03 January 2011

Butterflies in January

I was in college and although I wasn't a harp major, my teacher asked me to join in the other harp-major quintet to perform in the major recital of the year.  Not only was I playing with the harp majors, but the piece we were playing was composed by one of the most well-known harpist in the harp world.  AND he was going to be in attendance that night.  If that weren't enough pressure, I had a small small solo in the very beginning.  It wasn't difficult, and in fact I learned it right off and began to tackle the more difficult remainder of the piece.

The night came.  Our five harps were set up in a semi-circle and we walked out on stage and took our seats.  Could we say my heart was pounding and a whole ramble of butterflies in my stomach, trying to escape?  We began our piece and my turn came for my itty bitty solo.  What came from my harp was a discord, mumbled, jumbled mess.  It was as though every single one of my fingers were on the wrong string.  I wasn't sure what to do, so I just stopped playing.  Luckily the next soloist jumped in with her part.  I had just flopped in front of hundreds of people, my fellow harpists, my professor, and the very composer.

I learned something very valuable, however.  Those few simple measures I was so confident about should have had my attention as much as the remainder of the complicated piece, and it certainly didn't keep me from playing again.  

Recently I was asked to participate in a miniature version of Project Runway called Project Play and Run.  Every time I thought about it I would get butterflies in my stomach and my heart would be a bit faster [just take a look at who I'm up against], which meant I was being challenged, which is what we all need sometimes.  Those ruts get awfully comfortable, cozy and easy, you know?  Each week we are given a new challenge [that is if I don't get voted off immediately] that we interpret and come up with a look for a child that falls within the theme of the week.  I'm excited.  And nervous.  But I do love a good challenge, even if I fall flat....on my fingers.


15 comments:

  1. I don't believe you are nervous one bit. You have all the confidence. You got this!

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  2. Ohhh so excited! Can't wait to follow along :) You are going to do great! Think of how much you have to share, not just within the sewing world, but with your life. Shine your light!

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  3. I am certainly excited to follow along and see what you create! Good luck!! You'll be fabulous.

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  4. Is this the the same Caty who went on a study abroad to Paris in 1998? Very cool blog a very beautiful family!

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  5. Em beat me to it. Is this Katy from Paris? If it is, I found your blog in the strangest of strange ways. You are as beautiful as ever and so is your family and blog.

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  6. Monica and Emily, you both need to email me pronto!

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  7. can't wait to see what you do. love all your creativity.

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  8. I'm super excited! Good luck, you'll do great, I just know it!

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  9. What a great story and a really important lesson. Best of luck! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  10. I can't seem to find your email address on your blog. Help? therichfamily@gmail.com

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  11. Oh KATY! How great! You are going to to fabulously!

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  12. I feel the same way, Katy! I am so nervous. I think it will be a fun time - even though as I right this I have butterflies in my stomach - LOL!

    Have a great day,
    Lindsay

    PS: You're going to do GREAT!!!

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  13. i'd never heard the harp concert story. thanks for sharing—especially for the words of wisdom, too.

    good luck in the competition. i hope that above all, you ENJOY it.

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  14. You will do great! You have such a unique and inspiring perspective on your designs and I can't wait to see what you do! Good luck!

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  15. I can't imagine you being nervous... you're sewing is so gorgeous! My personal goal is just to make it to Week 2. :)
    So fun to be doing this with you!

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Be a lamb & tell me what's on your mind.