At the Garden

 Here's a look at one of my summer jobs!  I am working in this amazing garden, clearing and being caretaker for big terraced beds that are currently overgrown.  It's a man's backyard that overlooks Lake Onalaska, where the bike trail and the train tracks run right nearby, and he doesn't have time to keep up with it all.  Breathing in the air and smell of plant life, and walking away covered in dirt and sweat - it's very mentally and physically satisfying.  The body is made for this kind of labor, you know?

Madison

I returned home to La Crosse this week after spending time in Madison at a Feldenkrais workshop and National Summer Cello Institute - programs that Uri and Hagit Vardi created and held several summers now.  If any musicians are reading this, you should definitely check out the workshop in the future.  The Feldenkrais portion is open to all instruments and is so amazing, and the NSCI has famous guest teachers that come give lessons, masterclasses, and seminars.  There is a really unique environment and community created in two weeks; everyone always says it's unlike any other summer program they've been to.  And Madison is a really special place to be in the summer - so beautiful, with much to see, eat, drink and explore.  There is a website for the program, although it's super outdated right now...but I heard rumors that someone was going to be giving it a makeover in the coming year, and it should look like it belongs in the current decade(!) and give clear information.  Anyway, Madison was amazing, as always, and I'm missing it a bit.  It was really nice to absorb so much new information at the workshop by day, and spend time with the lake and friends by night.  But it's good to be at home, too :)