I was supposed to be writing, not looking at Facebook. That said, I did manage my daily quota of 2,000 words. In fact, I managed to write 2,324 words, thank you very much. And once I had, I found myself returning to the following post...
“In Washington DC, at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
After about four minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About four minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At six minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
At ten minutes, a three-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At forty-five minutes: The musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About twenty gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After one hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…
How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?”
And sure, there might have been some commuters who weren't in a hurry or under time constraints. But the first thing I thought of was far different. I couldn't help seeing the hordes of people who were rushing to their jobs, rushing to school and daycare to drop off their kiddoes in time to get to work and not be late...or else.
Or else they might end up with a pink slip. For those of you under fifty, a pink slip is basically a "see ya" from an employer. No more job. No more benefits. And no more money to pay the rent.
And while I'm sure the man who wrote the message meant well, I question whether he ever had to fight to survive from one paycheck to the next.
Just my two cents, take it how you will.
Book of Z
Around a year or more ago, I began writing in this lovely handmade journal I received for Christmas. It was an experiment of sorts. No notes, no script, no real research or planning. Strictly seat of the pants. I called it the Book of Z and I managed a total of 29 entries before I wandered away like an dog distracted by a squirrel.
In any case, I have returned to it. Book of Z is BACK! I have actually written four entries in it and will be releasing them each Monday in January (and hopefully beyond) as you and I discover the story along the way. You can find all of the past entries here on the website and I've included the newest entry there (#30). I'll also be posting the updates on my author page on Facebook for reader's convenience.
Do let me know what you think of this little story, I love getting feedback. Eventually, I hope to create a book that incorporates these various hand-written entries.
Time to Get to Work
Today is the first official day of EVERYONE being in school or daycare. Yesterday His Majesty started his first day of daycare and charmed everyone. Who could resist his toothless grin? And today, the girls are back in school. The house is free of voices (other than my own and the dogs) and I am looking forward to zooming through my 2,000 word quota for the day!
I returned to writing Winter's Child yesterday and managed 2,324 words. My goal is to finish it this month by writing at least 2,000 words per day, five days a week. Entirely possible!
I have been looking forward to this day for MONTHS!
Be well, good people. Stay warm, read lots of books, and let me know what you think of Book of Z!
Find Me on Facebook
Join my group General Malcontent's Grumbles and Scribbles on Facebook and get plenty of weird memes, the opportunity to read my newest releases for free, pics of the family, and other author news. I look forward to seeing you there!
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