Paura Niente: Time is what you make of it

Between praise band, and brass quintet, and church and horses and of course, work, it seems like I never get time to sit down and craft. So I sat down and started on my Christmas list. I've got a couple of cute cardigans, a blanket, socks and what not for lots of people on my Christmas list. It's nice to actually craft again. I'd love to start working on my painting projects.
I started teaching private lessons again. I've got 10 kids, and they're all so much fun. The little ones got their student IDs today and some of the boys were playing FBI agents. All of a sudden, in the middle of class, one of them says "MS. HOWELL! You're in grave danger!" and tackles me off of the piano bench. "Lucky I saved your life!"

Yes, kiddo. Yes I am. They're so much fun. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when I have kids who go home and sing the songs we're learning in class to their parents, and at conferences, their parents tell me about how much their kid loves music class, or when kids who don't do so well in other classes just seem to 'get' music. I gave my kids a choir. I have ~20 signed up. They're excited. Even kids I never thought would join choir have decided to give it a go and see what it's like. It helps that I picked 'poppy' songs, but whatever gets them going, for now. If that means singing stuff from GLEE, whatever. My 3rd and 4th graders are operating a lot like a choir, also. They're singing parts, and they are so excited! Most of my high schoolers are excited, too. But it's never cool to be excited about band. Especially in front of your friends.

Brass quintet is a blast. I'm glad I decided to do it. There are days I don't always feel like going, but I'm happy when I do. I play my trumpet about as much as I did in college. My range has gotten better (I have no idea how, but it's no effort for those stupid high notes) and I can transpose like a beast. Up a fourth? Sure. No problem. I play every Sunday in church. Right now I'm working on Telemann. It's kind of tough, because finding an accompanist who can play nasty things like Haydn is not easy.

I've been out at the ranch a lot. I'd live in a tent in the arena if I could. I've been working with the baby, and Sky, and the Paso's, and Brandy. I got a halter on the baby (who is ADORABLE) and Sky is behaving much better. I even got a halter on Brandy, and led her around. Nobody has ever been able to touch her. I love her, she is so sweet, and soft, and gorgeous. Absolutely beautiful. I rode one of the Paso Finos briefly. Their gate is so awkward, but not uncomfortable. They are short, and long backed and hard to put a saddle on. Also, high strung. I'd love to keep working with her.