Calm After the Storm

In 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...

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 had to touch. Actually, I thought it was rather amusing and was trying hard not to giggle because his mother was obviously horrified about everything. 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.

Our little visitor tuckered Simandl out.

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.

Peasant dinner.

Merry Writing!

Establishing Balance

Last week I managed to do very little...and it was delightful. 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 Molly.

I imagine this is what I would look like if I were cute, furry & living in Costa Rica.

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 fantastic garden glove tan.

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.


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 certainly will sacrifice a little reading or practicing to splash in the water.

Do you set goals for the summer?
Merry Writing!

Wrapping & Wishing

The 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. Ahhh......


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.

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.

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.

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.


This week Jamie asks us, "What frivolous treat do you wish for?" When I saw the shoes she posted I thought, "I might wish for those gorgeous shoes!" 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. My wish is to travel. 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.

Merry Writings!

Wishcasting Wednesday

This week wishtress Jamie asks us "What do you wish to read?"

Oh, what don't 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. Are you sure you should be sitting around like this? You should be practicing. What are you doing? Your portfolio is not finished. However, the end of the semester draws near, and I am not taking any classes this summer term. That little voice will go mute.


This summer I wish to read the small pile of forsaken books that have accumulated on my nightstand. There are four books, including The Rest is Noise by Alex Ross, that have been patiently waiting all semester for me. This summer, I plan to read them all without a trace of guilt.

Merry Writings!

She has been living a life...

... of little note. And I am perfectly fine with that.

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.

But the end of the term is near- May 19th will be here soon!

It has rained 6 out of the last 9 days. This is something I would do!
Image courtesy: imagecache2.allposters.com

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.

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!


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.

Peace too you all.
Merry writings.

The Contributors

It 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.

Contributor #1: 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.


Contributor #2: 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 Molly and Rick. 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 Ikea website- daydreaming about a new apartment and what I would do if I actually had money for decorating. Sigh... 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.

Contributor #3: I have not been minding my temple. I did some serious damage to my body with drive-thru 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 brussel sprouts and polenta for dinner. I must be more mindful of what I am putting into my body. My new food mantra is honor your temple. This not to say I will not indulge in a slice of cake from time to time- just to be more respectful of myself on a daily basis.

Contributor #4: Related to minding my temple- I do not move enough. I began running again a little over a week ago, and my body has definitely 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.

Contributor #5: 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 other 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- Yay! However, we are where we are until the end of July. Only 4 1/2 more months- not too bad.

Contributor #6: 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.

Merry writings.

Taking Pause

I was going to write a post about posting, but Molly not only addressed the subject already, but in a much more eloquent manner than I would. In short, I second Molly.

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 me. It is not about me- or any other reader. It is about you. Post at your pleasure. I will always be glad to hear from you, whether it is daily, weekly, or once a month.

Onward...

The Marriage of Figaro 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 so 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.

Picture courtesy tjnorris.net

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.

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.

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.

Merry Writings.