Preparation is the key.
I practice for hours just to play for people to listen for a
few minutes.
I study a pattern and thread beads and wind shuttles to tat
a few rings and chains.
I consider and imagine the plan for the garden and add to
the soil and sift out the weeds and such to plant a seed.
I gather samples and print handouts and write outlines to
teach a workshop.
If I shirk that preparation, the experience of the concert,
the lace, the garden, or the lesson is just not going to meet anyone’s
expectations.
Yes, I know much is out of my control in all of those
experiences. If the talent isn’t there, the willingness and openness is
lacking, the water and critters make a difference. But, my preparation is a lot
more important.
I’ll be doing a lot of preparation in March. It’s hard to
take pictures of preparations. I’m sure you don’t care to listen to the
practice. I tend to forget to photograph the progress in the garden. I’ll do my
best, but I’ll be busy. Catch up with me at the concert and workshops. Take a
lesson or two.
In the meantime, here’s a picture of a trial of Karey
Solomon’s Buttonwood:
