Fiddles and Violins

I have often wondered why I feel more inclined to get out to cultural events when I'm on vacation or out of town. There are so many opportunities around if a person just pays attention!

A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to see and hear Joshua Bell playing with the Kansas City Sympony. It's difficult to find the words that can describe the beauty he can coax out of an instrument. Of course having a Stradivarius violin doesn't hurt! [By the way, if you have never seen The Red Violin, it's a great movie.]

This past weekend I saw and heard an equally amazing performance by the StepCrew. [A lot of people don't realize how very Irish Kansas City can be!] What these performers are able to do with 'fiddles' is incredible! For two hours, with a short intermission, there was non stop fiddlin', dancing and singing on stage!

Two very different but equally wonderful performances using basically a similar instrument . . .

Mid-winter Musings . . .

A good friend commented to me today, that I have been "lax" in keeping my blog going. I'm actually thrilled that someone still checks! So, I thought I'd better post a note to let those of you out there [who haven't given up on me!] catch up a bit with what's been happening.

The cast is off my arm! So, no more excuses about not being able to type. Getting range of mobility back takes some time, but I find that I'm saying 'ouch' a lot less. Once again, I have changed my work status, finding that part-time right now is fitting in better with my personal life.

In a sense I have come back home, as I'm now the Interim Executive Director for the Deaf Cultural Center . . . a one of a kind museum and facility, located in Olathe, Kansas. The position title may sound fancy, but the work is a labor of love. Once I can get the webpage figured out on how to make changes, I'll post the link! We're hoping the position will evolve into a permanent, full-time job - part of what I'm working on: securing corporate sponsorships. [If anyone is interested, let me know!]

I recently heard someone talk about how life's challenges can be handled in three ways: do nothing, complain and wish that someone else would take the problem over and "make it all better", or deal with the issues head on and realize that the stress and strain, heartache and tears are all a part of the journey. And what I have come to realize is - the journey doesn't stop just because you think you've reached a certain age. No specifics . . . just an observation . . .