Opus 76 - art inspired by art

There are probably 6,372 other things I should be doing, now, but I really wanted to get this out while it's (somewhat) fresh.

First, some context (without meaning to sound braggy):

I am a musician.  I took piano lessons from ages five to eighteen.  I started playing the trumpet in the fifth grade and began lessons a few years later.  My degree is in instrumental music education, and trumpet was my main instrument.  I was part of jazz ensemble, symphonic band, brass ensemble, orchestra, pep band, and various weddings and church gigs over the course of my jr. high, high school, and college career (all of the above in college).  I've taught private piano and trumpet lessons since I was in junior high (out of my home, then at a private studio, and now, out of my home, again).  I've toured both domestically and internationally with performing groups.  I have and do accompany soloists.  I currently play trumpet in a community band and keyboard for our church praise team. 

All that said, I have never really been the type of musician who has a great, true appreciation for music.  As I read that back, it seems like an extreme statement.  It's not as it may seem, but I don't know any other way to say it, at this point.  I'll try to explain, though...hear me out:  I've always been so involved in music that I've had a hard time making/finding time to enjoy it outside of my own performances.  Of course, I have taken advantage of opportunities to attend various special concerts and have always supported musician friends by attending their performances, but to truly seek out and strive to take in as much live music as possible has always seemed out of my reach, mostly due to my schedule and the other things I wanted to spend time doing.  During my post-college time in Lincoln, I was able to attend several amazing performances through the non-profit management office I worked for (still one of the most unique work experiences I've had...or heard of - haha.  I wrote a post about it early on in my time there...and added lots of duties to the list in the years following.), but I usually had some sort of duty at these events, so wasn't able to focus 100% on the music, necessarily.  I often have music playing as I go about my day, but it has often been required listening to prepare for my own performance, something I've listened to several times, or simply something I'm not consciously listening to.  I have and do come across new music when people share it, but haven't always sought it out on my own.

Additionally, my brain doesn't work in a way that easily remembers/comprehends/connects performers, composers, bands to their specific sounds, songs, and pieces of music.  Same goes for movie quotes.  I often recognize melodies (or lines, if we're still talking about movie quotes), but I'm only just beginning to have enough history with some of them to recall the name of the piece, recognize the style of the performer/band, or be able to name the composer (or movie/character/scene). 

Of course, as a music major, I spent hours and hours in classes (and lessons) where I was asked to do just this.  I memorized birth and death dates.  I attached names to melodies.  I learned traits associated with different musical periods.  I was able to do all this in small batches, but it was mostly for the sake of the grade, and not as much for the sake of my own musical appreciation/knowledge.  To this day, I'm embarrassed to not be able to really "talk shop" with other musicians (esp. trumpet players), because I can't always speak to my favorite player, group, piece in a particular genre, etc. (Sorry, Dean...)  I can't always hear a song and say, "Oh, that sounds like so-and-so," whether or not it's a cover.  Unless I've seen a musical several times, I don't always remember what songs go with which (unless it's Wicked, in which case I can probably sing the entire soundtrack from memory...and that's just because I've listened to it so, so many times.).  This isn't to say I'm never able to draw these connections, recognize a composer/performing group, or remember the name of a particular song.  I am obviously able to do so on some level, just not the level I would like or think I should be able to.

I've found I'm much better able to recall/comprehend music if I have something personal to attach to it, and even more-so if it's a deep emotional attachment.  I'll always remember the first time I actually cried (rather than just tearing up) during worship ("Here I Am to Worship" at CIY).  I haven't yet forgotten the exact musical moments when I was moved to tears while performing a couple band pieces in college (near the end of the fifth movement, "Hobbits," of the Lord of the Rings Symphony and the climax of our NMEA perfornamce of "O Magnum Mysterium").  I was too emotional to participate in the a capella verse of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" at our wedding.  It was so beautiful and meaningful to hear all our friends and loved ones' voices blending together in harmony and worship.  There's a Christian lullaby CD we were given before Jacob was born that was on repeat during many late-night feedings early in his life.  Those songs will always take me back to those sweet, emotional moments.  I could probably list more examples here, but those give you an idea.  Again - I'm not sure why my brain doesn't better retain this sort of information, but it is what it is.

Now, to bring it to the original subject of this post:

A few months ago, Bryant heard a local musician interviewed on a local radio station to promote his string quartet's free concerts.  My husband, as usual, knows me better than I know myself and acted on the opportunity to hear live music on the cheap, because he thought I'd enjoy it.  So, he told me about the group, and we planned to attend a concert.

If I'm being honest, I wouldn't say I'm really "into" string music (no offense intended, at all...just hasn't always been my thing.  Maybe it's because I'm a brass player...?).  This concert, however, was so refreshing and enjoyable, and apparently, necessary for me.  For one thing, the respite of sitting still for an hour was a treat.  Being able to simply listen to other people perform was also just so nice.  I think part of the reason I enjoyed the listening aspect so much was a control thing; someone else was in control of that situation - worrying about having enough programs, directing people to the restrooms, setting out the reception treats, etc.  For me, being able to sit back and listen to other people perform music (that I had no preconceived notions about - it was Haydn and Beethoven, but I did not recognize the particular pieces/movements to know exactly what they would/should sound like) was very calming and refreshing.  If I'm being poetic about it, I was able to be still and let the music wash over me.  I was able to focus on the musical lines and motives, and at some point while doing so, I realized my mind wasn't wandering.  For my brain to not have 53 tabs open at once is such a rare occurrence.  Yes, as a musician, I was listening critically (though I don't know that I heard (or picked up on) any mistakes) and analytically, but it was surprising and wonderful to truly be able to have a singular focus for several moments.  It was so peaceful, and not just because they were playing classical music.  My mind needed the break as much as my body did.

I've heard (esp. recently) that art inspires art.  I listen to a couple authors' podcasts, and they often talk about how much they do or don't read in order to be inspired.  They also discuss seeking out other mediums to fill their creative souls.  I couldn't help but think about how the quartet performance (art) was inspiring me, both in the moment and afterward.  During the performance, I was able to appreciate the immense skill and talent it took to perform those pieces at the level they did.  I was inspired by their passion for the music (enough to perform it free of charge) and the words they shared about why they do what they do.  Afterward, I was able to reflect to the point of wanting to get it all out "on paper" and am so glad to have a (small) platform to do so (which I don't often think of as a form of art, but I believe it is).  I have also been inspired to strive to play more of the (piano) music in my collection.  I've inherited and been given so, so much music - of all genres and from all time periods.  This inspiration to take time to play more was affirmed by Jacob wanting to bring his musical instruments (a jingle bell stick and harmonica, in this instance) downstairs when he heard me practicing.  We rarely have a silent home, but it's often podcasts or that week's worship set filling our ears.  There's nothing wrong with either of those, but I feel I need to do a better job of exposing him to a variety of music, both live and recorded.

On another note (pun not originally intended), we made a date night out of the concert and happened to drive by the original KC Joe's on our way to the place we'd planned to dine that evening.  Like a bear to honey (I was going to use the "moth to the flame" analogy, but it didn't feel right in this context...you get the idea), we turned around and took advantage of the time we had to stand in line (though it was short on a Tuesday night) and the fact that they weren't sold out of burnt ends (speaking of art...).  It wasn't the fancy night out we'd originally planned, but it was just as (perhaps even more) delicious.  There were also homemade treats after the concert, so we were glad we hadn't stopped for dessert, beforehand.

The concert took place in a beautiful church sanctuary, which of course, just added to the appeal and wonder of it all.

The quartet we heard is called Opus 76.  You should definitely check out their Facebook page and website.  They're doing some really amazing things for the KC community.  If you're in the area, be sure to attend a concert - whether or not you're "into" string music. ;)  Their musicianship and talent is truly inspiring, and their mission and purpose is admirable and worth supporting.  We didn't get to stick around after the concert to visit with them, so please consider this my public display of admiration and appreciation.  ☺

I feel like I bore a piece of my soul that hasn't been brought to light, before.  Thank you for being gracious and kind readers and allowing me to feel safe in doing so.  I don't know that I adequately explained the points I was trying to make here, but I know it was a lot of words, already, so thanks for bearing with me.  ♥    

Inspired-ly,

Kensy

P.S. I edited this post in a trendy coffee shop in downtown KC on my 10(?)-yr.-old-17-inch-screen-Toshiba laptop.  It didn't fit on one of the bar-top ledges they had set up for people like me who've come to work there.  I don't think I've ever felt so old so unexpectedly...

Favorites of the day:

flip-flop season (you saw that one coming)

Kouign Amann (a planned indulgence) and this beautiful pineapple twist (a surprise treat)

an unexpected family photo at a recent alumni event

TBH - we just went for the free food...and for the perfect opportunity for J to wear the shirt the university sent us when he was born. ☺

☺

At-Home Spa Night

I just realized this is my first post of 2019, so Happy (belated) New Year!

Once again, I wanted to write more than is appropriate for an Instagram caption, so here are a few pictures and even more words about something my hubby did for me this past weekend:

After getting home from work, Bryant sent me out the door to grab a light supper and “start relaxing.”  For me, that meant CFA and a couple errands (including the grocery store, of course, because who would I be if I didn’t take a relaxing pre-snowstorm trip to Hy-Vee...?). 

Upon my return (and after helping me put away groceries), he surprised me with an at-home spa night!  In true Enneagram 5 fashion, he had done extensive research on massage, fancy snacks and drinks, face and hair masks, and pedicure techniques.  He did a ton of prep work and made it all such an authentic, relaxing, wonderful experience. I. felt. so. spoiled.  That man seriously thought of everything, including but not limited to, warm towels, fun magazines, and taking the rubber duck faucet protector off the bathtub faucet before my bubble bath.  

Crackers with fancy cheeses, chocolate-covered strawberries, bruschetta (one of my most favorite things), and fancy strawberry water ("Agua de Fresa").

Candles everywhere - so cozy and ambient!

The containers pictured between the sinks contained homemade, all-natural hair and face masks!

These are a few of my favorite things...

I was so impressed by his first-ever pedicure "performance!"

This was one of the most thoughtful, generous, thorough, kind acts of service I’ve experienced (or heard of, for that matter).  He planned it all so intentionally, and what made it even more meaningful to me was the frugal-ness and the effort to truly serve me.  He could've easily sent me away to spend hundreds of dollars at a salon/spa, but instead, he did an amazing DIY version, which meant we also got to spend some quality time together! 

I realize sharing it all may come across as a bit braggy, and honestly, I’m ok with that - my sweet husband deserves alllll the credit and bragging and gold stars.  I’m only sorry it took something like this for me to make such a big deal about him publicly.  There are so many everyday things he does that I appreciate, and in the spirit of bragging on him, I’ll share a few:

-daily preps breakfast for J and I

-turns on my electric blanket before bed

-maintains our vehicles 

-plans date nights 

-voluntarily helps prep and/or fully prepare meals

-takes care of J while I teach lessons, attend rehearsals, and/or just have a couple minutes to myself

In a nutshell, Bryant is wonderful and treats me better than I deserve. ♥

Relaxedly,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

that fancy strawberry water - it was so good!

this beautiful snow that's still around

Jacob's excitement about the snow - it's so precious!

Living the Dream

As you may already know, Bryant works one weekend every couple months.  To compensate for working the weekend days, he gets two days off the week prior.  While working the weekend isn't awesome, it is convenient to be able to schedule various appointments and get things done on those weekdays.  He and Jacob also usually have a boys' day, giving me a whole weekday to myself!  You'd better believe I make the most of it, and this time around was no exception.

After having breakfast and some playtime with the boys before they headed out on their own adventures, I took some time to work on a couple things for church (I haven't shared about it here, yet, but I started a weekly mom's group and was also asked to help host a women's conference next year).  

Then, I headed to my haircut appointment at The Glam Room.  I don't usually give unsolicited recommendations, but you guys - if you're in KC, you need to check them out.  (If you're not into knowing alllll the details about finding a new salon you love, feel free to skip the rest of this paragraph...)  The first time I walked into The Glam Room was after my stylist of three years moved out of state and I was looking for a close, affordable-yet-reputable salon that could get me in that same day.  I happened upon The Glam Room and took the only appointment available, which was with a stylist named Cassandra.  I know I've already written too many words about this, but it was seriously unlike any haircut I've had before.  Before doing anything besides shake my hand, she sat down with me and asked several questions about my lifestyle, my "beauty" routine, my hair, my feelings about my hair, good hair days, bad hair days, etc., etc.  It was not at all intrusive, but rather, refreshingly introspective and considerate.  She proceeded to follow the normal wash/cut/style routine, but included a complimentary deep-conditioning treatment and lovely conversation all the way through.  She also gave me several tips/facts/insights about hair in general and my specific hair/style that served me well in my routine and hair care between haircut appointments.  This week's visit was only my second, but it was just as good as the first.  After finding out my thumbs were cracked from the dry weather, she suggested doing a paraffin dip.  I told her it probably wasn't in the budget, but then, she got permission to do a complimentary dip!  Ya'll know how I love "freebies," and this one was just so thoughtful and practical; I (obviously) really appreciated it.  She also sent me out the door with a little bit of an upgraded style, since I was accompanying Christmas carols for the Fab 50's group at church that evening.

I know that was a lot, but I just wanted to give credit where credit was due.  I sure hope you're still reading, though, because I have some more really amazing things to share with you.

My next "appointment" that day was lunch with my BFF.  I've told you before, but I'm going to tell you again: we're living our dream living in the same town as adults.  I know I'm so blessed to have a best friend from childhood, in general, but it is just beyond that we get to continue to do life in such close proximity.  *all the praise hands and heart eye emojis*

Anyway, we met at Succotash for lunch.  They serve breakfast food all day, so of course, that's what we had.  It was delish.  I will be back.

♥

Our next stop was ScrapsKC.  I can't possibly explain everything about this place, but in short, it's a craft supply thrift store the benefits the homeless community.  Just writing that sentence knowing you're going to know about it, now, seriously makes me excited.  They call themselves a "Creative Reuse Center," and say of themselves, "ScrapsKC inspires creativity in art and education, positively impacts the environment, and provides hope for the homeless."  Not only do they have an overwhelming inventory of all sorts of craft/building/creating supplies, but they provide several services for the homeless AND they serve teachers in the area by allowing them to shop for their classroom for free.

This is how we felt about ScrapsKC.
The picture doesn't do our feelings justice, though.

We found soooo many treasures, and we didn't even feel like we saw everything in the hour and a half we were able to spend there.  We resisted purchasing some of these treasures, but there were several we couldn't resist.  I won't list them all, but wanted to share one thing in particular:

I was on the look-out for some scrap leather to try my hand at making earrings with my Cricut.  I found several beautiful pieces, including one I was extra excited about.  I also found one little package of earring hardware, so was able to put these together: 

The reason I was so excited to find the buffalo plaid pattern was because I'd just finished making a Christmas shirt with the same pattern!  The K-Mart down the street is going out of business, so I scoured the store for some plain shirts to personalize with some iron-on vinyl, and I was so excited to find a couple and be able to make this shirt for just a couple dollars:

Neither projects turned out perfectly, but they're good enough for me
(and surely good enough for the couple times I'll wear them each year - haha).

The fun continued the next evening with a Favorite Things party with Kansas City friends!  While I was sad to miss out on the one in NE this year, I was so glad to be part of this gathering with sweet friends.  We had delicious appetizers and desserts, good conversation, and a fun time sharing some of our most favorite (and practical!) things.  (If I haven't shared with you about "Favorite Things" parties, yet, please ask.  They're the best.)

I came home to a sleeping baby, folded clean laundry, and a husband meal-prepping in the kitchen, pulling freshly baked biscuits out of the oven. 

Please know that I realize how incredibly lucky/blessed/fortunate I am to not only have the time and resources to spend a day like this, but also a husband who encourages me to do so.  I do not share this to brag, to evoke any sort of jealousy, or to put myself above anyone else.  I'm simply grateful and thought I'd share.  Also, I wanted to spread the word about all the awesome places I've been discovering!

A word to the mamas reading this: if you're in need of a day like this, but for whatever reason, are unable to get it, please reach out to someone and try to make it happen.  If you're in KC, I'd be glad to watch your kiddos, pay for a ScrapsKC shopping spree, do your laundry, bake you something, whatever - seriously.  You deserve it. 

Refreshedly,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

Favorite Things parties

holiday goodies, both sweet and savory

new friendships (I know I've listed this more than once, recently, but it's just something I'm really glad about, lately.)

My younger man ♥

This is one of those posts I started several months ago. I've added a few things since, but it's mostly as I wrote it then. Glad to be able to share it now, though, because today is the subject(my husband)'s birthday! Please enjoy this post about how wonderful he is and join me in celebrating him! (Yes - he's younger than me, but not by much.)


I just need to brag on my husband for a bit. Not in a "my husband is better than yours" way, or anything like that. Just in a "he's amazing and I want to publicly thank him" way.

Here's the thing:

We often say, "We sure got a good baby!" Not only is he so precious and adorable, but he's also just been an easy baby. He's spoiling us, for sure.

That being said, there have been hard days. Some of those hard days may be the norm for other parents; some of them may be on par with what others experience; some may be worse. Regardless, they get to me, sometimes. I've been labeled a "high achiever," "goody-two-shoes," and a "perfectionist" at various points in my life. I can't help but get down on myself and feel as though I've failed when even the smallest thing doesn't go as it should. (And I can't function well if something is unresolved/out of place/lost/etc.) So, needless to say, when I don't know exactly what to do for my baby and/or nothing I try seems to work, I feel like I'm failing him. Because of my woman's "spaghetti" brain, this permeates into every other aspect of life, and I end up feeling like I'm not succeeding at anything - esp. at being a wife.

Those hard days when I'm feeling like a failure and can't seem to figure out how to function normally are the days when my husband shines especially bright. He never fails to greet me with a hug and a kiss, regardless of how I look or feel. He asks how he can help and/or observes a need and meets it without being asked. He gives me what I need without me knowing I needed it. (Examples of this include: sending me to Target with instructions to get a Starbucks drink and look around a while, even though we only need one thing; clipping a mani/pedi coupon and making sure I go redeem it; finding a Groupon for a massage and sending me to redeem it only after I go get something I want for lunch; taking the load of laundry I just pulled from the dryer and telling me to stay downstairs to watch figure skating while he folds it upstairs.) My personality type does not do a good job of self-care. Self-initiated self-care makes me feel selfish/guilty/unproductive. I'm getting a little better at it, but only because my husband strongly encourages me in this department. I've fought him on it at times, but he stands his ground, and I always come out better for following his instruction. And though he totally deserves to do so, he doesn't even say, "Told ya."

I may have said it before, but he's just such a great dad...and a great husband to me as a mom. He works hard for our family and comes home excited to spend time with us and ready to help however he can. We've continued to do lots of work on our house (more on that later), and I'm continually amazed at all he knows how and learns to do!

We celebrated our third wedding anniversary in October, and in addition to taking me out for dinner (sans baby for the first time, thanks to some dear friends), he also got me these very thoughtful gifts:

Red roses, because that's what my bridal bouquet was comprised of.
The traditional gift for a third year anniversary is leather, so he arranged to have this special sentiment printed on a piece of leather! ♥ 

Though I wrote most of this post months ago, it still all rings true today - perhaps even more so! I simply can't imagine life without this amazing man by my side, and I'm so very thankful for him and the life we've built together.

Happy birthday, Bryant!☺ Love you so much! ♥

With-all-the-heart-eyes,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

consignment sales

podcasts (let me know if you'd like recommendations!)

This tiny cake, because #moderation, but also #birthdaycake. ☺ 

The "pregnancy card"

Happy Valentine's Day, dear friends!

Hope this finds you happy and healthy (a pretty fantastic feat this time of year...the healthy part, I mean)!

I realize my posts as of late seem to have a theme (...it starts with a "p"), but that's because this is all new for me, and new life experiences are some of the things this blog was originally created to share.  ☺  

I've been trying hard not to play the "pregnancy card" too frequently, and never unnecessarily, the past few months.  Others encourage me to do so more than I care to, as it is!  haha.  My sweet husband is on the receiving end of this excuse more than anyone...he's often the one who takes the figurative card from me before I can even pull it out...and he's been so wonderful about it!  

Anyway, the other day, we started our baby registries (no, we don't know what we're having, yet)!  While this was really exciting and fun, it was a little overwhelming and tiring for this child-carrying girl.  It wasn't a problem - just giving you a little back story here.  We were in a part of town we don't often frequent...and a part of town that is home to The Cheesecake Factory.  You know my love of cheesecake, of course, but due to my lack of sweet tooth, lately (I know...I don't even know who I am), I was more excited about taking advantage of being so close and getting some actual food there (rather than just dessert)!  Upon approaching the hostess counter, however, we discovered it would be over a 30-minute wait.  Normally, this would be fine, but we were both quickly getting more and more hungry, and hungry and pregnant don't mix well.  So, we decided to try again another time and pick up something a little faster this time.  As we started to pull out of the parking lot, though, I started to cry...just tears, at first, but the snot and sobs came rapidly once my hubby started asking what was wrong.  There were a lot of contributing factors to this meltdown, but at the time, the only explanation I could muster was, "I just wanted some Cheesecake Factory bread."  (I've always loved their bread - that wasn't new.  But the apparent urgent "need" for it?  That was new.)  Next thing I knew, we were back in a parking spot and that man I married was headed back into the restaurant.  I kept crying, but this time, because he was being so nice.  And I KEPT crying when he came back with warm bread and butter a few minutes later, because he told me they gave it to him for free!  He'd played the "pregnancy card," and they took pity on me...or maybe him?  Who knows, but either way, they gave us free bread!

Speaking of having babies...I'm going to be an aunt so soon!  My brother and sis-in-law are ready and waiting for the arrival of their baby boy.  Thought I'd take a moment to share a little bit about the shower I got to help throw for them.  It was so much fun!  ☺  

Can't take credit for the book theme idea, but sure enjoyed helping execute it!

I'd made these (with the help of that awesome Cricut owner I know) almost immediately after finding out they were expecting, and was so excited to finally be able to give them to them!

Would love to hear any pregnancy stories you'd like to share!  And we're always open to suggestions about baby things we shouldn't try to live without.  ☺

As usual, thanks so much for reading, and enjoy your day!

More cool-calm-and-collectly than the other day,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

Girl Scout cookies!

flexible work schedules/students

annual Valentine's Day roses ☺

29 for the first time

Over 2 months ago, I celebrated my 29th birthday.  As you know, I've had a hard time remembering how old I was the past couple of years.  Don't worry - it won't be a problem this year...

My sweet husband made my day super special.  Here are a few of the things he did to make the beginning of the end of my 20's so great:

He made 3 flavors of cake balls, and they were all soooo delicious!

Pan-seared steak.  Yum.

Can you believe this?!

One of my very favorites!
Gift not pictured: a gift certificate for a massage with the appt. already made for my birthday afternoon!

So many friends and family, near and far, thought of me and called and/or sent texts, messages, cards, and gifts.  How kind and thoughtful?!  They all know me so well!  Here are a few of the tangible items I received:

You know how much I love a good deal, and in the weeks surrounding my birthday, we got to take advantage of several awesome birthday offers.  Here are just a few:

Free appetizer with an entree purchase at Granite City.  We shared both and still had leftovers, and our sweet waitress even sent home a special birthday treat, since we were too full for a b-day dessert!

Free Gigi's cupcake!
(We ate it before we remembered to take a picture...woops!)

Free pizza from Pizza Shoppe.

This didn't photograph super well, but it sure was yummy!
Free stack of pancakes (any flavor) from IHOP.
This one was white chocolate raspberry!

It was a really good day...and week...and month.  Haha.  ☺  29 is going well, so far - life is good.

Anyway. just thought I'd share with you...finally.  Thanks for reading!

More to come soon.

29-ly,

Kensy

Favorites of the day:

quality family time

technology

my cat-shaped lap warmer ;)