Keep on trying

Obviously, I believe in the power of the press, or I wouldn't be still writing these messages 46 years later. Would you believe that I started the New England Real Estate Journal when I was only 13 years old? Hmm, that would make me 39, or so. Right? Before I entered the publishing world I spent six years spinning records as a DJ. It was fun and non-stressful. One of my favorite songs was the only country tune Frank Sinatra ever recorded, "Cycles." I think it grabbed me because I've always been a positive thinker (or tried to be even when things looked the bleakest like during recessions.) When things really looked the grimmest I would hum and even mouth some of the words from "Cycles." It's nice to see the major newspapers printing positive headlines for a change. "Stock market up," "Recession coming to a close," "Banks lending money again." Here are the words to Frank's "Cycles" that have helped me through the tough times, and maybe can give you a lift. You can hear the song for free by just Googling "Frank Sinatra Cycles." Lately, I've been listening to it every day. Now you'll see why. "So I'm down, and so I'm out, but so are many others. So I feel like tryin' to hide my head 'neath these covers. Life is like the seasons, after winter comes the spring. So I'll keep this smile awhile, and see what tomorrow brings. I've been told and I believe that life is meant for livin'. And even when my chips are low, there's still some left for given'. I've been many places, maybe not as far as you. So I think I'll stay awhile, and see if some dreams come true. There isn't much that I have learned through all my foolish years. Except that life keeps runnin' in cycles. First there's laughter, then those tears. But I'll keep my head up high, although I'm kinda tired. My gal got up and left last week, Friday I got fired. You know it's almost funny, but things can't get worse than now. So I'll keep on tryin' to sing, but please, just don't ask me now." Roland Hopkins is the founder of the New York Real Estate Journal, Norwell, Mass.