Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Athens, Ohio and Ohio University

Is there any place on earth more beautiful than the western MD mountains as the leaves start to turn?  Not coming up with anything right now.  That was the scenery for much of the drive from DE to OH.  I drove through really wild and empty parts of WV on Route 50.  And I had the most fascinating traveling partner: Jackie Kennedy.  I am listening to her memoirs on CD and if you want something totally captivating, listen to those CD's and read the footnotes in the accompanying book.  Truly remarkable and very intimate.

I am visiting Alison Sincoff's studio here at OU.  Tomorrow I will display, and give a presentation on Power Lung at night.  Alison is a gracious hostess, and her little boy, Noah, is a wonderful flirt.  He can make me laugh with just a funny look.

Alison really knows her stuff!  She is a great player and very knowledgeable regarding pedagogy, repertoire, and the way a person can make their way through the music world.  She has studied with John Bailey, Alexander Murray, and Bradley Garner.  Alison has won many competitions sponsored by NFA and was one of only 2 American flutists to be invited to perform at the 4th Kobe Flute Competition.  She has performed with many mid west Orchestras, is active in chamber music, and really represents the total package for a college music major.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Random acts of kindness.

Today the big task was to load everything in the trusty Trailblazer for the trip to Ohio Univ. and the studio of Alison Sincoff.  14 crates of music, each weighing 40 lbs.  Our shop is on the 2nd floor, and there is a tiny elevator that I am not supposed to use in this manner.  Who said that?  I never heard it!

So I had a staging zone just inside the glass doors that lead to the parking lot.  And just outside that door was an African-American man I had seen at the building before.  He was thin, and his face looked as if he had been badly burned.  His clothes were baggy, and because of the burn, his mouth was always open.  He saw the towers of music crates, and watched me pull the TB up to the doors, put on the flashers, and begin to load in the music.

"Ma'm.  I can help!"  Really?  The crates were heavier than he was.  But he set to it, and in no time all 14 were loaded in, and I was not exhausted.  Looking at the ground, my new friend said, "Do you think you could spot me a couple of dollars?"  "Of course!  I had already planned on it."  Going back to the office, and as my friend carried 2 empty suitcases (for flutes) up stairs, I grabbed a $10 bill.  I handed it to him, his eyes widened, and he reached out for a hug.  This was not a little polite hug, it was a full bear hug, complete with back slapping and hearty "Thank you's", "Bless you."  "My name is Charles.  I am glad to be your friend."   "I am Joan, and I am glad to be your friend."

He spent 20 minutes of hard work helping me with no real idea of a reward.  And he gave me the kind of hug my dad gave me.  My eyes filled with tears.

Kindness comes in all shapes and sizes, and presentability.  I am grateful for Charles.

Make Mine a Million in Philadelphia: Amazing!

Just back from the M3 conference in Phila. and except for traffic that moved at a glacial pace, the day was amazing!  I spent time with Debrah Huyer from People Biz, who cracked open my head and took out negative thinking and replaced it with powerful insights.  She really knows her stuff!  Bought a gorgeous tunic from Princess Jenkins of The Brownstone who has amazing fashion items and can find the perfect thing for you!  Loved all the break-out sessions, and had the best table for lunch when it came to networking.  Nell Merlino and Isisara Beh are leaders with vision.  Back to the shop to sell two gorgeous Muramatasu flutes.  Good thing I wore my lucky necklace!  What a day :)