiring through your ways before the strokes, never mind now! Wow! You are an amazing person to think like you do during these toughest of times for you that I can't imagine going though. You always have been amazing though.

You hold the beautiful secret to life, it seems. Even when life hits you very hard.

You have changed my life for the better though music in several ways. And you continue to affect my life when you are very ill. That's just amazing. Is there anything I could do for around your area? For the house? (inside our out)? For the yard/landscaping work, etc. Anything? I'm able to drive long distances again, so just ask. Would love to help "you" for a change.

A DO relax and enjoy other things you may have put off before. The little relaxing things, like knowing what birds are singing what tune! Or, maybe telling your life's story to a recorder, to have someone put it into a book. Etc.

Above all, GET WELL BRIAN! Take GOOD care!

Thankfully yours,
John

Brian,
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you continue your recovery. I can't thank you enough for what you do at JPF. It has been a real encouragement for me, opening up the world of songwriting and introducing me to such a fine group of caring artists. I am forever in your debt.

Be strong, and don't give up; for your work will be rewarded.

Jonathan

Brian, you are the most AMAZING man on the planet, and the way you've dealt with this ordeal has proven that! All of my respect and appreciation goes out to you, and my gratitude for your founding and running this remarkable site.

Lots of love and healing vibes sent your way. You have succeeded in changing the world for the better. Not many people can say that.

Now get better, dammit, and come out swingin'! I have a van, will travel for JPF gatherthings. Oh, and my van has AIR CONDITIONING! I know you have an issue with no air conditioning per your earlier blogs!

Thanks everyone. Reading this has been a nice boost!

Brian

Wishing you all the best big fella, your intestinal fortitude is amazing.

Hey Brian
I hope you're feeling better.
I was just looking around the site and came across your post and thought I'd say hey.
Nature has a way of throwing that Jake Brake and slowing things down a bit.
Well take it as easy as possible and I'll see you around the site.

Remember "Through Thorns come Roses and from Lemons...Lemonade"...Nelson

Hi Nelson,

Thanks for the note. I tried your link but it came back not found. See you around the site!

Brian

Why has no one in the mainstream media or the Talk Universe ever heard about your remarkable story or talked to you? You are a Treasure.

I don't represent commercial value to them Joel. Our last 4 awards processes were all the largest and most diverse in the world. But unless you have MTV level bimbos involved, they don't care.

Brian

Brian,

Good to see you posting again. Sounds like you are making good progress. Good luck to you. It means a lot to have these pages here.

MAB