Tucson

I recently went to Tucson for an audition and although I didn't win I really enjoyed the "vacation" from dreary Cleveland. I stayed with the Rockhold family and had a wonderful time getting to know them. They gave me a little taste of Tucson and even a little of Mexico. They actually are related to some people I know so we had lots of connections and knew a lot of the same people. Here are a few pictures I took while down there:

The one above is from the back porch of a house that Steve and Curtis have worked on. They build custom made cabinets.

Custom made Cabinets

The really nice kitchen with custom made cabinets

The shop where they build custom made cabinets

A Saguaro cactus with no arms

Curtis and I went just over the border to Nogales, Mexico

Diane, Steve, and Curtis

I finished the trip in Pheonix by eating dinner with Eric and Sara Channing before flying out. Sara and I both worked at Kansas Bible Camp when we were younger. It was nice to see them again and to get to know Eric a little better. He has been studying Greek in Seminary so it was fun to talk to him.

They will soon be parents!

The Suzuki Triangle (one child's interpretation)

I was recently given a beautiful note by one of my 6 year old students (Katrina) with a note on one side and a picture on the other. I really enjoyed getting it and thought it would be something interesting to post.

She uses inventive spelling in the note and if you're Carl or Tisara you might take a close look at the spelling of my name (this probably won't mean anything to anyone else). Also in the picture she said that there wasn't enough room (or it was too much work - something like that) for us both to hold an instrument so I'm holding the bow and she's holding the violin. Everything is labeled with an initial so that you don't get confused. I thought that was a nice touch.

I also thought it was interesting that she and I are both the same height. I am almost always on my knees with my students and so this is how she views us, as being face to face.

I should also mention that the sideways person is her mom who is sitting on a couch. I also thought this interesting and encouraging that she added this. She of course knows nothing about "The Suzuki Triangle" but it is what she should experience. It was nice to know that she views us as all being a part. It was also encouraging to know that we have this important component in place, functioning effectively enough that the student recognizes it.

But enough of analyzing it - most importantly, it's just a sweet note from a 6 year old. :)