She remembers the organ at Cornell. I think so. Most instances of serendipity seem to involve an idea that occurs to a person when he or she is doing something. Experimental work often has that mantra-like quality to it, its own logic and rhythms. And instruments are at times almost playfully turned unto unknown objects, with results that may be of immense value.
Physical activities are salutary prompts to creativity.
Weeding in the garden, washing dishes, ironing is where many people get good ideas. Even if creativity is the most mysterious of human qualities, we know that the field in which creation is the crop can be tilled and fertilized. Things can be done right. Clearly the mind and hands had better be prepared. If an individual can grow expert in more than one specialty, all the better.