Been busy lately. I brought rachel to the 2009 national piano and violin competition (selected categories, mainly the junior and the intermediate) and she pretty much listened to one performance and slept for the rest. HAHAHAHA.
But...on the home front, since re-starting violin lessons in April this year after our teacher had settled down in the same estate, I am glad that Rachel is enjoying learning violin well. In fact, just the other day I was highlighting to Yan some interesting matters written in my calendar 2009- in which i document any thing from music lessons, to practises to home cleaning and cooking schedules. Indeed it's been the dextos year of the Lord
13 Feb 2009- Dreamt Yan bought Rachel a high quality violin in a white LV case. I've since understood it meant that God (the Father) will supply all that we need for our musical education (passion)- high quality instruments and accessories included. It's all been taken care of, teachers, fees, great opportunities, performances, concerts etc, we need not be anxious about anything at all.
14 Feb 2009 - Asked God for a high quality italian handmade violin with beautiful expressive voice. (Some 195 days later, on 28 Aug 2009, I brought home the Maggini copy, though made in Germany at a bargain price through my violin teacher who's violin collector friend happened to be hard pressed for cash)
25 Feb 2009- Rachel requested violin lessons from Amy. (April 1,2009, it's no joke, she started regular weekly lessons with Amy after I had mine and also performed the chorus section of "Jingle Bells" in the teacher's christmas recital early this month).
11 July 2009-Dreamt that Rachel asked for piano lessons every day. It's amazing but she will practise on her own if yan or I am not available to coach her daily. Now I schedule time daily to supervise her on the violin, piano and on music theory.
God is amazing. In fact, some of my dreams are " a little silly".
Yesterday I dreamt I was "dating" David Garrett!!!! We were in this sound-proofed basement in a beach resort somewhere in Indonesia and I was asking him about bowing techniques. Unfortunately due to our height differences 1.88m and me (1.57m) I couldn't quite get what he was explaining though I could see how he did the sforzando and the spizzicato?????? I felt I was in the presence of God himself...very surreal...very awesome. Though I had the blessings to watched him perform live right in front of us (I was carrying a 2 year old toddler, rachel in the first row, at the Paragon Shopping Centre).
Maybe it was due to the circumstances that happened earlier that day. I had been rather pissed with my neighbours who will hit our floors (their ceilings) whenever I start to practise on the violin. In fact, they banged so hard on the floors that the mirror that leaned on the wall moved and frightened Rachel. I remembered pleading with God for our own landed house with sound-proofing so we may improve musically. My consolation is that even David Garrett was "chased" out of an apartment before for practising on the violin much. For me I would love to have a classical musician neighbour so we can play and learn together often.
This shall come to pass soon. After all I had not one but three dreams of living in a double storey large contemporary house, on elevated sprawling grounds. Coming down from a short flight of stairs with glass walls, there was a concert grand and a harp and a lap pool to the extreme right of the hall. In the sprawling lawn / garden, outdoor canopy tents were busy preparing for a birthday party...mine!!!!!! What a dream that I can't wait for God to bring to pass. Not forgetting there was also this dream where I was caressing a real 1741 Guarneri del Gesu!!!! Or a recent one that I was given the keys to a whole room of pricey antique violins. Hallelujah!!!
Friday, 18 December 2009
Monday, 7 December 2009
First Christmas concert
Last saturday, Rachel and I had our debut performances in our teacher's christmas concert!!!! Thank God, it went well though I personally think I should do better!!!! with more practices. Another reason was there should be at least one proper rehearsal en location which we did not have the luxury of. All we did is some 30 minutes briefing before the private event with open doors??
I enjoyed The Puppet Show though half way through I felt my kun shoulder rest dislocating. Kun was my upgrade from the original Fom (made in china) and it worked well in the beginning. However, my latest upgrade violin, a Maggini copy seemed to have a smaller "bottom" resulting in a couple of "mishaps". Thank God I managed to secure the violin and the half latched on shoulder rest and continued my play without any panic. Actually I am not the panicky type!!!
Next time I will upgrade to the Mach One violin rest which had a "captain hook" to fit snuggly on the shoulder for a comfortable fit. It's also the brand that most concert violinists use I think. Retails US$70, for comfortable violin hold why not. I must get it!!! Another violin bow too! My less than a year old made in china bow warped!!!! and it costs me $250!!!! At the same time my Aldo bag of a few months started to "peel" (the synthetic PVC), afterwhich I realised it was also Hecho en china!!!! Enough of sub quality china made products for me and ma familie.
Watching the amazing race, I liken myself to the team number one (winner) gal who in my opinion is strong both physically and mentally. Level-headed. Sam and Dan bicker a lot and their shouting matches make the programme more interesting. I am most turned off by that mixed race team especially the lady was rather negative, whiny, and hysterical most of the time. It's a miracle her husband can remain cool with her behaving wild and crazy most of the time. Glad that they did not win anything!!!! Ha
Wow US $1 million dollars!!!!Congrats to the winner but its really not much in local terms, less than S$1.4 million can hardly help one obtain a 3 bedroom private apartment these days!!!!!
My deepest Christmas wish will be for God to bless us with our own home complete with a pool and a garden. It's been several years now that we've been renting and moving from place to place. Well, God loves to bless us and I know it shall come to pass that I will soon practise music in the comfort of my own home soon. Thank you Father God.
I enjoyed The Puppet Show though half way through I felt my kun shoulder rest dislocating. Kun was my upgrade from the original Fom (made in china) and it worked well in the beginning. However, my latest upgrade violin, a Maggini copy seemed to have a smaller "bottom" resulting in a couple of "mishaps". Thank God I managed to secure the violin and the half latched on shoulder rest and continued my play without any panic. Actually I am not the panicky type!!!
Next time I will upgrade to the Mach One violin rest which had a "captain hook" to fit snuggly on the shoulder for a comfortable fit. It's also the brand that most concert violinists use I think. Retails US$70, for comfortable violin hold why not. I must get it!!! Another violin bow too! My less than a year old made in china bow warped!!!! and it costs me $250!!!! At the same time my Aldo bag of a few months started to "peel" (the synthetic PVC), afterwhich I realised it was also Hecho en china!!!! Enough of sub quality china made products for me and ma familie.
Watching the amazing race, I liken myself to the team number one (winner) gal who in my opinion is strong both physically and mentally. Level-headed. Sam and Dan bicker a lot and their shouting matches make the programme more interesting. I am most turned off by that mixed race team especially the lady was rather negative, whiny, and hysterical most of the time. It's a miracle her husband can remain cool with her behaving wild and crazy most of the time. Glad that they did not win anything!!!! Ha
Wow US $1 million dollars!!!!Congrats to the winner but its really not much in local terms, less than S$1.4 million can hardly help one obtain a 3 bedroom private apartment these days!!!!!
My deepest Christmas wish will be for God to bless us with our own home complete with a pool and a garden. It's been several years now that we've been renting and moving from place to place. Well, God loves to bless us and I know it shall come to pass that I will soon practise music in the comfort of my own home soon. Thank you Father God.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
On the beat!!!
Been rehearsing for the coming concert this saturday. Actually its my and rachel's debut public performance!!!! Rachel will play with many kids, Jingle Bells whereas I will play in the ensemble Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, The Christmas Song and the Puppet Song. The better kids (mostly) will play in groups of 3 other Christmassy titles.
Yesterday I had a trying time playing ON THE BEAT with my teacher's computer accompaniment. Some parts I was half a beat too fast, though never too slow. Later I realised it was my fingering, in anticipation of the bow change or the next note I had often release a certain finger too prematurely. I need to learn to weigh down each finger evenly.
Last Friday's rehearsal was a mess!!!! I was thrown off by others' wrong bowing and half way at the puppet song I couldn't hear properly as the loud high frequencies of so many violins in a small apartment with low ceiling was causing alot of distress in the left ear!!!! Mostly wind like sound that goes away once the high pitch noise ends. I thought about seeing a hearing specialist about it, since it bothered me for a few years now. It started when I bathe a screaming toddler in a small shower room in the previous apartment, Gosh, Rachel was such a high pitched squealing toddler during bath time that my left ear rings to my dismay and discomfort.
However, I've decided to leave the matter to Jesus my perfect healer and trust that once again he will heal perfectly as he had done before with the serious rotar cuff tendonitis, sustained years back- a gym mishap.
Next week is going to be busy. I will take Rachel to the National Piano and Violin Competition 2009 for most of the Junior segments and will probably attend the final concert (Artiste) category as before.
Then there is a whole lot of planning and shopping to do for the annual Year end party cum Rachel's 5th birthday.The theme is Disney Princesses. I am inviting close friends to this party this time round and some of Rachel's playmates (Yan's students). Can't wait!!!! How I wish I have a bigger place for the guests to mingle ( a pool and garden will be nice), plenty of parking space and also domestic helpers to assist in the cleaning, purchasing and decorating etc etc.
Yes indeed, the time will come. Thank God
Yesterday I had a trying time playing ON THE BEAT with my teacher's computer accompaniment. Some parts I was half a beat too fast, though never too slow. Later I realised it was my fingering, in anticipation of the bow change or the next note I had often release a certain finger too prematurely. I need to learn to weigh down each finger evenly.
Last Friday's rehearsal was a mess!!!! I was thrown off by others' wrong bowing and half way at the puppet song I couldn't hear properly as the loud high frequencies of so many violins in a small apartment with low ceiling was causing alot of distress in the left ear!!!! Mostly wind like sound that goes away once the high pitch noise ends. I thought about seeing a hearing specialist about it, since it bothered me for a few years now. It started when I bathe a screaming toddler in a small shower room in the previous apartment, Gosh, Rachel was such a high pitched squealing toddler during bath time that my left ear rings to my dismay and discomfort.
However, I've decided to leave the matter to Jesus my perfect healer and trust that once again he will heal perfectly as he had done before with the serious rotar cuff tendonitis, sustained years back- a gym mishap.
Next week is going to be busy. I will take Rachel to the National Piano and Violin Competition 2009 for most of the Junior segments and will probably attend the final concert (Artiste) category as before.
Then there is a whole lot of planning and shopping to do for the annual Year end party cum Rachel's 5th birthday.The theme is Disney Princesses. I am inviting close friends to this party this time round and some of Rachel's playmates (Yan's students). Can't wait!!!! How I wish I have a bigger place for the guests to mingle ( a pool and garden will be nice), plenty of parking space and also domestic helpers to assist in the cleaning, purchasing and decorating etc etc.
Yes indeed, the time will come. Thank God
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Of vampires and dreams.
Just finished reading the screenplay of "The Reader". This is a very interesting piece of work by David Hare based on the award-winning and New York Times best-selling novel by Bernhard Schlink. I will check out the book though I am resisting the temptation to read the Twilight Sagas.
I love vampire books when I was a pre-teen to early teenage I think. There is something so eternal about it, the sensuality of being loved by beings that are like us yet different. The language is particularly romantic and the images makes one pulsate with each kill!!!!! Totally thrilling!!! It was until I became serious Christian that one had to "severe" such unhealthy "soul ties??????" or rather "associations", afterall, you are what you read. Your mind is a fertile ground, why fill it with images of vampires when you can reap the abundant,victorious life that Christ gives freely through his word?????? Even my all time vampire writer, Anne Rice Whose marvellous work "Interview with the Vampire"( my last, both book and movie- starring the all time handsome Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise), ya, even Anne Rice now writes about angels since she had converted to Christianity.
However, twilight beckons me!!!! Isn't Robert Pattison cute???? There's something about his pale porcelain face and his deep blood sucking lips that attracts women (aunties included). May be its the Bram Stoker version that I watched with my mum when I was a kid. How sensuous to be seduced by a handsome blood-stucker and die in his arms - totally romantic!!!! I would join him to be a vampire team and seduce younger males. HAHAHAHA. There was a brief period in my early teens when I did ponder over the fact if indeed they were amongst us, dead yet alive, awake when we were asleep. I wondered how it would be like if I ever was seduced by one- handsome eternal being.
The Reader is the compelling story of a young boy of 15 who was seduced by a stranger twice his age on that fateful day when he was taken ill with scarlet fever. As their secretive relationship deepens, Hannah would have the school boy read aloud to her all sorts of literature before they make love. Then one day she disappeared mysteriously leaving the young Michael heartbroken and confused. Michael loved her deeply, she being his first love.
Then years later, the now law student Michael (Ralph Fiennes)is shocked to find the now old Hannah (Kate Winslet) back in his life. This time as a defendent in court. The story goes on to reveal about Hannah's Nazi past and the fact that she was illiterate until she learnt to read with Michael's audio tapes (he was reading as in the past to his love) in the long years in jail.
I love reading screen plays. Maybe it was my literary past, those shakespearean plays that one had to memorise for exams in school, and the fact that I often was asked to play this and that character!!!! I love it when in my mind I could become the character in the script and deliver the lines. I am good directing my own mind production and often times, re enacts the certain scenes in movies I watched. It could be an alternative perspective or an alternative ending scene or whatever I feel could bring out a better interpretation!!!! It's like I could be a director if I want to, an actress perhaps and certainly the many dreams I have every day in full colour, sound and texture and feelings certainly helps.
Just the other day, I dreamt I was walking through this new housing estate that is so proximate to Johor and the land fill (for trash!!!) Boy!!!! It smelt so bad in my dream that I almost threw up!!!!! I tried to flee from the horrid stench by running up to the highest floor (my thigh muscles aching) and behold, the scenery was a breath-taking view of Johor's huge landed houses in this vast yet sparsely populated hilly region near the narrow straits. What a contrast!! and I woke!!!!
I was running away from the horrid stench of the compost heap while Melina, my dearest friend mentioned that she had nightmares of running away from vampires!!! I guess for now, I've matured!!!! And if I do read and watch the twilight saga, it will not be about Robert Pattison but how I, the amateurish director could improve on what is already in the big screen. LOL
I love vampire books when I was a pre-teen to early teenage I think. There is something so eternal about it, the sensuality of being loved by beings that are like us yet different. The language is particularly romantic and the images makes one pulsate with each kill!!!!! Totally thrilling!!! It was until I became serious Christian that one had to "severe" such unhealthy "soul ties??????" or rather "associations", afterall, you are what you read. Your mind is a fertile ground, why fill it with images of vampires when you can reap the abundant,victorious life that Christ gives freely through his word?????? Even my all time vampire writer, Anne Rice Whose marvellous work "Interview with the Vampire"( my last, both book and movie- starring the all time handsome Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise), ya, even Anne Rice now writes about angels since she had converted to Christianity.
However, twilight beckons me!!!! Isn't Robert Pattison cute???? There's something about his pale porcelain face and his deep blood sucking lips that attracts women (aunties included). May be its the Bram Stoker version that I watched with my mum when I was a kid. How sensuous to be seduced by a handsome blood-stucker and die in his arms - totally romantic!!!! I would join him to be a vampire team and seduce younger males. HAHAHAHA. There was a brief period in my early teens when I did ponder over the fact if indeed they were amongst us, dead yet alive, awake when we were asleep. I wondered how it would be like if I ever was seduced by one- handsome eternal being.
The Reader is the compelling story of a young boy of 15 who was seduced by a stranger twice his age on that fateful day when he was taken ill with scarlet fever. As their secretive relationship deepens, Hannah would have the school boy read aloud to her all sorts of literature before they make love. Then one day she disappeared mysteriously leaving the young Michael heartbroken and confused. Michael loved her deeply, she being his first love.
Then years later, the now law student Michael (Ralph Fiennes)is shocked to find the now old Hannah (Kate Winslet) back in his life. This time as a defendent in court. The story goes on to reveal about Hannah's Nazi past and the fact that she was illiterate until she learnt to read with Michael's audio tapes (he was reading as in the past to his love) in the long years in jail.
I love reading screen plays. Maybe it was my literary past, those shakespearean plays that one had to memorise for exams in school, and the fact that I often was asked to play this and that character!!!! I love it when in my mind I could become the character in the script and deliver the lines. I am good directing my own mind production and often times, re enacts the certain scenes in movies I watched. It could be an alternative perspective or an alternative ending scene or whatever I feel could bring out a better interpretation!!!! It's like I could be a director if I want to, an actress perhaps and certainly the many dreams I have every day in full colour, sound and texture and feelings certainly helps.
Just the other day, I dreamt I was walking through this new housing estate that is so proximate to Johor and the land fill (for trash!!!) Boy!!!! It smelt so bad in my dream that I almost threw up!!!!! I tried to flee from the horrid stench by running up to the highest floor (my thigh muscles aching) and behold, the scenery was a breath-taking view of Johor's huge landed houses in this vast yet sparsely populated hilly region near the narrow straits. What a contrast!! and I woke!!!!
I was running away from the horrid stench of the compost heap while Melina, my dearest friend mentioned that she had nightmares of running away from vampires!!! I guess for now, I've matured!!!! And if I do read and watch the twilight saga, it will not be about Robert Pattison but how I, the amateurish director could improve on what is already in the big screen. LOL
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