Versatility
...is the name of the game
Did you know that this fine artist…is the great composer Felix Mendelssohn? Yup!
I have such respect for the multitalented folks who can leap from genre to genre— sport to sport, art to art. A high level of accomplishment in several areas is not the norm, of course, but I can think of quite a few who have solid reputations as actors AND artists, musicians AND writers, etc. What do they all have in common? A willingness to try new things, even if they fall short. Anybody remember basketball legend Michael Jordan’s (brief) baseball career? I’ve always been so hesitant to explore different paths than my well-worn ones, largely because I hate the thought of failure and its attendant embarrassment.
I am determined to change my mindset one of these days. Who cares if my watercolors are not anywhere near the caliber of my artist sister Carolyn’s? It’d be so much fun to try!
Here’s a small sampling of very creative and versatile people!!
Comedic Actors Who Got Serious:
MARY TYLER MOORE (from The Dick Van Dyke Show to Ordinary People)
STEVE CARRELL (from The Office to Uncle Vanya)
ROBIN WILLIAMS (from Mork and Mindy to Dead Poets Society)
SALLY FIELD (from The Flying Nun to Places in the Heart)
A few famous musical types/fine visual artists…
\MILES DAVIS
BOB DYLAN
JONI MITCHELL
JANIS JOPLIN
“Music is a painting you can hear and a painting is music that you can see.” —Miles Davis
How about these solid writers who are also known for other pursuits?
WRITERS WHO COULD…ACT, SING, LEAD A NATION, ETC.
AND FINALLY, THERE’S GOOD OLD BEN FRANKLIN:
Statesman/diplomat, writer, publisher, composer, artist, inventor, scientist, and on and on…
It’s been said that Ginger Rogers could do everything Fred Astaire did—only backwards, in high heels. Well, Ben could do just about ANYTHING, in knickers and a spiffy waistcoat!
BLOG PREVIEW: WHAT’S MY THEME?
A leitmotif is a recurring musical theme connected to a character or situation (think of John Williams’ two-note, sinister “Jaws” theme—and then try NOT to think about the shark:-) But I think we ALL need a leitmotif, don’t you? Join me as I ponder theme music for our lives!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Wise and inspiring words from Sir Winston. This week, let’s try to be a little more versatile—and certainly let’s not be afraid to fail. Courage, my friends!!