sac·cha·rine

(Late) Day 5: 2011: The Movie. If a film were made about ONE thing that happened to you in 2011, what would the film be called? Describe the plot/story.

Corny? You betcha, but I think mine would be something like Rides Home From Bob would be suiting. This past spring, I had the pleasure and honor to follow Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton around the innards of NPR’s HQ in D.C. for four months.

In was an absolutely amazing internship in which I learned so much and met an awful lot of brilliant, inspiring people. However, I think the moments I cherished most were during rides home from shows or work with Bob—you see, I lived on the way home for him in a decidedly ghetto ‘hood, so it was pretty convenient.

When boarded up in the Matrix, we talked about our respective pasts and dreams. He played me new songs he was working on and asked my opinion—that meant the world. He shared with me the kind of wisdom you can glean only over decades of hard work, risks, failures and successes. And he told me something pretty important I try to keep in mind all the time: If you decide you want to do something, don’t tip your toe in first. You gotta dive right in.

It’s a philosophy I wish I embraced more, and I’m working on it. I miss working for All Songs—despite the whole unpaid thing—every single day since I left the place in a sequiny mess.

Also, you NPR Musickers reading, expect a loaf of pumpkin bread very soon. Tonight is for baking.