I love Thanksgiving. As holidays go, it’s the very best.
Thanksgiving is the “Four F’s.” Faith. Family. Friends. Food.
I’m into the whole thing, and not just because I love to eat. I don’t really care about the football, either. It’s the Friends, Family and Faith part I love. Especially the Family and Faith.
Extra-specially the Faith.
I say this a lot: “I have great faith in my faith,” which is true because faith has helped me through the turmoil, tragedy, crises and setbacks that all of us deal with. I’m focusing on being thankful for the usual things: my beautiful wife (who is also a great cook!) Marsia; our two amazing sons; the life we enjoy together in The United States of America, the greatest country on earth (yes it is, and you’ll have a tough time convincing me otherwise – though I welcome your attempt). There is so much more to add to those things that time and space will not allow.
We lost my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law this year, but I’m thankful that I knew them both, very well, and I’m thankful for what they taught me about living.
We suffered a debilitating flood in our basement, and I’m thankful that we were able to afford to repair it, even enhance it from where it was before the damage! (I’m thankful for homeowner’s insurance, too… it picked up part of the cost!).
Faith has played a part in each of those traumas. And Faith is a big part of what I’m thankful for this year. I’m focusing in particular on my job. I live in a country where I make a living as a comedian. I’m thankful that I live where I can do that, and I’m thankful for my Faith in God that gets me through the never-ending setbacks and constant negatives that go along with a career in show business.
I’m a comedian who doesn’t curse, doesn’t rant, and doesn’t spew hatred with every punch line. Not only do I work “clean,” but I work with puppets! By law I should be in jail! I have been rejected by every major television network at least twice, including CBS, ABC, FOX, HBO, MTV, Disney Channel, Comedy Central and NBC (NBC has been particularly anti-Taylor Mason: I’ve been dismissed by at least 50 separate shows there!). The list of people, agencies, production companies and big-time opportunities is endless, a veritable Who’s Who of icons that make and break careers. I’ve been berated by Glenn Beck. Roasted by Rosie O’Donnell. Cursed by Dane Cook. Burned by Bob and Tom.
It’s par for the course in a very competitive business. You know this going in: you can do everything the right way, make solid choices and do great work, and still not achieve your goals.
I have no regrets, and I have nothing but a long list of people to be thankful for. People that most folks have never heard of. Bill Gaither and Jonathan Bock gave me incredible venues and platforms to do my job (The Homecoming Concerts and Thou Shalt Laugh One, Two, Three and Four, respectively). Churches and youth groups keep asking for my availability, and the performances there are always a highlight and unforgettable events. The Disney Cruise Line, comedy clubs and corporate shows and pay me to do what I love. Agents like Tim Grable find work when the market is dry.
KEEP THE FAITH!
Taylor Mason
Taylor Mason’s quick wit, flawless delivery & polished material make him a hit with audiences of all ages. He is a ventriloquist, musician & stand-up comedian. For additional information on booking Taylor Mason contact 615-283-0039.
