Violas Rock!

"Hey mom...school is asking me if I want to try playing an instrument in the orchestra".  "Hmmmm..sounds fun. You know.... I have strongly encouraged (actually... forced!) you to play the piano for years.  It's time you pick the instrument You want to play" I replied.  "Really?" she immediately bounced back.  That  was the beginning of her journey to find the perfect instrument.

One day during this search, I pulled up into the carpool line and saw her little framed body standing next to the curb holding a large black case.  It held her first candidate --- The Saxophone. She proudly shoved the over-sized case into the back seat and occasionally checked over her shoulder to see if it was still there.  I think she was trying to visualize herself playing this "thing".  I kept my input to myself and suffered through her attempts to make the noise sound like a song.   By the end of the week she determined that the Saxophone did not make the cut.  We went through this exercise for several weeks.  From saxophone to flute, to violin and finally to the viola.  Wa La!  She knew within a couple of days that this was going to be HER instrument of choice. I was pleased she was so happy to have found her connection to the music world.  It was going to be her way of expressing herself through music.

The first couple of years allowed her to get very comfortable with the instrument and It allowed me to see how much effort she was going to put into this.  By no way was is it a requirement from me.  But I do believe if you are going to do something, give it your best.  By the third year she was placed into Honors Orchestra.  This came with the requirement of getting a private teacher. Living near SMU gave us plenty of private teachers to pick from.  The downside was that they left after they graduated and we had to start all over again! Ugh.

With a lot of work and dedication Lindsey worked her way into Regionals where she got 2nd chair in her region! She then took it to the next level and qualified for State.  We flew down to Austin for the day for the competition (don't throw me in that briar patch!). This is when we learned she had major performing fright.  She totally froze and did not do well at the State competition.  She was not happy with herself and is now working on performing for individuals and audiences.  This is what has brought her to where we are today.  She was recommended to the LSYO (Lone Star Youth Orchestra) and within a couple of days was called for an audition.  I did not get to hear her audition but she said she thought she did "OK".  We got the call yesterday that she was accepted into the LSYO!  She was so proud of herself and sees how her hard work has paid off.

If for no other reason, I hope she continues to play the Viola to relieve stress in her life and express herself with music.  I am so proud of her!

Proud Mom

The Party is Getting Closer!

The party planning is going well.  Cream colored invitations with red velvet ribbon in an envelope that has been sealed with wax and a fleur de lis stamp will be hand delivered to the guest tomorrow.  I can't believe it is just a little over a couple of weeks away!  Where did last month go?  Lindsey is getting excited and she and Mckenna are on the phone or texting daily to put the final touches on the music list, food, hairstyle options, etc.  We found the perfect tiaras in a antique store. They are going to look so beautiful.  Mckenna's mom is hard at work making wonderful outfits for us to wear.  She is an amazing seamstress! 

The landscapers are at the house laying down flat stones in the back garden so the kids will have a nice clean surface to walk on. The guests will be in nice outfits and the young ladies will be wearing heels, so this will work out very well.  A few days before the party we are having lights hung in the back area.  There will be a professional tent installed down the driveway with carpet for the girls to make their grand entrance.  There's no turning back now --- They move into the next phase of their life!  I love it.

We have reserved the handwriting analysis lady for entertainment.  She will give the guest a paragraph to write and then she'll break it down either while they are with her or they can leave it for her to note the major characteristics.

Lamont Carlis will be the DJ for the evening.  He is ready to make this a great party for the girls and rock the house with great music.  Nothing goes together better than teenagers and good music...Remember those days?  I do. 

Kimberly (older sister) will be a guest and responsible for capturing this event in pictures.  She is the only grownup that looks young enough to fit into the crowd of teenagers without being called out as a "grownup". 

Stephen (Dad) is arriving tomorrow to spend time with Lindsey and be here for her birthday party.  There are not too many things Stephen enjoys more than watching Lindsey have a wonderful time and enjoying her life.  He wouldn't miss this for the world.  He will also be a big help at the party.  He's not too excited or even ready to get in the car with her and allow her to drive him around, but he knows it must be done.  She is doing really good on the driving after she realized that those parked cars are NOT going to move out of her way. 

Next week...We order the cake, reserve the chocolate fountain and find a few punch bowls.

Stay tuned!