The Pond (April 21)

We have the look and feel of late spring in Minnesota already. Trees around the pond are in the last push to give birth to leaves. The flower are vibrant, the sun-dappled pond shimmers, and the first batch of ducklings will arrive any day. Last year there was still a lot of snow on the ground. We had a frost on May 17th. I really enjoy the newness of life after winter.

I am dealing with the very serious issue of copyright in the midst of this new life. The irony is not lost on me. My invention and I have been violated. I don't want to deal with this. This is such grown up stuff. It socked me right in the gut and the feeling hasn't left me. I just don't understand why someone would do this? I can't talk about the situation, but I need to share my feelings about it.

I found out about it really late Friday night via an email. Dang, why do I check my emails before bed, anyway? I should just enjoy the evening and go to sleep, right? On Sunday, I got some wise council from friends, which I'll share here.

First of all, a friend asked me why I would roll over and not defend myself or my invention. That's why the systems are in place, he said. This is about so much more than money, it's about self respect, he said. Don't I have any? Ouch.

Then the sermon was all about crisis. Drawing a big purple X in the middle of the screen, the pastor said this is where the stuff happens. Little black arrows pointed toward the X. These are the many things that caused the stuff to happen. Growing out from the X was a big green arrow pointing toward the future. This was God, in the midst of it all, bringing new life and hope forward. Courage, the Pastor said, was moving forward doing the right thing, even when it's hard. Knowing that we are not alone in it brings the green hope of life.

Finally, being all mopey last night on the couch, my dear 16 year old snuggled up next to me. Explain why you're upset, Mom. It's such a small music world, I sobbed. I know what some people will say and they will judge this situation without knowing the facts. They will decide things when they don't know the whole story. I don't want to damage my reputation in the community; I have always worked so hard IN and FOR the music industry. Mom, she said, the people who care (about that) don't matter, and the people who matter don't care.

I haven't slept for three days. I met with a copyright attorney yesterday. I paid a lot of money to get some very good information and I hired him. I never thought as a little private piano teacher I'd have to deal with so much business stuff. They certainly didn't prepare me for this in college.

A copyright is a right to copy and copyrights are protected. May I be likewise.