THE EVOLUTION OF FRIENDSHIP
The impact of connection, friendship, and support through the journey of words
asked me to write up something and review a person I recommended on Substack. While I initially planned to send it just to her, I figured this would be a great way to acknowledge not only his writing talent, but his friendship as well, while also pointing anyone and everyone to his Substack, a recent post, and his published novel on Amazon.
Hope you enjoy,
JB
Though we've never met, I've known Rod Bluhm for going on six years. And I consider him a very good friend. We met on the non-artistic platform formerly known as Twitter. Now, it's just a symbol without the talent.
Through the years, I've appeared on his various podcasts multiple times.
Drawn into friendship through sports, we grew through the curiosity of common experience. We're a couple years apart, grew up in the same areas, and have shared a lot of common interests, long before we met.
But it was through the connection of writing that Rod and I started to expand our friendship. We discussed writing during Zoom calls and in group discussions with other friends who share in the arts. In some ways, I like to think that I helped influence his journey as a writer. I watched his poetry evolve through the years. I watched as his narrative changed, his confidence grew, and his own style evolved. We shared discussions of books, recommendations, and pushed each other to do more.
If I recall, I'd written two manuscripts before Rod had started down the path of his first novel. He had a message he wanted to get out. It came to life during a lot of the upheaval in the States - politics, pandemic, and other things causing stress among the masses. But Rod wanted to share a message of hope. He wants people to care about the world around them while being present in their own life, living and loving.
This is my 2nd trip around the Substackverse. I’m the one who told Rod he should write on Substack ( After I had started down this path once before, only to leave a short time later ). But Rod has made connections here. He’s inspired and influenced people. They’re seeing and experiencing what I’ve always known to be true-he’s a very gifted writer.
I've struggled in recent years, in a lot of ways. A lot of moves, constantly changing jobs, a wife with constant health issues, and, most recently, the loss of a cat which devastated me. But Rod was a constant beacon of hope and optimism, and belief in the greater good and faith. He's the light to everyone's darkness. ( Truth be told, he might have missed his calling ... I see a path for life coach in your future, Rod. )
He has been the guy I could lean on-the guy I could send the dark poetry to, and he understood and offered support. He's the guy that checks in regularly because he genuinely cares.
Rod is the best friend everyone needs they didn't know existed.
Truth be told, Rod frequently compliments my writings and my ability to put things into words in a specific way, but I’ll be honest for a minute and say I’m jealous. I envy Rod’s ability to put life’s difficulties into words that uplift and inspire.
Rod's writing feels like it comes from a place of carefree youth combined with the wisdom of a life well lived. There’s a weightlessness to it and briefly takes me away from my disappointment, my pains, and my sadness. For a moment, I can forget about my real world while I disappear into the words of his.
So, I invite you to dig into the writing of
and take .ROD'S POST, "LIFE CAN BE SCARY" from July 22nd.
Rod’s aforementioned book has since been published on Amazon. ( I’ve got 3 finished manuscripts … still sitting. )
THE ACTIVIST : Book One, Inception
For everyone on TwiXter, you can find Rod here : Rod on TwiXter
Cool! Thanks for sharing. I found Rod's writing today and many othe writers. It's a slow day and so many awesome writers and authors here
What an incredible heartfelt friendship, love to see this!! Thank you so much for sharing your story.