Cabbage

When my friend Jenny's wedding was over, I remember thinking that I was a bit relieved it was behind me. Do not get me wrong, it was a beautiful wedding, I had an amazing time, but I was the maid of honor. I had a lot of work to do that week between setting up, throwing a bachelorette party and not dropping the rings during the ceremony. I said to myself thank goodness for the next one all I have to do is show up and play the violin.

Well that next wedding is upon me and guess what? I HAVE TO SHOW UP AND PLAY THE VIOLIN OHMYGOD.

I am taking a very early Amtrak train out tomorrow morning so I can be there for the rehearsal at 6 p.m. tomorrow. I really need to be there for the rehearsal. I know how to play my five songs, but I need to see how long it takes people to walk down the aisle. I keep imagining the bride walking down the aisle to a two minute song in 30 seconds, and then the awkwardness that ensues when I play for a minute and a half while everybody just wants to get on with the damn marriage already. So yeah, I have some things that I need to work out.

I also need to work on my nerves. I never did any street corner playing like I hoped. It remains that I know these songs really well in my bedroom with all the doors and windows shut. Outside that immediate area, I'm just not sure. This wedding will certainly put me out of my element.

Fortunately, I know a few people who are performers. They offered me advice and I've taken their sage words to heart. They told me things such as people aren't there to hear me play, they're there to see the bride. Also, if I mess up most people won't even notice. And lastly, they're all cabbage. The last one is my favorite. I like thinking of people as cabbage. It's better than facing reality, which is that I am playing all by myself in a room with 100+ people on the most important day of two people's lives.

They are all cabbage.