Hope & Circumstance
Perhaps this image is almost too on-point for “hope is on the horizon”. Even corny. But for me, it was a moment….sunrise on my way back from my first writing getaway in longer than my pride will allow me to confess. The thrill and relief of capturing the mystery again, coupled with the intoxication of the sea breeze, the vista, and the vaccine - was a veritable trifecta of hope. Oh wait, that was four - a “quadfecta”! And therefore, one of my all time favourite moments. Which of course means I want to try to share it with you. Though I was on that crack-o-dawn ferry to get to a dentist appointment, lest I over-romanticize my life.
Oh, and let’s not leave out the merciful arrival of Spring! Perhaps it’s not quite perceivable where you are but I’m comforted by the slightest evidence that the earth is still revolving around the sun. Thank goodness there remains one thing we can count on not changing. Yet. And we made it through the winter! Well done!
I know I haven’t been as “out there” in social media and live-streaming as many of my peers, and I hope you won’t hold that against me. Of course it’s on my long list of should’s but….but what? I’m not sure. Most of my musical pals have elaborate Patreon programs, are regularly streaming on Twitch or Facebook or Youtube or Instagram or all of them at once - or on all manner of new platforms that I would prefer not to feel pressured to serve. And I am both in awe of them and intimidated. Artists and musicians are innately compelled to do whatever we can to survive and thrive and get our music out there, which these days means all of those aforementioned initiatives. And I guess I’m hoping that it’s okay to just be quiet over here and make the most of the time in other ways for a change. It’s allowed a whole raft of other interests to be explored - ones that have been on my “someday” list for decades. I’m trying to broaden my horizons a wee bit. I’m enjoying Sam Harris’ podcasts “Making Sense” and his meditation course “Waking up”. (So many profoundly creative people espouse the virtues of meditation it’s been on my “someday” list for years.) It’s simply that kind of time! There is a lot going on out there for entertainment and inspiration so I’m not so arrogant as to think you’re missing me. (But keep reading!)
In talking to my peers we’re all re-evaluating how we want to move forward with our work. The time off the road has allowed us the luxury of time to ponder our future as we are forced to live more in the present. But I think that’s probably true for everyone these days. I do know there’s never been a question about my passion for making music, creating it, playing it, performing it, and seeing your beautiful open appreciative faces as it goes out there and works its wonder.
Which leads me to the time sensitive reminder about The Mavens’ concert THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 28th! I mentioned the show in the last newsletter, but here’s an almighty reminder. Thanks to Home Routes, I, and two of the finest writers and funniest women I know, Lynn Miles and Susan Crowe, will finally get to share a stage from our respective homes. Noon PST, 3 pm in Lynn’s world, and 4 pm in Susan’s. Consummately Coast to Coast Canadian! It’s on Zoom so we’re hoping you let us watch you snack and cuddle with your pets and families while you watch us try not to talk over each other. Plus, one of us has a new haircut so in the spirit of the who-the-f*#k-cares era of Kardashians, you don’t want to miss that. Oh, and there will be songs - lots of deep, thoughtful, hauntingly beautiful songs, and more laughter than you’ve had in a long time. (Whoah, don’t oversell it Shari…)
Yesterday I got the almighty vaccine - not that I’m that old - just that the demographics of some of the smaller communities out here accelerated the availability. Baby steps to normal. I will say I have enjoyed not having a cold for well over a year, so I’m not going to be in rush to lose the hygiene habits. But hugging? That simply MUST be the first thing to be sanctioned!
Having come to appreciate the importance of brevity (too late?) I leave you to your day, your evening, your popcorn, your sleep, your movie, your book, your walk, your life…Have at ‘er!
Thanks for taking the time to read. I’ve had a mailing list since 1974 - before it was a term - back when it was old school, hand-addressed, self-licked stamped postcards in the mail. I love that. And I love you.
Shari