Is now the right time for "Extreme Week"?

[ray-dude]

2 hours ago, Foggie said:

Which leads me to say, Ray's journey/write up is but a snap shot specific to him and his environment IMHO.  Its an interesting read for sure and its very cool to see how much he is enjoying this!  THAT is what its all about.  I would be too with a new toy for sure!

 

This is very generous, thank you.  The experience of audio is extremely personal.  I'm always leary of reviews that are distant and feel like they are judges in some competition.  What matters is the personal journey, and what lessons you can learn from the journeys others are taking.

 

I did reflect on some of the larger issues raised here.  During a very difficult time, music (and a new way to enjoy music) has been a very welcome and meaningful part of my life, and a balance against the many serious things that are happening all around us. There is no good way to deal with what no one should be dealing with.  In a world of no good choices, I often return to a favorite from Mary Oliver (below) and remind myself "Joy is not made to be a crumb".

 

Peace and health and joy to all of you in a very difficult time.

 

Ray

 

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate.
Give in to it.
There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be.
We are not wise, and not very often kind.
And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left.
Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world.
It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins.
Anyway, that’s often the case.
Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty.
Joy is not made to be a crumb.

~ Mary Oliver

 

[ray-dude]

12 minutes ago, sdolezalek said:

 

Ray:  Thank you for the Mary Oliver piece -- very fitting in these times.  The particular line that stuck out to me was: "Still, life has some possibility left." 

Perhaps that is also what Chris was getting at in terms of not wanting to be a downer in these times.  Those glimpses of a better future; of goodness we have not yet experienced, are an important part of what keeps us going in these times.  I must now go back and re-read your review with that frame of mind.  😉 Thanks

 

Thank you @sdolezalek that was precisely my hope in putting these write ups together. Posts like this make that effort worthwhile (and I would never wish reading it twice on anyone!

[ray-dude]

Ha!  My contribution to Extreme Week for Music is coming in Part 5