If only...

There are lots of "if only..." moments in my life. Like, 'if only I'd stayed in Africa and bought that hotel.' Or, 'if only I'd been patient and played percussion professionally a bit longer.'

There are very few regrets in my life. In fact, I have two potential candidates for that category.

And yet there are a myriad... no. That's not big enough... an immeasurable number of 'argh!' moments. Some are even 'ARGH!' moments.

Like, the frustration experienced when one witnesses the perfect opportune moment slip away.
Or when the really annoying unthinking selfish manager commits frequent fundamental grammatical errors ("Their waiting for you to feedback.")
Or when you have a perfect idea but no means to implement it.

It is this last perspective that often finds it's way into my consciousness. And now its even worse when I did once, twice, several times have the actual resources that, if used differently or if were not impacted quite so fatally by circumstance, would have enabled the most profound, excellent, sparkling, lucrative, enjoyable, impactful projects to serve a great many needs. Like... Chicken! [LOL]

Idea 1: For an initial investment of $500k, I can setup a professional full symphony orchestra in Eastern Europe to be self-financing within two years. And I could still live & work in the USA.

Idea 2: For an investment of $100k, I could make the most lucrative sustenance service for students.

Idea 3: For an investment of $50k, I can create a stunning service tool for local young people to explore their social development skills in a focused musical/ performing environment.

Idea 4: For an investment of $1.5m I could ensure 150,000 children a YEAR in SIX countries have access to regular musical tuition and instruments as well as ensembles, for 10 years.

Idea... In fact, I've created over 40 very workable business plans that are now stored in a filing cabinet. And because of Providence ('Fate' for some people), history and lack of familiarity, they are extremely unlikely to see the light of day again. Consider them bad compositions in preparation for the big hit (Rapidly sliding towards 40, I sure hope the big hit comes soon!).

If only I hadn't done this, or if only I had done that. Would I be where I am now?
No.

So, there is no 'if only'.

"Nothing matters. Nothing, only love."
(Kings of Hearts, MTHS 1987)

The arts will survive. Again

I couldn't resist. This topic has hit me several times in the past two decades and yet again, artists in the 'arts' are panicking. And rightly so. This article is totally biased (like most of them) but the very valid reader comments are most enlightening.

So yes, the arts are a victim of the economic crisis. They have been before. And they've survived because artists continue to do their thing DESPITE autocracy! And they'll survive this crisis, too. What I actually like is the fact that many artists will NOT retain their full-time, mediocre, publicly ego stroking efforts to be 'someone'. Like me. I'm now earning my living and doing really fun and exciting art (music) on the side. Boy do I WISH it were full-time, and I constantly pray for some benefactor to dump their excessive musical dollars on my doorstep, but that ain't gonna happen anytime soon. So, I 'earn a living' in corporate and utilize my music in the world.

Everyone should yell and scream and moan and groan and perhaps some lucky artists will actually see some sustenance through the latest ludicrous bailout/stimulus, but don't worry. The arts are going nowhere.

Arts Festival tickets now on sale

Following a weekend run of radio spots on Star 99.1 fm, tickets for Bliss 9 - an arts festival went on sale online, and are surprisingly doing well. We've added a few more exhibitors and confirmed the dance team will be the Garden State Dance Project.

Oh, and my jazz orchestra is really very excited about this gig, too! It's tough enough getting players to look forward to most events, but for some reason they're very keen and eager about Bliss 9 - we're going to have a LOT of fun.

So, buy your tickets now, while you can. Also on the website is a link to place an ad in the festival program, and even register for one of the final three exhibition spots left, as well. Please share the ad space info with your entire circle of influence.

DON'T HESITATE! Get your tickets TODAY!