5 Things I’m Loving This Week–June 26, 2015

This blog post originally posted on June 26, 2015, so links and resources may not be current.

The Things that are Inspiring and Motivating Me on my Plucky Journey

This week has been a little rough, Milo has been waking up early and fighting naps and bedtime, so I haven’t gotten as much time to myself.  I’ve had to work extra hard to stay motivated and excited.  Looking back, I think my efforts paid off.  I’ve been acting happy and engaged in lessons, despite sleep deprivation, and my studio seems pretty motivated overall.
Here are some of the things that lifted me up this week, I hope they help you too!
1.  I love a good laugh, and I love violinist, Ray Chen.  This compilation of his comedy videos made me snort with laughter.  Bruce thought it was pretty hilarious too!  Be sure to check them out!
2.  I think one of the most difficult things for a young student to grasp (pun, haha) is a relaxed and beautiful bow hand.  I have used these Bow Hold Buddies with some of the worst offenders and they really help!  I have found that they need them for a few months (one as long as a year) and when I take it off, the bow hand is much improved.
3.  Michael Hopkins String Pedagogy Notebook is an AMAZING resource for string teachers.  There are so many amazing videos and I just cannot believe he is offering all of that information for free.  He must be some kind of saint.  Seriously check it out.  It’s so comprehensive and just incredible.  Wow.
4.  This video of James Ehnes playing the Preludio and Gigue from Bach’s Partita No. 3 is just lovely and clean.  It brightens my spirits every time I hear it.  Also, his left hand is just so beautifully efficient.  I love that.
5.  Bruce and I went to see Jurassic World this week, and it was not as dumb as I thought it would be.  So that was a pleasant surprise!  I really enjoyed it, though, the two brothers in danger was just a little too close to home.  Maybe I’m hormonal?  Nah…
But seriously, when the kid asks Chris Pratt “Who is the alpha?” his answer just cracks me up.  It’s so funny.
Well, all in all, it’s been a fantastic week, I’ve had the opportunity to make music with wonderful kids every day, spend time with my adorable boys, and all sorts of great stuff.
Life’s so good, everybody!
Play on!
What has you smiling this week?  What has lifted you up?  Please share so we can all smile together!