Grappling with the first day back at school after Christmas vacation was always challenging. Even in classes where I was on solid footing, such as orchestra, my thoughts sometimes drifted back to the vacation I'd just finished.
I'd think, "Wait...Which piece are we playing again, the Corelli or the Scarlatti?" I didn't have much concern for the dynamics on the page. Muscle memory got me through those pieces as I remembered the anticipation of Christmas Eve and the warmth of Christmas Day I'd experienced just over a week earlier.
The same principle applies as an adult. Right after Christmas, I've taken calls I needed to take, typed what I needed to type, and edited what I needed to edit.
Much of the time, however, Philadelphia Brass Ensemble versions of various carols came to mind, or I wondered if my cat was playing with her Christmas chew toy.
Making that Christmas to everyday responsibilities transition always happens--but not easily.
