Mommy/daughter jam session: Piano and Native American Flute

Aynaria 6 Comments

Yesterday and today my daughter and I played music together. She on the piano, and I on my newest musical instrument, the Native American Flute.

Our jam/practice session was nothing fancy. I’m still learning this new instrument and I’m not doing anything elaborate yet. But even as a new flute player, I’m having fun familiarizing myself with the various sounds/effects this lovely instrument can make.

One of the first songs we played together was Amazing Grace. It is one of my favorite hymns. We repeated that song several times, until my daughters eyes started to glaze over. Taking the hint, I veered off and started playing scales. She followed. In addition to reading music, she can also play by ear (just like myself) As myself, and so she did not have any problem harmonizing on the piano. She’s so talented. I’m sorry to say that we did not record yesterday or today’s session but that will change soon…

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun

So happy together…

Aynaria 4 Comments

Angel and Gracie are still the best friends. Oreo, our netherland dwarf rabbit, is slowly warming up to Gracie, but we’re still taking teeny tiny baby steps.

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Angel and Gracie: Happy together

 

These photos were taken a few weeks ago.

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Gracie giving Angel bunny kisses…

 

Angel valiantly tries to keep up with Gracie as Gracie hops about the room. But Angel’s short little stubby legs will only get her so far. Angel is left squealing at her friend, “Come back, come back!” Gracie, knowing that Angel is much slower, frequently pops back to console, snuggle and give Angel bunny kisses.

The Turtles: Happy Together

Imagine me and you, I do
I think about you day and night, it’s only right
To think about the girl you love
And hold her tight, so happy together

If I should call you up, invest a dime
And you say you belong to me and ease my mind
Imagine how the world could be, so very fine
So happy together

I can’t see me loving nobody
But you for all my life
When you’re with me, baby
The skies will be blue for all my life

Me and you and you and me
No matter how they tossed the dice, it had to be
The only one for me is you and you for me
So happy together

I can’t see me loving nobody
But you for all my life
When you’re with me, baby
The skies will be blue for all my life

Me and you and you and me
No matter how they tossed the dice, it had to be
The only one for me is you and you for me
So happy together

Me and you and you and me
No matter how they tossed the dice, it had to be
The only one for me is you and you for me
So happy together
So happy together

How is the weather
So happy together
We’re happy together
So happy together

So happy together
So happy together
So happy together

First time picking up the Native American flute

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About an hour ago, my Native American Flute arrived from High Spirits. Of course, I’d been waiting for it most of the day, but it did not arrive until almost 5:00 p.m. No fault of High Spirits or even the delivery company for that matter. I imagine they had a busy day.

Since then, I’ve been acquainting myself with the sounds it makes… I’m stumbling along the and enjoying every moment of this journey. My daughter has been encouraging and has even hopped onto the piano to following along with the sounds I made and eventually branching off on her own little musical world, where she composed her own pieces.

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Red Tail Hawk

 

I’ll have to post pictures of me unwrapping the flute. I purchased the High Spirits Red Tail Hawk. This flute is made with cedar and I can faintly smell it whenever I play. It’s purely coincidental that the name of the flute I chose is also the name of one of my favorite birds; Red Tail Hawk. I see them often right around our home.

First time playing a Native American flute

The above video (really an audio since you don’t see me) are the sounds I made after picking up my Native American flute for the first time. The flute literally went from the box to my hands and my daughter started recording. I’m not embarrassed at the fumbles I make and can even laugh at those mistakes. You really got to keep your fingers over the holes, if not it squeaks in a most unattractive way!

When trying something new, it’s important to not become discouraged! You’re learning, so relax and enjoy the experience.

 

 

On flutes and weaving…

Aynaria 1 Comment

mouse with fluteRecently my free time has been focused on learning more about the Native American flute and loom weaving. Both have captivated me for several years…

Anything that interests me, receives a lot of research. Which, if you think about it, is how it should be since the more information (pros and cons) you have on a topic, you’re more likely to make a better choice.

I will say that internet, has made that aspect so much easier, since much of the information needed is available, I just need to take the time and read the sources.  It’s much easier to search online than physically go to a library; which is something I did often before the internet was so common. And while the internet has opened up a awesome new world for anything that interest me, I still find that I enjoy having a physical book that I can reference when I want to disconnect from technology devices.

This morning, you could find me on Amazon purchasing two books on my newest interests. Of course, I researched them both before making the purchases. Mel Bay Flute Magic: An Introduction to the Native American Flute. I chose next day delivery; so it should arrive tomorrow; the same day as my Native American flute. My second book, The Weaver’s Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom is scheduled to arrive this coming Tuesday.

Also, I purchased a 32″ Kromski stand from The Woolery for my 32″ Kromski Rigid Heddle Harp. Based on its awesome customer service, I should be receiving the stand early next week. The thing is, I already have someone making me a custom stand but since I know I won’t be receiving it soon I decided to purchase one now. Because it’s well made, I can easily sell it once it’s no longer needed. My 32″ Kromski Harp easily fits on the table, but many times I’d prefer to weave somewhere else. The stands gives me that opportunity.

I’m really looking forward to receiving the flute tomorrow; weather permitting of course. I’ve already set aside time to devote to getting acquainted with the new instrument.

Pied_Piper

Playing music with others…

I’m looking forward to eventually playing with others. My daughter has already promised she’ll accompany me in duets. She plays the piano. I’m also looking forward to playing with others who play the Native American flute. Because of the internet I’ve been able to connect with other Native American flute players. They’ve been very helpful. Recently, I’ve had an ongoing chat with one (also a newbie) about the flute videos they’ve posted. He even suggested playing on Skype sometime. I look forward to accepting the invitation and playing music with him… on Skype.

Four Seasons – Vivaldi

Aynaria 4 Comments

I love classical music. I started playing the piano at a young age (eight.) The first four years of piano playing, the only music I was allowed to play was classical.

Towards the end of those four years I was happy to play anything but classical and I refused to play or listen to it for about seven years. In my late teens I came back to it again, and we haven’t parted ways. While I love all types of music, I do have a special place in my heart for classical. So I’m not surprised that I want to learn to play a few pieces on my newest instrument the Native American flute; it should arrive this Saturday.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

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I can listen to this any time of the year; and I do. It’s one of my favorite songs!

It’s also beautifully played by The Piano Guys. They are amazing musicians.

Of course, I’m drooling over some of the beautifully woven period costumes displayed throughout this video. One of my long term goals is to make some period outfits with my 32″ Kromski harp. I’m still learning how to weave so that won’t be happening immediately, but in time… we’ll see what I can create.

The Native American flute that I ordered from High Spirits Flute, should be here this Saturday. I’m really excited about learning another musical instrument.