We advocate for each otherThose of us who belong to a union have compassion for the auto workers. It takes a lot of courage, a sense that there is no better option, to take the risk of striking. Outwardly they demonstrate solidarity with their fellow workers, not showing any sign

Read More…

Going with the flowLately I have been trying, but have I really been going with the flow? The other night I went to a ballroom dance party. I’m not a very good dancer. I do well following the rhythm but I forget the steps. Yet, when I woke up the

Read More…

Learning to say “no”It was recently suggested to me that I need to learn how to say “no” more often. There are certain types of relationships in which I feel the necessity to over extend myself and over indulge the other person. I admire the other person or need something

Read More…

Seeing the trees for the forestEvery so often I feel the need to write specifically about the Inspiration for Violinists card deck itself rather than individual cards – the trees for the forest. Producing the card deck was about a five year process with many starts and stops. It began

Read More…

Starting the new school yearIt is always a busy time trying to enjoy the last few days of summer vacation while day dreaming about and getting ready for the new season or new school year. It can be a high energy time both from excitement and nervousness. There are things

Read More…

This post is about sleepLack of adequate restorative sleep can greatly impact health and quality of life. I’m starting a new job this week as well as dedicating more time, energy and resources to my private studio. Even though I spent the past year preparing for this moment, I’m very

Read More…

How the artist uses colorWatercolor, oil, acrylic, clay, textiles – all, plus many more, make up the media utilized by visual artists. The artist uses colors and textures as a way to work with light and shadow. Color is personal. There are infinite possibilities. Which color of blue should I

Read More…

BeginnersBeginning a musical instrument can be exciting but at the same time anxiety producing. I’m thinking about this now because in just a few weeks I will be starting a whole new group of students on their string instruments. There usually is at least one student who can barely sit

Read More…

Holding onto past beliefsIn her book, Who You Were Meant to Be, Lindsay C. Gibson writes about how people get turned around in childhood by family dysfunction making it difficult to see clear how to pursue dreams and live an authentic, fulfilling life. The ego masquerades as conscience, so that

Read More…

“Extraordinary claims require require extraordinary evidence.” – Carl SaganMy version of this quote today is “extraordinary projects require extraordinary time and commitment.” I have been wanting to write a book for many years. There are also several compositions that have been waiting to be completed. These larger projects have gotten

Read More…