#AtoZBlogChallenge: V is for Violin

I've been feeling a bit run down lately. Too much travel, too many irons in the fire, too little time to stop, breathe, and think about what I do and why I do it.

Last night I had the opportunity to see one of my favorite storytellers and performers John McCutcheon. To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to the concert. It had been a long day, starting with a 7:00 AM breakfast meeting, and I didn't know that I would be awake enough to enjoy myself.

Then John took the stage. For 2 1/2 hours he played guitar, hammered dulcimer, violin, and piano. As a folk singer and master storyteller he regaled us with tales of union organization, Christmas in the trenches, and cherished family memories. Each song, each story, a nugget of passion and wisdom. At one point, as a tribute to the recently departed Pete Seeger, John had the whole audience sing along to This Land Is Your Land. For the first time in weeks I felt alive.

It got me thinking: What are ways that I "replenish my well?"  When I'm running on fumes after a long week, what gets my creative juices flowing? I knew the answer. I've always known the answer. But it's easy to forget.

For me, my replenishment comes from hearing other's stories. From listening to their words, some put to music, some shared around a campfire. My favorite phrase in the English language? 

So I pose the challenge: In what ways do you take time to replenish your well? What do you in your daily life to ensure your passion and voice stay vibrant?

The answer might be closer than you think.