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I'm not a writer and I make lots of mistakes

I'm skimming a book about getting over the fear and paralysis of writing. Most people have trouble writing because they want it to be well written on the first draft and few people are able to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) well on the first go. Writers are hard on themselves, and expect perfection.

Obviously, I'm not a writer. I'm going way too fast to even expect anything close to perfection. When I re-read my previous post about Vanessa Mae 24 hours later, it occurred to me I didn't even read or correct the grammar mistakes prior to posting it! DOH!

Sigh. Now, that's not taking oneself too seriously. I know I make mistakes (lots actually), but I accept that because I know sometimes, the hardest step is the first one. Here's to putting it all out there! :)

If only I could correct my grammar on other people's posts... oops!

A Different Artist

I remember many years ago in the mid-late 1990's, my husband made me listen to some music. Since our musical taste does not always match, it was no surprise when I was a little concerned about what I was about to subject my ears to.

The artist was Vanessa Mae and the album was her first one - The Violin Player. I'll be honest - I was sceptical when he told me Vanessa Mae played violin with a techno spin. Remember - this was the mid 1990's. Another artist named Ashley MacIsaac, a Canadian East Coast fiddler, was also gaining media attention through non-traditional music, and controversial interviews. It was as if the violin world had been turned upside down.

"Violins are for classical music!" people said. Like many others, I had only been exposed to traditional 'violin' music when I played from grade 8 until high school graduation. These artists were messing with traditional sound!

Alright, alright - who am I kidding? I loved it! I could quickly see how both these artists were going to change violin music. It was going to open up the art-form to a whole new group of people and I could see absolutely no harm in that. I don't believe in keeping things "pure" and in fact, think that Purity is like snuffing out Opportunity.

On that note (ha ha), I'd like you to consider what thoughts or ideas you have that may just change the landscape in ways no one else has tried? It's easy to be a naysayer and everyone does it well - but that is the worn, well formed path. Take the tougher, harder road. I dare you to.

P.S. Here's one of Vanessa Mae's videos.

I hate customers

I hate customers.

I know, I know - without them, I'd have nothing. The company would have nothing. But some customers spoil it for everyone else. I wonder how some people can live their lives doing things that they know are wrong. I don't know how they justify it.

And now, I've even let a bad customer take away my happy thoughts - now that's a shame. I'll have to let this one slide before it takes any more of my time and energy.

I hate bad customers.

Sun, Water, Rocks and Water Guns

Friday was the first day this year I turned the AC on in the car. And before I turned on the AC, I rolled down the window and enjoyed the breeze.

What is it about the hot (warm) weather that has that immediate impact on people's outlook? It is as if we remove not just our winter bulky clothes, we also remove the grim and sour looks from our faces as we smile at the sun and forget about our worries.

It's Sunday afternoon and for the past 36 hours, the water guns, kiddie pools, swimsuits have all come out twice already as the kids have began their summer play.

For the adults (that's me), I've brought out the music, drinks and food. Even the laptop is out getting some Vitamin D as I write this. Enjoy the first taste of summer. Yum.

80's Memories

I teach fitness classes and the latest music includes a cover of the George Michael song "Freedom". Of course, this takes me back to the 80's where I remember fondly:

MuchMusic (the MTV equivalent in Canada)
Video killed the Radio Star
Madonna's Lucky Star
Wham (what did it say on those shirts?)
Duran Duran - could they have been the first boy band?
Frankie told us to Relax
Cyndi reminded us Girls just wanna have fun
CD's (bye bye tapes, bye bye Vinyl - damn - how am I going to play those records?)

We all have our own memories and I even have cool memories about other things like Diana getting married and having babies and not so cool ones like Reagan getting shot. What I'll remember most about the 80's are the friends who helped me get through the decade in that roller coaster ride we call life. Thanks for the music and thanks for the memories.

I leave you with an early 90's song from George Michael called Praying for Time from my angrier phase when I was grumbling about other people not caring and acting. It all starts with you and me and it only took me decades to learn that one.

Go fly a kite

Or go buy a sailboat? Life's too short.

This one's for you buddy! :)

Apr 20 update: OMG - you bought a sailboat! Congrats! :)