'Be anxious for nothing..." ~Philippians 4:6

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

WEDNESDAY THOUGHTS: HARMONY




















I love music—all kinds of music.
I’ve loved to sing ever since I was a child. 
I’m I thank my parents for sharing their good taste in music. 
When I listened to records in our basement, I always sang along with the background vocalists. I always heard the harmonies. 
I love my "20 Feet From Stardom" experiences. The opportunity to work with people I've admired is such a gift. It's also nice when people have confidence in your ability to support them.
There's something very safe and secure about singing in the background. Obviously, you're not out front. There's no pressure.  You may be nestled in a nice comfortable space where you can take your shoes off, and not worry about wardrobe malfunctions, bad lighting, or wires all over the floor. You're there to be a help; to be encouraging; to fill empty spaces; to push another person to be their best. Sure, it's fun, but it's work, too. It's a job you just can't be lax about. It's precise. You're a part of a team. No one has to know your name. You have one task. Sing your part and sing it correctly. All you have to do is remember, listen, think, smile, look alive, and do your very best to form a perfect, seamless blend with your fellow singers. Your part can't be weak or missing. It's not about you. You don't have to make any sudden moves. Just stay in your space. 
Every now and then, you'll be challenged to step forward. Audiences tend to like it when the background singers have skills. They didn't come to hear you, but they do acknowledge when you get it right; when you respect their favorite performer enough to know their music and lyrics like you've been singing them your whole life. In the privacy of their home or cars or showers, they're background singers, too, and they know exactly where you're supposed to come in. You can tell, because they're singing with you from their seats.
Most background singers are quite happy where they are. Solos are nice, but hearing that ringing when the harmony is tight is a wonderful thing. The folks I know love harmony and actually prefer the sound of their own voice blended with the voices of others. Harmony is a blessing--in music and in life. It's great to deliberately achieve and maintain it.


LESSONS FROM THE YARD

It thrived and grew tall--the way a maple tree should--weathered storms, provided shade, beauty, and a home for birds. As it grew, its branches got entangled in the power lines, and they've co-existed for quite a while without incident. The tree maintenance crews have been inspecting in the neighborhood for the past few weeks. Because the power lines are a priority, the maple tree, in spite of its status, longevity and benefits, won't be pruned, or gently uprooted and replanted, but completely cut down, and reduced to kindling and wood chips. It's been deemed unhealthy. A stump will be all that's left when the work is done. I wonder if the tree would have a different fate if the maintenance crew had represented the Arbor Day Foundation instead of Pepco.
The tree didn't do anything wrong to cause its demise. It simply wasn't planted in the right place.
It matters what (or who) you get entangled with. 



So, my attention is now focused on the azaleas. Three bushes seemed to be okay, but the other two weren't flowering much at all, and some pale, brownish vine was taking over the beds they share with the evergreen shrubs. I found a straight rake in the garage and it took care of the vines. Just breaking away dead branches have helped the look of the bushes, too. I noticed a big difference in a matter of days. (Thank you internet for so many suggestions and how-to's). I'm on a mission to restore them. I remember how full and lush they used to be. It was because my mother faithfully attended to them. 
I don't want to blame their condition on the deer families in the area, but I've read that when what they like to eat is scarce, they'll eat whatever is available (like people do, I suppose...lol). I wish they were as fond of the bamboo in the back yard that seems to be making a comeback. 
Funny how the stuff you wish would go away holds fast. You can't be passive about it. It may have been pretty and harmless at first, but if you don't pay attention, it'll take over. It can't just be cut back. Unless it's dug up from the root, you'll have a jungle on your hands.

Friday, April 22, 2016

ON THE JOB

When you notice that your responses to old triggers are different, or non existent, you'll laugh out loud, at yourself, and wonder why you ever responded in the first place. Too emotionally attached? Too quick to take offense? Too naive? Too sensitive? No. Just human--and a bit wiser.

It's nice when they do, but no one should have to tell you that you're doing a good job. The evidence will be there. Be your own supervisor. You know the job description and whether you have the capability to get things done in an effective and efficient manner. If you're honest, you know whether you have been consistent or slacking off. You know when criticism of your efforts is constructive or antagonistic. You also recognize attempts to manipulate you into stepping up your game, or make you feel insecure. You don't always have to document your day, but, at times, it's good to be able to back up your words with evidence. Stay focused. Do your very best, no matter who is or isn't looking.
 
No. You don't have to do everything. You don't have to put out every fire. You don't have to entertain every comment. You are in place and willing. You are secure. You are competent and faithful. Even if sporadic help approaches as if it has been anxious to compete with you, snoop, or minimize your efforts, that's not your concern.
Do your best.

FRIDAY THOUGHTS: REST IN PEACE, PRINCE




















Okay. Yeah. I'm kinda misty. 

Yes. I went to the theater to see "Purple Rain" in 1984, and still watch it when it airs on TV. 

Yes. I think"Rave Un2 the Year 2000" is one of the greatest music videos ever. 

Yes. I have watched his interviews with Tavis Smiley, George Lopez, and Arsenio Hall several times

Yes. The only time I ever watched 'New Girl" was because he was a guest star. 

Yes. I've driven from DC to Bowie, Maryland and back only listening to "Musicology"---the song, not the whole album. (That song is good, happy driving music.)

Every time "Purple Rain" played yesterday and today on the news, I felt a lump in my throat. 
No. I didn't know him. 
I never met him. 
The closest I got was meeting members of his amazing horn section in 2014. 

I hated seeing his name trending on Twitter yesterday. (I'm beginning to dread seeing anyone's name trending on Twitter. 
I still can't bring myself to tell my "Everybody Loves Raymond"-loving Dad that "Marie" has died. he thought she was "something else".)

Reading, "Prince Dead at 57" just doesn't seem real or right. 
Someone only 2 years older than you are, dying suddenly, and alone? That's a bit unnerving, no matter who it is. 

No. I am not entitled to any information or details, no matter how big a fan I am, but like fans everywhere, we always think we have a right to know stuff about our favorite celebrities, as if we're going to do something should anything be amiss. 
We won't be comforting anyone. 
We're not going to the wake or funeral. 
We're not going to pay the mortician, or go to the burial. 
We have no stake in anything
We just know that we're not going to get any more new music, and if we do, it will be because someone found something, had the legal right to release it, and will profit off of it--whether the deceased wanted us to hear it or not. 

Once again, an individual will garner more wealth in death than in life. 
We won't know if his wishes will be honored or not.

Unlike family and true friends, we can go on watching our videos and listening to our music, and not feeling any real, deep loss because we had no real relationship. 
It's all so sad. 
What makes me sadder, is that no matter what your contribution to society may be, there are those who seem bent on tarnishing it, starting rumors, and digging for dirt. 

It's not idol worship that we stranger-mourners are engaged in. It's just admiration for the phenomenal way someone chose to use their talent. 
God knows, it takes a lot of guts to expose oneself and one's talent, to what can be a critical and cruel world. 

No. He wasn't the only guitar player on Earth, but he sure was great--really great--and yeah, somewhere there's a little kid who is just as gifted (who isn't interested in becoming entangled in the business of music), but the little kid who became famous enough to be known by his first, royal name, has no rival.
 

There may be many imitators, but his mold has been forever broken. He fought for artist's rights, made the music he wanted, took his artistry seriously, mentored, helped, and inspired others, shared his platform (Liv Warfield is a the real deal, and should've won a new artist Grammy), and made an indelible mark on American music--music period-- and that you just cannot, can NOT ignore. 
Rest in peace, Prince. 
Thanks for the music...
the wonderfully 
genius, 
versatile,
thought-provoking, 
intricate, 
authentic, 
funky,
outstanding music.

FRIDAY THOUGHTS: IT'S BUSINESS? LESSONS FOR CREATIVES


For some reason (that remains a mystery), an assignment I accepted was terminated after the first day on the job. 
I thought everything had gone well. 
Everyone involved seemed pleased. 
Then, I learned, someone with an ax to grind with my acquaintance on the job, sabotaged it. 
No one bothered to give me any explanation except, "We're going in a different direction". 
No one asked for our input. 
The word of a stranger was believed, and a potentially viable working relationship was abruptly ended.

I gave my address to the very apologetic, but less than forthcoming contact person, who thought it only fair to compensate me for the work my acquaintance and I did complete. 
After that conversation, the previously, very chatty contact person went mute. 
No calls. 
No emails. 
Prior to the assignment I got a call every day from the contact person. 
I also got the lengthy job description in an email. 
A great deal of thought had been put into what we were tasked to do. 
It was all very detailed--minus, of course, the amount of compensation we were to receive.

I prepared, showed up, and worked. 
It's my fault, though, for being lax about the "when" and "how" concerning compensation. 
"What could go wrong?", I figured. "I'm a caregiver, and the venue isn’t far away." 
It seemed like a perfect opportunity to get out of the house for a change. 
I viewed it as a nice reprieve from my daily routine, and not the job that it was. That was a mistake--my mistake--and one that I will not be making again. 

I checked the mailbox every day for about a week-and-a-half for the partial payment that was promised. No check, or money order ever arrived. 
I chalked it up as a loss, and yet another entry for an upcoming IRS Form C.  

No, I didn't phone the contact person to find out what happened. 
I decided I wasn't going to. 
I'd been in the predicament before. 
I knew what happened. 
They either:
hoped that I forgot, 
didn't want to pay, 
kept the money, 
spent the money, 
thought I could afford to wait for it indefinitely, 
thought that I didn't need the money,
didn't have the authority to promise it to me, or 
never intended to pay me at all. 

My acquaintance, who is not nearly as passive as I am, did follow through— but not with the person who was authorized. He contacted the person who was responsible
He'd been patient, and that hadn't worked. He decided to climb higher on the chain of command. He'd come from quite a distance to do the work, and had no intention of letting it go. His persistence paid off and, as a result of his tenacity, I finally got a check, too
When it came in the mail, it was wrapped in a blank sheet of copy paper-- and was $75.00 less than what was promised.

I found the email from the unfortunate incident yesterday, as I was clearing my inbox. There were a lot of "thank you's", and even a reminder of what color I was supposed to wear to the event. 
What the honorarium would be, was the only thing that wasn't in writing. That was discussed, very sheepishly, and almost clandestinely, by phone
The budget in no way covered all that was being required of us, but I agreed to do the work anyway. 
Frankly, that's almost always the way.
 
It's true. You teach people how to treat you. 

Some people will never stop asking for your free services. It's up to you how to mitigate that. 
Others will demand a whole lot from you, for as little as possible. 
They don't know that by the time you're fed up with being mistreated and devalued, they are on a long list of sly, slick people who have wanted or demanded a lot of something for nothing. 

You immediately recognize, and are triggered by their demeanor, and their conversation. It’s manipulative.
They play on your good nature, willingness to help, and commitment. 
They're hoping you won't realize that they're nickel and dime-ing you. They could do better. They just don't want to, but once you are on the job, they behave as if they own you. 
If you didn't know better, you'd think they'd wired you a million bucks. 

From the looks of the email, I was a volunteer who'd agreed to donate my time and services. From the looks of my checking account, back then, I really was a volunteer.

Why do people so greatly devalue the roles of creatives? 
People want excellence, but paying excellently for what they demand seems downright offensive to them. 

In an interview conducted by comedian George Lopez, the legendary artist, Prince said, "I think we tend not to value things we can get for free." 

He was so right.

There's a reason why some people handle business as rigidly as they do. They've been screwed. Now, they're smarter. 
They don't waver, or lower their standards (or fees) for anyone
You can't speak to them directly about business. 
You have to talk to a manager, an assistant, or an agent. 
You can get offended if you want to, and lament how long you've known them, but that will be your problem. 
If their services are too much for your wallet, they don't care. 
Someone who respects what they do as legitimate work will gladly, and willingly pay what you won’t.

Serious business people have mechanisms in place to protect themselves. 
They're not being arrogant or difficult at all. 
They are valuing themselves, and what they do. 
They're counting the cost of their participation, and they don't intend to be in the red when the job is done. 
They have no time or patience for people who are trying to get over, or who treat their livelihood as if it's a hobby.

Perhaps, serious business people had a breaking point; a revelation; an "aha moment". 
Perhaps they considered their abysmal history of always working, and when the work was done, having nothing to show for it. 
Perhaps they said, "That's it. No more." 
Perhaps they used to gladly embrace the handshake, good faith, smiling "friend" deals and favors. 
Maybe, one day they realized they may as well have tattooed the word "slave" or "sucker" on their foreheads, and decided "That's it. No deposit or contract? No work." 

They don't care if they're labeled “grand”,  or "brand new" by the people who are always looking for a freebie. 
Maybe they laugh now when they hear people say, "Oh they ain't all that!", because they now do business with deep-pocketed, serious patrons who think they're "all that" and some more.

Serious business people like having good credit, and paying their bills on time. They learned that business is what one does regularly and for profit, and maybe they got a little tired of everyone else profiting from the work they've done except themselves. 


Event planners, before you get mad and start badmouthing creatives because you can no longer get them to show up for free, consider the following:
You don't know how many times they've been given empty promises, IOU's, or rubber checks. 
You don't know how many times they left a job feeling exhausted--and foolish because their own funds were depleted. 
You don't know how many times they had to go without, or couldn't meet their obligations because someone they trusted failed to reimburse them, or took the money and ran. 
You don't know how many times they did what they were tasked to do, then waited, and waited, and waited some more for compensation that turned out to be a fraction of what it should have been. 
You don't know how many times they were told to hold a check for a week, only to be told to hold it a week longer. 
You don't know how many times a bank teller told them, "I'm sorry. This account is closed". 
You don't know how many times the parameters of the job drastically changed or increased once they arrived. 
You don't know how many times one amount was written on the front of a sealed envelope, but a considerably lesser amount was inside. 
You don't know how many times they looked for the contact person-- who was a veritable pest before the work was done--but was nowhere to be found when it was over. 
You have no idea how many lies, and excuses they've gotten, instead of negotiable tender. 

Dear Event Planner, now you know why words like "exposure", "ministry", and "giving back" are funny.
They have been exposed. They have sunburn and frostbite from all of the exposure. They have given back. They've been robbed, too. Now, they simply want to be able to fill up their gas tanks, pay their creditors, and feed their families, like YOU do, and like everyone else does. 

If you enlist people to work, remember that you have to pay them. 
Budget well. 
If you want them, but can't afford what they have to offer, move on. Neither of you will have lost anything. Perhaps the fee is negotiable. Ask. If not, do without the service. Break out a boom box and play CD's; 
hook up your iphone to the speakers; 
find an all-music station on the radio, but don't enlist the services of living, breathing human beings

Don't make all kinds of unreasonable demands as if you're paying top dollar, enjoy the services, and then, when the job is over, think it's okay to play dumb, go mum, or missing in action. That's just low down and all kinds or evil and wrong....
And please, please, PLEASE stop thinking that ANY plate of food, or tray of snacks you give a creative person is even remotely commensurate with their time, talent and effort. 
If Gordon James Ramsay, himself, didn't prepare it, and serve it on solid gold dinnerware, stop thinking you're even.

If you hire people, compensate them fairly, and in a timely manner. Don't be a jerk--particularly if you know what reasonable, going rates are because YOU have been engaged in the same business yourself, and know what YOU demand for YOUR services.

What creatives, singers and musicians do, as fun as it appears to be, is WORK--work that begins long before they pick up, or sit down at an instrument, or step in front of a microphone. 
There's supplies to buy, music to learn, charts to write, lyrics to type, vocal parts to decipher, and rehearsals. 
That all takes time, and a person's time is worth something. 

The next time you want someone to sing it or play it "just like the record", tally how much it would cost you to fly in and accommodate in the actual artist who recorded that record. 
(Be sure to add the cost of the people they need to bring with them.) Those numbers might make you a little less stingy with regard to the gifted locals you so regularly feel it's okay to misuse. 
You are NEVER doing anyone a favor by devaluing, cheating, or stealing from them.

The days of bragging about who you were able to get to come to your event, but neglected to pay, are over. 
The days of obligating people by fraudulently placing their images on your social media fliers and posters, in hopes that you can shame them into showing up and performing, are over, too. The sob stories and poor mouthing are getting very, very old and tired. 
Stop it. 

The money is there. Just be wise about how it is spent. 
Maybe those centerpieces, plastic trophies, certificates, key chains, corsages, goodie bags, and sashes you ordered aren't as necessary as you think. Stop buying stuff that attendees are going to go home and toss in the trash, and pay the band

When you're planning an event, music shouldn't be an afterthought that causes you to wonder "Who can I get to do it for free?" Furthermore, if the first person you think of to cheat is a friend or family member, that's despicable. Repent.

We go all out for strangers but play broke-down and destitute with the people we actually know. It shouldn't be that way. 
Stop approaching people like a con artist. 
Just be honest. 
You'd be surprised what people are willing to do; what they are willing to sow if you just tell the truth about your budget.

You planned the event. You know they're coming because you asked them and they said, "Yes". 
They put your date on their calendar. 
Saying "Yes" to you means they said "No" to someone else (who wouldn't have stiffed them). 
Get those checks for the singers and musicians ready ahead of time with the same enthusiasm you get the decorations, food, your new outfit and shoes, and hairdo or haircut ready. 
Take care of that business, too.  

*Sigh*...If only singers and musicians could post date or repossess the millions of notes they've sung and played, for which they were never compensated. 



CONTRACTS

When it comes to signing your name on any official agreement/document's dotted line:
It is a big deal.
It does matter.
It's not just a formality.
It isn't time for random interpretation.
It will be read.
It means you agree.
It does induce worry.
It's important not to ignore red flags.
It is/ will be legally binding.
It's not frivolous.
It all applies.
It can create complications.
It can put you into a bind.
It isn't standard procedure.
It does mean you're liable.
It includes items that you shouldn't ignore.
It may require a gallon of White-Out.
It reminds you that reading and comprehension is fundamental.
It does favor one party's interest.
It's not something to do hastily.
It's not a one document fits all situation.
It can be corrected/fixed/amended before you see the flaws.

I imagine there are a lot of deals that don't get done because someone messed around and utilized their reading skills.

People don't hand you things to sign for nothing. If there was truly trust and good faith, your signature (particularly for what you would do happily or willingly) wouldn't be necessary. 
Problems arise when what you're expected to sign, bears no resemblance to the business at hand, misrepresents it, or provides broad cover for everyone except you.

Ever wonder if people read themselves what they're expecting you to endorse? Is it an indication of what they think of you? 
Why are people so perplexed; so condescending and quick to gaslight you when you point out blatant discrepancies, irrelevance, overreach, or dishonesty? Why is there angst, confusion, anger, or offense when you ask seemingly simple, necessary, common sense questions about anything that may, or will obligate or impact you? 
Why don't they think you should care about what you sign? 

No matter how harmless or friendly the environment, there's EVERYTHING to worry about concerning a legal document you've signed, but neglected to thoroughly vet.

You should know the cost of your participation, particularly if there are a myriad of last minute demands, and inconsistent communication, but sparse, or no compensation or rewards. 

It seems that those who demand the most, and expect to be dealt with professionally, extend very little consideration or concern for their professionalism toward others.

Some people would never, EVER blindly accept what they expect others to tolerate or ignore. 
You'd think that people would know the parameters, rules, and requirements of their business much better than you. 
Maybe the notion is that you're gullible, passive, agreeable, needy, incompetent, or careless.

What makes people think you're not going to read what they insist you sign to see if it's RIGHT? 
If it isn't, (and they already KNOW it isn't) how difficult is it to make it so, such that all parties can be comfortable and secure going forward? 

Sunday, April 10, 2016

NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY


LOVE, 
LOVE, 
LOVE, 
LOVE 
THEM!

A CLASS ACT

I was hoping the news wasn't so. I haven't said much today, just an awful lot of heavy sighs.
There are some people you just think will be around all the time. You may not see them every day, but you just want them to be found in the places that just won't be the same without them.
Today, I thought of her style and class; her wisdom and grace; her devotion to her family and graciousness to others; how she walked into a room--the epitome of cool--no airs-- just ladylike, impeccable, and regal. She was beautiful inside and out. She was genuine; the kind of person from whom anyone could learn a lot. She was neat, delightful, funny, fair, and straightforward. She was no wimp. She reminded me of my mom.

Rest in peace, dear Teressa Davis Palmer: virtuous woman; an example of strength, dedication and faithfulness. 
I appreciate her for every encouraging word, and her kindness toward my daughter and me. My heart aches for her loving family and friends.

Friday, April 8, 2016

CAREGIVER DIARIES

I'm a cell phone girl in a home phone world, so I'm always on alert for scams these days. (I detest those who try to snooker senior citizens, and the home phone is a scammer's dream tool.)The caller said he was with AMVETS . I didn't schedule a pickup. No one scheduled a pickup. Had to say it three times. No, Mister. I am not going to confirm the address no matter how you pretend you didn't hear me say I DID NOT SCHEDULE A PICKUP...The Caller ID read, "CB" not AMVETS. The Internet (Whose number is this? Who called me?) revealed the call was coming from a catering company in Bowie...or someone named Nina's landline. So, I called AMVETS DMV 1-800 number. It seems that the organization employs home-based telemarketers to schedule pickups of a community's gently used items. AMVETS might want to fix that. Perhaps give the telemarketers some inexpensive cell phones that will register AMVETS on the caller IDs of potential customers. Maybe more customers will say, "Yes! I've got bags full of stuff all ready for you! Come on over!", instead of assuming the call is a scam and abruptly ending it. 

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

BUSINESS PRACTICES

Slavery wasn't cool when it was legal, and it certainly shouldn't make a comeback--definitely not among people of color, in their dealings with one another.
 
At some point, one SHOULD profit from what one does regularly. If one does not, there's a problem. 

The time to find that one has been a volunteer is NOT after one has ASSUMED that one was an employee
The time to handle business is BEFORE the work begins. 
If those seeking one's services have a problem with that, one shouldn't panic. One should pass

Shady people will always find a patsy to do their bidding. It doesn't have to be you. You will have lost nothing by refusing to work for free. There are many reputable employers who will appreciate what you have to offer in a tangible way.

One should see the fruit of one's labor, and not always feel as if one has unintentionally given away so much of one's time and talent. 
It costs to work. 
One has to get there, right? Gasoline is not free. 
One has to be presentable. Utilities are not free. 
One has to invest in one's tools in order to do a good job. 
One needs food, clothing and shelter. 
Compensation from one's employment should take care of all of that. However, if one never, or rarely gets paid; 
if one has nothing to show after completing one's work except a depleted bank account, one has to conclude that it's one's own fault. 

If one works, one should be compensated fairly and in a timely manner. Smiles, handshakes and compliments don't pay one's bills. 
It IS possible to earn a reasonable living from one's passion, but one must be conscientious, and always remember: 

1. PEOPLE DO WHAT YOU ALLOW. 

2. IF PEOPLE CAN USE YOU, THEY WILL.

3. YOU TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO TREAT YOU.

4. YOUR WORTH MATTERS.

5. AN EMPHATIC "NO" CAN SAVE YOU A LOT OF TIME AND ENERGY.

I admire people who figured out sooner, as opposed to later, that their time and effort is worth something. 
I admire those who put mechanisms in place to protect themselves, and handle their finances wisely. 
Not everyone is honest. I admire those those who are never so pressed, or so broke that they keep giving thieves the benefit of the doubt.

Unfortunately, there are many who say a reluctant "Yes", do the work--and do it well--but always come home empty handed...and disappointed...and disillusioned...and mad...at themselves...for trusting thieves...again.

You have to be very deliberate about what you do, and why. 
Know what you're getting into, and with whom you are working. People will exhaust and mishandle others, particularly if they know that there are ready and available replacements. 

Don't be gullible. Watch out for shady behavioral patterns, blatant lies, and lame excuses. 
Never find yourself blindsided by unscrupulous people. 
Don't be lax in business.

I get tickled by people who think I'm independently wealthy. 
It's their ignorance concerning the handling of business in music industry circles. 
No. There's no fat paycheck for a lot of what singers and musicians, and other creatives do--sometimes, even when there SHOULD be. There are a lot of glitzy, glam-filled freebies. 
Somebody is getting paid, but it's not the people on stage holding microphones and instruments. 

Every singer and musician is very acquainted with the IRS Form C.
I think about all of the times I've come home empty handed after having worked, and rationalized why it was okay. 
I did it just to make myself feel less like a dope. 
It never has been okay. 
Knowing that you have been used, cheated, and treated like you are dispensable never goes away. 
Knowing what you invested in a thing, and not being reimbursed, sucks. 
Finding out that you've been paid in food or other stuff that your creditors don't accept as negotiable tender, really sucks. 
Finding out that there was never an intention for you to be compensated is the grand poobah of suckage. 

There's just no excuse for stiffing people. NONE. 

There are a lot of dressed up, puffed up, strutting people with empty pockets and purses--hence their incessant hustling and grinding. 
Call it whatever you want to make yourself feel better, but many cease to enjoy what they do when it is valued, but they--as human beings--aren't
What one loves to do can become a chore when bills loom large, and compensation is consistently slow, low, or non-existent.

Music enthusiast and audience member, don't you diss your day job. The Joneses can barely keep up with themselves. 
Don't be fooled. 
Don't deceive yourself, be envious, or poo poo on your day job because of what you THINK the people on stages possess. 

Some people are living large because they have stolen from, and used many. 
Some people only appear to be living large because it's what they want others to think. 
Don't you look at the people on stages and think they have it better than you do. 
At least you can pay your bills in full and on time, and have some money in savings and a good credit rating. 

Go happily and gratefully to the place where you have a binding contract, and where someone makes sure that funds are directly deposited into your account on EVERY scheduled payday. 
Your job might not be fun or glamorous, but at least you know when, where, how, and how much you'll be paid, and no one will be looking at you cross-eyed as if you don't have a right to expect your money. 
No one will try to make you feel as if being a slave is a thing for which you should be grateful. 
Go to your job where no one will be ducking you at the end of your assignment, or giving you a check that bounces better than a new super ball. 
Don't you EVER apologize for being paid to work, EVER. 
Thank the Lord for wisdom, and a sense of responsibility. 

Don't get it twisted. Enjoy the show, but don't get caught up in the glitter. 
You're doing much better financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually than a lot of the people for whom you applaud--and it's past time for many of them to wake up, know their worth, and handle their business.