Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Piano Practice

I have been so good. I diligently practice the piano every day, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour. Last night I trooped over to our building and got myself into the chapel and practiced on the piano there, to get ready for the 3 Christmas songs the primary kids are singing on the 23rd. I will do this again at least a couple of times, and the next 2 times I will bring someone to sing for me. I am getting better and better at the songs....but I'll admit--I cheat.....I leave off notes. I do. I can't help it. I need to make the song easier for myself and less stressful so I leave off notes. Karen was laughing at me about this last night when I made her sit and listen to me play. But she wasn't laughing in a make-fun kind of way, I like to think she appreciated that I improvised in a way that will help me be a better player (at least for now).

I have been praying pretty hard lately that I will get the help I need when I need it so these poor primary kids don't suffer.

On a lighter note: Last night a lady in the primary presidency called. Her daughter is getting baptized this weekend and she asked Harold to play the piano at the baptism. A slap in my face? Yep. Do I care? A little. I told Harold she was obviously looking for someone who could give her a mistake-free performance at this special occasion. Harold said she came to the wrong guy.

Reason 3579 why I love my Harold.

6 comments:

mom/Janet said...

I hope Harold reads your blog so he can see how much you love him. As for the piano........I am the choir pianist. I play the piano pretty decent. I can play any hymn without effort but let me tell you, the choir director picks the most challenging music. Not only complicated but 5 flats or 6 sharps. NOOOOOOOOOO I freaked out when I was first called. I would practice for over an hour each day. I was so nervous the first time I played. As I was sitting there while the speaker was talking before we sang, my hands were sweaty and I felt myself getting sick. It dawned on me that I had prepared with deligence and I said a silent prayer that HF knew my efforts and to please bless me with calm. I tell you Jeanna, I was so calm and almost played flawless. Bill pulled me close after I returned to my seat and wispered what a good job I did. Bill hears all my mistakes at home. Anyway, keep practicing and the Lord will bless you. I say, let Harold sweat it out for the baptism. You have enough things to worry about. Keep it up and you'll be surprised at your piano capabilities.

mom/Janet said...

ps on the above novel: I leave notes out all the time. A sister who is very accomplished on the piano made that suggestion to me and I now figure it's legal. Try having this person sit behind you in choir practice. I have to just think of other things and not think she is looking at my hands...if you know what I mean.

Holley said...

That is hysterical! I love it! I think I'll just start improvising in all aspects of my life. See if anyone notices that I leave off grocery shopping from my weekly to do list. You are doing great, I'm sure of it. We are always our own worst critics. I love Harold too!!!

Collette said...

Won't she be surprised when you play beautifully for the Christmas program. Some people...

Jules said...

Jeanna, this has nothing to do with your blog. I am very surprised that you have never seen White Christmas. I have a stack of Christmas movies I have already watched and I will be bringing them over for your viewing pleasure. Adam and I (ok well I) love to turn on Chrsitmas movies after the kids are in bed and wrap gifts together. This year I decided I was going to see every movie I love before Christmas, so I've been watching a lot more T.V. than I normally do. See ya soon.

Brittany said...

i am so very very grateful that i do not have a piano playing calling. i try to keep the fact that i took piano lessons for seven years on the dl. i really admire your diligence and efforts to do your best at your calling. i agree with janet on two points - the Lord knows your efforts so he will bless you with the ability to perform your best. and i also agree to be grateful you weren't asked to play at that baptism. you do have a lot of things on your plate.

maybe i do need a piano playing calling.... then i might remember how to play again.