Coach House Flutist

stuff

2009-02-20T10:35:00.002-05:00

Going shopping?

Spend the 20 minutes and watch this first.

Internet Hair colour extravaganza. Have your say!!

2008-12-06T16:30:00.007-05:00

"It's not even Spring!!" is what my Mom said when I told her I was thinking about colouring my hair.

True. It's December. There's no snow (although it is snowing now, and looks like it might keep coming) and I feel dull and drab. There's not really much a hair cut could do... plus it's nice to have it a bit longer so the ends peak out from under a toque. I'm not really going for the elf look my sister and I used to do, back in the day after chinese food buffet msg central.... Anyways, I'm bored and it's time for a change. Have your say in something (since apparently we can't do it politically). I'm curious. Help me out.

Mozart and Bizet...... like you've never heard before....

2008-11-23T12:31:00.004-05:00

Why I like L'Occitane

2008-11-19T17:56:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had to go to L'Occitane to buy a few goodies. Most of their products contain only natural, if not organic, ingredients, so I had an interesting conversation with the sales woman about the advantages and disadvantages of using, and selling such products.

While we were chatting she gave me some samples for my mom to try, and asked me if my mom was about her age, mid 40's. Well, I'm not going to disclose that kind of information here, but I gave the woman the general age bracket so she could determine what might be best for her. She asked me if my mom had similar skin to mine, (she does) and then asked me what products I used. I told her, and then inquired if I should maybe consider using an anti-aging product.... she laughed out loud!!

With a slightly more serious look she then asked me if she could ask me how old I was.

"Thirty." I told her. It's the first time I've been asked since the decade changed for me, and it felt pretty good to say it, I must admit.

What followed felt even better.

"You're THIRTY???????" She responded, "Really????!!!! You have AMAZING skin. No wrinkles. NONE. You're really THIRTY?????? Just look at those pores- what pores!! You can't even see them. Thirty?!!"

Yes, but I was smiling like a little kid for hours after that encounter, and I must have looked like I was five the way I gleefully walked down the street swinging my bag full of goodies. Age really is only a number.... but since genetics do play a role...

Thanks for the amazing DNA, Mom!!

The power of books.

2008-10-30T18:25:00.005-04:00

I've been reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I finished it this afternoon while I was on a break from teaching, enjoying a yummy drink at Starbucks. I had thought about re-reading it as soon as I finished, but I really want Jeremy to have a go at it, so I delved into his next book entitled A New Earth. I am loving it.

I have found these books to be an exceptional subway read. Nothing like a little spiritual enlightenment to make for a happy subway journey!! Today I managed to grab a seat on a packed subway, and had just pulled out my book, when I looked up to see the man who was standing directly in front of me was also reading A New Earth. We had a pleasant conversation about the book, and whether we were enjoying it (we both are). He is planning on re-reading it as soon as he has finished it too. Powerful books!! After a few minutes of happy conversation (and a number strange looks from the people around us wondering how two complete strangers could have such a pleasant exchange after a long day) we wished each other happy reading and continued on reading from where we had left off.

My stop came before his, and I wished him a good night and told him that I enjoyed our conversation. To this he replied, "Enjoy your life!"

"Thank you..... I will!" I responded as I started to leave. The doors closed behind me and with that sound came the realization- not "I will" but "I am!!!" In joy in my life.

new blog coming soon

2008-09-27T14:49:00.001-04:00

These are exciting times, and exciting times require exciting blogs.
Coming soon to a computer screen near you.
more info to follow shortly.

ARGH!

2008-09-27T14:43:00.003-04:00

I am love, love, loving playing in an Orchestra every week. Playing principal flute is just the icing on the cake.

I am also loving that Greg Patillo, THE amazing beat boxing flute player, is coming to Toronto to do a masterclass. HOWEVER I AM NOT LOVING THAT he'll be here on the same day and at the same time as my last orchestra rehearsal before our first concert October 17th.

ARGHHHHHHHHH!

Sunny Sunday Randomness

2008-05-04T17:07:00.005-04:00

It's a sunny, beautiful day. Jeremy and I took advantage and went for a 2 hour walk through High Park, with 10o,000 other people, to take in the spectacular cherry tree blossoms.

We quickly decided to detour away from the massive crowds and walked past the pond, only to see a rookery of Double-Crested Cormorant's sunning themselves.... with the males clearly showing signs of spring with their showy wing flapping, 'pick me!!' behavior.

We took pictures of Magnolia trees in their full glory while we walked along one of my favourite streets in the city.

We were bad and got an iced americano (no sugar please!) from Starbucks, and then planned a feast of a dinner on our leisurely walk home, prosciutto wrapped asparagus, and mushroom and asparagus risotto- I love this time of year!! Fresh asparagus is so good! We had a laugh when we got inside our little place and heard our neighbours blasting "The Log-Drivers Waltz" (click it for a refresher if you don't know what I'm talking about....) from their backyard... we were laughing a little less when we realized it was on loop, and has been repeating for the last half an hour... maybe I should pull out the piccolo.....

This pic doesn't really have much to do with the last paragraph, but it's from High Park too!!

This is what I should be doing!

2008-04-22T14:00:00.000-04:00

Back!!

2008-04-06T22:19:00.002-04:00

Well, hello!
I haven't seen you for awhile.
Has it really been 4 months? Really?
Ooops.

I fell off of the blogging bandwagon for a while it seems.

Well, you're probably wondering what I've been up to in all of this time.

Just a few things really.

1. Played a recital on 2 weeks notice in December, which was fabulously fun and wonderful.

2. Got engaged over Christmas to the man who makes the most delicious hummous I've ever had in my life. And that's not all- he cooks (and cooks deliciously), cleans, even does laundry. He is kind, funny, caring, knows tons of random facts, has a great record collection, and plays a mean tuba.

I know what you're thinking...... too late, he's mine!!

3. Went to MAUI. It IS as amazing as you think it would be. Every day is the most perfect summer day you can imagine. Bliss.

4. Played a recital last night (more than 2 weeks notice this time!!) to a great audience, and a bat who liked to sing along.

5. Have been teaching and practicing a ton. I love playing flute. I love loving to play flute. It is just great to feel this way again.

Well, it's short and sweet, and not very detailed, but I will try my best to fill you in on some little details about all of my adventures sometime soon. Hopefully sooner than 4 months!

In the Christmas Spirit!!!

2007-12-10T18:16:00.001-05:00

This is AMAZING!!! You MUST follow the link to see this FABULOUS video!
I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

The 12 Days of Christmas!!

Enjoy!!

A Brief Hiatus

2007-10-24T09:50:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!
I just wanted to let you all know that I am taking a brief hiatus from blogging land for a little while.
As you may have noticed, I've been experimenting with some new looks for the blog, and I am planning to continue working on that. Hopefully this will mean that you will have a new and improved blog to see when I return.
Also in the works are a studio web page and personal web page. Ideally they will all be accessible from one fabulous page....... any ideas on how to do that, or on books that will teach me would be greatly appreciated!!! Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any suggestions about things you would like to see.

Life is busy here in this busy city, but I'm always so excited to come home from work to the comfort and coziness of our tiny little home. Currently I am preparing for a recital here in Toronto (less than 2 weeks to go!!) and for a performance in Banff. Of course, I'm usually up to some sort of project that doesn't include my flute, and currently that project is cooking classes! How fun!!!

See you soon!

Busy as a...... Flutist!! And more 'Fall Gifts'

2007-09-20T10:58:00.000-04:00

I love my life as a musician. Right now it is exactly where I want to be. I have a full studio of fabulous students, with only a few available lesson slots left. And it's still September!! I've been practicing hard, preparing for 3 performances in November. I'm playing 2 full recitals in Ontario, and then I'll be performing in Canmore, Alberta, as part of the Vic Lewis Festival. Exciting!! I'm very much looking forward to it. The past couple years I've spent most of my practice time practicing technique- scales, scales, scales and more scales, and I have to say that it's pretty nice to feel that all that work is taking my playing to the next level. I LOVE playing my flute, and I am especially enjoying being able to play the more virtuostic technical passages with ease, and musicality. Love it.

Around the Coach House we are in the process of switching into fall mode. The straggly summer plants have been replaced by gloriously huge mums and there's a new mat at the front door to greet all of my students. Although I have to admit that the mat makes me pretty happy every time I come home too!! It could have something to do with my love of birds, and the fact that the new mat has a super cute Chickadee on it!!
As you can see in the above photo, there have also been more instances of 'fall gifts' around the Coach House. I found a perfect peanut, still in it's shell, nestled in with the petunia's yesterday. And today, when I went out to photograph the mat, I found this: Right outside our front door!! I'm pretty convinced that it is the same white bellied grey squirrel who is leaving all of the goodies, as I heard him rustling in the tree behind me while I was taking the pictures!

I will never be a hand model.

2007-09-14T09:59:00.000-04:00

It's funny how we discover things. I have just discovered that I will never, ever be a hand model. No Palmolive commercials are in my future. I do NOT have photogenic hands. They look quite nice, at least I think so, in person. But in a picture? NOT AT ALL. However, I digress. Let's see what even made me decide to attempt taking a picture of my hands.

How is it that in the past 28 years, being quite a girly girl, I have not ever had a French manicure? I've had a normal manicure on the very rare occasion (re. weddings), but I just don't function like a normal person when I'm wearing nail polish. I can't look in my purse for fear of denting the polish, and then there's the matter of trying to undo, or do up a zipper, without chipping anything. Don't even think about gardening, cooking or cleaning. Even while wearing rubber gloves I have managed to mangle a manicure. It seems that no matter how hard I try, the nails look fabulous for a hour, and then I bash my hand into something and the glamour is destroyed.

Yesterday, while celebrating the last few days of my friends single life, we decided it would be fun to get manicures. Knowing that my nails would need to stay beautiful for over 2 days until the wedding, I decided to forgo the usual red, or dark polish in favour of something...... lighter. And behold!! A lovely French Manicure!
So far so good, and it's almost been 24 hours. Keep you fingers crossed I can make it another 24!! (And yes, I do have a thumb, it just didn't photograph well).

Fall Gifts

2007-09-07T12:44:00.000-04:00

I know that Fall is just around the corner, but it sure doesn't feel like it with the 33 degree weather we are having today! Still, the animals know that the seasons are starting to change. The first big flock of geese flew over our little coach house this morning while we were drinking our coffee and listening to the radio. Then, on Jeremy's way out the door to work, we discovered this present left in our plant, presumably left by the cute, grey, white bellied squirrel that quickly scrambled up the tree when the door opened.
"Hee, hee". Jeremy and I laughed about this seemingly random storage place for an apple. Imagine my surprise when I went down to do some laundry later on and discovered this at the bottom of our front steps!
I especially love the little nibble marks on the top left corner. I am even more amused at the scene pictured in my mind, of the little squirrel dragging along this massive loaf of french bread, so pleased with his bounty. I'll be giggling about that all day while I'm cleaning house. I'll just have to make sure the image doesn't pop into my mind while we're playing cards tonight. It is not a good thing to immediately follow an "I'm all in" with uncontrolled giggles!!

A reading adventure!!

2007-09-07T11:05:00.000-04:00

Instead of reading the newspaper, or watching the news every morning, I allow myself a few minutes to peruse the latest happenings in the lives of the people who write my very favourite blogs. (Look for an new side column with links in the near future)

This morning I was thrilled, having just finished reading a book, to find a post on a blog I frequent inviting readers to enjoy a book, all together. I love the idea of all of us readers/writers/bloggers reading and enjoying a book at the same time. I've often thought about joining a book club to experience the joy of reading a book at the same time as someone else. To be able to discuss our thoughts, our feelings. I'm so excited to finally do it!!

Such a clear picture comes to mind- It's late at night, the house is quiet. A window is open to allow the crisp, fall air to gently blow in. Beside the window, I am reading by the light of a solitary lamp, wrapped in my favourite throw. My cup of tea is just about empty. Glancing at the clock, I discover it is way past my bedtime. I get up, but instead of crossing the room to my bed, I head to the kitchen and put on the kettle for a fresh pot of tea. It's going to be a little while yet before sleep beckons.

If any of you want to join me, I encourage you to check out this fabulous blog, Tales from Pixie Wood, not only for the invite, but also to discover all of the fabulous adventures in housekeeping, recipes, inspiring posts, and great writing. Enjoy. I hope some of you decide to join us.

2 more.....

2007-09-04T16:59:00.000-04:00

Okay, let's add just 2 more choices into the mix.

7.
8.

If you prefer both arms showing.....

2007-09-04T16:38:00.001-04:00

Let's call these choices number 5 and 6....

I've ruled out these choices for now. Please feel free to let me know about choices 7, 8, 1, 2, 3 or 4!

Thanks for all of your input so far!!!

Press Shots.....

2007-09-04T15:50:00.000-04:00

I was in need of some press shots, and needed them very, very quickly- and cheaply. Enter Jeremy with our digital camera, me spending much more time to get ready then I like, and an afternoon hiking around High Park in search of a great shot. The following four are the ones we liked the best.... what do you think? 1, 2, 3 or 4?

3.
4.

Mr. Pomeranian

2007-08-28T13:33:00.000-04:00

As I was taking the subway (almost a month ago now, how time flies) I had quite an entertaining experience. I was standing at the end of the platform looking towards where the train would be coming from, when my eyes were suddenly distracted from their task. Newly arriving on the platform was a very tall, bearded man pushing a blue pram. This wasn't too out of the ordinary in itself, but the fact that he was surrounded by at least 10 little pomeranian dogs barking and yapping made for quite the scene.

They were quite well behaved for little dogs with more attitude than would seem possible. Travelling together in their little pack, free of the restrictions of leashes, they happily bounced along the platform, freely barking at whomever caught their attention. I myself was deemed special enough for a bark by the leader of their pack. He came right up to my leg, gave me a little bark of a greeting, then strutted back to his gang. By this point, Mr. Pomeranian himself had pushed his blue pram close enough to me that I could discreetly peer inside.

Imagine my surprise when I saw, not a little baby or toddler, but another 4 or 5 little pomeranians all sitting together. Prim and proper as pomeranians could be, carefully viewing the goings on of the rest of their pack from their prime pram position in life. It was about this point when the subway came roaring into the station, and all of the little dogs clustered like small children against the back wall, until the subway had reached a full and complete stop. Alas, when we boarded the train I was one car ahead of Mr. Pomeranian and his crew- although I can imagine that the ride that ensued was as equally entertaining as the waiting time on the platform.

On writing comments on blogs.

2007-08-28T00:16:00.000-04:00

Why do I read blogs? The blogs I frequent most often are usually those of my friends, and most of them live hundreds, if not thousands of kilometers away from me. Blogs are a great way for us to keep up with what is happening in eachothers lives. I read the blogs of a few people I don't know personally because I enjoy the way they write, and the recipes or other interesting things they write about.

Do I leave comments? Sure, on my friends blogs I absolutely do. Do I leave comments on other blogs? Yes, if I am feeling particularily inspired about something they wrote. Do I anonomously leave comments which attack the writer? Never. If I feel strongly about something I write my name. Blogs can often lead to an interesting dialogue between the author and readers. That is what makes writing a blog so interesting!!!

It has been interesting to see what readers leave comments about. I guess I'm fairly lucky that most of the comments I receive are generally positive and encouraging. So, I was quite surprised to read a comment correcting my grammar in a less than kind way. I'll let you know right now that I am not a "dumbass" thank you very much. I do appreciate the correction- infact I had intended on fixing it shortly after I published that post, but alas, my full, busy, fabulous life got in the way and my little grammatical mistake fell by the wayside. Oops. Little did I know that someone would take such offense- I'm so sorry to have caused you such anger!! I do appreciate the thought though. You're absolutely right that I wouldn't want someone to read my bio and think I was a "dumbass". But then again, I did begin each sentence of it with a capital letter, so it can't be that bad. I was kind of hoping that those reading it would just enjoy reading a short story instead of a list of pretentious facts that most people don't really understand or appreciate anyways.

For those of you who care to read the comment being discussed, you can view it here. What do you think? Personally, I'm quite happy to have the odd imperfection. Especially if it means that my life is so interesting and fabulous that I don't have the time or desire to read other's blogs with the sole intent on correcting their grammar and calling them "dumbasses".

Just about there!

2007-07-19T17:46:00.000-04:00

One more day to go and I'll have completed Orff level 1!!! YAY!! It has been a crazy, amazing 2 weeks. There have been many late nights- like, past 2 or 3 in the morning, and all early mornings- 7 am wake up call. Most nights have averaged 4 or 5 hours of sleep. But, it was all worth it. My marks have been really high, and they have told me that I really should consider doing level 2 next summer.

Highlights of the course? So far, writing my own song and lyrics, creating my own game, and writing last nights project- a song (4 verses and chorus) plus orchestrating it, based on Roald Dahl's the BFG. Other highlights- last week's Stepping class (no, not like aerobic step- but actual body percussion, stomping feet in crazy choreography), realizing that I might actually sound good singing (apparently some people thought I actually had vocal training- HAHAHA!!), and acting. I'm looking forward to performing tomorrow- I'm the 'lead' character!!

It's been a blast, and I've learned so much about teaching- and I am no longer scared of improvising!!

I'm looking forward to some social activities after class tomorrow with all of the great people I've met, and actually being able to have a social life for the rest of the summer!!

Also, I just want to brag for a minute about Jeremy. He has been absolutely incredible this week while I've been at class. Not one complaint about me being up late- instead he made me tea! He's played guitar for me whenever I needed, so I could hear the chords I had written while I played the melody. There's been dinner for me every night, and he even made me lunch everyday. The bed's been made, and laundry has been washed, folded and put away. Not only that, but he's put up with me singing, composing, playing recorder until all hours of the night- and not to mention the one near breakdown he prevented me from having. So, Jeremy, thank-you!! You are absolutely incredible, and I am so lucky to be with you!! I love you!!! I'll do the dishes tonight.

whoah.

2007-07-13T17:40:00.000-04:00

How is it that despite my best intentions I had only two posts in the month of June? And here we are- half way through July. Yikes!!!

Thank goodness it is Friday. I'm taking the Orff level 1 class through the RCM, and it is insanely intense. I am having an absolutely fabulous time, and learning a ton- my students are in for a treat- but it is totally insane!!! Class for 8.5 hours, and then the homework has been taking me at least 5 hours (It's the perfectionist thing in me coming out). All the hard work is paying off though, my marks have all been extremely high. Yay! I have some major assignments to do this weekend, and thank goodness, Jeremy will be back from band camp on Sunday.

Okay, I know this post is not up to the norm. All of my creativity has been poured into writing body percussion, chants, songs, dances and poems this week. Once I'm recharged you'll have something you can sink your teeth in to. I promise.

June Flowers and Recitals

2007-06-17T18:05:00.000-04:00

It's mid-June, and my flowers are going crazy. I still haven't actually even planted half of them- they are just hanging out in the pots waiting patiently (hopefully this week!!) to be properly planted. The plants don't seem to mind though..... in fact, it is quite the opposite- they are growing like crazy. Only a few weeks ago they were cute little baby plants, looking a little lost in the terracotta pots. It's amazing how quickly things can change!!

Our crazy basil! We can't use it up fast enough!!

Besides flowers, June also means year end music recitals. My students had their year end flute recital on Sunday, and it was excellent!! You can see a picture of my students that played here. Lessons are wrapping up now, which means that I'll have some more time to blog! I'm also planning on making some changes to our website for Coach House Music. And of course- there are some stories about our trip that still need to be written.

And of course- It's Father's Day!! I already talked with my Dad on the phone today, but here's another wish for a Happy Father's Day!!

Eat, Clean? and Be Merry!

2007-06-01T11:18:00.000-04:00

In my childhood, Saturday morning's were reserved for two things, cartoons and chores. Almost as soon as we had climbed out of bed, my sister and I, comfy in our p.j's, would cozy up in front of the t.v. for a couple of hours. Every half an hour we took turns to decide what cartoon we'd cast our bright eyes upon next. Sometimes this had to be refereed by our Mom, but mostly it was a peaceful affair. We'd eat our breakfast, laugh and be merry for a few hours while enjoying the colourful, visual feast displayed on our television.

Inevitably and all too soon, noon would arrive and the fun cartoons would be replaced by boring adult shows. We'd try unsuccessfully to feign interest, but Mom always knew better and we'd be ushered into the kitchen to eat some lunch before the next part of our day began. Chores.

I didn't ever really mind helping out. The fact was, if we didn't get our chores done, we couldn't go out to play with our friends. And the sooner our chores were completed, the sooner we'd be jumping rope, or riding our bikes outside in the sunshine. Complaining took time, which meant valuable minutes with friends were being wasted.

We didn't really have that many chores to do. Our bedrooms had to be tidied, and we each had one bathroom to clean. My sister usually got to vacuum the carpets, and I vacuumed and mopped the floors. I remember feeling like I always got the harder chores. The ones that took longer. But I think back now, and realize that my sister just did her job faster.

It's not that I dilly dallied around. It's not even that I didn't like cleaning. I actually loved the finished product, all neat and tidy. Yet I always felt on the verge of tears or anger while I was cleaning. I compensated, as children often do, by making up a special game for cleaning the bathroom, called 'Clean or Dry?' Which basically meant that the sink or toilet had to be so clean and spotless and shiny that when I brought my Dad, he always seemed to be the lucky chosen one, to inspect my work he wouldn't be able to tell if it was really wet or dry. He always guessed, "Wet?" and I'd squeal with delight and laughter and make him feel how dry the polished sink actually was.

wet or dry?!

Fast forward a few, okay more like 15 or 20, years. I'm cleaning at the coach house. I start off in a wonderful mood- excited to get everything neat and tidy. By the end I am a crazy, grumpy, irritable wreck- reminiscent of some irrational woman experiencing a round of the worst PMS ever. I couldn't understand where this rage was coming from. The sink was glistening, all of the dishes were done, and the floors were gleaming. I was finished!! Shouldn't the fact that everything was tidy result in elation? Yet here I was, a sweating, furious mess, trying to body check the vacuum back into our tiny closet.

I decided to sit down and thumb through a magazine. It can only be described as serendipitous that the magazine opened to an article about cleaning. On the pages in front of me a Mother was telling the story of her son. A wonderful, happy child who was keen to help out, who was always laughing. Yet, every week after she had finished cleaning her home, something changed in her son. He became cranky. Irritable. He whined and cried. After months of this, a light went off. Could it be the cleaning products that were making her child behave so uncharacteristically? She went out and purchased a non-chemical floor cleaner, came home, and cleaned the floors.

She looked over at her son- who was still contently playing with his toys. After a few days, all of her old products had been replaced by new, chemical free, biodegradable versions. Her son was a happy camper. No more unexplainable out-bursts!

Well. I closed the magazine on my lap, and thought for a few minutes. Could this be where my cleaning rage had come from? It was resolved in my mind. I would conduct my very own experiment, with me as the guinea pig. The next time I was out I would purchase a few new cleaning items.

A few days later I went to the store and found the cleaning isle. Lined up side by side, immaculately presented, was a whole row of various natural cleaners. To my surprise they weren't much more expensive than the products I had used before. They all looked so... inviting! Promises of fresh lemon scent- from actual lemons! Toilets that sparkled and smelt like oranges. Was it possible? How much extra elbow grease would it take to achieve the results I wanted. After far too much time reading and sniffing the various products, I finally settled on a few bottles. Forest fresh pine for the toilet, orange reminiscent of fresh orange juice for the bathtub, chamomile and aloe for the dishes. Sweet, succulent lemon for the floors.

I waited for a day that I was feeling exceptionally cheery and energetic. I didn't wait long!! Armed with my recyclable bottles, I was ready. I scrubbed, polished and danced with my mop gliding across the floor, happy like a clam, for 2 hours. The house was immaculate. It smelled like fresh citrus, but delicately. There were no over powering chemical perfumes lingering in the air. The toilet actually gleamed and glinted like the cartoon animation on a commercial character's smile. I could almost hear the chimes tingle in perfect time with the sparkle. "Ching" My toilet seemed to agree. I rinsed the mop and placed it back in the storage closet, no body checking required.

"Ching!"

We now use natural products for everything. Laundry, dishes, toilet and shower, furniture and floor. They often last longer than my old products because so much less product is required. Although, I am using them more often, because who doesn't love a sparkling home?! And the best thing- no extra elbow grease required!!

a post!

2007-05-16T10:50:00.000-04:00

We've been back for a week now- and every day I've sat guiltily in front of the computer screen wondering what to type. Where does one begin? Well, at the beginning, I suppose. But HOW?! I plan on going day by day- it would just be too much otherwise. Do I do it in a picture story? How many pictures do I post? How many is too many? I know there are some GREAT short stories that I want to write, about adventures we had- where do those fit in? This is going to be a bit of a project. I don't just want to throw a bunch of photo's up and say "That's is folks- that's all you get" But I also don't want to ramble, because admit it- no one really wants to read about all the little details......
So, while I turn this project around in my brain for a few days, here are a few pictures to get you started.

Rome

The Chateau, and a view from the Chateau

Village in France- you'll find out where later!!

Jeremy and I, on our last day in Paris:

bangs blowing in the wind

2007-04-20T09:35:00.000-04:00

I've received a few complaints about not enough updates this month.

I'm sorry!! I've been running around like a crazy woman, (I'm sure I have actually looked crazy, running through the subways, bags flying, purse awkwardly flapping, bangs blowing back/up so high I could be paying tribute to the 80's). I've literally been running all around Toronto, playing concerts, rehearsing and teaching up a storm. Alas, it doesn't sound/read as busy as it actually has been. Every night I fall asleep within 30 seconds of my head hitting the pillow, and every morning at 7 when the alarm goes off my entire body protests. Just a few more minutes (err.. hours?) it pleads. Nope. There's no time for that now. There's a big trip in our future, and it's just around the corner. Happily, this means that you will have plenty of random adventures to read about when I get back from our trip!! Maybe even a few posts along the way.

Rome for 5 days,
an overnight train,
Nice for a day,
A Chateau near St. Tropez for 8 days,
Paris for 2 nights.
I'm sure there are plenty of amazing stories in my (and therefore, your) future!!

I'll try to post one more time before we leave. Enjoy your day!! I hope your weather is as amazing as ours is. Sunny, and 21 degrees. Yay Spring!!

my new bio

2007-03-22T18:44:00.000-04:00

I have a couple concerts coming up in the next month, (A flute a harp recital in Stratford, and a flute and harp children's concert in Stratford) and I was requested to submit my bio. It was time for an update anyways.... So this time I decided to write something a little less formal, and a little more fun.

Shauna Basiuk’s musical adventure began when she was a just a small child. Each night at bedtime, in an attempt to lull her to sleep, her parents would turn on the blue, Fisher-Price radio on her bedside table. “Good night”, Shauna would drowsily exclaim while giving her parents a hug and kiss, “I’m SO tired” and then she’d pretend to go to sleep. As soon as her parents left her bedroom, her eyes would pop open and she would lay awake, enjoying all of the captivating harmonies emitting from her radio. Eventually, as it always does, sleep would take over and Shauna would be carried into dreamland, drifting off to the enchanting melodies of classical music. The radio program was called Adventures in Music, and little did her parents know, the classical music that soared out of that little plastic radio would shape Shauna’s entire life.

A few years later, after much begging, pleading and promises to practice, Shauna’s parents bought her a piano. It wasn’t until many years later, at the age of 16 in fact, that she discovered her passion for flute, and her real musical career began. A few years later Shauna received a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance from the University of Calgary. In 2005 she completed the prestigious Artist Diploma in Orchestral Performance at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music, in Toronto.

As to be expected in a musical career, and just like the name of her childhood radio show, Shauna has had many adventures in music. Music has taken her to exotic locations such as China, The Netherlands, Scotland, Germany, California, Texas, and across Canada. Beaches have also beckoned, and Shauna has been repeatedly invited back to perform as a guest of the Bermuda Chamber Orchestra. During the past 2 years, Shauna has performed regularly with harpist Ruth Mar. They have performed throughout Toronto, as well as in Stratford, Ontario.

Shauna’s contact with some of the most prominent flute teachers of today has helped her to form a unique and inspiring musical voice that she offers to her own students. She currently teaches at St. Clements Private School in Toronto, as well as in her own tiny but quaint coach house. Shauna is also on faculty at the University of Calgary Regional Summer Band Workshop and the Toronto Summer Music Camp. In her spare time she enjoys bird watching and writing short stories. She still enjoys listening to the radio.

iron maiden

2007-03-21T12:37:00.000-04:00

I hate ironing. Most of my clothes just don't need it. And, I'll admit, the few items that do require the despised task, quite unfortunate since they are often the most beautiful, get worn less often. Strangely enough, I don't mind ironing sheets, usually once they're on the bed, (a handy trick).... warning though, once you try ironed sheets you won't want to go back! There's nothing quite like sliding into freshly laundered and pressed linens after a long day of work! However, I digress.

I am not always aware of things I should be, like for instance, where the iron might be stored when it is not in use. It is usually jammed into the side of the closet somewhere (remember, 400 sq ft coach house = not quite enough room for storage!) and sometimes requires standing on a chair to be retrieved. Such was the case when I decided it was time for the closet to be reorganized.

I'm sure you have better things to be doing than reading about my closet cleaning adventures, so I'll get right to it. I had pulled out all of my sweaters, refolded and organized them, and was beginning to put them back in their proper place, heavy just about out of season sweaters on the bottom shelf, when "WHOMP" it hit me. Hit, I suppose, could be deemed quite the understatement. In fact, upon more reflection, flattened would be far, far more appropriate.

It had come out of nowhere, and left me hunched over and struggling to get my wind back. "Is everything okay?" I spoke aloud, to myself. And I began what could only be described as the hurt check test. Squiggled my fingers. Check. Bent my arms. Check. Wiggled my toes. Check. Gingerly moved each shoulder. Check. Carefully twisted my neck from side to side. Check. Gently arched my back. Check. Everything seemed to be in working order which left me free to get down to business. What the heck had just pummeled me in the back??!!

Gently rising up from my hunched, winded stance, I looked over and saw this crime scene:
It does not take a brain surgeon to determine that the stuffed monkey, although looking quite pathetic laying face down after his fall, is not the culprit. Only the iron could have been capable of causing me to randomly exhale a spontaneous, huge "HUHHH" in the moment it bounced off of my back to land so eloquently on the floor. Only a point 5 deduction for the cord being slightly unwound.

"I was ironed," I thought to myself, a smirk sliding across my face. "I wonder if it'll bruise?" Nope. Nothing but the most subtle, faint purple line across my left shoulder blade the next day. At least the closet is organized. How ironic. Hehehe :)

In Like a Lion

2007-03-01T14:09:00.000-05:00

So, here I am practicing my piccolo (Hindemith Symphony in B flat) for an upcoming concert, and all of a sudden there's a bright flash of light from outside. It lit up the whole coach house- through the blinds!!!
Of course- it is SNOWING!! We're supposed to get a fabulous mix of snow, snow pellets and freezing rain over the next day. And now, apparently, thunder and lightning!!!

Hair Update

2007-02-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

Those who have known me for an extended period of time know my chameleon tendencies with my hair. It's been a struggle, but over the past few years I have managed to keep dye, and pretty much scissor free. Here's a few pics of the results.... straightened.

In other news- I got confirmation that I'll be teaching again this year at the U of C Summer Band Camp, August 19th - 24th. Yay Calgary!!

Beatboxing Flute Inspector Gadget Remix

2007-02-16T19:35:00.001-05:00

the BIG news!

2007-02-08T10:34:00.000-05:00

Jeremy and I are going on vacation!!

A huge, fun, amazing Mediterranean extravaganza.......

Here's our plan. It could change a bit- but this is the basic itinerary- as we booked our flights last night!!

Fly to Rome, drive/train to Florence, drive to Cinque Terre (I'm especially excited about this one!!), drive around the Mediterranean to a Chateau in Ramatuelle near St. Tropez, where we'll stay for 10 days, fly to Paris, just one day in Paris, and back to Toronto. We'll be gone for just over 2 weeks. YAY!!!

big news.......

2007-02-07T10:41:00.000-05:00

It has been so busy around here recently that I've hardly had a second to even think about updating!!! There's lot's of fun news in the works- You'll just have to wait a couple (maybe even just one more!!) days before I can tell you!!

But for now, here's a quick story for everyone to think about.

One of the biggest changes that Jeremy and I are making in our lives is trying to reduce, reuse and recycle more and more. I know- we've all been saying that phrase for years, but how many of us actually make a conscious effort to follow those ideals?? I remember learning that phrase in elementary school- and it's been in the back of my mind since then.

It's way over due for those important words to get out of the BACK of everyone's minds- and become a part of the way we live our daily lives.

One of my favourite things about living (and trying to be more environmentally aware) in Toronto has been the introduction of the green bin. Every city should incorporate this into their current recycle program. If you don't have one already, I encourage you to write a letter to your city council expressing the need for one!! Having a green bin has reduced the amount of our garbage every week by amazing amounts! All of our food waste, kleenex, paper towels, coffee grinds etc (you can even put in maxi pads and diapers!!) gets put in the green bin- and gets composted!! It's amazing- and every other week we now throw out less than a full bag of garbage.

The other day I was shopping at a well known Toronto health food store. In my efforts to reuse (and therefore reduce!!) I reused a plastic rice bag. Most of the rice we buy comes in a resealable bag- and Jeremy got the bright idea the other week to start reusing them. It's cheaper to buy bulk anyways- and they have the exact same rice available in bulk. So I filled up my brown rice bag with some wild black rice.

At the check out, the girl swiping the groceries held up the bag in such a weird way- She was examining the wild rice!! I told her the bulk rice code- and she replied "Oh- I'm pretty sure that the pre-packaged rice comes with their own scanner bars." I was shocked!!! Here I am, in one of THE Toronto health stores, and the check out girl hasn't encountered this before?? So I explained to her that it was my own bag- and I was re-using it. She was shocked!! It was actually pretty hilarious to experience her reaction!!

"Oooh," she said, which she followed with a heart felt "Thank you!! Thank you so much!! What a great idea!"

ummm "You're welcome?" was the only response I could think of at that point!!!

The point of the story- obviously, try to reuse or recycle something today that you normally wouldn't. Even if you just bring your own bags to the grocery store instead of using their plastic ones. Every little bit we do makes a difference. And if someone at a health store was surprised at my efforts to reuse, it sadly shows us how far we still have to go.

my house

2007-01-28T13:59:00.003-05:00

I am having a lazy day today. Jeremy is out with a friend, and I am enjoying some time alone. I was browsing my usual blogs, and came across this!!

this is my house!

To see my house and street, click here!

You can build a house too, and add it to Green Gardens Street.

My house also has a garden in the back for organic vegetables, and some fruit trees. There is also a beautiful patio. The roof is also made of grass, even though I'm not sure if you can have a chimney with a grass roof!!! If you want to come and stay, we cook an awesome organic breakfast, and we have a beautiful guest room and amazing linens. You also have your own en-suite bathroom, with an antique, extremely deep, sloped back, soaker tub. And extra large towels from France. We have a library and a sun room, so you can read by the fire, or if you prefer, lounging in a sun beam. Our flooring is all reclaimed, and heated........

I could go on and on and on........

must practice!!

i want a desk

2007-01-23T21:32:00.000-05:00

now we just need to find one.......... and then work miracles to find a space to put it!! I've started writing again, but it is difficult to write without a proper place. And I don't like writing at the kitchen table. It's not the right size, and when I'm sitting there I just want to eat all day. So. The search for a desk begins, and the writing continues on the big chair. I'm an old school writer, apparently. I like the feeling of writing fiction with a pen and paper.

It's been all things creative here for the past week. As well as writing, I picked up my sketch book and have been doing some drawing with some sketching felts. Chickadee's and some other random ideas have all been sketched.

Practicing has been going well. I took a bit of a break for a while, gasp, I probably shouldn't admit it- as taking breaks are often frowned upon in my profession. It's fun to be playing, and I am thinking about scheduling a recital in May or maybe early/mid August.

Other crazy ideas have also been flying around in my brain. I'm thinking about going back to school, just thinking right now, and maybe doing something non-music related..... we shall see. I'm NOT saying that I'm stopping music. I'm just thinking about getting some schooling in an area that I could do while having a music career. I like to do too many things!! I'll post more about that if and when things get a little more serious!!

It's getting to be time for a haircut. It's January, which means that I am fighting the colour battle again. Blonde is beckoning....... maybe just some highlights?? Probably just a trim. It's getting long. When it's wet, it is mid back. That is CRAZY long for me. I think the longest it's been since I was in grade 3!!

I'm tired.

My sweatpants are calling my name.

Oh yeah! Mary- I dreamed about you last night!! We were in some forested place, teaching at a music camp. We were finished teaching for the day and were catching up on each other's lives. It was dusk when we were suddenly surrounded by mountain lions/cougars (just 2 of them). Luckily there was a good climbing tree near us, and we scaled up the tree and into the back door of the building near us!!

meteorologist wannabe

2007-01-15T11:17:00.000-05:00

I always love it when a weather warning is issued. Thunderstorms or snow storms, the crazier the better. Usually the warnings don't pan out, and the supposed 'awful' storm blows on by, leaving us with only a few drops of rain or what couldn't even be called a blanket of snow. And more importantly, leaving me waiting for the next exciting weather warning.

Last night a weather warning was issued for the Toronto area. 10 - 15 centimeters of snow, snow pellets and freezing rain was expected. I was ecstatic!! Our first real snow storm of the year. YAY!! I could hear the scratchy sound of snow pellets falling all night. I was thrilled. I even read the full out warning....... I have to share some of it with you. Who knew that someone at Environment Canada had a sense of humour?!! I guess in Canada you have to have one if you're in the weather field!!

Taken from
Environment Canada's Official Weather Warnings

Warnings
City of Toronto
3:50 PM EST Sunday 14 January 2007
Snowfall Warning
10-15 cm of heavy snow mixed with ice pellets. Overnight and Monday.

"...... Despite the lull, the battle between the mild air well to the south and the invading cold Arctic air of winter from the north is not over........ Winter will finally win this latest battle with the mild air as the storm center races off into New England by Monday evening. In it's wake, the coldest airmass so far this season will invade by Tuesday. Temperatures will plunge several degrees below normal as winter finally settles in, for the time being."

Battles, invasions, storms, racing off and more invasions. I think the person who wrote this secretly wants to write fantasy novels instead!!!

Alas, the warning has ended and all that is forecast now are a few pitiful flurries. And so, like usual, I am left to eagerly await the coveted, much anticipated, highly elusive perfect storm.

It's up

2007-01-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

Just in case you want to read about our Christmas in Winnipeg, it's now up!! Just scroll down the page a bit.

Happy Birthday Natasha!

2007-01-10T10:25:00.000-05:00

We haven't put her present in the mail yet...... but this is what will be arriving in a few days.

Epic Christmas Adventures Part 2, Winnipeg

2006-12-31T11:23:00.000-05:00

We flew into Winnipeg on December 21st, and arrived just after midnight. It wasn't THAT cold.... But still cold enough for SNOW! YAY!!

After a day and a bit of lazing around, Jeremy and I, along with his sisters, Tamara and Natasha, ventured out to see a movie. We had decided beforehand that we'd see Night at the Museum together, and we weren't disappointed! It was entertaining and we had a great time!!

Feeling the lack of any physical activity combined with indulging too many holiday treats, Jeremy and I decided to go for a walk when we got home from the movie. There was a pretty fantastic house not too far from his that we wanted to get a picture of.
This picture doesn't quite do the insane, over the top, decorating justice- but I liked that you can see my frosty breath!! I also like the eerie effect the glowing red Santa creates in the upper right hand corner. I also have a fondness for Christmas light pictures that turn out like this:

On the way home we happened upon
an opportunity that I seldom find......

A chance to practice my slam dunk!!!

Christmas eve was a day of trains! We went for a nice walk in the afternoon, and happened upon these photo opportunities......

This was another fun picture....... (even though it's not really part of the train theme)

Christmas eve night we all piled into the car (3 in the front, 3 in the back) and made our way to where we were about to have THE COOLEST MINI TRAIN RIDE EVER!!!!!

With Christmas music playing in the background, we wandered through the forest- all lit up, and made our way to the ultimate toy train. We waited in line, and boarded our train (17 of us in total, sitting single file, and ALL ADULTS!! Hahaha- I think we were excited enough that we all looked like a bunch of kids!!

Here's one of Jeremy and I. Can you tell we're feeling just a bit nutty?!!

And here's one looking backwards on our train:

These are 2 that Natasha took during our train ride. Aren't they awesome?!

And last but not least, here's a bike on our way back to the car:

Christmas morning was nice and relaxing. We all enjoyed some good laughs while opening up gifts.

I had 2 stockings!!

(you also can't miss the hot pink, polar bear pj's...... a Christmas eve surprise from Jeremy!!!)
Jeremy got some sexy new sweat pants from Roots. This picture makes me laugh SO HARD!!! Especially with his kick ass (err, karate donkey) t-shirt..... Here's one of me opening a beautiful scarf from Tamara.
And here is perhaps one of the most important gifts Jeremy got. Because sometimes you just don't know what is really dangerous.........

It's filled with tons of valuable lessons like:

and,

The rest of our day was filled with family, food and fun, as was most of our time in Winnipeg. We laughed, we played (Pictionary, bingo, scattergories, and cribbage). We rode trains and walked in the park. And we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our Christmas in Winnipeg.

The End.

Epic Christmas Adventures Part 1, Toronto

2006-12-28T14:40:00.000-05:00

When you live in an apartment the size of a garage, you have to learn to improvise. We (or more accurately, I) desperately wanted a Christmas tree this year- which obviously brings up the issue of space- of which we have very limited quantities. Desperate times require desperate measures, and to have a Christmas tree was of dire importance. So, with 5 minutes and a pack of markers, our first Christmas tree was created!

The only thing that would make this tree complete was presents- which arrived the same day! Packed not in a red, velvet bag, but instead in a gorgeous red suitcase, our presents arrived safe and sound from Calgary. I dove in, and discovered japanese mandarins and a delicious fruit cake packed in with care. YUM! All that was left was to put the gifts under our fantastic new tree. Luckily we only had to wait a few days before we were able to open all of the presents!!

I spent the day cleaning and shopping for a strand of lights. Do you know how hard it was to find Christmas lights a few days before Christmas?! I searched everywhere, and finally found a few packs at the Shoppers Drug Mart 2 minutes from our place!! A strand of fun snowflake lights lit up the couch, and some coloured bulbs provided cheery colour.

The Christmas lights were lit and the

stockings were filled and 'hung'. Now all we had to wait for was the highly anticipated phone call from Calgary!

The phone finally rang and Christmas in Toronto could officially begin. Jeremy and I, along with our good friend Christopher, all took turns talking with my Mom, Dad, Sister and her boyfriend, while we opened up the gifts!!

As you can already tell, much fun and laughter occurred during the course of our long-distance Christmas phone call extravaganza. If you have to spend Christmas away from your family, this is the way to do it!!!
After our long and wonderful conversation, Christmas wishes, and long distance kisses and hugs, it was time to say "Good-bye". I didn't want to.... I couldn't hang up.... I missed my family so much! It was so hard to let them go! I put the phone down on the receiver and could feel the emptiness and sadness closing in.... Something had to be done- and quick!!! The fantastic atmosphere couldn't turn sad now!!! There was only one thing that could save the evening......

CHRISTMAS FASHION SHOW!!!!!

Jeremy modeling his new shirt and tie from my parents
And now holding up my present to him- "Hotter than I should be" of which the $$ spent on it goes toward the WWF campaign for climate change!
saveourclimate.ca

A new fun scarf from my Mom and Dad

My favourite new comfy shirt and new grey sweat pants from Lululemon....

Thank You!!!

Jeremy playing with his new Henckel knife set
Thank you Santa!!!

Thank goodness that Jeremy gets the gift of 'Danger Knowledge' in Winnipeg!!

With a stylish hat and mitt combo like this, there's only one place to go.....

WINNIPEG

Read about our adventures in Winnipeg....
coming soon

A nice thought

2006-12-17T16:40:00.000-05:00

As I was going to teach the other day, I noticed a sign with a message so nice that I wanted to share it with all of you as well.

The Past is behind us,
The Future is yet to come,
Today is a gift-
And that is why it is called the Present.

Mandarin Orange Memories

2006-12-02T15:59:00.000-05:00

They're sweet, round, juicy, the perfect size and easy to peel. They are often found in the bottom of a Christmas stocking, tenderly packed in with the hope for some vitamins to be consumed along with all of the chocolate!! They are great for packed lunches (again, the easy to peel factor) and are a constant source of amusement for children of all ages who enjoy the challenge of peeling it off in one whole piece, or making various fun shapes- my personal favourite being the elephant!

The fancy box they arrive in herald the beginning of a new holiday season. It also reminds us that there are limited weekends left until fancy boxes of another type are due to be carefully wrapped and precisely placed under a glimmering Christmas tree. They are the perfect evening snack, delicately unwrapped and enjoyed in almost silence- serenaded only by the sounds of the Christmas tree lights blinking on and off. Under the perfect circumstances you can even hear the unmistakable sounds of ornaments clinking together announcing that someone (or something!!) is investigating certain shiny packages.

Sugary sweet, they're the obvious solution for an early morning snack while you wait for everyone to FINALLY wake up so the chaos of stockings and presents can begin. They're equally as fabulous when enjoyed as a mid-afternoon chocolate crash fix. Perhaps one of the best things about them is how easy it is to peel all of that icky white stuff off of them!!

Ah, the mandarin orange. So decadent, because really, how many other fruits are there that you get to unwrap before you even get to the peeling parts?

- a brief aside- Does anyone know if japanese mandarins are available anywhere in Toronto?? All I can ever find are the chinese mandarins, or clementines. Also- isn't it funny how peel and unpeel are both used to describe the same action??

Time for some vitamin c. and sleep.

It's raining, it's pouring, I wish that it was snowing

2006-12-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

Well, December 1st and it is POURING rain outside. This weather is not condusive to grocery shopping, doing laundry (I have to go outside) or any other task that I really actually need to do. What it is good for is blogging, knitting, t.v. vegging, sleeping in until noon, and eating too many cookies. I would add practicing to my list, but I have quite the cold right now, so I am procrastinating practicing as well. Other things I could be doing inside include dishes, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom and dusting. But frankly, if I'm not practicing, those things probably aren't going to get done either!!!

Also, being the Alberta girl that I am, I have to say that December is for SNOW. NOT rain. I have new winter boots, that are waterproof, but I think snow waterproof and rain waterproof are two very different things, so I'm a bit nervous to wear them out in the pouring rain. I saw a fancy pair of rubber boots the other day- a nice charcoal grey on the foot part, with some brown/grey tweed material up the leg. Very nice. I never thought I would be considering investing in a pair of rubber boots in December.

Jeremy's Christmas List

2006-11-29T10:06:00.000-05:00

Certain people are also wondering what to get Jeremy for Christmas.....

Here is his Christmas List!

Cd's

Metallica (everyone needs a little Metallica)
Daniel in the Lion's Den (with/by) Daniel Perantoni (this is a tuba CD)
Mingus albums (jazz) except Ah Um and Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus (we already have those ones) (also, no compilations)
Curtis Mayfield

Sweat pants from Roots (probably a size large, grey, and either with or without elastic at the bottom is fine).

Dress Shirts (The brand ENRO at Sears fits great. Size LT 16L - 16 1/2 L)

Fun socks (He really likes Michael Kors socks, which you can often find at Winners)

My Christmas List

2006-11-26T17:50:00.000-05:00

There are a few people out there who might need some ideas for Christmas presents....

Here's a short list!

Books:

One Hundred Views of Edo, by Hiroshige (at Chapters)

Books by Alexander McCall Smith:
Love Over Scotland
Blue Shoes and Happiness
In the Company of Cheerful Ladies

Other ideas:

knee high argyle socks
gel pens

magazine subscription to Domino Magazine (dominomag.com)

29 sleeps to go.....

The perfect reason for a new pair of shoes...

2006-11-24T16:13:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be a bridesmaid!
Time to start looking for the perfect pair of heels.......

YAY!!

More to come soon! I'm off to play a concert now!

The life of a Working Musician

2006-11-18T16:59:00.000-05:00

Is busy, busy, busy. Very busy. Incredibly busy. Fun, always entertaining, hilarious, touching, and unbelievably rewarding are also words to describe it. Perks include being able to sleep in on a weekday, setting your own schedule (and vacation time!), and doing what you love and getting paid for it. Things that aren't so great are not being able to sleep in on Saturday's, vacation time- really- if you're a musician do you really have the luxury of "vacation time"??!!, and the feeling that you need to take on everything you get called for, because if you don't take it, someone else will!

Things here are pretty great.

I have a full day teaching at the studio on Saturday's, and then a private student coming to our place late Saturday afternoon. I wasn't sure about teaching at a studio....... But I have to say that I am really enjoying it. You can check out the studio and all of the great people I work with here. My students are all wonderful. There's not one that I am counting the time until the lesson is over with. That's amazing. I have a pretty gifted student- I thought he was in grade 12- maybe grade 11, but found out today that he is only in grade 10- Woohoo!! 2 more years to mold him into an amazing player.

My one private student that I wasn't sure about has blossomed into an excited, eager, interested student and all I have to say about that is YAY!!!

It's been a while since I last posted- so here's the Cole's notes edition of what's been happening at the coach house besides teaching, eating, cleaning and sleeping.

Went to my first Raptors game. Jeremy scored free tickets. They sucked. (The Raptors not the tickets!!) I'm not sure if that's why I wasn't really interested, or if I actually don't really care for basketball. We saw Borat last weekend- wow. It is really over the top. Anyone else have opinions??

I've had a few gigs- a bat mitzvah last night, and tomorrow I'm playing background music for an art show with a guitarist. I've been rehearsing with TWO for our concert next Monday, and this week I'll be rehearsing with the RCO and playing a concert with them on Friday night.

We've been out with a few friends for dinner, had some over for dinner and brunch, and been treated to a few great meals. There's hockey on the go for tonight, (on the t.v, not at the game) and finally a sleep in tomorrow.

My sister rescued 2 new cats- and they are SO CUTE- although I haven't seen any new pictures...... Hint, hint........

And that's about it!! It seemed like there was more to write about, and there probably is. Maybe next time!!

Clouseau, the Velveteen Rabbit, and an eat in kitchen

2006-10-30T10:41:00.000-05:00

I am a lucky woman. Yesterday Jeremy decided that it would be nice for me to have some down time and go shopping, while he cleaned the house. I found some crazy deals at Club Monaco- t-shirts for $5 kind of great deals!! Feeling great about the fantastic purchases, I came home to find our kitchen furniture totally rearranged!! Our centre island is now serving as a room divider, and we now have an "eat in" kitchen! I love it!

Last night we went for dinner at our friends house, and on our way home decided to take some pictures of some graffiti we had noticed a few weeks ago:

When we first saw this one, it was one complete shadow portrait (minus the car dragging a gangsta). I think it is of the Velveteen Rabbit...... What do you think?

students, students, students

2006-10-28T21:18:00.001-04:00

Thank goodness for the time change. I think that this is one of my favourite nights of the year. Last year we were in the process of moving into our little coach house, and we completely forgot about the time change, until we were on our way to pick up the u-haul. However, tonight the time change is part of the plans, and we plan to savour every second of the extra hour. Yay sleep!!

And sleep is totally needed. I got 2 calls this weekend for new students, so I am now up to 25 students!! 7 at SCS, 8 at the studio on Saturday's, and 10 private students. Sixteen of them are half an hour lessons, one is a 45 minute lesson (although he might move up to an hour after Christmas) and 8 of them are full hour lessons, and just one of those hour students are at the studio. It's good. It's busy, but I find teaching to be incredibly rewarding. And it is always challenging- plus you never know what kinds of stories the little kids are going to tell you!!! So far this year, I've learned about 25 different pet names, know more kids favourite foods than I ever thought I would, and am constantly hearing about various adventures- from trips to foreign places to school field trips. My time teaching is always interesting!!! Another thing I am enjoying this year is that I now have a few advanced students- working on Grade 8 RCM or above. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to teach MUSIC. As much as I totally love teaching the cute little beginners, it has been fantastic to have a variety of levels and repertoire to work on.

So, I feel like I'm officially making it as a musician. I am playing gigs, doing some sub work, and teaching up a storm. It's been over a year and a half since I had a non-music job, and I have to say it feels pretty good to start to be able to make ends meet doing something I love. Now if only we had a house (with a garden), with a separate music studio so Jeremy didn't have to hide out somewhere while I'm teaching........ well, a girl can dream can't she??!!

one of the perks of teaching...

Pictures* from People's

2006-10-24T15:23:00.000-04:00

Ahh, you have to love People's. It's kind of hard to see, but they are actually waving at us (from the window on the right) for this picture! Also- the caution taping is Halloween decoration, just incase you were wondering!!

Our friends Melissa and Michael, and a semi view of the kitchen (to the right), and the bar seating (behind).

Jeremy and I, totally full. I like this picture, because it's hard to determine just exactly what Jeremy is thinking!! Is he full and content? Is he looking wistfully at the Jukebox wishing we'd brought some change? Or is he enjoying the feel of the cashmere sweater he bought me for my birthday??

*Pictures courtesy of my new and amazing digital camera!! Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

Bowling, Boxes and Brunch!

2006-10-23T11:37:00.000-04:00

I had a great birthday weekend. Saturday night was so fun- bowling was a riot!! The first ball I threw was a strike, and it stayed pretty similar until my arm got tired toward the end of the 2nd game. Who would have thought?!! I won the first game, and Jeremy won the 2nd game. After 2 hours of glow in the dark, black lighting and disco lighting we headed out to the pub by our place, where we celebrated with a few drinks, and some fun conversation.

We slept in, and then after presents and phone calls, we headed out to our old neighbourhood and had brunch at the best greasy spoon in Toronto- People's. Melissa stayed with us for the weekend, which was such a nice surprise and it was lovely to have her as our guest and to have brunch with her and Michael.

A luxurious nap in the afternoon was followed by a rehearsal last night with the Toronto Wind Orchestra, and I was again spoiled by my friend Laura who surprised me with cake (complete with flaming candles) and a bottle of scotch.

It was my best birthday since I moved to Toronto, and I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and cards and wishes. I love you and miss you!!

I like packages

2006-10-20T12:43:00.002-04:00

For (I think) the first time since Jeremy and I moved into our coachhouse, we got packages delivered to our door!! In the past I have had to trek to the not so close post office to pick up parcels and such- but not today!! And thank goodness- because it is raining and grey outside.

So now I am faced with a predicament...... do I go crazy and tear with excitment into my packages right now? Or do I wait until Sunday...... crazy tearing or patience, crazy tearing..... Personally, I'm all for the craziness...... but maybe I should wait until my actual Birthday! 2 days to go.

It's been a busy month. I am doing a ton of teaching, and loving every minute. My students are a varied range of ages and levels- so it is always interesting and challenging. I just started teaching a 12 year old boy this week, (at his house- can you say PETS galore!! They have 2 dogs, and 4 cats!) and tomorrow I have 3 new students starting at the studio. So I'm up to 22 students now.

I had my shellfish allergy test a couple weeks ago- and was disappointed to find out that I am not a mutant freak, and am still severly allergic to shellfish. Boo. No busting out to Red Lobster in celebration- instead Jeremy got to toss the tempting shrimp ring in the trash. Believe me, there were tears shed.

There are exciting plans for my Birthday weekend!! For the past 2 years, I've had gigs for pretty much the entire day and evening, but this weekend I am free!! Tomorrow night we are going 10 pin glow bowling, which should be a riot. I'll bring the camera. Before that we're heading over to our great friends Matt and Michelle's to have pre-bowling dinner and drinks. After bowling we'll hang out with friends at the local pub. And then Sunday is free for breakfast and presents. And to top it off, I just found out last night that my friend Melissa is in town for the weekend, and will be staying with us!! YAY!

Time to tidy up and then get some groceries!! Must resist the tempation of the temptingly tempting packages........

Girl vs Treadmill

2006-10-17T12:46:00.000-04:00


Okay- I know I'm supposed to be cleaning...... but I was just taking a quick break, browsing a few blogs- and found this. It gets funnier the more you watch it. I love the sounds..... I promise to write a real post soon......

maybe an excitingly exciting new hobby......

2006-10-06T11:41:00.000-04:00

For the past few days I have been working on a new update for my teaching blog. I wanted to add something new that my students could learn about, that was both fun and flute related. Maybe some Thanksgiving flute trivia? Well, surprise, surprise, there is not an abundant amount of fun Thanksgiving flute trivia floating around out there. This got me thinking. "What could I post about, that I find interesting, that most students might find neat, that they don't know about already?"

Enter my dizi- or chinese flute!! With a few fun sound samples and pictures, there's a new bit of trivia over there that you might want to check out. I'll post the answers in a few days. To check out Fun Flute Trivia #1, click here!

The most exciting thing about this for me is how EXCITED I find myself getting when I listen to this instrument!! I love the quality of the sound. So...... I'm thinking about taking some lessons, since the Conservatory now has Traditional Chinese Instrument classes!! Click here to see their web page. It's just a thought right now, albeit a very tempting and exciting thought!!!

one of my favourite things

2006-09-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

I love autumn. It is one of my favourite times of the year. I love so many things about it. The leaves changing colour especially out here in Ontario!! It is so RED! I love the crisp air, cardigans, being able to wear my mukluks again, and the way the floors start to creak early in the cold mornings. I love watching the steam from my tea or coffee while wrapped in a blanket, and I love seeing the first signs of Halloween- (my favourite Holiday other than Christmas!!). I love eating the fresh squash and baking things with pumpkin, and eating warmer heartier meals like stew, soups, and curries. Of course I get excited because my Birthday is in October..... But I also get excited at the thought of wearing toques and mittens and scarves! Today I'd like to share one of my newest favourite things about fall (I just discovered them in the past 3 years!) with you.

Chinese Lanterns!!
Enjoy!

he's not so eeency weency.....

2006-09-25T23:07:00.000-04:00

But he does have only seven legs!! We're thinking about keeping him and naming him 'Lucky'.... or maybe 'lil' ocho'....

the eency weency spider climbed up the water spout

2006-09-25T10:48:00.000-04:00

Okay. So, I don't really like spiders. I'm not the type who screams and runs away when I see one, I can manage to kill them if I have to (re: if Jeremy is not around) and sometimes I actually let them be or even set them free. It really depends on 1. my mood, and 2. how creepy and big the spider actually is.

So, it's obviously Fall now. Cooler nights and days. The perfect time of year for bugs wanting to come into your house to avoid freezing. Except the HUGEST spider I've seen wasn't in the house (thank goodness- HUGE sigh of relief here). I opened the door to our laundry room (just below the apartment) and thank goodness I was carrying the laundry basket. Otherwise I would have walked into the hugest mass of spider web EVER. Luckily the laundry basket managed to deflect most of the icky sticky web.

Eeewww, I thought. Now.... I had to ask- where is the spider that could create such a tangly, thick web? Answer- on the door- just beside the doorknob on the inside. Crap. This is a freaking big spider. I saw a big (wolf?) spider the other night crawling up the driveway- and even stopped to watch him for a while, so huge and grey and fascinating. But this spider, that I am now face to face with, is even bigger than the (wolf?) spider. And it is not cute in any way. It was fascinating to watch him collect up his demolished web. But I really didn't want to try to move him, or risk further disturbing him by moving my bike out of the way to get to the laundry. So, I continued to watch him. I ran up to get the camera- (which is still out of batteries- CRAP!!) but I managed to (maybe) squeak in one picture.

You know that part of the door that comes out the side and you can push it in an out, and it connects into the wall when the door is shut? (what is that part called?) Anyways- our little spider friend could WALK OVER IT- and have all of his legs around it, and his body on top of it. Spindly spider legs, and a MASSIVE 2 section body. It was kind of pretty in a strange way- brownish gold, and a silverish and cream pattern up it's back.

It was definitely too big to kill (I have some kind of strange respect for something that has lived long enough to grow that freakishly big). And too big to attempt to move. So, laundry will have to wait, and hopefully the spider will pick a different area of the garage to build a new web, so I don't destroy it with the laundry basket again tomorrow. Although I will definitely be opening the door carefully just incase..........

sweaty betty's and the carnival car woman

2006-09-21T10:35:00.000-04:00

It has been a few busy weeks here at the coach house!! I am still in the process of trying to organize my last few students, which will mean that I am teaching 21 students (so far!) this year. That is between my private teaching on Tuesday, the private school, and the studio I teach at on Saturdays. I still have room for a few more, so if anyone knows someone who wants to take some flute lessons...... let me know!!!

I booked the venue for our year end recital. We are doing it at a retirement home, which has an AMAZING recital hall!!! Cushy theatre seating, a raised hardwood stage, and a grand piano. It should be a great experience! Unfortunately they were all booked for December, so I still need to find a venue for my student's Christmas recital. Any ideas? I might try to do it at the private school I teach at- since they are just finishing building a new recital hall.....

The past few weeks have also been socially busy for Jeremy and I. We've had a few games of poker, seen our friend off to Florida at a pub, and had an excellent dinner at our good friends Matt and Michelle's. But the most interesting story is probably about our time at (and after) a place called Sweaty Betty's.

We met up with our friend Liza, and some other musicians at an interesting bar called, you guessed it, Sweaty Betty's. We had a great time, and I especially enjoyed watching the pretty diverse crowd of people. We were pretty tired, and didn't want to stay too long, so we decided at about 1 that we should go catch the streetcar home. While we were waiting for the street car we experienced the most hilarious thing!!!

This woman pulls up to the red light in her green mini-van. Her music is blasting. Now, this is not your typical music blaster type of person. This woman must have been in her late 50's or 60's. She was wearing a large floral print polyester top, which I personally hope was actually a Muu-muu. The windows of her van were rolled down in true music blaring fashion, but instead of blasting rap, hip-hop, metal, opera, oldies, or classical, she was blasting CARNIVAL MUSIC. Like the kind you hear playing while you are riding the merry-go-round. Jeremy and I looked at eachother in disbelief, and then burst out laughing once she had driven away. Too funny.

Grocery shopping awaits....... if only I had a green mini-van......

Toronto to 1950's Baltimore in 5 minutes

2006-09-05T12:43:00.000-04:00

Finally some time for an update!!! It has been a few very busy weeks, teaching and assisting at camps, and I am very glad to be back home, and able to unpack my suitcase without packing it up again right away. The laundry I'll be doing later today gets to get put away- in the drawers and closet instead of back in a suitcase! Although I had a great time travelling and teaching, it is nice to feel settled again.

Yesterday was my first day back from camp, and we had a great day!!! My close friend Chris stayed with us, and we had a relaxing morning, with a delicious breakfast and real, non-camp, coffee. mmmmmm. Feeling refreshed, we spent the afternoon wandering around a film set close to our house. They are going to be filming 'Hairspray' and the whole street has been converted back to the 50's, complete with 50's street lights, parking meters, storefronts, signs, and cars. Even the gas station has been restored!!

Here are a few pics from our excursion:

I've fallen flat on my face and I have to get up as fast as I can before anyone notices...

2006-08-14T10:23:00.000-04:00

It seems my body got tired of feeling healthy, and thus decided it was time to inflict more damage upon itself. The other day on my way home from Noah's (a health food store here in Toronto- how ironic is that?) I fell. Not just a normal scrape your knees kind of fall, or even a slip off the side of the curb and twist your ankle kind of fall. A friend of mine recently had an accident in Spinning Class, and sprained her ankle when her bike pedal broke and her foot got stuck in the strap and continued to spin around and around out of control. At least she has an excuse!! I however, have absolutely no poor sucker to place any blame on. No spinning bike to push over in a post accident rage. Not even a nice rounded curb to kick in post fall anger.

The other day, coming home from Noah's with my 2 bags, I exited the subway station via my normal route- out of the 'illegal' exit over the street car tracks, thus saving valuable time (maybe a minute?) on my way home. Really, it's not that bad. Tons of people do it all the time. You just have to make sure that the bus isn't coming and that the street cars haven't dinged the bells announcing their departure.

So, there I was carrying my 2 health food bags, halfway out of the station, when the streetcar driver decided to ding his bell. No worries, I was half way to the exit, and would be out of the station before he even started driving. Just incase though, I thought it would be a good idea to pick up the pace a bit. The next thing I knew, I was down on the concrete. I didn't trip or stumble- I wasn't at the track yet, so I didn't fall over that. I just hit the ground with full force for no apparent reason. This was not a normal fall. Apparently my body had decided that it would be a fun thing to randomly belly flop onto and then slide along the pavement.

So there I am, down on the ground. And what is the first thing that goes through my mind? NOT am I injured in any way, NOT did I just wreck my beloved miu miu sunglasses, NOT did I just spill the entire contents of my bags all over the place. Nothing rational like that. My first thought was- "Oh CRAP!! I hope nobody saw me!! I better get up before anyone comes to help, or before the street car driver notices that someone is out for the count on the concrete just beside his tracks!!" And as fast as I went down, I was back up again and hauling ass out of the station. I remember trying to put my sunglasses on- but they seemed to be bent, so I just held on to them. And the crazy thing is that I still had my grocery bags in my hands!!

Feeling a little shaken up, and realizing with each step that I had totally crushed my left knee cap, I tried to maintain a bit of composure as I walked past other pedestrians on the sidewalk up to my place. And then I was home. I looked in the mirror as I walked in the door, and started LAUGHING!!! I was totally covered in black filth. My bags had dozens of mini tears from the force of hitting and sliding across the ground, so different bits of boxes and groceries were poking through in some attempt to escape. My wrists were amazingly only scraped up and bleeding a bit. And through some sort of miracle, my linen/cotton blend pants although looking black instead of cream, were not even ripped!!

I quickly changed out of my blackened clothes and began the clean up. I picked out the rocks and dirt stuck in my wrists, washed off the dirt on my face- realized I'd also hit and cut my upper forehead, so I cleaned all of that. Then, while giggling away at myself, before I even attempted to look at my knees, I decided it would be a good idea to make sure I hadn't lost any of my groceries. I got the receipt, and lined up each corresponding item on the counter- all in a neat, organized row. Everything was there. So then, (maybe in a bit of shock??) I thought it would be a good idea for me to lay out my dirty clothes on the bed, so that when Jeremy got home, he could see the aftermath of my big bail. Weird, I know. I didn't even shed a tear- until Jeremy walked in the door- and even then, it was some weird giggling, sobbing, followed by more giggling kind of tears.

I am much better today- although still moving a bit slow, and with not quite the range of motion I would like in my neck!! Well, what can you expect, really, when you belly flop on concrete??

Because of the flash, you can't really see how dirty these actually are!! There's even an imprint of a metal washer on them!!

washer!!

This picture cracks me up for a couple reasons..... it is so funny I just had to show it!!! Notice the purse strap line? Or how the dirt kind of looks like an angry face?
hehehe ;)

That's all for now- time to do laundry and pack!!

bang, bang!

2006-08-09T12:59:00.000-04:00

I have a ton of fun stories for you, but you will have to wait until tomorrow! For now, you can check out here, for a couple new pictures and some fun stories from camp! (Once you're there, just click on TSMC Band Camp (now with pictures and updates), under Current Flute News)

Okay, okay- here's one fun photo! At camp this year we had an event called Camp Hollywood. All of the faculty and counselors dress up as various celebrities and walk down a red carpet signing autographs. The kids then get into their teams, and participate in various game shows- like So You Think You Can Dance, Family Feud, The Price is Right etc, etc. Three of us female faculty dressed up like Charlies Angels (hence the snazzy candy gun). And this is a photo of me posing just before our red carpet debut.

That's all for now- I have to go investigate a strange new bird call coming from outside!!!

no more big fun buns

2006-08-03T15:48:00.000-04:00

Today was the big day for my 6 month hair cut. I decided to branch out and try a new person and place- not that there was anything wrong with my old place or stylist- I just felt like I needed a change. And a change is what I got. It's still longish, not mid-back though, but it has so many layers that all that is left for a pony tail is a little stub. booo. I was quite enjoying sporting a big fun high bun. Oh well. The nice thing is that all of my curls have more shape and bounce. My hair looks thicker- and my new longish bangs are pretty fun. I think it will look great in a few weeks, and should grow out well. If I ever get around to charging my camera batteries, I'll post a picture. Ooohhh- yet another reason to charge my batteries- Karmen is coming for a visit tomorrow- and I will HAVE to take some pictures!!

I went to Zara to find the perfect summer dress today- but they were all sold out. And, did you know that they no longer phone from store to store to do merchandise checks?? How convenient. And the reason, she said, was so they could be available to give better customer service...... Needless to say, I was not very impressed. Yet, I plan on going to a different location tomorrow to continue my search.

Time to go play with my new hair......

mmmmm chunky almond butter

2006-08-02T11:50:00.000-04:00

We have a new addition to our fridge- chunky almond butter. Which, when applied in copious amounts, is absolutely delicious!!! Add some homemade crabapple jelly, and you are in for a taste so decadent it's hard to believe it's just toast for breakfast!!! mmmm.

Last night we stayed in to watch the baseball game, and Rockstar SuperNova. The game, well, not so good. But Rockstar SuperNova was great. Love that show! Such a step above all of the 'idol' shows. To accompany our tv evening, I made some yummy chinese food. Chow mein noodles with bean sprouts, yellow zucchini, mushrooms, fresh grean beans, and some red pepper- colourful and delicious. I also had a craving for ginger beef- but since we've been eating quite a lot of meat recently, we decided to try out ginger tofu instead. I marinated the tofu in some organic hawaiian ginger, soy sauce and garlic for a few hours, then, to really get the crispy feel, made some tempura batter to dip the tofu in before frying in almond oil. It was pretty good- although the almond oil was a bit salty. I'll opt for safflower or even sesame oil next time. Overall, it was a pretty good tv meal.

Not too much on the go today. I plan on practicing for a couple hours, and then I'm not sure what to do. There is a dress at Zara I want to try on- it is the perfect summer gig dress. But I don't really want to tempt myself.... or maybe I do...... And today is the day I start writing my book...... maybe I'll head to a coffee shop and do some people watching and latte drinking while I write.....

Tomorrow I'm getting a hair cut!!! Just a trim- I want to keep it long, but I am in need of a new funkier style for fall. I'm trying a new place and person........ keep fingers crossed!! (No more 'baldy' incidents please!!!! although in this heat a cute pixie crop is tempting.........)

13 days left until I fly to Calgary! I can't wait to take a road trip up to Edmonton with my Sister and my Mom. It's been at least 6 years since I last visited my old home town. I can't wait to drive past our old house!!!!

Okay, enough procrastination- time to practice, plus I just realized that Jeremy taped the final episode of Canada's Top Model for me while I was away and I still haven't watched it..... the addition of trash t.v to my day just made it so much more exciting!!!!

It's 46 degrees with the humidex

2006-08-01T13:42:00.000-04:00

I don't know if I've ever experienced heat like this. It is 36 degrees outside. Feels like 46 when you factor in the humidex. Thank goodness there is wind- I can't even imagine what the heat and pollution would be like without it. Walking outside is like walking into a sauna- really. When you walk out of the apartment you are hit by a wall of intense heat. The last time it was this hot on August 1st was in 1955.

I had to do some running around this morning- I walked to High Park, and took cover in the trees for awhile, then got some groceries for dinner tonight (chinese food!), and some yummy (I hope!!) soy 'ice cream' sandwiches for desert.

Jeremy and I had an awesome weekend. While I was away at camp he discovered a pub nearby, which he thought was fantastic. So, on Saturday night, with our friend Gilles, we decided to head over to the pub. It was awesome. They have a great, small, 2nd floor, backyard patio- complete with trees, flowers and bushes, and cedar benches. They have a great selection of beer, and an even more impressive selection of Scotch- Jeremy and Gilles befriended the bartender (who we now think might be the owner), and were given very generous pours, as well as samples of his favourite scotch.

Like today, yesterday was also too hot to think- let alone cook, so we decided to go and get some falafels from the corner falafel place. Lured by the thought of a cold pint, we changed our minds and headed over to what promises to be our local haunt, and had a cold one and burger (2 for 1 burgers on Mondays!!) on the back patio. Again, we had a great, great time- and we are planning on going back on Friday with some other friends, and when our very missed friend Karmen comes to visit, we plan on having a long evening there as well. Such a great pub!!!!

My roses are exploding in this heat. I was initially skeptical to buy miniature roses, for fear of them being too easy to kill- but they have done amazingly this summer!! My other plants are doing well, although the violas are looking a little wilted in the crazy heat. Pictures to follow!

something is eating my sweet peas!

2006-07-26T10:50:00.000-04:00

There are strange things happening to my plants. Actually, not to the plants themselves, but to the dirt around the plants. While I was gone, Jeremy mentioned that he thought something was enjoying burrowing in my pot of sweet peas. Every morning he'd get up and there would be some holes in the dirt around the plants. Well, today on his journey to take the recycling out, he discovered that the pot was turned upside down and was on the step below where it should be. Weird!! What kind of crazy creature could be doing this??! The bizarre thing is that it seems to be only one pot that it is attacking. The rest of the sweet peas lining the steps are undisturbed, and every morning look peaceful and refreshed- quite unlike the one unlucky pot which is quickly starting to resemble some kind of volcanic dirt eruption. hmmmm. I'm not really sure what to do next!! Do I toss the pot? Do I try to salvage it? Rent and set up a night vision video camera a la nature show to find out what sneaky predator is destroying my plants??

In other news. Camps 2 and 3 were great. The kids were great, the weather was great, and being able to see amazing stars at night was great. Deer flies, horse flies, black flies, flies in general, mosquitoes, wasps and dodgy food during weeks 1 & 2, were not so great. Thank goodness for the fabulous pub, where we all regained our sanity once or twice a week with some amazing food and a delicious pint. yum.

It looks like I've already got one new private student (from camp) lined up for the fall, and today I am going for an interview at a music studio not too far from my home. One of the teachers at camp is moving to Bermuda- and was kind enough to pass along my name to the studio where she has been teaching. So if all goes well, it looks like I will be teaching flute and recorder on Saturday (not too early) mornings. I didn't really want to teach on the weekends, but having the studio on Saturdays gives me more time during the week for private teaching.... and having some extra $$$ is always a good thing!!!!

In other non music news....... I'm going to write a book!!! That's all I am going to say about that for now.

Practicing awaits.........

knock, knock.......

2006-07-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

Am I ever glad to be back home. Jeremy was even able to take 2 vacation days, and so we've had a great couple of days off. We're having some friends over to play poker tonight, and we're bbq-ing some fabulous steak we bought today at the Bloor Meat Market. Great Store.

I have many more exciting stories and news to write about- but I plan on doing that tomorrow once Jeremy is back to work. For now, here's the previously promised pictures of the wild turkeys!!

wild turkeys and stars at night

2006-07-10T10:45:00.000-04:00

Phew. What a week it has been. I got home yesterday afternoon from teaching band camp, have today to do some laundry and re-pack and eat as much good food as I can, and tomorrow morning I head back up for camp #2.

Camp was pretty good. The kids were awesome- and I had a great time teaching them all things flute. We also spent some time listening to some recordings of flute music, and watched a dvd of a flute concerto. They loved it. For more camp/teaching stories- check out coach house music flutist

Camp #1 is the longest camp- 9 days. Camp #'s 2 and 3 should fly by- as they are only 6 days- with Tuesday being the intro day, and Sunday being the Concert. Hopefully I won't be as exhausted after those camps. I got home yesterday just in time to watch the world cup game, and promptly fell asleep on the couch for 3 hours.

While I was gone Jeremy was in charge of our plants, and I have to say, he did a fine job of taking care of them- they are still alive!! And, the sweet pea seeds I planted (I know it was a little late in the season, but I don't care!!) have all come up and are growing like crazy!! I'm hoping for some blossoms in a few weeks- just in time for me to be finished band camp and have 3 weeks off to enjoy them. I can't wait.

Oh- one camp story for you. If you don't know this about me already, you will soon discover that I am a HUGE fan of birds. I love birds, and since last year, I've been looking forward to going up to camp to see some of the birds you don't normally see in Toronto. Finches, warblers, hummingbirds, turkey vultures, hawks and eagles, an owl if you're really lucky, and countless other types of birds I still need to identify. So, to my delight, I was thrilled to find out that this year the park has been over run with wild turkeys!!! They are so huge and ugly, and hilarious when they try to fly, and I think they are GREAT!!

One early morning I went for a walk before teaching, and to my delight I stumbled across 8, yes 8!! wild turkeys all together. I think they must be a family. Now, for those of you who have never seen a wild turkey, they really are huge. They come up at least to my waist- if not higher. So, naturally I felt a little apprehension finding myself only a few feet away from 8 enormous turkeys!! I could just see the headlines- "flute teacher found, attacked by wild turkeys", or something of the sort. Anyways- after a moment of these ridiculous thoughts, the turkeys (being really stupid) decided to make a break for it, and before I knew it they were gone, and I was left alone with just some bird songs, some insects, and the wind blowing through the wild flowers and trees to listen to.

I'll post an awesome picture of a wild turkey within the next few days.

Time to do some laundry, and then a nap!!

It's up!!

2006-06-29T21:14:00.000-04:00

Hey you guy's! (flash back to Goonies........)

okay, anyways- I hope to do a real post tomorrow sometime- as I leave Saturday to go and teach band camp. But I wanted to let you know that our make-shift website is up and running!! check it out at coachhousemusic.blogspot.com and follow the links!

aaaaaahhhhhhhhhtml

2006-06-27T11:20:00.000-04:00

So. I guess it was inevitable. Finally with a few free days, I decided that it was time to start building the webpage for Coach House Music. Now, this is no easy task for me...... considering that the first class I ever failed was Grade 7 Computers. And ever since I received that ominous big fat F, I've felt a little (more like hugely) overwhelmed whenever something to do with computers came up.

This actually all started with the map I recently put up (I have a viewer in Turkey!!). I just can't seem to figure out how to move the stupid thing over to the side, to the bottom right corner. So, I contemplated changing blog templates (hence the chaos, if you've been browsing recently). Yesterday I bit the bullet, and thought- What a great idea it would be to go to Chapter's and get a book on HTML. Over 2 hours later, after trying to read and understand countless books and computer jargon, I settled on 2...... One on blogging, and the other on HTML. I came home, and went to work.

I've started working on the Coach House Music site, which for now is going to be a blogger blog. After I'm finished teaching camp in 3 weeks I'll have a bit more time to devote to the actual webpage. But for now, it's just fine having some info up and running.

Obviously I got side tracked, and as you can still see, the map is still NOT in the lower right hand corner. Maybe later this afternoon.

You can check out Coach House Music here.

dad's day!

2006-06-18T10:33:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day Dad!!

death by doritos take 2

2006-06-17T21:52:00.000-04:00

oh yeah-

i totally forgot to write about one of the other strange new gig happenings today. I was playing a long phrase- and went to take a big breath- and totally choked on the huge strand of hair I had just inhaled!! And it wouldn't blow back out! Do you know how hard it is to play with a big clump of hair stuck in your mouth?? I felt like 'it' from the Adam's Family.

Here's some pics for all of you who still think of me with a pixie cut:

getting long!!

And this is how I plan to prevent future hair inhaling: yay for high ponytails and headbands!

death by doritos

2006-06-17T20:19:00.000-04:00

man. i just cannot get enough of zesty cheese doritos. evil things, they are. and VERY not macrobiotic, let alone even a tiny bit healthy at all. Jeremy came home from the grocery store the other day with 2 bags. and now they are both gone. now don't go getting the wrong idea here- i did not eat them all....... i just happened to finish off the last bag (half a bag??? yikes...) must be more like 1/4 of a bag?? well, they're gone now- and from now on NO MORE DORITO'S!!!!!

and what drove me to come home and eat the last 1/4(?) bag of doritos?? WEDDING GIG. ahh, the wedding gig. Well, they are good for learning about what you NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS want at your own wedding. need i say more? okay- but just for you...

my wedding gig story.

It is 40 above today. Hot, sticky- not condusive to sleek, sexy hair a la last post. no way. a mass of curls- tamed (kind of) into submission by a combination of 3 hair products. I meet my ride at the subway stop 2 over from mine- and after waiting for only 2 minutes- my makeup has melted half way down my face, and the kind of beaten into submission curls are delightedly expanding into some kind of poof that could only be rivaled by some bridezilla's coif.

We drive in the fantastically fresh and cool air-conditioned car to the gig, swap the fancy white birkenstocks for high heels, and head into the venue. Play for 20 minutes before the wedding, change rooms- and then play MUSIC OF OUR OWN CHOICE for the ceremony. fine- no problem- we have good taste. As we are playing the recessional, the bride and groom decide it would be a great photo opp to stand behind us while we are playing and pose for a few pics. fancy.

we finish the piece, grab our stands- and manage to get through the swarm of people blocking the door giving tons of cool cash to the newlyweds, and set back up in the dinner room, play a bit, have a break (ahh- the booze looks so tempting.. i.... must....... resist..........) and enjoy a cool club soda. Now the plan is to play for an hour during dinner..... only after about 15 minutes we're interrupted by the dj, who (at the request of someone there) wants to mix it up a bit- while they are waiting for salad, after already starting the soup. So, we head to the back of the room (again, must.... resist.....) and get a water. Then what happens?? The dj's pull out a HUGE SPINNING WHEEL, and make some of the party spin it- and now comes the real good time.

Out from under his navy velvet covered dj table, he pulls what could be a limbo stick- but with handles on either side, and a ball hanging by a thread attached at the middle.... which the maid of honour and best man proceed to place on their hips, and try to sway in time to get the ball to circle aound the rod....... and all DURING DINNER. after a few other equally entertaining festivities, we resume playing for the last 20 minutes of our scheduled time.

Now, don't get me wrong. It really wasn't THAT bad. The bride and groom were really sweet, everything was mostly tasteful (except for the maid of honor- who looked a bit like a hooker wearing a short black dress, cut down almost to the belly button, and patent black 4 inch heeled sandals, complete with rhinestones, which wrapped around up to mid-calf). The funny thing is that the woman who runs the (quite posh) venue, was telling us that it was the most expensive wedding they've had there. With the full dinner we (mostly) played for, another full meal at 11, brunch the next day- and only a guest list of maybe 45 people.

whoah.

time for a beer on my patio.

giggles and the grumpy dude...

2006-06-14T19:01:00.000-04:00

uhh. I have a killer headache, and I bet that typing at my computer is not helping that. oh well. I just got home from a gig playing for a retirement party. I should be out getting groceries so I can make something for dinner (pasta salad tonight!!) but I just can't muster up the energy to walk to the store. So how 'bout an interesting story from my subway ride home??.....

Remember what it is like to get a fit of the giggles? I can remember a couple very inopportune moments when I had the giggles hit me. (Rehearsing in Wind Ensemble with Mary... try and try, we just could NOT stop laughing. I had tears running down my face, ugh, it was so great and so embarrasing and so awful all at the same time) anyways. These 2 young teenage girls got on the subway, with a SERIOUS case of the giggles. The subway was also delayed, so we were at a stand still for a very long time. So, these 2 girls are sitting across from eachother- one beside me. And I really just couldn't help myself from smiling. It was so refreshing, seeing such happy, out of control laughter on the end of the day commute home- when most people are grumpy.

So, I'm totally enjoying the out of control laughter of these 2 girls. They'd just about get it under control, and then one of them would burst out into a fit of laughter. After a while, all of a sudden this guy sitting across from me bursts out, "DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM OR SOMETHING??!!!"

I was floored. I couldn't believe it. Everyone around these 2 girls is smiling, trying not to be sucked into the laughter abyss- and this dude, starts to start something!! Before I could even think, I was getting involved- "What's wrong with laughing??", I said. I think he was surprised that someone else would even get involved. But here I was thinking, wow, this guy has serious issues, if he, a grown man, has to yell at 2 young teenage girls, because they are LAUGHING.

Do you know what his response to me was?? "Well, one of them keeps looking over at me!! " Okay guy, you are sitting across from a giggling girl on a super packed subway. Where on earth would you like her to look???!! I couldn't believe that this grown man was so self involved and so conceited, and had so little confidence that he wanted to start something with some girl because he thought they were laughing at him. I couldn't believe it. I was like, "Dude, (I actually said dude!! where did that some from?!! I NEVER say dude!!!) you are sitting across from them, on a packed subway. Where else would you like them to look???" Keep in mind that I am dressed to the nines at the time- just coming back from a gig. I'm wearing a very expensive black tuxedo suit, I have great make-up, and my hair is tamed and sleek- blown straight. not the sort of person who typically gets involved. and then I call him DUDE!! Anyways, he shut up right away- realizing that he was facing a formidable enemy ;) (haha!!) I think he felt pretty embarrased, actually. He pretended to sleep- at least until I got off the subway to go home!!

That's my story. And now my stomach is the one growling with anger. I guess it's time to go visit the corner store.

Have a great night!!

my Dad got a hole in one!!

2006-06-07T10:27:00.000-04:00

Congratulations Dad!! That is so amazing!

show and tell

2006-06-05T10:39:00.004-04:00

here are some show and tell moments from our past weekend:

Learn to play the violin

Thursday night we went to see the TSO play Shostakovich Symphony 10 and Violin Concerto #1, with Maxim Vengerov playing (obviously) violin. As soon as he started playing, I realized what a violin is supposed to sound like. He was AWESOME. We got our cd signed after the concert. Jeremy thought up the idea for the quote.

There were 7 plus the mommy

Jeremy noticed (last night during our bbq) that he had some very cute and very curious spectators. Baby raccoons are really, really cute. This tree is just behind our coachhouse, and we occasionally hear squirrels and raccoons jump off the tree and run across our roof.

My snazzy new sandals

Jeremy also got a sexy new pair of shoes. Alas, he is wearing them today so I can't take a picture. We had a great time on Saturday while shopping on Queen Street. We were looking for new dishes, but didn't have any luck. We did get a shiny chrome dish rack though! China town is great for cheap finds. I'd post a picture of Jeremy's prized new mixing bowls, but that would be out of control, plus the batteries in our camera just died. Maybe next time.

too hot to write....

2006-05-31T11:41:00.000-04:00

Your 1920's Name is:

Celestine Gregoria

What's Your 1920's Name?

when ttc strikes

2006-05-29T11:16:00.000-04:00

boo. what a crappy thing to hear on the radio as you wake up in the morning.

"the ttc is having an illegal strike."

seems like the logical thing to do on a 30 degree day, when there is already a smog warning. that's just freaking great. as if the extra hundreds of thousands of cars on the roads, the extra taxi's are going to help in reducing the pollution. and if you don't have a car, you get to be one of the lucky few who gets to inhale all of the extra emissions today as you bike or walk to where you have to be.

this is NOT the way to gain the public's support.

if the ttc doesn't start up by this afternoon, I have to decide whether or not to take a cab to teach- could take forever in traffic, and will also cost probably around $100 for the day, maybe more...... I could try to get my bike tuned up in the next couple hours- and inhale all the wonderful, tasty, smog fumes on the hour plus bike ride there, nevermind the hour plus ride back home in rush hour traffic. I could leave now and start walking and get burned to a crisp....... oh, oh, the options are so wonderful and exciting.

And it's the last lesson of the year for my Monday students- as they start exams later this week. And last week was a holiday. So I kinda have to be there........ somehow, someway.......

freakin wonderful.

stupid ttc union

when lobsters strike......

2006-05-28T20:41:00.000-04:00

Jeremy is SOOOOOOOOOOO lucky.
We are having a BBQ with our landlords and neighbours- and one of them had just brought back some fresh Lobsters from Nova Scotia.
Need I say more?
lucky guy......

other people's junk

2006-05-27T15:10:00.000-04:00

It is GORGEOUS outside.

We got up really early (for a Saturday) and met our friends to check out a big street sale that their neighbourhood was having. They didn't have too much luck, but Jeremy and I had a few finds- some records, a VHS of Amadeus, and some terracotta pots for our front stairs. I was planning on just going down to china town to get some cheap plastic pots instead, but you can't beat $3 for 6 pots!! ooh- also got an old italian glass decanter, which is currently housing, not wine (unfortunately!), but some beautiful orange tulips.

Since it was still early, we decided to go out for some brunch- and sat on a patio for a little while.

Jeremy and I shopped around for a bit after that, found some amazing ergonomic German Chairs for our kitchen..... (you can always dream!!), looked at a fish market, and almost bought some delicious looking tuna sashimi.....

and all before noon.

I taught a flute lesson this afternoon, and am now watching this crazy dude on tv, that can levitate, rip telephone books apart- I think his name is Chris Angel? I'm just waiting for my rice to cook, and then I'm making some sushi for lunch. then perhaps buying some flowers to plant in our new pots!

we might see x-men 3 tonight!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

2006-05-26T16:53:00.000-04:00

It is a very busy Friday!! I just got home from playing a 3 hour gig, had a bite to eat- and am getting ready to leave for another gig tonight. However, today is a very special day, so I had to take a few minutes to wish my Mom, Happy Birthday!!! I love you and miss you!! Have a great day!!!

Feelin' The Same Way

2006-05-24T09:52:00.000-04:00

It's a beautiful, fresh Spring morning here in Toronto. Fresh? Toronto? You'd better believe it. It's the first year that I've been here that we've actually had a Spring. Alas, by the end of the weekend, after 2 days of almost 30 degrees, that'll be then end of the freshness until a windy, rainy day- or fall. Until then though, it's a perfect day to play hooky. I only have my 2 students to teach, and a bit of running around to do...... so it sucks that since Jeremy is actually home from work for the day, he is fighting a cold, and is all sick and in bed. Not that that is such a bad place to be- especially with fresh flowers on the shelf to smell while you are wrapped up in a cool white cotton duvet.

It has been an interesting few weeks. All of my friends, right across the country/continent, and even some of our family members have been experiencing the same thing. I have had numerous conversations, read a variety of blogs, and listened in to phone calls, all talking about the same thing. We all miss eachother. We miss friends, we miss family. We miss Grandparents and are wondering how to stay in contact better, and how to convey our thanks and appreciation for everything they've done..... (teaching the Provinces and Capitals driving to me while driving to Vancouver Island- thanks Grandpa!! I still remember that trip so clearly). Family misses other family members. We wonder who their friends are, what they do in their spare time. Our younger siblings are growing up- buying their third car before I've even thought about buying my first. Some are graduating from University. Others are going on European explorations. Even things as simple as Birthdays. (and there are many Birthday's this week!- Happy Birthday- you know who you are!!) You know we wish we could be there, for everything.

It's so hard starting your life away from your life.

The only thing we can do is try to keep in touch- via phone, e-mail, blogs, letters- any and every way we can. And to remember to cherish and truly appreciate all the moments, good and bad, that we get to spend together. We're all in this together. I love and miss you all.

bye bye cinder blocks

2006-05-23T08:37:00.000-04:00

So we didn't end up going to the Jays game after all. Instead we finished our apartment!!! With the exception of 4 matching kitchen chairs, and some picture frames and mats- and maybe a new print, we are DONE!!! It feels so weird, that after 4 years of thinking (and even longer for Jeremy), okay, we just need this and this- now we are finished. A new bookshelf/room divider, a book shelf, and a stylish new dresser- complete with jewellery drawer and mirror. Also got a shelf for above the bed, since my headboard is waiting in Calgary until we have real estate somewhere.

I'm going to try to take some pictures today- if you want to see the inside of our place, let me know if you'd like me to e-mail you some pics!!

dishes beckon......

boobytraps

2006-05-19T15:01:00.000-04:00

Don't you hate it when spiders randomly set up boobytraps?? Today I was carrying about 30 lbs of groceries (flour is heavy!!) and while walking onto the front porch I narrowly avoided an encounter with a tangly, long spider web. thank goodness. I HATE it when you get spider web stuck on you. eeeew.

Good thing there was no spider to be seen. Especially one that looks like this crazy, bad boy from Calgary:

Apparently this big guy was on my parent's house the other day........ hahaha- and you all thought you were safe from huge, rain forest spiders!!!! This one must have hitched a ride with some bananas..........

Not too much going on here at the moment. I'm teaching a make-up lesson this evening, and then we are having bbq'd wild red snapper for dinner with brown jasmine rice and a still-to-be determined vegetable from the corner store. maybe some miso soup too.

Plans for the weekend??? none!! We are going to chill, chill, chill. And perhaps shop a bit....... Monday afternoon we're going to go to the Jays game!! Okay, so we do have plans. Which also include organic bacon.... (which is definitely NOT part of a macrobiotic diet....... gotta get some in while I still can!!)

Time to prep the lesson for my students this afternoon! New pieces, with cd accomp. made to sound like a rock band. how cool is that for an 8 year old boy?!!

nori anyone?

2006-05-14T18:22:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!

Had a gig with my friend Pam today, playing a Mother's Day concert in a retirement 'mansion'. I have to say that even though there really isn't any rep for flute and violin duo, the concert and program was okay. nice and light, cheery, perfect for mother's day. not very challenging rep...... I guess playing duo's that I also use with my students would explain that one!!

It has been around a week now since I started changing food things...... and I feel GREAT!!! I can't believe how much happier and positive I've become. I want to sit up straight, and go to sleep early. I've lost around 5 pounds I think (we don't have a scale, I'm of the mind it's how you look and feel, not what a number on the scale dictates) I feel full and light and happy after a meal, and I hardly need to snack. I also feel more alert. I NEVER thought, especially being from Alberta, that I would think about eating less meat.

Speaking of eating........... I went to the allergist on Friday morning to be re-tested for my shellfish allergy. I wanted to determine exactly which shellfish I was allergic to. Plus, I am sick of carrying an epi-pen, worrying about cross contamination while eating out........ and, I REALLY MISS SHELLFISH!!! I tested positive for a shrimp allergy about 13 years ago, and to my dismay haven't had a bite since.

Well, well, well...... turns out that I might be one of the VERY few percentage of people who out grow a shellfish allergy. I tested negative for it all. EVERYTHING. As much as I wanted to run out of the dr's office in a fit of hysterical giggles and cheers, and bust a move to the all you can eat buffet at Red Lobster, I can't get too excited yet...... we have to wait for a blood test, and then I have to do a fresh food test....... where I get to eat shrimp, lobster and crab at the allergists to determine if there is still an allergy. 6-7 weeks until I know. I can't freakin wait.

Time to go kick Jeremy's ass at dr. mario.

rainy, blustery and totally fresh outside.

2006-05-11T11:20:00.000-04:00

I finished reading the macrobiotics book and, for better or for worse, it has made me really think about what we are putting in our bodies. Some of the things the author says really make a lot of sense. So we'll see. I am going to go on a search for a new book, which actually includes more information, and I think more of a detailed menu plan.

I do have to say that after only a few days of eating more grains, (rice, sushi rice, brown rice, and oats so far), way more veggies, and a lot less meat, I feel better. but really, should that be surprising???

Had a great meal last night with our friend Pam. We made tempura veggies (mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, carrots and zucchini) and veggie sushi rolls. yum. a few other friends came over after for a couple games of poker, and beer. good times.

I was supposed to start pilates today, but my instructor had to cancel. Now I have a ton of free time before I teach. I'd love to crawl back into bed, but instead I have to practice and make up a concert program and write program notes for a mother's day concert I am playing with Pam on Sunday. I'm hoping there will be some time for a nap later on.........

sunny sunday evening

2006-05-07T19:04:00.000-04:00

what a weekend it's been. yesterday I had the concert with Scarborough Phil, which actually went pretty well. I really had a great time playing- especially Brahms 2. awesome flute part. Although there were a few interesting moments within the orchestra, I was really happy with my playing, although exhausted by the end. needless to say, the beer at home after the concert tasted really good. (ahh Trad.) Apparently the flute position there is opening up, so we'll see what happens.

Had a good time doing a bunch of nothing today. Did some laundry, and ironed the sheets (yes, ironed the sheets....... i know........ but it really does make a difference!!!) organized the bathroom drawers and cupboards. and now i'm just waiting to eat the chicken that is roasting on the BBQ. It's the first time we've done a whole one at once, so hopefully it turns out!!!

well, that's all for now. we're waiting to hear from a couple of friends so we can maybe get a poker game together this evening. time to veg.

chew, chew, chew

2006-05-04T09:49:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I decided to take the time to chew my food. really chew it. at least 50 times each bite if possible. A few things I noticed after:
I ate less
I was fuller longer
Interesting...... and all from just chewing my food longer than normal.
Today it's time to start with whole grains.... mmmm brown rice??

a post with my coffee

2006-05-03T10:24:00.000-04:00

Things here have been crazy busy for the past couple weeks. Lots of rehearsals and things, teaching, and various appt's. One little bit of exciting news...... at Monday's rehearsal for Scarborough Phil (we were rehearsing with the soloist- Bartok Piano Concerto #3) there's a pretty exposed flute bit. Anyways, after the break while I was warming up, a guy who was watching the rehearsal came up to me (actually tapped me on the shoulder while I was warming up) and told me that he thought I sounded really great!! So, here I was thinking- wow, that was so nice!! a random compliment- cool!!

Later, while we were driving home, I asked my carmates if they knew who the guy was............... turns out he's the personnel manager for the TSO!!!! hehe :) guess all my hard work is paying off!!!

In other news, I sense a pretty big change around here. I am trying to revamp a few things in my life, and poor Jeremy, I think he's going to come along for the ride (what a great guy!!!). It's nothing too crazy. Just going to really take a look at what we are eating- I was told at a recent Dr's appt. that I should look into macrobiotics. So I bought the book, and am looking forward to reading it. Also was recommended to start doing Qigong- and am probably going to register for that class within the next couple of days (again, Jeremy is going to come too if we can work out the scheduling!!) A random bit of info..... Did you know that you should chew each bite around 50 times??? I'll see, but to be honest, all I could think was "holy crap, can you say TMJ???"

I am really curious to see the benefits of everything. I'll definitely keep you posted throughout the next few months. And for anyone who was curious to see the cherry trees in bloom, there's a few pictures following. I wasn't able to get to the park for some early morning pictures, but was able to get a couple of pictures last week just before sunset.

almost like being out of the city

2006-04-21T12:39:00.000-04:00

I love where we live. LOVE IT. Which is really weird, because ever since I moved to Toronto 4 years ago I basically wanted to move away. And now, I love it. Mostly, it's because I love where Jeremy and I are living. I love how close it is to High Park. (It's also 3 minutes to walk to get groceries, at a really cheap store, and about 2 minutes to walk to the subway..... so not only is it quaint, it's in a great, convenient location as well................. and now we have a bbq!!!!) anyways.... I have today off, and since it's supposed to be rainy , dreary and cold all weekend, I thought I'd walk to High Park this morning.

Upon arriving, I was a bit disappointed that see that the cherry tree's aren't in full bloom yet. After the past couple of really warm days, I was sure they'd be amazing. Alas, they're not quite there yet, but I still got a couple of nice photos:

Lots of the other plants are starting to bud- and in a couple more days, it is going to be incredible. Especially this HUGE magnolia tree I found today. can't wait.
It is so nice to be close to High Park. Once you're in it, you don't even feel like you're in the middle of the city. There's a huge pond ("lake") with all types of birds.

Today I saw some woodpeckers, cardinals, ducks and geese, swans, finches, and a cute wren. Also saw chickadees, juncos, numerous sparrows (and chipping sparrows, so cute!!) robins, and some other type of mystery bird, which I'll look up later this afternoon after I'm done some cleaning. Also saw squirrels and a chipmunk. All in TORONTO. crazy. It's great to have a place to go when you need to escape the craziness of a big city, and you don't have a car to drive away.

Not too much planned for this weekend. Might see some friends tonight, might play some poker tomorrow night. will sleep in. might see a movie. will practice. might work-out......

time for lunch!!

smiling dogs

2006-04-18T21:28:00.000-04:00

There was the cutest dog (golden retriever) on the subway tonight on my way home from teaching. At first I thought he was with a family, but actually he belonged to just one guy. Anyways, this little girl was just having a great time petting the dog. She was so cute- long blonde ringlets, and she was just draped over the dog, hugging it and petting it so gently. I haven't seen a dog smile like that for a long time. such a nice thing to see- I love it when dogs smile.

and of course I now have to post a picture of my smiling dog Toby, in Calgary...... although I don't have any digital pictures of him smiling....... here's a cute one though....

Isn't he soooo cute???

And here's one of my other dog Sage:

That's all I've got for now...... plus, I have to go tend to the rice pudding cooking in my kitchen..... yum......

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

2006-04-13T10:35:00.000-04:00

Today is my Dad's Birthday, and I plan to celebrate it in a way that would make any Dad proud:

BBQ!!

It's another beautiful day here in Toronto, fresh, sunny, and a high of 20!! A perfect day for a BBQ (is there a day that isn't perfect for bbq?). The only thing that could make this day better would be to have the day off, and be able to spend it golfing (trying to golf?) with my Dad- followed by, you guessed it, BBQ! (and beer!!). Anyways, Happy Birthday Dad!! and even though it won't be exactly the way I'd like it, I hope you have a great day anyways!

This picture is from last Christmas- I'm not sure who liked the gopher golf club cover better- Dad or the dogs!!! Dad- did the gopher travel to Palm Springs with you??

Happy Birthday Dad!!!- I hope you have a GREAT day!!! Miss you!!

Jeremy's Birthday!

2006-04-11T22:32:00.000-04:00

Today was Jeremy's Birthday!!

And I decided to celebrate it by purchasing him a brand new BBQ. All last year, without a patio or balcony, we yearned for a BBQ. And now, we have the CUTEST FREAKIN' BBQ EVER (can bbq's be cute??) on our little porch. All I can say is, 'Grilled meat is GOOD!!'

Our good friends Matt and Michelle came over tonight for dinner- which of course consisted of BBQ'd meat- pork and chicken to be exact, baked potatoes, mushrooms and spinach salad with raspberries and mandarin oranges! We also shared some wine, and had chocolate ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream for desert. i am FULL!!!! I LOVE BBQ!!!!

If you want to see a picture of our new addition, you can check it out at:

http://www.weber.com/q/default.aspx

It's the Q220 model- and I have to say that after the first use, I'm pretty impressed!!

I also have to thank our friend Steve- who was awesome enought to be my co-conspirator, and drive all over the place to get the right BBQ, and all the things that go with it- Thanks Steve!!!

okay, I'm way too full of good food and wine to keep typing, I'll add more in the morning!!!

ownership!

2006-04-04T21:11:00.000-04:00

Well everyone, both Jeremy and I are extremely excited to announce to you all that we are now the proud owners of.................. a business!! We legally registered our business names this afternoon, and were given our Master Business License. Our business names??? Coach House Music and Coach House Press. We have also purchased our domain names and our websites will be under construction soon!! I've already done sketches for our business cards, and now just need to make a final couple to scan in to our computer. so exciting!!

I can't believe it is already into April. Many good things happen in April...... one of the things I happen to be enjoying this year is that I can watch both Hockey, and Baseball- and even on the same night, at the same time!!! Having inclusive cable is awesome!!

fun with funner binders

2006-04-03T21:43:00.000-04:00

Ta-Da!!!!

Look at this lovely picture!! From the chaos of a thousand photocopies, to this simple showcase of organization. All of my orchestral excerpts, alphabetized and in clear plastic protectors. Flute in one binder and piccolo in the other. Beautiful isn't it?!!!! It only took me about 6 hours this past weekend!!

I'll post more later, and let you all bask in the beauty of my gorgeous and impeccably organized music!!

more unexpected free time!

2006-03-30T17:47:00.000-05:00

well, well. could it be?? 2 posts in one day??

It is an absolutely beautiful late afternoon. I just rushed home from teaching at my school, to teach a student that comes to my house, to find a message on the phone saying that she is sick and not coming, and so now I have a whole free evening to myself. So, I opened up the windows to let in the fresh spring air (it actually can smell fresh in Toronto, incredibly..... could also seem fresher since we are only a 5 minute walk to High Park). anyways. I thought I'd elaborate on my earlier post, since I don't have to cook dinner ( yay left-overs!) and Jeremy won't be home until 8.

It's funny really. I spend so much time alone- practicing, doing the home thing, until I teach in the afternoons. I feel like this evening should just be like any other time I spend alone. I wonder what it is that makes some moments seem just that little bit more special than others. I just feel really lucky to have some free time, to do whatever I want- on such a sunny and calm evening.

Jeremy is going busking with a bassoonist after work today. I can't wait to hear what kind of comments they get!! Tuba and bassoon! how awesome is that?? They have plans to do it all summer long. I'll try to sneak some pictures one day and post them on the site!!

I am so thrilled with how all of my students are doing this year. I was a bit worried that I was starting to feel burnt out, but starting up teaching this week after March Break has completely erased all doubts in my mind about that. I love it. Next fall I am going to be taking an Orff training course- which I am really looking forward to. Basically it's all about making up games, and dancing and using special instruments to teach little kids music- I can't wait to adapt it all to teaching my flute students. I've already started making up games this year for some of my younger students- which is totally fun! Not only are they learning music, but they get to do it without realizing it- they just think they are playing games for half an hour. It really is a great way to teach, and make a living.

I think it's time for dinner..... and then I'm going to attack all of my disorganized music, and put it all in its proper place. Wish me luck!! (for the organizing that is, not for the dinner part!!)

finally a spare moment!

2006-03-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, Okay!! It's only been a week! And things are going to be even crazier for the next month!

So, things are going really well here. really well. I had a break through with one of my students yesterday- finally he could tongue and play the correct rhythms and all at the same time!! We've been working on articulation and basic rhythms since September- and FINALLY all the hard work paid off. YAY!!! I was so happy and proud of him. And I think that he was thrilled too. He was practically dancing by the end of his lesson. too cute.

Yesterday before teaching, I had a Doctors Appt (I needed a referral to see an allergist) I also had a massage, and finished up shopping for Jeremy's Birthday, which is April 11th. I bought him a Lululemon hoodie/jacket the other day, planning to stash it somewhere for a few weeks, without realizing that I was teaching late and Jeremy was going to be home when I got there, so- Surprise! Happy Birthday 2 weeks early. I'll try to post a picture of it later this weekend.

I have a ton of playing coming up. I'm playing with Mississauga Symphony next weekend, and am playing with the Conservatory Orchestra for their concert next Friday (Bartok Concerto for Orchestra- fun!) and I am playing principal flute for Scarborough Philharmonic for their last concert- May 6th. Also am playing Principal flute for half of Toronto Wind Orchestra's next concert. Needless to say, I have lots to practice.

We are also in the process of starting our own business. We've bought our domain names, and hopefully next week will be able to register our business names. So we will be busy designing our web page, making business cards and all of that jazz. I am also working on designing some fun music games- which will be available to purchase in limited quantities off of our website. I'll post a bit more about all of that once all of the legalities are finalized.

Okay, sorry for the boring post- but that's all I've got for right now.

time to practice!!

nesting, nesting

2006-03-24T11:45:00.000-05:00

All I have to say is poor Jeremy.

For the past few weeks I have been absolutely crazy, and he being the wonderful, amazing man he is, hasn't said a word about my very neurotic and uncharacteristic behaviour.

That being said, I have (or, more accurately, my Mom has) figured out in the time of a 2 minute phone call that I have SNS or, Spring Nesting Syndrome. believe it, it could happen to you- you might even have it already.

let me tell you my story.

obviously, being in the music business (and not on the producing side) we don't make a ton of cash. so, in the spirit of being good and saving money, i have been fighting my sns and not buying anything......... that is, until yesterday afternoon.

It all started with a trip to physio (turns out that I have a sprained joint/ligament in my shoulder as a result of my car accident this past December). Physio was great, Lisa (my physiotherapist) actually knows what she is talking about, and I am confident that she'll mend me! So after physio, full of confidence, I decide on my way to the subway to pop into Ethan Allen to have a browse and see all the nice furniture and displays. This was a HUGE mistake. there, in the very back of the store, behind all of the sale intems, was one of the cutest floor lamps i've seen. it's okay, i tell myself- it's Ethan Allen, even if it is on sale, I still won't be able to think about it.

At that point, I should have stepped away, or- maybe even sprinted out of the store. but, noooo. I gently turn over the price tag to reveal......... shit. It's much, much less that I thought it was. now the danger signals are going full force, red lights blinking, alarms shrieking..... and instead of bolting, I decide it would be a much better idea to ignore all of this commotion in my head, and go to find Peter- the incredibly nice salesman who greeted me so unpretentiously at the door.

We all know what happens next. Shauna leaves the store, with not only the perfect floor lamp in hand, but also with it's cute partner in crime, the matching (only with a white shade) table lamp. beaming. (me, not the lamps).

Jeremy, who patiently listened to me on the phone describing the lamp, (note the lack of s on lamp). Is expecting to come home to a floor lamp....... and upon entering our home, sees a cute lamp on our side table..... Do you think he believed my story that the floor lamp gave birth? Perhaps........ he was very kind. I think he might even like the lamp(s).

Anyways. I was talking briefly to my Mom this morning, saying I don't know what has came over me (I am in the process of re-arranging our living area) and she's like- 'It's Spring!! you're nesting!!!' smart Mom :)

it's just too bad that my Spring Nesting costs more than some random pieces of twigs, straw and grass, with a bit of mud thrown in to stick it all together. I guess it's only appropriate that the floor lamp has a robins egg/tiffany blue lamp shade!!

what could make me into a sprinter.....

2006-03-21T23:13:00.000-05:00

I'm back home from my gig, and it was fine.
I think I might write this so that it all rhymes.
Then again, perhaps I'll save that for another time.

bet you can't wait!! haha.

Really, the gig tonight went really well. The pieces weren't too crazy, although one was pretty fast and had some tricky counting things. But it all went really smoothly. The funny thing is that I have previously played for the women who hired me tonight! In my first year in Toronto I played for her daughters bat mitzvah- small world huh?!

I have to say that the most stressful thing about tonight, is that I got asked to page turn. It shouldn't really be a big deal, I did up to my grade 10 rcm, so I know how to read piano music. But there is something about having the pianist rely on you to make his performance go smoothly that I find so SCARY!!! Give me a solo to sight read under a spot-light and I'm fine, but make me turn pages for someone and I just want to run away- really, really fast. More like sprint away- Ben Johnson watch out!

anyways, I'm (obviously!) tired, so it's time for me to sprint away to bed. (a whole 8 feet, ooooh, out of control!) turning pages has worn me out!!

forgotten!!

2006-03-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

after my long wait, it turns out that I was indeed forgotten. She called this afternoon and was VERY apologetic- they even sent someone for me when they realized, but by that time I had left. So, I am still playing the concert on Tuesday night- could be some interesting sight reading!!!!

time to bake cookies......