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  There is a website for the program, although it's super outdated right now...but I heard rumors that someone was going to be giving it a makeover in the coming year, and it should look like it belongs in the current decade(!)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 :)

Sipping and Stamping

Today was ideal weather for coffee-drinking and letter-writing outside, and a handful of envelopes were dropped in the post this afternoon :)  A tip for anyone visiting La Crosse:  Bean Juice has the best dry cappuccino around.  Seriously, check out that foam!

Playing Carpenter

You guys!  I built this bookshelf!  Yes, it is a simple design (ladder style), and yes, it is maybe a little over the top with the paint job...but I had an idea of what I wanted, and I started the project, and I finished it, and that is an awesome feeling.  The whole thing cost about $10.  I picked up some old boards, put on some paint, measured angles, drilled holes, put in screws, leaned it against the wall, and voila!  I'm still deciding exactly how to fill all the shelves.  It's part of my room redo (That wall color is new, too.).  Before and after pictures of the room will be shared...

I really wish...

...that all the people I loved in the world could live wherever I was living!  I moved around so much these past couple of years, and gradually it became more and more difficult for me to say goodbye whenever I had to leave anyone.  Living in different places is exciting, but it's also tiring to start over so many times, so now I'm happy to say that I'm moving to Lexington, KY to start a graduate program, and I will stay in the same city for two whole years.


These pictures are views from the balconies of my different homes in all my major moves - Costa Rica, Jerusalem, Worcester.  I was always surrounded by so much beautiful scenery; I love thinking back on it all.  And then, a shot of the cello, who is always willing to follow me around, no matter where I go :)  I wonder how we will get on together in Kentucky?

Birthday Festivities

Irene's birthday was about a week ago, and there wasn't a lot of time to celebrate the day because of school and concerts, etc.  But we spent the afternoon drinking coffee and eating assorted desserts, playing birthday-themed bananagrams, and chatting away.  And she received a very nicely wrapped present :)  Just a bit of quality sister time!

One year ago...

One year ago I took my first trip to Europe and spent a week exploring Paris with some wonderful people!  The city lived up to its beautiful reputation, and the occupants their oh-so-slightly snooty nature.   The trip consisted of lots of walking to see the sights, stops at small cafes, bakeries, charcuteries, and picnics and naps on the Seine.  I loved the Rodin museum and mass at Notre Dame, with its awesome and terrifying organ.  My friend, who still lives there, hosted me, and I remember that one of my favorite parts of the trip was when I decided to stay in for an evening and took a bath in this cool tub in their Parisian flat.  It felt very luxurious and like something out of a sappy story where a woman goes and travels the world to "find herself", or whatever.  Anyway it was cool.  I want to go back and see more of the country some day!

Sunny Days

Ahh it's been cold for the past week and now all of a sudden it's super warm!  I love it!  There are so many birds chirping outside my window that I'm having flashbacks to Costa Rica.  All I want to do is sit outside with a cool drink and a book :)

ps:  This is delicious anise liquer + water that a friend and I sipped on the streets of Paris after a lot of walking around.  It was so good!  I spent some time today browsing through pictures and remembering the trip, and wondering when I will next be there...

Happy Birthday Irene!

Happy Birthday to the coolest little sister EVER!  Irene turns 17 today!  Here she is playing her first public gig with a group that she formed with her friend.  They're called Young Mountain; they write their own songs and are pretty promising :)

Cousin-in-law

Let me introduce you to my favorite person living in Worcester besides my cousin.  Justin and Trish were dating when I moved in, and he lived next door.  Whenever I mentioned "we" while living on the east coast, it was probably in reference to some combination of the three of us.  Justin is supportive, awesome, and enthusiastic.  I made him sit through a bunch of practice performances while I was prepping for auditions, and he never complained once. I liked sitting by him on the couch because it felt like snuggling up to a gigantic, personal bodyguard/teddy bear - he's very tall and has a protective aura.  He's a super smart teacher with loads of awesome stories and info to share about all his experiences.  Right before I left Worcester I helped him execute a grand proposal to Trish, and now they are engaged!  I'm so excited about it!  I just love him a lot, and know he will be such a great dad when Mo Jr eventually rolls into town (I think that name really has a nice ring to it...hehe).  

Here's a link to their save the date!  They made a video instead of sending out cards and it is the cutest thing ever.  This is also the first wedding I will ever be in;  I think it will be fun and exciting :)