Spring Fever

The grocery store had these on display last week which only seemed to fuel everyone's spring fever...including mine. I couldn't help but stop and take a picture. I wanted so much to buy one but I was afraid I'd kill it before I had a chance to get it in the ground. When I stopped in this week I noticed they were all gone. 

We have had unseasonably warm temperatures this year, especially the last couple of weeks. Here's an idea of what I mean:

Our pastor's son trying to clear 3 feet of snow off their porch 3 years ago: 

Downtown last year: 

Downtown yesterday:

Blue skies, bare streets and sidewalks...I'll take it!

Our yard today:

GRASS!!!

I've never seen this in February!!

We've had some beautiful sunrises for this time of year as well:

Temperatures have been in the 40's and last night we had wind and rain which always speeds up the melting process. 

For those of you thinking spring has arrived to the frozen north...no such luck. Winter temperatures and a mix of rain and snow are on tap for the weekend. I am beginning to wonder though if we just might get an early spring. "Early spring" for us means anything before mid April. The snow usually doesn't even consider melting anytime before April 15th. 

The studio has been so quiet the last couple of weeks. The kids in town have all been so sick. There are several bugs moving through, colds, sinus infections and several strains of flu. I have had some of my students out for 2 weeks which means my bank account is getting angry. 

In trying to make lemonade out of the lemons I've been dealt I decided since the students weren't coming it would be a good time to reorganize my craft supplies that live in the studio. 

I made a big mess! 

The upside is things are in better storage solutions but the downside is nothing looks any different. Most of my reorganization was in the closet. It's ok...next time I start a project I should be able to find what I need without too much frustration. 

The spring like weather is making Gibbs extra playful as well. One of my students that actually made it to lessons last week was not giving Gibbs the attention and playtime he thought he should have. Afterall, didn't this young man come to the house specifically to play? 

Yes dear Gibbs...play the piano...not play with you! 😉

"Please, please play with me". Says Gibbs

 Since he didn't get what he wanted, he decided to nap on mom and dad's bed.

One of the books I'm reading talks about being present and in the moment and also to be thankful so I leave you with this today. 

'

Summer Begins

With the start of summer coming on, I have been keeping quite busy. Memorial Day weekend brought my son and daughter-in-law up for the long weekend...it was nice to have them for longer than usual. Past visits have proved difficult for them and their two large fur-babies...the dogs are quite needy and finding a place for all of them to stay that was both private and quite was a challenge. They decided they wanted to try reclaiming a room from our old apartment which is over Hubby's print shop. Since we bought our house and moved out of the apartment he took it over for added shop space and it's quite full and quite the mess. I helped them clean out a room and make a bathroom look less like something you'd find at a gas station in the middle of nowhere. :P It was exhausting work, but they seem to be comfortable with the result. 

Here I am pictured with one of my piano students. I carried 15 students for most of the season and Saturday the 4th 11 of them participated in our spring recital. We had several with fast fingers...some of that due to nerves. I try to tell them when the adrenaline kicks in things can sometimes get out of control. Even with some mistakes, everyone seemed to handle it well. I took this week off to catch up on some things here at home before I start summer session for those who want it. I think I’m only going to have about 6 and most of those will only be once a month to every other week depending on their needs. I think I’m the most flexible teacher in the area when it comes to scheduling.

I’ve been working on spring cleaning a little at a time and trying to sell some of our extra junk we no longer use or need. It’s quite the job to sort and make decisions, take pictures, write up descriptions and post on websites...time consuming too.

I have been working with a fellow pianist and teacher this winter. We have traded services to better ourselves. She is working with me on the piano to sharpen and enhance my skills as both pianist and teacher and I am teaching her the organ. It’s been a good experience for us both and on August 26th we will be joining together in a recital. We will be using a very historic organ in the area and one of my favorites. Our recital is one of several to showcase the organ and raise funds for it’s upkeep. 

Tomorrow is another ATC trade - this months theme is "Holiday-you pick". I'm trying to use up all my scraps that I won't be needing for scrapbook pages so my holidays were chosen with that in mind. I did four on Easter using the song text from Easter Parade: 

I continued on with New Year's...not the holiday I would normally choose, but again, I had supplies to use up:

The two in the middle are my favorites. Using more supplies I went on to St. Patrick's Day and made two for Christmas. The one in the middle is my favorite of this group:

It seems my to-do list is ever growing. There never seems to be enough time in each day to accomplish all I should do. There has been some curiosity from some of you as to the goals I've been referring to lately. I will be sharing some of those with you in coming blogs so stay tuned. Nothing earth shattering, I assure you. 

I'm off to the church this afternoon for practice time.

Hubby and one of our church members have been making some repairs on our church organ. I am very thankful our friend is good at soldering. We still have some work to do, we did find out a repairman is out of the question due to expense.

Hubby and I thought we were going to be given an organ for me to practice on at home. It would have been very helpful for numerous reasons but the deal fell through. I still hope to obtain one at some point. 

Distractions

Thank you all for your kind words and comments on my tribute to Gordon page - it really meant a lot. 

I was so thrilled to find out at almost the last minute that Gordon's memorial service was made available via live stream. I had to do some student juggling, but I knew I had to "be there". It was a beautiful service. I found out later that there were 600 people in attendance in the building and 160 of us watching online!! Am I amazed? Yes and no. 

The prelude music was provided by the man himself via recording and couldn't have been more appropriate. It was strange in a way...watching a memorial service of someone I cared so much for on my TV screen. It almost didn't seem real. During the prelude they were showing a slide show, pictures of him. I couldn't see them very well and some of them not at all because of the camera angle, but I did see one of my very own pictures of him show up on the screen! It was this one I took of him on choir tour one year.

I'm sure they just grabbed whatever pictures they could find, but I felt honored when I saw it there. It was a connection...a confirmation that I was indeed part of his life. I remember taking that photo...who would have imagined then where it would end up. 

The very first thing was the entrance of a 60 voice choir that sang his choral arrangement of It Is Well With My Soul. We sang it in college, so I know it well and I knew from the very first notes played on the piano that it was Gordon's arrangement. Those who spoke talked of his love for God that was made manifest in everything he did, of the joy in his music...an outward expression of the inward man. So true! His son told how his dad had taught him to participate in music even when "just listening", made him ask questions regarding the emotions in the music, the colors, harmonies etc. He said that his dad found God in music and taught him that creating art was an act of worship. I know this is all true; he taught the same things to me. 

Two things that stood out to me that the other speakers mentioned. One, that Gordon's "default system" was praise to the Lord. No matter what was going on, even in the midst of cancer treatment and pain, he was still praising God. Two, that Gordon gave us a picture of God every time he sang or played an instrument. That was the point of Gordon's music...his life...to praise, honor and glorify God and it was evident in everything he did.

It's been a difficult couple of weeks and my entire system is paying for it. Gordon's passing has left me pondering things in my own life...he's still teaching me. 

I feel as though I've gotten off track...I've been distracted by too many "irons in the fire". I have so much going on and I'm going in so many directions that I've lost time for my true callings. I won't go into a lot of detail...just know that there are some changes coming. I know I've been called to glorify God in my music and reviewing Gordon's life has given me a renewed passion for practicing, studying and teaching; for putting into practice everything he taught me and for learning what I never quite grasped. I want to be the best musician I can be but it's going to take a lot of time and effort. 

I've been reminded of successful athletes...they eat, sleep walk, talk, breathe their sport. That's what it takes. I know I'm going to have to let some activities go and I'm finding that difficult, but I'm not getting any younger and time is marching on it seems faster and faster every day. So..I will be making a list of both my responsibilities and my callings and putting away the things in my life that don't produce advancement in those areas. I believe God has a place for me...I may not be saving souls on the mission field, feeding the hungry or giving my life savings to the poor, but I am called to be diligent in the place where God has set me. Lately I've been more distracted than diligent, but with God's guiding hand, it is my hope to put away those distractions. 

I hope you'll all stay with me on my journey.

Teaching and Crafting

It's such a gloomy morning - fog, light, misty rain...I think...could be snow...not sure. 

*Light cleaning as usual this morning, 

*Marc's laundry, etc. I'll do stuffed baked potatoes for lunch and make a boiled dinner for supper - we have to finish     the ham. 

*I have practice time scheduled for this afternoon. David has me starting to learn J.S. Bach's famous Toccata and         Fugue in d minor and I have to prepare prelude, offertory and communion music for Sunday as well as work on           recital pieces. 

*No students today

*I must get in a work-out today 

Our church is giving one of the ladies a "storybook shower" next week. Erin wanted me to make bookmarks to include in the books we chose. We found these adorable bookmarks on Pinterest and so I need to find some time soon to sit down and have a little fun. Aren't they the cutest?? I can't wait to get started. 

I've had some teaching challenges this week - I'm finding I need to find a different approach with a couple of my students. I hope it works because I don't want to lose them. 

My studio/office space is driving me crazy...it's so cluttered right now and I need to reorganize but I just don't know what to do with it to make it better. HELP!

Must get busy, so I'll be back to see what you've all blogged about later. 

Joy

It's the third week of Advent and i just have to share some joy with you. I may ramble on, so if you're busy, tuck it away for later. 

You're probably going to get sick of hear this, but I just have to share again what a blessing the new organ is and music in general. Sunday was recital day for my students. Since not all of my students and their families celebrate Christmas, the last couple of years I came up with "Family Recital" and invited all family members to take part as many of my students come from talented families; Christmas/holiday music is optional. This year we had a mother/son piano duet and one of the mothers sang for us...acapella...GORGEOUS! She even found a way to combine it with the piece her daughter played, which had nothing to do with the Christmas song she sang, but complimented it very nicely. She was quite creative with it and it was great! Her father installed organs for a living and she was quite impressed with our new organ, she said it sounds amazing. 

One of my young students that seemed quite taken with the organ when I gave my little organ tour this fall was planning to play a piece called Bells. I told her if she wanted to, she could play her piece on the organ using the carillon stop. She said she'd think about it and I told her mom my idea. She arrived a little early, came up to me and said "I want to play my piece on the organ". I was rather surprised because I felt she was so hesitant at her lesson. We tried it out so she knew what to expect and she was fine with it and did quite well! Later her mom told me the reason she was hesitant was because she felt badly for the other students...that it wasn't fair that she was the only one that got to play the organ! I didn't realize she had considered it such an honor. 

Hubby and I played our rendition The God of Abraham Praise for them and I consented to do a duet with one of my students fathers. He is our neighbor and the new pastor at the church down the street. He wanted to do Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella by Mannheim Steamroller. It was fun putting it together with him at the piano and me on the organ. He wanted to take it much faster, but I won out. :) It was still a fast waltz tempo and even at that I had to leave out a lot of the notes. Hubby said it sounded good and I'm trusting his judgement more and more. 

Speaking of Hubby - after everyone was gone and everything was cleaned up, he requested a "private concert", so I practiced a bit while he listened. I'm having trouble with the In Dulci Jubilo I want to play next Sunday morning...it's falling apart. I slowed it down and that seems to help some. Hubby decided the final chord needed a boost, so he pulled out the 32' sub bass and I think he's right. He loves that stop LOL! He now boasts of his new job at church - "I'm the 32' stop puller". Since my hands are rather busy at that point, I'm letting him step up and pull it for me and he seems tickled to do so. He cracks me up...I'm really not sure who's enjoying this organ more, me or him! 

Little things like this are happening and it's just so exciting to see. So many things are possible now that never were before. I love seeing the students test the waters and I hope that more will want to give it a try. I am feeling so blessed today. I'm blessed to work with a great bunch of students and some wonderful families, blessed to have a supportive husband, blessed to finally have an organ at church and blessed to have a mentor working with me who really cares about me and what is going on in my life...he's a true friend and brother.  

Oh...one more...I made some cards to sell, all proceeds to benefit the organ fund. Several women expressed wanting to see them, so I took them to church, had an announcement made and only one woman actually came over to look at them, but...she bought $30.00 worth! I had hoped there would be more  people interested...oh well, I tried. 

Today is cleaning, laundry, working out, teaching and card making day. Hubby will be gone for the evening, so I'll put on some music and see if I can get some cards made for me to give out! 

I'm sorry I have no photos today to break up this rambling prose, but thanks for "listening" to me bubble over! :D I pray you too are having a day filled with joy!

In Between

Summer is over and true fall has not quite arrived, so I feel like things are in an in between stage. My new background, I think, expresses that; it's got some leaves there for fall, but I'm not ready for the fall colors and pumpkins just yet. Perhaps I'm just putting off the inevitable as long as possible.

Fall piano lessons will start next week, but I won't have everyone returning until the following week...again, in between. The good news is, as you know, I added 2 students this summer and now I've added 3 new ones for fall. I will have a total of 16 students this year which is wonderful, the only drawback being, 7 of them are only coming every other week, so a few more to fill in the gaps are still needed.

The church advisory board met this week and will suggest to the congregation that they vote to purchase the organ we have been looking at. You can see it and hear it in the video...this is the actual instrument that I will be playing at church if they vote to purchase! I will know for sure tomorrow night after the business meeting. If they go ahead, and once it arrives, my work will really begin! So as with other things, I'm waiting in an in between stage.

There was a skunk in the yard this morning when we took the dogs out. It was still darkish, so we didn't see it at first. I was able to off Mae, I don't know why she didn't get sprayed unless the skunk could tell she was crippled and not a threat. The vet is coming up this coming Wednesday after lunch sometime to put her to sleep. The geese are flying circles around the lake getting ready to leave. One group flew off and didn't come back...not a good sign. Our days go from nippy ones to ones that feel just like summer and back again. 

I had so many plans for my Saturday, but I somehow wound up talking to my neighbor for most of the morning. I'm hoping in the coming days and weeks to be able to get to know her better. I think she needs a good friend here. Friendly, but not quite friends...in between. 

I have many goals for this winter, here's hoping I can stay focused enough to get them accomplished.  I'm still working toward getting my Etsy store set up. I will share when I get it operational. With the Etsy store, the new organ, new students and my usual cleaning, laundry and cooking, my life will be quite busy, especially until I get into a routine. I am thinking my computer time will have to be put off until evening from now on, which is hard for me as I enjoy doing my emails and blogging along with my morning coffee. 

Until next time my friends, 

Small Town Saturday

Clear

55°F Feels Like: 55°

It's a cool morning and we're only expecting a high of 66. Despite what the picture says, it is mostly cloudy - as a matter of fact, I don't see any sun at the moment at all. We've had a lot of rain, which I am glad for, but at the same time it's been so cool that our garden is way behind schedule. 

Today is Pasty Fest in our little town. The parade start is in the next block and many of the participants are driving past the Little Turquoise House on their way to line up. I get to see horse drawn wagons, old cars and fire trucks...woo-hoo! I used to enjoy parades when we first moved here...I guess I enjoyed them through my children's eyes; now that they are grown I don't walk over to stand on the curb and worry about the children darting into the street for candy...once a mom, always a mom! There will be vendors with food and games in the park, once again, not so much fun without the kids or someone to walk and talk with. I have gone over by myself, but I'm almost always disappointed, so...not this year.

I've been spending my time teaching, practicing and scrapbooking. For the most part it's all good. Wednesday I went into town by myself to run errands and shop. I realized I hadn't been to town by myself since last fall! It was so nice! I did splurge a little on myself...I bought a top at Walmart for $10.00

See how nicely it dresses up? 

and a skirt at Goodwill for $4.00.

I also looked at some shoes that I really want because I like the look of them but also because I think they will be quite practical, but they

didn't have my size so they are bringing it in from another store. I will go back next Wednesday when I take Suki to the vet for her shots and try them on, then decide. Since I have so much trouble with my feet, they are $85.00 shoes so I have to make sure they are a good fit. I didn't much like the attitude of the salesman though. 

Thursday afternoon was my matinee day at the organ in the Heritage Center, then the Anita's and I had our lunch date yesterday. After we ate we took her to the Heritage Center again where some painting needed to be done and Anita suggested I practice the organ so they could enjoy some music while she painted. So I had two practice days in a row...I'm not complaining. I must remember to take business cards when I go from now on as there is almost always someone there asking about lessons or just interested and could maybe pass one on. 

GOOD NEWS! I have TWO...count them...TWO new students!! I blogged about my new neighbors a while back, well, they have a 14 year old daughter that has been trying to teach herself piano and wants to take lessons! She came on Thursday, shaking with nerves, but we made it through the get acquainted session and her books are on order. Then to my surprise I got a hit on an online local music group where I posted an ad. It must have been God's timing, because I just posted it and heard immediately from a mom looking for a teacher for her 11 year old daughter. We emailed back and forth several times...I'm always a bit concerned when doing business over the internet...I wanted to make sure she was legit. Long story short, she has ordered the necessary materials and her daughter is to begin lessons on the 11th! If all my students from last season return in the fall and my new ones continue on, I will have a nice number.

I started a new scrapbook page last night; I'm now working on my grandmother's pages which brings to mind memories of sitting with my mother as I listened to her tell me stories about her since she had died when I was just a baby. I remember a far away look she would get in her eye when she talked of her. I will spend my day working on those today...and remembering... 

The Day After Recital

Last nights recital was a success, even the parent that likes to make trouble was on her good behavior. I wrapped my arm in an ace bandage because I was hauling heavy beverages into the church and moving furniture around and my Dr. saw it and questioned me. He examined it on the spot and says it's not carpel tunnel or tennis elbow (I don't think he ever did say what it was, except inflammation) but that he'd call something in to the pharmacy for me today. I put ice on it last night and it's not quite as bad today as it was yesterday. 

All the students did very well. One young man had a memory lapse but was able to collect himself, pick it up and continue

on. 

Plans for today are cleaning, cleaning, cleaning oh, and laundry, laundry, laundry! Also I have lunch with Anita, the lady with Alzheimer's; my friend, Anita can't make it today so I'll go alone. I'm thinking of riding my bike over, it will take about 15-20 minutes and I'll stop for some sandwiches on the way. 

Some things on my heart this morning are my son who is very discouraged with his life, job etc., healing of my arm, success for the business so we can have a little financial breathing room and I'm having trouble getting my eyes to focus on the computer screen this morning and I just got my prescription changed. Also, we've had someone step up to give the church a free organ, but it's not of the quality that I have prayed for. I knew we couldn't get what I want, but this one is quite old...mid 70's technology...How do you say no to free, even if it's not good enough?

I saw my first Oriole in the yard this morning! Hubby said he didn't know they got this far north. I'm going to make something to hold an orange for him today to see if he'll come back. 

It's partly cloudy this morning, but we've had gray skies for the last few days so I'm excited to have a day with some sun. 

Even though I will not have much in the way of income this summer, I am looking forward to some time to get some other things accomplished and projects finished before winter sets in again. It seems around here the entire summer is spent preparing for another winter. 

I wish for you a day filled with music!