Well, here I am. Three years after starting my first real job out of college, I'm sitting in this house-turned-office counting down the days until I leave. Because it's official. I've accepted another opportunity, and I've put in my notice. Thinking back, this job came at just the right time. I remember sitting outside in the parking lot, calling my mom, declaring "This is the last interview I'm going to do for awhile." I wasn't being overly-confident. I was exhausted. I had just been on a myriad of interviews with a couple other companies, and been very close to landing the position. However, in each case, they selected the other candidate. I was disappointed and very okay with being a temp for awhile.
Two hours later, I walked back out into the same parking lot from the most confident interview I had been on. I connected with the gentlemen, I felt my talents could be utilized, and I was excited about the prospect of working in the music industry. Three days later, I was jumping up and down in my apartment living room while they offered me a position.
With any job, there are struggles and triumphs. It certainly has been a hilly three years trying to overcome some issues that are very specific to this organization, and also learn about issues that run rampant through the music industry. It has been a challenge working in a start-up company where systems and processes aren't developed, job descriptions are vague, and hard work can feel similar to spinning wheels. I have learned a lot about people, a lot about greed, and (but of course) a lot about myself.
Naturally, when my interview at the Nashville Symphony went absurdly well, I compared it to my interview at GV. I had a connection with the folks and a peace and understanding about the position. There was excitement (on both sides of the table) about what I could bring to the company. Three days later, my jaw-dropped when I got the call offering me the position. I'm excited about joining the Artistic Administration department. I'm content about working for a non-profit, community-based organization. And I'm most delighted to be a part of bringing music to people (and people to music) on a much bigger level.
That is, after all, the very reason I got into the music business.
17 September 2009
31 August 2009
Somewhat of a sabbatical.
Here we are, at the end of August, and I'm wrapping it up in a pretty little bow, and shipping it off.
I am longing for somewhat of a sabbatical.
Luckily, I'm about to hop on my 20th flight since March. This flight comes with such a sigh of relief, such an inner contentedness. It's similar to the happiness you feel right before falling into a peaceful asleep. Perhaps it's because I get to spend time with my family in a place that is far, far away from the bustling city and the everyday unnecessary stress; in a place that I once listed on a worksheet in school as "heaven on earth;" in a place where I can rest against the trees and watch the water ripple. Rainy Lake is a place where you can see glimpses of infinity, traces of history, and all the while, be presently-minded.
It sounds too good to be true.
It's not.
And it couldn't have come at a better time.
I am longing for somewhat of a sabbatical.
Luckily, I'm about to hop on my 20th flight since March. This flight comes with such a sigh of relief, such an inner contentedness. It's similar to the happiness you feel right before falling into a peaceful asleep. Perhaps it's because I get to spend time with my family in a place that is far, far away from the bustling city and the everyday unnecessary stress; in a place that I once listed on a worksheet in school as "heaven on earth;" in a place where I can rest against the trees and watch the water ripple. Rainy Lake is a place where you can see glimpses of infinity, traces of history, and all the while, be presently-minded.
It sounds too good to be true.
It's not.
And it couldn't have come at a better time.
24 August 2009
I hear the train a comin'
I think it was my mom who said, that light you see at the end of the tunnel is actually a train. Just when I thought I saw a light at the end of this horribly dark, and seemingly never-ending tunnel... I'm nervous that it's actually The Little Engine That Could.
Thankfully, I had a nice reprieve this weekend. I traveled over to North Carolina to visit my dearest Brittany. And while none of our plans actually got fleshed out, we were able to spend some quality time together. That's all I wanted anyways. It was a little too short, and a little too rainy. But no matter the weather, no matter the agenda, it's always surprisingly sweet when "away" feels like "home."
Next travels: HOME! That's right! I'm coming home! The best part is that work is paying my way! It just so happens that there's a buyer's convention I need to be at on Tuesday, September 8. So, I'm flying up early for Labor Day weekend, and will stay the following week for work.
Until then, I'll let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away.
Thankfully, I had a nice reprieve this weekend. I traveled over to North Carolina to visit my dearest Brittany. And while none of our plans actually got fleshed out, we were able to spend some quality time together. That's all I wanted anyways. It was a little too short, and a little too rainy. But no matter the weather, no matter the agenda, it's always surprisingly sweet when "away" feels like "home."
Next travels: HOME! That's right! I'm coming home! The best part is that work is paying my way! It just so happens that there's a buyer's convention I need to be at on Tuesday, September 8. So, I'm flying up early for Labor Day weekend, and will stay the following week for work.
Until then, I'll let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away.
15 August 2009
Viva Las Vegas?
I would do fine never returning to this armpit of the US. Or at least, I'd do well never returning to "the strip." Earlier this month, I left rather excited to see a new state, and to understand the quirky city where it seems like nearly everyone has visited. My first mistake was honestly unintended. One of the books I'm in the middle of reading is entitled "The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time." Probably not the best choice when you're en route to a city that exists solely because of Greed, Over-Indulgence, and Money.
To say that I didn't enjoy any of my trip would be a lie. However, I wouldn't return for more than three days. I did not enjoy the smokey casinos. I did not enjoy the over-stimulation (ironically enough, that's one of the very things I love about New York City) and I did not enjoy the pedestrian unfriendliness of the strip. Since those things permeate nearly every moment of existence while in Vegas, I generally did not enjoy Vegas. However, I would like to share with you a couple of the moments that I really, really loved.
The Stratosphere is the highest building west of the Mississippi. So, you can imagine that when I heard there were thrilling rides at the top, my adventure meter was a-dinging. Admittedly, I was quite nervous. The first one is called the Big Drop. It's located on the spindle of the Stratosphere. Basically, you are shot from the bottom of the Spindle to the top, when, at that point, you come off your seat and fall all the way back down! It was the only ride I've ever been on where I literally couldn't scream. After that, I rode "X Scream." It's a roller coaster that thrusts you off the edge of the Stratosphere, and acts like you're not going to stop. I definitely screamed my head off. Especially because I was in the front seat. You should watch this video:
(I wanted to post one at night so it would most replicate our experience, but the ride is much more difficult to see.) Lastly, I rode Insanity. There was nothing "insane" about it. It's basically an arm that sticks off the side of the stratosphere, and you spin in the air over Las Vegas Boulevard. It was actually very peaceful. A good way to end a night in Vegas, that's for sure.
Hands down, my favorite part in Las Vegas, was when a coworker and I decided to rent a car on an afternoon that we had free, and head to the Hoover Dam. Unfortunately, because it took us an hour to travel less than a hundred yards (no exaggeration) we were afraid of arriving after hours. So we took off in the opposite direction and ended up at Red Rock Canyon. There we spent nearly three hours hiking and rock-climbing. We navigated our way through one of eighteen different trails, and ended up seeing some of the most beautiful vistas of the desert state. The burnt oranges, reds, and browns were flirting with us every step along the way. (This iPhone photo does a pathetic job of capturing the view...)
I desperately needed nature. I still do. Even when the winds were gusting through the trail, exfoliating my skin, and chasing us to the top, I was happy. I laughed like a child on a sugar-high. I eagerly climbed like a mountain goat, and for the first time in awhile, I was grateful to be exactly where I was.
Love. Love.
To say that I didn't enjoy any of my trip would be a lie. However, I wouldn't return for more than three days. I did not enjoy the smokey casinos. I did not enjoy the over-stimulation (ironically enough, that's one of the very things I love about New York City) and I did not enjoy the pedestrian unfriendliness of the strip. Since those things permeate nearly every moment of existence while in Vegas, I generally did not enjoy Vegas. However, I would like to share with you a couple of the moments that I really, really loved.
The Stratosphere is the highest building west of the Mississippi. So, you can imagine that when I heard there were thrilling rides at the top, my adventure meter was a-dinging. Admittedly, I was quite nervous. The first one is called the Big Drop. It's located on the spindle of the Stratosphere. Basically, you are shot from the bottom of the Spindle to the top, when, at that point, you come off your seat and fall all the way back down! It was the only ride I've ever been on where I literally couldn't scream. After that, I rode "X Scream." It's a roller coaster that thrusts you off the edge of the Stratosphere, and acts like you're not going to stop. I definitely screamed my head off. Especially because I was in the front seat. You should watch this video:
(I wanted to post one at night so it would most replicate our experience, but the ride is much more difficult to see.) Lastly, I rode Insanity. There was nothing "insane" about it. It's basically an arm that sticks off the side of the stratosphere, and you spin in the air over Las Vegas Boulevard. It was actually very peaceful. A good way to end a night in Vegas, that's for sure.
Hands down, my favorite part in Las Vegas, was when a coworker and I decided to rent a car on an afternoon that we had free, and head to the Hoover Dam. Unfortunately, because it took us an hour to travel less than a hundred yards (no exaggeration) we were afraid of arriving after hours. So we took off in the opposite direction and ended up at Red Rock Canyon. There we spent nearly three hours hiking and rock-climbing. We navigated our way through one of eighteen different trails, and ended up seeing some of the most beautiful vistas of the desert state. The burnt oranges, reds, and browns were flirting with us every step along the way. (This iPhone photo does a pathetic job of capturing the view...)
I desperately needed nature. I still do. Even when the winds were gusting through the trail, exfoliating my skin, and chasing us to the top, I was happy. I laughed like a child on a sugar-high. I eagerly climbed like a mountain goat, and for the first time in awhile, I was grateful to be exactly where I was.Love. Love.
21 July 2009
Momentum
Wonder where I've been?
Life is really rough right now. There are a lot of things converging that are difficult on their own. To deal with them all, at once, is exhausting, draining, and at times debilitating. There are things that Steve and I are each dealing with professionally that make us individually underestimate our value. Both of us are questioning changes that are occurring in our workplaces. Both of us are dealing with working really, really hard in thankless worlds. And both of us are quite beat down.
...That's where I've been.
For me, it's a darkness that is familiar at times. But it's not where I like to land. It's not where I like to stay. It's familiar because I've been there, but it's not comfortable. When it gets to this point, it's easy to let a depressed attitude grow like cancer, and infect other areas of life. It's easy to let a negative perception permeate your general outlook on life. It's easy to start to feel like the victim.
And so when it starts to rain on my bike ride home, it's because I'm currently cursed. And when the store is out of my favorite type of salsa, it's only par for the course. And when I lock my keys in my car, I'm being punished and can only scream out to the skies "why me?" Each day, it's tough to not get caught up in the momentum of the downfall.
...That's where I am.
Instead of living in this darkness, sadness, frustration; instead of living as a victim; instead of accepting circumstances that suffocate, debilitate, threaten... (all of which is easier, it would seem) it's time to seek "happier;" light; creativity; laughter.
The challenge, then, is action. To actively think differently. To change the situation at large. To keep perception in perspective. To pursue alternative, healthy, positive surroundings, conversations, and relationships. And to not stop. To continue and power-through when the small inconveniences seem like they're personal attacks.
...That's where I hope to be.
Life is really rough right now. There are a lot of things converging that are difficult on their own. To deal with them all, at once, is exhausting, draining, and at times debilitating. There are things that Steve and I are each dealing with professionally that make us individually underestimate our value. Both of us are questioning changes that are occurring in our workplaces. Both of us are dealing with working really, really hard in thankless worlds. And both of us are quite beat down.
...That's where I've been.
For me, it's a darkness that is familiar at times. But it's not where I like to land. It's not where I like to stay. It's familiar because I've been there, but it's not comfortable. When it gets to this point, it's easy to let a depressed attitude grow like cancer, and infect other areas of life. It's easy to let a negative perception permeate your general outlook on life. It's easy to start to feel like the victim.
And so when it starts to rain on my bike ride home, it's because I'm currently cursed. And when the store is out of my favorite type of salsa, it's only par for the course. And when I lock my keys in my car, I'm being punished and can only scream out to the skies "why me?" Each day, it's tough to not get caught up in the momentum of the downfall.
...That's where I am.
Instead of living in this darkness, sadness, frustration; instead of living as a victim; instead of accepting circumstances that suffocate, debilitate, threaten... (all of which is easier, it would seem) it's time to seek "happier;" light; creativity; laughter.
The challenge, then, is action. To actively think differently. To change the situation at large. To keep perception in perspective. To pursue alternative, healthy, positive surroundings, conversations, and relationships. And to not stop. To continue and power-through when the small inconveniences seem like they're personal attacks.
...That's where I hope to be.
12 July 2009
Punkadellic Rockabilly
That's how I describe my new haircut.
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More soon.
From Nashville, with Love.
V
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More soon.
From Nashville, with Love.
V
05 July 2009
Our Little Independence Celebration!
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Yesterday, Steve grabbed some fireworks so we could celebrate together before he had to go to work. Like every boy and man I know, Steve loves fireworks, so he had a great time setting off bottle rockets and sparkly-boomy things.
(Sparkly, boomy things? Clearly, this blog is one of my more descriptive entries... ha!)
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I'm a little bit of a nervous wreck around fireworks since I used to work in Radiology at a Level 1 Trauma Hospital. I've seen some things that still haunt me.
Our little Roxinator didn't like anything about us having fireworks at the house. She repeatedly tried to go inside (the door was closed) and wouldn't even set a foot in the backyard.
Nevertheless, it was a little bit of fun before the thunderstorms came our way. I hope you all had a great holiday weekend.
Love!
04 July 2009
Website Wonderland, Take 3.
I just have to tell you about some of these sites. You know me, I like to spread the word...
http://www.colorstrology.com/. I have a guilty pleasure. I love reading horoscopes. I love reading fortune cookies. So - naturally - I would love this site. Just go check out your colorstrology - and let me know what it says.
I also love reading about personality types (Myers-Briggs, anyone? Yeah - I took it three times.) So I wanted to share this site. I encourage you to take a personality test. They're quite accurate if you don't spend too much time over-analyzing the questions. Click here to take the short quiz. What's your personality type?
I also love reading. And I thought Freakonomics was such an interesting book by authors Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt. They have a blog - and it's fascinating. Like the book, it offers new insight, alternative viewpoints, and inquisitive, thought-provoking articles. Here's the link: freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com
I'm in Marketing. So naturally, I love ways to self-promote in new, hip, creative ways. Which is why I love moo.com's mini business cards. The best thing about these business cards is that you can upload your own photos to the "back" of your business card. That way, you can strike up conversation about why you're giving someone a particular business card, make a stronger impact, and make the whole "networking" experience just a little more valuable.
Earlier this evening, I was taking Roxy for a walk. What started off as a refreshing form of exercise for the both of us slowly turned into frustration for me. All over the sidewalks were remnants of firecrackers, bottle rockets, and snappers. There were beer bottles and wrappers that accompanied us on our walk. I could only pick so much up, and then that angered me. Here we are, outside enjoying the weather on this Independence Day, and I was overwhelmed in irony. Celebrating the birth of this great country with complete disregard to the very environment we're surrounded in? Defiling the land in order to have a "blast?" Leave No Trace is a life philosophy and it's definitely a passion of mine. Check out lnt.org if you want to learn more about leaving the world a little bit better place.
Jumping off my soapbox, I'd really, really, really, really, really like one of these cars. And I think the way they brand themselves is brilliant.
Lastly, I think I mentioned Free Rice beforehand. It's a great site where you play a simple definition game, and thus you give food to third world nations. However, if you're like me, you also like spelling challenges. So - if you want to play "spelling bee" online (and learn a British accent while you're at it) then you should head to http://www.timesspellingbee.co.uk/
All right, that's enough for now. Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
(Click here to read the first Website Wonderland post, and here to read Website Wonderland, Take Two.)
http://www.colorstrology.com/. I have a guilty pleasure. I love reading horoscopes. I love reading fortune cookies. So - naturally - I would love this site. Just go check out your colorstrology - and let me know what it says.
I also love reading about personality types (Myers-Briggs, anyone? Yeah - I took it three times.) So I wanted to share this site. I encourage you to take a personality test. They're quite accurate if you don't spend too much time over-analyzing the questions. Click here to take the short quiz. What's your personality type?
I also love reading. And I thought Freakonomics was such an interesting book by authors Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt. They have a blog - and it's fascinating. Like the book, it offers new insight, alternative viewpoints, and inquisitive, thought-provoking articles. Here's the link: freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com
I'm in Marketing. So naturally, I love ways to self-promote in new, hip, creative ways. Which is why I love moo.com's mini business cards. The best thing about these business cards is that you can upload your own photos to the "back" of your business card. That way, you can strike up conversation about why you're giving someone a particular business card, make a stronger impact, and make the whole "networking" experience just a little more valuable.
Earlier this evening, I was taking Roxy for a walk. What started off as a refreshing form of exercise for the both of us slowly turned into frustration for me. All over the sidewalks were remnants of firecrackers, bottle rockets, and snappers. There were beer bottles and wrappers that accompanied us on our walk. I could only pick so much up, and then that angered me. Here we are, outside enjoying the weather on this Independence Day, and I was overwhelmed in irony. Celebrating the birth of this great country with complete disregard to the very environment we're surrounded in? Defiling the land in order to have a "blast?" Leave No Trace is a life philosophy and it's definitely a passion of mine. Check out lnt.org if you want to learn more about leaving the world a little bit better place.
Jumping off my soapbox, I'd really, really, really, really, really like one of these cars. And I think the way they brand themselves is brilliant.
Lastly, I think I mentioned Free Rice beforehand. It's a great site where you play a simple definition game, and thus you give food to third world nations. However, if you're like me, you also like spelling challenges. So - if you want to play "spelling bee" online (and learn a British accent while you're at it) then you should head to http://www.timesspellingbee.co.uk/
All right, that's enough for now. Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
(Click here to read the first Website Wonderland post, and here to read Website Wonderland, Take Two.)
27 June 2009
Time Lapse Blog
Monday. June 15.
It's my birthday, and I'll cry if I want to. I do, because I have to wake up at the butt-crack of dawn to go to the airport. After a flight in business class and a ride in stretch limo, I find myself in the middle of Manhattan. I'm having stomach issues from weird airport food and not enough sleep. My boss takes me out to eat for my birthday. We get trapped in the rain in Little Italy. Got to the hotel at 2:00am, after late-night press. Attempt to fall asleep to the sirens, traffic, and slamming of the stairwell door, all night long.
Tuesday. June 16.
Woke up too early. More press. Saw Crosby, Stills and Nash, and Matt Lauer. Saw good friend Will Barrow play a CD release show in NYC. Went to bed wishing I had spotted John Mayer.
Wednesday. June 17.
Navigated through the Lower East Side of Manhattan locating necessary items for the showcase that evening & a video shoot the next day. Apparently one of the necessary items was a new purse! Slam Dunk. Mentally pat myself on the back because I walk faster than the New Yorkers while carrying heavy bags from Whole Foods to the gig. Gig goes off without a hitch and I celebrate with a glass of wine.
Thursday. June 18.
After a day-long video shoot in the rain, I'm ready to get to the airport. Which we do eventually get to 20 minutes before our flight leaves. Somehow, we all made it on to the plane with pit-stains to prove it. Best part of Thursday: in the Chicago-Midway airport, saying goodbye to all my co-workers and hopped on a plane to Minneapolis instead of their plane to Nashville. (Boo-ya.)
Friday. June 19.
Slept in until 9:00 in the morning. Felt rested, even though the black circles under my eyes still lingered. Met up with Sarita and Not-Such-a-Baby-Anymore-Joseph. Gabbed. Laughed. Screamed. Well, Joseph screamed. Talked about our men, our jobs, our homes, and our future plans. Left wishing I could see her more often. Hopped on the train and met up with Diane. We walked around Minnehaha Falls reminiscing and smiling.
We went swinging next to some kids, grabbed a picnic table to have some face-to-face time, and dilly-dallied our way back. Left wishing I could see her more often too. Fell asleep on the recliner.
Saturday. Father's Day. June 20.
Picked Adam up from the airport. Headed down to Lakeville for grandpa's surprise party. Saw the extended family, and people who claimed they were related to me. (I can't confirm it.) Saw grandpa's disbelief when the garage door opened and 60 people were yelling "surprise." Felt his disbelief when he finally got to Adam and I, and squeezed us "something fierce" (as the southerners would say). Played with the kids that weren't even born the last time I saw their families. Stayed late into the evening, which is definitely when the fun really happened. Gave my dad an extra-long hug for Father's Day.
Sunday. Mother's Day. June 21.
Celebrated Mother's Day on Father's Day. Worked more than I would have liked. Met Baby Caleb for the first time.
Chatted with the Kramer side of the family at dinner, and watched some of the US Open. Family sang happy birthday to me and we ate the best kind of cake: Ice Cream cake. Grandma asked my mom if she was pregnant. Tried to convince my mom to stay up later than she should, because I still haven't learned the lesson that time doesn't move slower just because you're awake. But I knew what would happen if I went to sleep...
Monday. June 22.
I had to leave. Woke up at five in the morning to hop on a plane. Got back to Nashville, and saw Steve for the first time in a week. Left for work. Saw Steve about thirty minutes after that when my car wouldn't start at the gas station. Had an awful day at work. Got home. Roxy's butt about wagged off she was so excited to see me. Unpacked. Packed again. Went to bed.
Tuesday. June 23.
I had to leave. Woke up at five in the morning to hop on a plane. Got back to New York City. Worked in a hotel room while the excitement of Midtown was calling my name. Got all dolled up. Went to dinner. Went to Carnegie Hall and saw Diana Krall put on a killer show with a 41 piece orchestra. Back to work and press and interviews.
Wednesday. June 24.
Networked.
Thursday. June 25.
Worked.
And accidentally met George Wein, who produced the show at Carnegie Hall. He loved me. Asked him for advice as to how to succeed in the music business. He said "choose another industry."
Friday. June 26.
Went for a run in central park. Got drenched in the rain. It was liberating. Arrived back home in Nashville. It was a hundred and fifty degrees outside. Got drenched in my own sweat. Not as liberating.
It's my birthday, and I'll cry if I want to. I do, because I have to wake up at the butt-crack of dawn to go to the airport. After a flight in business class and a ride in stretch limo, I find myself in the middle of Manhattan. I'm having stomach issues from weird airport food and not enough sleep. My boss takes me out to eat for my birthday. We get trapped in the rain in Little Italy. Got to the hotel at 2:00am, after late-night press. Attempt to fall asleep to the sirens, traffic, and slamming of the stairwell door, all night long.
Tuesday. June 16.
Woke up too early. More press. Saw Crosby, Stills and Nash, and Matt Lauer. Saw good friend Will Barrow play a CD release show in NYC. Went to bed wishing I had spotted John Mayer.
Wednesday. June 17.
Navigated through the Lower East Side of Manhattan locating necessary items for the showcase that evening & a video shoot the next day. Apparently one of the necessary items was a new purse! Slam Dunk. Mentally pat myself on the back because I walk faster than the New Yorkers while carrying heavy bags from Whole Foods to the gig. Gig goes off without a hitch and I celebrate with a glass of wine.
Thursday. June 18.
After a day-long video shoot in the rain, I'm ready to get to the airport. Which we do eventually get to 20 minutes before our flight leaves. Somehow, we all made it on to the plane with pit-stains to prove it. Best part of Thursday: in the Chicago-Midway airport, saying goodbye to all my co-workers and hopped on a plane to Minneapolis instead of their plane to Nashville. (Boo-ya.)
Friday. June 19.
Slept in until 9:00 in the morning. Felt rested, even though the black circles under my eyes still lingered. Met up with Sarita and Not-Such-a-Baby-Anymore-Joseph. Gabbed. Laughed. Screamed. Well, Joseph screamed. Talked about our men, our jobs, our homes, and our future plans. Left wishing I could see her more often. Hopped on the train and met up with Diane. We walked around Minnehaha Falls reminiscing and smiling.
We went swinging next to some kids, grabbed a picnic table to have some face-to-face time, and dilly-dallied our way back. Left wishing I could see her more often too. Fell asleep on the recliner.Saturday. Father's Day. June 20.
Picked Adam up from the airport. Headed down to Lakeville for grandpa's surprise party. Saw the extended family, and people who claimed they were related to me. (I can't confirm it.) Saw grandpa's disbelief when the garage door opened and 60 people were yelling "surprise." Felt his disbelief when he finally got to Adam and I, and squeezed us "something fierce" (as the southerners would say). Played with the kids that weren't even born the last time I saw their families. Stayed late into the evening, which is definitely when the fun really happened. Gave my dad an extra-long hug for Father's Day.
Sunday. Mother's Day. June 21.
Celebrated Mother's Day on Father's Day. Worked more than I would have liked. Met Baby Caleb for the first time.
Chatted with the Kramer side of the family at dinner, and watched some of the US Open. Family sang happy birthday to me and we ate the best kind of cake: Ice Cream cake. Grandma asked my mom if she was pregnant. Tried to convince my mom to stay up later than she should, because I still haven't learned the lesson that time doesn't move slower just because you're awake. But I knew what would happen if I went to sleep...Monday. June 22.
I had to leave. Woke up at five in the morning to hop on a plane. Got back to Nashville, and saw Steve for the first time in a week. Left for work. Saw Steve about thirty minutes after that when my car wouldn't start at the gas station. Had an awful day at work. Got home. Roxy's butt about wagged off she was so excited to see me. Unpacked. Packed again. Went to bed.
Tuesday. June 23.
I had to leave. Woke up at five in the morning to hop on a plane. Got back to New York City. Worked in a hotel room while the excitement of Midtown was calling my name. Got all dolled up. Went to dinner. Went to Carnegie Hall and saw Diana Krall put on a killer show with a 41 piece orchestra. Back to work and press and interviews.
Wednesday. June 24.
Networked.
Thursday. June 25.
Worked.
And accidentally met George Wein, who produced the show at Carnegie Hall. He loved me. Asked him for advice as to how to succeed in the music business. He said "choose another industry."
Friday. June 26.
Went for a run in central park. Got drenched in the rain. It was liberating. Arrived back home in Nashville. It was a hundred and fifty degrees outside. Got drenched in my own sweat. Not as liberating.
08 June 2009
A Beautiful Tale
I spent the better part of last weekend cleansing my mind. I needed it. There are several ways I do this: walking, exercising, being outdoors, playing music, and reading. Mainly, I spent last weekend reading.
When I was home last time, my grandma Mimi gave me several books she thought I might like. She has a library that sprawls throughout her house, and it's always fun visiting and finding different books that interest me. One of the treasures she gave me was "Life of Pi." I have heard about this book for the better part of five years. There's a good reason for that. The author, Yann Martel, has the undeniable ability to transport you from a sunny deck in Nashville to the Pacific Ocean. From unintentional closed-mindedness to the vast possibilities outside of calculated comfort circles. From real world struggles to actual life struggles. To say this story is about a boy who gets stranded in the Pacific ocean is to suggest it's a tale of survival. To say this story is about a boy who understands god by practicing a multitude of religions is to suggest it's a tale of faith. To say this story is about the art of imagination is to suggest this tale is simply a tale. And while each of these elements is important in the composition of this book, what this story is really about is perspective and inspiration.
So much so, that I was inspired to write a blog about my perspective on the book in hopes that it will inspire you to read it.
When I was home last time, my grandma Mimi gave me several books she thought I might like. She has a library that sprawls throughout her house, and it's always fun visiting and finding different books that interest me. One of the treasures she gave me was "Life of Pi." I have heard about this book for the better part of five years. There's a good reason for that. The author, Yann Martel, has the undeniable ability to transport you from a sunny deck in Nashville to the Pacific Ocean. From unintentional closed-mindedness to the vast possibilities outside of calculated comfort circles. From real world struggles to actual life struggles. To say this story is about a boy who gets stranded in the Pacific ocean is to suggest it's a tale of survival. To say this story is about a boy who understands god by practicing a multitude of religions is to suggest it's a tale of faith. To say this story is about the art of imagination is to suggest this tale is simply a tale. And while each of these elements is important in the composition of this book, what this story is really about is perspective and inspiration.
So much so, that I was inspired to write a blog about my perspective on the book in hopes that it will inspire you to read it.
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