A blossom for a season. In the larger scheme of things, I’m a mere flash of stardust, a strutter on the stage, full of sound and fury. My desire is I signify something beautiful and worthwhile for my season, that I bring fresh air and loving ideas and defiant hope to those whose lives I touch while I yet live.
Tutoring high schoolers allows me to help students learn how to think. Critical thinking is probably today's most important survival skill. Information incessantly assaults us; the ability to pluck the profound from the piffle separates winners from losers.
The two music degrees I earned taught me to be a good listener. Not just to music in general, or voices, or choirs, or orchestras in particular. But to listen for what’s there that’s delightful, and what’s there that’s off, and to what’s not there—and wonder why it’s missing. To offer support and there-ness to the sharer. And hope for the same in return. I love deep conversations.
I’m also almost finished composing a large-scale choral work. It’s a requiem for those of us who don’t believe in an afterlife. I call it, Secular Requiem of Remembrance. It allows us non-believers to gather and grieve and celebrate the life of someone we knew and loved without any “we’ll see them again” nonsense. In its initial iteration, it’s set for choir and soloists, string quartet, piano, and tympani. Hope you get to hear a performance soon.
You know what really rocks? Humor. Laughing. Enjoying the ironies and absurdities of life. A smile makes every face blossom. For a possible hearty laugh, ask me my current favorite joke. Because every hearty laugh adds 14 minutes to your life. Really, it does!
(OK, I just made up that last bit. But if it isn't true, it should be.)
Empathy joins us all together. Compassion extends a helping hand. Contemplation engages mind with world. If something needs to be changed in the world it is up to me to act. The challenge is persuading those without empathy or compassion for the "other" — those who don't contemplate much beyond their own ingrained mindset — to act.
As a writer, I feel the compulsion to weave words well. I want to work with you on telling your story in the most celebratory and compassionate way possible. How? As the collaborator for your autobiography. Learn how you can leave a monument to your life in book form in the libraries of your friends, descendants and communities.
No matter what the economy is doing or what the politicians are saying or when the Chiefs will next win the Super Bowl, always remember: Hugs Are Free! Just ask. I promise not to give you COVID-19. Wear a mask, social distance, and stay well, my friend.