October couldn’t have been crazier, more dynamic, more exciting, and more challenging. First, a few things: I’m so glad I play the guitar. I’m so glad gas prices were dropping as I drove. I’m so glad my car gets good mileage.
Somehow I managed to drive 2857 miles, starting from Northern California, going as far as Vancouver, and finally making it back down in one piece. Along the road, I met some of the nicest people, saw more lumber trucks than I ever imagined, stayed with some of the most hospitable folks, and had some of the best times in my life.
Between the shores of Seattle and Vancouver, and the 7000ft-high Crater Lake in Southern Oregon, between the small churches and the rowdy high school classes, I’m reminded of the immense priviledge it has been to be a guitarist. These opportunities of meeting people I’d otherwise never meet, staying with them, sharing stories and thoughts with them, the opportunities of seeing so much of the west coast in 2 weeks — this is one of the stories of my life, told in part through music.
Artist Francesco Clemente once said that, “Life is the priviledge of sharing your story”, and my joureny up and down I-5 was exactly that. Some of the things were a bit stupid along the way. Driving in 7-hour shifts pretty much kills every nerve in your body. I waited about 2.5 hrs trying to get back into the US from Canada. Traffic sucked at times. Sleeping at rest stops definitely reveals the less glamourous, less adventurous side of road trips.
But, on the other hand, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The crisp, cold air up at Crater Lake. The warm smiles of my hosts and audiences. The jolly beers at the local bars. All those tall redwoods. Seeing Mt. Shasta from a distance, then watching it tower over the horizon ask you near it, and feeling some sense of awe and power as you drive past its shadow. Visiting an old friend from high school. Listening to every NPR station from CA to OR to WA. Even the stench of skunk or the unfortunate remains of roadkill as you drive along the interstate. Just to give you a reason to make a face.
Now that I’m back in California, I need to say that I’m very thankful to the schools that I teach at (Northern California School of Music, Music Land School of Music, Kwan Music) — they’ve been very understanding and very supportive of my erratic teaching schedule.
Again, I feel lucky to be a musican and grateful to have had the opportunities that I’ve had along the way.
nice blog yo.