Random Thoughts

I hate to be (not really) a typical Canadian, but the weather is really getting to me lately. Hail, sleet, snow, and ice – we’ve seen it all in the last day or two. Not the end of the world, but we’d certainly like to see some sustained sunlight and warmth.

I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I have hooked a total of one strip into my rug in the last six weeks. This school thing is really taking up a lot of time, which of course it should. And it’s worth it. Truly. But boy oh boy does the relaxation time go flying out the window.  So with that said, you know why I have nothing to show you.

I’ve also been busy cleaning up the town with wee Brownies and such. Still working on some other projects as well. Booking summer camps and summer holidays. Celebrating extended family birthdays and accomplishments. Helping the in-laws move next week. So much going on in this life, which is all great.

Hoping that wherever you are, there’s evidence of spring peeking its face around the corner.  We planted a wee little lilac tree that will have glorious blooms one day – looking forward to that. If there are any this year, I’ll be sure to share. Meanwhile, the magnolia is still curled up tight. 

Tickling the Ivories

When I was about 5 years old, I joined the rest of my family (except mom) in taking piano lessons and practicing daily. Being the youngest, I was itchin' to start of course, to be like my big sisters. I don't know how long it took, but probably about a half-year in I was not enjoying myself. But in my day, it was forced upon us. Thou shalt play the piano and take lessons until you complete your grade 8 Royal Conservatory of Music exam. And so, I did. 

Over the years since, I've barely played at all because I'm not naturally talented. My dad was. He could play anything anyone requested, if they could sing him the tune to get him started. Or he could play anything he'd ever learned by heart and with flourish. He would segue from one piece to another with his own invented little bits. He was incredible. He used to thrill small children with his rendition of "Teddy Bears' Picnic". It still brings a tear to my eye when I remember it. 

As an adult, I occasionally wished I had a piano to play, but the urge wasn't so strong that I wanted to get one. I had the family piano at one point in time, but passed it on to my sister when she had kids and they were taking lessons. It's still with them now. I can say I had a teensy part in helping my one niece become the incredible musician she is today, in fact. But that's another story. 

Enter Rocketman and the Smidge and the opportunity to have a hand-me-down electric keyboard. Sounded good, it'll be fun. Well the Smidge took to it immediately. I gave her a few short lessons, and truly she ran with it. She's been teaching herself new pieces, sight reading with almost no problem and playing almost daily with little to no encouragement.

So I asked her one day, would you like to play a real piano (sorry folks, when you're brought up with a traditional piano, the electric keyboard just doesn't cut it)? She said she would....emphatically. And so, the Rocketman and I discussed it,  hmmmmed and hawed. Lo and behold, I explored Kijiji one day and there was a piano available in our very own small neighbourhood in our very own small town. It was fate. 

We hesitated still, but when I heard back from the family that they just wanted it to go to a good home, and be used and well cared for.....well we crumbled. 

The kid loves it, and apparently so does the cat. Who knew? 

My pint-sized hero

For the second time in her less than nine years on this planet, the Smidge got her hair cut last week. Of course, that's not counting the quick snip-snip to her bangs that is done hastily by mom (moi) now and then when she looks like an Old English sheepdog. 

The first haircut was almost two years ago. She cut 12" off that time, and donated it to Angel Hair for Kids.

Then she went about growing her hair out again. It took almost 2 years, but she was finally at a point that she could spare 12" again, so off we went to the salon and voilà.....another 12" donation. So Smidgie is sporting a short bob again. The bonus is that it's easier to take care of, which she's enjoying for now. Until it starts to grow out again for the next donation. 

My kid is my hero! 

GiST for Early April

Today I'm acknowledging the grace found in these small things: 

• My lunch of leftovers was delicious.
• Great memories of Easter celebrations with lots of family.
• Listening to a book during my commute that makes me smirk, cry and LOL.
• Small town living – everywhere you go you’re likely to know someone.
• A new piano free from a neighbour that’s moving many many miles away.

 

 Joining in with others that are also finding Grace in Small Things.