Genesis

          I'm a Christian - there, I said it. Now, a part of me being a Christian involves me studying the New Testament and non-biblical mentions of Jesus, but I've recently gotten the desire to go back to the Old Testament and re-read some of these stories as an adult, objectively. I sat down a couple of days ago and read the book of Genesis, and it was a good reminder to me of the mystery of religion and what the stories are really supposed to be telling us, even if they seem a little far-fetched when taken literally. We of course have the creation story, and Noah's Ark, but there's a lot more there, including a really juicy rape tale you all should find. Towards the end of the book we're introduced to Joseph, who is one of Jacob's sons (yes, Jacob best known for his role in Abraham Isaac, and Jacob). Joseph is favored most by his father, which makes Joseph's brothers very jealous, so they scheme to get rid of him. After the oldest brother, Rueben, convinces everyone that they shouldn't kill him out in the field, they end up selling him into slavery in Egypt, where his ability to interpret dreams lands him a job that is described as second in command in all of Egypt, next to the Pharaoh. This position allows him to control the rationing of food in a time of plenty, and when a seven year famine plagues the Middle East the population is saved because of Joseph's meticulous planning. He is eventually reunited with his family (through lots of trickery) and they live happily with him in Egypt. The book of Genesis ends with his death. 
          All summer I've been trying to form the words to describe how I feel about what happened to me at the end of last season. It's not my job or intention to bad talk the DSO, the Fellowship, or the profession in general, but sometimes there are casualties, and I felt like one of them. It's really funny how fast people can turn on you, and it taught me that in this line of work (and maybe even life) you have to focus on furthering yourself and not letting what colleagues (or mean brothers, in Joseph's case) say have too much importance. On a more basic level, I hate dealing with the winter weather, being away from Andy, and simply counting the days until I can get out of town next. It took me most of the summer to really remind myself why I do this, and the trip to the Bahamas really helped (and why wouldn't it 😉 ). The motor that runs the vehicle that is bassoon (in my case) is music, and musicians need to get under the hood and tap back into what makes us happy every now and again. So with that being said I will be returning for a second season, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity and will make the most of it, even if it doesn't feel completely ideal at the moment. 
          Joseph's father went through decades of anguish at the loss of his son Joseph, but unbeknownst to him that anguish had a purpose. If Joseph's brother's hadn't hated him, they wouldn't have sold him into slavery. If Joseph hadn't been sold into slavery, he wouldn't have been in a position to impress the Pharaoh and save not only the Hebrews, but the Egyptians as well. Bad times breed good times. Even if you don't believe in these myths, it's important to note that sometimes a bad situation will turn out to be a good situation, and that's what I'm hoping for this season. 
          ...and now I have to watch the animated film "Joseph: King of Dreams" JUST to see the Egyptian women WERK!! YASSS!!!!