Relighting the Fire, or Getting out of the Musical Slump

Good day, all! 

I know what you are thinking... WHAT in the world does this pitiful little tree have to do with the title? 

All in good time, my pretty, all in good time... :P 

Have you, as a musician, artist, or child of God, ever been bored musically (or yes, even spiritually)? Is your creative spark or flame pretty much snuffed out? Where is that burning passion that you had when you first began to play or create? 

When I first began to play the bass, I would be so wrapped up in it - I would fall asleep with it sprawled across me. I would wake up and play, and dream all the live long day about notes, rhythms, cool riffs, etc... 

Every chance I got, I would play with people and explore new sounds and songs, practicing for hours.  

Well, I have gotten, as of late, into a bit of a funk... (no, not the good kind :) As much as I love the people I play regularly with, a bit of the shine has rubbed off the apple. We basically adhere to one musical style -more or less, and I find myself pedaling. a lot. Quarter notes have taken root in my brain.  #thatsanunderstatement 

How do I rekindle the spark that first held me captive? (and yes, as is often the case, I need a bit of a jump start in my walk with God as well...) funny how that works... 

That little tree, (thanks Rochelle M. for the pic), is a good picture of me right now. 

In many ways, I am down to bare bones... all the junk, pretense, and mechanical response is being stripped away...a good place for a fire to start, wouldn't you say? 

I am doing a few things to get back on track. 

• First of all, I maintain that this slump will pass... I won't stay in the doldrums forever. My creative juices will start working again, and the best is yet coming!

• Dare to stretch yourself- I recently began jamming along to some Vince Guaraldi and rediscovered the challenge and thrill of what made me fall in love with that bass to begin with. Branching out makes you a better player, and enables you to "speak more languages" as they say. 

• Keep venturing out of that comfort zone. We were never meant to stay there. It's too easy to set up a zip code in the comfort zone! It's only when we get comfortable with the UNcomfortable that we grow! What, ME play Reggae??? YES! Find tasty little riffs that you can insert into the right spots.Challenge yourself to break out of the same meters. It really helps loosen any monotony.

As far as my walk with my Creator? 

I make gratitude lists. Sometimes I have to start small. Like that bare tree, build wisely! 

"Today, I am thankful for ____________."  You fill in the blank. You would be amazed at how that can snowball. Even more amazing, the more thankful you are, the more you maintain a positive frame of mind. 

Meditating on what's true, lovely, and good... 

Now WHERE have I heard THAT before??   lol

God bless! 

Lori 

 

Grit and Guts

So, I am a dyed in the wool Red Sox fan. I love watching, (at least when I have time) the boys give their all, doing what they love to do! 

I think the thing I love best about them is that they don't quit. They're scrappy! 

"We don't give up, we don't give in," Will Middlebrooks said. It doesn't matter what the scoreboard says. We're going to come out, we're going to fight, we're going to grind it out." 1

There are so many parallels for me, personally.

As a musician, I can attest to giving all I have to a song. Whether writing it, interpreting it, or out and out note thievery, lol, there is generally an odious (to the non musician) amount of practice required. 

Heaven help the poor folks I live with, doomed to an existence of endless repetition. The same parts over and over and over and over and over and over... amen... (For you math types, think of PI :)

As a Christian, truly that line from Will Middlebrooks inspires me.

Like the Sox, I need an attitude of cannot quit. No matter what. As I watched that plucky team pull it's way out of the bottom of the glass, I determined, again, to dig in...  

• When the checkbook bounces so hard it makes a basket.

• When there is a diagnosis that doesn't make sense. 

• When the job is gone, the car is broken, and the cupboard is empty. 

• When there are no options. Period.

It has been a season like that for me. A really long one. 

So, I have two options. Give up, or go on. Option one isn't going to get me very far... 

So I look up and remember. I remember all the answers that I have seen; sometimes the question never even left my lips. 

Best of all, I am not alone. The amazing power of God and all of Heaven stands with me. As His child, I can take courage to keep going! 

"Be (stay) strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!" Ephesians 6:10


So, if you are tempted to quit, DON'T! That answer or breakthrough might be just around the bend. 


God Bless! 





1 CNSnews.com - "Napoli, Victorino rally Red Sox past Yankees 12-8" September 7, 2013 1:35 AM
Mike Fitzpatrick, Associated Press 

Who's in charge?

Hey there! Welcome back! I am never quite sure if anyone but Lori Haire actually reads this, so thanks Lori, in advance! lol *wink*

It was a great weekend - lots of bass playing and a super funky jam that still has my heart a flutter... you know... Hammond B 3/Leslie pumping from a keyboard and phat drums.... Happy Happy Joy Joy : ) yeah and some really tasty guitar too... stomping, funky, gospel lovliness... siiiiiigh...

Anyway, it was awesome... and with playing at church, it's just such a different dynamic than I ever had hittin' it in the clubs...

For one thing, the competition was grueling. Had to be THE best... and let me tell you, you might think that things have changed for women in music, but people STILL are surprised if you play aggressively... it can be a challenge to play well and keep your girlie "fluff factor" <3>

It does seem you have to be twice as good in many eyes to count.. sigh.. almost like the value of one muslim man = two muslim women... just agitating...

So, when I had a radical run in with the same God I had been running from all my life, it's been a whole new world playing for Him... and with His peeps...

For one thing, praying before I/we play does wonders... sure beats the lucky rabbit's feet and shirts :) they never DID work... lol

Then there is the difference between me playing in my own strength and letting Jesus play through me.. Ludicrous concept to anyone that hasn't been there... I know.. sounds really hocus pocus.. BUT.. now that he has made my heart His home, it's a benefit of being His kid.... ; )

And let me tell you.. having way more joy than I ever had makes for better playing too... and YES, you can be a Christian and still kick some killer blues... : D ... ask Lloyd.. He's the real deal... (If you are skeptical, read the Psalms -yeah, it's in the Bible: they aren't all written in Kings James English anymore, thankfully) ... the book of Psalms were written by a King that had to keep one step ahead of the sword at all times!!!

My struggle, truthfullly? Keeping humble... you see some awesome things, it can be a real challenge to keep the thanks at the source.. so if you are a praying kind, send one up? MUCH APPRECIATED!

Have an awesome week- and remember, if you want to heat up the place, TURN UP THE BASS!!!! <3>