Music, trees, friends, and bugs
Jul. 28th, 2008 05:26 pmTwo posts in one day - just catching up a bit.
Saturday was lovely - a whole day of mountain dulcimer workshops and sessions under giant redwood trees and sunbeams. *happy sigh* Quite proud that I remembered what I learned last time about how to play the instrument and could (mostly) keep up during the workshops, English country dance tunes and all. If you have no idea what a dulcimer looks like, here's an image of one (mine is darker, with carvings of vines and hearts): http://jmceld.home.mindspring.com/mdulcimr.jpg
The circle session at the end was fun, too...people with dulcimers, guitars, whistles and recorders, a truly odd Hungarian dulcimer-like thing, and a traditional Chinese ruan that sounded like a bass during bluegrass sets. Go figure! :) Our singing workshop and demo stuff went well, mostly, and we had a lot of appreciation from the rest of the musicians which is always nice. Only got bug-bit a couple of times this year as I was trying a new "natural" (i.e. non-chemical) anti-bug balm. Still, cortisone cream is my friend right now. And my fingertips are really tender after a day of playing when I usually play every few days.
Two more weeks of vacation. Sort of daunting when I realize how much I need to get done in those two weeks, which will not in fact be devoid of planning for the start of the school year. And yes, our school district starts earlier than everyone else...
Tomorrow, barring odd weather, I think my daughter and I are going to head for the beach to draw for a while with new art supplies.
Saturday was lovely - a whole day of mountain dulcimer workshops and sessions under giant redwood trees and sunbeams. *happy sigh* Quite proud that I remembered what I learned last time about how to play the instrument and could (mostly) keep up during the workshops, English country dance tunes and all. If you have no idea what a dulcimer looks like, here's an image of one (mine is darker, with carvings of vines and hearts): http://jmceld.home.mindspring.com/mdulcimr.jpg
The circle session at the end was fun, too...people with dulcimers, guitars, whistles and recorders, a truly odd Hungarian dulcimer-like thing, and a traditional Chinese ruan that sounded like a bass during bluegrass sets. Go figure! :) Our singing workshop and demo stuff went well, mostly, and we had a lot of appreciation from the rest of the musicians which is always nice. Only got bug-bit a couple of times this year as I was trying a new "natural" (i.e. non-chemical) anti-bug balm. Still, cortisone cream is my friend right now. And my fingertips are really tender after a day of playing when I usually play every few days.
Two more weeks of vacation. Sort of daunting when I realize how much I need to get done in those two weeks, which will not in fact be devoid of planning for the start of the school year. And yes, our school district starts earlier than everyone else...
Tomorrow, barring odd weather, I think my daughter and I are going to head for the beach to draw for a while with new art supplies.