Some things in life make me take notice. In another post, hopefully soon, I'll write my thoughts about church and work. But I am trying to finish a lovely novel Steinbeck wrote, 'Once There Was A War', put together from his war correspondences in England, Africa, and Italy. I was distracted by the YouTube Let's Play I was listening to so I am now listening to a wonderful video of Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto.
It really hit me during the beautiful clarinet parts of the 2nd movement - wow, music has such power to move. When I was a kid, I used to think that the 2nd movements were too slow and boring. As I grow older, I find myself moved by them the most.
And I want this to be a brief, impromtu blog post, but I must say that there's something delightful and charming about Steinbeck's writing; how he captures little details to give his stories and people and places life. I am reminded of how much I enjoyed Bruce Chatwin's great travelogue, 'In Patagonia.'
I'm so glad I took the time to read, which lead me to listen to Classical music. I don't understand much these days - why does art, in all its forms - affect me so? It may not be significant in any way, but tonight I feel glad to be alive. Not for the first time in my life do I wonder why I feel at war with myself: clearly part of me would be happy if I lived a life filled with music and literature and hikes with my camera. Yet, even knowing what should make me happy I choose to waste my time instead.
I miss music. But nothing is stopping me from living my best life filled with music. I am my own biggest obstacle and I don't have to be.
