How I learned

 I dislike relating how I learned to play the organ or how I learned to tat. I do tell folks. I just don’t see it as important. What I do now is more important to me. Incidentally, now I play the organ for the enjoyment of people, to enhance a worship service, and to share music I think everyone should know about. Now I tat to express what I see in life in thread. I also teach. And that is why I have begun to tell people how I learned to play the organ and to tat.

I began playing the organ as a preteen. My peers hardly understood it. Adults thought it was cute. I just like playing the organ.

I began to tat as a teen. I like working with fiber. I fail at knitting and crochet. I can’t sit still. A relative, who didn’t tat, had a shuttle and a book. I figured it out.

There! That’s how I learned.

Earlier this week I recorded another 30 minutes of organ music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Here’s the Youtube channel link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9Xvh2eadS0KrPu8bAOsBQ/videos .  The church is always empty except for the gentleman who films me. We both wear masks. That doesn’t mean that nothing is happening. The church is still very involved in the community. They support food banks for seniors, they provide assistance for Spanish speakers, and maintain several Zoom based discussion groups. They are not closed, just not meeting in person. They deserve to be supported.

Thank you for reading my rant/plea. Now on to practicing and tatting!

Challenge progress

 October is shaping up to be quite busy. I’ve taped two playlists for St. Paul’s for the Friday concert. I’ll be teaching a series of tatting classes/workshops for the Lace Museum. And it’s the time of year to put new plants into the ground so they can benefit from the rains and get a great start. That means lots of time spent trying to figure out the landscaping we wish to maintain and enjoy. So, I don’t have a lot to show for tatting. Just a trial for my Day 14 of Threads That Bind:

My inspiration is doilies from Jan Stawasz’s book TattingTheory and Patterns. I thought the motif looked like a house. Considering all the time we’re spending working from home, I wanted to try it out. The blue version will be the “house” with a roof added and the black version will be expanded in green to represent a tree. It may not work at all, but I gotta try!

My pipe organ adventures

 

I’ve had fun recording a short 30 minute concert this week. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has hosted a Friday Noon concert for many years. It is a way for them to share with the greater community. A local junior college encourages students to attend, so we often have people popping in for a few minutes. Some bring their lunches and (respectfully and neatly) munch as they listen. I have been invited several times to play and enjoy it greatly!

Since we’re all recording and posting online, that’s what I’ve done for this Friday. This is the page where the link is posted: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9Xvh2eadS0KrPu8bAOsBQ/videos

I try to pick music for each concert to showcase a portion of the organ. This week, I also challenged myself to play pieces written in the key of G. It was fun looking through the repertoire. I hope you enjoy!

Please consider supporting St. Paul’s or a local church with such an outreach. They are not “closed” and still offer many opportunities for community. Many are struggling to see a way to fill the many needs. To donate to St. Paul’s, click here: https://www.stpauls-salinas.org/donationsdonaciones

St. Paul's Salinas

Elephant canvas progress.

I hit milestones yesterday:

One month since I last played the organ for people to listen to.

One month since I last taught a lesson in person.

I finished “lesson 1” on the Elephant canvas. It looks more like an elephant now.

I have emerged from the “in shock” phase of this new reality. I have wrapped my brain around what I must do each day to take care. I need to revamp my daily life to work towards my big goals. I need to work for a future for myself and for those I love. I can do this!

I look forward to hearing what each of you are doing to find a new future for yourself and those you love.

The tough get tatting

The cancellation of the Noon concert took the wind out of my sails yesterday afternoon. I had to sit myself down and remind myself that the Lace Museum workshop is a month away. A lot can happen in 5 weeks. While the news from Sunnyvale and Santa Clara County is grim, so far, I have hope that all will be well in 5 weeks. I also have hope that all will go as planned 2 weeks later at the Shuttlebirds Tat Days. I have not finalized my travel plans, but need to soon.

As I was contemplating the next few days, watching a squirrel under the oak trees, my biggest fan commented, “Well, when the going gets tough, the tough get tatting.”

I’ll be tatting today!

I invite you

To St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salinas. I will be playing for about 30 minutes beginning at Noon on Friday, March 6, 2020. (That's tomorrow! Yipes!)

The church is at the corner of Pajaro and San Miguel. Parking is available across the street in the lot or on the street. I will be playing 10 pieces all composed in the key of C Major. Each lasts just a few minutes. I drew from repertoire from the 16^th century to the 20^th century. I really tried to find something I liked written in the 21^st century that would be short and easy to listen to, didn’t find anything. I’ll keep looking. Bring your lunch and join us as we explore organ music in the key of C.

It's better already

I haven’t even started the vacation and my perspective has changed already. Maybe that’s because I’ve finished playing 2 of 5 services/concerts. I’m looking forward to a few days away. But, before I take off, here’s the info on the Noon concerts:

Friday, March 6, 2020 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salinas, CA at Noon: Oh, I C

I’ll be playing a short concert. I challenged myself to put together a collection of pieces in C Major from different centuries. Pack a lunch, come on down, and find out what music spanning hundreds of years has in common.

Friday, March 13, 2020 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salinas, CA at Noon: It’s all relative

I’ll be on the bench for a 20-30 minute program of pieces in a minor. I haven’t decided yet if there will be a Bach Prelude and Fugue in the exploration of keys. It would be obvious to include an example of the form.

Friday, March 20, 2020 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salinas, CA at Noon:  It’s about 4 foot or 8 foot.

The music this week will highlight the 4 and 8 foot stops on the organ. We’ll have fun listening to how a piece can sound different on the same instrument.

I hope this tempts you to take a break and join us. Bring a lunch if you wish, or just come to sit a spell and listen. See you there!

Substitutions

Since my injury, I’ve been on a journey of last minute gigs for organ jobs. I’m the substitute in the wings colleagues call when life happens. Almost each time it is for a happy event: babies coming early, winning a trip to a wonderful location (Paris!), and receiving a gift of time with a treasured friend. Sometimes the events are not so cheerful. Last week I received one of those breathless "I have good news and a request" calls. I filled in Sunday, will fill in Wednesday and a few Fridays. More information on those Noon concerts in a later post. Right now I must gather my music and shoes and get busy!

Good thing I finished all the samples for the workshops last week!! Pictures have already been shared as much as I’m allowed. You’ll just have to sign up for Sunnyvale Lace Museum or Shuttlebirds Tat Days to join in more fun with those patterns. Classes are filling, so get your application in (scholarships are available for new tatters).

In the Program

Those local to Monterey may have figured out that I review concerts for a website. I don’t consider myself a journalist and I ALWAYS ask for my text to be proofread before submittal. As my daughter said once I don’t “grammar” well. She admonished me to stick to playing music and tatting lace. Don't let a teenager limit you. 

I was pleasantly encouraged to read a column by a restaurant reviewer this week. Raul Nava will be writing for the Monterey Herald. In his column, he wrote of his vision. He wishes to “avoid the traditional parade of critical commentary on dish after dish.” That sums up my vision for my reviews. 

I could write words detailing every mistake, expressing my own personal bias, or slamming the venue. But, I like encouraging people to play music, buy tickets to hear music, and to explore compositions they haven’t yet come to love. Sure, I’ll be attending concerts that will be a negative experience. I’ve played some concerts and services that I’d really, really like a do-over! Sure, recordings are available for free. I recommend newbie concert goers listen to the music at least once before settling in their seat and perusing the program.

I’ve decided that will be my “by-line” for these reviews: In the Program.

I hope if you see me at a concert, you’ll let me know you read this blog and give me feedback. Oh, and invite someone to explore the music with you. There are plenty of people out there who hesitate to attend a concert, and would be glad for the encouragement!

Getting ready

I’ve decided I’m cursed with always being in the process of getting ready! That’s not a bad thing! I rather like all the activity.

I spend hours practicing for that 1 hour of playing for other people.

I spend hours tatting that 1 small snowflake or earring.

I spend hours cleaning and straightening for that 1 day hosting.

Currently, I’m spending hours preparing the Elephant canvas, preparing an application to teach another workshop, deciding what I’ll be doing to celebrate the Holidays…then preparing for all that.

Lest you think I’m grumpy about it all, I would rather be planning and preparing than caught flat-footed and miss the chance to play the organ, give a gift, or welcome friends to my home.

So, I’m off to prepare to host the Tuesday Tatting Study Group. After a walk along the Bay.

Ready for Play

It is my custom to review what I do each day, each week, each month, each quarter……… You get the idea. I need to know I’m making progress, making the world a better place, meeting my goals…….

BWV 549 by Melanie Cervi

June, on that list, looks like one big celebration! When you glance at my blog posts, you see posts that seem to be wrapped up in just one project. I really was involved in more than that! Really!! (BWV 549)

Sonata by Melanie Cervi

(Sonata) July, on that list, looks like one big concert!Lots of listening and writing, not much tatting or playing. I did play organ several times. I set the date for my workshop in Sunnyvale.

August wasn’t so positive. The organ went on the blink. The snowflakes went missing. I played a lot, so the hands have been limping along. I’m determined to end with a more positive week!

Yesterday, I spent most of the day preparing for the concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salinas on Friday. Today, I’ll wrap up that preparation and work on repairing the organ. Tomorrow, I’ll be finishing my in-progress samples for the classes at Tat Days. (My classes are listed about half way down the page.) And Saturday is the last day of August! Whew!!

I'll be ready for some Play Time in September............

I'm prepared....I think!

I usually don’t get nervous when I play. I have been well schooled in how to practice and perform. When you start very young, not playing often upsets you more than playing. Since I’m coming to giving workshops later in life, I’ve experienced nerves. Geesh!

Anyway, I think I’ve prepared sufficiently for the workshop Monday. Update as I unpack afterwards.

It’s been challenging to keep working on ideas. The mailman delivered the brochure for Bach Fest 2019. So much music! I finally had to hide the brochure with all the concerts listed so I didn’t pick it up and distract myself. I need to put the sketches for BWV 549 into thread. I’ve got all these options.

Time to get to work!

Concert cancelled

Those are words I do not like to utter or type or even think. And yet, I must get the word out.

The concert featuring Svyati Duo at St. Dunstan’s Wed. Oct. 24, 2018 has been cancelled. They have had to return to England due to illness.

When I got the word I was in the midst of staying off my feet to encourage a sore ankle to heal. I must push the ankle today to get word to people I asked to post posters and messages that things will be quiet next Wednesday. I hope the illness is not career ending. I wish an uneventful trip home to the musicians and a speedy recovery from the illness.

Invitation to an organ concert

Nothing new to show. I did start the next round of the Sonata piece. Since it’s dark thread, I only work on it when it’s sunny so the room is bright. The pattern is simple enough I could do it watching tv, but that room never gets sun, so tatting in dark thread is an exercise in braille. Not good!

I’ll have more time after tomorrow. If you’re in Salinas tomorrow around Noon, drop by St. Paul on Pajaro. I’ll be playing for about 45 minutes.

of hail and rainbows

Well, the weather is being very fickle! It hailed yesterday. So, all those succulents we planted? They’re shivering!!! Then the sun poked through just at sunset creating a double rainbow.

I found more Connectors, so the stars will go on the flag soon. And….

Another successful organ concert was enjoyed yesterday.

Life is good….

I have several huge projects on the shuttles. This means there’s not much to share here. I am taking time to visit and comment. Although I fear what I have to say really isn’t earth-shattering. If you like, let me know what you think I should comment on. Hint, Hint….

Now, to see what needs to be cleaned up from Mother Nature……

Jelly and Spring

It’s raining today. I’m not complaining!! We need the rain. We’ve only measured half the “normal” rainfall for the season so far. We don’t get snow here in Monterey, so we depend on rain to replenish the ground water supply and fill the reservoirs. I doubt 6 inches will fall in the next 2 days, but it would be nice to get a couple inches.

Last weekend, I walked down to the bay to watch these: 

This one broke the surface of the water as though it needed to breathe!

Such a graceful swimmer

My phone doesn’t do justice to the spectacle. These Jelly fishs were just spectacular. So easy to watch, and an otter swam right in between them and the dock! I wasn't fast enough to catch a picture of that, but this picture shows a bit the size difference between an otter and a  boat. I would like to find time this weekend to tour the new displays at the Aquarium. Perhaps I’ll find answers to questions from last weekend’s walk.

Boaters on their way to breakfast passing an otter groaming after eating.

In the meantime, I’ve loaded beads for a trial through of Dazzling Debut by Marilee Rockley. It’s in Tatting with Beads Jewelry. I’ve wanted to try curled rings forever. Since I had most of the tatting projects well in hand, I dove right in.

One of those projects is the next round of Renulek’s Wiosna 2017 doily. I know, I know. It took me long enough to make a decision! I think I’ll like it. With all the other demands on my time, It’ll take me a month or so to make enough headway to show a picture.

One of those demands is on the organ bench. I’ll be playing at St. Paul’s Friday at Noon for those local to me. Bach, Franck, Walther and Saint-Saens. Not in that order. Or maybe. Come and find out!

Just before the otter swam through

Just after as the otter dissappeared under the dock

What a weekend....

I’ve been having fun with organs in this area. So much, I’ve not picked up shuttles much. A friend of mine traveled down from San Jose to play a concert on the Dobson organ at St. Dunstan’s. It was so much fun! Those who missed it will have another chance. She definitely wants to play here again.

Then on Sunday, a local organist played a bang up concert on a new Allen in town. I neglected to snap a good picture of the organ. I did take one, but I didn’t catch that it was very out of focus. How does that happen using my phone? I mean, it’s so easy to get good pictures on the phone until you really want them to turn out! Anyway, the concert was fun. He invited good friends who sing in a barbershop quartet to sing. Not your average church concert!

I’ll miss posting the rest of this week. I’ll be preparing to visit an organ museum. I promise to check my phone to make sure I have at least one good picture to share. I hope to finish 2 tatting projects while traveling. One is up to that fiddly finishing stage of the last few elements and hiding ends. The other should only take 3-4 hours to tat….once the shuttles are free.

In the meantime, those here in Monterey can enjoy “locals weather” and the less crowded streets. The sunrise was spectacular this morning!

What do you do when the ideas come fast and furious?

Brain dump!
(Which doesn't take long for me snigger, snigger)

I found some adorable buttons yesterday in a thrift store. They are now in process of becoming a jewelry set for a fundraiser. That’s all I’ll be able to share about that.

I recently attended a mini-workshop on Blackwork. http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques-guides/blackwork-embroidery/  I have several great ideas of how to combine that with tatting. I should have pictures next week.

In the meantime, I invite all to attend an upcoming organ concert:

“Bach By Popular Demand” 

featuring James Welch

Carmel Presbyterian Church, Carmel, CA 

Saturday, February 18 at 3 PM

Organ and Sackbut Recital 

featuring music of Renaissance, Baroque and contemporary music 

for organ and bass sackbut 

Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, Sunnyvale, CA

Friday, February 24, at 7:30 PM

I'll be the one tatting in the corner!

What a whirl wind of a weekend!

It all started Friday with my mini-concert at St. Paul’sSalinas. I chose to just start playing this time. No bowing between pieces. “The European Way” as a colleague of mine puts it. I do like playing this organ. So, I played on not knowing who was out there. I heard a stifled sneeze and a cough or two so I knew at least 1 person was listening besides me. At the end of the list, there was applause to acknowledge. I was pleased to see an old friend out there.

We caught up over lunch and then it was back to the task at hand: keep the big house going while working. We took a break Saturday and enjoyed the Italian Festa. It was great fun! Sunday was a full day at St. Dunstan's with services in the morning and hosting a concert in the afternoon. I was pleased with how it all went, but quite exhausted at the end of the day. Unfortunately, the barometer was climbing all day, so my walking-talking-barometer was suffering. That made for a bit of a tough evening. I chose to do the bare minimum and get to bed early. Good thing too! I was still kinda dragging Monday morning. And the hands are the worse for the wear. They’re getting better today. Another good night of sleep and I’ll be able to practice or pick up the shuttles again (but not both!).

In the meantime, I’m enjoying checking in on the organ installation at First Presbyterian in Monterey. Everything came off the truck Monday. Now starts the big push. Typically, the crews work 10 hours days just to get things off the pews so people can still use the space for worship…..small detail! 

a big one!

They’re approaching community use of the organ differently than St. Dunstan’s. I hope they do a recital series. If not, we’ll still get to enjoy it! 

Organ concerts and earrings

First off, an update on the organ side of my day. I had the pleasure of hearing James Welch play the organ at St. Dunstan’s recently. It was inspiring. Mostly for the music he played. He chose wonderful music that really showed off the instrument. Also for the people who came. The concert sold out. Standing room only. The Fire Marshall would have probably had a fit. And everyone enjoyed themselves. It’s so much fun to hear good organ. It’s even more fun to see people who may not be familiar with organs to walk in and experience the King of Instruments.

Now on to tatting:

These are what I came up with from Renee Campbell’s pattern Rainbow Bright Earrings. I enjoyed tatting them, even though I used size 80 thread and no beads. The star shaped spacers I used were a find in a bead shop where I used to live. I’m not sure if they’re still available. I plan to wear these to celebrate anything having to do with being American.

Oh, and yes, I will be playing again for the St. Paul's Noon concerts soon. I'll try to remember to post about it here as soon as I have the next date. I just get distracted at the organ and forget to do tasks on the 'puter. My bad. I promise to keep the organ first, but fit this in also.