We are the Music-Makers

I spent much of yesterday afternoon at the piano in a haze of focus. I think I must have leveled up in terms of musical maturity, because I never used to enjoy puzzling out a new piece like this when I was younger.

Went to Inga's chachacha technique lesson yesterday evening and had a great time - while my technique needs an upgrade, I feel like I have my balance more during fast figures, and sharper movement. We worked on cuban breaks and split cuban breaks, which are some of the things that A and I were attempting together last week; it was really helpful. We were about ready to collapse at the end and really sweaty, but I feel like I learned something. I really need to start thinking about working on arm movement, as my footwork is pretty good. A and I will hopefully work on samba for the rest of the week, since Inga's class next Tuesday will be samba technique.

There's nothing like spending a Tuesday evening in bad form and laughter with S, perhaps intending to watch Peter Grimes at the Met on PBS with some degree of seriousness and appreciation, and pretty much failing utterly. I think it was the wine. And the company - which should have been appreciative, since a) he's an opera singer and b) his parents were at that particular performance! Ah well, bad form, as I said. Mwahaha.

Jesper had a Clearance Episode this morning, and since I didn't want another situation like this, I had to hold him down with my left knee while I cleaned him up - and he gouged two trenches into the back of my calf with his rear claws that bled profusely. I think they might scar if I don't watch it. He was yowling like a banshee too - you'd think I was going to pluck him for roasting! Kiska certainly thought so, since she took one look at the situation and barricaded herself in the cupboard under the sink!

I was quite surprised and delighted to discover that I had received beautiful words of friendship and hope in the mail. <3 Thank you!