We Are the Champions
Every four years, the Olympic spirit always infuses me with a special kind of inspiration. I inevitably end up skiing or ice-skating, undaunted by my–ahem–very marginal talent on any slippery surface. Watching this year’s Olympics with my own progeny, I am somehow transported to my grandmother’s living room. Listening as my great-grandmother, born in 1893, scoffed at the briefness of the ladies’ costumes, we watched the ‘thrill of victory, the agony of defeat’ –and some really inspiring commercials. Now, while listening to the fatherly voice of Morgan Freeman, I reflect on victory, defeat and “my everywhere”. Not only did this month find me on the ice NOT falling on my keester, it finds me going for my personal best. Back in school, singing, teaching and nurturing an active, always-hungry male tween, I am at the top of my game. I have to be. The investment thus far leaves me with only one option: WIN! Yes, sometimes there is incredible pressure and there are of course setbacks. But KNOWING that I’m going for a win keeps me focused and on track. Much better than being #everywhere, I am right here, right now, in the moment, with a path as clearly marked as the downhill run. Best part is, I know that getting there is not half the fun, it isthe fun. So at the end of each day am thankful for my victories, wiser for my setbacks and overjoyed to know that I don’t have to wait 4 years to go for gold all over again.
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Hello 2014!
While December makes us all want to see the world through Christmas colored glasses, the downside is that we get our knickers in a bunch when something happens to make our family-friend diorama look less than Currier and Ives perfect. Given, perfidy hurts, especially when it’s an inside job.
Life happens. One minute it’s blue skies and smooth sailing, the next minute a squall hits and you’re paddling furiously just to stay afloat. It’s kind of like the andante movement of the symphony bleeding into the allegro molto except there’s no sheet music to follow and no preemptory pause before the next movement begins. Life happens suddenly, leaving you there, in this boat, terrified, wondering which way to shore. Hopefully you recognize it. The only way not to succumb to the overwhelming sense of fear, dread, loneliness or whatever it is that your storm brings, is to find your happy place. For the God folks, it’s “think about whatever is good, pure, lovely”.
Dear Friends, This year I celebrate 40 years on the stage!
After Hawaii, one would think the DFW winter a bit pale in comparison but not with several student performances to prepare for. Check the education page and send an e-mail to enroll your child in an M&A fine arts class near you. M&A kids are singing, acting, or dancing all while learning theory and cool fine arts facts, making friends and building self-esteem. Spring/Summer registration are underway and this month is open house so drop by and join in on all the fun.
