It’s been a tough week at work with frustrations affecting my operations production. Those frustrations are outside of my direct control which compounded the problem. Normally, I’m even-keel but this had me on edge through the week – so much so that I have neglected to practice/play my mandolin. Somehow my mandolin knew, though, I had time to steal glances daily at the Café forums and classifieds. It could tell I was mapping out melodies on the fretboard in my head. I think I even heard it silently weeping in the corner, hoping I would open the case, pick it up and give it some attention. But, work, home and family took precedence this week.
Today, I took my mandolin with me to work - more out of guilt than desire. I knew I needed the play time but I also knew there was a good chance it would stay in its gig bag under my desk until quitting time. There was a lot to do and a lot on my mind. At lunch, I took it to the car, got a sandwich and drink at a nearby drive-thru, then headed to a large shade tree at a local park. A quick bite to eat and I decided to pull it out and tune it up. Over the next 40 minutes, I played, I practiced and I noodled with nary a care in the world. It didn’t matter that it was 100 degrees out with my windows rolled down. By the time I was done, something wonderful had happened – my brain and my attitude had reset. That beautiful little instrument re-mapped my thought patterns and relaxed me. I was ready for the rest of the day. It’s amazing what a little quality music time with an instrument you love will do. Yeah – some days are like that. We all need more of these “some days”. I know I do.
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