The Bright Side in a Dark Economy

20Apr10

Finding the bright side in our current recession for many may be something quite similar to looking for sun in Seattle before July. My friend Ted grew up beneath the heavy clouds of the Great Depression. Ted used to play upright bass with cool jazz cats like Bird (Charlie Parker). In case you were wondering, I don’t typically use the word cat unless I’m meowing about furry, four-legged creatures. I can be cool – not bragging, just saying. But I’m not that kind of cool. Ted’s that kind of cool, though. One time I asked Ted if I could see a picture of him playing music with Bird.

Me: Hey, Ted, can I take a look at your picture of you and Bird?

Ted: Swing, baby!

Me: [Brain freezes. Then I ask myself: Self, did he just say Swing?! Hmmm, yes, well, I'm just going to go with swimg means yes.]

Ted and I talk about music when we get together. A lot of our talks are me getting schooled on not just jazz, but also on the art and heart of music. Just after the first big blows of the recession hit, Ted was inspiring to me in saying he believed that this time, much like the time of the Great Depression, will be a time of great art. He said it is times like these when a lot of folks experience jobs and all their shiny things fall away and are left with what’s most important to them. And if they don’t know yet what’s most important to them they find themselves soul searching for it hopefully. My sister, Dawn, had known herself as a top sales person wherever she chose to work. Recently laid off from Microsoft, she’s getting to know herself now as a very happy, full-time mother. I’ve also had friends with health problems laid off with no warning and left with medical bills to reckon with as they suddenly find themselves without medical benefits. So, get me right, I agree with Ted’s Blessing in Disguise outlook in these times. I also believe that there is personal work involved so we may get to the point where we see for ourselves the bright side in this dark economy. Here are 7 simple ideas for things to do to stay inspired while we all wait on the sun for brighter days to come:

[Note: Those of you outside of Seattle might want to do an online search for similar listings in your area.]

1. Listen to inspiring music created by cool jazz cats who managed through similar times like these: http://www.pbs.org/jazz/time/time_depression.htm

2. Experience free live music performances and art showings around town: http://www.seattle.gov/arts/

3. Experience new art at Art Walks:  http://www.seattleartists.com/blog/?page_id=6

4. Share a meal hosting a potluck dinner party. Folks bring what they can and all have a good meal with great company. And if you want to get real about it, how about a themed potluck dinner party?

5. Write a letter to a good friend or dear family mamber. Who doesn’t feel special receiving a letter someone took the time to hand write?

6. Walk in the park or walk on the beach. Seattle Parks & Recreation has listings of outdoor spots for free fun: http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/parkspaces/index.htm

7. Go to the library. Ben Franklin got it right dreaming up this community hub. Follow the link for the calendar listing of events: http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=calendar

© 2010 JR Rhodes

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Filed under: JR Rhodes Blog on Music, Love, Life   |  1 Comment
Tags: African-American, Artist, Composer, Download, Female, Healing, Jazz, Music, Musician, Peformance, Pop, Recording, Seattle, Singer, Singer-Songwriter, Soul, Sound, Uplifting, Woman