[img]541|left|||no_popup[/img] Being self-employed as a musician in the summer is quite the ride. After weeks of an intense recording and teaching schedule, I awoke last Friday morning to an empty calendar… for three full days! On my way to a trail run in the hills near my house, I started imagining what I could do with this time. By the time I arrived at the trailhead, I had my plan.
Impromptu Adventure
I shortened and sped up my run, I was so eager to begin my journey. I decided to drive to Phoenix to surprise my mother with a visit.
One of my favorite parts of going to Phoenix is the desert drive. The six-hour trek on the 10 Freeway is always filled with panoramic views, long expanses of silence, and surprise insights. (I time my drives to avoid the fourth and least fun part – traffic.) I raced home (almost literally), dropped my car at the mechanic to get a quick inspection, packed my bag while they topped off my car’s fluids, and was out of my house within an hour with my cello.
Unexpected Lessons
I had a wonderful visit, and I enjoyed the drive both ways. However, my biggest lesson from this weekend (that I realized during my drive) was in my decision to make the journey. I have cultivated discipline and the ability to plan and execute so well, allowing myself a weekend of spontaneity was just what I needed to ignite my creative spark… and some new melodies!
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
