It was my wife’s birthday yesterday, and here are seven reasons she’s awesome.
Yesterday, Natalie celebrated her birthday in true Ann Arbor style, including a wonderful dinner at the new Aventura.
Today, I thought I’d share seven wonderful things Nat has taught me through her actions, because she’s pretty much the best person ever.
1. Be brave
Nat’s the bravest person I know. (If you’ve read her memoir about surviving a cult farm and indentured servitude in Sweden, then you know this already!) I wouldn’t have had the courage to do music without her e encouragement.
2. Speak your mind, and from the heart
If you follow Nat’s Facebook posts or read her monthly column for the Bridge, you know Nat is an outspoken, unapologetic, thoughtful feminist. Speaking one’s mind allows us to find our own voice.
3. Be patient
Nat and I post a little too much about our energetic dog, Lois, but we love our big dum-dum! However, I’ll admit, Nat’s the one that reminds me to be patient with our pup, as well as with myself and with life.
4. Family comes first
Between Texas and Florida, let alone trips up north, we miss Nat’s family quite a bit, but Nat has shown me how important it is to put family first, and make the most of quality time when we can.
5. Have a positive attitude
This might be the most important life lesson I need reminded. Nat told me, “We need positive energy to make these creative careers work!” I’ve let that guide me since, and do my best to realign myself when I get pessimistic.
6. Be organized
Seven–the number of white boards we use in our house, all full of goals, writing ideas, agendas and lists.
7. Take risks and have fun
I find my biggest fear is facing the feeling of fear, and Nat’s willingness to speak in front of crowd, share her ideas, and share her work reminds us it’s more fun to beat our fears.
Happy Birthday, Nat!
After my lengthy tour in the fall, I was mentally tired. A little discouraged, too. Songs weren’t arriving as quickly as I desired them to arrive throughout 2013.
So I took a break from writing songs altogether throughout the winter. I honestly didn’t play much guitar except for gigs. I read a lot, wrote some poems, and neglected music.
However, 2014 arrived, as did the polar vortex.
During the days where we could do little except shovel snow, drink hot tea, and hope the pipes don’t freeze, I found myself picking the guitar up again.
I’m back on the wagon and in a weekly songwriting routine.
Last November, my friend Hannah told me to check out this NPR story about Bob Schneider’s songwriting game he’s been doing since 2001. (More here.)
There are only two rules:
- Your song must use a preselected phrase or term
- You have to turn in a song each week by the deadline
I’d like to stay on the songwriting bandwagon this year, so I’m creating a simple songwriting game following those same two rules, too.
At first, I’ll be selecting the phrase or term, and emailing out a short list of participants. Right now, I’m picturing this as people sharing their songs with the group using a Soundcloud link and lyrics in the return email.
I thought I’d open it up to my musical friends. If you are interested in joining me in the songwriting game, email me at
polarvortexsongwritinggame@gmail.com
I’ll be starting the game Friday, January 10.
Let’s write some songs!
Tortoise vs the Hare, Climb vs the Mountain
It took me a long time to realize the obvious: Bands and artists don’t burst onto the scene, even if it appears like they do.
A teacher doesn’t become a principal–let alone the superintendent of a school–in one year. Even five years. Rarely ten.
Yet most people believe a band can go from unknown to famous with one song, one video, one tour, one radio campaign, one moment. That’s a false fable. It takes years of work–and many failures–before an act breaks out.
Here’s another false fable:
An independent band or artist might feel like they are the tortoise in a race against the hare (the band with a major label or famous relative or rich parents). However, that’s the wrong analogy; art isn’t a race.
We are more like Sisyphus, climbing mountains of different sizes, carrying rocks of unique shapes.
There is only one race in life that really matters, and we don’t control that finish line. Instead, we can decide to climb; and the story of our climb matters more than the size of the mountain.
New year resolutions always force me to face a paradox about myself: I am extremely hard-working and also extremely lazy.
For example, I’ll practice piano everyday; but add the task having to set up the gear, and I will neglect it for months.
I think that’s why I was drawn to playing acoustic guitar more than electric guitar, especially while living in cramped college dorms. No set-up required! Pick-up and play!
Today I was inspired by my friend Dave Stanley’s blog titled, “No more resolutions.” I decided to make a different styled change for 2014.
Instead of forcing myself to change, I’ve changed my environment. I’ve eliminated the middle steps that I know will interfere with my three simple goals (practice piano more, read more, write more).
For example, I rearranged my entire office so my keyboard is always set-up.
I put all of the books I own (but haven’t read) on one shelf, just in reach.
I’ve placed my writing notebook and “quick ideas” recorder on my desk.
No more searching. No more set-up. Just sit down and work.
I know I should be less lazy, but I also know how I am. Why pretend otherwise? I’m just not giving my lazy side a chance.
