by Rachel | Uncategorized
Thankfully, I’m a little more calm posting this update than I was last time! That looooong to-do list has been tackled and (mostly) conquered, which means I actually have some progress to share with you today. I’m going to post the full album of pictures on my Facebook page pretty soon, but I’ve been itching to show off my hard work thus far on the blog and cannot wait any longer.
While I had my camera out, I went ahead and snapped some exterior shots of my house, which is where my studio is located. I didn’t get a good picture of the entire thing, but you get the idea from these angles.
I spent one entire day this weekend working on the new entryway into the studio. The door to the left of the garage had to be replaced last week, so my first act of duty was to paint it so that it matched the garage door. Next, I washed and repainted the walls in the entryway. I was planning to paint the screen that hides our central vac unit, but then decided I liked it white. (Okay, so in truth, I was really tired by that point…but the white is growing on me!) I didn’t include the shelf to the right of the screen in my picture because I have yet to fill it.
The waiting room now has a coat rack, artwork, and a standing lamp. And today I’m going to pick up the crowning jewel of the room — an awesome coffee table with extra seating. Thank you, dear mother-in-law, for the wonderful birthday gift! That just might call for an update post all by itself. Oh, and Amanda Ellis just sent me pictures of the pillows she made for this room. They are on their way, and will look great in there!
Here is the studio itself. Although it’s smaller than my old one, I love it so much more. I think it’s the coziness that does it for me, actually. It’s also much better organized, because there is a large closet to conceal all the stuff I don’t use on a daily basis. Originally I was planning to put curtains on the windows, but then my mom and mother-in-law convinced me otherwise. I’m extremely happy with that decision now, since both rooms need all the extra natural light they can get.
I am over the moon about how the new studio has shaped up, and can’t stop coming up with excuses to spend time in there. Luckily, I have a very understanding husband :) There are definitely still lots of things to do, and even though I’m not sure when I’ll have time to get to them, somehow it will happen. It always does, it seems!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
On Friday afternoon, the spring session ended and I taught my LAST LESSON EVER in the original Music Therapy Connections studio. My lovely student Grace was happy to pose in a few pictures commemorating the occasion and showing off the extremely empty digs.
The very next day, my helpful (and strong) brothers-in-law came over to help my husband move the last remaining item — the piano — into the new studio. It was sort of sad to close the doors of the room that has served me so well over the past two years; it’s the end of an era.
It won’t stay empty for long: the room will be a temporary home to a few miscellaneous furniture items in the coming weeks. Zach and I had plans to make that happen this weekend, but after all the painting, organizing, picture hanging, and arranging I did over the last three days, my energy is drained.
Speaking of all that, I have lots of pictures to share in my next studio renovation progress update! A lot has happened since my last pathetic update…and you’ll get to see it all later this week.
by Rachel | Uncategorized
…honoring those who have served our country.
…spending time with the ones we love.
…yummy food on the grill.
…kicking off the summer!
I hope you’re lucky enough to have as beautiful weather as I do on this Memorial Day. I’m getting ready to take my dog for a walk, and then it’s off to my parents’ pool (my summer hangout) for some swimming and a cookout. Talk about the perfect day. Enjoy the holiday, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
This morning, one of my co-workers asked me if I was ready for my “final hurrah” at The Hope Institute, and I thought that made a great title for this post.
Four years ago, I started a new tradition at Hope: an all-school spring singalong. I rounded up some of my musician co-workers and started a band, complete with drums, bass, rhythm guitar, and vocals. Every year since, I’ve looked forward to this event all spring long.
Today is that day. The picture above is from last year’s singalong, and I realized that I’m wearing those same shoes again this year :) I’ve chosen a dozen of my students’ favorites tunes, made up packets of lyrics for everyone, and set up the instruments and sound equipment. Now all that’s left is to rock out!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
This post is inspired by JoAnn Jordan, music therapist and author of the blog Musical Gems. She’s reading the book The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature by Daniel J. Levitin, which prompted her to ponder this question: If I had to summarize my life in six songs, what would those songs be?
You can read JoAnn’s answer here, and my six songs are below.
- The Rainbow Connection: I wrote about this song recently, and the importance of it during my childhood. Every time I hear or sing it, I’m flooded with happy memories of being a little girl.
- Don’t Rain on My Parade: This was my go-to audition song during my high school musical theater days, and I felt so empowered every time I sang it. I still do, in fact. I LOVED that it was Rachel’s theme song on Glee last season!
- The Remedy: I listened to Jason Mraz nonstop during my last semester of college, and it was his music that inspired me to learn the guitar. “I won’t worry my life away” is a good lyric to have stuck in your head, especially for a worrywart like me.
- You Make Me Feel So Young: I have my dad to thank for my love of Frank Sinatra, and this is the song we danced to at my wedding (here’s a pic). Frank Sinatra will forever be the happy voice of my adolescent and high school years, even though he came way before my time.
- Blessed: Martina McBride is someone I look up to as a singer, and I like her even more because of this song. I certainly feel blessed with all the wonderful people and experiences in my life, and this could be my theme song (minus the part about having kids, for now at least).
- Ready: Kelly Clarkson’s CD “All I Ever Wanted” has been in my car’s player for a few months now. This is my favorite track off the album — it’s an affirmation to myself that I’m ready for everything the future holds, plus it’s really fun to sing along to :)
So there you have it. Now that I’ve summarized my life in 6 songs, it’s YOUR turn. Please share your list in the comments below or post it to your own blog!
