Friday, May 1, 2009

One-Year Anniversary of Playing Piano

So I have been taking piano lessons for a whole year.  Wow!  It feels like I just started and at the same time it is hard to imagine my life without piano.  Here are the top ten reasons why I love piano (in no particular order).

1. It gives me something to do when I get home from work besides watch T.V.
2. It's fun!
3. It stops me from thinking about work.  (When you are trying to get your hands to do two completely different things there is no more room left in your brain to think about little children.)
4. I get to make beautiful music.
5. It is challenging and the payoff it big.  It gives me a great sense of accomplishment.
6. It has given me a greater appreciation for classical music and musicians.
7. People are very impressed when they hear me play.  
8. It gives me an out during FHE.
9.  When there is a lull in a conversation I can always bring up what new piano piece I am learning.
10. Then there is the something I can't really explain, it just feels good.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Spring is Here!


I love this tree outside our kitchen window.  For a few weeks every spring it blooms and is magnificent.  It is one of the first trees to bloom so when I see the buds appearing I know Spring is getting close. I climbed out on to the fire escape to take these pictures.  It is my Tree of Heaven. (See A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith)