I still can’t seem to get my story down to 30 seconds. And actually, since I’m climbing Mt. Everest with another musical colleague, it’s not really my story anyway. It’s ‘our’ story.

Yesterday was our last day of the three-day seminar and just when I thought I couldn’t process any more information, I did. Last night, after dinner I was sitting on the floor by the sliding glass door, trying to lure our stray kitten, Little B, over to me. I was also enjoying a moment of silence as I watched the birds.

In a very weary voice, my husband, Tom, said, “You look like you need to get out. Do you want to go for a drive?”

“I can go either way,” I said. “I could stay home or I could go.”

Giving it a little bit more thought, I continued. “You know, after sitting in front of a screen all day attending a virtual seminar, I feel like I do need something to do other than just sitting.”

So while I washed the dishes, he took a shower and then we hopped in our Jeep. As we rode along, mostly in silence, I contemplated. Driving into the mountains, I could feel my mind and body relaxing.

The light filtered through the trees, a turtle sat sunning itself and the birds sang in a symphony accompanied by little streams throughout the floor of the forest.

Breaking the silence, Tom said, “Are you going to work in the studio tomorrow?”

“I don’t think so. My brain is too tired. I might just work in the yard . . . Pull weeds . . . Dig more dirt . . . Mow the lawn. I need something physical after three days in front of a screen.”

When we got home, I lingered in my back yard while the final light of the day strolled across the yard like a follow spot on a company of actors on a stage.

I went to bed exhausted and wondered how I’d ever get another thing done. Ever.

But as sure as the sun comes up, my brain woke up early with new energy and started planning my day for me. In fact, I had some clarity around sponsorships for Double Keyed’s project that I’ve needed for months but haven’t been able to attain. It all suddenly fell into place. I grabbed my journal and jotted down my ideas. The levels, the prices, the benefits, the titles of the tiers, on it went. I’m sure there’s more editing ahead, but I could finally see a path.

I also had an idea on how to get our story down to 30 seconds. I wrote out my script ideas to be sure I covered all of the details. I realized that part of the challenge has been that my musical career has really been like a two-act play.

The intermission was the pandemic.

The first act was the tale of becoming a full-time musician. Songwriting . . . Albums . . . Storytelling . . . Shows . . . Orchestras . . . Oh yes, it was all coming together.

Intermission. Ugh–I never liked intermissions.

Then Kirstin (the founder and oboist of our duo, Double Keyed) had the idea to record an album together. What??! I didn’t see that one coming, but it was exactly what I needed to start Act 2 of the play.

And this morning it became vividly clear to me. I’ve been trying to pull things from Act 1 into Act 2 and although that’s been necessary, in trying to tell the story of our new album unfolding, I realized that this really isn’t just my story anymore. It’s the story of the duo. It’s gone from a one-person play to a two-person play.

And with that clarity, I gave the video of the story another shot. It’s still not down to 30 seconds, (60 seconds is still too long according to my mentor), but as a friend suggested, all I’d need to do is play it double speed and it would be 30 seconds. LOL!

But before I show you the video, something keeps coming to me so I’m going to write it out. In the seminar, our presenter mentioned that when it comes to sponsors and money, it can stir up all of your demons if you have money issues. She advised that you deal with the money issues and demons before moving ahead or you’ll never make it. I totally concur!

But I think I’d expand on that. As you step out and go for the big dream, it will stir up more than just money demons. It will stir up pretty much everything. Be ready. Do the soul work. Pay attention to the pain, the discomfort, the joy – don’t ignore it. Deal with it. Find someone to help you or talk to if needed. Just don’t ignore the demons.

And another thing beyond just your demons: here’s what I’d add. Going after the BIG dream will actually also stir up demons in other people too and it will come in the strangest ways and from some of the most unexpected places. Even as you deal with your demons, you will begin to have to deal with the repercussions of stirring up the demons in others. It’s very weird and some day I hope to write a book about this not-much-talked-about topic.

All I can say is that as you juggle your own emotions, you will stir up emotions in others that they might not have even known existed and now you have more than just yourself to manage. Stay focused on you and keep working on your own character building, develop your skills and embrace your emotions. As the airline servers always say, “Put your own mask on first. Then assist others.”

Forgive this unedited blog post. I want to get a shower, put some salmon on the grill and enjoy the evening with Tom.

Here’s the latest video: Our Story in 60 Seconds.

Click on the image to play the video.