All good things must come to an end, it seems: Exit interviews and reflections on vacations

"As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own."

—Margaret Mead

I sort of feel like this is the beginning of a Criminal Minds episode because I am opening with a deep quotation by someone famous.  Someone wise.  If it comes across as a bit condescending (which is my general feeling about the opening quotes of Criminal Minds’ episodes), I apologize.  It is not intentional.  The intention is to encapsulate a feeling that really has taken the full12 days of the vacation to arrive at.  Even so, I am not sure I have achieved that much perspective, but I am definitely in better mental shape than I was before I left. 

It is my belief that one of the keys to success is the ability to focus.  To concentrate on one thing, an activity—whatever field of endeavor you’re involved in—fully, is an important step to becoming really exceptional at that thing.

There is a downside, however.  The downside is perspective.  Laura Klock, one of my great teachers once said to me: “ Shelagh, you can’t drive all the time.”  She’s right—you do need to stop every now and again and reflect.  Take stock.  Eat a good meal, and have alcohol and caffeine, and not worry about whether the consumption of those liquids will affect you on your gig that night.  Or tomorrow.  Laugh at nothing in particular.  Look around, and actually see who you’re looking at instead of being preoccupied with where you’re headed and obsessing about the 6 dozen things you forgot to do before you left the apartment. Put yourself in the position to get bored.  When was the last time I was bored?  Who knows—maybe on a rainy Sunday when I was in High School?  Anyway, this trip has been great.  It has enabled me to remember who I am, which incredibly, is not the same thing as what I do.  Many of us, especially musicians, equate what we play, how we play, where and why we play with who we are.  It is almost impossible for those of us who have been doing one thing for so long—to be so invested—to not have the lines blur a bit from time to time.  But the lines are there if we look for them.

It’s a good thing I am feeling so fresh and lovely and pleased with myself, because picking up the horn after two full weeks off is going to be a pretty awful thing.  I haven’t taken that much time off since I graduated from BC.  That’s almost 15 years.  Feel the burn.   My most humble apologies to the good people in the Orchestra at Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical for what is in store for them tonight at 8pm.  :D

What a great experience this blog has been!  I had fun sharing everything with you and learned a lot along the way.  In closing, here are a few videos from the WONDERFUL people that I had the privilege to travel with and get to know.  Until the next trip.....

✌

This is Mary, who throughout the trip, bedecked in Vera Bradley, was always in good spirits.  She shares some of her favorite aspects of our trip here in this video.  Thanks, Mary!!

Irene Zebrowski, former teacher at Unqua Elementary!

This is Bruce and Carol.  Bruce took over as our fearless leader in Wes' absence.  He did a great job.

Pat shares some of her favorite moments here too.

Ann McPartland, beloved former drama teacher at MHS.  She got me through both "Ten Little Indians" ( I played Emily Brent) and "Harvey" (where I was Betty Chumley) in the 90's.  Despite her awesome influence, I found that UNDER the stage with a horn in my hand was the right place to be.  :D  Thanks Ann, it was great to see you.

....and Margaret Williams, my third grade teacher from Unqua.  What a blast to see her and spend time again trotting around Portugal as an adult!  It feels like such a blessing to reconnect to wonderful people in this way.

...and Doc shares his thoughts as well.


Much love to you all.  Hope to go somewhere wonderful with you again!!!


Love, Shelagh :D