Kingfisher: A Small Account of the Struggle (4)

The Drama of Craig and Jenn:

Craig entered the project wearing a Hawaiian shirt, a goofy hat, and the hopes of creating from nothing a business opportunity in a field he has much interest. He liked the idea of bringing us together, creating a business plan, developing a strategy, and watching the project take on a life of its own. He was the mad scientist in a goofy hat.

He organized and ran the first few meetings with enthusiasm that radiated and transferred to those of us around him. His charisma cannot be denied. It was so strong, in fact, that his wife felt it most of all.

Initially Jenn was a supporter of the band. She came to the first practice wishing to cook us dinner and wishing to help in any way possible. She began the night as the drink fetcher. She fetched drinks when the musicians became thirsty. Sometimes, she fetched herself a glass of wine. She would drink and fetch until the music we played caused her to dance and sing. Sitting on the side became intolerable.

The first time we played a song she knew, she would dance around and be obviously moved by our performance. The second time we played the same song she would try and listen for improvement and sing along with the chorus. By the third time of playing the same song she would become bored. She distracted us with cigarette breaks and glasses of wine, and occasionally she suggested singing with the microphone. She watched us practice, learn and improve with the envious gaze of a young woman who adores the limelight.

But watching us work became too tedious, as it would for most people. She questioned why she came and wondered how many times we needed to practice one song before moving on to another. She often said, “Maybe I shouldn’t have come,” and she was right. The problem, however, arose when she resented Craig for coming. She did not like staying at home with the kids and some part of her was jealous because Craig enjoyed being a part of the project. I know she did not mean to do this, but she made Craig feel bad for coming to practice or staying too late, and that ultimately took the fun out of managing the band.