We all need reminders to soften. To notice we might be clenching our fists, distancing from those we love or whom love us, hiding behind our masks. I know I do. I’m on a continuous journey to reconnect with my capacity for warmth. And it’s really hard sometimes. But we have so many hidden treasures and friends around to help us: Totoro, Kiki, music, cats, cupcakes, sushi, a waft of fresh forest air, a silly random endearing connection with something, somewhere, anywhere.
Read MoreThe first day I arrived back at Orford, I was practicing the second movement of this sonata late in the evening, exhausted by all the challenges that have been overwhelming me these past few weeks, and suddenly I began to feel myself tearing up ... which happens often when I’m working on in incredible music like this. But this time, as I went on repeating that section where the main theme returns, I just allowed the raw emotions to take over, and soon I was crying uncontrollably. It felt almost indulgent, to just let myself weep like that as I kept playing. At a certain point, my fingers came to a standstill, but I still couldn’t stop the tears, so I just sat there in the silence, sobbing until I drained out all those emotions.
Read MoreIt’s not about being perfect. It’s that we are real, sincere, spontaneous. Take risks and commit to our beliefs, take confidence in our ideas and embrace our strengths and limitations. Find joy and excitement in the unknown, unexpected, unpredictable.
Read More"Happiness is not exuberant or noisy, like pleasure or joy; it's silent, tranquil, and gentle; it's a feeling of satisfaction inside that begins with self-love."
Read MoreFinally finished this sketch! Started the outline back in December but the challenge to portray the grandeur of this view from 3000 feet high was just too daunting. The magnificent mountain range, the tiny city of Santa Barbara in the distance, the Pacific ocean, ...the wisp of clouds streaming across the sky, like wings. Camino Cielo, "Road to Heaven". It really did feel like we were standing on top of the world. I still remember so vividly.
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