I'm glad you tried out the audio! I might do it again, since maybe some would-be readers would find it easier to listen instead, while multi-tasking. I mean, not that everyone wouldn't want to hang on my every word. . .
Really enjoyed this, Henriette -- I had not realized from your report last year how utterly bharrowing that first round was. Will save and share this story of triumph -- congrats!
What a nice write up. Your story is very inspiring. Congratulations on winning your age group!
On my end, I have been studying classical piano music for the last two years since I retired after working 34 years in Financial Services . A lot of your lessons apply to playing the piano. Pieces at first seem very difficult and unplayable. But as I practice each hand alone, measure by measure, it all starts to come together. Many times I am my own worst enemy making things more complicated than they need to be. I work hard, practicing four hours a day and taking a weekly lesson. Over time I have leaned a lot and am playing better. Reaching a goal takes focus and dedication as you well outline.
Creighton, I love the reminder that, sure, if we hear a complicated Chopin nocturne, it seems it would be impossible to play (at least it would be for me now). But that's not how a pianist plays it. The pianist learns it bit by bit, with drills and repetition, which all amount to the kind of preparation that then produces the confidence to play the whole thing--and get it right. I love your short-term and long-term goals. Would love to hear you play sometime!
Wonderful piece. I love the idea of re-learning things you already intellectually know but don't know, viscerally.
It was wonderful to listen to you reading this. Very inspiring. Congrats on pushing yourself in wild places and winning your age group.
I'm glad you tried out the audio! I might do it again, since maybe some would-be readers would find it easier to listen instead, while multi-tasking. I mean, not that everyone wouldn't want to hang on my every word. . .
And thanks, about the race!
Really enjoyed this, Henriette -- I had not realized from your report last year how utterly bharrowing that first round was. Will save and share this story of triumph -- congrats!
Thanks, Melissa! I was quietly freaked out last year. And truly bemused at that panic when I encountered the same terrain this year.
What a nice write up. Your story is very inspiring. Congratulations on winning your age group!
On my end, I have been studying classical piano music for the last two years since I retired after working 34 years in Financial Services . A lot of your lessons apply to playing the piano. Pieces at first seem very difficult and unplayable. But as I practice each hand alone, measure by measure, it all starts to come together. Many times I am my own worst enemy making things more complicated than they need to be. I work hard, practicing four hours a day and taking a weekly lesson. Over time I have leaned a lot and am playing better. Reaching a goal takes focus and dedication as you well outline.
Creighton, I love the reminder that, sure, if we hear a complicated Chopin nocturne, it seems it would be impossible to play (at least it would be for me now). But that's not how a pianist plays it. The pianist learns it bit by bit, with drills and repetition, which all amount to the kind of preparation that then produces the confidence to play the whole thing--and get it right. I love your short-term and long-term goals. Would love to hear you play sometime!
As you know all too well from that time I panicked in the dark, on that "towering" butt pad, it's all about not letting those bad thoughts in!