In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment," Robert John Hadfield discusses the concept of revisiting and repurposing past ideas or projects. Broadcasting from Utah South studios in St. George, Utah, Hadfield begins by sharing his personal experiences with puzzles, both as a child and an adult, and how missing or extra pieces in a puzzle can be metaphorically related to life experiences and creative processes.
He recalls assembling puzzles in his childhood, like a King Kong puzzle and one from the cover of Kiss's album "Love Gun," and the frustration of missing a piece at the end. This memory leads to a recent experience where, while assembling furniture, he found himself with extra pieces instead of missing ones. He initially worries he has made a mistake but realizes that having extra pieces can be beneficial, as they may be useful for future projects.
Hadfield then connects this idea to the story of the band Journey. He explains how Journey was formed from members of Santana and initially struggled to find commercial success. The turning point came when keyboardist Jonathan Cain joined the band, bringing a previously unused song from his time with The Babys. This song, initially rejected, turned out to be "Open Arms," which became one of Journey's biggest hits and a key track on their successful album "Escape."
Through this story, Hadfield illustrates how ideas or projects that may not have found their place initially can become incredibly successful in a different context or time. He encourages listeners to look back at past ideas or projects that were set aside or not fully realized and consider if now might be the right time to revisit them. Just like the extra screws from the furniture project or the previously rejected song that became a hit, past ideas can find new life and purpose.
Hadfield concludes by urging listeners to reflect on their past ideas, particularly at the start of a new year when people are often considering new beginnings and resolutions. He suggests that it's worth revisiting these old ideas, as the right timing, energy, and context can turn a once-overlooked concept into something significant and successful.
