tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91640748851677841482024-03-05T20:47:11.867-08:00Hoboj a Basarefeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-2578637841283159122010-04-21T15:25:00.000-07:002010-04-21T16:00:28.600-07:006 weeks<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF8TS96tCFbm24VS-6Sx2tKVPQIfqI3UsvUO6QUyzH5Icj9BlmLHL1wZxCEdvXbIY9Ddb-eJE1WLdm2cvGKFq-Xzswq4vx3n81yJ9jeTWIQy3p2IlPBZhNouplh7X88qsLBvM3Fv5Kac/s1600/no_violin_playing_busking_fiddleheads.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF8TS96tCFbm24VS-6Sx2tKVPQIfqI3UsvUO6QUyzH5Icj9BlmLHL1wZxCEdvXbIY9Ddb-eJE1WLdm2cvGKFq-Xzswq4vx3n81yJ9jeTWIQy3p2IlPBZhNouplh7X88qsLBvM3Fv5Kac/s320/no_violin_playing_busking_fiddleheads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462729235554358914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image from <a href="http://www.fiddleheads.ca">Fiddleheads</a></span><br /><br /></div>6 weeks. That is all that remains of the 4th-8th grade orchestra.<br /><br />Last night the school board unanimously approved all proposed cuts. Several teachers and programs suffered reductions of 10-51%: band, elementary general music, gym, health, guidance, and the gifted and talented program. Both orchestra and pre-K were eliminated entirely.<br /><br />Many students, parents, teachers, and community members turned out to voice their support for the instrumental programs. Some students played their instruments, others spoke quite passionately about what music means to them. One student brought tears to my eyes. "Some people are good at sports, others art. I'm not. I am good at music, and it is what makes me special," he stated, "Without music I am nothing, just a sixth grade nothing."<br /><br />I understand budgets must be reconciled, and money is tight right now, but I question the direction. What is the long term plan? Will programs and positions continue to be reduced to the point where it is impossible to offer students high quality instruction? Even with the approved cuts the school is still coming up short. The outlook seems murky at best. There is an unsettling lack of vision and practical solutions. After the meeting a colleague said, "When will education be about serving the needs of students and community, not administrators and accountants?"<br /><br />Orchestra was tough to teach today. The kids were aching. The only option was to let go and make beautiful music together. And we did.<br /><br />How are the schools in your area fairing?refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-86420044155235556792010-04-13T15:05:00.000-07:002010-04-13T16:05:44.119-07:00In defense...<span style="font-style: italic;">When March comes in like a lion, she leaves like a lamb.</span><br /><br />Or so it says.<br /><br />March was a roaring beast of activity: 7th & 8th grade band tour, Solo & Ensemble, performances by 4th-8th grade bands and orchestras at Fine Arts Night, a performance of the national anthem at an NBA game, and the end of an action-packed third quarter.<br /><br />The students have much to be proud of. Not only did they gave stellar spot-on performances of the repertoire, but they noticeably advanced their skills and achieved new levels of musicianship. The 4th grade orchestra and 5th grade bands even eagerly composed music for their own instruments- a task that intimidates many full grown musicians (myself included). They are ready for more action, but I don't think the upcoming action is what was in mind...<br /><br />Fine Arts Night, the NBA game, and end of quarter fell within a single week. It was exhausting and incredibly stressful- mostly because I had learned some devastating news a few days before the performances. Due to budget issues the principal/superintendent (yup- two posts, one guy) recommended reducing the band and orchestra program by at least 50%, even proposing total elimination. My heart felt shriveled into a little prune when I heard the proposal. I felt like I was in a nature documentary where I was the injured zebra who did not notice the lioness stalking in the grass.<br /><br />My mind raced. <span style="font-style: italic;">Why? How am I to defend the program as an interim teacher, especially when it is clear I am being excluded from information on purpose? What do I say to the kids? Do I say anything to the kids? Yes, you must. </span><br /><br />I inflated myself back up and waited for the right time to speak with each class- after the big performances were over. The students did not need that information to burden them while preparing for such big events. This ranks as one of the most difficult things I have had to do. Of course the students were rightfully upset. It felt odd as one who constantly encourages young artists to get in touch with the affective qualities of music to tell students to not be mad, but to be smart. T<span style="font-style: italic;">alk to the folks at home. Express your concerns and why music is important to you. Encourage the folks at home to contact the superintendent and the school board. Come to the school board meeting. Always be polite and civil. Always.</span><br /><br />I recall one of the music education professors told the class there would be a day when we would be required to defend the value of music in the schools and justify our place in education. I just didn't expect it to be so soon. However, I am ready to battle for the students and for their program.<br /><br />I will not be the zebra.<br />This time I will be the lion.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQfFxtZKHFu2TIZeZwASv7N4xnfNWix62aBJBClqGUkUjsWxseOcbcsTchP7kNkqTrd86mjUYnnJtnX6C1-hUXZt6lX5VTmy_Dtsj0KuGuWp6VuILnOOQ-aHYKm1V_WpWlsnMJojLjbA/s1600/600px-female_lion1.250a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQfFxtZKHFu2TIZeZwASv7N4xnfNWix62aBJBClqGUkUjsWxseOcbcsTchP7kNkqTrd86mjUYnnJtnX6C1-hUXZt6lX5VTmy_Dtsj0KuGuWp6VuILnOOQ-aHYKm1V_WpWlsnMJojLjbA/s320/600px-female_lion1.250a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459761514689557938" border="0" /></a>refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-2082903955506860782010-03-15T10:25:00.000-07:002010-03-15T19:44:34.007-07:00Third Grade Thoughts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMRkoDKSQaJtsvxOIDz0MwkHLhyphenhypheniGVcro5QMzXaV4GC_9HKEjnmzpqCHcQeomxSY91DI3YNPnNmPL65sG-ewDQUTkjJdep2vuY0U8L9daGDEMcDt_2QVzjZxo48u-IgReOD9sOzLruU8/s1600-h/happy-elephant-01.jpg"><br /></a>Part of my job requires me to teach Integration. I meet with a third grade and fourth grade class once a week. Actually the classes rotate, so I see the students every other week...which causes some issues that are an entirely separate post.<br /><br />Since the third grade has been studying world geography in class, we have been traveling the globe and exploring the many fine arts offerings of the world. The student even have little passports they fill out each class. This week we traveled to France and learned about Camille Saint-Saëns and his composition <span style="font-style: italic;">Le Carnaval des animaux</span>. Of the selections we listened to, the movement <i><span lang="fr">L'éléphant </span></i><span lang="fr">was the favorite.<br /><br /></span><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ROBANN%7E1.132/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMRkoDKSQaJtsvxOIDz0MwkHLhyphenhypheniGVcro5QMzXaV4GC_9HKEjnmzpqCHcQeomxSY91DI3YNPnNmPL65sG-ewDQUTkjJdep2vuY0U8L9daGDEMcDt_2QVzjZxo48u-IgReOD9sOzLruU8/s1600-h/happy-elephant-01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMRkoDKSQaJtsvxOIDz0MwkHLhyphenhypheniGVcro5QMzXaV4GC_9HKEjnmzpqCHcQeomxSY91DI3YNPnNmPL65sG-ewDQUTkjJdep2vuY0U8L9daGDEMcDt_2QVzjZxo48u-IgReOD9sOzLruU8/s320/happy-elephant-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448915940236409714" border="0" /></a><br /><span lang="fr">Here are some third grade thoughts on the prompt: <span style="font-style: italic;">How does this music make you think about elephants? What do you see in your mind?</span><br /><br /><blockquote>I see the mom elephant and her baby walking with each other. Then they get a shower in the river.<br /><br />It makes me think he is stomping around, but softly.<br /><br />It sounds like he is squishing a peanut. A lot.</blockquote></span><br /><span lang="fr"><object style="height: 344px; width: 425px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jWUt2D0FkdU"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jWUt2D0FkdU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span lang="fr">Have a listen. What do you hear?</span><br /><span lang="fr">Cheers!</span><br /><span lang="fr"><br /></span>refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-84329657069327944472010-03-02T09:09:00.000-08:002010-03-02T09:54:11.138-08:00Seriously? It's March already?Yet again I have let weeks, upon weeks, upon weeks pass without a peep. It's for a good reason- I got a job! I was lucky enough to snag a long-term substitute teaching position that allows me to do exactly what I have dreamed of- teaching music. I even got to finish my student teaching early to take the post!<br /><br />For the past 9 weeks I have been teaching 3rd through 8th grade orchestra, band, and enrichment courses. The kids are wonderful- very creative, thoughtful, and all around fun people to be surrounded by. It is a very small K-8 school, but it has allowed me to really get to know each and every student in my classroom. The 6-8 Winter Concert and Solo & Ensemble Festival were just this past week. The 7-8 Band tour, Fine Arts Night, and a 5-8 performance of the Star Spangled Banner at an NBA game are on the docket for March-a total whirlwind of activity. I can hardly believe that 3rd quarter is nearly over...and I know June is just around the corner.<br /><br />In the whirlwind I have barely come up for air- I have not been running or practicing yoga or doing much that doesn't involve school. I am ahead enough now to feel like I can afford to relax a bit. I will write more, get some fresh air, and perhaps take a nap....yes, definitely nap.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwZXOYL_tERLXA1ZZeM_eGOlIqh_xr9HIJgC4DFCXHVacucLOGxYwZtkPAsSBPgp8j2LPFWL5jEGVMZNeYXTGV3puDi4uzeuv3mGvbsXJMyhczFvKzuGqVthrCCXmbDOTFGV2S_vrOk8/s1600-h/IMG_0196.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwZXOYL_tERLXA1ZZeM_eGOlIqh_xr9HIJgC4DFCXHVacucLOGxYwZtkPAsSBPgp8j2LPFWL5jEGVMZNeYXTGV3puDi4uzeuv3mGvbsXJMyhczFvKzuGqVthrCCXmbDOTFGV2S_vrOk8/s320/IMG_0196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444095766397214306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Take a cue from Carmen.</span><br /></div><br />Thank you for all of your support and helpful wishes. The positive thoughts have helped me.<br />What does March have in store for you?<br /><br />One of my favorite kid quotes thus far:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;"> I thought our sub would be old and grouchy, but you're none of those things. In fact (sounding very stunned) you're fun. I didn't think that was allowed.</span></blockquote>refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-20435230190747950992010-01-03T08:42:00.000-08:002010-01-03T09:35:59.365-08:00My Word for 2010<span style="font-style: italic;">"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature."</span> -Helen Keller<br /><br />Last year I made a long list of little things to accomplish, and in general I was mostly successful. I reconnected with my tribe and forged new relationships with positive and inspiring people. Although I've experienced a bit of a movement relapse in the past two months, I drank more water and ran The North Face Endurance Challenge half marathon. Also, I did repaint the kitchen- twice. Once at my old abode and at my current home!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="ed101.bu.edu"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagXNxt-jIEYrRE00Zwfjz1B5xfgCvx-Q4ZblY2Q2PeIzjFMieOaDfl6dLV5WwnYxMOhfwV-B06JquoBkWJxWWm1XC579Tt2ZLlkWkPt26mpfEWRwSBlZRPDpmV8Q6JIDR10AHXgwmkp0/s320/helen+keller+image.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422567816306504434" border="0" /></a><br />This year I am inspired by <a href="http://bohemiansinglemom.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Boho</span> Mom</a>, who has forgone creating a litany of resolutions in favor of a single word. It's like a mantra for the year that is full of intention and empowerment.<br /><br />My word for 2010 is<span style="font-size:100%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ad</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">v<span style="font-style: italic;">e</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nture</span></span></span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://herspeak.blogspot.com/">Molly</a> and I have made a joint resolution to be more daring. Adventure does not need to be grand foray into the wilderness, deep sea voyage, or aeronautical feat. It means taking the risk to lose sight of the comfort-zone shoreline, even if only for a moment. Adventure does not mean being reckless with myself or others, but to be more fearless with opportunity and adversity. Each and everyday is an adventure.<br /><br />Cheers to adventure! What is your word for 2010?refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-39769624918312416542009-12-13T16:05:00.000-08:002009-12-13T16:29:27.076-08:00Be amazed...When I stumbled upon Aleksandr Hrustevich, a young Ukrainian accordionist, I was absolutely mesmerized by his talents. His grace and skill is indescribable. Listen as Mr. Hrustevich plays <span style="font-style: italic;">Summer</span> from Vivaldi's <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Seasons. </span>Be amazed.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o0Bn4m6dQbI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o0Bn4m6dQbI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-2152705825928545722009-12-09T07:30:00.000-08:002009-12-09T07:50:23.046-08:00I wish I may...<div style="text-align: center;">This week <a href="http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/">Jamie</a> asks, "What is your spirit wishing for?"<br /><br />My spirit wishes for <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >m</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;font-size:85%;" >o</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;font-size:180%;" >v</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >e</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >m</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;font-size:78%;" >e</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >n</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >t</span>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y8oviN0zHUDsYtVP3op0UxT-nin3bbGLElW03Fo28m4zGiPQn_orHFmVZOjjBqPtmAnpyOo_OoNtAeQQslZ8-q2SnfGXSvT4E9v6sT7FrC7NLnHJ2yx4xddQ9LsHceVMs-Boaleej5o/s1600-h/the_movement_of_light_1_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y8oviN0zHUDsYtVP3op0UxT-nin3bbGLElW03Fo28m4zGiPQn_orHFmVZOjjBqPtmAnpyOo_OoNtAeQQslZ8-q2SnfGXSvT4E9v6sT7FrC7NLnHJ2yx4xddQ9LsHceVMs-Boaleej5o/s320/the_movement_of_light_1_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413263830832647634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image from </span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.chromasia.com/galleries/0610131852.php">chromasia.com</a><br /><br /></span></span></div>In the past few months I have spent so many of my waking hours glued to my laptop working on my final portfolio. Yesterday I submitted lesson plans, projects, assessments, essays, and score studies that stacked up at 1 1/2 inches thick, and it was printed front to back. My body has become all too familiar with my desk chair, as comfortable as it is. I wish to run, to stretch, to play, to move freely.<br /><br />The portfolio process has also stirred my spirit. She is anxious, albeit a touch nervous, to move on to the next chapter. I seek that first career, the thrill of opportunity, the next adventure. My spirit needs to move forward and onward.<br /><br />What does your spirit wish for?refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-82404553542190577632009-11-28T09:05:00.000-08:002009-11-28T09:50:50.434-08:00Zůstat plovoucí.<span style="font-style: italic;">Zůstat plovoucí</span>.<br />Stay afloat.<br /><br />It's that time of year again. The semester is coming to a close, projects are mounting, caffeine is pumping through my veins, and a good night sleep is becoming a luxury. There are days I feel like my brain has the consistency of strained squash and it may be in danger of leaking out my ear. I feel skittish and totally unmotivated at the same time.<br /><br />Several of my student teaching peers have expressed similar feelings. <a href="http://www.herspeak.blogspot.com/">Molly</a> and I were talking about these weird sensations- simultaneous anxiousness and sloth. We have always survived the end of the semester push. It just feels particularly steep this year. I wonder what it affecting so many of us in such an unusual way. Thoughts?<br /><br />Anyway, I have been trying my best to focus my energy and be a busy, busy bee. This is what I have been up to:<br /><br />It is t-minus ten days until my student teaching portfolio is due. I have completed 6 out of the 10 artifacts and accompanying essays. Two are currently in some stage of progress, while the other two are on tap for early this week. I have been typing, editing, scanning, video taping, and re-editing like a mad woman.<br /><br />Check out these examples of student work I am using in my portfolio. It is from the third grade theme and variations unit. The students picked a simple shape as their theme and made three variations on that shape. Like music composition, the students had total freedom of how they chose to vary the shape. The only guideline was the theme needed to recognizable within the variation. The students were so creative- I had a hard time picking which examples to use!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5hHmxQt7ot_YM3YhuHKyVddgYRD7CwOJUf0GiNmC8IhqqUzOhC_rwAn9ZO7t1QfsrHlv4qUcegt0dPfrlW3l8PU2qVwzLnZuoFv5UtRUiVu4mmbGtWv3qBURd3VmKuKBUNUvdl_pa88/s1600/IMG_0232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5hHmxQt7ot_YM3YhuHKyVddgYRD7CwOJUf0GiNmC8IhqqUzOhC_rwAn9ZO7t1QfsrHlv4qUcegt0dPfrlW3l8PU2qVwzLnZuoFv5UtRUiVu4mmbGtWv3qBURd3VmKuKBUNUvdl_pa88/s320/IMG_0232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409210147298334562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Love the fish!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YNjGlIbIJZpNKvoOW4Igpp28WEONyi4nUmYeVOu1BeFM3d6k_3CdvNkNHaBJi9KCHVTh6_5pLWPUAySXcxOAlFkWXtlcNBsDYp9IsdBICkDaHbhzx7MO0UEQkCUdhLwfPn-CiQZ6iM8/s1600/IMG_0235.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YNjGlIbIJZpNKvoOW4Igpp28WEONyi4nUmYeVOu1BeFM3d6k_3CdvNkNHaBJi9KCHVTh6_5pLWPUAySXcxOAlFkWXtlcNBsDYp9IsdBICkDaHbhzx7MO0UEQkCUdhLwfPn-CiQZ6iM8/s320/IMG_0235.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409210613525113042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Circles were a popular theme. I thought this one was particularly well done.<br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUXqlKbk80MEBtcaS4R92YFOthw6o1kRIy_B4wiKmGvdY6PNOsfaX0e5tyuCVakcgShQu-XEkGJ9_nAGavnJf1952vlNZ4Uzyd2w3PwWAxDgU7uoYK5agvXRaxl_9PBMoS9PTrgSPPfc/s1600/IMG_0234.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUXqlKbk80MEBtcaS4R92YFOthw6o1kRIy_B4wiKmGvdY6PNOsfaX0e5tyuCVakcgShQu-XEkGJ9_nAGavnJf1952vlNZ4Uzyd2w3PwWAxDgU7uoYK5agvXRaxl_9PBMoS9PTrgSPPfc/s320/IMG_0234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409210476602158066" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">That jack-o-lantern is the best!<br /></span></span></div><br />Score study, rehearsal plans, more score study, lesson plans, and more score study. I can sing Holst in my sleep. It's not a bad thing.<br /><br />Attended the American Orff Schulwerk Association conference. It was a phenomenal learning experience. I meet a lot of interesting people, attended some very creative sessions, and picked up some great books. <span style="font-style: italic;">I heart books.</span><br /><br />The high school marching band gave a great performance at the holiday parade downtown last week. The late evening rehearsals really paid off. The band sounded fantastic!<br /><br />Student teaching observation by my university supervisor this week. Need I say more?<br /><br />The holiday craft fair and breakfast is this coming weekend. The students plan, organize, and run the whole production. It is going to be a very busy, albeit fun, week! <br /><br />What projects have you been investing your energy in?<br />Here's to keeping afloat!<br />Merry Writing!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-17269875355626764872009-11-06T17:24:00.000-08:002009-11-06T19:01:33.814-08:00Goodness!Oh my, oh my! I cannot believe that it has been nearly three months since my last post. Honestly, I cannot believe that the first quarter of school is over and that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. The past few months have been a whirlwind of activities, projects, lesson plans, private students, performances, and conventions. I have been wearing many, many hats- I love dressing up!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8TlpA8HbOvuhj1HMXr1Hh3OO3irUWalISXMuzaq6lw5O9cx20Lny47sOhCcuw51hHr8iT4hjl6NH3ULsi23HJXXTqIWwOJ5sUCRjp_jE4yZBWjMGJ-PTXEZaqZQtcKHfSuJXp9R3qnM/s1600-h/manyhats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8TlpA8HbOvuhj1HMXr1Hh3OO3irUWalISXMuzaq6lw5O9cx20Lny47sOhCcuw51hHr8iT4hjl6NH3ULsi23HJXXTqIWwOJ5sUCRjp_jE4yZBWjMGJ-PTXEZaqZQtcKHfSuJXp9R3qnM/s320/manyhats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401189694306907474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Here I go!<br /><br /></span></div>The biggest bonnet I have donned has been that of an elementary teacher. So far student teaching has been a truly positive experience. The first quarter was spent teaching general music at the elementary level. It was a load of work to prepare for seven or eight K-5 classes a day, as well as after school activities, but I found the work to be satisfying. There were days that felt longer than others and less than glamorous moments, however far fewer than I initially expected. I had the opportunity to help young minds develop as creative artists- the process of guiding students through their first composition projects was amazingly fun. So far I learned that K-5 general music is both very demanding and rewarding work, and I can see myself happily teaching at this developmental level.<br /><br />This week I transitioned to the high school. So far so good. Many new names and faces to learn. I now wear the hat of a conductor and tuba and horn teacher.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XXL_zkSOj1Ytow8kytxi43_aPYlBfUX6WlqOusX2xX2nQl38qK5CHDp4k96EEsE4x_x4Sjvd8tw_BKbsbyCE2uaS4zZSXiG-I8bjNAawd_a1hqPiNsffBH5SqqOCcmYyAwNKljcavVM/s1600-h/4001893361_8333569611_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XXL_zkSOj1Ytow8kytxi43_aPYlBfUX6WlqOusX2xX2nQl38qK5CHDp4k96EEsE4x_x4Sjvd8tw_BKbsbyCE2uaS4zZSXiG-I8bjNAawd_a1hqPiNsffBH5SqqOCcmYyAwNKljcavVM/s320/4001893361_8333569611_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401189697996728978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >My most favorite hat!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Check out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/julieivens/sets/72157621719509782/">Julie Lynn Ivens</a> on Flickr.</span><br /><br /></div>Last month <a href="http://www.herspeak.blogspot.com/">Molly</a> and Kelly designed and organized the most amazing event- the Massacreade. It was full of art, music, mischief, and mayhem. The Famous Graves had the pleasure of performing two sold out shows with the Echelon String Quartet, Evan Flynn, and Mr. Zak Larson. Best of all, I got to wear the most amazing feathered hat and fangs.<br /><br />It was wonderful to catch-up with my blogosphere friends this past week. More adventures to be posted soon. Before January. I promise!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpna9FuICOIco60xcpYlcvG5-uTRxvjCzffraU-op9ssn_158qvdxoi_nls7ihenn0M42BH-lm_MkSNos8uVDklaJmMX75ajerT6Af8JxFpsvJpwGKvqv_epBFdEGcw1RjEd5zQjWuETk/s1600-h/IMG_0196.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpna9FuICOIco60xcpYlcvG5-uTRxvjCzffraU-op9ssn_158qvdxoi_nls7ihenn0M42BH-lm_MkSNos8uVDklaJmMX75ajerT6Af8JxFpsvJpwGKvqv_epBFdEGcw1RjEd5zQjWuETk/s320/IMG_0196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401189702791741458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >I will be taking a cue from Carmen on Monday (No School!)</span><br /></div><br />What hats have you been wearing as of late?refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-20273100633244569202009-08-14T06:23:00.000-07:002009-08-14T07:23:43.835-07:00Extraordinary InspirationSometimes great strokes of inspiration comes from the most fleeting and unexpected moments. It is the little encounter that causes a sparkling of wonderment, reverence, and insight to swirl through our heads. The moment becomes nested in your mind and heart.<br /><br />I experienced this sensation while working at the summer band camps a few weeks ago.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-BgIpxoYY6wS_Tf7dWoOrocgfHQ8MCQ9huqSabprb6Prwtf7qdGAYZA97jv7gsFqfzpMgnTSciDADb3DX0isr3pJNwPz_ziAc3zqy8839Msc9xVJBng6-67LlXmu4fj7wibHrVI1bhs/s1600-h/shopstampafe.com.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-BgIpxoYY6wS_Tf7dWoOrocgfHQ8MCQ9huqSabprb6Prwtf7qdGAYZA97jv7gsFqfzpMgnTSciDADb3DX0isr3pJNwPz_ziAc3zqy8839Msc9xVJBng6-67LlXmu4fj7wibHrVI1bhs/s320/shopstampafe.com.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369824000675167746" border="0" /></a><br />A fellow instructor and I were walking back from the dining hall to the arts center after a particularly brick-like lunch. We were strolling along on a rather unremarkable stretch of sidewalk we have traveled countless times in the previous weeks. While I was looking up at the graying clouds wondering if it would indeed rain, he was looking along the ground. He scooped up a pine cone and put it to his ear. "Listen," he said. He put the pine cone up to my ear and plucked the spears like an African Kalimba. Different high pitched and woody tones vibrated from each spear. "This is a good pine cone," he said as he gently placed the conifer into his shoulder bag.<br /><br />My heart stirred. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span>As I walked back to the dormitories that evening, again looking toward the skies, my mind finally managed to translate the flutterings of my heart:<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span>Look at ordinary things in an extraordinary way</span>.<br /><br />Truly inspirational.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeMIQ3m-FmsyUn2QMemaIpJTqlsWr6elltpGIWqaTf4uoRafjN7eeYhh0LRL8Pd_3KQtQXq4SKoKO9mS2NQ4niTBO7ewwyIcQg15X1okzVnT45w1Tq6QJNp6cK8x6WrX2TGzNz37-PwE/s1600-h/ect.usf.edu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 74px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeMIQ3m-FmsyUn2QMemaIpJTqlsWr6elltpGIWqaTf4uoRafjN7eeYhh0LRL8Pd_3KQtQXq4SKoKO9mS2NQ4niTBO7ewwyIcQg15X1okzVnT45w1Tq6QJNp6cK8x6WrX2TGzNz37-PwE/s320/ect.usf.edu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369823991750024690" border="0" /></a><br />What moments have inspired you?<br />Merry writings.refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-18782882389427647632009-08-04T15:00:00.000-07:002009-08-04T15:54:10.048-07:00SurfacingI cannot believe that 6 weeks have passed in such a whirlwind. I feel like I have barely clung on to the surface of the earth! Where has the summer gone? I feel as though it has just flown by, and I have little to show for it- not even a tan!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8AzhFTEKb08det5b7fnhkdQpUZp6RzDfcEdxOv01BA2EgexK7cuPP_i9E_BSPggEjW8FrM1zzMSxJC65hG1_8UutRgkMzJA1ccayXDAnVROcDiSyduZI0woL8lkTs6lnDFhogjbccqY/s1600-h/IMG_0186.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8AzhFTEKb08det5b7fnhkdQpUZp6RzDfcEdxOv01BA2EgexK7cuPP_i9E_BSPggEjW8FrM1zzMSxJC65hG1_8UutRgkMzJA1ccayXDAnVROcDiSyduZI0woL8lkTs6lnDFhogjbccqY/s320/IMG_0186.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366243656128591234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Our quaint view.</span><br /><br /></div>The move was less than smooth. The new apartment had been abused by the previous tenant and needed much attention before it felt like home. Spreading Spackle, sanding, priming, painting, and installing shelving consumed more time than I anticipated. However, our wee space now looks and feels clean, cozy, and well cared for. I will share some before and after pictures in the near future.<br /><br />This weekend I bought some lovely little succulents to share the window sill with the kitties. So far the little plants have not fallen victim to kitty carnage- perhaps they do not care for the texture? The window is the reason the Muffin and I picked this teeny-tiny apartment (a studio with a 12 x 15 living space). Our sunlight filled window faces south and peers into the side alley shared with an old 3-story home. We have the good fortune of viewing the nearly 3-story tall maple tree that consumes the small back yard. I am curious what color the leaves will turn in the fall. Perhaps my favorite part is when the wind carries in the bright tinkling of our neighbors wind chimes into our home.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9vl8IuHIZNeyjND0zVwspdXjj0uJ1zqcg-5uLuKfkekWyWkuIjeIRdIlHIHZ-Z_YC8LGeRhBR6qqr0lNQaUNcDYEFae7KifXqeXkdWSzC8UHdxth4hqzWkvKgkljDhLRbvcrfK0pa8o/s1600-h/IMG_0184.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9vl8IuHIZNeyjND0zVwspdXjj0uJ1zqcg-5uLuKfkekWyWkuIjeIRdIlHIHZ-Z_YC8LGeRhBR6qqr0lNQaUNcDYEFae7KifXqeXkdWSzC8UHdxth4hqzWkvKgkljDhLRbvcrfK0pa8o/s320/IMG_0184.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366244087022850946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZlJOR11MJ7j4FrLH-FFVFlmfNJDHuyCJS_M2Uauw5ECQIEJaZ_xy8dC7uWCWULqbVhl5xIkcPSuJOV4g6FxZoIxlX5Kaf302Y_jHSS2LqOLwcRsRiqKF1uzYXFCityXHxRdZQUwnWSY/s1600-h/IMG_0185.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZlJOR11MJ7j4FrLH-FFVFlmfNJDHuyCJS_M2Uauw5ECQIEJaZ_xy8dC7uWCWULqbVhl5xIkcPSuJOV4g6FxZoIxlX5Kaf302Y_jHSS2LqOLwcRsRiqKF1uzYXFCityXHxRdZQUwnWSY/s320/IMG_0185.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366243645834067234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Succulents. Yes, those are ceramic donkey planters. </span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">They are from my G-ma. I adore the weirdness of them.</span><br /></div><br />Speaking of sound, the weeks of band camps moved at rocket pace. They were over in the blink of an eye. Middle school week was wonderful- the kids were truly phenomenal. I had a fantastic pair of oboists to coach for the week. They were both sponges- eager to learn, energetic, and open to trying new techniques. Despite the age difference of the two (he was 14 and she was 11), they encouraged and supported each other every day. I wish I could have kept the pair for another week...or always.<br /><br />The Famous Graves played for the Tuesday recitals both weeks. The students were great to play for, and I had a wonderful time performing. Middle school week served as a great warm up for Gallery Night. As <a href="http://herspeak.blogspot.com/">Molly</a> mentioned, I thought we gave a top-notch performance. I am already excited about our next rehearsal and the upcoming recording process.<br /><br />Postings will be more regular. It feels great to write again and visit all of my blog friends again. Cheers!<br />Merry makings and writings!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-34267252674416250622009-06-19T10:11:00.000-07:002009-06-19T10:43:50.783-07:00Boxes, boxes...more boxesUnlike <a href="http://dreamwiththefishes.blogspot.com/">Miss Serena</a>, who is engaging in some <a href="http://www.decluttergoddesses.com/">divine de-cluttering</a>, I am in the process of making my apartment a swirling-vortex of boxed chaos. Only twelve days until The Muffin and I can begin moving into our new studio, and I am in total amazement of how much <span style="font-style: italic;">Stuff-with-a-capital-S </span>we have managed to accumulate in the nooks and crannies of current abode. Yesterday I began to wade through our storage closet and have already created a healthy pile of items to donate. I am making a point to only keep the things that are needed or loved. No doubt the donation pile will continue to grow!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4Ch45RTNJ4IcP9QA9hjJvd8zKJ7fQF-RrpMN8smbOAMY2JYofcrJ4IwBJDsI4uA7qrWgyiJfKpgAlujJTqVWallJEWvmFHbZFF7AD-U3Ef9hxB_Ow20UYr3tB9KOdmpOIvDkl7sqiXU/s1600-h/IMG_0147.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4Ch45RTNJ4IcP9QA9hjJvd8zKJ7fQF-RrpMN8smbOAMY2JYofcrJ4IwBJDsI4uA7qrWgyiJfKpgAlujJTqVWallJEWvmFHbZFF7AD-U3Ef9hxB_Ow20UYr3tB9KOdmpOIvDkl7sqiXU/s320/IMG_0147.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349094348670574994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This is only the begining of the donation pile! </span>Minus the bike- I need my wheels!</span><br /></div><br />While cleaning the closet I stumbled upon an empty wooden wine giftbox that seemed too useful to discard. It has good bones, but the faux-Tuscan decor is not my bag. With the help of a little tacky glue and fun paper, I now have a cute little box for storing my writing and drawing sticks! <span style="font-style: italic;">And</span>- it was a super simple project to boot!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XpT0Ng4Inv3O0bNpahIJzXcQ_w1xAIBCawC0AVVPfEoEMh1cXehFk2J51KfDz-wg-6KlGyeOp8wepProD9GQTdQTgu86hdp1Bmq-WFB-t915_GfLKxzy8n6vCzIT65D12y4tPWAYjYo/s1600-h/beforebox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XpT0Ng4Inv3O0bNpahIJzXcQ_w1xAIBCawC0AVVPfEoEMh1cXehFk2J51KfDz-wg-6KlGyeOp8wepProD9GQTdQTgu86hdp1Bmq-WFB-t915_GfLKxzy8n6vCzIT65D12y4tPWAYjYo/s320/beforebox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349094343169605218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Before<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaaJ8Asj3zKkptRT_UO_HOF4zJlkMMAJ_odaTI2pOz7_xPlOsYPK6gZ_tjBdVv0x4RliPXtcIbfjAGlh_-0HXV8-8enlNcxbiTDM99GNnlxeKj-CzuL3FWk4zfyqIr-eeOsXh5XnF8Yw/s1600-h/afterbox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaaJ8Asj3zKkptRT_UO_HOF4zJlkMMAJ_odaTI2pOz7_xPlOsYPK6gZ_tjBdVv0x4RliPXtcIbfjAGlh_-0HXV8-8enlNcxbiTDM99GNnlxeKj-CzuL3FWk4zfyqIr-eeOsXh5XnF8Yw/s320/afterbox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349094347768418050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*<span style="font-size:100%;">*</span>*Tah-dah!</span> <span style="font-size:100%;">*<span style="font-size:85%;">*</span>* </span>After!<br /></span></div><br />Merry writings!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-33601639157133357162009-06-04T08:54:00.000-07:002009-06-04T10:00:53.748-07:00Calm After the StormIn preparation for our move into the studio apartment, the Muffin and I have been attempting to sell some of the furniture we will no longer need on craigslist. I have quickly learned how weird, annoying, or flat out rude people will be via email. Or that people think it is okay to not show up to pick up an item without any attempt to contact me. Obviously my time is not valuable. I digress...<br /><br />Last evening someone came to view our sofa. She was very polite and, my favorite, very punctual. She was at my door at 6:30 on the dot. However, her 4 year-old son was like a tornado through my apartment. He made himself right at home- the first thing he did was open my refrigerator to "see if we eat different." The cats were another source of amusement, but they are attention gluttons and enjoyed being chased around and having their chins scratched. And then there were the "giant violins" that he <span style="font-style: italic;">had</span> to touch. Actually, I thought it was rather amusing and was trying hard not to giggle because his mother was obviously horrified about <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span>. She kept simultaneously scolding him and apologizing to me for his behavior, even though I said not to worry. I asked him, "How would you pet a baby chick?" "Very, very careful," he replied. "Although the bass is big, it needs to be handled very carefully. Do you promise to touch it like you would the softest baby chick?" "Oh, yes, yes, yes!" And he did.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fqyEWOBuWzaLwQyEOnkq0td8Bv3S84QoXIGqxsxFBpuaXZRyCb1MSLTnTZfRdgWFzZzgZtSSxHsAE-zebrRnrKbttV539aCV9iBL8QIyQqYPKgwZAqoFjnePBhXYL8fdxd_W19h5wCw/s1600-h/IMG_0146.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fqyEWOBuWzaLwQyEOnkq0td8Bv3S84QoXIGqxsxFBpuaXZRyCb1MSLTnTZfRdgWFzZzgZtSSxHsAE-zebrRnrKbttV539aCV9iBL8QIyQqYPKgwZAqoFjnePBhXYL8fdxd_W19h5wCw/s320/IMG_0146.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343515905938245138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Our little visitor tuckered Simandl out.</span><br /></span></div><br />Shortly after the little tornado left, Muffin returned home from a rehearsal and we sat down for a casual dinner. I like to call these "peasant dinners" because they are simple meal of bread, cheese, fruit, and wine. My favorite part is that it a satisfying meal with really no cooking involved- just a little slicing. We spent the rest of the evening at the table enjoying our meal and the company of each other.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KkUkqVHVujms-1W11BVAtrO4WrUKZQ6knAo5s8C_XzPbovVgKebLb9LIIe4xrlNmvf7mFp0EKEjVM-WMJeQ7LVBpMWdKsYvKLAyQIg8TpYTR1RbHkJJ-UdQ09w0EQhSBelunFq7_IdY/s1600-h/IMG_0143.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KkUkqVHVujms-1W11BVAtrO4WrUKZQ6knAo5s8C_XzPbovVgKebLb9LIIe4xrlNmvf7mFp0EKEjVM-WMJeQ7LVBpMWdKsYvKLAyQIg8TpYTR1RbHkJJ-UdQ09w0EQhSBelunFq7_IdY/s320/IMG_0143.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343515902475365442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Peasant dinner.<br /></span></div><br />Merry Writing!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-27723060868826878352009-06-02T09:39:00.000-07:002009-06-02T10:33:39.437-07:00Establishing BalanceLast week I managed to do very little...and it was <span style="font-style: italic;">delightful</span>. Most of the week was cloudy, rain spattered, and unseasonably cool- a perfect week to rest and recuperate from a particularly draining school year. Without a trace of guilt, I spent many hours perusing my favorite design blogs, curled up on my sofa reading books, shamelessly cat napping, and hitting up the new thrift store with <a href="http://herspeak.blogspot.com/">Molly</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://webpages.charter.net/buckrogers/Casa%20Artistica_files/Baby%20Sloth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZzcb3EfxyWRLPcStMvB9HEh8nzRto3dMstBS_o_MJtDmUJYucydCHRVb8erNLBpF0Ws7e4DuD4shab8PdFLtdQbvU7b3tPt0Zlw4CB9F84EaOeRIcQ9Q6g9OccJq4HK4H3iRJpR1d58/s320/Baby+Sloth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342784270804285138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I imagine this is what I would look like if I were cute, furry & living in Costa Rica.</span></span><br /></div><br />Sunday was a gorgeous day- perfect for spending the day tinkering in my parents' gardens. It was a rather productive day, with much digging in the dirt, moving rocks, potting, and transplanting. The fragrance of the freshly overturned soil and new blooms was intoxicating, and it was ridiculously fun getting really dirty! Also, I now sport the most <span style="font-style: italic;">fantastic</span> garden glove tan.<br /><br />Sunday ushered in the end of my sloth-session. It is time to get the proverbial gears moving and make good use of the weeks ahead. I have organized my students and have set the summer oboe lesson schedule. I have also established some personal practice goals, both oboe and bass-wise. My temple deserves much more attention than I have given it these past months. Regular yoga practice (I am as flexible as a light pole right now) will be paired with weekly running goals. I plan to log 16 miles this week, and I already have 4 down! Also, I have a little list of projects to do, books to read, and small trips to make.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkg64hUkYJJEbrJ3eVvdhCyt0qbWWqbveR8RdZUe-HOIDXcRgeLlLKRRwRXHyjwa9J4JV1d6Z7b5Rs8kRQihj844-jqfs1jkvcgQb6tBeg1KBHOeeTBB5AAM_ZOak_3F1PKr8yQLXQig/s1600-h/2009_01_09-Tea.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkg64hUkYJJEbrJ3eVvdhCyt0qbWWqbveR8RdZUe-HOIDXcRgeLlLKRRwRXHyjwa9J4JV1d6Z7b5Rs8kRQihj844-jqfs1jkvcgQb6tBeg1KBHOeeTBB5AAM_ZOak_3F1PKr8yQLXQig/s320/2009_01_09-Tea.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342783256239317106" border="0" /></a><br />I have always felt like this time of the year is a much better time of the year to take stock of oneself and set some personal resolutions than the middle of winter. Nature is unfolding with new growth all around us- why not join in? Ultimately, my goal for the summer is to nurture my physical, intellectual, and creative self. I am lucky to have the summer to rejuvenate, and plan to make the most of it. However, I also want to avoid over scheduling myself or stressing out over meeting my mini-goals. What is the point of that? It is summer! If it is a gorgeous day that deserves to be spent at the lake, I <span style="font-style: italic;">certainly</span> will sacrifice a little reading or practicing to splash in the water.<br /><br />Do you set goals for the summer?<br />Merry Writing!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-87590047585057060912009-05-27T05:33:00.000-07:002009-06-19T11:21:00.604-07:00Wrapping & WishingThe end of the semester finally arrived, and now I may take a moment to breathe. It felt so wonderful to get caught up with my blogger friends yesterday. It was a near perfect morning: the rain was gently falling, the windows were cracked open enough to let the sweet smell of spring drift in, and I had a delicious mug of coffee in hand as I poured over all of the happenings and musings.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Ahhh</span>......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.pcworld.com/gameon/images/hot_coffee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaS-9PGjezH4rQMZmKgTFtIoVbUGx_5MZGaT12saMtyW44PwPz0aN-ekfVq6_xqS5C2ZtRpmzxrR4pw6jlUn6vgyeJU-x7tvZsn35CoqGpWV_tovRHj6W2lpsAO2UXh2Odz0F13eWq-4/s320/hot_coffee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340494083348859042" border="0" /></a><br />This summer will feel far less chaotic than the previous (No summer courses! Woot!), but it is already bubbling with activity. My days are already filling up with the usual part-time job, teaching oboe lessons, practicing my beloved oboe and bass, and being a reed making machine.<br /><br />In July I will devote two whole weeks to instructing and supervising budding band geeks like me. The university hosts two weeks of band camp- one for middle school students and the other for high school students. Oddly enough, I look forward to the "middle school" week the most. I say "middle school" because that week is open to anyone who is enrolled in band, and many schools are begining instrumental music in the 4th and 5th grade, so there are usually a fair number of 10 year-olds running around. Despite the fact that I had to listen to the Jonas Brothers for a solid week, the girls on my floor are always great. Its like a mini-slumber party every night, well, until 11:30 when it is lights-out. My toenails were a different color every night last year.<br /><br />The jazz quartet I have recently joined is busy rehearsing and preparing to record a demo- which I am super excited about. In most of my recording experiences I was the one adjusting levels and routing signals, so it will be interesting to be on the other side of soundboard.<br /><br />And the Muffin and I are moving in July! We put a deposit on the studio. And now I will begin the sorting, organizing, and purging process. Yesterday I posted stuff up on Craigslist, and I am making plans for my first trip to Ikea for "decorganizing." I had to laugh a little-The Muffin was oddly into designing the closet system on the Ikea website. I guess its like Legos for big boys.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wnceyecare.com/images/iStock_000000914863XSmallv1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgcuhWmSFmnhcwxeFkGhymuWxMspq8qyLJmyWQGHVXBO_ZEUe8JZIFEE7Zgw8kQNsECNh6AavS5WkVRGrwj7TooDWh7GL02RCvqt5lWQ0nqzb3Er1lIqTvp54DKoi278aFyHqI7z8bUE/s320/iStock_000000914863XSmallv1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340494085354934930" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >This week <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/">Jamie</a> asks us, "What frivolous treat do you wish for?"</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" > When I saw the shoes she posted I thought, "I might wish for those gorgeous shoes!"</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> How sparkly! A real treat would be a road trip. I have not traveled for travel sake in a long time. Last summer I barely strayed beyond my city, nonetheless anywhere adventurous. </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">My wish is to travel.</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> To treat myself to a holiday. To drive out west to visit a friend and worry neither about time nor expense. To see something new.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Merry Writings!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span>refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-47778170925400758172009-04-29T10:55:00.001-07:002009-04-29T11:15:09.024-07:00Wishcasting WednesdayThis week wishtress <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/">Jamie</a> asks us "What do you wish to read?"<br /><br />Oh, what<span style="font-style: italic;"> don't</span> I wish to read? Like many, many students, my current reading materials have primarily been assigned texts or research materials. Over the past semester I have managed to read only one book that has absolutely no connection to my academic studies. Only one! I know that I often feel guilty sitting down and paging through an unassigned novel during the school year. My mind plagues me. <span style="font-style: italic;">Are you sure you should be sitting around like this? You should be practicing. What are you doing? Your portfolio is not finished.</span> However, the end of the semester draws near, and I am not taking any classes this summer term. That little voice will go mute.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ_thGsG2pQ9WOata71u2BD3pXyb6NzPnCslY3wUt3DvW2bfYQbU0AIphQU8EMZ8fLhY5y_RKibZNFfo8sLNTn8AeV8OLL4l5JRz5zzpg9Rigv0-3VQp3oAb2dPCRuGY_1opWS8liRac/s1600-h/pb_cover_6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ_thGsG2pQ9WOata71u2BD3pXyb6NzPnCslY3wUt3DvW2bfYQbU0AIphQU8EMZ8fLhY5y_RKibZNFfo8sLNTn8AeV8OLL4l5JRz5zzpg9Rigv0-3VQp3oAb2dPCRuGY_1opWS8liRac/s320/pb_cover_6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330178254623426370" border="0" /></a><br />This summer I wish to read the small pile of forsaken books that have accumulated on my nightstand. There are four books, including <span style="font-style: italic;">The Rest is Noise </span>by <a href="http://www.therestisnoise.com/">Alex Ross</a>, that have been patiently waiting all semester for me. This summer, I plan to read them all without a trace of guilt.<br /><br />Merry Writings!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-80853271103429171292009-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:002009-04-29T05:16:40.807-07:00She has been living a life...... of little note. And I am perfectly fine with that.<br /><br />I would love to say that I have not posted in over a month because I have been overwhelmingly busy with amazing projects and adventures. The truth is that I have been underwhelmed with an endless series of small projects and extra hours at work. A paper here...a jazz chart there...another paper here...a lesson plan there...a lot of piano practice everywhere. I have begun assembling my Phase 3 Portfolio (pre-student teaching requirement), which can be a bit challenging at times. I sometimes struggle to put completely musical, aural, and affective learning experiences into formal, academic terms.<br /><br />But the end of the term is near- May 19th will be here soon!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSQcnv0PBphIQ6mMYMwMM_vVrmTw6lEEa8NxIEZ69g9oYOZkEI3jbNvdeC4M9Uxe17S2QAps-X4Ym3kNdrWHNX-yoIx3Dfq541wBz8eg9BS41QOEGi3BsApiZDF4Uo-CEBdQpLhK897g/s1600-h/PL004~Musician-in-the-Rain-Posters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSQcnv0PBphIQ6mMYMwMM_vVrmTw6lEEa8NxIEZ69g9oYOZkEI3jbNvdeC4M9Uxe17S2QAps-X4Ym3kNdrWHNX-yoIx3Dfq541wBz8eg9BS41QOEGi3BsApiZDF4Uo-CEBdQpLhK897g/s320/PL004~Musician-in-the-Rain-Posters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329370463864377426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It has rained 6 out of the last 9 days. This is something I would do!</span><br />Image courtesy: <span style="color:green;">imagecache2.allposters.com<br /><br /></span></span></div>But it has not been all monotonous. Last weekend I had the good fortune of performing on a friend's senior recital. She played very well, and it was a pleasure to be a part of her project. I have been busy transcribing jazz charts for the Famous Graves, which is totally new territory for me. Until recently I have done very little transcription work.<br /><br />Also, my Muffin and I have found an apartment in the city! The Muffin surprised me by wanting to scope out studio apartments instead of 2 bedroom units. We found a tiny & charming unit that will have us a lot of money- money that can go toward paying-off student loans and growing a savings account. I actually like the idea of downsizing a lot. Keeping only what we really need or love. And, I think the best part of the apartment is that it is only a few blocks away from my sister. Endless slumber party!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuDO0SxiqSZ9ygxz3fE6FXiU_S7FUdzV4FG_3K0f_B6UDL6OW_GNp486lkoJw4N7LTHAInjbM6DhdoUcszt5kGzldJ8kh1fngpN2UirJo0Rp4iw2wYxLC5BlW36pgDLfy1i4zYVkMASU/s1600-h/one+beautiful+SPRING+DAY%21.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuDO0SxiqSZ9ygxz3fE6FXiU_S7FUdzV4FG_3K0f_B6UDL6OW_GNp486lkoJw4N7LTHAInjbM6DhdoUcszt5kGzldJ8kh1fngpN2UirJo0Rp4iw2wYxLC5BlW36pgDLfy1i4zYVkMASU/s320/one+beautiful+SPRING+DAY%21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329370030815369250" border="0" /></a><br />In more somber news, my Muffin's grandmother left us this past Friday afternoon. The 93 year-old matriarch had been ailing for years. Her passing brought a deep sense of relief to my mother-in-law and my husband. Friday was beautiful here- unseasonably warm, full of sunshine, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of spring. From the stories that I have heard about her, I found it rather fitting that she made her quiet and peaceful exit on the most lovely day of the year.<br /><br />Peace too you all.<br />Merry writings.refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-65980008358642248312009-03-15T08:51:00.000-07:002009-03-15T10:04:20.947-07:00The ContributorsIt seems that I was ready for this semester to be over just days after it started. I have struggled with maintaining focus and motivation. In my pause this past week I have done a little self-analysis and reflecting. Although I am not sure what the exact cause of my restless is, I have some ideas of what my be contributing to it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Contributor #1</span>: Outside of my instrumental lessons, I feel that I have had only one class this academic year that was insightful, truly interesting, and made me feel better prepared to be an educator. While there have been some interesting moments in other classes, the majority of the time has felt like space-filling busy work. Too many hoops to jump through...I am beginning to feel like a circus poodle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAsnO4bGDgd12dMRJi3csSwl9RVOHmJ6jxpxPf78FmvSljwVAkiCAl0jtKRp3dtaTGoJQlBGhA6evL3zMFwhucQ1SmcZSnHWhso0u04wDr-N6Hh2hS6TEwEGSVH9rZA8UziIX9yNoKec/s1600-h/circus_dog_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAsnO4bGDgd12dMRJi3csSwl9RVOHmJ6jxpxPf78FmvSljwVAkiCAl0jtKRp3dtaTGoJQlBGhA6evL3zMFwhucQ1SmcZSnHWhso0u04wDr-N6Hh2hS6TEwEGSVH9rZA8UziIX9yNoKec/s320/circus_dog_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313460753365317618" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Contributor #2</span>: I have spent so much time focusing on the hoops that I have developed a micro-perspective. I have spent too much time spent focusing on my "doings" that I have neglected just "being." While I was productive during the lull of the past week, I also spent a whole lot of time doing whatever I felt like- even if it was nothing at all. I had coffee with <a href="http://herspeak.blogspot.com/">Molly</a> and <a href="http://rickaloza.blogspot.com/">Rick</a>. I spent some time with my brother on Saturday. I visited my parents yesterday, mostly hanging out in my Mom's studio marveling at her craftiness and chatting. I lost myself in design blogs and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ikea</span> website- daydreaming about a new apartment and what I would do if I actually had money for decorating. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sigh... </span>I almost forgot how wonderful daydreaming can be. I did crossword puzzles, went running, and took time to sit and be still with my thoughts. Lovely.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Contributor #3</span>: I have not been minding my temple. I did some serious damage to my body with drive-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thru</span> during the two weeks of opera insanity. Although I have fairly healthy eating habits, they have not been stellar lately. You know you have mistreated your body when you develop an indescribable craving for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">brussel</span> sprouts and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">polenta</span> for dinner. I must be more mindful of what I am putting into my body. My new food mantra is <span style="font-style: italic;">honor your temple</span>. This not to say I will not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">indulge</span> in a slice of cake from time to time- just to be more respectful of myself on a daily basis.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Contributor #4:</span> Related to minding my temple- I do not move enough. I began running again a little over a week ago, and my body has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">definitely</span> admonished me that for not using it the way it was once accustom to. I must make time to run and practice yoga like I once had. I sleep better, my mood is improved, and I am *gasp* more focused when I have sufficiently moved about.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Contributor #5</span>: My Muffin and I need to move. Our upstairs neighbors are obnoxious to the point where they have affected how I feel about my home. Home should be ones sanctuary, where one can rest, feel at peace, and commune with loved ones. Sadly, my heart sinks a little when I see their vehicles in the parking lot. In their defense, the ceilings are a bit thin in this building. However, it is no excuse for being incredibly loud (music, people over, or <span style="font-style: italic;">other </span>adult activities) until 3 or 4 a.m. on a Tuesday. Sigh... Our current apartment is cute and functional. I cannot complain- everything works in the apartment. However, I think we need an apartment where my Muffin can have a workspace that is not in the bedroom. I think it can greatly affect how one rests when you know you have a pile of work sitting at the foot of the bed. I would like a little corner all to myself for reed making, practicing, and crafting. I don't need a whole room, just a nook. I think a two-bedroom would be perfect. I don't care it the second room is super tiny- as long as my Muffin can fit his desk and bass within I am happy. We've starting looking for new places in the city- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Yay</span>! However, we are where we are until the end of July. Only 4 1/2 more months- not too bad.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Contributor #6</span>: My impatient nature. I am not a stagnant person. The progress of classes, my career, my finances, and my living situation has made me feel like I have been treading water for the past 7 months. I am staying afloat, but I am certainly not going anywhere. I know that change will come in time. We will move this summer. My Muffin will start new work. I student teach in September. By this time next year I will be polishing my resume and searching for jobs. Change will come, and I must learn to be patient. It will be worth the wait.<br /><br />Merry writings.refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-61378020058701761042009-03-04T17:42:00.000-08:002009-03-04T18:37:07.485-08:00Taking PauseI was going to write a post about posting, but <a href="http://www.herspeak.blogspot.com/">Molly</a> not only addressed the subject already, but in a much more eloquent manner than I would. In short, I second Molly.<br /><br />Before leaving the posting subject, however, I must mention that I visit and read the blogs because I have found the writings to be interesting and thought provoking. It is a pleasure to share thoughts and experiences with the kindred spirits I have been fortunate to met through blogging. I cringe to think that the authors of the blogs I frequent feel guilted into posting- for <span style="font-style: italic;">me</span>. It is not about me- or any other reader. It is about <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span>. Post at your pleasure. I will always be glad to hear from you, whether it is daily, weekly, or once a month.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Onward</span>...<br /><br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Marriage of Figaro</span> closed on Saturday, after a weeks worth of well done performances. The singers were phenomenal, the orchestra well prepared, and the audiences were very responsive. All in all it was <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> worth the exhaustion. I would do it all over in a heart beat. Yesterday evening, I completed the final essay exam for the literacy course. Opera over. Literacy Strategies over. I have reached a lull in academic activity. For now. I intend to savor the pause.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcR54Te9N039z6VyWRcYxPozJHIgbHc_-x1ecS2jPxTHmZvHLO8MTP8WUy8Uq5gyhrguMBqnfJixvaM3TNoDEMJ7om7oFJEo1zEKnayn3CHbYYK2L3koX18hFW5DkQCME62I6jUrYqTQ/s1600-h/geese.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcR54Te9N039z6VyWRcYxPozJHIgbHc_-x1ecS2jPxTHmZvHLO8MTP8WUy8Uq5gyhrguMBqnfJixvaM3TNoDEMJ7om7oFJEo1zEKnayn3CHbYYK2L3koX18hFW5DkQCME62I6jUrYqTQ/s320/geese.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309525583650863666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Picture courtesy <span style="color:green;">tjnorris.net</span></span><br /><br /></div>As I left the exam, my eye was drawn to the sky. Well, my ear drew my eyes upward with the honking of at least 100 geese flying overhead. Their black silhouettes floated against an aquamarine sky stippled with streaks of pink and apricot clouds. Behind the birds the moon glowed like a juicy slice of cantaloupe. Though it was a rather frigid, I just stood still on the sidewalk and watched every last goose float across the evening sky.<br /><br />I cannot remember the last time I took the time to watch the sunrise, or the rain fall, or the leaves blow in the wind. I feel that I have become so consumed with school and my "doings" that I am letting simple, beautiful moments pass by unnoticed. Take pause. That is what I need to do. Take a single moment each day. Pause.<br /><br />I think I shall go for a moonlit walk. Breath some cold air. Look at stars. Smell the scent of late winter- the scent of spring creeping in. Pause.<br /><br />Merry Writings.refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-24951769593298233412009-02-23T13:29:00.000-08:002009-02-23T15:35:32.902-08:00This Story May Explain Why......oboists get a reputation for being a tad bit neurotic. My desire to make it through<span style="font-style: italic;"> The Marriage of Figaro</span> only physically fatigued, but mentally unscathed...totally shot to hell the past few days. I do not wish to come off as a whiner, but I was prepared for this opera through and through. I knew my music inside and out, and I had crafted several very nice, reliable reeds to boot. Everything was going pretty well, even though I had a mountain of projects in progress and I fell a bit ill mid-week. All was manageable. Then the weekend came.<br /><br />I think it all began to deteriorate at Friday night dress rehearsal. A kiln with a profuse gas leak caused the entire cast and orchestra to be evacuated from the arts building mid-rehearsal. Being the type of people we are, those of us in the pit orchestra quickly packed up our instruments and headed out into the 14 degree weather. We were outside for only 20 minutes or so before being allowed back in. I was a wee bit concerned, although not too concerned, since I have a well insulated case and outer case for my oboe. And, it was only 20 minutes, right?<br /><br />As the rest of the rehearsal progressed, I felt that my intonation was a bit off from its usual tendencies. I thought to myself, <span style="font-style: italic;">the reeds did not like the quick shock of cold...they will be fine.</span> So I thought, until I opened my reed case the following morning to teach my Saturday lessons. <span style="font-style: italic;">Gasp!</span> The six nice, playable reeds I had were either cracked or the blades had pulled apart from each other. Four were not salvageable, as they were cracked. The other two I was able to coax into working...somewhat. I had three other reeds in my case that were fine, but they were old practice reeds. Totally unsuitable for performing in public, nonetheless a three hour long public performance.<br /><br />I have never been in such a dire reed situation before. I usually have a handful of good practice reeds, several solid performing reeds, and a couple of reeds in progress. With the mountain of projects due last week, I did not have any reeds in progress. After the Saturday dress rehearsal concluded I hunkered down to work on new reeds. Nothing. Four hours later I had produced nothing. Every reed I made had horribly unbalanced intonation. I was on the verge of tears. It was time to walk a way. Embarrassed and full of shame, I called my oboe professor for help. <span style="font-style: italic;">Can I buy a pair of reeds?</span> I have not bought reeds in eight years.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk33dvMJaZe8OH9tfWibriTZvEgSFKWPseSozVToJxKh0YR3dqbygoMLi61b4369Rcgpbq0qcPZxQX-ylN-J6sU_g8vYqMuI7xEZEMvs6CURk6Si3MvtXhXSh1YR0403thNYdI9El65YA/s1600-h/spat.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk33dvMJaZe8OH9tfWibriTZvEgSFKWPseSozVToJxKh0YR3dqbygoMLi61b4369Rcgpbq0qcPZxQX-ylN-J6sU_g8vYqMuI7xEZEMvs6CURk6Si3MvtXhXSh1YR0403thNYdI9El65YA/s320/spat.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306137890533310962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">This is how my brain felt Saturday night... a splatter of frustration and anxiety. </span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Have I totally lost it?</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span>However, my professor did not sell me finished reeds. Instead, she graciously and wisely provided me with a pair of initially scraped reeds, and assured me that I had not lost my ability to make a good reed. She reminded me that I have been making reliable reeds for years, and that everyone falls prey to a bad reed patch from time to time. Also, making reeds under pressure while frustrated usually results in poor quality work.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Sigh....I know.</span><br /><br />It is Sunday morning, and the opening show starts in a few hours. I am playing on my brand new, very cautiously prepared reeds and the intonation is horrendous. The C was flat, the B was uber sharp, the Bb was slightly less sharp, and the A was so flat it was half way to Ab. <span style="font-style: italic;">Seriously</span>! I could not bring myself to tinker with my reeds any more. I decided I would have to compensate with my embouchure. Needless to say, my lips and jaw were very tired at the end of the performance. However, with all drama and nonsense aside, the opening matinee went very well.<br /><br />It is now Monday morning. I am in my weekly oboe lesson, and I am recalling the horrors of yesterday to my professor. She hands me her oboe with one of my reeds, and I began to play. It is beautiful....<span style="font-style: italic;">AND IN TUNE!</span> The problem is my oboe...<br /><br />The excursion into the cold did my poor oboe in. The best news: my oboe is not cracked, which was the first thought that surfaced in my mind as I played on my professor's horn. After a thorough search, the possibility of a crack was ruled out. However, I can not get a proper seal on my upper joint. Multiple pads are unseated, which means most of my keys are leaking. This accounts for the lousy intonation and response I have been struggling with for the past 3 days. <span style="font-style: italic;">Good grief! </span><br /><br />Early this afternoon I took my oboe into the repair shop to visit Fred, an incredible Milwaukee area instrumental repairman who is particularly talented at servicing double reeds. Chances are I will not have my instrument back for the Tuesday performance, but I do have a very nice Fox plastic resin oboe as a back up.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The lesson learned:</span> Be more thourough with my diagnostics. It is not always the reed...<span style="font-style: italic;">or me</span>.<br /><br />Merry Writings!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-45713556505702052892009-02-16T10:25:00.000-08:002009-02-16T10:51:17.792-08:00And So It Begins...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNb4y49TYKods8e399rBArTKHYJleL8YziE8_a1iTBACP8sT8r69mQ5OJxhTONBj3XInVVnwfaepmTsrru1STRMqqN_kw3lSm-8BIWpMdX4yQiNDAiF6RwHUCoLfb1ghiAvU1tI5us6w/s1600-h/fig.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNb4y49TYKods8e399rBArTKHYJleL8YziE8_a1iTBACP8sT8r69mQ5OJxhTONBj3XInVVnwfaepmTsrru1STRMqqN_kw3lSm-8BIWpMdX4yQiNDAiF6RwHUCoLfb1ghiAvU1tI5us6w/s320/fig.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303469721496903138" border="0" /></a><br />Dress rehearsal week has finally arrived. Over the next week the cast and pit orchestra will spend over 30 hours practicing and rehearsing for The Marriage of Figaro. I am a mixture of excitement and apprehension- excited to perform, nervous about staying on top of my class work. I am trying my best to channel the calmness and wellness I will need. I even bought a package of refreshing & <span style="font-style: italic;">totally</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">delicious</span> mint and tarragon tea to help soothe my senses. However, the experience and the final production are completely worth the stress and exhaustion. There are few things as grand as opera.<br /><br />What are you pouring your energy into this week?<br /><br />Merry Writings!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-38147612332963427092009-02-10T05:12:00.000-08:002009-02-10T05:34:23.238-08:00February Full Moon Dreamboard<span style="font-style: italic;">Merry Full Moon!</span><br /><br />Although heavy cloud cover caused me to miss the largest full moon of the season, the forecast is for clear skies throughout the night. Also, the moon has brought unseasonably warm weather with her. I am rather tempted to wear my peep-toe shoes ....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ci2GnkuKbC2UZXWnVyd4vjM14rUsIDQcjKnulNjY8zwfvc8ReSVESYlhXNnZv-sTsV4ugT9PQ8fMfBnn_Z4yzoJi96JkhXo26BpQfruUcrVo_GZ5S7v2IrIeanhJGdqIdtiV6xeWcPU/s1600-h/febdream.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ci2GnkuKbC2UZXWnVyd4vjM14rUsIDQcjKnulNjY8zwfvc8ReSVESYlhXNnZv-sTsV4ugT9PQ8fMfBnn_Z4yzoJi96JkhXo26BpQfruUcrVo_GZ5S7v2IrIeanhJGdqIdtiV6xeWcPU/s320/febdream.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301156206736848802" border="0" /></a><br />During this lunar phase my Dreamboard includes just a few elements. I have a very busy few weeks ahead of me, with all of my usual activities in addition to <span style="font-style: italic;">Marriage of Figaro</span> dress rehearsals, performances, and the final exam and projects for the accelerated course is in less than three weeks. The situation lends itself to stress, so I incorporated a tranquill pool of water. The water represents the calm and focus I will need to be channeling over the passing days. Stress causes unease and often opens oneself up to illness. The teapot represents the wellness and balance I will need to cultivate. The chickadee image returns, as I always dream to be an optimistic seeker of knowledge and truth.<br /><br />Merry Writings!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-22476724854797307232009-02-09T11:02:00.000-08:002009-02-09T11:46:30.209-08:00Monday Meditation<span style="font-style: italic;">Oh</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, how I wish every week started like this one has!</span><br /><br />When I arrived on campus this morning I was greeted with the most adorable, gooey, chocolaty, frosted-pink cupcake...complete with hot pink sprinkles. A classmate presented me with the decadent confection before our class, explaining that she was in the mood to bake yesterday and thought I would appreciate a cute Monday morning treat. <span style="font-style: italic;">How sweet</span>! Pun totally intended, by the way.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ivlNAaqIKNh3-bplHE9kpfGQXOHESK2FkH7shxqsHc7CYZd8zejGIhYoi2gFZargHrgeVp2lvHgFvklaM8ZCGg80zyXPm_ZPBs8CWxUDTmqWvMnQj1neRcivh9u9UtIXLCRnBtt2beo/s1600-h/pink.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ivlNAaqIKNh3-bplHE9kpfGQXOHESK2FkH7shxqsHc7CYZd8zejGIhYoi2gFZargHrgeVp2lvHgFvklaM8ZCGg80zyXPm_ZPBs8CWxUDTmqWvMnQj1neRcivh9u9UtIXLCRnBtt2beo/s320/pink.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300884890795390898" border="0" /></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2148/2127260093_ce3fca4828.jpg?v=0"><span style="font-size:78%;">This is not the actual cupcake, but this Flickr find is a dead ringer.</span></a><br /><br /></div>I finished enjoying my cupcake breakfast as I walked into my first class for the week. It was phenomenal. Most of the class period was a guided meditation to help us connect to our ability to perceive, imagine, visualize, and hear things in our mind. We were being guided to our "minds eye and ear" through visual and aural exercises. The session began with recalling a passage of text. We were asked to manipulate the format and shape of the text, to imagine someone close to us reading aloud the passage, and to imagine ourselves orating the text. As the exercises progressed, we were asked to conjure pitches and timbres in our minds to accompany the text. It was marvelous. My senses were tingling at the end of the session.<br /><br />Although I use my inner eye and ear on a daily basis, it is usually in conjunction with some other activity, such as rehearsal, practicing, or score study. I cannot recall the last time I was physically still and allowed myself to be amazed by my perceptual abilities. My mind and spirit feel nurtured and refreshed after the meditation session. I am thinking I must make this a regular practice.<br /><br />What do you do to conjure and nurture your inner eye or ear?<br /><br />Merry Writings!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-67919027905608228612009-02-06T17:53:00.000-08:002009-02-06T19:20:22.709-08:00Land of Creative Opportunity...Perhaps one of the most interesting comments I have heard this semester:<br /><br /><blockquote>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Only in America would the gay son of Russian-Jewish immigrants become to be known as one of the most iconic of iconic American composers- the one who personified the cowboy and the Shaker in compositions he wrote in New York! That is why I love this country.</span>"<br /><br /></blockquote>To give some context, the statement came from a professor, a native of Israel, who was reminding us students how America is an amazing land of creative opportunity. This tangent came from discussing the evolution of the earliest forms of ragtime and jazz, which essentially fused elements of West African music with popular marching band styles. Since we are a nation of many voices, the potential for collaboration, exploration, innovation, and creation are seemingly boundless. He reminded us that our creative capacity should not be taken for granted.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8oFICBwqphDsQvvjOaRoIfOCyjdIjtoIooxlIAFHhzfjB3kH9XZhzlNfBu2e7fC5NddS4A6z5Lvlzu6hzwbQn5t-qbU9LeCYjxtAN1fzN3eoYi5oiJszaCi2ACUqpcNIp2TJ2FB3kPM/s1600-h/mu016001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8oFICBwqphDsQvvjOaRoIfOCyjdIjtoIooxlIAFHhzfjB3kH9XZhzlNfBu2e7fC5NddS4A6z5Lvlzu6hzwbQn5t-qbU9LeCYjxtAN1fzN3eoYi5oiJszaCi2ACUqpcNIp2TJ2FB3kPM/s320/mu016001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299882785514690354" border="0" /></a><a href="ttp://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.loc.gov/rr/perform/guide/mu016001.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.loc.gov/rr/perform/guide/spcmus.html&usg=__NKeRkSMzrG4_L4Dy6JpZzDa5kTQ=&h=462&w=576&sz=23&hl=en&start=72&sig2=fnhu2191oE7LFdNZ27-_9Q&um=1&tbnid=y0iQ3O2EIg-VHM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=134&ei=tPaMSbqaN9W_tgeIp9yRCw&prev=/images%3Fq%3DAaron%2Bcopland%26start%3D54%26ndsp%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN"><span style="font-size:78%;">Aaron Copland</span></a><br /><br /></div>That last part resonated with me the most-<span style="font-style: italic;">our creative capacity should not be taken for granted. </span>As a society, do we take creative potential for granted? Do <span style="font-style: italic;">I</span> take it as a given? If so, where do we go? What do we do?<br /><br />An interesting thought to mull over the weekend. What are your thoughts on this conjecture?<br /><br />While you mull, listen to the meditative <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu06sqSIRdE&feature=related"><span style="font-style: italic;">Quiet City</span></a> by Copland. Merry Writings!refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9164074885167784148.post-51623429664749855412009-02-04T13:34:00.000-08:002009-02-04T14:45:05.924-08:00Wishcasting... What to Become<span style="font-family:times new roman;">This week <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/">Jamie</a> asked us, "<span style="font-style: italic;">What do you wish to become?</span>" </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">What a loaded question.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />I had to laugh when I read <a href="http://www.herspeak.blogspot.com/">Molly's</a> post, because her initial reaction was word-for-word the same as mine: <span style="font-style: italic;">what don't I wish to become? </span>When I was younger I could always imagine myself doing different things and going different places- a firefighter, a cake decorator, a concertizing musician, a dentist, an acrobat, an arctic explorer, a surgeon, a professor, an ethereal singer in a goth-metal band, a chemist, a yogi, and on ward. It should be no surprise that I was <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> student who had changed (officially) their major four times during their undergraduate studies. Although my heart led me to music, here I am- back in school to take myself and my craft in a new direction. It has never been in my nature to remain static.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGBd5ojXxTa20Y_IvR7qpSpwFQHYWLzXFco9mLCFn6SWCno9XIYLdNFRkytUNiR3yrSk7oROjxLBGuwKX9WjD2cA9SCz7HYxnMfI3mrFNGSKYTkBf4L9XhwtQzyWqcBgxD0zFxSkDesg/s1600-h/winterriver.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGBd5ojXxTa20Y_IvR7qpSpwFQHYWLzXFco9mLCFn6SWCno9XIYLdNFRkytUNiR3yrSk7oROjxLBGuwKX9WjD2cA9SCz7HYxnMfI3mrFNGSKYTkBf4L9XhwtQzyWqcBgxD0zFxSkDesg/s320/winterriver.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299074511919681954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image courtesy <a href="http://www.photos.vertimages.com/">Vert Images</a></span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">My wish is to become a dynamic river of ingenuity, my mind evermore streaming with inquiry, exploration, and imagination. My wish is that I may always desire to forge my craft in new directions, and never be satisfied with being a stagnant creative bog.<br /><br />What do you wish?<br /><br />Merry Writings.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" ></span></span>refeatheredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052432800772550601noreply@blogger.com10