Tuesday, January 3, 2012

The Eighty Dollar Champion

I am reading a lovely book about a horse (Eighty Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts)
In this wonderful true story from the 1950's, I find so many points that resonate with the life of musician.
The protagonists (Snowman and his owner, Harry de Leyer) faced incredible hardships beyond anything that I have known, yet their dedication to a craft and art that wasn't immediately justifiable and actually out of their social class is really beautiful.

And as I am about to head out to Stockton, California for an intense weekend at the Meg Quigley Vivaldi Competition, the story of Snowman and his remarkable rise to stardom while happily retaining his humble family role gives a really charming perspective on the nature and value of competition.

Read it!

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