And what will today hold?

 Well, that was an interesting day.

Readers of this blog may not know the extent to which I work to find and mentor new organists. Many years ago I hung up my concert organ shoes. I tried to turn my back on playing the organ. Afterall, I didn’t have a church job, I had no organ in my home, and when I did play, things hurt. Why should I spend time trying to do something that doesn’t bring me (or other people) joy? Gues what? At my core I’m an organist. I couldn’t do it! I found joy in listening to others, explaining the instrument to people who showed (or maybe didn’t show) interest, and doing my best to support those who play the organ.

Thus, my new role as an organist: find a way to help new organists find joy in this instrument.

Yesterday, I had an interesting day.

I’m a member of the San Jose chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The chapter, along with the Palo Alto/Peninsula and the San Francisco chapters, owns a demonstration organ. It is a working instrument built in such a way that it can be stored in 2 Pelican Cases, assembled, played, and repacked for use in a different location.

Yesterday I gave a demonstration and answered questions at the Carmel Bach Festival office. Judging by the grins I witnessed, they had fun! Good questions were asked and now we’ll be working together getting this out into the community.

An interesting day.

But wait! There’s more…..

Just after I settled in to provide information for a proposal, I received another request from a small school in San Jose. They want to schedule a time for 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th graders to work with the Orgelkids instrument.

Today will be busy getting things in line to take advantage of those opportunities. Probably not much tatting will get done. That’s OK. We’re in the midst of a heat wave here. I don’t like to tat when my hands are so sweaty. It’s impossible to clean the thread once I get it dirty with perspiration.

 

Bookmark finished and displayed

I have permission to post pictures of the tatting chosen by the fabulous volunteers at Carmel Bach Festival. This is part of a fundraiser Raffle. Artists apply and after acceptance, create a small piece of art to be raffled. Usually there are more than 100 pieces. This year, the variety and quality are superior. There’s paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media (paper & jewelry), and several fiber pieces. I am so honored to be a part of this show!

Last night at the opening I met a lot of people. Everyone was so positive. Several artists were fascinated with my process. I heard many times from established, successful artists word of encouragement in finding my voice and creating more pieces. I’m a bit giddy! Note to Georgia: not one time did I hear that tatting is a lost art! It was humbling to know that these art collectors consider tatting alive and well and vital.

So what was the piece?

Joy bookmark

This bookmark is based on the melody Beethoven uses in the last movement of his Symphony no. 9. We use it regularly as a hymn. You’ll find the text starts with “Joyful, joyful we adore Thee” or something similar. Most hymnals list the hymntune as Hymn to Joy. If you orient the bookmark horizontally with the joy bead to the left, you’ll be able to “read” the tune. I chose to represent the degree of scale with the number of beads. 

Ex. The melody starts on Mi or the 3^rd degree of the scale. I used 3 beads in the first ring. The melody only uses the first 5 degrees of the scale; so the rings have at least one bead and up to five beads. Even if you can’t read music, you can read this melody. For the edging, I create a trefoil design of rings and chains. I was “chuffed” as Jane would say that there are 9 repeats. Beethoven’s name has 9 letters. Quite a bit of numerology which is not everyone likes, but fun!

I’m also quite pleased that my little creation was placed next to a quilt. I count the artist as a friend and mentor of sorts. I’ll be buying at least one ticket to tuck into her box.

Monterey Cypress quilt

Today I’ll hear an organ concert. Tomorrow is a vocal Master Class. Saturday starts the full Festival. I’m trying to keep at the chores so I can attend as much as possible. Of course, I’ll be tatting during the odd free moment. Most of my time will be soaking up the music and making notes for future designs. The ideas will flow almost as fast as the ocean wakes break on the beach!

productivity in what matters

It’s been a good week so far. I’ve found all 15 shuttles I typically use. Several live in a tin that serves as my Demonstration Box. A couple need some tlc work. Most are the Clover shuttles.

Nothin’ fancy, just good basic shuttles. I still need to gather all the patterns into a folder. And I’d like to wind shuttles for a lanyard to go with my tatted nametag. A couple shuttles are set up to tat another Joy bookmark. Several shuttles are dedicated to my design idea bag.

I’ve found it’s a good idea to set aside time each week for specific tasks. Designing falls into this category. Why? Because I could easily get lost in the task and spend way too much time. If I return to the task for short spurts each week, I am much, much more productive. Just how I work best. It’s important to go with your brain flow. Fighting yourself can leave bruises.

I also spent some time yesterday on the harpsichord. I came to the conclusion that I need to get proficient at replacing strings. Another string broke during the last week. I think because they are vintage strings, (no surprise there) and the wood is responding to the higher humidity here (no surprise there) by swelling. That pulls the strings tighter and week ones snap. I tuned it down almost a half-step yesterday. I figure after another week it may just stay at 415 or so. We’ll see.

I’m looking forward to practice today as I have time on the Dobson at St. Dunstan’s. It’s always a joy to play that organ. I’ll be dressing in layers as it will likely be quite a bit warmer there than at the house. That will be my short spurt for practice time today. I can no longer practice for hours each day. Especially if I’ve done cleaning chores or yard work. I’ve become much better at studying the score and thinking through the music. If I can “learn” the piece that way even a little, I can cut down on the repetition at the keyboard. 

Shuttles for Joy and Hope

Hearts of Hope by Anne Bruvold

I have tatted a shuttle full of these. My first intention was to tat one for each of the victims. But, as I filled the shuttle, I couldn’t help thinking about those left to survive or punish. My Hope is that this does not define their life. I Hope they continue to live seeking out life experiences.

I’ve filled the shuttle a second time as I’ve given almost the entire first batch away. People ask for one to remind them to take action. I purposely used a different shuttle for this batch. I want my shuttles to bring Joy and Hope, not be items of Remembrance.

Joy in orange

😀

I’ve been working on this sample for months. Not steadily, but whenever the deadlines clear enough to pick up a pattern I can work in small sections. And because the center section has beads added as you go, not loaded onto thread prior to tatting, I didn’t work on this in the car but rather just sitting around the house. OK, those of you who know me can stop laughing! I rarely just sit. I’m usually doing two things at once: tatting and …… watching TV, talking to friends, reading a book on the computer, listening to music that I want to analyze/perform, ….. you get the idea.

Anyway…..

This sample is in vintage thread using size 15 blue beads. I rather like it. Orange is associated with joy and happiness, so this makes me smile. Or perhaps that is because I’m looking forward to teaching in April and May. Join me!

Another bookmark and round

I have more Joy.

Joy designed by Melanie Cervi

Another bookmark is finished. It will go out next week and then on to the next one. I’m pleased with how these are turning out. The scan does not do it justice. I’m undecided if I like the dark border or the tan border.

Also finished another round of this wonderful doily. I’m also undecided….

Round 6 of Wiosna 2017 designed by Renulek

What color to use next? Add any beads? The doily is beginning to cup, so I’m really trying to think through what I need to do next.

I have no more "reset" available.....the shelves are bare

 

(This is not a happy, uplifting post nor one filled with pretty lace)

I find myself weary. I am a social person. That doesn’t mean I’m good at social graces, but that I find great joy in being around people. That makes my role as musician and teacher something I relish and gladly pursue.

But, we are not out of this yet. Pandemic life is morphing into endemic life. Groups I support and depend upon are beginning to gather more and more. Concerts (in person) are offered for listening pleasure and learning. Workshops (in person) are offered for learning and networking. Classes (in person) are offered more often. This will mean I’ll be sitting in groups with people I’m not normally in contact with, breathing air and touching surfaces I cannot be certain will not make me sick, and balancing a schedule for optimum involvement without overly taxing my stamina.

Yesterday, I set up my camping chair and enjoyed a couple of hours of fun music. There were professionals playing/singing along with students and amateurs. If you asked some of the teachers, they will tell you the amateurs can often play/sing better than they can. Everyone seemed to enjoy the music.

As I walked up the hill to our house, I found myself weary. I have very little excuse for physical tiredness as I haven’t been exercising overly much, nor have I filled my days with physical labor. I am just weary of trying to live safely. Trying to figure out how to reset and respond to news that affects my plans. I know this is part of human history. I am just weary.

I hope we can continue to gather safely. I hope to continue to learn together. I hope to live.

Envelopes....where ARE the envelopes???

Short post today as I’m off to the Carmel Bach Festival Office to turn in my application for the Art Raffle. Last year I focused on Joy and Buxtehude. This year is Sonata time! I’ll hear in a few weeks if my little bit of thread will be displayed to tempt ticket buyers.

Begin again.....

I cut off all but the first round of the hair bun holder in this lovely bright thread. I’m comfortable with that decision. It blends the right amount of Perfectionism with Joy of Creating. I will reach for this piece over and over again because I know it’s the way I want it. That’s the name of the game, right?

Besides…..I changed my mind about the beads…….

Getting ready to celebrate

I’m getting ready to party! 

Santa by Jane Eborall

December is always a busy time for me. I’ll be practicing daily again. I’ll be writing cards and notes. I’ll be creating and buying gifts and then wrapping them. This year I promised myself that everything that comes into the door will be used. I’m not going to stow it away “to use later” but used it now. Kinda “later is now” is my new attitude. And I do Attitude in December!

The picture is one of the gifts I’ve created. Not sure who will be receiving this one. I may just make several! For the pattern, visit Jane.

I hope your celebrations this month are full of joy and wonderment at the gifts you have been given!

Atmospheric River aftermath

Well, the best laid plans.

I’ve been busy lately. Mostly dealing with the aftermath of the Atmospheric River. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_river 

http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/02/california-rains-put-spotlight-atmospheric-rivers 

Now, you know you’re not crazy to be reeling from the weather when your state is named in Wikipedia, Science Magazine, and the subject of MIT papers. So, to those who live through hurricanes, typhoons, and tornadoes, I can relate much better to how your storms are described. That’s not to say our storm Monday was on the par with those weather events. It is to say, “I’ve had a taste.” We lost a smaller tree over the wall into the street. I’m still trying to figure out how to deal with it as a wise consumer and responsible citizen of the city. I’ll get it. Honest.

So, while the people who have the equipment work on the tree, I’ve been working on a design idea. That spawned another design idea. I'm calling it Joy for now. That needs to be tatted up to see how it looks. That needs….was that the door AGAIN? "Yes, I know our tree is down. I've been told by the city I need to get a contractor. Yes, I know the city should clear the street. Do you know a reputable contractor who could handle this job? No, well, nice to meet you. Have a good day. I should get back to the clean up tasks." So, I should have a picture soon.

I neglected to get a photo of the Blackwork sample before I sent it to its resting place. I hope to fix that mistake tomorrow. Along with preparing for the next wave of storm to hit this weekend. Why is it the worst seems to happen on a Holiday or weekend when all the sane people aren’t at work?

Two Hearts in One completed

Two Hearts as One by Martha Ess (front)

Here is the version in olive and deep red:

I’m glad I tatted this beauty. Thank you Martha Ess for giving us a great design to tat!

For my next version…..

Two Hearts as One by Martha Ess (back)

I considered tatting the pattern with picots only where necessary. Using beads, of course, and joining. But then I realized that it would be that much harder to tell which side is the front. And it would complicate the pattern just enough my brain might short-circuit. No explosion, but too many mistakes that would need to be dealt with. Not worth it.

I’ve had ideas for my Bach Fest piece. Last year was so much fun. And the bookmark continues to bring Joy. I’m seeing where a fugue subject takes me this year!

Merry Christmas

I know I haven’t posted in a week. It’s been a week. The details will not support my main reason for this post:

I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

May you experience the Warmth and Joy that is this Season.

Due to the storms, the remodel, the extra music, the social schedule combined with the threat of contracting the illness that’s raging through my circle of friends and family, I may or may not be posting for another week…. or so. Know that I’m guarding my health, keeping as much focus as I can on what’s important, and creating as much as I can.

I wish you a Happy new Year also!! 

My life continues

That’s a positive that I’m grateful for. I’ve had my scares. Some would say I’m on my 4^th of 9 lives. I’m OK. I can still play the organ a bit. I’ve found real joy in tatting. I have a wonderful life of a fabulous husband (I don’t tell him often enough!) and two children who are growing into wonderful adults. It’s good! My life continues.

I wish I could say the same for those pieces I’m tatting and practicing. I seem to be taking a step back for every step forward. At least I think it’s forward.

Ah well.

This morning I decided to join in on the TIAS game that Jane Eborall is hosting. Here’s my sample so far:

Jane's TIAS 2021 Day 1

Celebrate

 Today is the celebration of a Beginning. The beginning of a journey as a Nation. Like all things that are still evolving, we’re correcting mistakes, working to be better, and trying to find joy and happiness as we go along. May we have successes that help our future be brighter.

If you live in my corner of Tatland, please consider supporting this fundraiser:

I donated a piece again this year. I hope lots of raffle tickets are sold! The gallery where the art is hung is at the Sunset Center. Volunteers sell tickets before each evening performance and a few other times. I hope you enjoy!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I enjoy truly international Holidays a great deal. It’s fun to celebrate something that crosses borders and is significant in more than one culture. Especially if it involves gift giving, spreading joy and love, and general wonderful time with family and friends.

This year, it’s my pleasure to share with all a wonderful new pattern by Muskaan:

Block Heart Bracelet designed by Muskaan

I tried this out using both needle and shuttle with Lizbeth size 20. I think it will work with either tool just fine! I prefer shuttle, mostly because I felt clumsy using the needle, dropping it to pick up the other needle, and finding out where the first needle landed when I crossed my legs. No blood, but it interrupted my concentration, which of course opened the gates for an error. Just me trying to keep sane.

I so enjoy all my International tatting friends! Please take a moment to visit their blogs and leave them a comment. I’m going right now to thank both Georgia for sharing the pattern and Muskaan for creating the pattern!

hymning

 

The class I’ve been taking is giving me all kinds of ideas for designs. Remember this bookmark?

Using the tune called Joy, I create a way to represent the melody in beads. We classify these tunes in meter – 8888 – eight notes per line.

Well, how about creating a way to represent the poetry? Meter in poetry is a little more complicated. But, it could work, right????

Orange is happy

Orange is not a color I have gravitated to. I grew up when orange was usually used in psychedelic prints. I also grew up stopping on the way home from school to practice in churches. I didn’t have time to change, so I had to wear “church appropriate” clothes those days. Given my pale Germanic skin and dirty-blond hair, orange wasn’t in my closet much.

As I’ve gotten more familiar with color theory, I’ve dipped my toe into orange. Blue works nicely with orange, there’s lots of blue around here (sky, ocean), so my shuttles have been wound with different orange thread. Taking inspiration from my surroundings has led me to work with all those colors.

I’m getting used to it. It does make me happy to sit down with my shuttles wound in cheery thread!

I’ll snap a picture of Joy in orange after I snack on an orange from our tree. Promise!

Is it my age?

 Warning: This is a bit of a rant and grumpiness.

You’re forewarned!

Have you ever wondered at how people react to your creative output? I have.

Having started performing at age 11, my experience has run the gamut. “You’ll learn how to play some year.” “It must be discouraging when you realize you’ve lost your edge.” I often wonder if people are just repeating what they’ve heard or curious or just plain mean. It doesn’t encourage young people to take up a creative pursuit. I was banking on being replaced by younger performers. I’m growing tired. But I can only control what I do.

Perhaps a lot of my situation is my choice NOT to color my hair. I don’t mind looking over 60. I don’t create to give people an escape from reality. Just to spread some beauty in the world and help people to feal in a cold, rough life. 

I find people still judge and assume. That’s part of creating. You have to accept that will part of the experience of creating and putting your work out there. When I play music, I have to accept that it won’t touch people the way it touches me. When I tat lace, I have to accept that it won’t bring smiles and joy to people. That’s what a creative life means. I can only control what I do.

I find more aspects of my life besides music and lace are being influenced by my perceived age. Where I live, what my house looks like, what I choose to attend and how I talk about my creative life. Maybe that means I’m involved more with people now. I’m no longer practicing and tatting in solitude. I’m out and about more. I’m teaching more. I’m in more situations where my creative output is for sale.

It’s interesting. I guess it is my age.

Or is it the age I live in?

more Joy

You know those creative rabbit holes I posted about yesterday? Well, this is the result of one of those “squirrels” from several years ago. My premise: looking at a melody, correlate the degree of scale to a design element. Here’s what the theme from Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony last movement looks like using the bead count:

I must get this under control as I wish to participate in Sue’s Design class. She has inspired and taught me so much! Thank you Sue!!!!!