Low Key Sunday

Today this cold is better but I'm not well enough to go to church. I'm missing another music day since none of us here are going to be able to sing with the choir. Really, with our voices sounding so rough, they wouldn't want us there. Let alone contagion! Hope they have a complete group otherwise. The cello, music stand and music itself are still out, ready for me to practice. I do feel well enough to do that. My mind is beginning to get around the process, and hopefully the fingers will get more agile and accurate as time goes by. I trust in the work of learning, anyway. One really good thing with playing in a group is that other, more experienced, people make you feel almost good. Art is my biggest fan--he tells me everyday that I am getting a better sound. Love that encouragement from wherever it comes and he is so constant. My teacher was pleased with my progress and told the music director I will be ready very soon. Hope so. I love the thrill of improving through practice. It's harder to persevere through plateaus, as I know from previous experience, but that's not an issue yet. The woman who lent me her old cello has also let me purchase an easier lesson series which starts out with open strings, and uses the actual staff. There does not have to be a transition from numbers to the real thing. Since she is a school music teacher part time, she has tried a lot of them and this one has worked best for her. I like it very much; still I'm planning on switching back and forth during this time when there are no rehearsals. I think I can learn from both books. Christmas has never been so far off my radar. Good thing Chris and his family are planning the Christmas Eve festivities. They always make it a highlight of the season. We have a few pre-made food items for Christmas breakfast. I still have to address cards. (Will they get there on time? Maybe or maybe not!) Our decorations are in a cupboard so high that we haven't even tried to get them down. We have a few nativity sets and an artificial tree which is up year-round. Never thought I'd be so lackadaisical but this year it has to be okay. I know the day itself will be fine and hopefully we will try to remember to feel the spirit of Christmas year-round.