When we were assigned to read “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott, there were definitely a few points that struck me about the text overall. One of which was when she states “very few writers really know what they are doing until they’ve done it.” This is so true for someone like me since I tend to write everything that comes to mind, then see what happens by the end. When I do this, I end up with very lengthy paragraphs that could definitely be spaced out better. She also noted that “I’d start writing without reining myself in. It was almost just typing, just making my fingers move.” Someone like me can really relate to a like this. Sometimes I will get an idea in my head on the topic and immediately have to jot it down. I’ll get into the flow of writing and in a way, almost get lost. Lamott’s words really hit home with me in a way. It’s something I really connected with and she has so many good points in this text in particular.

For my revision plans, I think I need to make my paragraphs a little more clear and maybe not so long. My peer editing group gave me great advice and I loved getting to work in a group. They suggested to use more text and strengthen the central ideas of my body paragraphs to drive my points home more.

During these first few stages of peer review, I have taken a lot from the experience as a whole. Reading through other peers work and editing/giving feedback has taught me a lot about suggesting new ideas to others and finding ways to improve my own pieces of writing as well. I am also much more aware of what me and my peers think in text arguments like “Is art a waste of time?”

Art as a whole is something that is so vital. It plays such an important role in my life and my upbringing. Whether in be through my family’s musicality, my grandfathers artistry or my dancing, art has always been part of my routine. It is something I could never dream of living without, and is certainly not a waste of time.

When you walk into my house back in Vermont, you are first greeted by the mud room, then you take a right and you’re now in the music room. The music room is where my dad keeps his bass guitars, my mom keeps her acoustic, and where my brother keeps his enormous drum set. Tucked away into one of the music room closets is where I now keep my various flutes from my days in high school band. I was first flute first chair in the concert band and first piccolo front row in marching band as well. Music has always been my way of life, honestly for as long as I can remember. Rhythm is something that just came so naturally.

As far as visual art, my grandfather was the one who instilled in me the power of putting ink to paper and brush to canvas. How to carve and even how to sew and cross stitch. He worked for the national survey in my town, putting together maps and many other creations. He was paid to do what he loved and it was so inspiring to me even at such a young age. My grandfather passed away in 2010 and certainly left behind quite the legacy. He was a man that taught me to follow my heart, be creative, and always bring my own ideas to the table in my own unique, artistic manner.

And now we are brought to performing arts. Performing on stage is something that I’ve been doing since I could walk. When I hit the age of three my parents enrolled me into my first ballet class and from that moment on it has become one of my greatest joys. Dance has brought me so much happiness and the biggest sense of fulfillment. To me, there is no greater feeling than getting up on stage whether it be in a dance recital, in a musical, or Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (my personal favorite). Growing up I was shy and dance was a way for me to portray myself or someone else without having to make a sound. I would just put on my pointe shoes, feel the stage and all of the lights, hear the music, get the rhythm and let it all take me away.

So in my case, art is in no way shape or form a waste of time. It is something that has always stood by me, my family, friends and what I hold close. As far as brainstorming goes and what I will be including in my paper, I think I definitely have the basis down for what it’s gonna contain, and I am eager to dive deeper into where I stand.

In the third and final Ted Talk we heard in class, we listened to Guy Raz talk music with Benjamin Zander, an English, world-class music conductor. Zander happens to be the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. He is someone that prides himself in his livelihood and owes everything to music and the effect it has on people all over the world. Zander considers music a “transformational experience”. What he means by this is that it has the absolute power to change anyone from within, and even the whole world for that matter.

Zander is someone that truly appreciates music for what it is, an art form. He understands the power it has on people of all ages and what it does for the mind and the body. “Music is a much more precise language than words….Music speaks directly to the heart. It speaks through the molecules. And it’s irresistible.”

The music that was played during the Ted Talk reminded me of the score from Disney Pixar’s Up. This is one of those films where the music carries you throughout the movie and really brings the power. Every single time I watch Up I cry.  And sure, the plot is pretty sad as Ellie passes away within the first 5 minutes leaving Carl widowed, but without the music it wouldn’t nearly be as sad.

Whether it be through film, the marching band, watching a sad Pixar movie or enjoying fine classical music in Boston, music holds a strong presence in this world, something we can all cherish.

After reading over Southan’s essay again, there are some other details I picked up on and noted in the text that I think are very important, and something we could incorporate into our lives. They are two points that go hand in hand as follows. The first is a quote from Steven Soderbergh’s Oscar acceptance speech (2001). “I don’t care if it’s a book, a film, a painting, a dance, a piece of theater, a piece of music….I think this world would be unlivable without art”. (Pg 2, Paragraph 3)

This shows the importance of art and describes its many forms. All of the many different, creative ways of self expression. This quote gives examples of what art means to others and that it is much more than what you can picture on canvas.

Right after this though we read where Southan starts to doubt screenwriting as if it doesn’t count as art or as something most people don’t view as artistic. “I started to doubt whether this retreat was an appropriate venue for my screenwriting ambitions after all.” (Pg 2, Paragraph 4)

He really seems to think his screenwriting isn’t valid when it is. Art comes in countless forms and screenwriting is definitely considered something. I took this for a fixed mindset rather a growth one, because it was as if he had given up on his work, like he’s unworthy when he isn’t/shouldn’t feel that way.

Follow the Thread

“Does your preferred good deed make as much of a difference as simply handing over the money? If not, how good a deed is it really?”

There are so many ways to make a positive change and do good in the world even if it doesn’t involve money. While this is a good question, money isn’t everything and isn’t what is necessary all the time.

Follow the thread

“Even if you think you’ve been doing great work, your final score could be small or negative.”

While this may be true, don’t ever lose your spark or your positivity. Even if the outcome isn’t what you necessarily expected.

Pizza is good