Music explored

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I love listening to music that is an expression of the musician(s). 

Today at music festival, the equivalent of a music recital but for more people, a friend of ours played clarinet.  Not just well, but very well. 

Vanessa is one of those “kids” who grew up around us over the last 6 years.  Last year my wife played for her at music festival.  This year the pieces increased just slightly and Jill was also busier.  The reins of the piano were turned over to another friend, Wayne Gibson. 

Put the two together on a Mozart extravaganza and the evening was magical.  The adjudicator thought so as well. 

He started the adjudication by talking about being a performer, not about the instrument or technique (both of which she has a great ability to master).  He said, “When you go on, and you will go on,”  and proceeded to talk about stage presence.

High praise for a young lady of 16.  In years to come I hope to have the privilege of hearing her reach greater heights.

Thanks, Vanessa – well done!

Hanging on the wall

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Calendar squares are populating my office wall.  It’s all part of a conspiracy.  To be sure I can see at a glance what happens next. 

These last few weeks have too quickly gobbled up my time.  Striking back at the dark forces of minutes and hours, a few black felt pens have filled in the spaces. 

Now all I have to do is stick to the plan!!

Uncle Ray passes

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Today around 2:00 my uncle Ray Somerville passed away.  He was married to my father’s sister, Myrtle, for something like 60 years.  His life had deteriorated over the past years, pneumonia took him quickly over this weekend.  The children gathered at the Kindersley hospital – we were able to come by just shortly after his death.

There is a hole in the world when a loved one passes.  Even so for my aunt and cousins today.  Pray for them in this time of sorrow.

Our changing block

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In 2005 we moved onto a short block in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.  The houses were populated with seniors – we were almost the youngest people on the block!

Now, six years later we are welcoming a new family into a home just a few houses down and across the street.  They are friends with 3 young boys.  Next to them is another young family, and across the street are three young children eager to meet them.  Directly across our street is a family whose teens are just moving into their twenties.  A young couple lives next to us.

Emily and Rita are still stalwarts on the block.  They don’t seem to age but have been here since their homes were built in the 1960’s.  I imagine they will soon move and youth will continue to invade our space.

Which I welcome and love!!  Weekly I have the enjoyment of working with some of our children’s and youth programs.  I’ve tried to slowly inch my way out of these activities, but my heart is still there. 

Change is good!