Living Room pics

Hey

C'mon, Dodgers!

Brave New Ocean

Last night Hal and I attended a talk at HMC about the state of the world's oceans. I knew it would be depressing, and it was. However, Jeremy Jackson is an interesting speaker, so I didn't fall asleep. You can read about Jackson's research here (or google him yourself).

After the lecture, we watched the final episode of the tv series The Wire. What a powerful show. Some day I may go back and rewatch some of the seasons, especially 1 and 4.

On a lighter note, I skyped Claire yesterday. She is enjoying London, although it seems as though her classes could get in the way of her total enjoyment of the country! She's thinking about meeting a high school friend in Paris in two weeks. Such is her life!

Living Room arranging

Today the loveseat from Target arrived at our house. I was giving a violin lesson at the time, and when we came out of the music room, Hal was already assembling it. Now it's nestled into our tv corner, and I will take a picture of it tomorrow and post it in its surroundings. So far we like it!

Daily life, post-sabbatical

Daily life is settling into a groove. Get up and work out at the gym. Compose music, check e-mail, check facebook, check blogs, lesson plan, practice viola, and other business in the morning. Teach music from 12-5 (most days). Come home and check e-mail, facebook and blogs.

One of my favorite blogs belongs to my cousins in Texas. Marla is home with their three adorable children while her husband, Damian, is studying to become a chiropractor. I love the little videos, the photos and the cuteness of it all. Check it out here!

Change of Plan

Back to rooting for the Dodgers.

Siyahamba

I made my drumming debut in church this morning. The bell choir played Siyahamba, a South African song, along with the choir. A small band of percussionists (mostly drummers) added timbre and texture to the song as the choir recessed.

Keith Terry Workshop

This morning under overcast skies, I drove to Hermosa Beach to attend an Orff workshop given by Keith Terry - master of body music. It was an amazing day. This little video shows a short smattering of something we can use with kids, but lots of the workshop involved complicated rhythms (put one in your feet, one in your hands, and then sing another). You can see much more at Terry's myspace page and at crosspulse. There were some things I will probably do with my students, but I think I will be able to use much more in my compositions. Five hours of intense concentration has made me tired!

You're Not Old!

So, today I had the first graders at Vista. We were crouching on the floor while chanting Hickory, Dickory Dock, going up and down as the mouse does. One kid complained that it made him tired, and I said, "I'm an old lady, and if I can do it, a young boy can." They all looked at me and said, "You aren't old. You don't look old." Well! That made me feel great. Then they said, "You're 56!"

The first graders giveth, and the first graders taketh away.

October!

Okay, baseball fans - it's the post-season! This year some of my favorite teams are playing, but I am rooting for the Cubs. One hundred years is a long time to wait. I never thought that I would cheer against the Dodgers, but I just want the Cubs more this year. I also like the White Sox, the Red Sox, and Hal likes the Angels, so there's plenty to keep us interested. And for once, none of my "love to hate teams" are playing (Yankees, Braves, and Giants).

Oh, yeah. Still tired, but enjoying the students!