Category Archives: Life

I’m a regretter*. I regret things. I’m not the kind of person who can move on from a mistake and be happy to have learned something from it. Instead, I’ll spend hours, or days, or months, or even years pondering my more unfortunate past decisions, wishing with all my might that I could go back in time and make different choices.

Guess what? It’s never worked. Not once has my wallowing caused me to wake up in the past with the opportunity to undo all the things I wish I could undo. I still only have today. Today I can try to make the best possible choices with the information I have at hand. Yesterday no longer exists. It is but a memory, to be cherished or forgiven.

The problem with regret is it that doesn’t change what happened in the past, yet it can rob us so completely of any joy in the present. Regret doesn’t acknowledge that perhaps our more lamentable experiences were in fact catalysts for positive change and growth. Regret is a waste of time and energy, both of which are precious resources in this short and beautiful life.

Regret is a choice. Let’s choose to lay it down.

*Not a real word.

 

Photo courtesy of LEOL30.

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending an art exhibition hosted by the very talented Gordi Brown. It was a beautifully presented showcase of an eclectic collection of photographs, taken in various parts of the world. Here are some of my snaps of the wonderful evening!

Gordi Brown, Photographer

I didn’t take too many close-up pictures of the photos themselves, as my iPhone (combined with the low light in the room) really couldn’t do them justice! So please do yourself a favour and check out gordibrown.com to view the images in all their glory!

You can also connect with Gordi by liking his Facebook page!

Enjoy!
Mali.xxx

 

I’ve noticed a weird and disturbing trend amongst some independent artists. Many seem to think that supporting and promoting other indie musicians comes somehow at their own expense. As if by helping a fellow artist, they are enabling them to achieve a level of success that they themselves have not attained, thus elevating said artist above themselves. And let’s face it – most musicians want to be the best, and don’t relish the idea of anyone else receiving more recognition.

There is so much wrong with this mentality! Not only is it unbiblical, but it actually does your career more harm than good. The music industry is 1% musicianship and 99% relationship (okay, so I made that statistic up, but I’m illustrating an important point). Most great opportunities come through people who know you and like you. You do not want to get a reputation for being selfish. No one will want to work with you or help you. When a great opportunity comes up, people won’t want to offer it to you, no matter how good you are. That fellow artist who was really supportive of you but whom you were reluctant to support in return might just make it big, and guess who they won’t be calling when they have a great opening slot available at one of their gigs in your area?

I’m sorry if this sounds harsh, but it’s the truth. As much as I might love an artist’s music, I’m always going to want to first give back to those who have taken the time to show me support, and I think that most other people probably feel the same way.

We independent artists should be going out of our way to help and support each other. We’re all in the same boat, and we need each other! It doesn’t matter how talented you are – if you want to be successful, you need people. Don’t alienate yourself by thinking otherwise.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THLl9N7w970

 

Photo courtesy of Mike Liu

As much as I love performing, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and listen! And given that the Knysna Oyster Festival is currently in full swing, there’s lots of opportunities to catch live music at various locations in town. On Monday, Cuan played drums for Brent & Lorette, and I had the privilege of being entertained by their choice selection of bluesy-jazz tunes.

We’re lucky to have so much musical talent in Knysna! I hope that the locals appreciate what they have right on their doorstep! 🙂

Mali.xxx