01. And So It Begins

August 2008.

If Music be the food of life: play on.

Maybe like you I am realizing the older I get the more reflective I have become less to prove but more to learn.

Music has always been an integral part of my world as essential as food as constant as the tide. It gives me balance and it feeds my soul. I can't really play an instrument despite several years of piano as a child and I really shouldn't sing. But I listen, I devour and I try to keep an open mind to all music, artists, genres and in particular the lyrics to songs that intrigue me.

My other passions in life? Wine. Food. Travel.

Put wine with good food, good company in a comfortable locale add in live music and welcome to my bliss!  My hope is to use my blog to share my thoughts, my music loves and discoveries in life so no matter how forgetful l get as I age the memories and the reason why they were relevant remain with me.

I took this picture in Victoria BC looking west out to the pacific ocean near Beacon Park late on a July evening this summer (2008). I had spent several days visiting the city while my son was at the Conservatory of Music studying jazz piano. He received the opportunity to attend after winning a small scholarship at a recent Jazz Festival with his school band earlier in the spring. Though my husband and I lack any musical talent, our only child is immersed in it and his natural ability and love of playing astounds us each day. At 16yrs, he plays in his school jazz and concert band, plus his rock band which has taken ownership of our basement! His main focus is piano but he also plays guitar, drums, trombone and bass, writes and composes. For him it is as normal as breathing and something he could not imagine living without. He is the light of my life, and I feel so lucky to see him growing into a remarkable, caring and talented young man.

This picture reflects a lot about how I felt as we were in Victoria. I look at my son and know he is on the edge of something new and wonderful in his life. There are imposing rocks on the shore and undercurrents that one can't possibly see, but there is also a well lit moon to guide and a sandy shore to sink your feet in. The possibilities, the directions to move are endless. Where his life, his music, will take him I don't know. But I know he is grounded and his heart is true and for that I will always treasure the time we spend together and the opportunity to help shape his life and help him grow. Letting go and letting one find their way is tough for a parent and I'm looking out to an ocean that looks alluring and vast all at the same time.

I can feel the pull of my heartstrings just like the pull of the tides.