Learning

"Politicians use lies to create their own truth. Artists use lies to tell the truth." (this is from V for Vendetta)
"The Self is there without inventing it. And that entity of Self includes everything. It is not necessary to build fictitious reality" -Toshi Ichiyanagi.
"Could not the beginning of expression be the recognition of that part of one's self that cannot bear expressing?" - Toru Takemitsu

New York

I find densely populated cities relaxing, encouraging, exciting, and full of the joy of life! ;) Ah..... Just got back from New York ! I know that I could never do everything in a big city like that. Even if I had been born there, I would never get to see all the shows, taste all the cuisine, meet all the people. You just have to take all the opportunites that you can and enjoy it. You have to take advantage of the shows you do see, the food you do taste, and the people you do encounter. The great thing about such a city is that even if you have a lousy day and don't get much done, you still end up having a diverse and interestingly flavoured day. You communicate with a range of people, you take in a mix of cultures that you just can't elsewhere. And it works! I really want to go back soon. It woke me up.

Still here Mr P.

Thanks Mike for reminding me to update this blog.... :) The fact I haven't been writing is testimony to how busy my schedule has become. I am on the east coast after all... Fast pace, intense, demanding, and exciting. This first month has been interesting. I underestimated the effect that moving countries and cultures would have on my psyche. Perhaps I had a little too much bravado coming to Baltimore. Maybe that's why I had trouble updating this journal. I feel it would have been in poor taste for me to write something which was a little doom-laden, and frankly a little too revealing. I have found my groove now, and I'm back to practicing very hard, my fingers are inflating like good little polish sausages, and when I look at their girth at the end of the day, it makes it all worthwhile. I went to a wonderful concert tonight and saw Lukas Ligeti perform, along with works by his deceased father. It was terrific. Both father and son's works were inspiring, and I feel it is now necessary for me to listen to all of their compositions! I may even have a marathon this weekend. I'm making friends, who are really looking after me, and I'm beginning to get used to the idea that my life in Baltimore will be to an extent - insular. Maybe this is what makes a good student! I'm certainly ready to let Bob scratch me well beneath the surface - so as not to hurt me, but to make me stronger!