Lavender and Bell

I hoped to have something extraordinary to blog about on my 200th post. Hmm.....I'll just tell you about my Monday. ;-)

Busy as usual, I was able to accomplish quite a few things. I got a good head start on a rather large printing project that's set for this week. With only one minor setback, I'm hoping to finish it in record time! If you're at all familiar with the thickness of "Manuscript Evidence" you may be skeptical.....but I AM determined. :-)

The thought occurred to me yesterday that our lavender may be ready to harvest -- our lavender that we planted several years ago and is finally producing a good size harvest! Last year, since I was in Thailand I missed the harvest so no dried lavender for us. I barely caught it this time! I absolutely LOVE the dark shade of the Hidcote Blue lavender. Definitely my favorite variety.

    

The evening concluded with a FABULOUS concert featuring violinist Joshua Bell. I have been wanting to see Joshua Bell live in concert for years now, so to finally have the opportunity was incredible! It was actually a late birthday present for Christopher, but he confirmed my thoughts.....it was worth the wait. A few months ago I was listening to the classical music station (at a time I wouldn't normally) and I happened to hear them mention that Joshua Bell would be in Bellingham! *Gasp!* He usually only comes to Seattle and the tickets are outrageous. Well.....you can't beat $30 tickets at the Mt. Baker Theatre in Bellingham! I know....I was shocked myself. And of course, the place was sold out. :-)

This is a piece that Joshua Bell performed last night. It was unbelievable! His music nearly brings me to tears, it's so beautiful.

Well, my blog may continue to remain quiet in the coming month or so. I am preparing to go as a counselor to youth camp next week and I am SO looking forward to that!  Then....take a breath......I'll have a weekend to prepare for a lengthy trip to Mexico. More about that later.

Spring '12 Recital

Here are the results of my work this quarter at school. God's been so good to me in so many ways and I've enjoyed learning all these new things!

Pictures from Concert

My friend, Hannah, and myself performing our duet at the Emerging Artist Concert in La Conner.

With our teacher, Marilyn Brossard.

All the performers! (Haha....the angle makes me look SO short!)

Upcoming events....

It is April 2nd. The beginning of a very busy month. Spring break has been wonderful! I've enjoyed a good amount of rest balanced with much busyness. My main accomplishment was working in the print shop, which I loved! I really miss working in there with the hum of the machines, the music to sing along with, and the books to pray over concerning who might read them in the future. 

Now that April is here I'm looking ahead to what comes next. First, school starts tomorrow. I have a LOT on my plate and will only be able to handle it with the Lord's strength. My classes are: Intro to Sociology, English Comp.III, Music Theory III, Ear Training III, Choir, Small Vocal Ensemble, Piano lessons, and Voice lessons.  My little elephant eraser buddy in the picture is to remind me that the only way you can eat an elephant is one bite at a time.  The same with this quarter...one day at a time.

 Next up on the agenda is a Wilton Cake Decorating class!! I've been wanting to take this class ever since I started decorating cakes several years ago.  Being self-taught I have had to learn a lot of things the hard way and I'm sure there are many of the basics I still don't know. I don't have a lot of time to get into decorating at the moment because of school but I know that if I don't take this class I might never do it. It's such a good skill to have! I can't wait to learn how to use all those tips I've had forever. :-)  Plus it will be a fun time to spend with my mom as we do it together.

Lastly, on April 14 I have been asked to play at a concert in La Conner! It's the Young Emerging Artist Concert. "La Conner Institute of Performing Arts is proud to showcase the talents of this year's outstanding young artists from Skagit and surrounding counties.  This concert promotes interest in music by offering free admission to everyone under age 18.  Concert participants receive honorariums and certificates recognizing their achievements" A friend and I will be playing a duet and I will also be playing a solo. It's going to be an interesting experience as it will be my first time actually "performing" so to speak other than recitals. But I think it will be fun and I'm looking forward to it!

Well, that's April-to-come in a nutshell! We'll see how this goes....

Winter Recital '12

Another recital has come and gone. I'll post my solos, but I'll wait to post the duet because Hannah and I are playing it at the Emerging Artist concert next month in La Conner so I don't want to give it ALL away! :-)

**The lighting was horrible the first half of the recital. They finally fixed it during intermission but that explains the funny glow. Yes...I do actually have a face. haha

There is Hope

What a wonderful hope we have to share with people!! I love this song and the truth of its message.

Song Writing

For some time now I've been interested in writing music, primarily church music.  Up until now I've felt completely inadequate to do so (actually....I still do) but now I have a little music theory under my belt to help me get under way! So excited! Being only halfway done with my second quarter of Music Theory I know there is still SOO much to learn! But what I have learned so far should give me some direction in writing simple music.

A few years ago I purchased Finale! Songwriter for $50. I wasn't a huge fan of spending the money on it but I knew it would come in handy and that it was a more professional program (although not nearly as extensive as the version at school. Whew! Talk about confusing!).  Let me just say, Finale has a learning curve! There are still so many things I need to figure out. But the finished product does look very professional!

 Last month a friend told me about Noteflight. Ah-HA! Free....online....just sign up! Perfect! I haven't had a chance to explore it extensively but it appears to be a great program! I am sure there are so many things I have yet to learn about it.

I think my favorite of all the three programs is Musescore.  I just started using this program tonight and so far I love it!! It's pretty simple to use and that really appeals to me.  Spending less time having to figure out a program gives me more time to actually write the music!


For other musicians out there, have you tried these? What program do you like to use?

Music Room

I mentioned in my last post about my dream music room.  No...I still haven't found it.  But I did find some pictures of neat music rooms.  What does your dream room look like?

Repurposing Beauty

I love my sheet music. I love the way it looks, especially old vintage sheet music. One of my favorite places to find old sheet music is the thrift store because it's super cheap. Now, as much as I love to play music, I wouldn't necessarily use everything I find.  Inspired by some of my "blog friends" and some of my "real life friends", I began to research different uses for this beautiful sheet music, specifically in decorating.

I wouldn't say that my room has a theme right now.  It's a hodgepodge of several bookshelves, a beautiful painted fan from Thailand, some picture frames, and a desk purposed for school.  None of these things really comes together at this moment, but I have often thought that I would LOVE to have a room (not necessarily my bedroom) that is a library/music room. For several years I have thought about what my dream music room would look like.  Just last week I saw it on a magazine! Exactly how I have pictured it.  But after searching the internet I cannot find a picture remotely close to what my mind sees.

Anyway, I say all that to say that I've thought about different ways to decorate with sheet music and I've come across these neat ideas. 

Found these beautiful ideas from Tip Junkie.

I really like this idea of a paper wreath from Mitzismiscellany.  I would do a different center and it would also be beautiful with sheet music!

I love this idea for the Christmas tree! Found at Thrifty Decorating.  I'll certainly be trying this come Christmas time. :-)

These candles are also on my "to do" list!! Found at Confessions of a Plate Addict, they look super easy to make and they are beautiful!

Have you ever thought about repurposing something like this?

Worship In Song!

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Once I began to reach the point with my piano abilities that I could produce beautiful (tolerable?) music I would be immediately drawn to the piano as a sort of comfort in times of trial.  The music blessed my soul and gave me a certain peace.

I'm so grateful to the Lord for the gift of music.  God created music to give us a way that we could worship Him! I know He delights in listening to His children sing praise to Him.

To study classical music at school gives me much pleasure and is certainly challenging.  However, at the end of the day, I will choose a hymn in worship to my Saviour over any Chopin or Bach piece.  Earlier today I did my normal routine of going down to the church for a few hours to practice piano and voice.  My heart and mind has been very full and heavy these past few weeks and as I sat down to warm up my voice I pulled the hymnal down from the top of the piano and began to lift my voice in praise. It then ceased to be a warmup and turned into my own private time of worship with my Lord. Practice time turned into praise time and Beethoven was left behind. As I left to walk back to my house my heart was overflowing with joy.  No longer was it heavy and feeling like it dragged as I walked. In fact, I felt like skipping home! :-) God is so good like that.

So I encourage you to take a look at your hymnal a little closer. If you don't own one....get one!  Who says worship in song should be restricted to Sundays and Wednesdays?!? :-) I think you'll find that with a song in your heart and a tune on your lips you'll have a lighter heart and you'll bless those around you.

Psalm 7:17- I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.

 Psalm 150:6-  Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD

Tomorrow....

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

by Ira Stanphill

I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.

I don't borrow from its sunshine,
For its skies may turn to gray.

I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,

And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;

But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

Ev'ry step is getting brighter,
As the golden stairs I climb;

Ev'ry burden's getting lighter;
Ev'ry cloud is silver lined.

There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eyes,

At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;

But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

I don't know about tomorrow,
It may bring me poverty;

But the One Who feeds the sparrow,
Is the One Who stands by me.

And the path that be my portion,
May be through the flame or flood.

But His presence goes before me,
And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;

But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

Fall 2011 SVC Recital

Student Recital

Yesterday I took my students to Regency Retirement Home to play for the residents as a sort of recital. It seemed to come really fast and, I have to say, came faster than I was ready for. :-) But all of my students worked really hard and pulled it off so well!

Originally we were going to have the recital in the large formal dining room immediately following dinner.  I thought it was perfect, only maybe a little intimidating for the students since it's such a large space.  When we got there, I saw they had moved the grand piano into one of the side social rooms! It was such a cozy space and just a lovely setup! I am not exaggerating when I say it was standing room only.  Not only were friends and family of the students there, but there were probably 30-40 residents! Most of the family stood in the back allowing room for the older folks to sit and listen. So kind of them. :-)

The folks at Regency just LOVED listening to the kids play!  After each piece there were loud exclamations of joy and ardent clapping. When it was over they all filed by giving their thanks and appreciation to the kids for their lovely playing.  After seeing what a blessing it was to these older folks and how it made their day, I just can't see myself going back to a formal recital like we've had before.  Why keep the music to ourselves?! I love the idea of sharing with others who can't get out to hear it.  Not to mention the encouragement it was to the students to have their music appreciated so much.

All in all, it was such a lovely experience.  Yes, I was nervous. I have discovered that I get more nervous as the teacher than as a student at my own recitals.  It's definitely a whole new perspective!  But this is not the last time I will experience this nervousness. I look forward to many more recitals in the future!!

Sad to see one of my students, Jazmyne, leaving. It's been so much fun to teach her!

Warming up beforehand.

Home Again

As you may have noticed, I went a period of time where I did blog posts, blog posts, blog posts....SCREECH! The last time I wrote was in the airport in South Korea.  As not to leave you hanging (I'm sure you've all just been biting your nails wondering if I was kidnapped in Korea. :-p), I did make it home safe and sound.   Praise the Lord, jetlag was minimal.  I think going without sleep for a few days did it for me. Got some great REM sleep my first night back.  It was really great because I had a crazy weekend awaiting me then school started that monday.

All is well and I am fully loaded with school (8 classes!).  I am in the midst of organizing my desk (tossing junk papers, clearing off things I don't EVER use, etc.) Although I have quite the school schedule this quarter, I'm thoroughly enjoying my classes. My favorite and most practical class is Piano Pedagogy.  It is EXACTLY what I've needed during the few years I've been teaching.  Today I received in the mail my textbook for the course, and I am debating whether or not to read the whole thing in one week. So many of my questions will be answered! (Cue Hallelujah Chorus) :-D I'll have to restrain myself and remember that I DO have homework in my other classes.

There is so much I want to write, but I have to warn you that time for blogging is limited at the moment.  I will conclude by saying this.  God is good! Even when times are difficult. Even when we don't understand why things are happening, why He is allowing them to happen.  God is still good. He will ALWAYS be good. One of the many reasons why I love Him. :-)

Piano Duet

Spring Recital

Tonight was my Spring Quarter Recital at Skagit Valley College. I have to say that I felt SO much more at ease since I had one recital under my belt. I knew what to expect and that helped. I also felt more confident in my song which made a difference. I absolutely LOVE this song! Not only is it a great song but it's really fun to play. :-)

So school is just about done. I have two classes to attend, but no assignments, no exams. YAY! Now my mind can really get in gear for leaving for Thailand next week. Yup you read that right. NEXT WEEK! 8 days to be exact. Time certainly flies...

A Blessing and a Lesson

Recently I wrote about my scholarship audition.  I found out about it kind of last minute and felt rather rushed to put the whole package together.  Especially since I had never done anything like this before!  It involved an audition, an essay, and much more.  My thoughts were, "There is NO way that I am going to receive this scholarship.  After all, I am not all that great at the piano (Comparitively) and part of my college is paid for."   I knew that even though I most likely wouldn't get the scholarship that it would be a good experience for me to perform in front of judges.  Let me tell you, it's WAY different than playing for a recital!!

The Lord proved He can do anything when I received a letter last week telling me that I was to receive an honor or scholarship and wouldn't find out what it was until the Honor's Reception on April 28 (today).  I assumed that it was the scholarship but I wasn't sure.  Tonight's reception confirmed that I DID receive the Lillian McDearmid Music Scholarship!! Praise the Lord!!  It was for the amount of $600.  While that may seem like an insignificant amount, it truly helps in the long run.  For different reason I now have to readjust my plans for fall quarter but this is SUCH a blessing! The Lord has certainly taught me through this that I should not say "never"...He obviously knows what's best even when I THINK I know what will happen. :-)

"Just A Note"

Now introducing my new blog, Just A Note. This is designed for my piano students and also for fellow musicians.  My goal is to do research about various musical topics to present on my blog in addition to sharing videos or giving updates and announcements.  I welcome any comments or questions, in fact, please do! 

Music and Tulips

Today was an amazing Monday!  It started out a bit early. I had piano lessons at 9 but needed to practice beforehand so I went down to the church at 7:30 to practice before I left.  I knew that I had a LOT going on today so I had to make sure I had everything I needed.  I probably came back into the house 4-5 times because I kept forgetting things!!  So I drove about 45 minutes to lessons and it was a great lesson!  Seriously, she is one amazing teacher! 

Next stop, Public Speaking class here in Oak Harbor.  Whew!  It was a great class....I always have fun there.  So at about 12:30 Anna picked me up at the college and we headed to Mt. Vernon to go to the Tulip Festival!! (That's a HUGE thing around here!)  First we headed to the college in Mt. Vernon so I could drop off an application (more on that later) then went to lunch at Calico Cupboard, a super nice cafe and bakery!  After a nice meal of soup, sandwiches and.....gigantic cinnamon rolls (teehee) we went in search of some tulips!  We ended up going to Tulip Town, a beautiful farm!  We had such a good time and the tulips were absolutely stunning.  I forgot to mention the weather was gorgeous!  When I was there this morning for lessons it was so rainy and the Lord answered my prayers by providing afternoon sunshine! woohoo!

THEN we went to my Music Scholarship Audition at the college.  I had to fill out an application, write an essay, put together a "performance resume" and perform a piece from memory (while the judges were following along with the music!!)  I actually had SO much fun!  I was really nervous right before I went in but as soon as I began to play I felt at ease and enjoyed myself.  The interview afterwards was a lot of fun. :-)  Two of the judges know me pretty well so I think that helped. (One was my piano teacher. lol).  After the audition I was able to relax and Anna and I did some shopping at the mall before we headed back.  It was a REALLY fun day!  But aren't times that involve food, friends, and flowers always fun?!

*Click on photos for better quality.

 There's a reason these were called "World's Favorite"! They were my favorite too!

 More of my favorite....:-)

100th Post!

So I debated doing some special thing about it being my 100th post. I don't have time to write 100 things about myself and I can't think of anything better. So you just get to hear about my day. :-) Hope that suits.

 Well..ok...so I'll start with yesterday. It was SUCH a great day in the Lord's house! It was busy....oy...VERY busy. But totally worth it. The preaching was phenomenal. Pastor preached that "Vision determines your Venture". Basically, if you don't view the world as a mission field and only as a place to buy food, do business, etc. then you will never win people to the Lord. It has to be an intentional thing. The Lord really opened up my eyes to some areas in my life that I could definitely be more bold and not keep my eyes closed to those I am around every day. The day ended with a great time at Jack in the Box with friends! This morning came early. I had to be at piano lessons at 9:00 and it takes about 45 minutes to get there. Plus other various things before I left. Then I went directly from piano lessons to school back here in Oak Harbor. Then piano practiced for a few hours, worked in the print shop for a few hours, and here in a few minutes we have Bible Training Institute. I am really looking forward to learning more about the Life of Paul! So I am a little indecisive at the moment. I need to choose which song to play for my next recital and I canNOT decide!! I am working on both of these songs (Mendelssohn's Scherzo Op. 16, No.2 and Debussy's Arabesque No.1). So I'm taking votes!! Listen to the songs and let me know which you think I should play.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7lKERM4ULU
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWpV7L4YHuU

Oh and other news....I now have my plane ticket for Thailand! Very exciting! Well...until next time.