Cleaning The Trailer

Frank’s shoulder is still paining him, so his boss told him to rest up his shoulder and be fresh for tomorrow. I was happy, and Frank was even more so. We just lay in bed all morning, and I finally got used to the smell of Icy Hot all over Frank’s back and spine. Icy Hot smells good – it’s mentholated so I fell asleep so fast it wasn’t funny. But when one smells Icy Hot for 12 hours in a row it can get a little bit much. I didn’t mind the smell. But it did make me very sleepy, and Frank had trouble trying to wake me up. We did have a good time together, even though we squandered most of it sleeping. But as long as we’re together we have a good time. Whether it’s arguing the merits and demerits of frozen bread and milk to throwing the covers at each other to sitting quietly watching a movie, we always have a good time.

Frank’s mom and I are cleaning up the trailer in Belleview so I can set up a studio for my music classes. We went tonight and did some work on it, and we went to see Frank as soon as we were through. Frank and I like to take stabs at each other in public (I really don’t’ know why) but it always amuses the customers and employees at his job. Just tonight he mentioned that he should have bought milk and froze it. I was surprised at that, and said I wasn’t sure frozen milk was all that good. Frank replied that it was no different than eating frozen bread, and I retorted that I always thaw my bread and then eat it. He then said that milk was no different, to which I agreed instantly because I still wasn’t sure why we were even having that discussion. There was as an older couple he was waiting on who heard the whole exchange, and they were both grinning at us the entire time. The lady smilingly commented that we sounded like an old married couple, and Frank told her that we were married, but that it hadn’t been all that long yet. I couldn’t help it, I threw in the comment “he’s the one that’s old, not me.” That got everyone laughing, but for my own personal safety I steered clear of Frank until he cooled off about that jibe. He wasn’t mad at all; he feigned annoyance for the sake of the audience which included his mom. We love doing crazy things like that…it’s so much fun to feign an argument and then make up. Or should I say make out?

Of Pain & Practice

Frank hurt his shoulder moving all our stuff yesterday, so when he went to work this morning he came right back. He couldn’t move his shoulder past a certain point, and he was in a lot of pain. His boss sent him back home. He didn’t do much but lay in bed, and I joined him. He went to work this afternoon, but I was glad to have him here in the morning. We sometimes like to lay in bed and talk, but most nights we’ll just curl up in each others’ arms until we fall asleep. That’s always easier said than done, because we have to turn around several times before we get comfortable.

I practiced a while for the concert I’m playing on the 1st. I don’t want to over practice, but I do want to be prepared. Switching between the violin and cello might be a little challenging, but I think I can manage. I wasn’t too thrilled about doing a solo, but Miss Helen and Alex egged me on until I couldn’t say no. What inspired me more than anything was when Alex started practicing with Mr. Norman for her solo. So I picked cello since Alex doesn’t play cello, so I don’t get competitive and forget the whole point of playing is all about. Miss Helen was gracious enough to let me use her cello, and that is always a high point in any day for me. Her cello sounds so good I can be having a bad day and still sound good.

I’m real excited about this concert on Saturday, because it’s the first concert where I will be playing as Mrs. Wilson. It seems as if the music world is taking me seriously at last, and I’m more than thrilled to be playing among the best of Ocala. With Miss Helen having a bad shoulder and barely being able to play, she has been giving me all her jobs. At first I was so worried that I wouldn’t be good enough to fill in for her, but I keep getting calls and requests to play, so I can’t be that bad. I’ve been practicing a lot more than I used to, so that always helps.

I need to practice Handel’s Messiah. It has some rough spots, and I don’t want to goof up a perfectly good job because I didn’t practice. December is always so busy for musicians, but we love the business. In the spring the Marion Civic Theater always has jobs, weddings in the summer, and Christmas preparation in the fall. It’s a full life, but one I enjoy very much.

Frank was suggesting that once we move closer to town he trade in his Cruiser for an automatic vehicle. That way I can drive myself to my jobs and drop him off and pick him up from his. He teased me and said he wondered what I would do with a car to drive, and I replied I would do what I’m supposed to – drive him to work, drive myself to rehearsals, weddings, and concerts, and then pick him up at the end of the day. Guess I better get good with directions…as I will have to be doing a lot of it in the near future!

Last College Rehearsal

Frank bought a new bed for us, as his back just can’t take or old bed anymore. So we got up early this morning, and put the bed in our room. We had to go to my last rehearsal with the college kids, as the concert is on Sunday. We always have such fun at rehearsals. Miss Rosa told us that in professional orchestras the players aren’t supposed to talk during rehearsals. We tried doing that but it didn’t work at all. It was just too hard to not talk in-between pieces, especially when our timing was off on a couple measures in “Ave Verum Corpus.” I didn’t want to say anything about it, but with the concert on Sunday I just worked out the problem area with Patrick since we have to be very careful not to mess up the soloist. We left the college with all the information we needed for the concert on Sunday.

As Frank and I were leaving the college, a white truck looking suspiciously like the McClain’s truck parked just a few parking spots from where we had just left. Frank pointed it out before I even saw it, and asked if it was anyone I knew. How he remembered that truck I don’t know. But he did remember. And sure enough - it was Matt, and Frank pulled over so I could say hi. I have never seen Matt surprised or taken off guard at any time. But the look on Matt’s face was priceless as I called his name out the window. I asked him how he was doing but he was so stunned I had to repeat the question. We spoke only briefly as there was a car behind us, but it was so good to see some one from church.

After we finally left the college we went to the Red Lobster for lunch and had a really good time. The waitress was most pleasant, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I had Chicken Alfredo, and Frank had a shrimp plate. The biscuits were so good I’ll do anything to make then at home. I never thought I’d ever go to a restaurant that sells primarily fish, but I like fish now. I eat things I said I’d never eat – fish for starters, pickles, mustard, and tons of other things. Frank got the ungratefulness and pickiness out of me. I eat what he puts in front of me with no questions and no faces.

Since we got a queen sized bed, we had to buy new sheets and a comforter. So we went to Wal-Mart and spend a couple hours matching the colors for the comforter and buying extra pillow cases. We stopped by the clothes rack that was on sale, and Frank picked out some clothes for me. I found some nice blouses for the cool weather and a few various other miscellaneous items. We had a great time just being together.

When we got home we fixed the bed up with the new sheets, and then we re-arranged the entire room. It took us only a couple hours, and then we showered, and went to sleep. I may not have had Frank home yesterday, but today more than made up for it.

Work

Frank had to go to work today from noon till eight or ten tonight. I guess I’ll try to practice for the concert on Saturday as I have a solo to play on the cello. I have the concert with my string orchestra on Saturday, then we play for the Sunday service at the church where we practice, then I play with the kids at the college that same afternoon. Since Frank has to work I really don’t have anything I’d rather be doing then practice my music anyway. And I will get my parts down perfectly if it kills me. Frank has his job, and I have mine. Much as it breaks my heart to have to spend the afternoon we usually spend together a part, there is nothing I can do about it. I will bury myself in my music as I have always done and hope the next 10 hours go by quickly.

I really need to practice Handel’s Messiah as the next rehearsal is the 3rd of December. I have the next 6 or 7 hours to practice, and if truth be told I really don’t have the heart to do anything else.

Last Rehearsal

Frank works only the one job today, so we were able to spend the morning together. After he went to work, I pulled out my music and instruments, and practiced till my fingers could no longer move. I have rehearsal tonight, and it’s the last rehearsal before the concert on Saturday. I have so much going on my head is spinning. But I’ll manage. With hours of practicing under my belt I feel more confident about all these concerts next month. The end of the year is usually crazy like this, then everything cools down until spring. Summer is wedding season, and fall is preparation for the holidays again. Musician’s lives are very busy, but very exciting. Maybe someday I’ll join up with the Philharmonic Orchestra in the Villages again and go on fancy overseers trips like Italy or France. All in good time.

Frank had Tuesday and Wednesday off, so I look forward to spending the next two days with him. Even when we go to Robert’s or just do things, I like being with him. The last two weeks we’ve gone to Robert’s and had a real good time. All we ever do is go out to eat, shop for movies, and hang out and play video games, but we have a good time.

And again, I need to get back to practice because my break is over. I have only a few more days before the concert on Saturday.

Music From The Heart

Frank did indeed, have to work today, but not anything to be done about that. I just sang for a good long while from my book of favorite hymns, and practiced for a good long bit. I really need to practice all my music real good, because I have a string of concerts and engagements to play next month that I do not feel ready for. And if I don’t feel ready because of lack of practice it’s going to show in my music. The point of playing music is because one is confident in the music and in one’s own ability to perform it due to prior practice. Otherwise one might as well be trying to make a brick wall sing. Music without feeling is empty. There is only one thing I hope to accomplish as a music teacher. And that is not to make my students sound good. If I can teach them only one thing, it will be this: to feel their music with all their hearts no matter what. And in doing that, they will always sound good.

Well then, teacher needs to go get some of that feeling into her music now…I must confess I am very hard on myself. Frank’s mom tries to tell me how to do it, but the last time she said something to me was indeed, the last time she’s ever going to tell me how to play music. No one can tell you how to play music – because it has to come from your heart.

Wedding

The wedding went well today, no major hiccups or disasters. I had a really good time, and I look forward to doing it again. I played cello this time, and it was fun. It was different not being the lead, but I didn’t mind. I love playing cello, and there is nothing quite like making a day special for the bride and groom by playing music for them. To see the sparkle in their eye as music sets the mood…heavenly. I’m going to put together a scrapbook of all the things I play in, so when I have students they can have something to finalize in their minds why I am the teacher.

Other then the wedding, not much is going on today. I’m tired because I woke up early with Frank. I don’t want to imagine how tired Frank is after working so many days in a row. And as I hear it he has to work tomorrow all day, so he’s gonna crash Monday big time. At least he has Tuesday and Wednesday off, so we can do some things together, hopefully. If not, well, I guess I can practice. The days are running by so quickly and yet so slow at times. It’s nearly the end of the month, and I’m not even half ready for the month to end. It feels like Frank and I have been married for so much longer than we have, yet I look at the calendar and it will be 3 months on the 7th. We jest and say we were married in another lifetime, but it’s all in jest.

Okay…back to practicing for me. I’m going to have my music down to the dotted sixteenth note if it kills me.

Studio Set-Up

The day started out pretty well today. I got up early with Frank and when he went off to work and practiced all morning. I did a really crazy thing, though, and did 200 push-ups. So now I’m sore all over and it hurts to laugh or sneeze. Much to my grief, Frank’s mom asked me to scrub down her refrigerator with bleach at her house in Belleview, and now I’m even more sore and achy. I have a wedding to play tomorrow and my hands are dry and peeling. I’ll remember to take gloves next time. We’re setting up the living room of the house in Belleview as a studio, but we have to clean up the place first. Mostly there’s just a bunch of boxes and furniture all over the place.

I called my cello teacher and told her that Patrick was willing to buy his own bass. She said she would call her friend in Gainesville and see if he could get us a bass for a good price. So maybe by next year we will have a bass again. Since I play 3 strings already, Frank asked if I wanted to learn how to play bass myself. We both want to give it a try, so we’re keeping an eye in e-bay and once we find a good one, we just might give it a shot.

Frank also wants to make instruments, and I think he can do it. Patrick knows a lot about the making of instruments and his major in college is guitar. So the way I figure, Patrick may be a very valuable friend to have around. He can certainly help Frank with guitar. Ever since I got married opportunities to play music and make it a career have expanded incredibly. Frank leaves the door open for me to decide what I want and don’t want to do. I tried to ask if I could work at Publix or some bakery, but he said no. He doesn’t want me to become poisoned by the things of this world, and to have to deal with the outside world. He said that’s his job, and not for me to deal with. He knows what its like out there, and he wants to protect me from it. Ignorance is bliss, or so they say, and he wants to keep it that way.

Thanksgiving

Frank and I had a great time cooking the roast last night. Between the two of us we got the roast going in no time at all. It was an eight pound beef roast, so while it browned it in the oven, we cut up enough vegetables to feed both our families for two meals. We cut up carrots, onions, potatoes, squash, zucchini, cabbage, and a few other things I can’t remember. Anyway, it was really good; both the meat and the veggies. Frank and I are really big on vegetables – grilled or in a roast. He is really the better cook of the two of us, and he is really patient in showing me new things.

Frank had to work all day today, so after the food was ready only his mom and grandpa ate with me. Then I packed up some food for Frank, and we went down to Belleview to see him at his job. He took a break, and we both went back the break room and just sat together and talked for a while. Being a holiday, there was hardly anyone in town, and business was really slow. So it was the perfect day to hang out with him. As his mom and I were leaving, she went on out to the car ahead of me. I stayed behind just for a moment, and Frank looked awkward for some reason. I noticed some of his co-workers looking at us on the sly, and I just grinned like I’d won a million bucks. I knew why they were watching. I pulled him down to my height and he said in an agonized whisper, “everyone’s watching us.” I just grinned bigger and whispered back “so?” The store was so empty I think the employees were bored. They got an eyeful…and I got a mouthful. All parties were happy, and we left after an hour and a half. It was a great Thanksgiving after all.

Practice & Olive Garden

Frank and I woke up at 10:00am this morning, so we were late for my practice. We would have made it on time, except the road was blocked and we were stuck in traffic for a long time. Then we were delayed by an ambulance. So we were half and hour late, but it turned out alright because we practiced for half and hour afterwards after Miss Rosa had to leave.

Frank took me to Olive Garden for lunch and we had a great time. The waiter was awful, and it took him forever to get our food. But we had a good time whispering silly things in each other’s ears while we waited.

After lunch, we went to the Social Security office and got my name changed on my SS. Then we got my license changed, and it all took just a few minutes. We then headed off to Target and got a few things we needed and then we went to Publix and picked up some stuff for tonight’s impromptu Thanksgiving. Since Frank will be at work all day tomorrow, we’re doing a roast for dinner tonight. It’s always fun to cook with Frank, and I look forward to it.

Wedding Practice & Hogs

Today was chock full of things to do. I was supposed to practice with Alex for the wedding on Saturday, but I forgot my music. So we re-scheduled and Frank took me over to her place today. It worked out real well because Frank got to meet her husband Keith, and they hit it off right away. As Alex and I were practicing I could hear them talking about all sorts of things – movies, work, and none too quietly either. Since Keith works in what Frank wants to make his career, they got along just great. I was thrilled that they got to meet. It’s amazing how men can meet and less than an hour later be great friends. So it ended up working out after all. Frank makes friends very easily, so that’s a plus. He makes up for my shyness with his friendliness.

From Keith and Alex’s we went over to Robert’s, and we went to Circuit City and bought some movies that were on sale. We went to Chick-Fil-A again, and we had a great time talking and just chatting. Frank was telling us how Wildlife Officers are supposed to kill hogs that are on the land they are patrolling. They used to donate hogs to shelters that fed the homeless, but they no longer take them unless the officers skin them for them. And the officers are not allowed to take them home because of conflict of interest. So Frank proposed that Robert and I be head of our own charity, and then we would take care of the hogs ourselves. Robert was really disgusted and said he would pass. But even though Frank was only joking, it was still funny. We kept joking about it for the rest of the day.

We then hung out with Robert for a few hours afterwards, and now we’re going to crash at home. We have to get up early tomorrow to get to my practice at the college.

Wedding Crashers

Frank had off this morning, so we ate noodle casserole and watched Wedding Crashers till he had to go. We were both very glad he had yesterday morning and this morning off. He is always bemoaning the fact we don’t spend a lot of time together, but we make do with what we have. We’re not like other couples who spend so much time together they start getting on each others’ nerves.

Wedding Crashers was extremely hilarious. Robert recommended it, and if Robert likes something it’s bound to be good. And it was. It was so good I watched it again after Frank went to work. I’ve got to hand it to Vince Vaughn – he was great in this movie. I’m not a particular fan of his, but I’m putting him in the top 25 along with Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe and Dale Midkiff. Not on their looks…that doesn’t amount to a hill of beans. It’s their ability to act in a diversity of roles and entertain at the same time.

So anyways…I need to practice for tonight’s orchestra rehearsal. Time to get that emotion that makes music really great into my fingers. Because that can only come from the heart.

Peace & Quiet

Frank finally had a break from work. He has been working so hard I worry about him. But like my father used to do, Frank works until he drops. But he was able to get some rest this morning at last.

Today all I’ve done is practice, practice, practice. I really do get so tired of practicing all the time, but I have to for all the concerts coming up next month. I practice about 42 hours a week, thanks to the fact that I have a heap of music and two instruments. But as Frank puts in hours of work, so do I when I practice. This may be a very boring subject for all you readers of my blog, but it’s what I do all day besides cleaning and doing my little Bible studies. Not much to say besides what Frank and I do.

But I really like this new world. It’s nice and quiet, and anyone who knows me personally knows how much I savor peace and quiet. The setting out here is so peaceful and tranquil; and the sunsets are beautiful beyond compare. It’s a little paradise, and I say that with all confidence because God created it. Frank and I will sometimes go out and sit by the gazebo, and enjoy hearing the water gently whisper as it brushes the grass, the birds as they fly overhead, and the joy of just being together. We walk hand in hand through the overgrown paths, and share a long kiss or two over the bridges. It seems that no matter how long we are out there, it just isn’t long enough. I am always reluctant to leave it, but all good things come to an end at some point.

Martyr Musicians

Alex and I are going to practice tomorrow for the wedding next week, and I look forward to it. I wish I could go on a day Frank has off so he can meet her husband, Keith, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to work that way. Reason why I’m so interested for Keith and Frank to meet is because Keith is a Wildlife Biologist and Frank wants to get a job with the FWC too. But maybe some other time. Alex and I have so much more in common now that I’m married and have been working jobs together. When we’re having bad days we gripe and whine about it…but we have so much fun. It makes us feel better to make martyrs of our musician lives, and we like to compare notes on who has it worse.

Frank is starting to make plans as to moving out. I don’t see what his rush is exactly, but I guess I understand why he doesn’t want to hang around too long. We can’t make too much noise, we can’t take showers past a certain time, we can’t talk to loud, and may we be preserved if we shake the bed too hard and rattle the DVD case by the wall too late at night. We’ll see what we can do.

Time to practice.

Thanksgiving Plans

Not much going on today beyond the normal practicing, cooking and cleaning. I did have a new idea running in my head today that I definitely want to act on. I used to have a bakery of sorts, and I miss doing that. So…I asked Frank’s mom if she would mind taking baked stuff with her to her job and passing them around to her co-workers, and she said she would gladly do it. I thought to start out with stuff I had on hand, probably blueberry muffins or some such trifle. Let’s see if we can get this show on the road. If I can launch an unofficial bakery it will give me something else to do. Frank works so hard I want to do whatever I can to chip in.

Frank asked me to make him chili this week, but I think it’s going to have to wait till next week. He wants a roast for Thanksgiving, and if we get a turkey we’ll have food up to our ears. We have some ground beef logs, but it will take about 2 days to thaw it out. So I just told Frank to hold on till next week. I don’t eat nearly enough to keep up with all the leftovers, and as it is I eat more than enough. Frank is going to get me some vitamins and he said if I take my vitamins I can eat just fruit, vegetables, salads and beans. Otherwise he stuffs me with all sorts of food. Not that I protest, but I kinda like being slim and healthy.

Can anyone guess what my closing line is? Back to practicing music.

Corned Beef & Cabbage

Frank made corn beef and cabbage for dinner last night, and it was so good. So good in fact, that I really don’t want to send him some with him to work so I can eat it! There’s enough for a couple of days anyway, so I suppose I can share. But maybe if I don’t mention it to him, he just may forget about it. He’s an awfully good cook, and if I’m not careful I’ll get fat on his food. :-)

I have a wedding on the 24th with just a violin & cello, so I’ve been practicing cello a lot. The calluses on my fingers are hardening again, so it’s getting easier to shift quickly and accurately. I’ve let my cello go in the last month with all the practicing for the X-Mas programs and the Handel performance. But now I need to get back up to par again for the wedding and the concert at the college. It’s coming along, so I’m not too worried. I’m on a string and a prayer right now, with three different clefs to read on two different instruments. I sometimes suffer a memory lapse and black out for a bit, but it happens to the best of us. It gets better the more I do it, and it’s not so confusing. The most challenging thing of all is switching back and forth between cello and violin for a performance; that’s where it takes all my mettle to get it right. It’s not so much the different positions; it’s the change of music notation, the spacing between notes, and the mental adjusting to two totally different things. In moments of frustration I sometimes wish I had never touched a cello. But when I have a cello in my hands I know exactly why I keep coming back to it day after day no matter how much trouble it is.

Back to practicing for me. Till tomorrow.

College Rehearsal

Today, Frank and I went down to the college and I practiced with Miss Rosa’s class. The practice went well, except that my cello was not in a cooperative mood and the strings kept going out of tune. But I’ll be practicing a lot in the next week to get the strings to stretch back. Sometimes the weather makes our instruments act up…today was no exception.

Frank and I were talking about asking Patrick about joining my string orchestra, but I didn’t really want to talk to Patrick myself. I’m still uncomfortable talking to men aside from Frank, so Frank asked Patrick himself. Patrick was definitely interested, but he doesn’t have a bass. So if we can get him a bass, and Monday’s are good for him, then we have a deal. I was told to recruit anyone I could for our string orchestra, and I want to do anything I can to make that happen. And since we need a bass really bad, I’m sure I can get the group excited. I just hope it works out. If he would have his own bass he could start right away, but we’re still digging up a bass for him.

For lunch we stopped by Backyard Burgers, and I couldn’t resist the smell of the burgers. So I ate mine on the way home. BB has the best burgers, and after you have a burger there, any other fast food burger tastes really bad. Frank is going to make dinner tonight, and I know it’s going to be really good. Anything he makes is really good. Since I like to cook a lot, I sometimes feel a little threatened by how good he is, but then again, this just means that if we ever decide to start a restaurant we’ll always have a full house.

Hanging Out

Frank and I didn’t sleep in as long as I thought we would…only till 11:00am. He woke me up quite pleasantly…whispering in my ear if I was hungry for hot dogs. And we would eaten hot dogs, but Robert doesn’t like hot dogs, so we ended up going to Chick-Fil-A. Which was just as interesting. I try to make Robert laugh all I can. But he usually makes me laugh instead! Between Frank and Robert is enough laughing to last me a good long while. Robert is a pretty serious guy. But he can make anyone laugh. I think what I find so amusing is that Robert doesn’t like very many foods. So one can imagine that I pick on him a lot for that. He is so fun to tease. When the three of us go out, Robert and I usually pick light things like chicken, and Frank gets something heavier like a hamburger or something. But ever since I pointed out to Frank that Robert and I order nearly exactly the same thing, Frank has been ordering the same thing I do.

Before we went out to eat, we went to Wal-Mart, Target, and Circuit City. Usually Robert finds all the good movies, but this time Frank and I found a bunch on the movies we wanted on sale. I even found Friends at Target for nearly half price. I only had enough money to buy the 1st season, but since the sale runs till the 26th, I’ll drop by Monday and pick up a few more seasons. There is 10 in all, but Robert says they have old TV shows on sale all the time. So whatever I can’t get this time I’ll just wait for the next time around.

We had a great time hanging out with Robert, and we finished the day off by going by Winn-Dixie and picking up some groceries. Frank wants to cook something for me tomorrow, and I look forward to it. He’s a great cook…yes…better than me.

Tomorrow we go to the college…so I should probably practice. I’ve been practicing violin a lot, and I should focus on cello more. Adieu till tomorrow.

Monday Blues

Frank works all day today, so he’s gonna crash big time when he gets home. At least he was able to get some sleep yesterday morning, because he didn’t get much sleep last night. Too much party and he was on high from working so long. I’m afraid I didn’t help mush and kept him awake, but he has tomorrow and Wednesday off, so hopefully he’ll get his rest then.

Today I didn’t do much. I sat around a read for a while, then got up and made chicken and dumplings. I practiced violin for a good long while, but 6 hours pass by pretty quickly after I’ve done it 2 weeks in a row. I used to have trouble practicing for just an hour, but now I have plenty of time on my hands. I’m trying to use it wisely, and resist the temptation to go watch a movie or two. At first I was watching a new movie everyday, but I’m trying to slow down a little bit. Now I only watch a movie when I’m worn out from practicing so much. Frank has tons of movies, so it’s gonna take me a while to go though them anyway. He has some really good historical pieces, among them favorites of mine such as The Count of Monte Cristo, and Pride & Prejudice.

Not much else going on today…I’m just waiting for my baby to get home. Usually on Monday nights I watch The Bachelor, but tonight all the ladies are going to do is talk. So I’ll just wait until next week to see who Brad Novak will pick – Jenny or DiAnna. I hope Brad picks DiAnna, because she’s a Christian. Jenny on the other hand is a flimsy little model who just likes to flirt. Maybe if I am fortunate, Frank will get home an hour early. I can hope…!

It's gonna be Monday all week...I can feel it!

Sunday Stuff

Frank had the morning off so he was able to get some sleep. Tomorrow he has to go into work at 5:00am, so that means he’ll have to wake up at 4:00am. But I guess this is what happens when one works two jobs. I just feel bad that he’s always tired, but he says it is worth it just so I don’t have to work and can live a stress-free life. I try to chip in with whatever I can, because I hate to sit at home while he works his fingers down to the bone. (And no, I’m not being dramatic. You should see his hands on some days.)

Today I cleaned pretty much all afternoon – and I practiced for tomorrow’s orchestra rehearsal too. I don’t want to sit at rehearsal and look and sound like an idiot…I want to at least look like I know what I’m doing. We got a list last week of all the music we’re going to play for the Christmas programs, so we know what to focus on now.

The dryer just beeped and Frank’s tea is about to boil, so I’m off to do some more chores. Frank doesn’t like me doing chores when he’s home…his time off is so few that I do stuff when he’s gone, and when he’s here I spend every moment with him. Sometimes I practice, but only when he’s using the computer. Till tomorrow.

First Handel Rehearsal

Frank had to be at work real early today, so we both got up at 5:00am. I had my Handel’s Messiah rehearsal, and he has to work at both jobs today. I was running to the kitchen to get his food and tea together, when his mom tells me that the kids might like some of the brownies I was packing up for Frank. I was confused, because there are no kids here. And lo and behold; the noise I had heard at 3:30 that morning was none other than Frank’s brother Kevin and his family! I was stunned, I didn’t really believe her when she told me Kevin was here. I went for a look on the couch, and sure enough: Melanie and Danielle sprawled sitting up on one side, Justin splayed out on the other, and Kevin on the floor. I was speechless to say the least. I had been wanting to meet Kevin and his family, but I would have liked to have been warned. It was a thing of beauty when Frank came to the kitchen and asked who was sleeping on the couch. He didn’t get to do more than hug Kevin for a moment, but Kevin was way too exhausted to do more than mumble a greeting and go back to sleep. I was so flustered I walked Frank all the way out to the car without him even noticing I was following beside him into the dark, wet morning. Even the thought of snakes did not stop me this time. But it seems like I’ll have to handle Kevin and his brood alone, because Frank will not get a chance to hang out with them this time around. He will work all day today, tomorrow and Monday, and they are leaving Monday.

The practice went okay for Handel’s Messiah this morning. I met a few new people for this project; among them a flutist, a pianist, a violinist, a bass player, and a conductor. Not to mention the choir and soloists. Every time I play for soloists I remember why I am not a singer. I love to sing, don’t get me wrong, but they are so hard to work with sometimes!!! I'll stick to my little Celtic songs and folk songs. Much as I love the opera, I am a musician who would hate to have to play for an opera singer. I simply cannot be both. I learned a lot in the three hours we were rehearsing though, and after berating my own playing for hours, it finally came to me what I was doing wrong. Ever since I started playing cello, my vibrato has gotten mixed up between the horizontal position and the vertical position. The vibrato is completely different than violin on the cello, and even though I have been playing cello for 4 years now, I mentally have not been able to differentiate between the two. But in the middle of a piece this morning during rehearsal I finally did it. I played vibrato as it was meant to be played on a violin. I guess all that practicing did pay off after all. Good to know that practicing 6 hours a day actually has its rewards. I just wish I had my viola again so I could re-learn the viola clef and start doing that again. But all in good time. Let me get this season over with before I get into anything else.

Right now I need to go touch up some of today’s music…don’t want to disappoint that chorus!!!

The Bear Tale

I had nothing to worry about when it came to wondering if Frank would like the beef stroganoff. He ate the whole batch in less than 15 minutes, and it left me wondering what it tasted like. Guess I’ll have to make it again and find out. He usually doesn’t eat when he has to get up early again in the morning, but he said he was starved. How could I say no to that cute little face he puts on when he wants something?
As several people asked about the bear incident, I suppose I should tell the tale. I assure you it was nothing to scream about, and I actually enjoyed it. I was outside by the gazebo practicing Handel’s Messiah, when I heard a loud crunching behind me. I froze and cocked my ear to listen. I never suspected for a minute that it was bear. So I turned around, and not 5 feet away was a good-sized black bear. My very first thought was, “oops.” As if it were possible, I think the bear was even more surprised than I was. For lack of anything better to do, I just kept playing as if I had never seen a thing. And lo and behold, the bear just sat itself down and stayed there until I finished. Mercifully I had my back turned, but even as I was packing up my violin to go, the bear just sat there. Looking back I wonder how I had the nerve to keep on playing with a bear so close I could smell it. But I’m still alive, so I must not play too badly. I rather suspect that if I would still screech on my fiddle like I did a few years ago, I would not be alive today. No creature can stand a screeching instrument – not even a house dog. With all the practicing I’ve been doing lately on my technique, plus all the tips from all my wonderful friends in the music world, I have greatly improved in tone and intonation. Still, I am very grateful that it amused the bear to listen to me. Had it not been so entertaining, I may not have lived to tell about it. Frank was not as amused as I was about the bear…he was concerned that it happen again and I not be so fortunate. We had a brown bear come right up to the door, so they are quite bold. So while I am allowed to go outside, it is generally advised I not do so. I worry more about my instrument than I do me…it would be so sad to see my cello or violin torn apart by some angry beast. We have more than just bears to worry about…we have bobcats, panthers, snakes, gators, and a host of other animals and insects. I don’t feel closed in like I did in Dunnellon; mainly because of the lakes. There is a sense of openness, yet seclusion, and I enjoy it very much. It is worth the trouble of having to be careful.

I hear there is a cello teacher at the college, and I am going to ask and find out about classes. Since my cello teacher retired I have been wanting to get a new teacher, but my parents could barely afford having two daughters taking music lessons. As it was, my teacher was doing my lessons for nothing just because we got along real well. But I really would like to have a cello teacher again, and one that’s really hard on me and will help me be a better cellist. I love playing cello, but I love playing violin too. And with the help of my cello teacher and friend that plays viola, they are both helping me become a part of the musicians for Ocala and beyond.

Long Days

We really need some excitement around here. With my family and church all but disowning me, I pretty much have only Frank and his family now. I have yet to meet his brother Kevin and his family, but one of these days the rascal will show up.

Not much going on today…I slept in till past noon, lazy me. I’ve picked up the bad habit of sleeping in ever since I married Frank. When I wake up early he says the circles under my eyes get real black and puffy. But when I sleep more the puffiness goes away. So I suppose a little more sleep never hurt anyone.

It is the beginning of Frank’s work week; he works doubles all through the weekend. He may not have to work all day Sunday...at least we’re hoping not, so we can go to church. He doesn’t much like working on Sunday mornings because of church and all that, but sometimes it just doesn’t happen. At least though, he has Tuesday and Wednesday off. Even so, the days seem so long without Frank.

For dinner tonight I cooked beef stroganoff, and I hope Frank likes it. He eats anything really, and I don’t expect a fuss at all. I try my best to be a good wife and have food for him all the time.

I need to run and go practice for Handel’s Messiah this Saturday. We practice only two times before the concert, so I better beef up at home. Till tomorrow.

College Days

Today I went down to the college and practiced with Miss Rosa’s class. They’re a pretty fun group, and we spent most of the time trying to decide what the teacher wanted. Patrick conducted for us, but not in the traditional sense. He snapped his fingers and counted for us, since he doesn’t play that many pieces on his bass. As we were playing I discovered I was missing some music, as was the other bass player and Patrick was most helpful. Since the bass and cello play the same part, he went and copied out some music for me from his and Ashley’s. He’s a very nice kid, and likes to talk and help people. But Frank, jealous husband that he is, was slightly disgruntled when Patrick and I were trying to work out some bowings, and when the kid said he would run and copy me off some music. Frank wasn’t really upset or anything, but I guess he wanted to hear again how much I love him and only him.

We went to Olive Garden for lunch, and we got the soup, salad and breadstick lunch. Frank can really put food away, especially since neither of us ate a bite until that moment. I ate most of the salad and the breadsticks, and the soup was really good and sorta spicy. The moment of truth came when Frank ordered something breaded that smelled like fish. I had no idea what it was, but I knew it was seafood of some sort. Frank had me try it, and it was really good. Then he told me what it was and I nearly died of shock. It was squid.

While we were eating, they called him from work and asked him to go in tonight. He said he would since it was overtime, and I just feel so bad for him. He worked 5 doubles in a row (from 6:00am – 11:00pm) and he’s really tired. But he said he would, and who am I to stop him? He couldn’t believe he said yes after he got off the phone, but he did. So he went to work shortly after 4:00pm. So sad. But at least I get to spend every night with him.

A Lazy Day

Frank is home today, so not much is going on. We woke up pretty late in the morning, and just hung out. We’ll probably go to Robert’s place later, even though Frank was at his place just last night. We need to do some groceries too; just stuff like milk, eggs and butter. I try to make the food stretch out as much as possible, like eating only one meal when Frank is at work. He doesn’t eat much either, so it works out. No one around here eats much, except for Grandpa who eats at every meal.

Orchestra practice went well yesterday, and we’ve been asked to play a couple more concerts in December. We really need a bass player for our orchestra, and I met this kid at the college last week I might ask to come and play for us. He’s been playing for only two months, but his major is guitar so he already knows music. After Joe, our last bass player left, we’ve really needed another one.

This Saturday we are going to practice for Handel’s Messiah in December, and it’s going to be exciting. I’ve always wanted to play Handel’s Messiah, and it was a dream of mine to play it someday. I remember back some years ago hearing the Philharmonic Orchestra of Ocala play it at Christmas, and from then on I’ve wanted to do it myself. This year I’m getting the chance, and that’s great.

Tomorrow I practice with the college kids down at CFCC. The teacher is in Italy, so we’ll have to practice on our own. Frank takes me, and that’s always very nice. Last week we ate at Checkers, and that was fun. Since he was a restaurant manager for so many years, he rates the food down to the soda nozzles. It startled me the first time we went to Checkers that he was rating the meat, the condiments, the fries, and the bread. I was stunned speechless, and then I remembered he was a restaurant manager. Which is kinda scary, because when I cook, he knows exactly how I did it, and guesses the ingredients right down to the spices. But it’s all good because he never complains about the food. Just constructive criticism every now and then.

Monday News

Not much is going on today beyond orchestra practice tonight. Frank had to work all day again today; and by all day I mean at the crack of dawn and way into the night. I’ll just amuse myself and get chores done, and maybe practice for a while. It’s beautiful outside, but I’m not allowed to go out after the bear incident. Frank said he’d much rather have me alive than dead, and he’s got a point. Still, it was fun to sit outside and let the bears and other creatures come right up to you. I even saw a doe and her fawn once…right in the woods of our backyard. We have great, big windows in the living room, so I can see all sorts of creatures in the woods, and the birds and fish in the two lakes. Once I learn how to use Frank’s camera, I’ll have to take pictures of everything. That and buy a shotgun for all the snakes. Frank is anticipating the day that he gets home and meets either a bear or snake coming up the long drive. So I wait for him every night and make sure he gets inside in one piece. It’s a beautifully wild place. Just like me, I guess. Wild.

Speaking of me being wild, the other day Frank and I were talking about the age difference between us. He has aches and pains from time to time that I won’t have for a few years yet. So I was asking him if he was sorry for marrying someone who is always full of wild, energetic energy, and he said he wasn’t. I’ve calmed down a lot with him…I don’t do crazy and stupid things as much as I did before. For those of you who have known me for years, I have been made famous by all my bike accidents. The scars on my knees are testimony to the fact that I was always a wild child. My parent’s solution to that was simply make no bikes available. But here we have several bikes, and next week, I’m going to give them a go. I told Frank not to mention the words “racing”, “faster”, or “speed” because I’ll be sure to give him a heart attack when I zip down the road and flip my bike around like a maniac. He doesn’t approve of some of my wild stunts, and says I’m not to try to do anything life threatening while he’s gone. But I’ve calmed down a lot, and try to do my best to squelch the wildness.

I’ve been in private planes before, and they are so great fun to ride and fly. But my dear husband says that he would be afraid to try! He said he’s afraid of heights, and that amused me to no end, as one might possibly imagine coming from me. I have seen several planes flying over the lakes on both sides of the house, and most have been Cessna’s. I did see a Moony Bravo, and a jet, but the jet was too high for me to see what kind it was exactly. Maybe someday I’ll be able to fly again.

Civil War Re-Enactment

The Civil War Re-Enactment was really good today. There was a battle just 4 ½ miles from where they were re-enacting, and that was an interesting piece of history. At the scene today, there were more Rebs than Yanks, and I made the fatal remark that I was a Yankee sympathizer but born in the South. How those Rebs yelled…they kicked me out of the mercantile too. They all but drove me out of camp…called me a spy and asked me to leave the camp before I caused anymore uproar. Oh well. It’s a Yank I am, and no one can make me change my mind. No matter that they won the war. But hey – you can loose a battle, yet win the war. And all’s fair in love and war.

Frank has been pulling doubles (working both jobs) 4 days in a row. And as I hear it, he’ll be working all day tomorrow. Usually he juggles between both jobs, but this week he’s been working both at the same time more than the normal three days at a time. He’s a lot like my dad in that; when he needs to make money, he’ll do anything he possibly can to provide for his family. I am trying to do my part by playing weddings and concerts, and so far, all is going well. If we can move into Belleview next year after the holidays, I can start teaching cello. More than anything, Frank wants to have his own place. I don’t’ mind where I live, as long as it’s with him.

For dinner tonight, I made some honey glazed meatballs, rice, and chocolate mousse pie. I love to cook, and keeping food cooked and everyone happy and fed is one of the things I do best. But for some reason Frank thinks it’s such a great thing. Back in my parents house I had to deal with some picky eaters, and I’m not talking low-sodium picky. I’m talking vegetable picky…those who wouldn’t eat certain things because of some mental prejudice…kids who scorned mom’s perfectly good, delicious cooking that always tasted great. I’m being spoiled now, because Frank says, “you cook, I eat.” It’s a deal for me. I wish everyone remembered to thank the cook…and if I could I would thank mom more for the meals she cooked for us. Especially during the early years when she had 5 young children and a husband to take care of.

It’s back to practicing music for me. I’ve got tons of music to work through, and I’ve only got a couple weeks to do it. Adieu till tomorrow.

First Wedding Job

The wedding this afternoon went very well. Everything went smoothly, and there were no problems whatsoever. It was an outdoor wedding in Jumbolair; and I even saw a few jets take off. I was there a couple of years ago to play at a Christmas party, and it was nice to be there again. The sun was a bit bright, and it was slightly windy; but it didn’t rain, and that we were thankful for. We had huge clothespins to keep our music from flying off and it worked out alright. We all had a great time, and I wouldn’t mind playing weddings as a job. I love weddings; but I am so glad my own wedding was simple and quick. I’m not sure I would have had the graciousness to stand a long wedding with a reception afterwards. But I enjoy weddings, and Christian ones are even better.

My mother-in-law and I were on our way back home, when we saw passed the Civil War Re-Enactment they are having today and tomorrow afternoon. I was thrilled to death to know they are having one around these parts. I’ve always wanted to go to one of these re-enactments, so I’m not missing my chance tomorrow. I’ll clear it with Frank when he gets home tonight; and if he says I can go I’ll go as a middle-class seamstress. I’m very much a Northern girl…even though I was born in the South. Oh and just for the record; for whoever keeps leaving ‘Anonymous’ comments, I’m anticipating a “traitor” remark. So bring it on. I’m on the Northern side of the historical Civil War by choice; just as I am where I am now in my life by choice. We all have choices to make in this life. And I have made mine.

Also on the way back home I picked up some ribs for Frank. He has this thing for ribs from this certain grill, and they are only open three days a week. So just for a little something I got him a bog ‘ole box of ribs with flavored rice and baked beans. When Frank gives me spending money I always buy food…no need to buy DVD’s or music. We have plenty of those. We need food more than stuff. I just saved some of the money to get him some ribs because I know he likes them even better than Sonny’s.

Here is another poem I wrote for my family a few months ago...it was appropriate at the time, and still is. Life doesn't always turn out the way one thinks it will, but we must always seek to be content with the choices we make.

Frank gets home in a couple of hours...let me go find something to do to entertain myself till he gets home. I've practiced 18+ hours this week between rehearsals and just plain old practicing right here at home. It's luxurious really, to be able to play as long as I want whenever I want. No one tells me I make too much noise, and when it gets stuffy in the house I play outside in the gazebo for the bears and bobcats.

Farewell

Farewell my dear family,
May the Lord guide your ways;
I will always remember you,
For the rest of my days.

I know you won’t understand,
Why I chose this path;
But remember that I love you,
Even if I face your wrath.

I thank you for all the joy,
Throughout the passing years;
Though my choice was hard to make,
I made it with many tears.

But now I won’t look back,
Because my heart is set;
I will move on with my life,
Without remorse and with no regret.

I cannot possibly be sorry,
For making this happy choice;
My love for God has grown,
Now I truly have a voice.

I am not throwing away,
All that you’ve taught me;
I can only hope that you’ll see,
All that Frank means to me.

I am grateful for all your love,
It made me who I am today;
For your guidance and your teaching,
It will keep me in the Way.

Our lives are but a vapor,
Quickly this life will pass away;
Hold on to our Savior dear,
Whose love is here to stay.

I can never be perfect,
Do not be angry with me;
I am but a human,
In this we can agree.

Know I am perfectly happy,
Where my life has led;
Know the love Frank and I share,
Is real, not just in my head.

I don’t need circumstances,
Or others to spoil my joy;
Please keep a pleasant face,
So our time we will enjoy.

Once again my dear family,
I bid you farewell and adieu;
I’ll always remember your kindness,
And I’ll never forget each one of you.

Of Soup & Forgiveness

Last night I made soup for dinner; a very simple one with chicken and four different vegetables. I saved a piece of meatloaf for Frank from Wednesday, and had planned to give him meatloaf, potatoes, gravy and some soup for today’s lunch. But when he got home late last night, he said he was rather hungry, and asked for some soup. I served him up a bowl, and much to my extreme surprise, he really liked it. He asked me if I had a lot more of the soup or not, to which I replied that I did. And I was doubly surprised when he asked to take just soup for lunch today! No man eats soup for a main meal…except for Frank, of course. He eats anything and never complains at all. He can eat like a horse, yet isn’t too good to be above eating soup. He said he likes soups and chili a lot, so with the cold weather coming on I’ll be making plenty of that. The good thing with Frank is that he likes nearly everything. He’s not allergic to vegetables like some other men in my life who would never put a green bean in their mouth for any price.

Anyways, I wrote this poem before I married Frank, as I was considering very carefully the consequences I would suffer for leaving home the way I did. Right off the bat let me say that I love Frank very much. But at the same time, I know very well that leaving and marrying him was a rather drastic way of doing things. At times I can scarcely believe what has happened in the past two months. It seems like the past happened to another person, and it seems so long ago. May God forgive me. Even if you cannot.


My Beloved

My beloved waits for me,
I cannot linger here;
Though you may plead and cry,
I will not shed a tear.

I love him so much,
That I cannot stay;
I know it might hurt you,
In many, many ways.

I cannot be sorry,
For the love that we share;
For his kindness and goodness,
For his loving care.

I know it is hard,
But you will survive;
You’ll even grow to love him,
And love how well we thrive.

You’ll love his smile,
As much as I do,
And though I love him,
I love you all too.

Just because I love him,
More than any other person;
Doesn’t mean my love for you
Will ever stop or begin to lesson.

So do not ever shun us,
Because we love you too;
We share a sacred love,
That comes to very few.

Saturday Adventures

This past Saturday I went out with my mother-in-law to town, as we do every Saturday. Instead of going to Ocala as we normally do, we went into Belleview to see Frank at work. For some reason I was as nervous as a 13 year old as we walked into his workplace. I see him every day and every night. Yet going back into the same place where we met, seeing him in his work uniform, and knowing things could have turned out so very different made a lump in my throat, and tears burn in my eyes. The only difference this time from before is that I was actually able to go up to him, give him a smile and tell him how much I loved him without looking over my shoulder in fear of being grounded for life. After talking for a few minutes he had to go back to work, but it was so good to be able to go up to him and just talk about nothing and everything.

After letting Frank get back to his job, we went to the flea market and had a jolly good time. I’d never been to the flea market before, so it was interesting to see all the stuff there was for sale. I bought a few handkerchiefs, a pineapple, and some squash they had at a good price. We only walked half the flea market, and it took us 3 hours. So in a couple of weeks we’ll go again and cover the rest of it. Frank’s mom also got me a bracelet (it kinda looks like a watch) with Frank’s and my name on it, and I can add stuff to the bracelet later on. So far all it has is our names with hearts in-between the names; and a little “Just Married” link on it.

As soon as we were done at the flea market I saw it was close to Frank’s lunch break in-between jobs. So I begged his mom to drive down a couple blocks and see if we saw him driving to the other job. Sure enough, we saw him at the traffic light right before he saw us. His mom and I were just laughing hysterically at his expression when he saw us, and we skittered off to the parking lot of Wal-Greens. He followed us, and after we explained ourselves, he told us he was going to eat at Sonny’s for lunch, and invited us to join him. I, of course, said yes; I miss no opportunity to be with my favorite husband. ;-) Frank is dreadfully sweet, though. When I asked him if we were interrupting his lunch hour, he said that no; he was planning on eating alone but would much rather eat with me. How sweet is that, hmm? Anyhow; he ordered the all-you-can-eat ribs, and I got the salad bar. We had a great time just whispering silly things to each other, and I told him about the neat stuff I saw at the flea market.

When Frank left to go to his 2nd job, he told me to drop by work again if I wanted to right quick. So as soon as his mom and I were done eating our lunch, we saw him again. I had to wait for him a bit since he was in the office, but Tim got him for me in a hurry. Frank told me later that I still seemed nervous even when I went to his 2nd job, but I couldn’t help it! It felt so odd to be able to go to his workplace and just have someone run and get him for me. So often I feel as if I’ve been handed the moon and I don’t quite know what to do with it.

I would go again to the flea market this weekend, but I’m playing a wedding. I’ve always wanted to play weddings with some of fellow musicians, but it never happened because I was always so busy doing stuff in my parents house. But now that I’m married, I can pretty much decide if I want to play weddings, or teach music, or play concerts. I always ask Frank first, and I know which days are good and which ones aren’t. I love playing music, and the more I can do the better. Music is as much a part of me as my personality, and without my music I would not be the same.

I have to practice for various concerts, rehearsals and weddings coming up. It's off to the wonderful world of practicing...even proffesssionals hate practicing! ;-) But I need to at least sound like I know what I am doing.