Dear Putting It All Together

Dear Putting it All Together,

Right this moment, as I type these very words, I am finishing the last step before I can start you, Putting it All Together. What step is that? Well, let me tell you: it is installing my updated audio production software.

That's right - I actually went through and decided to update my software. Because GarageBand is good and all (great for a lot of purposes, really), but I was ready for the next level. I was ready to be able to maximize the sounds and equipment I have, while getting some true mastery over the beats I put down. And I just couldn't do that with GarageBand. So I needed to update. And I just did (it finished installing about 30 seconds before I wrote that).

So now it's time to start you. Now it's time to follow through on my bold claim to produce at least one passable song every week. There are no more excuses (because I bought an electric bass two days ago). All the pieces are here now (and I think I may really mean that now), so all I have left is to get to you.

Not that that's an easy thing. In fact - it's probably the hardest part. Now there are no excuses left for a crappy sound (or song). I can't say "If only I had -blank- I could REALLY make something nice." Nope. Now all I can say is, "If only I didn't suck at this, I could REALLY make something nice." It's no longer the equipment or lack of THINGS - now it comes down to talent and/or lack of "IT." And I don't want to even think about what would happen if I lacked "IT."

And I'm not talking about "IT" on the same level as my cooking "IT." Because I really do feel naturally talented in that field. For the little serious cooking I've done, I feel like I've kicked some natural a** when I've done it - with little extra effort or practice to get to that point. And with such a nice starting point, it only falls to reason that I would be INCREDIBLY good if I put in real time and effort.

So I'm not saying I have that kind of musical talent. In fact, of all the things that I like to do or think I have a talent for, I would say that I have the LEAST amount of natural musical talent. Which is funny - because that is the area from which I derive the most pleasure and spend the most time doing. But I was not blessed with a magical "IT" when it comes to music. However, because I enjoy it so much, I HAVE put a lot of TIME into it, and I am a firm believer that a person (me, in this case) can get quite good at anything at all if they are willing to put the effort and time into it. Since I AM willing to do that with music (and have been), I don't see why I shouldn't get relatively good at it. And that is the type of "IT" I am referring to here. The kind of talent that isn't exactly natural, but that comes from effort and practice.

And I don't want to find out that I don't even have that. Granted, I still haven't been doing this seriously for any particular length of time, so even not having any talent at all at this point wouldn't be the end of the world, but still . . . Nobody wants to feel like they suck at something they like doing - especially me.

And so I have been hesitant to finalize you, Putting it All Together. Because somewhere - deep down - I wanted to hold onto a few excuses. I wanted to be able to blame it on a crappy mic. Or say that I just didn't have the right instruments. Or that my software program just wasn't powerful enough to fix up the sound the right way. But they are gone now. I've finally stepped up - fully - to the next level, and now it's just between me and the world whether I really am capable of you.

But I think I am. I do. And I am excited to do so. In spite of the slight fear and hesitation, I have been eagerly anticipating this moment, as well. I have pictured in my head what it would look like when I finally started you - and now it's time to make that all a reality. And I have some things in mind to kick that off, as well, so it's exciting.

So exciting, in fact, that I don't particularly want to write any more in this letter because my software is installed and waiting for me to play. So I will. But I wanted to write a letter of appreciation for you, Putting it All Together, for the opportunity you are currently presenting to me. It's been a long time coming, and I'm glad that we finally get to be in the same room together. I can't wait to see how it all works out.

Nervous and Giddy,
CVT