What an amazing week...

[saholliday]

Although things got off to a rocky start, this week has been most eventful and satisfying. I am just in awe of the success of the Southeastern Piano Festival. This was only the fourth year, and the already high standards have gotten even higher. The kids were absolutely amazing! I was intrigued by the maturity of their playing. Also, the guest artists were OUTSTANDING!!! I can't believe the caliber of artists that agreed to attend. My personal favorite was Jon Nakamatsu, the 1997 gold medal winner of the most prestigious piano competition in the world: the Van Cliburn. Jon's performance Thursday night sent chills down my spine, something that doesn't happen very often. After his brilliant program, which was followed by 3 encores, I couldn't believe that this amazing man doesn't even have a degree in music. I seriously think that this is why he is absolutely delightful and so down to earth. It was a pleasure and an honor to spend so much time with him, particularly the past two nights. Thursday night a big group of us (Marina, Joe, Bush, Kompass, Hannah, Jon, and lil' old me) went to Rust for some drinks. Friday night we all went to Gervais and Vine. I had never been there before, but it is now one of my most favorite places. Jon is HILARIOUS!!!!! We were able to discuss musical issues, problems with the South, and at the same time pick on the guy, mimicking his most repeated phrases. It's nice to be around someone that awesome...and to see that he doesn't take life too seriously. We wined and dined the night away until my entire body hurt from laughing hysterically.

I'm reading the most amazing book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This book is going to change my life. I absolutely love it! It addresses in great detail the very issues I have been struggling with for as long as I can remember. So far, this has been a summer of self-improvement for me...and this incredible book is just what I have been looking for.

Oh..and by the way...Dr. Price is now one of most absolute favorite people of all time. He gave me some incredible words of wisdom and inspiration yesterday...words I will never forget. I heart him...

And now folks...it's time for some parfait...