I have recently become reacquainted with the drama of booking a flight.
It is a fraught decision-making experience. Not only must you navigate existential issues like, “Am I even going to be the same person seven weeks from now? What if I’m not alive? What if I don’t want to go on this trip?”, you also have to deal with logistical ones, plus shifting and unpredictable prices that create a sense of urgency and FOMO. As much as I love travel, I do not love this process.
Read MoreI have an ongoing text conversation with my cousin in which we seek to solve the problems of the universe…or at the very least, our own.
Recently, we observed how out of balance we can get if we follow advice meant for someone with a dramatically different temperament. “I don’t think everything is healed by action,” I said. “Rest is important. But probably if you’re a person who is constantly resting, you need more action.”
Read MoreIt’s 1:00 PM on a Monday — time for electives at The Little Middle School. This week, students can choose between photography, catapult-building, and creative writing.
However, one eighth-grader comes up to a member of our teaching team with a request. “Can I do some more math instead?”
As the adult in charge, it’s so easy to say no. It’s easy to justify that decision, too. We could say that our students should be open to learning new things even if they’re not immediately interested. We could point out the unfairness or inconvenience of granting a special request to one student.
Read MoreWhen my choir first began learning Benjamin Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb,” I’m sure I wrinkled my nose — if not in disgust, exactly, then certainly in confusion.
The angular melodies, abrupt changes in time, the seemingly nonsensical poem that comprised the lyrics — none of it made sense to this high school singer who had grown accustomed to 19th century opera choruses and quietly pretty folk song settings. This was weird and bold and sometimes defiantly ugly, challenging to the ear and the intellect.
That’s exactly why I fell in love with it — eventually. It grew on me.
Read MoreAs a musician, I’ve learned to buff and polish a piece to a high level of shine. However, I also really enjoy being spontaneous. Whether that’s taking a request in a live performance or improvising with other musicians, there’s something to be said for the high wire act of trying something new and creative.
I miscalculated gravely in a recent performance. I was singing a new composition that I had never performed before. In fact, it was so new that I completely forgot how it went in the middle of performing it. Luckily, the crowd was forgiving.
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