Ready, Set . . . you know

Last night was an evening of R&R. And no, I don't mean Rest & Relaxation or Reading and Reminiscing, I mean Rock N Roll! My new friend, a boy who has managed to introduce me to so much more livelihood than just music, took me to see one of his all time favorite bands in concert. Coming from a person who is more often than not a purist in many respects, including his musical tastes, I have to admit that I was mildly shocked to be one among the crowd of rowdy, uber-fans who came to literally thrash for this Norwegian band hailing direct from Oslo. It was beyond great. I remember having my hand on my heart and feeling no pulse, just drum, base and reverb. The guitar solos, the costumes, the intensely evident need for call and response audience participation - this was a show that truly did rock my world.

As a lady with a strange affinity for feathers and all things bird, I wore my favorite shirt to the concert, it has mini wings. They aren't really wings, but to me, they look like the beginnings of wings, baby angels. Riding my bike to our amplified destination behind a pro was intimidating, but I had two secret weapons beneath my coat, and so I soared. Without flying, I did, however, feel slightly in flight. Last night was the perfect prelude to my day today, an anniversary. And had I not been working where I am now, I wouldn't have met my evening's co-pilot. Perhaps we'd have met sometime or some place else (like an alternate universe), but I'm glad I was where I was when I was for more than one reason. One year ago, I landed the job that I thought might lead to the position of my dreams, allow me to flourish and yes, spread my creative wings. Not so. Nevertheless, I think about Maya Angelou and her most fitting, ever timely words, "where you are is exactly where you need to be." But where this painted birdie needs to be, is away from the coop.

Yet, here I've been, and still continue to be. But for how long? Sigh. Tonight, upon retrieving mostly bills and un-fun credit card courtship proposals from my personal post cubbie, I found a small box, the size of a compact disc, addressed to moi. It was a gift, complete with two notes - one federal, the other heartfelt text - from one of my most favorite mentors and fans, Adam J. Because I can't do his words justice in summation, I will instead showcase some of them here for you to read. I know I've said it before, but you know what, I'm going to say it again, because repetition often leads to memorization, saying it can make it feel real . . . I am loved, as are you. And it's so unimaginably important for us all to remember that somewhere, somehow, by someone, you are loved and appreciated and noticed . . . often it's easy to ignore, but it's too important to dismiss and since we all need reminders, please allow me to take the gift of assurance and significance that Adam J has given me and share it with you . . .


There often emerges a gentler profile in the eyes of those who can appreciate an assembly of truly gorgeous feathers . . . and even if it's not quite the perfect time . . . you just can't easily accept your unique plumage being used as stuffing in a corporate pillow when you are such a beautiful bird.

Make sure to shake a tail feather or two on your way out of the coop, (your name here) . . . since you are by far the rarer bird in most flocks - and the one with the most unique and colorful plumage, right?

Fly away with me today . . . listen to your favorite rock anthem, leave a job behind, or simply prepare for said take-off . . .

Thank you Adam J.