World Wide Web

My life is like a spider web, full of thousands of connections that start in the center and grow outward. It's a web that spans the whole globe. Some of the connections overlap; some are friends, some are work-related, some serve both roles. Once every other month or so, I stop to ponder the life's web, the amazing network of people and experiences that keep growing and keep me growing.... and how they are all connected. And my web is multi-dimensional, multi-faceted. There are multiple sides to my network, even though some of the networks still weave in and out of each other.

In thinking about why I am sitting here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on this chilly day, I am reminded of all of my connections. Starting at the edge, and going towards the center, my musical connection with John was my immediate reason for coming here. He recommended me for the job. And John and I have another musical colleague to thank for our connection, as we both helped her out, and came to meet, by working in her new coffee shop in Cincinnati - John had just moved down from Michigan. And I met that colleague in another orchestra that I play in. I wouldn't have been playing in that orchestra if it hadn't been for the encouragement of a certain oboist who said I should take the audition (when I was 18). I wouldn't have met that oboist if I hadn't gone to Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). And I wouldn't have been at CCM if I hadn't had the fabulous coaching from Becky Andres, Jack Wellbaum, Brenda Parks and the countless other music teachers and directors that encouraged and advised along the way. And I wouldn't have met any of them if my parents hadn't encouraged me to take up an instrument when I was nine, or if I hadn't heard Brenda Parks playing a solo during a service in the church where I was raised. I try not to forget any of these people, as I really am thankful for their voices in my life and for the purpose which they have served. This web of people is but a small example. This was only from one exact point in my life to another exact point. There are hundreds of these that I could write about.

I wonder where will the web lead from this point? I have met so many warm and affectionate people here, folks that I would maybe consider friends already. I'm already looking forward to my next trip back and am a little bit sad to leave on Monday. I am enjoying myself. I will miss my new acquaintances: Nan, Sheri, Suzie, Jerry, and Nathan. Thanks to them for making me feel welcomed and for the various conversations.

I met a wonderful woman yesterday. I went for massage, something that I promised myself before I left home. While I have a little extra time off, and since I've had some shoulder/neck pain, it was a good idea - a little body and soul maintenance. I wasn't looking for a fluffy massage, like one gets at a spa, though they have their purpose too, I needed to work on a deeper, multi-dimensional level. I wanted a massage practitioner who was into the holistic arts. I did a little research before I left, but with little success. Long story short (thank goodness, huh?), I was led to Jamie Denson. She does massage work, Reiki, and other holistic arts. I recognize that often times physical pains can be manifested by emotional stress, and so I chose this pathway of healing over a regular massage. After a session of massage, warm stones, calming aromatherapies and Native American flute music, Reiki & Native American techniques, and stimulating conversation, by the end of my session, I had regained mobility in my shoulders and neck, felt less pain, and felt much lighter, and much more free. My energy is back. I'm thankful. I look forward to staying in touch with Jamie. She and I share many commonalities and she was a joy to talk to and learn from.

I'm feeling rested, relaxed, renewed and enlightened. I'm thankful for my web and it's ever-expanding network.