Mom was my first music teacher. She was a brilliant goddess of love and beauty when I was little. Some of my fondest memories are the hours we spent sitting side by side on the piano bench singing together as she played. Although she became embarrassing, unreasonable and very nearly stupid during my teen years, Mom eventually returned to her former self (except for being tinged with some actual human qualities). Go figure! Anyway, besides loving me like a rock, the best thing she did for me was to support all of my interests with lessons in various arts. Mom enabled me to make music my life. Now the Spring Recital is coming up, and all my students’ Moms & Dads will be present to proudly witness their offspring’s piano progress. I expect that, as usual, I will be overwhelmed with accomplishment and appreciation as I watch “my” kids. The performance is May 15 at 3:30, Northbrae Community Church (Chapel), 941 The Alameda, Berkeley. You’re invited!
Similar Posts
Anticipation
ByCynthiaIt’s high time for a demo of my inspirational/Spiritual Songs. I’m waiting with bated breath for a shipment of finished CDs from U.P.S. It’s called Three Healing Songs written and performed by Cynthia Bythell, and Discmakers sent it out on the 27th of last month. So, where is that nice guy in the big brown truck? A bunch…
What Works for Me
ByCynthiaIt’s Thanksgiving time again, but every day I can get great joy from savoring all I appreciate. It’s kind of selfish really. I just do it to make myself feel happy. Here’s how I write my (almost) daily personal gratitude list: 1.Put a positive spin on everything that happened yesterday. 2.Give thanks for today so…
Answering The Artistic Lament
ByCynthiaCreativity needs room. What would this world be without music, art, literature, and live performance? The artistic soul needs time to itself to create. My life is beautifully abundant, and yet somehow amongst earning a living, running errands, paying bills, maintaining a home, self care and spiritual practice, I must find time to write songs…
May Blessings
ByCynthiaIt’s time to put Mom & Dad’s photos up on the mantel again in accordance with my yearly tradition. When I was little, we had a different custom. May 1st meant dancing around the Maypole, weaving brightly colored streamers into a beautiful pattern, and handing out May Baskets full of flowers. It was a fun…
Tricks & Treats
ByCynthiaIt was so much fun to sing with the Magnolia Jazz Band again late last month, on such a beautiful day in Napa. It seemed like Summer, but the next thing I knew, it was time to get ready for October Share The Music Day. This is an informal event where the students play for each other and…
Giving Thanks for Thanks & Thanks for Giving
ByCynthiaI’m so grateful for my morning gratitude practice. It makes me happy, and gets my day off to a good start. First, I write a list of things I appreciate about yesterday, making sure to put a positive spin on any thing that didn’t seem so great at the time. (If I woke up grumpy,…