Someone once challenged me to make a list of 100 things about myself. Here is half of that list:

I've eaten some weird foods: Turtle, alligator, rabbit, pigeon, periwinkles, octopus and barnacles.

In the 1980's, I was the National Champion of a Coleco videogame.

I interviewed the Prime Minister of India at the United Nations in 1978.

I'm a drummer

I host a community drum circle

I teach group drumming to developmentally-handicapped young adults.

I’m a co-founder of a drumming festival in Massachusetts, celebrating its 20th anniversary

I build drum mallets and beaters

About my drumming, people often say that I'm "fun to watch"

I'm married

I met my wife in 1979

My wife plays flute, harp and hand drums

My son plays drum kit, guitar, and keyboards.

I used to play guitar and sing original songs

From 1973 to 1983 I wrote 180 songs. 2/3 ballads, 1/3 comedy.

A used copy of my first record album (from the mid 70's) sold for $400. twice in the past year.

That album cost $5. when it was released

A modern dance company in Europe took a guitar instrumental I wrote at age 20, choreographed it, and debuted it in Paris before working it into their repertoire.

A radio station in Greece did a two-hour tribute to my music from the 70s and 80s. 44,000+ Europeans tuned in to that broadcast!

I tried out for the chorus of "Hair" back in the late 70's and got the lead over 90 experienced actors who tried out for the lead

I used to be a Director of Human Resources of a large corporation.

I have a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Harvard's continuing education program.

I'm a retired psychotherapist who specialized in Anxiety and Trauma.

I have a dog named Leia who is half Red Heeler and half Boxer. My previous dogs were Katy, Obi, Chuey, and Dala.

My favorite color is purple

I love spicy food (Thai, Cajun, Mexican, Indian, etc)

I've written seven books

I was born in Massachusetts, but my family roots are in New Brunswick, Canada.

I'm Acadian (Same as the Cajuns)

I still ride a motorcycle

From age 17 thru age 33 my driver’s license said, "Motorcycles Only"

I used to commute every day on my motorcycle in Massachusetts, through all seasons and weather.

I have ridden a street motorcycle in 8" of snow and in 6-below-zero temperature (the latter was a 90-mile trip)

I used to smoke 3 packs of cigarettes per day. (I quit in 1996.)

I only speak English but I can count in Chinese

I lived in Massachusetts, Maine, and now New Mexico, USA.

I love doing photography

I enjoy reading Fantasy and Sci Fi

I read with a Kindle.

I enjoy listening to audiobooks when I drive.

My favorite writers are Bryce Courtenay, Jim Butcher, Shayne Silvers, and Seanan McGuire.

I love movies. My favorite is “Outsouced” (2006)

"The Book of Mormon" is the funniest play/musical I've ever seen.

"Big Bang Theory" is the funniest TV comedy I've seen.

"The Wonder Years" is my all-time favorite TV series.

I’m hooked on “K-Dramas”

I love Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture

I love Salvadore Dali's paintings

New Orleans is my favorite city. (Chicago is in 2nd place)

I smile a lot

Bands I’ve played in: Captain Fruitcake and the Meatballs (I was a meatball), Sequoia Tonnage (hard rock band), Rick Cormier (single act: 1973 to 1983), Music From Mission Control (1982 to 1992), D.N.O. (2004 to 2005), Bluezberry Jam (2004 to 2013), Different Drummers Band (2004 to 2013), Judy and Rick Cormier (2005 to Present), Maine Marimba Band, Eddy Nataraj Band (2013 to 2015), Manjari Band (2013 to 2018), Bhakti Boogie Band (2015 to 2021), Blues Revue Band (2015 to 2020), Desert Scrubs (2014 to 2015), W/Marc Yaxley (2018), Blues Revue Band (2016 to 2020), Wild Marimbas Band (2019 to COVID), Eldorado Jam Band, Flashback Prophets (2024)