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Barbara Ghebreselassie's avatar

Thanks for posting this. Book sounds wonderful. Remember this time in your life…my cowardice…dreading what I would say to you that made sense. Always in my head and heart.

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Bar Scott's avatar

We are all like that, Barbara. It's hard to know what to say and every person how is hurting has different needs. Some want to be spoken to directly, some would rather no one ever said another thing to them about whatever is hurting them. It's tricky territory. I was and still am so grateful for the collective support of all of you around me during that time. It was pretty incredible. Kept me afloat, no question about that.

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susan goldman's avatar

One of my favorite books!! That and his other masterpiece of imagination Einstein's Dreams. Did you find Mr g by reading Richard Powers' Bewilderment? I did and thought my grandson would like it but so far it's not Harry Potter....next time I'm at St Gregory I will look at the piano and remember that time.

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Bar Scott's avatar

Hi Susan, Thanks for reading and for taking the time to respond. I'm going to read Einstein's Dreams next, although I'm worried it'll be over my head! I heard about Mr g through Maria Paplova's Marginalia blog. My husband reads it regularly and he shared it with me. I think it was about ten days ago...I just heard from Jane Barsumian that a piece of hers will be played on that piano sometime soon. Love that! Thanks for taking a look at the piano when you're there. I hope you'll have a moment to play it, even if it's just one note. One thing I love about the piano is the lingering harmonics. Just holding one key down for as long as the harmonics are audible is a pretty great meditation.

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Caroline Vornberg's avatar

My dear Bar,

If you try to put words to your * lack* (HAH) and Mr g's creativity!!!!!.....well I can only join you and start *dissing*...I have had two art projects languishing. I never write for fun. I love some people and never tell them. I get stymied when considering inviting people to share my life -- get-togethers, etc. I've let plants die from lack of care, I don't even pretty up my home much cause I'm too unmotivated. All my life, I've struggled with anxiety and depression. This opened up my thinking and I will resolve to check off one or two of these short-comings....and announce it somehow. Your amazing creativity must need a rest or something. You do so much more than many, and yet you feel ennui....Wow. Hugs. Here's to creativity of some kind every day. Stay in that happy place, and create, huh???!!!!

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Bar Scott's avatar

Dear Caroline, We all seem to be struggling with some degree of depression these days. That doesn't make our individual cases any easier, but I do think it's true and there's comfort in knowing you're not the only one! My friend Abby always tells me to create something when she knows I'm struggling. It's good advice, but it's also the hardest thing to do: get started, that is. Once I'm into something, I have no trouble sticking to it. It's the getting there that I find difficult. I miss the days when a project could excite me and hold my attention for more than a couple of hours. I think a lot of it has to do with getting older. I remember a friend of mine giving me permission to do nothing more in a music production sense. She told me I had already done enough, to give myself a break. It was a real gift to hear that (since I think of myself as a slacker a lot of the time!) Anyway, sorry you're struggling too. The message that we're supposed to get something done in this America is wearing us all out!

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Sigrid Heath's avatar

This is wonderful, Bar, thank you. I needed to laugh a bit. And bless you for taking that nap and telling us about it. I’m also sunk in ‘a torpor of potentiality’. Cold, even here. Some days I stay in my PJs and robe and stare at my bed until I have no choice but to scramble in under my duvet. But the world spins on its axis as always and soon the season will change. Light will come in the open windows and doors and the energy to work, to create something beautiful, or to at least try, will return. And all the thoughts born while we napped will rise to to the surface, demand our attention, and we’ll start singing.

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Bar Scott's avatar

I’m a big believer in the creative force of napping! The brain continues to work, doesn’t it? Such a mystery. And I love the winter for its PJs and lying around. I tend to forget when I’m in the middle of it, that hibernation is necessary for creativity- at least mine. Hearing from you and others helps. Thank you. It’s been good for me to write again and find a way to connect. Enjoy wherever you are now.

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Savitri Sarah Nelson's avatar

I always wait to read what you’ve written until after I’ve done my writing for the week because I’m always excited to see how aligned our thoughts are! Wow - quite a lot this week. I can’t wait to read the book - sounds right up my alley. Grateful for you 💗

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Bar Scott's avatar

I love this! As always, I learn from you. Nice to continue our parallel journey…❤️

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Candace's avatar

“Unlimited possibilities bring unlimited indecision…”

I find myself paralyzed with indecision. My sadness IN the indecision makes things worse- and the spiral starts. Then, after a while, I pull myself up and create something. Some bit of joy.

However, these icey doldrums have me in their grip. The post of your crocus gave me hope. The spring is coming-and I am growing old.

Your piano and tribute to Forrest also gives me hope. What beauty you share. Even in your pain, you share beauty and hope and creativity and love.

I think I shall read this book!

Sending love and hope and joy.

Candy

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Bar Scott's avatar

The first time I read that line I wanted to cry. I’ve often felt overwhelmed by what feels like too many options when it comes to a lyric or a melody. Which one is right? truest? whatever? It freezes me too. I’ve often thought the reason we’ve developed forms for the things we make is to limit the number of choices we have. When I write a lyric I always count the number of syllables I’ll need to make it feel manageable. 52 syllables feels doable while anything at all does not! You’re a joy to me, Candy. Always have been. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement over the years. I’m glad whatever I’m doing is helpful. Thank you. Xo

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John Alan's avatar

Hey Bar❤️

It’s ok to be uninspired and to not create for a while. The echoes of your earlier creations are with you and with us. Those echoes reverberate and push and pull on other creators who experience it as inspiration for their own unique creations.

I’m ordering that book right now.

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Bar Scott's avatar

If you knew what I came up with yesterday for the song we’re writing, you’d know what an influence you have had. I hope I can get beyond the demo stage! Really like it. Thank you as always.

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Kirsti BG's avatar

Perfect timing for me to read this. Oh those pesky, paralyzing "unlimited possibilities". Thank you, as always!

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Bar Scott's avatar

...a stunning sentence that pretty much sums up my frequent paralysis. xo, dear Kirsti.

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