What I Need
Today was the first day of my Christmas vacation (yay!). I got a bunch of stuff done, mostly because I planned to do so. Around Thanksgiving I promised myself I’d balance relaxing this holiday season with being productive, both practically and creatively.
It’s late in the afternoon, just before supper, I’m heating up a little left over coffee and for some reason got to thinking about my needs in life and realize, I don’t have any true needs. I get 3-squares a day, am blessed with a warm comfy house, made home by my family who I’m able to provide for by virtue of employment I’ve so fortunately retained during the see-saw year we all just went through.
But there are those with needs. Real needs for basics and necessities. On my a list of things to do while off work the next couple of weeks is to find quiet ways to bring even a little joy or relief into the lives of those I may or may not know or ever meet. So this morning I loaded up a bunch of things we had stored up to sell on Craigslist and dropped it all off to a lady who works in the food court in our building. I’m not sure if angels or true saints exist, but if they do, I’m sure she’s one of them. We’re talking about a person who prays for folks with needs to cross her path so she can find a way to help them.
Now, this wasn’t the first time we’ve shared of ourselves to provide for her ministry, but for some reason it felt sweeter today. It’s not about the content of the bags and boxes we filled, or the dollar amounts applied to each gift card we gave her, but the purpose that might be fulfilled (a hearty thanks to three long time co-workers for chipping in on very short notice to provide additional gifts). I’m so glad we were able to half fill the bed of a Silverado to bring a little hope to folks in need. Could it be the opportunity felt so meaningful today because it’s Christmas time? Could be because it’s actually what I need most in my life.
Active Participant
Jan 12, 2009 what if?
I dunno, three, maybe four Saturdays ago, I was headed to South Charlotte for coffee and a co-write session at my friend Allen’s apartment. On the way there I heard two short interviews on NPR that impacted my perspective from that morning on.
The second (yeah, I know, what’s up with that?) interview was with the music director for the Baltimore Symphony (at least I believe that’s her role, and I can’t recall her name) on the compositions of Aaron Copeland. Now I studied composition in college a LONG time ago, and I certainly have an appreciation for symphonic works, but what grabbed me about the conversation is the fervor and freshness I sensed as she talked about Copeland’s work and approach to composition, in a manner reminiscent of songwriters sharing insights about Craig Wiseman, Carole King, Jimmy Webb, etc., the energy was infectious.
Previous to this conversation, the interview was with an artist who resides in Denver by the name of Bob Ragland. I’d never heard of him, but it was as though he was speaking to me. He talked about be a “non-starving” artist and his approach to making ends meet doing what he loves most — creating art. His attitude of perseverance spoke to me as a writer. Sure I’m not full time, and I’m not published, or have any songs on hold, but I have desire and love to make music and write songs.
Bob’s message: do the practical, do it every day, and do it well.
Simple, huh? I checked out the list he posted titled “The Stuff You Won’t learn in Art School“, and thought to myself, get at it! I mean, why not my music and songs? Get them out there, work at promoting, and sharing, and pitching and being ready to get something placed… why not me?!?!?
Last week one of the songs Allen and I wrote got real good feedback on a SongU critique session, and today we were notified the song is going to the NSAI luncheon for potential pitch to publisher. While the essence of all this amounts to welcome validation of the passion and craft we put into the song, it’s a step in the right direction — all because I chose to embrace the risk of being an active participant in promoting myself.
Tags: Bob Ragland, creativity, promotion