When you discuss Leadership Education…

people tend to want to rush to get to the significant stuff.

You know…

the things you can see…

and measure.

The character traits, qualities…

and personal behaviors that validate…

and prove the success of methodologies.

Much of the time…

the greatest things produced in this life…

are built through practices…

and efforts…

that simply can’t be quantified.

This gets scary.

Because, you see…

when we really get down to it…

life is full of variables.

And interruptions.

And unpredictable things.

In fact…

it’s made up of them.

Leadership Education…

as defined by Oliver DeMille…

in “A Thomas Jefferson Education”…

has 4 Phases…

and 7 Keys.

People tend to aim for the one titled Scholar.

But reality suggests…

that we live a lot of life…

in Core.

My dear friend Rebecca Brandt…

writes at  MomsMustardSeeds.com.

Today…

and for the next 2 weeks Mon.-Fri. …

she is highlighting Leadership Education.

They are excellent pieces…

and she was mentored on a conference call…

with myself and Dr. Shanon Brooks.

They are wonderful…

and I encourage you to read them.

Perhaps “I read Rebecca”…

could be one of your quick contest comments here?

Just a thought.

Because you see…

when life hits you hard…

and you honestly don’t know if you can go on…

with faith, vision…

and hope that healing will occur…

you can pause…

breathe…

build Ferris Wheels for Little Green Men…

from scratch with no pattern…

and have your mom marvel that he doesn’t tip over…

even when the wheel is cranked because he’s so balanced.

If you’re ten…

you don’t have to be brave when grief hits you…

and can lay on your mom’s bed and let tears freely flow…

while you ask really tough questions about life…

and death and people you love leaving this earth.

And if you’re 17…

and have a huge life milestone coming up this week…

along with a 20 page thesis that’s due…

you’re secure enough in your relationship with her…

that you can be very vulnerable about your personal strengths…

weaknesses, disappointments…

and what you’ve learned and are still learning through all of them.

As the “Mom”…

you realize that this journey…

is different for every individual…

and that Core phase…

done properly guarantees that things will turn out right…

because physical and spiritual relationships are healthy…

and always what matters most.

And as the “Mom”…

you realize that vulnerability and raw honesty…

are two way streets…

and that those who are broken…

can’t help to heal others in the same place.

So you step back into Core.

And breathe.

And agree with the 17-year-old ( Son #3)…

to type said thesis…

if he will submit his mind map.

While you’re typing away…

and randomly discussing really deep things…

you look over to see this…

and then this…

and you realize that life may go on.

Later…

with many pages still to go…

and Son #3 begging for a break…

you see that the punk…

has uploaded this last photo…

where he’s “pierced” with paper clips…

to one of your friends…

complete with text messages…

stating that he went out today…

and came home looking like this!

Her opinions are clearly expressed…

and you stop and realize still further…

that life will go on…

time softens the sharp edges of grief and pain…

and Uncle Tim is laughing.

It also rings true…

that nothing truly great is accomplished..

whether through learning or executing in life…

without solid…

open…

honest relationships.

Yep, we’re going to make it.
Much thanks and appreciation to Dr. Shanon Brooks for investing in both Rebecca and me to mentor us in Leadership Education principles this past week.  Your passion for these principles, and the use of them to invest in people is always humbling and something I personally never tire of listening to you teach about.

Some days, I still wonder if I’m any more enlightened…and that’s okay. It really is.

I am not out to be the expert on anything…other than my own family…and what I offer you, is always done so…with the hope and intent that from my crazy life and world, you will perhaps glean something that will be of inspiration, use, and assistance on your own path and journey.

That being said…today’s offering is made up of some insights I’ve learned along the way…in parenting my 5 boys, while living life.  It is by no means comprehensive…Lordy sakes, no!…nor is it an end-all.  These things are shared in the hopes that I remain real, vulnerable, and helpful.

As you read this…I am in Cedar City, Utah…with Sons #2-#5.  Yes, I did just return from a family wedding Sunday evening…more on that Friday…and yes I’m tired.  However, Cedar City hosts a fabulous Shakespearean Festival…and Sons #2-#3 desired to attend.  Son #2 is passionate about him.  There is a time frame of opportunity.  Enough said.

I remember one particular seminar I had the privilege of attending with Dr. Oliver DeMille.  As he was laying out some tenets of Leadership Education, a woman in the audience..who apparently became rather shell-shocked as to the level of commitment…raised her hand and exclaimed,”Excuse me, but this methodology does not appear to be at all convenient!” Dr. DeMille chuckled and replied, ” Ya think?!”  Which brings me to…

1.  Any relationship worth cultivating, will not be built primarily on convenience.

Parenting has many “looks and styles” in today’s Dad/Mom market.  Decide what you want, and how you want it.  Unlike my blog…Hero Hubby and I didn’t wait for a style or methodology to “just evolve.” It’s easy to get into a mode of coasting along, and it pays to check in with one’s self regularly in regards to objectives, goals, and methodologies being used. It keeps things running well, in spite of what is going on in life.

At each phase of development, there are things to celebrate and things to work through.  It’s a fact.  Choose to develop, celebrate and work. There won’t be a magical time…when the people in your charge and care…choose to wake up…and confide in you and choose your company.  In fact…children emulate and model what they see.  We all give our lives for something.  Make it count.

2.  Be intentionally vulnerable.

There is nothing admirable about portraying an image that you are invincible. You’re not.  Get over it.

Because the sooner you do, the deeper your relationships will go. Sometimes, you just have to trust this process.

When my brother-in-law died…life stunk.  It stunk for quite awhile.  In fact, surrounding every milestone…every major accomplishment…every deeper life commitment…there are tears.  We cry for what could have been and isn’t. Yet in the midst of that…there is gratitude as well…for what has been defined and refined through tragedy.

My sister-in-law Nancy…is an inspiration and incredible resource for choosing a life of joy rather than bitterness.  I reference her frequently and love for my kids to spend time with her.  Part of choosing vulnerability, is knowing when you should outsource certain skill sets and examples…because someone else has been called to live them in ways that you possibly have not.  Be grateful for this, look for the strengths in people around you, and utilize and leverage them.  It maximizes your daily efforts and gives credibility and insight into what you’re building every day that will stand as your legacy.

3.  You can’t ever go wrong…investing in people.

Yes, it will be inconvenient in comparison to pursuing your own interests.  It is worth it.  Press on.

People are complex creatures.  It will be messy.  It is worth it. Press on.

Relationships that are deep and genuine trump performance and accomplishment in the final analysis.

In the final analysis…I want my sons to know…that people are always a great place to expend time and resources…for they are what really matters in this life and for eternity.

It takes time to cultivate…mold…and shape.

Relationships…like Rome…aren’t built in a day.

As Americans…we want a “quick everything.”

Legacy and quick aren’t well acquainted with one another.

Purpose or re-purpose…

to invest in…

build…

and pursue…

what can’t readily be seen…

today.

Because within families…

as the fruit begins…

to become apparent…

and legacy unfolds…

there’s simply nothing like it!

Friday…

I’ll be sharing some of ours.

in an area of Southern California…

that is affectionately referred to…

as “The Playground of the Presidents.”

It’s true.

Today…

while the nation…

paid their respects…

to Former First Lady…

Betty Ford…

we went about…

our daily business.

Following the services…

our community…

was given the opportunity…

to pay our respects.

When President Ford…

passed away…

in 2006…

we did then…

what we did this evening.

We boarded public transit…

after being screened…

by local law enforcement.

( Our 2006 visit…

included Secret Service.)

We rode to St. Margaret’s…

Episcopal Church…

where she was…

lying in state.

Two of our servicemen…

stood watch.

They were from…

the Air Force…

because President Ford…

served in that branch…

of our military.

Hero Hubby…

has a magic touch.

When President Ford…

passed away…

it was winter time.

Hero Hubby…

has a gorgeous…

American flag jacket.

Because Ford…

was Commander in Chief…

each branch of our military…

stood watch.

When Hero Hubby…

approached…

to pay his respects…

the changing of the guard…

took place.

I was behind him.

There he stood…

honoring a former President…

of the United States…

in that patriotic jacket.

It is a poignant memory for me.

Then, as now…

no cameras allowed.

This evening…

was different…

yet the same.

“Good Evening, Sir.

In five minutes…

you will be honored…

with the Changing…

of the Guard.”

Son #5…

was too young…

to recollect…

our last visit.

This was a special treat.

Mrs. Ford…

was a tremendously…

warm….

brave…

and community-minded lady.

In the 1970′s…

she spoke candidly…

about her battle…

with breast cancer…

when “such things”…

weren’t discussed…

in public.

It resulted…

in greater awareness…

and the saving of…

more than one life.

Later…

she confessed…

to both alcohol…

and drug dependencies…

went for treatment…

and of course…

became…

chairwoman of the board…

at The Betty Ford Center.

What incredible courage…

she exhibited…

while serving…

as First Lady!

Hero Hubby and I…

both had the privilege…

of meeting her.

And…

Luke Robertson…

contributor…

here on TommyMom…

has an older brother, Ben.

Ben was the Ford’s…

personal chef…

several years ago.

Our community…

is better…

for having them here.

And…

our nation…

hopefully remembers…

their service…

to our country…

in a time…

of controversy…

with gratitude.

It’s a privilege…

to have been a part…

of remembering…

them both…

and the experience…

of a lifetime.

Thank You, Mrs. Ford.

Rest in Peace.

but tired.

And I think…

I’ve consumed enough sugar…

to keep my insulin levels…

from testing normal…

until mid-March!

In many ways…

it is hard…

to let another year go.

You get…

into a groove, you know?

And things change.

A lot of the time…

I’m not certain I like that.

But nevertheless…

here we are…

on the brink of the unknown.

Embracing a “fresh start”…

a “clean slate”…

exciting opportunities.

I hope…

that this year…

saw many wonderful things…

for each of you.

I trust…

that you were tested just enough…

to come out…

the better for it.

That your holidays…

have been rich…

and beautiful…

in many ways.

I love the song…

whose lyrics I share here.

It’s time to savor…

the final moments…

of the holidays…

and to look ahead…

to 2011…

with anticipation…

excitement…

and joy.

I’ll see you next year…

and look forward…

to our continued fellowship.

‘Til the Season Comes ‘Round Again ~ sung by Amy Grant and Vince Gill

Come and gather around at the table

In the spirit of family and friends

And we’ll all join hands and remember this moment

‘Til the season comes ’round again

Let’s all try to smile for the picture

And we’ll hold it as long as we can

May it carry us through

Should we ever get lonely

‘Til the season comes ’round again

CHORUS
One night holy and bright

Shining with love from our hearts

By a warm fire,

Let’s lift our heads high

And be thankful we’re here

‘Til this time next year

May the new year be blessed

With good tidings

‘Til the next time I see you again

If we must say goodbye

Let the spirit go with you

‘Til the season comes ’round again

CHORUS

May the new year be blessed with good tidings

‘Til the next time I see you again

If we must say goodbye

Let the spirit go with you

And we’ll love and we’ll laugh

In the time that we had

‘Til the season comes ’round again

it is fast approaching midnight.

The 29th…

which is now today…

is nearly upon us.

In the living room…

we have several individuals…

attempting to duplicate…

the Beatles “Eight Days A Week”…

and it’s definitely not working.

There is lots of laughter…

and memories…

are being woven…

into the fabric…

of what would normally…

be “just every day life.”

Uncle Tim…

is here for a few days.

This spells one word.

F-U-N.

We had planned…

to visit…

the happiest place on earth…

today.

However…

3,759,210…

of our closest friends…

have also…

gotten that idea…

this week!

And…

to top it off…

it’s raining…

in Southern California.

The adjective…

used to describe…

the forecast…

was “torrential.”

So…

we’ll go to Los Angeles…

check out “touristy things”…

and make some more memories…

that may need to dry out a bit!

It is my hope…

that you have experienced joy…

laughter…

and enriched family times…

this holiday season.

The passing of Christmas…

has pushed the ending of 2010…

to the forefront.

We’re hearing…

the use of the words…

resolve…

and resolution..

quite a lot.

There are only…

three days left…

in this year.

A Resolution…

is…

“The act, operation or process of separating the parts which compose a complex idea or a mixed body; the act of reducing any compound or combination to its component parts; analysis; as the resolution of complex ideas…” ~ Webster’s 1828

The word Resolve…

means…

“To separate the component parts of a compound substance; to reduce to first principles…” ~Webster’s 1828

I love these definitions.

I think where…

my family…

my life…

my choices…

are concerned…

they are adequate…

and accurate!

Please…

when thinking through…

your resolve…

and resolution…

for 2011…

remember…

to be simple…

realistic…

and kind.

To yourself…

and others.

Life…

circumstances…

and choices…

can be complicated…

and complex.

The principles…

of Leadership Education…

are clear…

simple…

and organic.

When they are allowed…

to remain in these forms…

they are most effective.

When the expectations…

hopes…

and demands…

of a New Year…

reach a volume…

that can sometimes be deafening…

and are full of complexity…

that often overwhelms…

I hope you will..

“separate the parts which compose a complex idea”…

and…

“reduce to first principles.”

See you Friday,

Back when…

I had a tendency…

to lip off…

(many think I still do…and that’s okay)…

I would tell my mother…

“I will never …

have a child in December.”

I was right.

I had two!

And clearly…

I am a December child myself.

My mother-in-law…

also holds this honor.

Here’s what I have observed.

Son #1 is December 3.

The general sentiment…

at this point in time…

during the month…

is “Let the Good Times Roll!”

People are happy…

they’re festive…

they’re lovin’ the season.

My birthday is the 12th.

A portion of the spirit…

is wearing slightly thin.

People are looking…

at lists of “To Dos”…

that are…

at least a quarter of a mile…

in length.

They’re behind the eight ball…

under the gun…

busy.

Son #3…

was born December 18th.

Yes.

Exactly one week…

out…

from the big day.

If I could do penance…

I would.

Not for the kid…

but for the date.

Just clarifying.

Every year…

my dear…

friend-that-is-like-family…

Vicki…

treats me…

to a lovely outing for a day.

It means the world to me.

She is one…

constantly busy…

lady.

It also…

doesn’t go unnoticed…

that my family…

takes up the slack…

in my absence.

All moms…

need and deserve…

double sided allies…

such as I have.

This year…

we went to Orange County.

You either love it…

or hate it.

I love and adore it.

It is one of my favorite places.

Nestled in…

the hub…

of this bustling county…

is The McCharles Tea House.

This Victorian bungalow was built in 1885.

Audrey and Vivian…

are the lovely owners.

I cannot adequately describe…

their attention to detail…

their hospitality…

their sincerity…

their talent…

and their love…

for celebrating life.

They are mother and daughter…

and compliment…

one another beautifully.

Audrey paints…

and within each of her paintings…

are stories…

and memories.

In fact…

as she so aptly pointed out…

most all of our memories…

of Christmas…

are firmly rooted…

in the past.

Vivian…

does the cooking…

and together…

they make…

a heavenly combination!

The grounds are spectacular…

the decorating magical.

I was so blessed…

to sit and visit…

with a friend…

I dearly love…

but have limited time with.

I was refreshed…

in both body and spirit…

by delicious food…

and nature’s…

surrounding splendor.

People who strive…

to bring beauty…

to the world and others…

are special, indeed.

I pray…

that this season…

you will experience…

being refreshed…

so that you in turn…

may refresh others!

Mothers…

invest in the future tirelessly…

so that change can occur…

in the world.

It is a high calling.

We went home…

with a beautiful lithograph…

of Audrey’s painting.

It was a lovely gift.

May you gift yourself…

with even…

a couple of hours…

for a friend…

or family member…

in order to be refreshed?

Can you celebrate…

the beauty and splendor…

that abounds…

this time of year?

I hope so.

p.s.  don’t forget to comment, as I am giving away a lovely book!  More on that Wednesday.

You can even just say “hi!”

we officially enter…

double digit days…

in December…

and there are only 15…

of them left until Christmas!

Last evening…

I reflected…

upon one holiday specifically.

I had three children.

They were 7, 5 and 2.

Our Christmas tree died.

So…

in between…

everything else I was doing…

I had to remove…

all of the ornaments…

and lights…

drag it through…

the living room…

down the hall…

and out the front door…

to the recycle bin.

Needles abounded.

Three sets of sad…

sorry…

eyes…

watched…

while I fumed.

I was tired.

I had a lot to do.

I thought…

perhaps we might all…

be coming down with something.

Less than 24 hours later…

the flu virus…

hit with a vengeance!

Hero Hubby and I…

“took turns” being “sick”…

while the other guy…

helped…

the three little boys!

We somehow managed…

to get the second tree…

decorated…

only to have it…

die as well!

Fast forward…

to last night.

I had taken…

Son #2…

to the home…

of longtime friends…

so that he could purchase…

his first car!

As I rode home…

alone…

in my Excursion…

made for eight passengers…

I reflected…

on how very quickly…

the years fly by.

In the moment…

fifteen years ago…

I often felt…

as if moments were days!

This evening…

I found myself…

alone in a very large vehicle…

yet feeling crowded…

by wonderful memories…

that seem like yesterday.

It became a melancholy time…

when it dawned on me…

that this weekend…

when we will most certainly…

get our tree…

and attend our dojo…

holiday party…

that for the first time ever…

we will not all be together…

at these events.

Commitments…

obligations…

work-related retreats…

all clamor for attention…

and physical presence.

If you are weary…

dear mothers…

and fathers…

please try…

to relish the moments.

Be grateful…

for the presence of family…

togetherness…

seemingly insignificant…

events and routines.

All too soon…

those “little” children…

will be pursuing…

their dreams…

penning their goals…

taking their place…

in the great conversation.

I’m grateful…

that…

whether they are…

present or not…

I can connect…

through technology…

where they still make me laugh.

Son #1′s Facebook profile…

with the caption…

“You’d better be nice to me…I know people!”

I am privileged…

for the opportunity…

to see them cherish relationships…

with no peer parameters.

Time is fleeting.

A day is coming…

all too quickly…

when I will regularly ride…

and pursue…

things alone.

This year…

take some time…

to be sentimental…

and by all means..

make it a Christmas…

to remember!

When we last left off…

Son #3 was in a drum cage…

auditioning for music ministries…

and I was conveniently under a table…

sweating profusely…

because drumming…

hadn’t occurred consistently…

in broad daylight…

anywhere near me.

At least not that I recollected.

I was preparing to give Shirley MacClaine a ring…

when Son #3 finished…

and began sauntering my direction.

I hastily decided…

that I should attempt to appear…

calm…

cool…

collected…

and totally “un-phased.”

So much for that.

Son #3: ” Geez, Mom, you really should learn to relax more.”

Me: “Did I know that you drummed?!”

Son #3: “I’ve been playing for club…

(the community kids club I’ve referred to here on the blog…

not IN a club…praise God!)

for quite some time.  I guess you’re in the kitchen.”

No kidding!

Or, quite possibly…

in another state.

I did fix  a light dinner…

for the kids attending club each week.

Perhaps I was, indeed…

“out of the loop.”

Heaven forbid!

I mean…

isn’t the “mother mentor”…

supposed to micromanage…

smother…

and also run constant interference…

all while using vast…

relevant…

copious amounts…

of “LeadershipEducationese” to justify said actions?!

Me: “Why haven’t you told me these things?”

( I shudder even as I type those words today!)

Son #3 looked stunned.

“I guess it didn’t occur to me.

I just began to practice…

on my own.

I bought a drum pad…

and worked it out for myself, Mom.”

The nerve!

He continued…

“And now…

I’m going to approach a mentor.”

I think it appropriate here…

to admit that I…

have struggled with this child’s autonomy…

pretty much since his birth!

Actually…

our struggle began…

somewhat together…

during it!

He is most definitely his own person.

He’s uninhibited.

Rather “unusual and spontaneous” at times.

Um…”inspirational.”

Not easily controlled.

And Lord knows…

with the benefit of all of my personal forms…

from 12 years of public education…

I wanted predictability…

and coveted the illusive “control!”

And now…

he’s going to “look for a mentor.”

Please…

please…

please…

don’t let it be Tommy Lee…

the drummer from Motley Crue!

I held my breath…

and prayed a lot.

Praise God from whom all blessing flow…

it was this man.

None other than Kevin Smith.

I was humbled in watching…

the process that took place.

Kevin isn’t just any drummer.

He’s mentored the best.

Some of his students…

have played some pretty impressive…

professional venues.

They’ve toured with well-known bands.

Kevin is nothing short of amazing.

He’s humble…

soft-spoken…

driven with a passion for his craft…

a perfectionist…

when it comes to the details that set him apart…

and when asked…

wasn’t taking any new students.

Period.

Thanks for asking.

End of story.

Son #3 can be a very impetuous individual.

This serves him well on the up side of the quality.

He can make a split second decision…

focus with an intensity…

that makes you pray for mercy…

and achieve results that many give up on.

In the same vein…

he can decide…

in 20 minutes or less…

to abandon something he’s pursued…

and consistently invested in…

for a considerable amount of time…

in favor of “moving on.”

This was going to be interesting!

Initially…

he took the refusal in stride.

It was early in the game.

He continued to practice…

on the drum pad.

He got a set of electric drums…

with money he had earned himself.

This was a significant investment.

Roughly a year went by.

He met up with Kevin again…

and again…

the answer was “no.”

I was confident…

that he may rethink his passion.

An interesting event occurred.

Kevin signed up for a Drum Off…

that included drummers from all over the county.

He invited Son #3 to go along.

Kevin won.

Son # 3 was invited to the attend the “next step”…

in the process as well.

He wanted to go.

There were others included.

For the past two years…

Kevin has included Son #3…

in every drum competition…

or event he has personally competed in.

I continued to watch.

After roughly a year and a half…

Son #3 began to inquire…

about certain techniques…

theories…

and methodologies…

from Kevin’s former students.

Each of them was quite accommodating…

and gave him tips…

things to work on…

and suggestions for improvement.

When Kevin was asked yet again…

about whether or not lessons could begin…

the answer was…

that quite possibly…

he would be starting lessons again.

No date.

Kevin asked Son #3 to participate…

in a huge valley-wide event.

Thousands of people would attend.

Did Son #3 want…

to haul and set up…

drum kits for him?

He did.

In the heat.

Without a lot of conveniences.

The event was outside.

In the middle of a field.

Son #3 set up.

He tore down.

He went to more competitions.

And practiced diligently…

everything…

that Kevin’s former students taught him.

“Do you think you’ll be starting lessons soon?”

This was, again, the question that he asked.

“I have to build a sound proof room,” Kevin answered.

At this point..

Hero Hubby and I were both amazed.

Just last week…

there was a very prestigious drum competition…

in Los Angeles.

In keeping…

with what had become…

a normal routine…

Son #3 was invited to attend.

Kevin didn’t win…

but the individual that did was stellar.

Son #3 has been exposed…

for what has turned out to be…

three years…

to a full gamut of musicianship.

The good..

the bad…

the ugly…

the excellent.

At midnight…

when he returned home…

Son #3 was elated!

“Did Kevin win?,” I asked.

No.

He was awesome…

incredible…

amazing…

but so was the other guy.

Kevin had graciously offered…

to drive Son #3 home.

There was a reason.

Upon arriving at our door…

he turned to..

“Mr. Tenacity”…

“Mr. Faithful”…

“Mr. Loyal”…

“Mr. Persistence”…

and stated…

“By the way…

drum lessons for you…

start this week.

Be at my house at 7:00 p.m!”

There is a tremendous saying…

“When the student is ready…

the teacher appears.”

Conclusion on Friday…

see you then!

“A good mentor will most likely turn down the individual seeking to be mentored, the first time they make the request.  Quite possibly, the second inquiry will be met with a “no” as well.  It is a wise individual that continues to pursue the mentor that they know will help them to further their mission and goals.”  ~ Olivcr DeMille

I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Son #3 requested that I take him to our church…

so that he could participate…

in music auditions.

For those of you that may not be “of the church going persuasion”…

or have a differing “religious worldview”…

you need to understand something here.

My brother Tim..

affectionately refers to our church…

as the “church of Costco.”

It’s huge.

Depending on the time of year…

there are 3,000-6,000 people…

that come and go on any given weekend.

It’s a sprawling expanse…

of “building…

parking lot…

and lawn”…

that takes up…

a gigantic corner in town.

“Auditions” then…

mean that everyone desiring…

to play in any of the bands…

or for any of the events needing musicians…

“show up” on the given day…

in the given month…

to “strut their stuff.”

This particular day…

happened to fall…

on what I recollect as…

“one of the most sweltering”…

days in August.

I grudgingly trudged to my vehicle…

Son #3 happily in tow…

for the fifteen minute drive.

Upon arriving…

we were informed…

that the auditions were upstairs.

This experience was going to continue to be swell. (tering)

In order to conserve electricity…

only the rooms…

being occupied by church staff…

are air-conditioned.

The upstairs room we were ushered into…

was not one of them!

Do I need to remind you that heat rises?

I didn’t think so.

In spite of the heat…

the process was quite professional.

There was a microphone up front…

and each candidate…

was called forward…

when their time slot was “up.”

Son #3 is extremely musically inclined.

Hero Hubby…

growing up in The Salvation Army….

has had a standing rule in our home.

Two years of piano…

and theory…

and then afterward…

you may decide to pursue…

whatever instrument you’d like.

At the time of this audition…

Son #3 was deep in the throes…

of strumming the mandolin.

We won’t go into the two years of piano…

but suffice it to say…

that they were nearly the death…

of not only him…

but the three teachers…

that had him over this time span!

Sadly…

the teachers were also all in the same family!

And we like to think that they are our friends.

While they are not Roman Catholic…

it is my personal belief…

that they will…

at some point in their lives…

be receiving…

a special dispensation for sainthood…

for surviving the experience.

“Fate” would have it…

that one of said “sainthood candidates”…

was on staff at the church…

during the time of “this incident.”

She happened to “be passing through the room”…

right as Son #3…

was called to the stage.

She and I were now seated together…

at a table near the back…

as he walked (with extreme confidence)

towards “the goal.”

As he got up to go…

I noticed that the mandolin…

was strangely absent.

Me: “Psst…where is your mandolin?!”

Son #3: “I didn’t bring it.  I’m not playing the mandolin.”

(nearly) Saintly Teacher: ” Oh nooooo.”  (with that futile whistling tone)

It was then that we both spotted the drumsticks…

standing up in his back pocket!

I think that at this moment…

the beliefs of reincarnation…

and out-of-body-experiences…

endorsed by Shirley MacClaine…

flashed through my mind with accelerated speed.

“Did this son PLAY the drums?!”

“Was I gone for long periods of time with no recollection?!”

“Was he moonlighting somewhere while we were all sleeping?!”

At this particular juncture of time…

I did what any mature…

confident…

capable mother and mentor would do.

I ducked under the table…

to call Hero Hubby!

Son #3 was now in the drum cage.

There was no turning back.

The moderator of the auditions…

was giving instructions…

that were talking about beats…

and time signatures…

how the drummer would cue the rest of the team…

and now, quite frankly….

my profuse sweating had absolutely no correlation…

to the temperature in the room!

Hero Hubby was  ZERO HELP.

Zip.

Nada.

Zilch.

“I think it’s phenomenal that he’s giving it a try.  More power to him!”

No one but me…

(and it is, quite frankly all about me)…

seemed to be concerned with the fact…

that we hadn’t really ever seen him play the drums!

There was no doubt about it…

(nearly) Saintly Teacher got it.

ST: “You haven’t really heard him play, have you?”

Me: (still under the table) “NO!”

ST: “Well, listen up!  Because you’re hearing him now…

and he’s really good!”

To be continued on Wednesday…

when…

both stunned and floored…

I come back up from under the table…

to the land of the living…

to learn more life lessons as the mentor…

and recognize thriving musicianship!

due to the fact that WordPress has been down…

for the better part of the entire afternoon and evening…

and there was no possible way to access anything…

and in taking its “dive”…

it took nearly half of my post for tomorrow with it…

I guess that I will see you all on Monday!

Frustrating bummer of a deal.

However…

I leave you for the weekend with this great quote…

from none other than the amazing John Wooden.

“Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.”

Guess I need to get to know myself a little better!

I also wish a very Happy Birthday…

to my closest childhood friend…

mentor of paradoxical farm life…

and connection for Brown Swiss cattle..

for Will and Vernie DeMille…

none other than the amazing DeDe!

It is my privilege to call you friend!

Have a great weekend!