I started the blog just after Christmas. My goal is to find a better balance for the hobbies I enjoy, and to create a cozy little place to celebrate the journey of learning new skills.
When I am Pianoanne, I am not a beginner. But in the Counterpoint Corner I am truly an amateur at my favorite hobbies: crochet, harp and photography. I've been crocheting since August, playing harp for about a year and photography on and off for some years. I love weaving these three hobbies together each day in a creative counterpoint.
I have to say it takes a bit of courage to celebrate being a beginner. And it takes a lot of courage to put it on a blog. Though I love and understand the process of learning new skills, it is still so easy to feel not good enough.
But I am all about finding the things that make your eyes twinkle and then investing the time, love and energy into doing your best work. I hope my piano students learn this from me, I try to model this work ethic every day. Teaching piano is so much more than teaching piano isn't it?
Wish I can "like" this right away! So inspiring, can I come and join you? :)
ReplyDeleteOh please do Wendy. Loved to see you at the Counterpoint Corner :)
DeleteHi Anne: I love both your blogs. The crochet pictures were especially helpful on the new blog. I have been a piano teacher since the middle 1960's, with 8 yrs. off to play in a band with my husband. And a knitter since a very young age. My crochet work is limited to just edging scarves so far, I find reading patterns a challenge.
ReplyDeleteFairly new to computers (2 yrs.) and overwhelmed with the amount of videos, tutorials and great things to read. Some day I will knit a proper sock....not just another tube!!! Working on Beethoven's Tempest at the moment, plus a Bb major Handel Fugue, and 2 Scarlatti Sonatas in same key....love being in 2 performing groups here in Calgary. I use many of your compositions with my students and they love them. ( I am not sure how the profile option works so will sign my name here: Nancie and profile as anon.)
Hi Nancie, thank-you so much for taking a moment to post a note. Sounds like you are full of great hobbies too. Isn't it just so much fun! Hope to hear from you again :) Anne
DeleteThank you for creating the new blog!! As a full time piano teacher, I have a ton of other hobbies (sewing, painting, etc) and I always have a hard time letting myself create in the other areas for fun. Thank you for sharing your other life and letting other teachers know it's okay to have a balance in other creative areas.
ReplyDeleteHi Jill, thank you for sending a note! The big lesson for me is that it is okay to enjoy being a beginner and to celebrate the simple steps in the journey of learning and creating. Making room for your hobbies and investing time in the things you love to do is a very good thing. Have fun!
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