Odds and ends

Another week, another batch of little blogs I never found time to write.

Reading material
This week I had the privilege of reading the completed novel of a young friend of mine. It was called "Land Ho!" Said Cassie. Some of you know my author-friend (and piano student) who wrote this intriguing work. Cassie, the main character, takes a trip to a strange South Pacific island and has a whole mess of adventures. The book reminded me of Jules Verne at times (Journey to the Center of the Earth to be specific, but I won't tell you what part of this novel most resembled Verne--It would spoil the story!) and of Pippi Longstocking at others. Cassie does have red hair, and at one time she even braids it in two long braids, but they do not stick out. Still, there's something about birds with monacles that make me think of Pippi. Now, to wait for the sequel...

Are there really just 24 hours in a day?
I was desperately in need of some time in my schedule. Have some incredible opportunities popping up--but where to put them? Then I was sick for a while. Finally, I ended up crying to God, saying, "How on earth am I supposed to do all this?" So the next morning (Friday), I decide not to work out and just plain work on getting things done. As I'm having this nice, quiet, productive morning, it hits me. I get done earlier than everyone else on Thursday night. I never accomplish anything after that because I'm tired. I can't really crash because we still have students in the house. Basically, it's wasted time. But--if I worked out Thursday night, I could stay home every Friday morning. It was like adding 2 hours into my week. I think God was sitting there saying, "Rebecca, you silly goose! You should've figured that out ages ago." Then He just chuckled. At least, I can make Him laugh! (And, Georges, no comments on how our American schedules are too tight! At least not until you tell me how you can get anything done without scheduling it. lol)

Oh Christmas Carol! Oh Christmas Carol! How many times I play thee.
We've actually been able to get a couple gigs this year. Yesterday, my sisters and I played for the annual "Holiday Stroll." Five people decorate their houses, and a bunch of other people buy tickets to go see them. It raises money for our local symphony orchestra. We played from 1:30-5:00. A little bit of everything--trio, duet, solo, violin, flute, piano. I think we managed to not repeat a single piece! Usually, for these things you just get 20-30 minutes worth of music and keep playing it over and over. It was a lot of fun.

Next weekend we play for the Christian bookstore. No piano there. But, then, we only play for about two hours. Actually, if my lips hold up that long it'll be a miracle. =) On the 22nd, I get to play at a nursing home with my flute teacher's studio. (Speaking of which, I should be upstairs practicing.) We often play on Christmas, too, but we haven't talked about it yet. (What do you think, sisters?) It's nice to get a chance to use our music.

Closing Comments
Ok, that pretty much does it. I'm sure I'll think of some good lines as soon as I leave the computer, but that's just how it goes.