Here comes the sun!

Decided a few days ago that I would try to get to bed (a little) earlier, so that I can keep going after the bus leaves for school in the morning (by 6:45am - often, I would try to catch 45 minutes or so of additional sleep). Along with this is the reinstatement of the morning (power-ish) walk. This morning (yes, I know it's Saturday, but disciplines are disciplines) I watched the sun rise as I shuffled up the road.

Every day is new. A reminder of the obvious doesn't hurt when things (in some realms) feel stuck, or glued in place. Am waiting or a few things to finalize, including a fall solo performance date at the Mainstay (My last dedicated solo concert there was in '05). This is encouraging, as now I have relationships as a solo performer with the 3 area concert venues (including the Prince and Church Hill theatres). Gigging is a little lighter than it should be, at present, but all things at the proper time.

Yesterday morning I had the privilege of being the invited guest for the dedication of the newly acquired piano at the Melwood Church of the Nazarene, in Upper Marlboro, MD. Doesn't sound like the name of a town that sits just outside the Washington, DC beltway, and a neighbor to Andrews Air Force Base, does it (must be the Marlboro part)? Though I live in the very rural Eastern Shore of MD, 30 miles from any town of more than 5,000 people, I'm actually only about an hour and a half (or less) from several metropolitan areas, including (much of) greater DC. My connection with this church is largely through my personal connection with the pastor, John Nielson. When you sift it down, it all rests on relationships. Performing mainly as a soloist now, the relationship with an audience is more clearly in view. Continue to feel I am on a called path

For such a rural area, it's amazing how many arts events can be happening simultaneously. That's Charie', who is assistant stage manager this year for her high school musical (one guess), about 3 hours before opening last night. I'll be going tomorrow, as last night I want to the production of "Doubt" at the Prince Theatre, which meant I missed the opening night of "Of Mice and Men" at the Church Hill Theatre (I'll catch that next week). And that's not all (but enough for me)...

Change of subject: Lessons for the Thoughtful Pianist is undergoing a transformation which will be complete by Tuesday with the posting of the first 2 videos on the Lessons for the Thoughtful Pianist YouTube channel. This is considerably more user friendly that the old version. Now it's time to spread the word!

This is what it looked like Monday morning from my front door. The little red car is my son (Joe Jr) crawling to work after nearly 2 hours of digging his car out. Needless to say, schools were closed, on Tuesday as well as Monday. Today (Wednesday), things are returning to normal. Am thankful for this opportunity to have enjoyed the winter beauty.
Came across an interesting blog post the other day:

http://geoffreykeezer.blogspot.com/2009/03/bring-back-groove-in-jazz-that-is.html

He said it so well, I won't even try.

Just as I was beginning to resign that this would be a winter without enjoying a real snowfall, here comes the March Lion! These cell phone pictures were taken on either side of midnight (tonight) out my front and back doors. There is something serene and beautiful about the snow. Of course the conduct of our daily activities in this is another story. Thankfully (for me) tomorrow (Monday) is a work at home day, so I will enjoy the scenery. To me, it's much like a truly God-centered church service. Makes me smile deeply.