Monday, December 2, 2013

the drive to do things well


This morning on NPR's Morning Edition I listened to the talented Yuja Wang chat and giggle while she played portions of the famously difficult Piano Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninov. The drive she'd had since childhood to play the piano this beautifully made me stop and think (and well up a bit):
"The first thing that really got me was [Mauricio] Pollini's recording of Chopin's etudes. I just really wanted to have the same sound. You know how girls really want a doll or a toy? I really wanted to play the way I wanted to play. So I was really working towards that."
"I really wanted to play the way I wanted to play." I love that. That is what you need to be able to do something so well.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

up

Well. Today's my birthday, and so far it's a good one: 
  • Scott gave me a Jawbone UP that I hope will help me become more active and aware of my decisions that affect my health.
  • We got our tax refund, just in time to pay a big bill.
  • I got the barbell set I ordered, so I can get a great workout today.
  • I decided to take the day off work, because I can.
  • I plan to get a massage, and maybe even a pedicure.
  • Every few minutes I get a friendly message from someone on Facebook.
So I feel happy and grateful. Off to do my workout!


Friday, March 8, 2013

joyful laughter

This photo was taken almost three years ago while the four of us were out for dinner. I have no recollection what made them laugh so hard, but I get a rush of joy each time I see this photo of my girls looking so happy.