Snatch It Up

I've spent about twelve years of my life as a piano instructor, and then two more years teaching preschooler music classes using a program I created: Little Music Masters. I loved it! It was fascinating to observe the wonderful personalities and individual talents displayed by each of the hundred or so students I had the pleasure of educating. Uniqueness was particularly apparent in the preschool-aged children, I suppose before society had the audacity to squelch some of their non-conformities.

During this time, I learned about one of the most valuable attributes that a human being can possess: pure determination and will-power.

Many are born with 'natural talent' in music, in others a gift in mathematics may be obvious, and sometimes the less-noticed, but much more valuable blessings of patience, ability to nurture, or to be generous, kind, forgiving, etc. may be noted. Sadly, the gifts of the Spirit can be less evident in our society. If you are so fortunate as to be naturally talented in one facet or another, please, own it. Make it great, and then share it with the rest of us! None of it matters if we don't develop what we've got.

What's the point in taking music lessons if you don't practice? What's the point in being on the track team if you don't run? At times, an individual's natural potential is recognized and encouraged to grow, but I'm here to tell you that potential can disappear if it's not exercised and used.

I've seen average students excel and become great performers because of their sheer will, their work ethic, and their drive to succeed. They saw something they wanted and chose to make their desire a reality. It works. You can create your own success if you want it badly enough.

Dream of becoming something great? Take it, snatch it up, make it real; choose it. The key is not what you're born with, it's what you choose to become.

"Amber, it’s not up to me, not up to Hollistair, not even up to your good grandmother. It is as it’s always been; whatever you want, you need to snatch it up,” he grasped his hand in the air, “make things happen—but, go about it cautiously. If you knew how many are waiting to help…"

~Leman Hirsch, Amber Grey-the lost city

Who We Are

“…it is never the task of the oppressed to change for the oppressor. In other words, we live our lives giving mankind the best we have to offer, and if our best offends another, we cannot change it, nor should we. It is a part of us; it is what makes us who we are.”

~Julia Grey, Amber Grey, calm before the storm

No one is born perfect, and, yes, we all have the opportunity to improve ourselves, as we should, but much of what we do possess when we come to this this earth is irreplaceable, invaluable, special and unique to each of us. These distinct attributes make each of us who we are, and are our foundation for growth. They are the seeds of greatness.

Yes, you can be great in your own way. It’s an invigorating prospect, and one that requires much introspection and perseverance, but every moment you spend choosing to build yourself in a positive manner is a moment of magic.

Would you lovingly toil for years creating a masterpiece, and allow someone to crush it? Wouldn’t you do everything in your power to protect it? Please, please, value the good you create enough to defend it when others might try to tear it apart!

Ever make a mistake? Ever do anything you regret? Then fix it. Learn from it. Don’t repeat it. Move on, and use your experience to help others.

Can we do any better than our best? No. Is that good enough? Yes.