On Being Average

A few days ago I posted a few paragraphs about being a jack of all trades and master of none. When I read it the next day it was a little embarrassing sounding and I deleted it. Re-reading about my attempts to find my talents started to sound like whining and was even annoying to me. Anyway, I've come back to the subject because it has been nagging at me and a couple of things happened this week that have given me new insight. Maybe being a jack of all trades and master of none can be a good thing. I don't have to be known for expertise or being special in any specific field. Being average at a variety of things is is right for many of us.

This past week-end I drove to Chattanooga with two of my friends to spend a couple of days enjoying the sights. We rented a house 10 minutes from downtown and got a chance to take a look around. What a lovely little city! The small art museum was very enjoyable and offered free admission on Sunday. We walked across the pedestrian bridge connecting the art district with some funky little shops on Frazier including All Things Groovy and a little shop that sells really fun primitive art. Unfortunately, I forgot to grab a card with the name, but it is easy to find. We drank wine at Terra Nostra and my friends bought some great shoes at Riversports Outlet. The street offered everything from Kayaks to Moon Pies and RC Cola. There was much more that we would like to see and do which will definitely warrant at least one or two more visits.

Dinner one night was at a Mexican restaurant on Broad where the entertainment included a guy throwing CDs into a player and strumming along with this guitar. What a variety of music he included in his CD repertoire - from Hank Williams to the Eagles singing "Witchy Woman." Later locals got up and sang Karaoke. We, being outsiders, really had to make an effort to get in to the spirit of the evening, but after a few sips of a margarita, it was all fun. However, it couldn't compete with Starbucks the next morning located atop Lookout Mountain. It was housed in a stone building that blended with the landscape and boasted an outdoor fireplace. It was slightly chilly and sipping coffee by the fire made the day.

Okay, what does this all have to do with my topic, On Being Average? Well, you see, it is almost impossible for three women to spend a week-end together without getting in to at least one slightly deep discussion. How did the artists in the primitive store begin creating and what makes their work art? What would it be like to own a business like "All Things Groovy"? How does one decide one has talent and/or the guts to say I've got what it takes to venture in to new horizons? What talents do we have and what talents would we like to grow?

I think about the guy who played the guitar at the Mexican restaurant. We kind of snickered at his performance, yet he was so happy to be up there and seemed to be quite pleased with his showmanship. Then there were a couple of men singing Karaoke that were really pretty good. They were just average guys who had the nerve to get up and enjoy themselves, not worrying what others were thinking.

It all comes together in my mind. Chattanooga may not have shops and restaurants like New York or Chicago, but it sure made for a great visit. The primitive art of the artists on Frazier Ave. was definitely worth viewing although it will probably never make it in to the museum across the river. And finally, there was the guitar player whose back-up band was virtual and the guy whose deep voice made us swoon a little before he stepped off stage, paid for his food, and went home with his wife and daughter. All were average by normal standards, but offered enjoyment to those around them.

So here I sit, just an average woman. But, I am beginning to realize that average can also mean well-rounded. If I enjoy doing something, what does it matter if I do not master it or if I am not the best? What I do or create is mine to own. What a freedom to allow myself to quit gauging, measuring, over-thinking and being afraid. I AM an artist, a writer, a musician, a designer, an explorer, an entrepreneur. And, if you don't agree, that's okay.

Lovey