For a long time – really, all my adult life, I’ve lived by the axiom “work hard, play hard.” COVID-19 has affected every single one of us in substantial ways, whether we’ve contracted the virus or not. I’ve personally chosen to use this time at home for making some big routine and lifestyle changes; a bit of a rebranding, if you will. While it’s not as catchy, something along the lines of “work efficiently, live effectively.”
Dear Class of 2020:
Whether you’re a high school senior, college senior, or even an 8th grader right now – this goes out to you.
I’ve seen everyone posting their senior class photos on Facebook recently – and even participated. This was, apparently, in support of you. Do you feel supported? Do you feel better? 😉
Be Grateful.
I’m nearing the end here, with my special words – and gratitude is a crucial one. I’m needing to remember this one quite a bit lately, in fact.
It’s happening, it’s in the works – programming is going to be determined and publicized shortly. Wisconsin Music Ventures is a real thing, you guys – and it is going to be extraordinary.
I’m thrilled to have been asked to be a part of Nō Studios’ live streamed interview lineup, showcasing some of their fascinating members, happening this Saturday.
If you’ve been looking around this website at all, you’ve got an idea of what I may discuss – so I’m excited to announce some future plans on a bit of a bigger stage, if you will.
Be Accountable.
It’s term number six, and it’s a doozy… A word that usually doesn’t come paired with smiles and hugs and raindrops on roses. We all need this word in our life, but we also all typically dislike it. So do kids – whether they realize it or not (often this word can be misinterpreted as nagging, reminding, annoying, etc.).
Most times when I discuss practicing on this blog/site, it’ll be regarding music. Today, I’ll write on my own practice of resilience – a seemingly constant struggle to maintain sanity and keep forging ahead, despite my circumstances.
Be Interesting.
It’s the fifth term in that good ol’ carriage acronym of mine, and it might be one of my favorites.
As musicians, if we’ve gotten far enough along and are actually making a living in music, that’s pretty interesting in and of itself. To non-musicians, it’s very different – our lifestyles are tough to understand, and often seem like they’re carefree and fun.
Be Resilient.
It’s the fourth term I recommend musicians carry along with them; and as creative, sometimes emotional types, it might be one of the most difficult to grasp.
I’ve been carrying around the photo pictured – yes, a real live printed photograph that someone actually handed to me – in my purse, for probably a month now.
Since I’m not used to actually having real live photographs, I must’ve forgotten about it. I saw it there today, and thought “man, this is worth a blog post.”