Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Artistic Competitions


While the guys hold fort at home, DD and I will be going to an international piano competition. She- as a semi-finalist, and I- as her devoted chaperone.

DD adores competitions. We never signed her to any, as both DH and I are ambivalent about artistic competitions. She has signed herself, has won many, and insists she loves them. We have allowed it, but my ambivalence has not abated. I had to recognize that my way is not hers, and allow her to don her own wings.

I know that every time I submit a manuscript I have entered a competition of sorts. But to me competitions are like sausage- I don’t want to see how they are made. I don’t want to see who I’m up against, and be there when results are announced. Give me the privacy of a rejection letter opened alone, and I can deal with it.

In addition, the nature of artistic races is peculiar. I’ll take an honest running race with a stop-watch, a whistle, and a clear finish line. The Olympics, anyone?

DD, on the other hand, finds the gathering of the talented to be inspiring, and has formed friendships with kindred spirits. She loves listening to the music-making of others, and it helps that she often wins or places in these. She is much better suited for this world- bless her.

And this makes me very happy.


{While we’re there, this blog will go on a mini-vacation, as its driver will be in the service of that other venture. Great opportunity to re-charge the blogging batteries, and take a break from all things computer. I’ll be back early August.}

7 comments:

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Your daughter sounds like a winner to me, free of envy and just wanting to be part of the music. May she and you have a wonderful time!

Anne M Leone said...

Funny, one of my wips is about a girl who also relishes the competitive music world... great minds are thinking alike lately!

I'm with you, though. I really don't like performances, I really don't like seeing the eyes of my opponents, much happier to read rejections (or even acceptances!) in the privacy of my own home. But maybe if I was BETTER at certain things, I would enjoy competitions more. ;)

Anyway, enjoy your break, and best wishes to your daughter!

Vijaya said...

Oh, I am so glad that you let your daughter enter these competitions. Being competitive myself, there is something wonderful to be amongst peers who all love the same things. I think that's part of the magic.

Enjoy, enjoy ... and good luck to your daughter.

Tina Cho said...

That's wonderful your DD enjoys and makes friends at these competitions. I'm sure the competitions have strengthened her musical career just as submitting our stories strengthens ours. Have a fun technology vacation, Mirka! Can't wait to hear the results!

Shannon Hitchcock said...

Have a good time and good luck to DD!

Marcia said...

Congrats to DD! Had to smile at that competition/sausage comparison. See you in August!

Ruth Schiffmann said...

Love this post, Mirka. I'm not a competitive person either and competitions make me quite uncomfortable. Like you, I find joy in seeing that my daughters don't shy away from so many of the things that I do. Congratulations to your daughter, and enjoy your mini vacation!