This morning I was up at 3:45 AM. Although this is my normal wakeup time, I don’t always get up quite so early. But these days I have a lot to do and I’ll be away from my studio all day today so I decided I better get an early start.

I’ve been listening to an audible book called “The Art of Talking to Anyone.” It’s a great book filled with fascinating insights and plenty of practical tips. Recognizing the significance of author reviews, I took a moment to review the book on both Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

One of the first music conferences I attended in Nashville a long time ago encouraged artists to commit ourselves to never ending improvement. I made that commitment and have never looked back. I’m always eager to learn new skills. Lately, this one has become most important to me.

Gathering People Skills

As I navigate the world of publishing, I’m realizing the importance of courage and adept people skills. Despite considering myself amiable and adaptable to diverse conversational dynamics honed through my experiences, I encounter occasional hurdles. Whether engaging with reserved individuals or navigating conversations dominated by others, each scenario demands distinct skills. This diversity is particularly evident in interactions post-concerts at my CD table, where I encounter both types of individuals.

Part of this author journey involves establishing connections with local and regional bookstores. We’re advised to spend time at bookstores, engaging in conversations with staff members, buying books and drinking coffee if they have cafes, all without mentioning that we’re an author. I tried it a few weeks ago and encountered a few challenges. That’s when I decided to start listening to “The Art of Talking to Anyone”. Amidst these varied interactions, another significant endeavor occupies my thoughts…

Juggling Two Dreams

The other BIG thing happening in my life is the planning of a new Christmas album with Double Keyed and The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). As oboist Kirstin Myers and I begin our journey to Mount Everest, this time collaborating on our new Christmas album with Phillip Keveren and LSO, we’re navigating the intricate world of sponsorship, a realm far beyond my previous experiences with Portraits of White concerts.

In the past two weeks alone, we’ve dispatched over 300 emails to potential sponsors. I’m feeling a bit jittery as I contemplate conversing with individuals who are both sharp-witted and time-strapped. Amidst the whirlwind of the book launch and LSO project, I’m realizing my people skills could use some polishing. It’s a prime season to brush up on “The Art of Talking to Anyone”.

Heading to Jericho, Vermont

As my publishing team works with me on creating a path for my book, I have been working on a plan of my own. In my book, Portraits of White, I quote one of my favorite people: “Snowflake” Bentley who believed that following our inner compass will usually benefit the whole community.

I initially stumbled upon Wilson Bentley’s remarkable tale while immersed in the pages of “Chase the Lion” by Mark Batterson. Bentley’s story, particularly his pioneering work demonstrating the uniqueness of snowflakes, caught my attention. Intrigued, I started gathering books about him and harboring a silent desire to visit his museum in Jericho, Vermont someday. However, the onset of COVID-19 abruptly dampened my enthusiasm for snow-related pursuits. The challenges of 2020 cast a shadow over my passion for all-things Snowflake Bentley.

Now, with my book ready for launch, my fascination with Bentley has reignited, prompting me to heed my instincts and begin plans for a journey to Vermont. But first, I wanted to make a phone call to the museum and introduce myself. Wouldn’t you know, the person who picked up the phone that day is the great, great niece of Wilson Bentley, whom she affectionately referred to as “Uncle Willie.” The museum wasn’t actually open that day, but serendipity struck when Sue happened to stop by the museum to do some inventory and picked up the phone when it rang.

My conversation with Sue was an easy conversation to have because she was very engaging. She didn’t dominate the conversation, but neither did I have to work hard to extract information or make a connection. We just connected almost immediately. Oh that every conversation were that easy. We are now planning a weekend where I’ll go and visit.

We had a wonderful conversation and I made a new friend. I told Sue about my book and all the things I share in common with her Uncle: the fact that he never had children, how much he loved his nieces and nephews, his love for music and the piano, and his deep affection for snow. He felt a calling to share the icy crystal snowflake masterpieces with the world. I felt a calling to share my music and Christmas story with the world.

In her excitement, Sue asked if I’d like to see her Uncle’s grave when I visit. Oh if she only knew . . .

I didn’t want to reveal the fact that part of my story revolves around earlier issues with death and trying not to write songs about death. That story can come later. “Of course I’d love to see his grave,” I said with a smile.

I sent her a complimentary author copy of my book, the Portraits of White CD and shared a video with her from my Portraits of White 2022 concert where I sang my song, “I Love Snow” and where we featured Snowflake Bentley’s story.

And so, here we go, taking it step by step, with a commitment to master the art of conversation, one interaction at a time.