At one point during my time living in Japan, I started taking salsa lessons. I know, how random, right? Barcelona has a great salsa scene, too. And the funny thing is that I’ve barely tried it in L.A., an arguable salsa mecca.

Lately, I’ve been very practical and focused. So much so, that it kind of scares me. I’m starting to feel like the more professional I become, the less interesting I get. It’s like that song by MGMT, “Time to Pretend”.

Aren’t we all stars? And, is it really time to buckle down and let all those whimsical dreams disappear by the wayside? Honestly, yes, for now, and at least some dreams. Thankfully, I have many. But there is a silver lining.

Some of those salsa classes in Japan had titles like “Shine & Sparkle”. They were much less about following form and learning steps. They were about embellishing your presence on the dance floor.

As I settle into some of the more routine and mundane facts or passages of life, I’m going to hold on to that notion. Sometimes, what’s most important is not how well you play or even what you play, but how you shine or sparkle while you’re playing. Or dancing.

This is an incredibly short, albeit thoughtful post for this Sunday afternoon. I’ve got way too many deadlines coming up this week! And some big changes and challenges ahead! More on all this soon…

In the meantime, I encourage you all to go forth, and keep shining in 2013! We are all stars, after all!

Signing Off,

~ Erica

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