Dear Friends,
This pandemic has made me more aware than ever before that I have little control over the most important things in life. I can’t keep my loved ones safe. I’m not in charge of the world. So, I’m learning to surrender to this lack of control and find gratitude wherever I can. I have a warm, dry, safe place to live and the basics of life. All the extra “stuff” I have in my life doesn’t really matter.
Here in America, we’re infected by the “ideal” of rugged individualism. Coined by Herbert Hoover in 1928, this term encapsulated the misguided notion that individuals should be self-reliant and independent, not counting on others for support. In contrast, one year into this new norm, it is clear to me how important those around us have become.
I’m so thankful to be a part of a group such as ours where relationships truly matter. Some of these have spanned decades, while others are just beginning. Welcome to those who have just joined us this month. Let’s continue to inspire and encourage each other with a reach out or perhaps even a creative collaboration.
Since most of us are utilizing our “home practice space” more than ever these days, I thought it would be fun to get a glimpse into each other’s homes. You’ll see what I mean when you read about Derek Nickel’s organ in this month’s feature. Please take a photo of your music space (and one of yourself too) and email it to me at agonorthshore@gmail.com. Tell us a bit about your instrument, and why you have appreciated it in the past few months. I’d also love a link to anything you’ve recorded and would like to share in our Member’s Chalkboard.
Warmly,
Judy Kohl,
Dean