Hidden Talents | September 2023

I am really excited about this month’s badge! The talent I’d like to share with the community is my ability to paint! 

Here is a 6 ft by 3 ft acrylic painting that I finished a few months ago. The painting is of Banff, Canada, a place I’d like to visit  Are there any other artists in the community?!

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Indeed…! This is a spectacular piece of work @AmaraW. The use of colors is so eye catching and realistic. Whenever I see this type of artwork, I always think I wish I could do the same...Anyway, thanks for sharing this beautiful acrylic painting.

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Glad to know there is at least one other flutist here in the XM Community! 

My not-so-hidden talent is that I am a bassoonist I play bassoon in a local orchestra in my free time No one ever knows what a bassoon is, so another talent is constantly explaining it

Flute is my secondary instrument, although I did win a solo performance award with the Texas Flute Society a few years ago. Not sure if that is proof of hidden talent, or proof of my absolute classical music nerd status!

Any other classical music fans here on the XM Community? 

I've been obsessed with jazz/soul/r&b for a long time. Especially those smooth, hypnotic soul bass grooves had me hooked, and I've been quietly play bass in my spare time for the last 5 years.

Recently, I decided to start learning to play the alto sax. I'm just venturing into the world of music, a one-man band wannabe

I don't think it's a hidden talent for my friends, but I love cooking and I cook whenever I can. I love making pizza and Italian food from scratch. 

Not necessarily a talent, but maybe a skill that not everyone possesses, I’m very organized and enjoy finding a structure/system to things.

I grew up taking dance lessons (ballet, tap, lyrical) so participated in technical lessons from the ages of 3-18.  Now my daughter has started .  

My kids are 3 and 4 years old and both think it’s pretty cool to earn running race medals, so I try to sign up for every local race that we can do together (walk/run/or stroller ride if they need a break)!  We are doing three 5K’s in September together.

It's something I learned recently.
I guess I have a talent as a pretty good storyteller.

There were a few presentations in and out of the company, and the audience showed reactions in between and listened to me with considerable concentration. And afterwards, they gave me feedbacks that it was fun and touching.

Most recently, I even got a presentation, how I use Qualtrics at the XM live event. One of the audience told me that they wanted to work with me, contrary to the atmosphere and culture of the team I worked with.

I love to bake!  I’m not a cake decorator, just a home baker that likes to show love through sweet treats.

Simple blueberry torte:

• Cream 1 c. sugar and 1/2 c. butter or margarine together.
• Add 1c. flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, dash of salt, & 2 eggs.
• Place in 9" spring form pan.
• Cover entire surface with 1 pint blueberries
• Sprinkle top with sugar, a little lemon juice, and cinnamon (use a heavy hand).
• Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or till toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.

@ScottG Thank you so much! I am actually the exact opposite of you. I can’t paint anything directly from my imagination without reference photos. I always feel the most comfortable drawing a photo exactly. I really struggle to be open and imaginative enough to make something abstract 

And, I really want to try working with resin! I just am having trouble finding a space with enough ventilation. I would love to see some of your work!

@Aanurag_QC What a cool talent!! We should do a community virtual yoga session 

@vgayraud What do you like to photograph? Landscapes, animals, people? I’d love to learn more about your talents! 

@Sachin Nandikol Which cartoon characters do you like to paint?!

I’m glad you’re being recognized for something you didn’t know you excel at! Being told you’re a good storyteller is a great compliment because it implies that people can’t wait to hear what you have to say.  Such a great talent!

Thank you so much for adding a recipe! I’ll make sure to try it out soon. I love having friends and family who bake because I get to try out any of the new or unique recipes they’re testing out.  Baking is definitely one of the tastiest talents one can have.  

I think being organized and finding ways to organize new things is definitely a talent! So in total, you’ve technically listed 3 talents here.  Glad to hear that you and your kids are able to share similar interests! Doing things that both my parents and I enjoyed are definitely some of my fondest memories.

@lmejiav This looks absolutely delicious! Aside from pizza, what are your other go-to recipes for Italian food? 

Learning how to play the saxophone is on my bucket list! I think it is easily one of my favorite instruments to listen to. I just recently began collecting Jazz vinyls and am currently obsessed with Grover Washington, Jr. I think it is super cool that you’re learning how to play new instruments, and I wish you the best of luck, I hope you master them soon. 

That’s quite an impressive list, @Gaurav_27!

Being prepared is absolutely a talent! It takes a lot of skill to anticipate needs and plan ahead! Happy to hear your kids also share your love of the performing arts!

That’s very cool, @Swanand_Chavan_Ugam! I read an article recently that said people who have a background performing in plays or theater were better performers at work in non-artistic roles (for example, working in tech or similar). I’m sure your background makes you a very compelling presenter!

Thank you for sharing this, @Amy_Bow! I will definitely add this to my collection of recipes to try!

Being a compelling presenter is absolutely a very special skill! It’s also quite validating when others give you positive feedback as well. Kudos to you!

Thank you so much, Mattias ! 

Whistling is a really cool and convenient talent  ! It is a great way to engage with an audience and music. I can’t whistle at all 

I fully agree -- being organized and being able to see the natural system of things is a great talent! Also, very cool that you are doing 5ks with the family! A great bonding experience ‍♀️

I don't think it's a hidden talent for my friends, but I love cooking and I cook whenever I can. I love making pizza and Italian food from scratch. 

 

Those pizzas look great! Being a good cook takes a lot of patience and creativity

@cbhavsar What an interesting, rare, and lucrative talent to have!! Can we trade talents 

That’s fantastic! I think it’s wonderful that we have so many music lovers in the XM Community