What I've learned

In part, at least:

Greatness begets greatness. That means those who are great in their creative lives are also great people. Not always the case, of course, but often enough that it gives me hope.

Stepping out of your comfort zone brings results. Duh, I know, but sometimes that's gotta be reinforced.

Things come in waves. Tomorrow you might feel entirely different about the thing you hated today -- or, for that matter, the thing you loved.

Pay attention to what you dislike, and what you are drawn to immediately. Expect that your reactions may fluctuate.

Be honest and go with your gut.

Ask yourself the question: "Who's in charge of me?" (Thanks to the composer who taught me that.)

If you need something and you have access to it, go for it. You'll probably meet with less judgment than you might expect.

But don't be afraid of judgment. Don't let it stop you from going the places you need to go and doing the things you need to make happen.

Take a day off. Go to places like Kittery, ME and Burlington, VT. Bring your camera or a sketchbook, or just a good radio and a curious mind. Stepping away helps you see a picture more fully.

Sing, especially if the acoustics in your studio make you sound like Diana Ross. Sketch. Take a video, make a fire, arrange flowers. Pace around and talk to yourself. Everything is part of the process, and if you contain yourself to a single activity, you will grow to resent the very thing that brought you here.

Speak your mind, especially when talking to yourself.

Tell the people you love that you love them -- at least once a day, and more is better. Love is rare, love is a gift, and that gift shines ever brighter at an entire country's distance.