My Joss

On Pointe

2016-06-19T03:13:00.000-04:00

At last, the big day came.

She's so small we couldn't find a place to fit her anywhere nearby, so it meant a drive on Saturday. There were a few very small sizes in stock, but we nearly had to special order even smaller. XX would rather have had ill-fitting shoes than wait, however. Luckly, the very patient fitter finally dug up a pair that worked.

Brava!

Tag Sale!

2016-06-13T12:30:00.000-04:00

We decided, rather last minute, to hold a tag sale. It wasn't as big as last year's, when we had loads of clutter to get rid of, but there was still a good amount of loot for ~~junk collectors~~ treasurehunters.

XX helped with everything from pricing to setting up to putting up signs.

She wanted to sell something and have her own table. Rather than the usual lemonade and cookies, she settled on self-contained aquatic ecosystems with freshwater snails, algae and plants. Higher profit margin and she really wanted to make some money.

She worked hard to make her tiny biospheres, wrote up a "care" sheet and why these "pets" would need no maintenance. The explanation included information on the life cycles and the balance of the system. The price was $10, perhaps a little high for a child's tag sale table, but she wanted to try, at least on the first day. The jars cost a dollar each, so she figured she could clear $90 if she sold out. She made signs and hung them on her table, and waited.

As soon as a car would pull up, she would will them to open the door and step out. (A good many people looked at what we had, or perhaps, did not have, and pulled out again.) If they stopped, she greeted them and gauged whether or not she thought they might be interested. If they were, she went in for the kill.

XX is a fantastic salesperson. She sold out and cleared another $30 because people were so impressed they gave her money without purchasing anything. (When asked what she would do with the money, she said she was using it to help pay for her schooling at the Conservatory.)

She also made another ten or so because she worked so hard. Besides working her table, she helped with the sale in general, tallying up prices, cutting deals and wrapping up purchases. And all with a very cheery smile and a lot of happy chatter.

Galaxy came out to sit most of the day. She also waited eagerly for cars, and woe to anyone who even looked her way. They received many kisses and heavy tail-whipping.

We did have a few slow periods, but not too many. XX paced, Galaxy did not. (Red is not as hospitable as the girls so he had to stay inside.)

We had fun, made some cash, and at the end of the day, celebrated with fruit freezes. Even the dogs got to share in the treats.

We all had so much fun that XX is already talking about the next sale!

The Last

2016-06-05T22:30:00.000-04:00

We've finally come to the end of the school year, and with it, the end of the performing obligations.

XX had an audition and performance this past weekend. She takes it all in stride now. It was great to see a friend at the audition and the two girls chatted and laughed until it was time to go in.

The performance was a benefit for a student-run clinic for the homeless. It's a cause near and dear to XX's heart, so she was thrilled to be asked.

She played well, received a standing ovation, an immediate request to come back and play next year, and best of all, an invitation to visit the clinic and see the work she's helped support.

Good stuff all around.

Family Day!

2016-05-31T23:00:00.000-04:00

May 27 was number ten, in fact. It's gone by so quickly.

It's always a simple day, just the three of us.

XX asks for little, but this year, she wanted a tail.

She was thrilled.

And it was time for a new bike! A big girl's bike with gears and hand brakes. It's a little large, but she negotiates getting on and off perfectly. Now going up the hills is even more fun!

She still, alarmingly, often rides while looking all over except the direction she's pedaling.

We had ice cream. Ice cream so big she brought 3/4 of it home and has enjoyed it several more times. So far!

It was so much fun we made a weekend of it.

We had lunch on the river where it was so loud, XX put in earplugs.

And we went to the county fair!

There were ...

... camel rides ...

... a baby camel ...

... and duck races. Daddy got to help race a duck and he whispered plenty of encouragement to it.

There were pig races! Daddy volunteered again and was a somewhat official "Pig Race Official." He was quite proud of his part in opening and closing the gates and loved his ribbon.

XX loved this little piggy who had fun flying over his hurdle. She had her picture taken with him later and is hoping to get a pig for Christmas. (I think she will be waiting a long time on this one.)

It was a great weekend, a perfect toast to ten amazing years and many more to come. We are so, so lucky to be parents to this girl. As my father always said, she could not have been more our child had we borne her ourselves. We thank China for entrusting her to us, we raise our glasses to her birth family so far away, and we hope they can feel in their hearts that she is well and loved.

Moving On

2016-05-26T22:00:00.000-04:00

XX had to say good-bye to quite a few special people this May.

There was Miss Juli, the Donor Relations Specialist at the adoption/foster agency that XX supports by making toys for finalized adoptions. XX was privileged to play her violin at the retirement luncheon and also got up to speak about how special Juli was and how happy she (XX) was to work with her.

There was Miss Elizabeth, XX's accompanist at school. XX had so much fun working with Elizabeth who helped her "rock her jury" (they actually have stickers for this and XX was pleased to get one after she played) as well as accompany her for division recitals. We're sad, but so excited that Elizabeth was accepted to Indiana University to work on her doctorate.

Lastly, there was Miss Joanie, the head of Conservatory's pre-college program. Joanie has been XX's champion and seems to have understood her from the first audition. She never failed to ask about Steggie, and watched XX's progress this year with interest. We will miss her greatly.

Until we meet again ...

Conservatory

2016-05-16T01:15:00.000-04:00

I had no idea, though perhaps I should have, that there were final exams for Conservatory. I'd thought XX was done with this a week ago but no, she had to come in for finals in Musicianship (Theory) and Performance.

As if the word "exam" isn't enough, they add the word "jury" onto it. The performance test is a jury exam where you play two pieces in front of about five adjudicators. You generally choose pieces you play well, because you get a grade on this.

Unless you're XX.

She reluctantly chose the Haydn, which she's done many times in past few months. She's never had the opportunity to become so familiar with a piece before and it's becoming richer and more interesting each time she plays it. A good, solid choice.

But for the second piece, she wanted to play something new. As in, she only picked it up about two weeks ago.

I admit, I doubted her choice. But she worked hard and didn't seem to be nervous at all. And there was so much fun to be had rehearsing with her accompanist.

She takes everything in stride, so though she told me her "up-bow staccato" was a little messy in her jury, she was able to let it go and say, "But I did my best." Wish I'd learned that lesson so early.

On top of all this stress, she had a competition. I don't remember having anything near this amount of pressure on me when I was ten.

There was a moment of panic when she was asked for her music and hadn't brought it. She was told, in that case, she could play and get some general notes, but she could not compete.

That wouldn't do for XX, but luckily for her, her teacher was able to make some copies. The order of contestants was switched slightly so XX could go last and just in the nick of time, her teacher came running in with the copies.

And XX was honored to win 3rd Place that came along with a big medal. The other winners were older and really extremely, frighteningly good. So XX felt she was in good company.

So, kudos to her for finishing out the year with a bang (and a medal).

A Different Part

2016-05-01T21:00:00.000-04:00

XX didn't think this was any big deal "I'm just playing a different part from my friends, Mama." But it seemed to me that this sort of opportunity comes rarely if ever, so I took the good video camera and set it up with the tripod, high in the back of the auditorium.

However, the audiences for Youth Symphony are not like the audiences for, say, the LA Phil. People come and go, walk back and forth ... and so someone (with poofy hair) came and stood in front of the camera just during XX's solo. And he stood not in front of all of the shot, just in front of XX.

So what I have is a very shaky version off my cell phone because I decided to try to get more of a close-up as well. But people walked and stood in front again, so I kept moving around to keep XX in the shot. Rei, XX's coach, also took some video, but didn't want to bother people behind her, so covered the phone so the light wouldn't shine. As a result, her video also moves around since she wasn't watching it, and XX goes in and out of frame.

Three cameras, not one good video. But great memories.

(Besides being shaky, etc., it's long and unedited, so watch at your own peril.)

Two very sweet moments were when XX saw her friend in the front row and waved, and at the end, when her friend ran up to give her a bouquet and a hug. The audience loved it.

Her name was on the gorgeous tickets as a special performer and she had a page in the program with her picture and bio. Her photo did not, however, show her with her violin. She declined that and said she wanted Steggie, her stuffed dinosaur, to be in with her. She put on her dino T-shirt, held Steggie up high and that was that. A week before the performance, she thought about it: "I wonder if I should have had my violin? Is it too late?" But the dino pic was pure XX.

I was proud to hear from many other mothers, that XX had not ever acted as if she were anything different than one of the group. "Just another part, Mama." She said it, she believed it, she acted it. But she didn't play it. She became the soloist for those few moments.

XX was both relieved and critical. Her first words were, "I wish I could do it again. I'd fix some stuff." Mostly she was sad that it was the last time until next year she would see so many friends. She was lucky to be part of a solid group of kids who were so supportive of each other. It has turned out to be a great experience for her, especially going in never having played in a group before. Her friends were helpful and patient.

What a lucky girl!

It was over too soon; I know she'll be looking forward to seeing her friends again next year.

Performances in April

2016-05-01T11:42:00.000-04:00

Lots of performing this month.

There was the school/retirement home tour with the Youth Symphony. Five performances in one day, four before lunch.

XX loved riding on the bus with her friends. Best of all, she didn't have to be clipped down into her five-point booster!

Their conductor chose some vigorous pieces so they all put in a lot of energy. There was also a short talk, then question-and-answer session. I'm not sure XX enjoyed all the attention when at one place, all the questions were directed at or about her (as the little one in the group).

Once home, XX sat on the couch only a few minutes before collapsing, to Red's dismay. He was hoping for some play time after being left alone all day, but his best bud had used up every ounce of energy performing.

Since she spent lots of time practicing, he spent lots of time singing. He still enjoys sitting with XX and stretching his vocal chords.

Even in a full month, there is always time for discovery though. XX's sharp eyes found a hummingbird's nest with two small babies!

There is time for hanging out with Galaxy.

We had a treat when Brad came to visit for a few days.

All of us are happier when he is around. He got to come see XX's Youth Symphony rehearsal and John's first performance with the chorus he's joined. John had such a good time and did a great job. He even had a solo line that started off one song.

She performed at Conservatory with her quartet and will repeat the performance in May. It's a speedy piece that is lots of fun.

XX worried that Butter, her violin, was sounding sick, so we took him in to the violin maker's one afternoon. A few taps and waves of a wand (or so it seemed) and Butter was well again. Yuriy also wanted to see what XX looked like on a 3/4 size violin (she is still on a half size). He comes to see all her performances and is frustrated by the lack of volume in a small instrument. XX looks like she's on a viola; I'm saved from having to buy another violin for a while!

She performed in a local recital, but there was no accompanist available, so she used her coach and a friend to accompany her. A little practice, a lot of fun.

She had Smarter Balanced testing. Grueling for homeschoolers who have to do it all in a day or two because it's hard to get them all together. But it's over and she was happy to get her sticker!

And finally, she performed at Conservatory. Unlike last time, she had a nearly flawless performance. She was more confident and played well. There was also the performance with chorus later that day. Her confidence there has grown and she said she's learned to enjoy the singing a lot. Singing real chorale pieces in Latin was tough at first, but the kids have all developed as singers and performers and they looked like they were having fun.

And so did we.

Easter

2016-03-29T11:36:00.000-04:00

It's always fun to get ready for Easter.

The day itself was fairly laid-back. It was nice to have a simple holiday at this time of year.

First, XX played at our neighbors' church.

(She is wearing a dress I made her years ago, five to be exact. Proof she is growing up, but maybe not out.)

Then we met the family for lunch at a Thai restaurant. No photos because we were all too busy talking and eating. No one had to plan, clean or cook. Might have to become a tradition!

Last, but not least, chalk drawing and later, egg delivery around the neighborhood.

So definitely a Happy Easter!

Spring

2016-03-25T13:53:00.000-04:00

When occasional high winds bring down big sticks (that must be carried home).

When occasional rain means walking in sloshy gutters.

When Spring Break means there might be a movie night, everyone piled in the dog bed.

When Spring Break means it's time for Spring Camp!

XX really made me sad when she came home the penultimate day and said she was NOT performing in the dance number because it was too hard and she looked bad in it. She was lucky enough to learn some hip hop, and while she loved it, the technique is fairly opposite to her ballet training. There was a meltdown at camp, a call to me, and she was given the choice to perform or not, but no theatrics (even though this was acting camp!).

So on the day of the showcase, I braced myself to see her sit out one portion of the performance when what did I see? My daughter bravely up in the middle of things, trying her very hardest. I don't think I have ever been more proud, and yes, I cried seeing her up there smiling away. She was clearly uncomfortable, but doing her utmost. What could be better?

As usual, I loved her art projects. Hers always stick out, the one pufferfish in a sea of fish, and the one hat that didn't look like a hat. She always laments because she takes so long, doesn't finish, thinks she has weird ideas. Aren't those the very best?

Recital

2016-03-24T23:00:00.000-04:00

XX played in her first Division Recital last week at the Conservatory. She placed a great deal of importance on it, perhaps too much, as there were quite a few bobbles. But still, she finished well and her teacher and the head of the school were both happy and complimentary.

Best of all, XX treated it as a learning experience. I'm always happy when she doesn't berate herself for a less than perfect performance. After all, when are any of us perfect?

Though I think the ending of her piece was pretty close ...

No Photos Allowed

2016-03-21T18:35:00.001-04:00

Of course. But they sent this along after.

Sarah

2016-03-11T12:25:00.000-05:00

As in Chang. Very excited XX.

Happy Leap Day!

2016-02-29T13:27:00.000-05:00

Since it was an "extra" day, we took off and celebrated at the zoo.

They had a program on leaping animals and zookeeper talks are always interesting (especially if you always have questions).

We learned lots about lemurs, kangaroos (and wallabys and wallaroos), frogs and toads, and snow leopards.

It was perfect weather and a perfect Leap Day.

How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall?

2016-02-19T18:41:00.000-05:00

You know the punchline: practice, practice, practice.

She did. Which earned a first place at a competition and that got her an invitation to play at Carnegie Hall in a winners' recital. Six minutes onstage, just her and her accompanist.

So we made a vacation out of it.

XX was pretty excited about being in NYC, so sported her whiskers on the first day.

We took the subway.

By chance, Uncle Ed and Uncle Steve happened to be in town on the first day.

Their hotel was host to many of the Westminster participants, so we also got to meet some of the interesting breeds as they waltzed through the lobby.

Then we headed to the Museum of Natural History to see the dinosaurs. Of course, we also had to see the Moai as the "gum gum" lines are some of XX's favorites.

A pair of pteranadon wings were too good to be passed up. XX is pretty sure they catch the wind and give her some lift, so she wore them most of the rest of the visit.

We woke Sunday to find the temperature was zero. Not wind chill zero. Zero. We walked two blocks to breakfast and froze! Even inside the restaurant was cold.

We didn't schedule anything else, trying to keep it lowkey so XX could rest for her afternoon performance. She was anxious about working with a new accompanist, but just twice through and they had it. Simon is her new hero.

Afterwards, we dropped her off at the stage door of Carnegie. It's unsettling to leave your child by herself ... in NYC.

My friend Joy and her Aunt June made the trek up from North Carolina to see XX so we met them in the lobby. It was so great to see them and even better to watch XX walk onto stage, spy her Aunt Joy and beam.

There were some amazing musicians, mostly pianists, mostly from the NY/NJ area. Still, as it was an international competition, performers were from all over the US, Canada, Russia and Mongolia. XX felt honored to be in the company of some of these accomplished musicians.

She got a beautiful certificate, her name on a list of kids who garnered perfect scores, and was pleased to find she won one of the cash awards!

With all this though, she was most interested in seeing another friend and her kids the following day. Unfortunately, the stomach flu hit, so Heather and kids were not able to make it down. XX and Pammie used to play when babies, and XX thought hanging out in NYC with an "old" friend and her little sister, Sara, would be awesome. With luck, next time!

Even without the girls, Monday was still amazing. First, we had breakfast with Uncle Jack.

We were lucky to spend the day with Joy and Aunt June again, learning all about Vikings at the Discovery Museum. We also walked Times Square and did a little shopping. XX was amazed at a whole store devoted to M&Ms.

There was snow falling! XX loved walking in the new snow and made a small snowball late in the evening. She brought it in and put it in the farthest corner of the small room fridge's freezer, checking it several times that night. She was sad knowing she would not be able to bring it home.

Tuesday found us in nearly 60 degree weather! We had breakfast in front of the magnificent mural of Sugar & Plumm.

Then we took a train to Yonkers to look at our old house, where XX had fun exploring the secret room behind the bookcase and other fun places that old houses hold.

It was a quick trip in and out, because XX had noticed another exhibit she wanted to see at the Discovery Museum ... the Body Worlds Exhibition.

Though it sounds gruesome, it turned out to be fascinating. XX spent a lot of time looking, reading asking questions and questions and questions. It was fantastic.

We lingered in Times Square, did a bit more shopping. XX could not take her eyes off a pair of Princess Jasmine dress-up slippers.

And then we went to see "Aladdin."

It was her choice. She thought "Lion King" had sad places and she didn't want that, so we went with fun. I hoped John would enjoy it, too, as I thought it might be too silly.

The show turned out to be perfect. John was mesmerized and found it all magical. XX laughed and clapped at the silliness. She asked loads of questions about "how did they?" She came up with some answers and nodded wisely, and others, decided it must have been real magic.

Indeed.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. On our last day, we spent a few more hours at the Museum of Natural History, seeing the planetarium, and staring (XX likes to stand and gaze for long periods at animals or exhibits) at the whale and so much more. We wish we had seen the giant tardigrade, one of XX's current interests, but will save it for next time.

I love this photo of XX. She feels very grown up, wearing her Jasmine "heels." But they're too big by about two sizes, so she stuffed some tissue paper in the toes, wore her thick athletic socks and shuffled along as if she were wearing some of my shoes; she's got her pteranadon wings on and she's carrying her beloved Steggie. All grown up, and yet, not.

It was an amazing trip. So many old memories churned up, so many new memories patted in.

And all because of a little practice.

Brava!

Eli

2016-02-01T22:49:00.000-05:00

XX has a new friend.

His name is Eli and he's a Highland cow. He's also an acorn calf, which means his mother ate too many acorns when pregnant, so he's somewhat stunted, making him extra adorable.

XX got permission from his owner to feed him carrots though she warned he wouldn't stand up if he was lying down.

She was wrong. He learned quickly, and now gets up as soon as XX steps out of the car. He's not fast, but then again, he's a cow. He ambles over and happily accepts carrots, which XX cuts into small pieces so she can stay as long as possible. She scratches his head, he licks her hands.

There is also a little lamb, Stella, only a few days old when we first met.

Even Galaxy enjoys seeing Eli.

He gave her a kiss, too.

Concerto Competition

2016-01-14T19:52:00.000-05:00

XX decided to enter the Youth Symphony's concerto competition. Definitely a long shot, as she's not only younger than the rest of the members, but has a more immature sound, and is playing on a half-size violin to their full-size.

She went in with a good attitude though: not to win, but, as she said, "to show them I know how to play the violin!" (This was said with not a little bit of attitude.)

But to her surprise, make that shock, she won.

Her prize? She'll be the soloist with the group in their May concert.

Mr. Perlman

2016-01-13T17:58:00.000-05:00

XX's brother and sister-in-law worked wonders again and got her backstage to speak with Mr. Perlman after his recital.

She really sat up when he announced he'd play a movement from a Dvorak sonatina that she worked on last year. Sort of odd that now she can see her idols playing stuff she works on.

I got the requisite smiley photo ...

... but I'm slowly learning that the most interesting moments are always those that happen between.

Notice Anything ...

2016-01-04T17:33:00.000-05:00

... different?

She was careful in choosing the earrings. As she can't take them out for months, they had to be okay for performances. And of course, pretty (aka sparkly).

She was brave, but afterwards contemplated the lie that had been told. "That girl said it would be less than a shot, just a little pinch, but that HURT, Mama. She lied."

A milkshake helped and by later that evening, she was all smiles again. And feeling very much more grown up.

December

2015-12-31T00:53:00.000-05:00

December was less stressful than in years past. There was no Nutcracker, no violin recital. We had the gift of time and we enjoyed it!

In addition to putting up lights outside, XX asked to string the lights on the tree this year. I gladly gave up this job, except for the top of the tree. I hope she'll decide to do this every year!

We made the trip to see Santa early in December. He didn't disappoint; it was a great visit under a magnificent tree.

(Some people like to goof around in every photo these days.)

It was so cold one afternoon that Red decided the warmest place in Galaxy's bed would be on Galaxy.

XX and I stayed up one night chatting and ended up taking some silly selfies.

XX played carols with her teacher for the lunchtime crowd at the local grocery store. They were able to make over $75 to help feed the needy in our area. (The whiskers are just XX's idea of fun for the day. She wore them as if there was nothing unusual ... and for her, there wasn't.)

Matching PJs for Christmas Eve aren't unexpected, but always exciting.

Suzie, Dave, Carver and Sebastian came for Christmas Eve dinner. I guess it speaks to the great evening we had that this is the only photo I took ... before they came!

On Christmas Day, XX made some angel bags in the afternoon to take out to some of the cold and hungry people in our area.

After Christmas, we went to a light show and carnival where we remembered what cold really means.

We saw the family again just before New Year's Day, Steff and Jim included, for a great ice cream lunch. XX was impressed by Sebastian's drawing skills!

It was a lovely, lovely month, the perfect ending to a wonderful year.

Cool Weather ...

2015-12-13T18:55:00.000-05:00

... means ...

... hats!

Thanksgiving

2015-11-27T09:52:00.000-05:00

It was simple and perfect.

XX looked forward to pumpkin pie most of all.

Or, as Sebastian said, "Whipped cream. With a side of pie."

Good food, good company. Perfect.

Music

2015-11-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

XX had her first performance with the Youth Symphony. She looked so grown up ...

... until we saw her with everyone else in the group (under the white arrow)

The main conversation in the lobby was about "the tiny girl" (possibly also because unlike everyone else in the group who filtered in slowly through the chairs from the back, XX charged downstage and marched across in front of the whole setup as if she were planning to conduct).

There was a performance of her chorus class at the Conservatory. In just nine weeks, they were sounding like angels, most of them not singers but pianists, violinists and guitarists. It's hard to believe they were able to sing this in four parts: sopranos I and II, and altos I and II.

She also entered her first competition, the Crescendo International Competition.

She practiced many hours by herself and with our neighbor, who gamely accompanies her regularly. Due to scheduling, though, he could not make it on "the day," so in a bit of emergency fashion, she found herself rehearsing the morning of the competition with someone else.

XX was apprehensive at first ...

... but then found it all clicked well. The two of them had a lot of fun and it was a great experience for XX in learning how to adapt musically.

They played well and XX was awarded the highest points and a first place honor!

Joshua Bell

2015-11-05T23:46:00.000-05:00

XX was fortunate in getting to meet Joshua Bell after hearing him play in concert. A bonus was that he played a piece she loves and is working on!

October

2015-11-02T18:14:00.000-05:00

The month was mostly about Halloween.

Funny hats ...

... seasonal arts and crafts ...

... with time for a lunch with neighbors ...

... and an evening with Aunt Steff...

No matter how busy we get, there is always time for a dog cuddle...

We made the obligatory trip to the pumpkin patch.

And at last it was time for costumes!

Galaxy loves to watch bugs, so she was, naturally, a bug.

Red thinks he's a tough as a lion.

And XX has always loved pigs.

Conservatory fell on Halloween Day so everyone was encouraged to wear costumes. Didn't take much persuading!

She was pretty excited to get a watch, her grandfather's. Even sized down, it's far too big, but she thinks there is nothing better.

This year, XX had a few friends come over to go trick-or-treating. Two of her friends had never been, so it was extra fun for them. The girls only went two blocks then declared they were done (good thing as their bags were FULL since neighbors were giving them lots). They came home to trade and gloat (about six pounds each!), then make and eat pizzas. It was a really great night for all, we decided we'd have to figure a way to make it happen again, even though it won't be fortuitously on a Saturday.

Happy Happy Halloween!