Ode to a pretty blonde girl

Once upon a time, there was a girl who looked like a younger, prettier version of Suzanne Somers. Someone (that would be me) told her she looked like Suzanne Somers but I don't think she liked that. And yes, I did include the younger, prettier part. Otherwise I would have really insulted her.

Anyway, this girl grew up with a burning desire in her heart to be a wonderful musician. She had many trials and tribulations. Her adored high school teacher moved away during her last year of school, she struggled mightily with a proficiency test in order to graduate from Conservatory.
Many auditions didn't go her way. Her beloved instrument always seemed on the fritz, needing regular repairs. Sometimes she had to make emergency dashes to substitute repair people, not knowing whether they'd fix the problem or make it worse. Her musical collaborators were often the source of much frustration and many tears.

She also had many honors and triumphs. She won several competitions as a soloist and chamber musician. She won an international solo competition where the prize was a new instrument! She's played in Carnegie Hall several times, played in Europe, played in summer festivals in the western United States. One of her former teachers, an international star, invited her to concertize with her, a high honor indeed. The same musical collaborators who were a source of frustration and tears were often the source of profound
musical satisfaction and great achievement.

She married a great guy, has a wonderful family and many, many friends who care deeply about her. Oh and she looks hot in red!

She's continuing her journey, experiencing both disappointments and success. What I admire most about her (there are many things-did I mention the hot in red part?) is that she reaches for the stars. And when she can't reach any more, she stretches just a tiny bit further, willing herself forward with determination and focus. Sometimes she touches the stars, sometimes she doesn't. While I want her to get what she wants, what is really inspirational to me is that she keeps stretching. And growing. And learning. The outcome is less important than the act of becoming more of who she is.

I root her on through her journeys. Most of all, I want her to take her rightful place on stage. The stage of life, that is, where she trusts herself, her judgement, her perceptions, her wisdom. Where she allows the love and support of her family and friends who adore her so much to give her comfort and solace and help her celebrate her successes. Where she can relax into the beauty of spirit that she is.

The moral of the story?
There are many-choose the one you like.

Here's mine:

Don't tell a 25 year old they look like a 50 year old!
But do tell them they look hot in red.
:)

Laura