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Year Two, Day 280: Funky and Laid Back

Today is a tired day.   I have been having allergy symptoms. Itchy, watery eyes, snuffly nose. And oddly enough, I seem to quite often smell burning oil. No matter where I go. And the lump beneath my right jawbone is swollen again. I may have to go see a doctor. But hopefully it can wait until spring break. I uave to keep my nose to the grindstone. Moving day is only a few weeks away.

So I guess today has been an under the weather sort of day. Odd. The rain, which usually invigorates me, is just making me feel soggy.  I have a strong desire to make popcorn and lie in bed with a good book and/or movie.


My mom recommended the movie, "The Conflict" with Martin Sheen. I borrowed the DVD from her. Unfortunately it starts skipping halfway through. But I love this movie so much, that I ordered a copy off of Amazon.

I usually put it in at night before I go to sleep. I have watched it from the beginning until nearly the middle about five times now. It is about one of my favorite groups of people: Monks.  In Ireland.  The Vatican is concerned because this little monastery on a small Irish island is conducting the Mass in Latin. Martin Sheen plays a very "modern" Catholic priest.

I can't tell you anymore because, I usually fall asleep.  Or it starts skipping or both!

But last night I did not put the movie in. I got home rather late. It was choir practice night. Choir practice was quite lively.  We are doing a Bach Mass.  I love sightreading the open score.  It makes me feeling like I have super powers or something. Bach himself was like the superhero of the Baroque composers. Lately I have been craving Bach therapy: an hour of just a piano, a Bach score and me. It relaxes and revives me to sit and play Bach just for the joy of it. Hard to describe, but deeply satisfying.

Speaking of relaxation, I am doing just that. Right this very moment. I am in a lovely coffee shop, "Pappaccino's" on SE Woodstock. They stay open until 10:00 p.m. I felt the need to just sit and sip peppermint tea (and nibble on a gluten free almond cookie and fruit yogurt parfait). It is quiet in here. The music is funky jazz fusion with a laid back beat. Funky and laid back. Like the baristas. And the customers. And me. I love it here. My funky mood is lifting.

I had some wonderful teaching experiences this week. Focusing on the fruits of the spirit has helped me be more present and compassionate in my teaching. My last student of the evening, I have veen teaching since she was 3. She is now 8. We had just a lovely time playing piano, discussing music and life. After her lesson, I was walking down the steps and she came running out. "I almost forgot to give you a hug, Teacher Zita! I always give you a hug!"

How can one be blue with that show of affection?! And coincidentally (I think not), my fruit of the spirit today was "Love".

Happy Wednesday!








Much love,

Zita


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