Preparing for Good

Good afternoon, everyone.

Anytime something unexpected happens (whether good or bad), there's a tendency to retrace steps and think through what could have/should have gone differently.

When things go well, I generally think "Well... I was in the right place at the right time, and I was prepared in the right way." And that's all true. Meeting someone new that brings light and joy to your life is certainly lucky happenstance, but it's also because both people were ready to meet each other at that particular moment.

When you have a lucky break in your career and that phone finally rings with the dream job... you have to be able to follow through and play the part perfectly so you'll get called again.

So, what about the inverse? What about when something bad happens? Is it solely because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or was there also negative preparation you had unwittingly been cultivating? Are you right to revaluate your choices and, to some extent, blame yourself?

I broke my foot; It can happen to anyone. But, here's the whole truth.

1. I had been way too busy, was exhausted overall, and was recovering from a cold [insert gif of headless chicken].
2. I was dieting because I had seen some recent pictures and felt unhappy with the way I looked. My calorie count was way too low, and I hadn't eaten dinner. (Yes, I am perfectly aware that's not how one should lose weight.)
3. I drank a bit too much wine at a late get-to-know-you Happy Hour with a new colleague.
4. I'm a klutz and should never wear high heels.
5. It was dark and everyone knows the sidewalks in Philly are notoriously uneven and pitted.

So yes, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I can rant about blaming the patriarchy [damn those high heels and fashion magazines]; but, I also basically prepped this to happen. I may as well have taken a hammer to the side of my poor foot...

Some of you may remember the days of www.curlysu.com (it's gone; don't bother checking). I'm perfectly happy to have move passed that particular period in my life, but I do sometimes miss the built-in almost-obligatory time to sit, reflect, and write... the feedback from newfound friends also helped me keep a certain level of calm... 

So what does all this have to do with Pikes Falls Chamber Music Festival and this summer's fundraising? Well, one of the best things about the festival is that I always feel like I'm creating good. It's not as though everything goes perfectly throughout the festival, but I'm definitely helping to put something into the world that is, by and large, positive... and that beneficial work means that the outcomes are generally good. Through PFCM, I'm made so many incredible new friendships, gotten closer with family members, had amazing musical opportunities, and watched a community of artists get to know each other and create together. I could write book-length essays on all the good PFCM has done...

So, here's what I've learned. No more breaking bones; or in a more literal bullet pointed list: 

1. No more self-flagellation, career-wise, or terms of body image. The overall ambitions of health and success are fine, but (over)reacting from a place of negativity will not help a damn thing.
2. Take the time you need to pause, think, reflect. Do not try to do everything.
3. In any given situation, think about what you actually want the outcome to be, and act from there.
4. Prepare yourself positively.

To summarize: Thank you for helping to create this good in the world... We've raised about $1500 since I last wrote, so we now need around $11,500 to meet our budget for this season. If you'd rather donate on FaceBook, I started a campaign there as well. Or, the snail mail address is at the bottom of this email if you wish to send a check.  Regardless, I'll make sure the website donation thermometer reflects all donations. 

The Pikes Falls Chamber Music Festival and the Pikes Falls Visual Art Residency create a wonderful summertime arts oasis in Southern Vermont. I'd love for you to be there. ​