Another week has gone by...
...and Aeärwen is a pooped puppy.
Today saw the final performance that I've been involved in - a musical variety show for which I did some arrangements and was the piano end of the accompaniment. The show went over well, I must say, and it was great fun to work with these folks. We did show tunes and other pieces that had a spiritual overtone to them - things like Leonard Cohen's "Halleluia" and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" from Hair. I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing what our intrepid producer's next brainstorm will be.
My brother seems to be at least staying more or less on an even keel, a week since I sent him back to AZ and the situation that had driven him to the brink. As soon as his medical insurance situation is squared away, he has the names of some psychologists in the area who hopefully can be of more assistance to him. He's dealing with the one thing that I dreaded seeing him tackle much better than I thought he would - frankly, I thought I'd have to go over there to give him some extra moral support. I'm keeping my fingers, toes, eyes and all other flexible body parts crossed that we have seen the worst of it, and that things will eventually start turning up for him.
I'm truly looking forward to a week where I don't have to bust my chops practicing anything (altho' I'd be dumb not to keep the practice up so that I don't have to work so hard next time I get tapped for a solo...) Also, found a copy of Debussy's "The Sunken Cathedral" for solo piano in PDF that I intend to print out and goof around with. That is a VERY intriguing sound poem - the organ/piano duet arrangement that I already have is fantastic, but it would be fun to be able to play it as a solo too. I don't think my shoulders have it in them for me to put in the two hours a day that I'd really like to do, but maybe two hours three times a week wouldnt' be too bad.
Thing is, I'll probably have to lock up my cat to do it. REALLY!! When I tried to practice here at home, my Bengal first landed on the lower keyboard with all five feet, looking quite confused at the noise she'd caused. Then, when I "helped" her off the keyboard and kept on playing, she sank a claw into the skin at my elbow. Twice. OUCH!! I'm hoping that I can get her used to the idea that when Mommy makes the funny cabinet make noise, Sadie stays away; but if not, either she gets stuck in the kitchen or I'll have to take my practice over to the temple (not that I mind doing my practice on a six-foot Steinway grand, mind you!!)
I forgot how good music and music making is for my attitude. It's a part of my life from Before Elderly Parents that I'm anxious to reclaim. And hopefully the Tylenol/aspirin cocktail I take an hour before I sit down will keep me from regretting the return of my music muse.
Today saw the final performance that I've been involved in - a musical variety show for which I did some arrangements and was the piano end of the accompaniment. The show went over well, I must say, and it was great fun to work with these folks. We did show tunes and other pieces that had a spiritual overtone to them - things like Leonard Cohen's "Halleluia" and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" from Hair. I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing what our intrepid producer's next brainstorm will be.
My brother seems to be at least staying more or less on an even keel, a week since I sent him back to AZ and the situation that had driven him to the brink. As soon as his medical insurance situation is squared away, he has the names of some psychologists in the area who hopefully can be of more assistance to him. He's dealing with the one thing that I dreaded seeing him tackle much better than I thought he would - frankly, I thought I'd have to go over there to give him some extra moral support. I'm keeping my fingers, toes, eyes and all other flexible body parts crossed that we have seen the worst of it, and that things will eventually start turning up for him.
I'm truly looking forward to a week where I don't have to bust my chops practicing anything (altho' I'd be dumb not to keep the practice up so that I don't have to work so hard next time I get tapped for a solo...) Also, found a copy of Debussy's "The Sunken Cathedral" for solo piano in PDF that I intend to print out and goof around with. That is a VERY intriguing sound poem - the organ/piano duet arrangement that I already have is fantastic, but it would be fun to be able to play it as a solo too. I don't think my shoulders have it in them for me to put in the two hours a day that I'd really like to do, but maybe two hours three times a week wouldnt' be too bad.
Thing is, I'll probably have to lock up my cat to do it. REALLY!! When I tried to practice here at home, my Bengal first landed on the lower keyboard with all five feet, looking quite confused at the noise she'd caused. Then, when I "helped" her off the keyboard and kept on playing, she sank a claw into the skin at my elbow. Twice. OUCH!! I'm hoping that I can get her used to the idea that when Mommy makes the funny cabinet make noise, Sadie stays away; but if not, either she gets stuck in the kitchen or I'll have to take my practice over to the temple (not that I mind doing my practice on a six-foot Steinway grand, mind you!!)
I forgot how good music and music making is for my attitude. It's a part of my life from Before Elderly Parents that I'm anxious to reclaim. And hopefully the Tylenol/aspirin cocktail I take an hour before I sit down will keep me from regretting the return of my music muse.