opportunity

As a member of an organization in utter upheaval,
one orchestra that represents an entire host of problems in the classical music business,
I find this definition so appropriate.


It touches so poignantly especially in my own personal life,
as I am try to find my niche in this crazy world of egos, self-rightesouness, and ultimately, insecurity,
things that sadly have nothing to do with really playing well,
or actually communicating something from the stage.

The combination of personal satisfaction and gainful employment seem so far away sometimes,
as elusive as the illusion of fire and water in the picture below,
where the simple elements of what I want to do as a musician are
creativity within discipline, connection within refinement, simplicity within understanding.

If only I could learn to see past the smoke and mirrors of what is "supposed to happen,"
to listen despite the noise and discomfort of external stories and chatter,
and to find an internal sense of balance that allows me to recognize opportunity.

One step at a time...

Splash Effect:

This unedited image was taken with a tripod mounted in the Pacific Ocean during a winter sunset in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. Taken at the moment a rock was thrown into the water.

I find this photograph a lot of fun—and clever. Though the elements are simple—water, sun, and a splash effect—together they create the illusion of fire. —Alexa Keefe, Photo of the Day editor

via {otherwordly}
photo via {national geographic}