Egypt Exhibit: Met Museum, NYC

I had Heather take this photo while we were at the museum because I particularly liked the affection expressed.  Perhaps it was an honest representation of the relationship of this couple.  Sorry I can't remember who they are supposed to be.  On this day we did a lot of walking which tested out my new hip quite thoroughly.  All was well, although I did ache a bit.  I could probably spend the rest of my life in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and still not see everything. There is only so much one person can take in without going into overload.  It was a thrill to see objects made so long ago.  Gave me a feeling of awe as well as of the transient nature of mortality.  It would be wonderful to go to places like this easily and quickly.  Gives me a new appreciation of the idea of time travel!  

Times Square Billboard: Wicked: the Musical

Wicked, the Musical Play

Because I hadn't recharged my camera and didn't bring my recharger when we went to NY, I am dependent on the internet for photos.  This musical was one of the best I have ever seen.  We saw it at the Gershwin theater which our friend Royce calls a "barn".   It is huge.  We also had seats in the "nose-bleed" section but I actually loved the whole experience.  Because we were so high up we were able to see the stage hands who maneuvered the scenery.  And the scenery was amazing!  The whole show was so well done we were entranced and could hardly believe when it was over.  Then we just sat in our seats with tears running down our cheeks.  It was moving to me, the idea that we all have good and bad, that friendship and love are what matters most.  And there was something else which I can't describe in words but was akin to something true and spiritual.  I guess it is obvious that seeing Wicked was one of the highlights of our trip to New York.

New York in Late January

I just got back from Manhattan last Wednesday.  This photo is a picture of the exterior of Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  It is such an interesting contrast to the high rise apartments nearby.  Heather, Alyssa and I went on a girl's trip to visit our friends Royce and Noel.  They live in a wonderful apartment right in midtown.  I love NYC.  (That sounds like a slogan on a t-shirt!)  We bused to the museum because Heather wanted to find a shirt for her husband.  They only had XXL or S.  Wrong sizes!  I found a mobile with clips so you can change the look of it anytime you like.  I thought of using postcards--I have a collection of them--or family photos.  It is hanging in our living room now with pictures of the beautiful Southwest.  I cut up a small calendar purchased at the Strand Bookstore (18 miles of books), on sale for $1.  It looks especially nice when sunlight is coming through the window in the afternoon.  All the rich reddish-orange tones just glow!  More later on the trip.

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.

New Horizons Orchestra

Today is the day I would have been attempting to play the cello part on four out of twenty-eight Christmas pieces in the first concert for this new orchestra. But I have a cold and can't be there.
This is how I happen to be a part of this group. I have had a secret wish to be able to really and truly play the cello. In high school, our band teacher, Mr. Cox, wanted to start an orchestra and since there were two cellos belonging to the school, my friend Gerrie Taylor and I decided to jump in and give it a try. I don't remember taking the cello home to practice and much of what we did must have been open string, but it was a fun experience and I loved the sound, especially when it was played as well as I heard on records. Of course, we never got even close to that level! My memory is pretty shaky on the details but I think the teacher left after that year so we didn't continue. About 3 or 4 years ago I heard that there was something starting up in the Provo area for adult beginning string players. I even contemplated busing down but it didn't seem feasible at the time. This fall, there was an article in our little Midvale paper telling about the same program having been started in here in Midvale, of all places. One morning as I was lying in bed thinking about it I had quite a breath-taking confirmation that let me know I was to do this. It was very strong, like a testimony experience. Even though the group was nearly through with the semester, I decided to check it out. I went to the violin shop which is partially sponsering and it was suggested that I just go and observe. I was hooked almost immediately. Another cellist was there for the first time. She volunteered an old cello she owned as a loaner to me, since I didn't have an instrument. The adventure has gone on from there. During rehearsals, I have had two private lessons from a fellow who works at the shop. He is a good and patient teacher and encourages me. I love to practice and have even begun to tentatively play a little bit with the orchestra. We only have 15 members so far but I believe it will grow. I am excited to be a part but sort of bummed about not being able to practice yesterday and play in the concert tonight. Oh, well. I will be much more prepared next time. To be continued...

Untagged But Playing Anyway

I wasn't actually tagged but these were ideas on a blog I read recently, so here's another list posting.


10 years ago I was...

getting acquainted with toddler Stephanie, getting ready to celebrate age 62, re-evaluating my life's direction, still integrating the experience of visiting NYC, going on spontaneous trips* to Cedar City or Moab with (mostly) our daughters.

The to do list...

Doing what I can to get over the first cold I've had in over two years, Christmas gifts wrapped,addressing and mailing cards, I hope. (At least they are all made.) And then hopefully, practicing on my loaner cello, putting laundry away, and most important, Taking a nap!

Snacks I enjoy...

Swirl pops, Healthy Choice or Swiss Miss Chocolate Ice cream bars, graham crackers with jam, popcorn. That's all I care to confess today.

Places I've vacationed...

England, Wales, NYC, Colorado, San Diego, Yellowstone and see above*.

Jobs I've had...

Kindergarten teacher, child care, picking peaches, baby-sitting, sada fountain at drug store, delivering phone books, delivering newspapers

Pet peeves...

Having a cold, trying to put things away when I haven't decided where they belong. being told what to do, books or movies with excess violence and/or sex, not being accepted or understood & the times I forget to be grateful for what I do have.

Things that bring me joy...

Going to our grandkids activities, hearing the little kids sing quietly along with Steffi's school orchestra, playing the piano or cello, working with my hands, laughter, listening to birds, and all the other things I have on my 100 favorite thing list, plus more!

Anyone else want to share?