I am trying so hard to follow a former professor’s advice, to “act your way into a new way of thinking.” I have been frozen these past few weeks, feeling like even the smallest task is akin to pulling a bag full of boulders through the desert. I’m trying to be gentle with myself- we … More Joy in Bits and Pieces
I reflect on the past, feeling a longing for love lost, sadness for words not said, compassion for the young woman I was, so full of fear and doubt. I focus on the present, feeling overwhelming gratitude for a peaceful life hard won, one filled with love and beauty and possibilities. I look to the … More Past, Present, and Future
Joy, Such a simple word, Three humble letters, J, O, and Y, But, oh, such magic when united. A life filled with joy, Joy chosen, A beacon of light Whose echoes radiate out On and on and on, Never ending, All because one person Opened her heart And dared to share her joy.
There is magic in joy, In the determination to embrace it no matter what comes. The realization that we are in control, Each decision truly ours, In how we react to life- If we choose wisely, We are forever changed. Joy is my religion, It is transformative, Able to turn darkness to light, Weakness … More Transformative Joy
I flew out of Lincoln, Nebraska, at 6am for Birmingham and home in this morning…really 5am with the time change. I have had such a wonderfully full and inspirational week with my best friend Diane on our Midwest recital tour (universities in Kansas), the Midwest ClariFest, as well as having time to be together … More Ruby Slippers and Patchwork Quilts
The past weeks have been packed full, and – if I’m honest- more than a little stressful. I just finished hosting my annual Clarinet Symposium (the 14th one at UAB), and after all of the work, worry and doubt, it turned out to be one of the best symposiums yet. Isn’t that usually … More On Dharmas and Joy
I found myself checking off the days, Waiting until joy would come again. Would it be a Tuesday? Maybe a Sunday? Would it surprise me in the morning or perhaps as the sun set? Would it come with fanfare, or with quiet reverence? Would it be like the coming of Christmas morning or the … More Checking Off the Days
2016 has been a wild ride for me in many ways so far, and I’ve often felt like I’m in the back of a roller coaster train that is wildly out of control. As I have a propensity to do, I’ve taken on far too many commitments in my professional life- all good and … More Finding a Touchstone of Joy on a Rocky Road
Today I found myself dancing with Joy, An intricate dance, perhaps a Tango? My partner keeping excellent time with the music, Each twist and turn bringing a smile to my heart. I’ve always had two left feet, But Joy led with confidence, Pointing out all of the beauty, All of the good in our path … More Dancing with Joy
The world seems to be in an uproar lately, more so than usual, with normally even-keeled people becoming seemingly unable to have civil discourse. It’s so easy to get caught up in the drama, in the petty battles that fly all over the Internet. I am finding myself pull away more and more…life is just … More Where Joy Lives
The View from Here 