Mark Phillips' Pages: Workbook: 3/22/04: Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, the violinist asked me to formally join.

William H. Johnson, "Street Musicians" (ca. 1940) — William H. Johnson, *Street Musicians* (ca. 1940)

March 22, 2004:

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, the violinist asked me to formally join. "You know all the songs, don't you?"

The proverbial pivotal moment, or one of them. How different the course of my life would have been had I accepted. It's not likely I'd have lasted long in that band, the singer's prima donna tantrums left room for just one ego. But it might have been a platform for my songs, the kind of launching pad Life has never provided since, or which I've never created.

I declined, without hesitation. I was looking forward to getting out of that van, at that moment, and not going back. It was probably the right call.