For the fall performance in October my
students will perform their own original songs. We will work on
several together in lessons over the next several months and then we
will perform our best ones. It's been interesting to see the
responses that my announcement has garnered this past week. The most
common responses? “I can't do it.” “I'm not good at it.”
“I'm not talented in that way.”
It is this attitude that defeats me,
and I suspect many of you, before we even begin.
Let's remember, talent only gets you so
far. You must be willing to work and work hard. Being
creative, in anything, is not only for a chosen few. After all the
teaching I've done, I'm not sure that I believe in “special”
people anymore. Those with a magical gift to do, or say, or create
something. I don't believe that it is magic, though some may make it
seem like it is. Some of the greatest creative individuals will
confess that they have honed their craft through hard work and
practice over time. When we bust away the mystery myth, we can begin
to create without fear and self judgement.
You've heard Edison's quote, “If we
did everything that we were capable of, we would literally astound
ourselves.”
How will you astound yourself this
coming week?
Looking for ways to get creative? There are tons of articles out there, from mind-hacking to getting tipsy, but this might be a good place to start.
First let me wish yours and Andy's mothers a Happy Mothers Day!
ReplyDeleteNow as to your above assignment Ms. Sharon. I tried to think back to what my reaction at that age would have been to the thought of having to write my own song. I'm afraid upon hearing that assignment you would have seen a blank stare followed by a look of incredulity. I think I would be a problem child for Ms. Sharon in the coming months. Good luck with the little Julia's in your class this summer ;-)
Gardening update... yesterday I potted six little sage sprouts to a larger pot. I think by next week I'll be able to pot the basil. This herb thing is going so well I think I'm going to order some cilantro and camomile seeds. I'm fast turning into one of those little old ladies who has about twenty multi colored flower pots on the front porch haha. No, for the sake of my neighbors view I'll keep most of them in the back! I'm so glad you are using seeds. I think it's much more rewarding. There is a learning curve to seeds I'm finding out. I planted some pepper seeds awhile back. After a week nothing, no sprouts. I began reading everything I could. During the next week I tried this and that and by the end of the second week I had zip, nada, nothing. I had obviously done something wrong. I felt somewhat defeated and disappointed but I wanted a pepper plant so I asked my brother to pick one up for me and I planted it that afternoon. The next day of course two tiny pepper sprouts appear. A humbling lesson in patience, persistence and who's really the boss in the garden!!! I dug up my garlic yesterday. Success! Last fall on October 1st I planted my first attempt at growing garlic. I planted a softneck variety in the back flower bed and a hardneck variety in a front bed. They both did well but the hardneck did best. They are drying in the garage and are definately aromatic. My garage is going to smell like a Italian cucina. I think I will definately have enough garlic to last me till next year and I'll try and save the largest cloves to replant next year. You must give growing garlic a try in the fall. I wish you lived closer I would happily share.
Have a terrific day my friend xoxo
Did you do anything special yesterday, friend?
DeleteI think the students will find a way to make it work, regarding songwriting! ;) I'll keep you posted!
I haven't started any herbs yet, but your making me want to! I love the visual of all the pots! Absolutely perfect! And the reminder of the necessity for patience. Something we're all learning, I suppose, in one way or another. Such a great story, Julia! You should share it with others, too...
Hmm, garlic...You know, with this detox I actually started using garlic more. Is it pretty hardy? I kill most things and the idea of planting something in the fall for a spring harvest makes me nervous.
As for Major Pettigrew - I'm hooked - and I can't believe you're finished! You're a voracious reader, my friend! I'm not really into my science fiction-y book, so I might be looking for some new reading material. He sounds like a dream - is there no dreamboat in your life right now? ;)
I must head to bed! I'm cursing myself for this adventure tomorrow. Look for a post in the evening - if I survive!
Much love!
sharon
I finished Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. I loved this book. The central character is Major Ernest Pettigrew, Royal Sussex, retired. Rose Lodge, Blackberry Lane, Edgecombe St. Mary, Sussex. Maj. Pettigrew is a very traditional, moral man of great civility. A man with the personal discipline of the military and a great respect for country. He is a reflection of the age in which he was raised. It is a story of second chances at relationships both familial and romantic. Covering the relationship between a father and a not always admirable adult child and conversely the adult childs responsibility to an older parent. Maj. Pettigrew is the story of the agelessness love of a man who has lost love and finds a serendipitous chance at new love. Will the Major be able to seize the moment with his newfound opportunity? You'll have to read the book to find out. In my opinion he is a knight in shining armor. Wish there were more like him !
ReplyDeleteGood night, sleep tight.