Category Archives: Holiday

Remember

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Remember

This week we observe Memorial Day and honor those who have died in the nation’s wars.  These fallen have given all to preserve our way of life.  Those of whom can be said, “Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue”.  This Uncommon Valor has afforded the rest of us the privilege of playing the music we love in relative safety and security.  Please remember them with gratitude as you play and practice this week.

Makin’ a List

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Makin’ a List

Since the end of the year is coming, many people are spending a moment taking stock (which is a great idea, BTW!).  My own led to a list of random thoughts that I, of course, felt compelled to share with you!

1. If you need gift ideas (or hints?) I stand by this list for ideas. I should have added index cards to keep a running collection of tunes you have learned (I talk about that here).

2. Regardless of whether you play for your own edification, the cat and the curtains, your church, paid audiences, or you’re opening for the Rolling Stones, never lose sight of the reality that you not only have a gift, but you sharing that gift with others simply magnifies it. Playing music is never a waste of time or resources.

3. Take care of you. Beyond basic self-care, never play through pain or in pain.  Use good techniques, use the tools your teachers have shared with you – placing, fingering, posture, etc.  But no matter how long you practice each day, there are still the habits of the other hours of your day that can gang up on you – darn day job!  If you are developing discomfort or if you have allowed that discomfort to grown into pain, of if something else is impinging on your playing (I’m looking at you desk job keyboard un- functional posture) seek help from a Certified Music Ergonomist – like me*!

4. Take time to enjoy. Even as the hustle and bustle, the premanufactured stress of the season, the actual stress of life, and the chores pile up – you play the harp!  Play the tunes you like (or those that come easily to you).  Really listen, feel, and resonate with your instrument and draw some peace to you, in you, and around you.  If it’s midnight and you’re keyed up, sit for just a moment and put a little disturbance into the air.  Let the ick of stress, etc., ride those sound waves right out of you!

5. Is it possible to say thank you enough? I doubt it.  So, sincerely, thank you for sharing your year with me.  I really enjoy your thoughts, observations, and comments, and I remain delighted and grateful for you and your willingness to share!

Told you, just a jumble of thoughts.  What’s on your list?  Let me know in the comments!

 

 

* Shameless plug.  But seriously, if not me, let me point you in the right direction~

Thanks

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This week we celebrate Thanksgiving in the US.  We have so many things to be grateful for, and once again, I find that one at the top of the list is – you!  Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my community.  I really appreciate your time and attention and participation!

Thank you.

Even better than Halloween!

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It’s one of the best holidays – Halloween.  What’s not to like? Little kids in adorable costumes! Your favorite candy – that terrible candy that you’d never admit to liking but is so good (candy corn? Smartees?)! Leaves to kick through! Cooler temps, breezes, sweaters, socks!  All the things!!

Well, I’ve found something even better.  I got to go to Shepherdstown WV and play the harp with little kids and bigger kids.  I spent a lovely morning with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and then with Pre-K and Kindergartners!  They had great questions – how long had I played? Had I ever played for anyone famous? Best of all, they really enjoyed getting to play the harp(sicle!).

No photos of course – they are little, and the internet can be a terrible place.  But there, in those schools, they were amazing and fun.  I was grateful for the opportunity to play for them!  Hopefully a couple of budding musicians will emerge.  Or, at a minimum, these children will continue to enjoy the magic of music for the rest of their lives!

I was also delighted to get to play a concert for some incredible people too!  They were a wonderful audience – they also asked great questions and were so interactive!  Special thanks to Judy for setting the entire experience up.  I’m so hopeful that they’ll invite me back again (hint hint 😊).

After I played, I was delighted to have a number of audience members come and give playing the harp a try – they were so game and fun.  Jen and I had a great time playing for her first time

I couldn’t ask for a better weekend!  Have you ever gotten to work with kids?  I’d love to hear about it!  How old were they? What did you do with them? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments!