Sitting on the plane after the conference, I had this amazing epiphany.  I had nothing to think about.  Now, I don’t mean to say that my mind was blank, but for the first time in many weeks, I could take a break from my list.  You know – THE LIST.  That list of things to do and events to prepare for that never seems to reduce or go away.  Yep, I just finished a big week after a busy couple of months and I found myself having nothing I had to think about.

Of course, having nothing to think about can be a problem if you’re wanting to write a blog.  After all, thoughts develop into words and words must be typed onto the page.  So as I sit here on a long layover, I find myself a little less stressed and my brain is relaxed and excited to write about something different.

The last two days have been wonderful.  I just finished presenting two sessions at the Wisconsin Music Educators Association conference.  What wonderful people they are!  I also had the opportunity to meet and talk with Connie McCoy at length.  What a fascinating woman, and so fun!  Anyway, while I have done some presentations at my own state conference, this was the first time I was out of state, on my own, presenting my own material and, as with all conferences, you keep your fingers crossed that someone will actually show up.  Especially at 8:00 a.m.

I have thought about, written, tweaked and tweaked and tweaked the presentation I gave today for weeks.  First, I couldn’t really decide what perspective to take.  Do I make it all research based, anecdotal or a combination of both?  If it’s all anecdotal and I have my own spin on it, is it credible? Everything is just so data driven these days, but I’m convinced that while data has its place, I think we apply it to children way too much.  So I went with mostly anecdotal with a little research to back me up here and there.  On 4 hours sleep I stayed up until midnight the next night, tweaking based on some comments that stirred some thoughts that day in my first session and then woke up at 6:15 a.m., headed to the computer and added some other thoughts that popped in first thing this morning.  Nothing like improvisation, right?

All of that thinking was EXHAUSTING!  You’ve got to think about flow, there can’t be too much text, and there needs to be opportunity to participate for the audience, especially when you’re presenting for an hour and 15 minutes.  I’m used to working in 50 minute chunks. Can I talk that long?  Well, apparently I can and it worked and I’m amazed.  Amazed that this introverted person, who has difficulty approaching anyone was able to stand in front of two packed out rooms and keep their attention.  It was fun – satisfying.  A big relief.  And I don’t have to think about it anymore.  At least for the time being.

I’m going to allow myself a brain break before the next couple of conferences, but now I’m excited.  I can do this.  Do something every day that scares you, right?  You might be amazed at what you can do.  The problem is, now I’m getting excited about my next presentation and the ideas are beginning to pop in my brain.  Oh well, so much for nothing to think about!