Posts Tagged ‘trials’

Every Note Counts

Oct 24, 2008 muse

We’re all crawling through a tempest these days, or so it seems. Personally, I must admit I didn’t see the uncertainties many folks face today coming, at least not to the depths upon us. But… this is certainly not the first time, and unless Louis Armstrong is called upon to sound the alarm before the advent of our next generations, this piece of history, sadly, will repeat itself.

Through it all, I’m grateful for many things, not the least of which being creative outlets, and in the last couple of weeks I’m trying to make more music by taking less for granted and pushing myself a little harder. Heck, there is no shortage of emotions, so why not try to channel them and get them laid down for posterity. Sure, every song or piece can’t be a gem, but each note counts, and I need to realize that I need to take advantage of every hour I get to play music.

Since taking a creative writing class almost two years ago, I’ve been cruising blogs and sites about writing, novels and such. No, I’m not thinking about writing a novel, but I’m studying that mindset. One payoff has been that I’m allowing myself to take more time and be more satisfied with what I create, and only trying to create until I feel the fountain waning and in need of replenishment. This means more chunks of time (chapters) are needed to get a project done, but that’s OK — as long as I don’t short change the music or song, then every note counts.

There are so many opportunities to create and share, and at some point I really believe I’ll get the goods into some market, somewhere. Whether or not tangible success is achieved, I need to practice, write, and play for the sake of the art and song. I’m way blessed to have the tools and resources, and some level of gifting, it’s the discipline that can be a struggle. Yep, sometimes I just don’t feel like picking up a guitar, or firing up a mic or DAW, but once I do that all changes, and even if all I do is tweak a mix, rewrite a line, or learn another writer/artist’s song, I’m making music and doing what I was created to do.

In the morning I’ll write for the first time with a writer I admire lots. Tomorrow evening I’ll have the opportunity to hang with some pretty darn good musicians and writers and hopefully help someone else enjoy the escape — as long as every note counts, I know I will.

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What We Leave Behind

Dec 31, 2007 sojourn

If all we take with us from this place is memories, it’s those same memories we leave behind. I’m searching right now on many different fronts, life is way more complicated than I feel like messing with, but it’s here, it’s now, and I’m grateful for the time I’ve left. I just want to make the most of it.

As I was cleaning out email clutter earlier today I came across some sound advice my cousin sent a few months ago. I’m thinking it’s just what I need to walk out to get 2008 off on the right foot. Hope these few phrases by Mother Teresa put a new spin on things for you — they have for me. Happy 2008!

People are often unreasonable, irrational and self centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

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