Overture is defined as:

1. An instrumental composition intended especially as an introduction to an extended work, such as an opera.

2. An offering.

For my son’s 16th birthday recently, I created a sort of prose-based overture for him.  Just as a musical overture at the beginning of a performance gives us a small taste of the musical we are about to hear, the “overture” I wrote for him (essentially thoughts about living) was designed to give him a small taste of what I believe he will continue to encounter throughout his life.  And then there was the second meaning of the word, which I really like because it seems to soften the whole gesture: I presented the piece to him simply as an offering, from mother to son.  

And it occurred to me that this would actually be a wonderful way for us to kick off the new year here at Mission Amy K.R,  by creating a sort of overture together.

Here’s what you do (and then I’ll tell you what I’ll do): simply share (in the comment section below) something you know to be important and helpful and true.  It can be a piece of life advice given to you. A quote you keep in plain view on a post-it. An aphorism or anecdote that somehow speaks to you.  Anything at all (but keep it to a couple sentences please).  Then I will assemble these written offerings into a video, set it to music, and voila! “The 2011 Overture” (not to be confused with The 1812 Overture :) as created by and for Mission Amy K.R.

QUICK RECAP AND OTHER NEWS:

• Share your chunks of wisdom in the comment section now!
• Here is the overture/piece I wrote for my son.  
• Beginning this Thursday, I will be starting what I’m calling “Thursday Thingy.”  For example, for this Thursday’s Thingy, I will be posting the results of that unusual Questionnaire from before the holidays.  And next Thursday I will be posting our Overture video.  Other weeks I might have walk-on guest bloggers (many of you expressed a desire for more of this, like when I featured wonderful Rosa here recently).  Some weeks I may just offer up my latest favorite find (music, video, artist, etc.).  

I’d say that’s enough for our first day back…

Happy Mission Monday and New Year everyone,

amy