This will be fast, I have class with Sheveloff in 7 minutes.
School has officially settled in and become crazy once again. My chamber music group is doing Grieg Quartet for the Grieg festival here at BU on Nov. 8th - its a big honor that we were asked, and I'm VERY excited.
I leave for Manchester Tour (my FIFTH!!!!) on Sunday afternoon. I have to race back to Boston on Tuesday afternoon for the orchestra concert that night, then leave at 6 am on Wednesday morning to get BACK to Vermont early enough for 10 am rehearsal. Thankfully, Tatiana, who is the other violinist in my quartet now and who was at Manchester with me in 2004, is also doing the tour and has to come back for the BU concert. And she has a car. Thank heavens, otherwise I'd have to rent one and THAT would be expensive.
It is TOO hot here.
My craziness on the first weekend of December (see previous post) has subsided, not exactly the way I wanted to, but alas, I cannot do everything. I had to get out of a big quartet gig because of Molly's recital and the dress rehearsal for the orchestra concert in Symphony Hall, but its good that I did, because two days later I got asked to sit concertmaster for that concert. I will be poorer, but I guess I AM a student. Sometimes it still really stinks to be a student.
However, I do love being a student with Peter! I've had two lessons EVERY week and am progressing well. Brahms is coming along. I love it.
I must go now and listen to Schubert lieder.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Today was another one of those blow up days, where it seems like nothing else could go wrong, and then does. I hate these kind of days.
December 1st-2nd is looking to be like the weekend from hell. Somehow, EVERYTHING has been scheduled that weekend. AND ITS ONLY SEPTEMBER! How did this happen???? I now have to figure out a way to make everyone happy, which is impossible. Good grief.
Its cold suddenly, in Boston. It was even cold in southern Indiana this past weekend. The wedding went so well - all my grandmother's four children and their spouses, plus 10 out of 12 grandkids, plus 2 out of 3 great-grandbabies were there - she was supremely happy, strutting like a mother hen with us all following her to a pew in church Sunday morning. I hadn't been to that part of Indiana since I was 16 - crazy how fast the past 7 years have gone. Of course, the best part was seeing my parents and Holly and Hannah. Christmas cannot come fast enough.
December 1st-2nd is looking to be like the weekend from hell. Somehow, EVERYTHING has been scheduled that weekend. AND ITS ONLY SEPTEMBER! How did this happen???? I now have to figure out a way to make everyone happy, which is impossible. Good grief.
Its cold suddenly, in Boston. It was even cold in southern Indiana this past weekend. The wedding went so well - all my grandmother's four children and their spouses, plus 10 out of 12 grandkids, plus 2 out of 3 great-grandbabies were there - she was supremely happy, strutting like a mother hen with us all following her to a pew in church Sunday morning. I hadn't been to that part of Indiana since I was 16 - crazy how fast the past 7 years have gone. Of course, the best part was seeing my parents and Holly and Hannah. Christmas cannot come fast enough.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Interesting Day
First, I got up at 7 (a rarity) and successfully made it out the door around 8:15. As Molly and I walked to the train stop, we heard one coming, so started to run. About halfway there, I tripped, and fell BADLY on my left knee. Everything went in slow motion as I was falling, and a bit of my life did flash before my eyes, PLUS my violin was strapped to my back and this is my NEWLY ADJUSTED violin which I'm sure is now all messed up again.
I digress. My palms were a little sore, but not bad. My knee however, is a bloody mess, AND the knee in my jeans now has a hole. (sigh) Now both of my jeans has holes. I need new jeans. My ego was badly bruised, as there were a ton of people around. It was incredibly embarrasing. Incredibly. I got to school and cleaned myself up. I was very woe-is-me all morning It hurts when I bend it.
Then, I practiced, which went well. Brahms concerto is coming along. Had a nice lesson at 11, with Peter, who has now scheduled THREE lessons for next week. Good lord. I was information overload as it is today with just an hour with him. Its going to be three next week? I should actually be happy, and stop complaining - at Eastman I never got enough lessons (second semester senior year I think I had 9, and they were never really a full hour) - now I'm getting more than what is the maximum.
Then, the stupid scheduling office people were once again NOT in the schedule office. Ah, for the good ol' days of reserving rooms online. Give me that any day. This having to go to school and talk to someone about it business is crap. I waited for a half hour for them to return, meanwhile scheduling stuff with my new quartet. We are going to do Grieg quartet for a Grieg festival in Nov here at BU (its a Grieg year - who knew??). Fun fun fun.
The schedule guy came back, and I reserved a room for studio on Monday night.
Then, I needed to go to Cambridge to pick up music for my Cantata Singers gig next weekend. When I did B minor mass with them last spring, Hoose brought me the music. No such luck this time. I got on a 66 bus, and began the trip. About halfway there, we stopped in traffic for a good 5 min when the firetrucks and ambulances came. Started moving again after another 10 min, and sure enough, on the right, are paramedics doing cpr on a guy covered in blood. I could see the whole thing. It looks like he wasn't wearing a seatbelt, stopped suddenly and flew into his windshield, because there were no other cars in the accident and the windshield was broken on the driver's side.
Suddenly, my knee didn't seem so bad, and I felt like a jerk because I'd complained about it already to about three different people. Its just a scraped knee.
Soon enough, I got to Cambridge, picked up the music, and came home.
Since then, I have been doing laundry (the f*%&^ing dryers aren't working again - everything is wet and cold), packing, and moving my newly painted dresser into my room! It looks really amazing - hopefully i'll figure out my camera with my computer soon so all can see. I love it! And it is the PERFECT size for where my bookshelf used to be. The curtains for my room went up last night, and they are also very nice.
Can you tell I don't have italics? I have to resort to capital letters.
Tomorrow night I'm going to Indiana for my cousin Josh's wedding. I haven't been to the area where my dad's family lives since before junior year of high school. I have to run directly from orchestra to the airport, land in Indianapolis at 11ish, my parents will pick me up, we'll go get Hannah at Butler, go BACK to the airport to pick up Holly coming in from Phoenix at 12:30 am, and then drive the 3-4 hours to the southern part of the state. Its going to be fun, but exhausting. Oh, and then we have rehearsal for the wedding at 8 am.
This is a very long, and I realize, very boring post. I will close for now.
I digress. My palms were a little sore, but not bad. My knee however, is a bloody mess, AND the knee in my jeans now has a hole. (sigh) Now both of my jeans has holes. I need new jeans. My ego was badly bruised, as there were a ton of people around. It was incredibly embarrasing. Incredibly. I got to school and cleaned myself up. I was very woe-is-me all morning It hurts when I bend it.
Then, I practiced, which went well. Brahms concerto is coming along. Had a nice lesson at 11, with Peter, who has now scheduled THREE lessons for next week. Good lord. I was information overload as it is today with just an hour with him. Its going to be three next week? I should actually be happy, and stop complaining - at Eastman I never got enough lessons (second semester senior year I think I had 9, and they were never really a full hour) - now I'm getting more than what is the maximum.
Then, the stupid scheduling office people were once again NOT in the schedule office. Ah, for the good ol' days of reserving rooms online. Give me that any day. This having to go to school and talk to someone about it business is crap. I waited for a half hour for them to return, meanwhile scheduling stuff with my new quartet. We are going to do Grieg quartet for a Grieg festival in Nov here at BU (its a Grieg year - who knew??). Fun fun fun.
The schedule guy came back, and I reserved a room for studio on Monday night.
Then, I needed to go to Cambridge to pick up music for my Cantata Singers gig next weekend. When I did B minor mass with them last spring, Hoose brought me the music. No such luck this time. I got on a 66 bus, and began the trip. About halfway there, we stopped in traffic for a good 5 min when the firetrucks and ambulances came. Started moving again after another 10 min, and sure enough, on the right, are paramedics doing cpr on a guy covered in blood. I could see the whole thing. It looks like he wasn't wearing a seatbelt, stopped suddenly and flew into his windshield, because there were no other cars in the accident and the windshield was broken on the driver's side.
Suddenly, my knee didn't seem so bad, and I felt like a jerk because I'd complained about it already to about three different people. Its just a scraped knee.
Soon enough, I got to Cambridge, picked up the music, and came home.
Since then, I have been doing laundry (the f*%&^ing dryers aren't working again - everything is wet and cold), packing, and moving my newly painted dresser into my room! It looks really amazing - hopefully i'll figure out my camera with my computer soon so all can see. I love it! And it is the PERFECT size for where my bookshelf used to be. The curtains for my room went up last night, and they are also very nice.
Can you tell I don't have italics? I have to resort to capital letters.
Tomorrow night I'm going to Indiana for my cousin Josh's wedding. I haven't been to the area where my dad's family lives since before junior year of high school. I have to run directly from orchestra to the airport, land in Indianapolis at 11ish, my parents will pick me up, we'll go get Hannah at Butler, go BACK to the airport to pick up Holly coming in from Phoenix at 12:30 am, and then drive the 3-4 hours to the southern part of the state. Its going to be fun, but exhausting. Oh, and then we have rehearsal for the wedding at 8 am.
This is a very long, and I realize, very boring post. I will close for now.
Monday, September 10, 2007
First Day Back to Orchestra
Ugh. Dvorak 6. Double ugh
However, this weekend was very successful. Molly and I now have curtains hung in the living room, her room, a rug, and I finished putting primer on my dresser. I was frustrated at the hardward store yesterday, however - I picked out the color to paint my dresser, called Asperations, a bluish green color, and was told the paint guy was sick and to come back tomorrow. Forget it. Not going back to Cambridge for paint. Too many other things to do. So I will go to the one near Harvard and Comm Ave and get it there. Good grief. I did pick out curtains for my room, too, after a whole year without. They will go up this week.
Yesterday we also went to the Greek fest in Sommerville, which was so fun! There was a TON of amazing food, music, and dancing! I loved it.
My chamber music situation is driving me nuts - Peter still hasn't figured out who to put me with. Grrrr. I want to get it all figured out and settled ASAP. CCE members are welcome to come help me out! :-)
However, this weekend was very successful. Molly and I now have curtains hung in the living room, her room, a rug, and I finished putting primer on my dresser. I was frustrated at the hardward store yesterday, however - I picked out the color to paint my dresser, called Asperations, a bluish green color, and was told the paint guy was sick and to come back tomorrow. Forget it. Not going back to Cambridge for paint. Too many other things to do. So I will go to the one near Harvard and Comm Ave and get it there. Good grief. I did pick out curtains for my room, too, after a whole year without. They will go up this week.
Yesterday we also went to the Greek fest in Sommerville, which was so fun! There was a TON of amazing food, music, and dancing! I loved it.
My chamber music situation is driving me nuts - Peter still hasn't figured out who to put me with. Grrrr. I want to get it all figured out and settled ASAP. CCE members are welcome to come help me out! :-)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Things and Stuff
While talking on the phone last night with Kimberly (for almost two hours!), she asked me if I have a new roommate. I suddenly realized that many of you may not know that I have a new person living with me. Her name is Molly Wood, and she is a 2nd year Masters collaborative piano degree. She moved in Sunday with a flurry of activity, and we started to scrub this place down like you've never seen before. Hopefully we'll be done by the end of this weekend, and at the end every room with be cleaned and reorganized, including my room. I have a new dresser (found it at the back door trash dump - its old, and needs paint, but its good wood - cedar - and the drawers are dovetailed - I am quite excited) that will go in the place of my bookshelf, which is now in the living room. Fun fun fun!
At my lesson yesterday, while I was playing along, there was a knock on the door and who should it be but Ari Striesfeld (http://www.jackquartet.com/index.html)!!! I had forgotten that he is now in my studio. He graduated from Northwestern for his masters, and he and his girlfriend (who is going to Longy) have moved to Boston for DMAs. It was SO good to see him, and recall past CCE days at Soundfest. Happy times.
My first official class is today at 1 pm with Joel Sheveloff. Its a History of Song class. Obviously, its not very specific to my type of instrument, however Sheveloff is suppose to be this great prof that everybody is constantly talking about and I needed the credit so low and behold, i'm taking it. I figure violinists are always trying to sound like a voice anyway - maybe this will be more helpful to me than I originally thought.
Next on my call list - Paul and Mary!
At my lesson yesterday, while I was playing along, there was a knock on the door and who should it be but Ari Striesfeld (http://www.jackquartet.com/index.html)!!! I had forgotten that he is now in my studio. He graduated from Northwestern for his masters, and he and his girlfriend (who is going to Longy) have moved to Boston for DMAs. It was SO good to see him, and recall past CCE days at Soundfest. Happy times.
My first official class is today at 1 pm with Joel Sheveloff. Its a History of Song class. Obviously, its not very specific to my type of instrument, however Sheveloff is suppose to be this great prof that everybody is constantly talking about and I needed the credit so low and behold, i'm taking it. I figure violinists are always trying to sound like a voice anyway - maybe this will be more helpful to me than I originally thought.
Next on my call list - Paul and Mary!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
AHGHGHGGHGH!
School starts for me in SIX DAYS!!
AGHGHGGHGHGHGGH!
What happened to my summer?
What happened???????????????????????????????????
(I am NOT ready OR happy for this, if you can't tell.)
AGHGHGGHGHGHGGH!
What happened to my summer?
What happened???????????????????????????????????
(I am NOT ready OR happy for this, if you can't tell.)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
DUBAI (Reuters) - A one-legged Emirati father of 78 is lining up his next two wives in a bid to reach his target of 100 children by 2015, Emirates Today reported on Monday.
Daad Mohammed Murad Abdul Rahman, 60, has already had 15 brides although he has to divorce them as he goes along to remain within the legal limit of four wives at a time.
"In 2015 I will be 68 years old and will have 100 children," the local tabloid quoted Abdul Rahman as saying.
"After that I will stop marrying. I have to have at least three more marriages to hit the century."
The United Arab Emirates newspaper splashed its front page with a picture of Abdul Rahman surrounded by his children, the eldest of whom is 36 years old and the youngest of whom is 20 days old. Two of his current three wives are also pregnant.
Abdul Rahman said his large family lived in 15 houses. He supports them with his military pension and the help of the government of Ajman, one of seven emirates that comprise the UAE, which includes the Gulf trade and tourism hub of Dubai.
Islam allows men to marry up to four women at a time, though most marry only one. The UAE is a Muslim country but is home to migrants from around the world.
Daad Mohammed Murad Abdul Rahman, 60, has already had 15 brides although he has to divorce them as he goes along to remain within the legal limit of four wives at a time.
"In 2015 I will be 68 years old and will have 100 children," the local tabloid quoted Abdul Rahman as saying.
"After that I will stop marrying. I have to have at least three more marriages to hit the century."
The United Arab Emirates newspaper splashed its front page with a picture of Abdul Rahman surrounded by his children, the eldest of whom is 36 years old and the youngest of whom is 20 days old. Two of his current three wives are also pregnant.
Abdul Rahman said his large family lived in 15 houses. He supports them with his military pension and the help of the government of Ajman, one of seven emirates that comprise the UAE, which includes the Gulf trade and tourism hub of Dubai.
Islam allows men to marry up to four women at a time, though most marry only one. The UAE is a Muslim country but is home to migrants from around the world.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Not Much To Say
Except:
Yesterday, I ran into John Williams. I was backstage at Ozawa, and literally almost mowed him down. Then I realized who it was, and did this awkward giggle thing. Good lord.
Tonight the BSO are doing Bluebeard's Castle (remember that from 20th cent. history?) and Brahms 1. I heart Brahms 1.
We (David and I) are having dinner tonight with the Messingers (I asked to bring him, told them he was from Eastman, and of course they were estatic), my lovely sponsors for the past two summers who bought the building with Javas in it so the Eastman Community Music School could have a building and actual Eastman students wouldn't have to fight them for the Annex 7th floor rooms on Saturday morning. Very nice gift.
I love Beethoven 9.
And I love all of you!
Yesterday, I ran into John Williams. I was backstage at Ozawa, and literally almost mowed him down. Then I realized who it was, and did this awkward giggle thing. Good lord.
Tonight the BSO are doing Bluebeard's Castle (remember that from 20th cent. history?) and Brahms 1. I heart Brahms 1.
We (David and I) are having dinner tonight with the Messingers (I asked to bring him, told them he was from Eastman, and of course they were estatic), my lovely sponsors for the past two summers who bought the building with Javas in it so the Eastman Community Music School could have a building and actual Eastman students wouldn't have to fight them for the Annex 7th floor rooms on Saturday morning. Very nice gift.
I love Beethoven 9.
And I love all of you!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Gavid Derstein
I am in the computer lab.
The amazing and talented David Gerstein is also here.
And would like me to post a blog entry about himself.
So here it is.
I am at Tanglewood, and David picked me up yesterday.
Today we had rehearsal, and David took me to it.
Just now, David and I drove to Target.
David broke ANOThER pair of sunglasses yesterday while fleeing from a bee at high speed.
I think David is waiting for me to finish theis computer thing so we can go do something else instead.
Ok. Goodbye.
(PS - Things are well here. I have my own room, which is wonderful, and the weather has been perfect. And we're doing Beethoven 9.)
The amazing and talented David Gerstein is also here.
And would like me to post a blog entry about himself.
So here it is.
I am at Tanglewood, and David picked me up yesterday.
Today we had rehearsal, and David took me to it.
Just now, David and I drove to Target.
David broke ANOThER pair of sunglasses yesterday while fleeing from a bee at high speed.
I think David is waiting for me to finish theis computer thing so we can go do something else instead.
Ok. Goodbye.
(PS - Things are well here. I have my own room, which is wonderful, and the weather has been perfect. And we're doing Beethoven 9.)
Sunday, August 05, 2007
A more full update.
Thankfully, today was MUCH cooler in Boston than it has been for the past couple days. It has been terrible here - I miss Vermont and its clean, sweetsmelling air and lovely breezes and gorgeous mountains very much. The Vivaldi on Thursday went very very well, and I wore my senior recital outfit - but - and don't be disappointed - wore a black tank top UNDERNEATH the scandalous top. I figure I was lucky enough for nothing to pop out the first time - will never wear it to perform without something underneath ever again. It still looked quite nice, if I do say so myself. That is still my favorite outfit of all time.
I can't believe its August already. Where did the summer go? It seems like only yesterday I was all excited about all the free time I'd have, all the time off to REALLY practice well, the trip to Phoenix and Milwaukee, and the studio class Heidi and I were going to have with some other BU people here for the summer to make sure we really practiced. I probably don't have to tell you that the grand proportion practicing and studio class never happened. I did practice, and have basically figured out the Brahms concerto, but not nearly the way I wanted to, nor did I have one lesson with Peter in June. He's been gone since then, so I'll probably see him a week before school starts, the first time since mid-May.
This past weekend has been depressing. Friday I got home from Vermont and basically just felt pretty down about a lot of things, prompted by the fact that my first boyfriend ever, Tim, got married on Friday. He had asked me LAST July to play for it, and I never called him officially to tell him no OR responded to the invitation (which honestly I feel bad about, but it would have just been weird to be there - boyfriend #2 of mine was the best man). I just looked through some photos on facebook, and it looked like a very nice wedding. I'm not quite sure why I'm depressed about it - we broke up before my junior year of high school, so long ago, and we would have never worked, although we did become very good friends while I was still in high school and at Eastman - I saw him every time I went home, and always had a good time. I am, though, very happy for him - his wife, Staci, is beautiful and sweet (met her at Mayfair - can't ever enter that mall without seeing ONE person from Wisco).
However, the MORE depressing thing about this weekend was the gig I played for yesterday. It was TWO HOURS AWAY - we were a half hour away from TMC - and outdoors. The sun was in my eyes the whole time we played, and twice my music blew over even though I had about 5 clips on it - thats how hard the wind was blowing. Then we played the cocktail hour in a tent that must have been set up right over a large mosquito birthing area, because I now have (and I counted) 9 bites below my ankles (one on my left pinky-toe), 2 on my right arm, 1 on my left, and 1 on my neck that when I scratch looks like a hicky. Lovely. The cellist was awful and kept getting lost through Haydn flute trios. (sigh) Sometimes I feel like a music whore - will do ANYTHING for a check. That is NOT a good thing.
Third depressing thing this weekend - getting hit on at the cafe at the train stop corner yesterday morning. The first time this particular person tried was in May - his son-in-law is a rapper and this guy wants me to teach him music theory and play for some of his songs. I am too happy to announce to the world that I am a violinist - I am so proud of it, but then this kind of thing happens. BOOOOO.
However, my weekend is looking up - I just stopped at Blockbuster on my way home, picked up a movie, and took it to the counter. The worker there informs me that its not on their inventory for some reason, so I get it for free, and have to bring it back on Thursday. Hooray! The movie gods are in my favor. Also, Heidi came by this morning and dropped off a huge fan for the next Boston heat wave, as well as a VERY nice coffee maker. Whoo-hoo!
Time for dinner.
Thankfully, today was MUCH cooler in Boston than it has been for the past couple days. It has been terrible here - I miss Vermont and its clean, sweetsmelling air and lovely breezes and gorgeous mountains very much. The Vivaldi on Thursday went very very well, and I wore my senior recital outfit - but - and don't be disappointed - wore a black tank top UNDERNEATH the scandalous top. I figure I was lucky enough for nothing to pop out the first time - will never wear it to perform without something underneath ever again. It still looked quite nice, if I do say so myself. That is still my favorite outfit of all time.
I can't believe its August already. Where did the summer go? It seems like only yesterday I was all excited about all the free time I'd have, all the time off to REALLY practice well, the trip to Phoenix and Milwaukee, and the studio class Heidi and I were going to have with some other BU people here for the summer to make sure we really practiced. I probably don't have to tell you that the grand proportion practicing and studio class never happened. I did practice, and have basically figured out the Brahms concerto, but not nearly the way I wanted to, nor did I have one lesson with Peter in June. He's been gone since then, so I'll probably see him a week before school starts, the first time since mid-May.
This past weekend has been depressing. Friday I got home from Vermont and basically just felt pretty down about a lot of things, prompted by the fact that my first boyfriend ever, Tim, got married on Friday. He had asked me LAST July to play for it, and I never called him officially to tell him no OR responded to the invitation (which honestly I feel bad about, but it would have just been weird to be there - boyfriend #2 of mine was the best man). I just looked through some photos on facebook, and it looked like a very nice wedding. I'm not quite sure why I'm depressed about it - we broke up before my junior year of high school, so long ago, and we would have never worked, although we did become very good friends while I was still in high school and at Eastman - I saw him every time I went home, and always had a good time. I am, though, very happy for him - his wife, Staci, is beautiful and sweet (met her at Mayfair - can't ever enter that mall without seeing ONE person from Wisco).
However, the MORE depressing thing about this weekend was the gig I played for yesterday. It was TWO HOURS AWAY - we were a half hour away from TMC - and outdoors. The sun was in my eyes the whole time we played, and twice my music blew over even though I had about 5 clips on it - thats how hard the wind was blowing. Then we played the cocktail hour in a tent that must have been set up right over a large mosquito birthing area, because I now have (and I counted) 9 bites below my ankles (one on my left pinky-toe), 2 on my right arm, 1 on my left, and 1 on my neck that when I scratch looks like a hicky. Lovely. The cellist was awful and kept getting lost through Haydn flute trios. (sigh) Sometimes I feel like a music whore - will do ANYTHING for a check. That is NOT a good thing.
Third depressing thing this weekend - getting hit on at the cafe at the train stop corner yesterday morning. The first time this particular person tried was in May - his son-in-law is a rapper and this guy wants me to teach him music theory and play for some of his songs. I am too happy to announce to the world that I am a violinist - I am so proud of it, but then this kind of thing happens. BOOOOO.
However, my weekend is looking up - I just stopped at Blockbuster on my way home, picked up a movie, and took it to the counter. The worker there informs me that its not on their inventory for some reason, so I get it for free, and have to bring it back on Thursday. Hooray! The movie gods are in my favor. Also, Heidi came by this morning and dropped off a huge fan for the next Boston heat wave, as well as a VERY nice coffee maker. Whoo-hoo!
Time for dinner.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
This is an update a long time in coming. It won't even be a full update, since I have rehearsal in a half hour.
I'm currently in Vermont, the second time in two weeks, to play Vivaldi 4 Violin Concerto at the Manchester Music Festival. The concert is tomorrow night, and I am soloist #4. I got here Monday, and have been treated wonderfully and graciously ever since. I love it up here - the people are wonderful, its nice to get away from the city, and it takes me away from my slightly more boring summer life. Last week I was here too to play for their orchestra concert. Next week though I will be back in Boston for good.
I can't believe August is already here. This month has two big changes - my niece Adelaide is turning 4 on the 6th, and my baby sister Hannah is turning the big 2-0 on the 12th. No more teenagers for the Braun family. Sad day.
There shall be more update soon. That is a promise.
I'm currently in Vermont, the second time in two weeks, to play Vivaldi 4 Violin Concerto at the Manchester Music Festival. The concert is tomorrow night, and I am soloist #4. I got here Monday, and have been treated wonderfully and graciously ever since. I love it up here - the people are wonderful, its nice to get away from the city, and it takes me away from my slightly more boring summer life. Last week I was here too to play for their orchestra concert. Next week though I will be back in Boston for good.
I can't believe August is already here. This month has two big changes - my niece Adelaide is turning 4 on the 6th, and my baby sister Hannah is turning the big 2-0 on the 12th. No more teenagers for the Braun family. Sad day.
There shall be more update soon. That is a promise.
Friday, July 13, 2007
A List
1. Am home from Phoenix since Tuesday evening. Was suppose to return Monday evening, but my flight was canceled, so enjoyed one more night with Holly drinking wine, watching tv, and in general enjoying the 116 degree heat.
2. Am now at my sister's embarking on the night before another weekend of cat-sitting. Went to the beach today with Heidi and Adelaide. Saw many jellyfish, although apparently they are not the stinging type. Got hot but a little bit more tan after my scorching sun burn from the Grand Canyon last Saturday. It looks better than it did.
3. Am guilty of not returning phone calls to Kim and Mary. Apologies.
4. Am playing in a quartet-reading party next Tuesday. Was invited by Raphael Hillyer, the 93-year old original violist of the Juilliard String Quartet. Am slightly freaking out. Have to prepare the Mozart "10 Celebrated" 1st violin parts by Tuesday.
5. Am visiting TMC on Monday night, to see their orchestra concert and liven up the place, since, according to David, it is dull this year. Maybe some (now $5) champagne is in the works? Remains to be seen.
6. Am still jet-lagged from flying cross-country. Cannot believe it really is only 10:15 in the west right now. My body clock is all messed up, not to mention my brain from all this 3-hour subtracting I've been doing lately.
7. Am deciding that I while I am glad I took the summer off, I shall not again next year unless I will be sure of being busy and playing violin lots. Not enough going on for me. I prefer to be busy. I am happier that way.
8. There is no 8.
2. Am now at my sister's embarking on the night before another weekend of cat-sitting. Went to the beach today with Heidi and Adelaide. Saw many jellyfish, although apparently they are not the stinging type. Got hot but a little bit more tan after my scorching sun burn from the Grand Canyon last Saturday. It looks better than it did.
3. Am guilty of not returning phone calls to Kim and Mary. Apologies.
4. Am playing in a quartet-reading party next Tuesday. Was invited by Raphael Hillyer, the 93-year old original violist of the Juilliard String Quartet. Am slightly freaking out. Have to prepare the Mozart "10 Celebrated" 1st violin parts by Tuesday.
5. Am visiting TMC on Monday night, to see their orchestra concert and liven up the place, since, according to David, it is dull this year. Maybe some (now $5) champagne is in the works? Remains to be seen.
6. Am still jet-lagged from flying cross-country. Cannot believe it really is only 10:15 in the west right now. My body clock is all messed up, not to mention my brain from all this 3-hour subtracting I've been doing lately.
7. Am deciding that I while I am glad I took the summer off, I shall not again next year unless I will be sure of being busy and playing violin lots. Not enough going on for me. I prefer to be busy. I am happier that way.
8. There is no 8.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Hope everyone had good July 4ths!
I'm still in Arizona - we are currently preparing for a trip to Sedona, where we will see Romeo and Juliet by the Shakespeare festival there (Kim, I'll let you know how it is! We can compare productions!) and spend the night. Then tomorrow we head to the Grand Canyon. We were there two years ago, and I loved it then. I particularly love the signs that say "hiking the canyon may cause fatigue, dehydration, heart problems, or death." Thats pretty much saying it all. Anyway - it will be VERY fun. I'm excited. We'll be back in Phoenix tomorrow night. Hannah leaves Sunday evening. :-(
Hope all are happy and well in Lenox, Milwaukee, Oregon, Rochester, Denver, San Diego, and Philly (or is Paul in Europe right now?.
I'm still in Arizona - we are currently preparing for a trip to Sedona, where we will see Romeo and Juliet by the Shakespeare festival there (Kim, I'll let you know how it is! We can compare productions!) and spend the night. Then tomorrow we head to the Grand Canyon. We were there two years ago, and I loved it then. I particularly love the signs that say "hiking the canyon may cause fatigue, dehydration, heart problems, or death." Thats pretty much saying it all. Anyway - it will be VERY fun. I'm excited. We'll be back in Phoenix tomorrow night. Hannah leaves Sunday evening. :-(
Hope all are happy and well in Lenox, Milwaukee, Oregon, Rochester, Denver, San Diego, and Philly (or is Paul in Europe right now?.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Hello and Happy 4th from Phoenix, Arizona, the hottest place on the planet (or so it feels)!
I got here yesterday. So far, we've been doing a lot of eating, drinking, swimming, and playing Trivial Pursuit (Millenium Edition). I won the first time, Holly the second. Now Bridget Jones' Diary watching. Perfect for three single women. :-)
Hannah wants the computer. I shall go and write more later.
I got here yesterday. So far, we've been doing a lot of eating, drinking, swimming, and playing Trivial Pursuit (Millenium Edition). I won the first time, Holly the second. Now Bridget Jones' Diary watching. Perfect for three single women. :-)
Hannah wants the computer. I shall go and write more later.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Its a HOT day in Boston today - it'll get up to the 90s. I need to buy a fan ASAP. I don't have one at all, so have been suffering without one.
I've been home for a few weeks since the last post, but nothing has really happened. I played with the Granite State (NH) Symphony Orchestra this past weekend - we did William Tell, a Beethoven piano concerto, and Brahms 1. My standpartner was awesome - he is an old friend of my sister's, from London, and fun to talk to. When I first sat down, he said "You must be Heidi's sister! You studied with Kopelman! Was he just incredibly fabulous??? I am SUCH a groupie of his!"
Unfortunately, I had to tell this person that Kopelman, while being one of the greatest violinists of his generation, has not become one of the better teachers. He took this in stride and I think understood.
David and Brian were here last week. We had a sightreading party at my place, followed by wine and food. It was a very enjoyable evening, and the next morning I had to say goodbye, which made me slightly teary. This is my first summer off from music festival for about as long as I can remember. I miss Tanglewood a lot right now, but I know I made the right decision.
Time to go get ready for another scorcher day.
I've been home for a few weeks since the last post, but nothing has really happened. I played with the Granite State (NH) Symphony Orchestra this past weekend - we did William Tell, a Beethoven piano concerto, and Brahms 1. My standpartner was awesome - he is an old friend of my sister's, from London, and fun to talk to. When I first sat down, he said "You must be Heidi's sister! You studied with Kopelman! Was he just incredibly fabulous??? I am SUCH a groupie of his!"
Unfortunately, I had to tell this person that Kopelman, while being one of the greatest violinists of his generation, has not become one of the better teachers. He took this in stride and I think understood.
David and Brian were here last week. We had a sightreading party at my place, followed by wine and food. It was a very enjoyable evening, and the next morning I had to say goodbye, which made me slightly teary. This is my first summer off from music festival for about as long as I can remember. I miss Tanglewood a lot right now, but I know I made the right decision.
Time to go get ready for another scorcher day.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Brewers 7, Cubs 5 YAY!
Hannah and I went to a Brewers game tonight!
We had so much fun!
And we got a little crazy and bored after sharing two beers.....
But got some cotton candy then and had a bit of a sugar high....yummy.
We called Mary and David while there! Sorry Mary - they lost - yay David - they won!!!!
Thats a picture from the weekend of Sara's recital. We were having fun with her toys.
Anyway - home has been nice. Tomorrow is more merrymaking with the family, including mini-golfing tomorrow night. Then Friday its back to Boston.
We had so much fun!
And we got a little crazy and bored after sharing two beers.....
But got some cotton candy then and had a bit of a sugar high....yummy.
We called Mary and David while there! Sorry Mary - they lost - yay David - they won!!!!
Thats a picture from the weekend of Sara's recital. We were having fun with her toys.
Anyway - home has been nice. Tomorrow is more merrymaking with the family, including mini-golfing tomorrow night. Then Friday its back to Boston.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Hello from Milwaukee, WI.
I arrived home yesterday after a pleasant and fast trip from Boston to Baltimore to here. Except that Air Tran did NOT have any Cherry Coke, after advertisements everywhere that they are now serving it on all their flights. I asked for it, and was denied. They did have Cherry Vanilla Coke, but I can't stand the Vanilla part. So I declined and had water instead. A diasppointment.
Anyway, last night and today has been in general very nice with the fam. I've graded for my Mom, cleaned the entire basement with my dad, and watched a few episodes from season 4 of Friends that Hannah bought last month. I must say its nice to see something different than the first three seasons. They have been watched a little too much.
I will be here till next Friday. I have brought the violin and will practice at least three times. That is a must (usually I never practice when I'm home, or very rarely - its very hard and I get so distracted by other things). I will also go through entire boxes from high school that need to be organized - it is time to go through them and keep what I want and pitch what I do not want. Today I went through my BUTI box from 2001. Happy memories.
Maybe a trip to Chicago next week to visit Gave is in order? It wouldn't feel like a visit at home without my biannual trip on the Milwaukee to Glenview, IL train!
I arrived home yesterday after a pleasant and fast trip from Boston to Baltimore to here. Except that Air Tran did NOT have any Cherry Coke, after advertisements everywhere that they are now serving it on all their flights. I asked for it, and was denied. They did have Cherry Vanilla Coke, but I can't stand the Vanilla part. So I declined and had water instead. A diasppointment.
Anyway, last night and today has been in general very nice with the fam. I've graded for my Mom, cleaned the entire basement with my dad, and watched a few episodes from season 4 of Friends that Hannah bought last month. I must say its nice to see something different than the first three seasons. They have been watched a little too much.
I will be here till next Friday. I have brought the violin and will practice at least three times. That is a must (usually I never practice when I'm home, or very rarely - its very hard and I get so distracted by other things). I will also go through entire boxes from high school that need to be organized - it is time to go through them and keep what I want and pitch what I do not want. Today I went through my BUTI box from 2001. Happy memories.
Maybe a trip to Chicago next week to visit Gave is in order? It wouldn't feel like a visit at home without my biannual trip on the Milwaukee to Glenview, IL train!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
100th post on Blogger - A List
10 Reasons Why I Love Boston:
1. The MBTA, otherwise known as "the T" or "train". It is a pain sometimes, but as one who grew up in a town with NO trains and only one car in the family, then went to Rochester, I love being able to go different places without relying on gas (we are KILLING our planet) or anyone else, for that matter.
2. The Boston Common/Public Garden. In spring, they plant all kinds of flowers, which smell wonderful. There are swans, ducks, and geese everywhere to watch, not to mention recently all the baby swans, ducks and geese to adore.
3. Random people. Usually, this is a bad thing. I have been groaped, kicked (accidentally, but still), and hooted at (recently, "hey sexy, why are you rude? why don't you come talk to me?"). However, every once in a while someone nice comes along. Today, while at the Arlington stop, a lady came and asked me where I got my white skirt. It is a Gap skirt I bought two summers ago for TMC and wore also for the Schumann Quintet performance. This woman seemed perfectly sane, had a little girl in her hand and went on about how nice it looked and how she had been looking for one just like it. It was a pleasant conversation.
4. The weather. I am a northern girl. I like winter to be cold and snowy and summer to be warm and breezy. There are all four seasons in Boston, and I love that.
5. My sister, her husband and my niece. I've babysat Adelaide a lot this past week. She is a crazy little girl, but SMART SMART SMART. We had so much fun at the park the other day, where there is a sprinkler thing. My sister and her husband have been good to me, and my sister and I have become even closer since I moved here. Plus she gets me gigs.
6. The Museum of Fine Arts. I have been there twice this past semester, with plans on attending more this summer. Why? Because I like art, I love the MFA, and BU students are free. Yes, my dears, FREE.
7. Peter and the Muir. I have a wonderful teacher, and wonderful coaches.
8. There are so many cute little restuarants everywhere that are good.
9. It is a city mostly populated by students, so when school is out - its much less hectic. I don't mind the hecticness for the most part, but I HAVE been enjoying the less insanity on the B-line especially lately.
10. It is where I have wanted to live since I was 9, and I am here.
1. The MBTA, otherwise known as "the T" or "train". It is a pain sometimes, but as one who grew up in a town with NO trains and only one car in the family, then went to Rochester, I love being able to go different places without relying on gas (we are KILLING our planet) or anyone else, for that matter.
2. The Boston Common/Public Garden. In spring, they plant all kinds of flowers, which smell wonderful. There are swans, ducks, and geese everywhere to watch, not to mention recently all the baby swans, ducks and geese to adore.
3. Random people. Usually, this is a bad thing. I have been groaped, kicked (accidentally, but still), and hooted at (recently, "hey sexy, why are you rude? why don't you come talk to me?"). However, every once in a while someone nice comes along. Today, while at the Arlington stop, a lady came and asked me where I got my white skirt. It is a Gap skirt I bought two summers ago for TMC and wore also for the Schumann Quintet performance. This woman seemed perfectly sane, had a little girl in her hand and went on about how nice it looked and how she had been looking for one just like it. It was a pleasant conversation.
4. The weather. I am a northern girl. I like winter to be cold and snowy and summer to be warm and breezy. There are all four seasons in Boston, and I love that.
5. My sister, her husband and my niece. I've babysat Adelaide a lot this past week. She is a crazy little girl, but SMART SMART SMART. We had so much fun at the park the other day, where there is a sprinkler thing. My sister and her husband have been good to me, and my sister and I have become even closer since I moved here. Plus she gets me gigs.
6. The Museum of Fine Arts. I have been there twice this past semester, with plans on attending more this summer. Why? Because I like art, I love the MFA, and BU students are free. Yes, my dears, FREE.
7. Peter and the Muir. I have a wonderful teacher, and wonderful coaches.
8. There are so many cute little restuarants everywhere that are good.
9. It is a city mostly populated by students, so when school is out - its much less hectic. I don't mind the hecticness for the most part, but I HAVE been enjoying the less insanity on the B-line especially lately.
10. It is where I have wanted to live since I was 9, and I am here.
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