Let Summer Break Begin

Today marks the end of another school year. Looking back, I can see that it was a great year with many accomplishments and goals met. I had two wonderful interns that I got to watch grow and become teachers before my very eyes. We had five students make all-state choir, 2 members and 3 alternates. Looking forward to next year with many talented kids. Looking froward to next year I am in disbelief that Aidan is a senior. I cannot believe he's almost done with this part of his life!

I have lots of things I want to accomplish this summer: fix master bath, clean out garage, re-do front bed and get rid of bushes, start exercising/walking/biking, sing some great songs with Deadwood, learn some new songs for school, read a great book, or two, hang out with my boys, sleep late, re-do my bedroom, visit Interlochen, go to a baseball game, play with my jamstik, get a tan, recharge my battery.

Here's to a great summer break.

Summer 2014

To say this summer has been interesting would...

My trip to Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June was good and bad.  Nickel Creek was outstanding as were the other acts we heard.  The scenery was beautiful and I so loved being in the mountains again.  The bad - not feeling comfortable for most of the trip: feeling uncomfortable with Joye, uncomfortable as a third wheel (Karen & Joye) uncomfortable not knowing what was going to happen next, cold (the night we camped). While I am glad I went, I'm not sure it was the experience I  had hoped it would be.

I seem to have anxiety.  Anxiety that has gotten to the point of making me worry about stupid things.  My current worry is Aidan getting a job.  Why worry about that?  It's not like he's moving out and needs money... I've really done very little this summer except knit, watch netflix and read.  And this makes me anxious, like I should be DOING SOMETHING.  I just don't know what that something is.

I have had several gigs this summer and am getting back the joy of singing with Deadwood.  I'm slowly coming to grips with the new drummer... S.l.o.w.l.y.

Beautifully Flawed

My dear, sweet friend Teri died Wednesday night. I had planned on visiting her Thursday but it wasn't meant to be. Instead I spent the day with Diana, Chuck and Eric. Teri's sister Janet made it to Kirksville and we got started on Teri's obituary. I assigned myself the task of finding Teri's last lecture slides and her vita.  Lynae and I also took Diana shopping to buy a special outfit to wear for the memorial service.

I learned so many things on Thursday. The sound of children finding out their mom is gone is a sound I never want to hear again. If you choose to not have a funeral, you still need a funeral home to help get your obituary in the newspaper. If you choose to donate your body to science for research, you have to find a place willing to take your body. Having things in order including your home makes it easy for friends to come sit shiva with your family. We are never ready to lose someone we love.

Teri, like us all was beautifully flawed. She was flawed in that cancer wreaked havoc on her body but not her beautiful spirit and soul. Flawed in that she had to leave much sooner that she would have chosen and beautiful in the way she chose to live her life even before her initial diagnosis of cancer.

Godspeed Teri. You are already missed.

Smooth as Sand

I've had some rough days this fall.  Lots of people I love struggling with their health.  Cancer sucks.  My feelings of inadequacy sometimes get the best of me.  My family lost 2 dear friends within a week.  First we lost Matt up in Chicago.  It just won't be the same when we visit the Rajskis.  Today, we lost Pat Mellon.  She's one of my mom's oldest and dearest friends.  Growing up, she was my other mother. 

The good news is - I just found out I had a student make all-state choir for the second year in a row! 

So with the smooth and the rough, I'll keep getting up, trying my best and looking for the positive.

Strings and more strings

Just got home from my first violin lesson.  I decided this summer I was going to learn and try new things.  Perfect timing when a friend posted on face book offering adult violin lessons.  For my birthday, my mom gave me my great grandfather's violin.  We think that he made the violin and that it's @100 years old.  It has a beautiful, warm tone and I couldn't be more thrilled.  :-)

Today, my new ukulele was delivered.  Sean ordered me an Oscar Schmidt Koa uke for my birthday.  It's lovely!  Again, warm tone.  When Sean played it he commented on how happy it sounded... perfect!

Now, there are a few more things on my list to do this summer.  In summers past, I have played in the community band and done summer theater.  As much as I've enjoyed both of those activities, I decided not to do either this year.  I need a break from the band people and I'm not in the mood for the crazy that comes with the theater.  So instead, I'm doing the violin and starting an exercise program.  I figure instead of memorizing lines, I can put one foot in front of the other. 

And, go...

Straight Ones!

Ethan received straight ones for his tuba solo today at state contest!  I'm SO proud of his hard work and determination!

Superior

Concert Choir received straight one ratings at state contest.  I'm so proud of the one in sight reading!  Chamber Choir also received a one rating.  I picked a very difficult piece Soneto de la Noche and have worried since January about the score.  My kids never cease to amaze me though.  They rise to the occasion every time!