Herb Smith and Charles Francis in recital at Third Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY on Sunday, January 14th, 2024

On the coldest, windiest day of the winter so far, I was emerging from my Sunday afternoon siesta, curled up on the couch with my magic pink afghan. A concert I had been looking forward to for several weeks was in less than an hour, and my motivation levels to leave the house were at about a Zero Percent. Herb Smith, trumpeter, conductor, composer, and artist extraordinaire, was performing on the ThirdArts concert series at Third Presbyterian Church, and I wanted to go. Or at least, my past and future selves wanted to go. My present self had no interest in putting on outside clothes and some makeup and running a brush through my hair to be presentable in public. Fortunately, a strong cup of tea and a snack boosted my fortitude. I took along a somewhat reluctant 9-year-old and we made the trek.

So glad we did!

I forget things easily; one of the quickest things I forget is how much I love live music. Fortunately I’m getting better at practicing the art of doing what’s good and right for my soul. Live music feeds my soul. You should get yourself to a concert, as soon as possible. It doesn’t really matter what your musical tastes are as long as it’s something you like! And the amazing thing about music is, if you open your mind to possibilities - new genres, new artists, new venues, new instruments - you’ll never be bored or disappointed, because there is so much GOOD MUSIC HAPPENING. Even if the music isn’t your cup of tea, there is always something to be learned. Take your kids with you and learn together. What was it about this piece that you liked or didn’t like? How did the music make you feel? What was the performer’s demeanor and rapport with the audience? Was the audience engaged?

Freddie and I always try to sit up front so we can see what’s going on. It encourages good behavior on the part of the kid, knowing they’re visible. You teach your child how to sit through concerts by going to concerts, kind of like eating at sit-down restaurants. There might be some rough experiences, but you’ll always learn something, even if it’s by doing things the hard way.

I left my phone in the church pew, like I do every Sunday. Freddie took some liberties when he fetched it for me.

Humans are easily lulled into passivity - we wait for the right moment to take action, or we think we need to “feel” a certain way before we engage in an activity. I didn’t feel like leaving my house to go to a concert, despite being motivated just as recently as the day before. Fortunately, I didn’t let motivation dictate my choices, and I know I’ll be enjoying the benefits for days to come.

Don’t wait to be inspired. Sometimes you have to seek it out yourself.

January 2024 - Seek Out Inspiration