Saturday, October 6, 2018.
I have not blogged for five days. It was a busy week. Fall term at the music center where I teach piano began on Monday.
I am trying to avoid social media with all the political frenzy. I am attempted to stay informed by reading several news sources daily. But choosing not to take sides. Yet.
I have my own life to get in order. But I am being watchful. This country seems to be in a very precarious position.
I am also a wee bit exhausted. I have had incredible teacher-student moments this week. In particular a brand new beginning class made up of all middle school students. In the past, I have been a bit apprehensive about this age. But this group rocked! I decided to teach them the stories and songs I made up for the younger kids and they loved it!
I am wondering if becoming a grandma has made me a better teacher? I am older, more patient and grateful for each day. Hopefully a bit wiser too.
The fun thing about teaching piano in a group setting is that there is an opportunity for connections to be made between the kids. I saw that all week. And I paid attention to the dynamic. So each class was slightly different.
I spent a good deal of time at the beginning of each class in "circle" time, getting to know each student and telling them a bit about me. I bragged about my granddaughter Grace, and told the kids that she is only 13 months old, but already very musical! I saw some heads nodding. Perhaps they are thinking of younger brothers and sisters.
But there was a palpable feeling of enthusiasm and excitement in the air. I think this is going to be a good year!
I also made a decision, just yesterday to reschedule my upcoming solo concert. I was starting to feel much anxiety. I just didn't feel like I had time to prepare. I have just begun researching the composers I want to focus on. I have picked my musical selections. But the original concert day was right before Thanksgiving.
With my granddaughter watching, piano teaching, family needs and getting my health back on track, there is not enough time to practice. I do not want to fly by the seat of my pants. I am excited about my theme. So I rescheduled for early winter. After the holidays.
I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
Today, I had some time between students to practice. And with the extra time I have bought myself, I can explore a few more pieces before I settle on the program.
Relief can bring such happiness!
Speaking of happiness, I had a very pleasurable bus ride home after choir practice Tuesday night. First, let me tell you, I could feel a very bad mood threatening to take over when I discovered I had to wait 29 minutes for the bus going downtown. For some reason, two busses in a row had been canceled. And here I was so excited about catching the 105 I-5 Express from downtown Portland to downtown Vancouver. The last one of the night leaves at 7:20 from downtown Portland.
But with the bus cancellations, I would never make it.
I decided not to be the victim of negative thinking. I simply crossed the street to catch another bus. I would not be able to take the express, but I could relax and get caught up on the news.
Alas, my phone was dying.
Which was yet another reason why I could get very grumpy. Since it was so late (after 9:00 p.m.), I had planned on ordered Lyft from Vancouver, so I would not have to walk home through the park across from our home after 10:00 p.m.
Before dark, it is a lovely, family oriented park. Kids on the playground, swinging, and squealing. Families having picnics. Teenagers shooting hoops. Adults playing baseball.
But after dark, it becomes deserted. After 10:00 p.m. they close the restrooms. It is a different world then. Shadows lurk. I often hear groups of teenagers cursing and laughing. Much cigarette and other things being smoked. And in the little wooded area, I've seen tents. I have to pass those woods on a little wooden bridge over a slimy green creek. I always walk with a flashlight and mace.
And a thudding heart. And much prayer.
I would be walking through the park at roughly 11 p.m. since I missed the express bus.
Only, when I got to the Delta Park Transit Center, I had another blow. The bus over the bridge, the #60 was not parked and waiting as I was accustomed to earlier in the evening. I spoke to an older lady and gentleman. They took that bus nightly. The lady said the schedule had changed and she had to "freeze waiting 20 minutes every night".
Finally it arrived.
But then we all gasped in unison. I-5 was a parking lot! Apparently there was bridge work being done. I looked at my cell phone, it was powering off.
Still, I told myself I had my family. I was alive. I had a job I loved. God had taken me this far in life. I would not let my emotions drag me down. It was chilly on the bus. But my neck hurt. I took off my jacket and used it as a pillow to rest my head against the window.
There was man that resembled Hugh Laurie sitting in the seat in front of me. Possibly a homeless, drug addicted Hugh Laurie. He smiled at me. He seemed restless. He was talking to the bus driver about the traffic.
Suddenly he looked at me and told me he had a song stuck in his head. "Another Bites the Dust", he grinned.
I smiled. I said, "Another One Rides the Bus!"
We both laughed.
Then we had the most lovely conversation. He told me about his road trips across the United States from Florida to Oregon. We talked about music. He told me about his visit to Elvis Presley's mansion.
Soon we had crossed over the bridge to Washington.
At the first stop, the bus lingered. A woman, looking quite intense was screaming. A young man climbed on board and told us she is always walking around downtown screaming.
"At least today she is wearing clothes!" He said.
We all peered out the window at her. The young man said she is regularly picked up for disruptive behavior. At times she brandishes a knife.
But apparently today was a good day.
At the next stop I got out to transfer to "The Vine". This was my final bus for the evening. It would let me off near the thug park. Hugh Laurie's twin got off with me. We continue talking on the Vine. In the back of the bus a young man was playing a guitar. He was amazing.
"Segovia!" Said my friend.
I nodded.
Finally my stop came up. I thanked my new friend for making a long trip enjoyable. He smiled and tipped his baseball cap at me. He looked grateful that I acknowledged him.
And with a light heart, I practically skipped home. When I reached the park, I actually jogged.
With flashlight and mace in hand.
I obviously made it home in one piece.
I am glad that I didn't judge this man by his appearance. Perhaps I am too trusting, but I really did have a delightful conversation. Much more enjoyable than reading political rants and raves on Facebook or playing mindless Words with Friends.
Being aware comes in many forms.
Putting down my cell phone is a first step!
But I will continue to keep mace and flashlight in hand when I walk through Thug Park at night!
On that note, I wish you a lovely evening.
I will talk to you soon!
I am still working on eating healthier and exercising more. A lifelong process I am sure!
Love,
Zita
I have not blogged for five days. It was a busy week. Fall term at the music center where I teach piano began on Monday.
I am trying to avoid social media with all the political frenzy. I am attempted to stay informed by reading several news sources daily. But choosing not to take sides. Yet.
I have my own life to get in order. But I am being watchful. This country seems to be in a very precarious position.
I am also a wee bit exhausted. I have had incredible teacher-student moments this week. In particular a brand new beginning class made up of all middle school students. In the past, I have been a bit apprehensive about this age. But this group rocked! I decided to teach them the stories and songs I made up for the younger kids and they loved it!
I am wondering if becoming a grandma has made me a better teacher? I am older, more patient and grateful for each day. Hopefully a bit wiser too.
The fun thing about teaching piano in a group setting is that there is an opportunity for connections to be made between the kids. I saw that all week. And I paid attention to the dynamic. So each class was slightly different.
I spent a good deal of time at the beginning of each class in "circle" time, getting to know each student and telling them a bit about me. I bragged about my granddaughter Grace, and told the kids that she is only 13 months old, but already very musical! I saw some heads nodding. Perhaps they are thinking of younger brothers and sisters.
But there was a palpable feeling of enthusiasm and excitement in the air. I think this is going to be a good year!
I also made a decision, just yesterday to reschedule my upcoming solo concert. I was starting to feel much anxiety. I just didn't feel like I had time to prepare. I have just begun researching the composers I want to focus on. I have picked my musical selections. But the original concert day was right before Thanksgiving.
With my granddaughter watching, piano teaching, family needs and getting my health back on track, there is not enough time to practice. I do not want to fly by the seat of my pants. I am excited about my theme. So I rescheduled for early winter. After the holidays.
I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
Today, I had some time between students to practice. And with the extra time I have bought myself, I can explore a few more pieces before I settle on the program.
Relief can bring such happiness!
Speaking of happiness, I had a very pleasurable bus ride home after choir practice Tuesday night. First, let me tell you, I could feel a very bad mood threatening to take over when I discovered I had to wait 29 minutes for the bus going downtown. For some reason, two busses in a row had been canceled. And here I was so excited about catching the 105 I-5 Express from downtown Portland to downtown Vancouver. The last one of the night leaves at 7:20 from downtown Portland.
But with the bus cancellations, I would never make it.
I decided not to be the victim of negative thinking. I simply crossed the street to catch another bus. I would not be able to take the express, but I could relax and get caught up on the news.
Alas, my phone was dying.
Which was yet another reason why I could get very grumpy. Since it was so late (after 9:00 p.m.), I had planned on ordered Lyft from Vancouver, so I would not have to walk home through the park across from our home after 10:00 p.m.
Before dark, it is a lovely, family oriented park. Kids on the playground, swinging, and squealing. Families having picnics. Teenagers shooting hoops. Adults playing baseball.
But after dark, it becomes deserted. After 10:00 p.m. they close the restrooms. It is a different world then. Shadows lurk. I often hear groups of teenagers cursing and laughing. Much cigarette and other things being smoked. And in the little wooded area, I've seen tents. I have to pass those woods on a little wooden bridge over a slimy green creek. I always walk with a flashlight and mace.
And a thudding heart. And much prayer.
I would be walking through the park at roughly 11 p.m. since I missed the express bus.
Only, when I got to the Delta Park Transit Center, I had another blow. The bus over the bridge, the #60 was not parked and waiting as I was accustomed to earlier in the evening. I spoke to an older lady and gentleman. They took that bus nightly. The lady said the schedule had changed and she had to "freeze waiting 20 minutes every night".
Finally it arrived.
But then we all gasped in unison. I-5 was a parking lot! Apparently there was bridge work being done. I looked at my cell phone, it was powering off.
Still, I told myself I had my family. I was alive. I had a job I loved. God had taken me this far in life. I would not let my emotions drag me down. It was chilly on the bus. But my neck hurt. I took off my jacket and used it as a pillow to rest my head against the window.
There was man that resembled Hugh Laurie sitting in the seat in front of me. Possibly a homeless, drug addicted Hugh Laurie. He smiled at me. He seemed restless. He was talking to the bus driver about the traffic.
Suddenly he looked at me and told me he had a song stuck in his head. "Another Bites the Dust", he grinned.
I smiled. I said, "Another One Rides the Bus!"
We both laughed.
Then we had the most lovely conversation. He told me about his road trips across the United States from Florida to Oregon. We talked about music. He told me about his visit to Elvis Presley's mansion.
Soon we had crossed over the bridge to Washington.
At the first stop, the bus lingered. A woman, looking quite intense was screaming. A young man climbed on board and told us she is always walking around downtown screaming.
"At least today she is wearing clothes!" He said.
We all peered out the window at her. The young man said she is regularly picked up for disruptive behavior. At times she brandishes a knife.
But apparently today was a good day.
At the next stop I got out to transfer to "The Vine". This was my final bus for the evening. It would let me off near the thug park. Hugh Laurie's twin got off with me. We continue talking on the Vine. In the back of the bus a young man was playing a guitar. He was amazing.
"Segovia!" Said my friend.
I nodded.
Finally my stop came up. I thanked my new friend for making a long trip enjoyable. He smiled and tipped his baseball cap at me. He looked grateful that I acknowledged him.
And with a light heart, I practically skipped home. When I reached the park, I actually jogged.
With flashlight and mace in hand.
I obviously made it home in one piece.
I am glad that I didn't judge this man by his appearance. Perhaps I am too trusting, but I really did have a delightful conversation. Much more enjoyable than reading political rants and raves on Facebook or playing mindless Words with Friends.
Being aware comes in many forms.
Putting down my cell phone is a first step!
But I will continue to keep mace and flashlight in hand when I walk through Thug Park at night!
On that note, I wish you a lovely evening.
I will talk to you soon!
I am still working on eating healthier and exercising more. A lifelong process I am sure!
Love,
Zita
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| Me in Thug Park (before dark) |
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