The Ugly Duckling grew up to become a swan, but face it, some of us start as ugly ducklings and end up as geese—a little more loud and defensive and a whole lot less elegant and serene. Perhaps someday those who have dissed us will wake up and see our true beauty, but for now we’d better start with recognizing our own beauty for ourselves.
What beautiful thing do you see about yourself that others tend to miss?
I have an increasingly deep response to classical music, both ancient and new. As I age, this music speaks to me in many profound ways. I consider the composers, the artists who interpret and the entire ensemble that performs. I wonder so often of the inspiration or motivation that brings these musicians to their pitch of devotion to their musical presentations. Even few of my close friends join me in this adoration, I feel. Never do others start a conversation with me of “Did you hear the Gershwin Piano Concerto in F so beautifully performed last night on NPR?” It’s not in the main steam of our relationships.