Life is like a volatile child with a fresh bowl of spaghetti. Here’s a great heartwarming home-cooked meal wrought by my own hands, you think, as you set it in front of the cute little guy.  Then suddenly, it explodes into a mess that stains your walls. How are you going to explain that to your landlord?  

Being on the road full-time is a never-ending opportunity to figure out how to overcome, go around, or tunnel under the unexpected events that life serves up fresh and smelling invitingly of marinara. Being a musician is also a great opportunity to handle setbacks and when you combine the two, you’d think I could write a book. Or if you’re reading this perhaps you think I already have.  

I've attended a music marketing zoom webinar while riding public transit in downtown Seattle on my way to become the highest scorer on Guns n Roses at the Pinball Museum. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Entered my initial as highest scorer after being reprimanded for excessive paddling]. 

I’ve recorded vocals at a concrete slab in the middle of the desert just outside Ajo AZ.  Sure, hummingbirds visited daily, the cacti were flowering, and the sunsets were amazing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But noisy interruptions disrupted my attempts at clean recording sessions: solar charge controller fan, occasional aircraft, cats, husbands, and thunder and rain… in the freaking desert!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m learning to be flexible, look for creative work arounds, appreciate each moment as it arrives, all while remaining tranquil in the face of it. As you may have guessed, I’m not always successful, but every now and then I surprise myself. How about you? I’d love to hear about how you handled a setback, especially if you didn’t handle it well so I can feel smug next time I do, or feel a little less alone when I don’t. 

It’s give, it’s take, and as soon as you have an amazing wondrous experience you get a stick in your tire that defies the laws of physics and reinforces your belief in tiny supernatural beings that wish you ill will. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ I welcome ideas on how to appease them.] 

Remember that bowl of spaghetti? While it is so tasty and enjoyable right now, the heartburn could keep you up all night tonight. That’s why it’s always good to keep a super-sized bottle of extra strength Tums from Costco on your bedside cabinet. Wishing you a Tums free day.