An Interesting Life

You know, I've been thinking, and I lead an interesting life. Of course in some cultures this is the ultimate "backwards compliment", kind of like "may you live in interesting times".....obviously, "interesting" can cut both ways. But in the past two weeks I've watched someone die and I've held a newborn. Not your usual circumstances.

The death was that of a gentleman at my work, UNC, who died after three surgeries on three successive days. By the end, I'm sure death was a release for both him and his family. The new baby arrived in the home of my sweet next-door neighbors: it's a girl, Annabelle, and it's their first. By the end of the pregnancy, I'm sure the birth was a release for both her and her family!

These events, and so many others, combine to give me a perspective on life that, I think, is not available to many. I'd like to imagine that I appreciate things more, savor life, pay attention to more nuances. I'd like to think it informs my singing and my interpretation of lyrics. Impossible to know, I guess. However--I am grateful for the opportunities and the inspirations, good and bad, positive and negative, sweet and painful.