Composing

I am so proud of myself! Over the past several years, I’ve fallen out of the habit of writing and producing music. I’ve really been focused on practicing and improving my piano and voice skills, at the expense of being creative. While I wouldn’t call it a New Year’s Resolution, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to get back to being creative. Not only because my spirit longs for creative expression, but also because at times like these, having some residual income would be a TERRIFIC thing! So, I’ve decided to devote 1 hour per day to writing. As with any other discipline, writing is something that must be practiced on a regular basis. I’m determined to recreate a habit of writing and producing music. I started today! I gave myself the assignment of writing something to completion in an hour, and I did it! It may not be the most amazing piece of music ever (notice that I’m not sharing it…), but I’m so glad I TRIED! Step one…check! : >

The Flu

I’ve been practicing not complaining for the past couple of months. I wear a purple wristband to remind myself to not complain, and it’s been a very illuminating journey. I’ve had to start over several times, but each time, I learn something new about myself. It’s pretty cool. Now, here’s my dilemma: I have the flu. How do I write about having the flu without complaining? It’s an interesting puzzle. I’ll make an attempt: I started with a little cough on Sunday night, but I didn’t think it was anything serious, but went to bed at midnight (early for me) because I needed to wake up at 5:15am Monday morning to go work out with my trainer for the first time in 6 months. By Monday night, it was a substantial cough, but was I still buzzing from my early morning work out, and unfortunately stayed up until 2am (my normal wind down hour). I decided to sleep in Tuesday morning, and felt ok enough to go ahead and run my errands, teach my students, practice piano, etc. By Tuesday night, my cough had worsened, so I went to bed at 11pm(!!!!), hoping that I’d save myself from dealing with a serious cold. However, I woke up this morning with no voice, a severely sore throat, a mild fever and an even worse cough. I’ve spent virtually the entire day in the bed. I appreciate the fact that I have the option to not push myself, and to allow myself to recuperate today. I was successful in rescheduling my students, my interviews with potential roommates and interns, and am spending the day nursing myself. I expect to be on the way to full recovery by the morning! How’s that? Did I complain??

Happy New Year!

Hello friends,

I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and joyously rang in 2009 surrounded by those you love! I had a great holiday season. I hosted Christmas dinner for my huge family, and had a surge of performances in the last 2 weeks, including a show last night in Oakland. I rang in the new year with some friends in the Oakland Hills, over a delectable array of crudites, Mediterranean finger food, Champagne (sparkling cider for me...lol) and great conversation.

I'm anticipating 2009 to unfold with a fantastically energized economy, a brilliantly successful new administration in Washington, an influx of new jobs, a sudden peak interest in music study (especially piano lessons...hint, hint!), the healing of the environment, human enlightenment, peace on earth and goodwill displayed between all humankind. A tall order, I know, but I dream BIG! : >

Blessings,

Victoria