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May 20, 2025

Playing for a Crowd

On learning to suck.

It had been a long time, I realized, since I played an instrument in front of anyone. Not since teenage me had my yearly and most hated flute recitals. I never managed, back then, to feel proud of the work I’d done—just awkward, sweaty, on display.

I picked up ukulele during the height of the pandemic for something (anything) to do. It’s a blissfully easy instrument to play, so I’ve never taken it too seriously—really, “we should play at Porchfest” still lived as somewhat of a joke in my head until we plugged our mic in.

Maybe this is the ideal way to approach a hobby, with a bit of a wink—is that not what I’m doing with this blog here, too? I’m as sweaty as I ever was, but at least now I can say with enthusiasm: Look what I can do!

Enthusiasms is on vacation for the rest of May for my 32nd* birthday and also vacation! If you have Montréal travel tips, please send them my way. <3

*Give or take a few years, mostly give.

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