For hope, look to Nature and the unfathomable persistence of the human heart
Wishing all my friends a bright and peaceful season of light! It’s good to be back after taking a much-needed break of travels and opportunity.
‘Tis the season, indeed! It was with great joy that I kicked off the holiday piano music on December 1 at Bellevue Square with one of my favorite seasonal songs, “Carol of the Bells," written by Mykola Leontovych, a Ukrainian composer.
I discovered a beautiful introduction to "Carol of the Bells" after looking through my library of music books. Then I transposed it and added a few of my favorite musical "spices," et voila! ~ a tasty new listening experience. It’s fun to allow songs to breathe and evolve through time to keep things fresh and interesting. I never play a song the same way twice!
All around me there were visions of hope and anticipation. Parents filled the square holding hands with their children eager to have pictures taken with Santa. Eyes were on Rudolph and friends hanging from the tall ceiling, or on the massive decorated Christmas tree in the middle of the Square. One of my piano students came out with his multi-generational family, and a friend brought her 94-year old mother, who clapped and laughed the whole time.
I lost track of how many times I was asked to play “Rudolph” and “Jingle Bells” by the kids. For the adults, I played a program of favorite secular and sacred winter seasonal songs, including the requests "O Holy Night,” “We Three Kings” and “Let It Snow” – which it later did!
But it feels as if the brightness of the season began much earlier this year. During November, I was humbled by an East Indian elder who unexpectedly stepped out of the crowd to pour forth blessings upon my music and a long healthy life. Usually I keep on playing while engaging with people, but on this occasion I lifted my hands from the keys and turned to face this bearded old man with the wrinkled face and shining presence.
For his sincere and beautiful words warranted my full attention, human spirit to human spirit. There are times for giving and times for receiving; I felt his intention and chose to soak it in. It reminded me of the importance of honoring the spirit within all people, of uplifting each other up in ways we can, whenever we can.
Not a minute later a little girl of about three years old escaped from her mother and ran over to the piano. She began twirling and swaying in her pink tutu and polka dot rubber boots, totally in sync with the various selections I was playing. We smiled knowingly at each other; how could it not be otherwise? Her mother waited patiently for her daughter to dance her heart out until she could dance no more.
Once again my faith in humanity is restored. I’m blessed and grateful to be a part of these very special “gift exchanges” all year long.
Until the next time, may health, beauty, joy, and kindness be your steadfast companions now and through the coming year. Thank you for your support of my online store, for joining my e-mail list, and especially for the sharing of your gifts and talents in return.