A Time To Build Up, A Time To Break Down…

There are a lot of things on the upside of this latest development. For one thing, the last time I lived in Phoenix, I moved down there just ahead of the summer season and left at the end of a long, hot summer. Not very good timing. This time, I’m at least in better tune with the seasons! I know more people, I have good friends who have already blazed the trail, and I have the hope and expectation that this is at least somewhat seasonal, if not temporary.

With a little luck and a lot of hard work, I do think it is possible to keep my place in the mountains as a sanctuary and retreat from the worst of the heat and congestion. If not, at least I will have already taken some of the actions that would have been necessary anyway.

I’ve learned a lot since I left the Valley 16 years ago and, while some of my skills may be rusty, I’ve made huge strides on the software development front lately. My earning capacity has increased a great deal in the last few months in that area.

This is also pushing me towards a much more realistic assessment of my time and energy capabilities, and I’ve made some hard-edged decisions about focus. I am cutting out harp for anything but my own enjoyment and, depending on how things develop over the next year or so, I may even sell it. It is not my first instrument and it’s taking time away from developing my guitar. So is playing old repertoire. I’ve canceled the Sept. 19th Coffee Bean gig. I’m not going to be doing that music anymore and I don’t want to waste any more time on maintaining portions of that repertoire.

And there are all of the usual benefits of life in a big city – more cultural activities, more things to do, more stimulation in general. I’m looking forward to being part of a much expanded and more vibrant music scene. It will challenge me and help me grow. F1 and I are already making plans to take flamenco dance lessons from Yumi la Rosa again and to practice our Spanish together.