Time and perception seem to elude me.
A week ago there was frost here in the grueling boonies of Tennessee. I was utilizing electric blankets and mugs of hot tea.
Today it's 80 degrees. Open windows. Iced tea. Glimpses of a blinding annoyance called sunshine.
It's been raining here nearly daily for the past three months. I've forgotten what the Great God Sol looks like.
More rain is predicted in two days. My eager anticipation knows no bounds.
I've been in an extremely foul mood for an infinitely long time. Keeping a safe distance from me would be advisable.
A distance of about six miles might be suitable.
BTW -
Many thanks for your kind comments on my (previous) Mother's Day post. They are appreciated.
For no discernible reason whatsoever, I'm posting my latest video.
It's my piano arrangement of The Sound of Music.
I actually made the video several days ago but accidentally deleted it. So I quickly made a haphazard replacement today.
Nothing spectacular. I incorporated a "nature" theme - - which I thought was more palatable than the usual Salzburg, nuns, and children theme.
The audio quality is poor (not to mention loud), but - what the heck- I'm still a damn good pianist
(should a *smile* be inserted here?)
Full-screen viewing is best
After I retired, I wanted to take piano lessons again because I loved playing as a child and young adult. Is it too late for me? I adore the piano. However, after listening to you, I don't know that I should bother! We've had beautiful weather and awful rain on and off. Such is spring in the PacNW. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late to pursue the things that bring you pleasure. Resuming your romance with the piano would undoubtedly be a satisfactory endeavor.
DeleteToday (Sunday) was a dry day here in TN but storms are expected late tonight.
One of my favorite songs to listen too. I enjoyed that while taking in the night air and a cold beer. Thanks for that Jon!
ReplyDeleteA cold beer would be a great accompaniment to my music.... two or three would make it sound even better (*smile*).
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it.
the nature theme works extremely well with this piece. and you are indeed a good pianist. i have to tell you i had more than a passing chuckle at your "blinding annoyance called sunshine" line. with my auto-immune disease and taking hydroxychloroquine. too much sunshine is deadly to me. so i prefer cloudy days. i gather you do too. stay safe. take care my friend. chin up.
ReplyDeleteMy piano videos are often haphazardly thrown together, but hopefully the visuals enhance the music. I like the nature theme, too.
DeleteIt's frightening to know that sunshine could be toxic for you. Tennessee has an enormous amount of cloudy days. I actually enjoy the mountain mists and rainy weather.
The sun shines nearly every day of the year in West Texas (where I lived) and it can get boring.
That music has long been a favorite -- SO refreshing to see the naturescape you've chosen to accompany the notes. Nice to realize that some things remain constant and unflinching. Oh, and BTW, I'm delighted to hear you're playing again.
ReplyDeleteI made recordings of nearly all the songs from "The Sound of Music" (long ago) and they always put me in a good mood. I had no clue what kind of visuals to use for this video, but the nature theme seemed appropriate.
Delete(finding copyright-free video clips on the Internet isn't easy!)
First, thanks Jon for the musical entertainment. Glad you have sunshine and warming temps and it's the same here in NH (for now) as rains are coming in later. Yes, it's already mid-May (when did that happen?) and if I didn't look at a wall calendar I wouldn't be sure of the day. Maybe it's because every one has started to be the same and our weather has been as unpredictable as in TN with a lot of chilly temps and wind which discourage going outdoors. Outside and not nearby, I see people walking outside wearing masks (sometimes even gloves) and question (to myself) why they would do that, but then the herd mentality and the media overkill is most likely responsible for a lot of this. I do mask up whenever in a store and the odd thing is that's where I have seen many people NOT doing it. This new mentality is mind-boggling.
ReplyDeleteI've never previously experienced frost in May - - this has been the coldest spring I can remember. The sun was shining today (Sunday) but storms are predicted (again) for tonight.
DeleteI haven't been to town in over two weeks, but from what I've heard all the restrictions are still being enforced. I plan to go shopping again this coming week (and I'm dreading it).
Awesome Piano! Cheryl says "How can he be depressed if he plays the piano like that?" Good question! Though I believe all artist have a dark moody interior; that is, after all, where the beautiful thoughts come from. You piano sounds elaborate and busy. ( Cheryl's words. Meaning: very complicated/difficult/ hard to do.) I think is sounds like a jazzy mix... specifically: Ragtime! (Piano version of ragtime... Not guitar or banjo... was there banjo ragtime music?) Anyway, Pretty cool. I loved the song! And the movie.
ReplyDeleteI definitely do have a "dark, moody interior" - which is undoubtedly due to my Hungarian heritage. I'm also extremely self-critical, courtesy of constantly being criticized by my father. I suppose the combination of these things is what inspires my artistic traits.
DeleteI was mostly improvising when I devised this arrangement of "The Sound of Music". I didn't really give it much thought - but it is difficult to play.
Thanks for your compliments and input!
O-M-G - that sounded BEAUTIFUL, Jon! You are very good WOW! And I love The Sound of Music - always have! One of the best scores ever!! THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeleteYour enthusiasm really means a lot - especially since I have always been a harsh critic of my efforts.
Delete"The Sound of Music" is one of those rare, timeless scores that inevitably puts people in a good mood. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I enjoyed hearing you play. I was very interested in the tone and wonder what piano you are playing? Our piano at home while I was growing up was a fully restored upright player piano from the twenties and it had a similar interesting sound.
ReplyDeleteI recorded that on an old Baldwin Acrosonic, which my parents bought in the early 1960s. It was constructed much more durable than most pianos nowadays and has a loud, resounding tone.
DeleteThe biggest negative in my recording is that I had the recorder much too close to the piano.
A lovely rendition for Spring. Hope you have blue skies today!
ReplyDelete