I will say the past couple of months have been stressful but I also felt a bit more was accomplished! There has been some fun, too -- so we'll start there. But first, my winter bunny!
Rick hosted a house concert featuring his guitar teacher, Brad DeRoche. Somehow we packed about 50 people into his living room for a cozy afternoon of wonderful music.
Brad is a wonderful musician, a graduate of Eastman Music School and professor who has performed with a number of orchestras and solo performances. He's also recorded.
I wish I had better photos for you. The back lighting wasn't the best. But it's not the photos that matter because I have some links to Brad's music HERE, including a number of pieces he played for us. It is well worth a listen.
The program he performed for was beautiful -- a wonderful mix of music from Spain, South America and a lovely arrangement of Bach arranged by Brad. It was a marvelous afternoon.
After, we had a small reception. Several friends brought something for the table to accompany Rick's bread and cheese. I made chocolate chip cookies because I was desperate to bake but not have it in the house after! It was a great solution. And there is something about filling a home first, with music, then with people who have had a terrific time, talking, eating, sharing, smiling. It fills the heart.
Brad said that he especially enjoyed doing house concerts because they were so personal. It gave him the opportunity to talk with people (versus the concert or recital format which is more formal). And when you can have those conversations and bring the music to the people directly, it has a different impact -- one of more involvement and connection to the music.
For me it was just darned fun! I met a lot of very nice new people and saw some old friends from various parts of my life. Included were a friend from Kindergarten, my best junior high friend and her boyfriend who I knew in high school and one of my college buddies and his wife, along with some of my Cork Popper friends. It was good to catch up with everyone!
There's lots to say about mold remediation and the aftermath but I'll save that for another day. Instead I'll end with a few photos with subjects almost as lovely as Brad's music. I saw these on my walk the other day. Someone told me they are called Winter Crocus.
Sunset at the Ditch changes from moment to moment.
And the moments come very fast!
And finally....
Goodnight, Moon!
A couple of notes on comments -- first, I'm way behind in reaching out to say thanks for your visits. Life has been getting in the way, so my apologies. I've been trying to keep up (with mixed results) on visits to your blogs but find myself falling behind. Bear with me!
And last -- and certainly not least -- I have recently received very lovely comments from readers relatively new to Marmelade Gypsy. I should mention again that I reply to comments via email and if one hasn't listed an email, then I go to their blog. I've found some wonderful blogs this way! So, to Steve, Tom, Barbara in Houston, Dawn P., Jim and Barb, Ashok, Roentare, Elizabeth, Regine, Jan, Joanne, Judee, Karen M., Sonija, Veronica, Regina, Kokopelli, V., Debra, Klaudia, Barwitzki, Nancy, Maggie, Linda Sue, Melody, Rough Terrain Crane, Unknown, Anonymous, Debra-She Who Seeks, and many others who visit frequently or even now-and-then, thank you! If you come here and I don't reply, it's because I can't find a blog or contact info for you. But I am ALWAYS so grateful for your comments. (Or, like the past couple of weeks, in over my head!) Thank you!
Sharing with: Friday Face Off / Senior Salon Pit Stop / Love Your Creativity / Talking About It Tuesday
68 comments:
Hope you are having a good day! 🌞
...thanks for sharing the video of Brad's music. I know your Winter Crocus as Winter Aconite. I hope that your stress decreases.
If music and friendship add to the length of one's happy life- that afternoon just added a few more years! Thank you for the link to Brad's music- remarkable!
A winter rabbit and winter crocus- urging us through the bleak days of springtime trying to be spring. It is always this way isn't it. Weather teasing the buds out and then WHAM- more days of winter.
Glad to hear that we are on the same page- as clearing out goes...a never ending activity here! Thinking of you while I shift stuff and discover how deep my hoard/laziness goes- wishing you well, dear Jeanie!
The concert and gathering must have been wonderful. It’s been ages since we were present at an event like that.
I hope your health is improving, and that your mould problem is over and done with.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
It's been so long since I've been to a house concert. They are always a good time. This one looks marvelous!
Very nice
My violin teacher got his Ph.D from Eastman, an excellent school for music. I love classical music.
What a nice house concert you had in your home, Jeanie. And the best thing is that you met up with some old friends. And a friend from kindergarten, that's awesome! I will see some of my high school friends next month at a fundraiser dinner. Sometimes the old friends are the best. You know how much I love your Ditch pictures. Thanks for sharing them with us from time to time. Looks like you visited the Ditch later on in the day, and that sunset is lovely. What a cute bunny that is visiting you too!
Wishing you wonderful March days, Jeanie.
~Sheri
Houae concerts are always so special! Hugs!
What an awesome way to enjoy a concert. I am off to check out his music
Lovely scenic photos. when I first started blogging around the time I retired in the fall of 2003 we always interacted by replying to comments via email. that all changed for some reason after facebook came on the scene. Not sure why more don't prefer replying that way. It is more personal and can get to know friends better that way too I think
the no reply comments I reply back on my blog under their comments-and now just do that with all comments.
enjoy your weekend
Kathy
Hello,
Happy March to you! Wow, Rick had a lot of people in his house for the concert. Sounds like a fun time for all, nice video showing Brad's music!
The ditch sky photos are beautiful. Take care, have a great day and happy weekend.
What a lovely way to spend an evening. 50 is a lot of people but it sounds like it was perfect. The mold issue is never pleasant.
Cathy
Acorn hollow
The house concert sounds like such a fun idea. And I love the little yellow flowers. We have a few things starting to bud, and it's so nice to see some color.
What a great afternoon! That's one of the best ways to be with people.
Reading the blogs of everyone who comments here would be a full-time job! No hurries, no worries. I'm still trying to get back onto my feet with e-mail...
Wow!!! What a fabulous post. So much fun with music, food and friends. Happy March to you. As for getting to blogs to comment, sometimes life just makes it impossible. Thank you for joining FFO and have a very nice day.
It sounds like you all enjoyed the house concert very much, Jeanie! The first time I heard of "house concert" was on a tv show a week ago. I had to learn more about the yellow flower which is what gets me into trouble when I'm visiting posts. I did a google image search and came up with winter aconite which is in the buttercup family. I'm only mentioning it because sources warned that the plant is poisonous if ingested by humans and that it should be handled with gloves. It's beautiful and low maintenance, but is considered invasive in some areas. Your bunny is definitely cute and your winter sunsets and moon are gorgeous. Have a lovely March with lots of blooms!
The house concert seems fun. Always enjoying your fun photos
What a wonderful event! How fortunate for all who could be there. I love reading about your thoughts about your life and the world around you. Spring is coming.
Music is such a pleasure when heard in the intimate setting of a house concert. Your scenes at the Ditch with the sunset and the moon are very atmospheric. You did well to get a snap of the rabbit before it hopped away.
A house concert is a lovely idea. It's so encouraging to see little bits of blossom here and there outdoors. Now that it's March there will be more of them. Happy March days to you, Jeanie.
The house concert sounds so lovely. I listened to Brad's music via the link you provided - how very beautiful! I agree that a house concert like this is so much more personal because you can talk about the music and thus connect more. You hear differently. I remember back before my married life I was a member of a classical music venue in Stuttgart, Germany. Member had the opportunity to pre-concert talks, and it was so different to listen to the concert after that. I always enjoyed these events very much.
Rick oscillates between the world of music (guitar playing, house concerts) and sports (cycling). These two worlds complement each other, and , luckily for you, make him a whole individual with a wide horizon and a variety of interests.
I always enjoy our walks to the Ditch. You're very fortunate to be able to enjoy such a beautiful and varied area. We have a rabbit in our back yard who lives among the hedges. Each time I see him/her I think of Mr. McGregor's garden and Peter Rabbit. I love seeing your nature and wildlife photos. And what a fun afternoon. I'll listen to some music here shortly. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
50 People, wow and friends from all dates, fun!
You made me smile big mentioning your new blogger-friends! :-)
That does sound like a cosy concert.
I try to come by and read posts when I'm feeling up to it, but don't always take the time to comment. I want you to know though that I am lurking here in the background as often as possible, and I'm very grateful for any comments you leave on my blog - regardless of how often you comment.
This seems like chamber music at its very best. Would that I had been there to enjoy the moment.
Oh that must have been lovely! I enjoyed your other photos also, thank you so much Jeanie. Understand perfectly about the comments, sweet of you to mention your new blogger friends. I am always grateful for mine.
That sounds like a lovely concert, and definitely much more personal. How fun for Rick. I hope the mold issue clean up is actually happening or has happened. What a project-I can get why it might be stressful. Winter is usually not a very exciting time, is it? We are in the end of the snow melt and almost back to bare ground, but when it warms up-we have so much MUD. No flowers yet though. I loved seeing these you shared. Take care, and I hope you have a great March. hugs-Erika
Fun....have lots of blooms coming out all over here.
Wonderful! Like a French salon during Proust’s time, home literary and music gatherings. How I miss my violin as I’ve been so preoccupied with caring that I’ve no time or even the mood to practice.
How fun to enjoy a concert in a private home where you can enjoy the music and then socialize afterward, that is so nice! Looks like Spring is starting to spring up there, yay! Take care Jeanie~
Jenna
Loved seeing the bunny. We haven't had any in our yard in quite a long time. The coyotes have done away with them, we think.
What an amazing concert. I was trying to figure out how you got 50 in there to listen. What a treat for all of them. I am imagine your cookies were a treat too.
And then to end with a walk at the ditch, so pretty.
Yes, many weeks I find stopping to check out the blogs I read just doesn't happen, but somehow I eventually get caught up and then I get behind again. You blog is at the top of my list.
Looks like a fun time and as far as getting behind, it happens to the best of us. No worries
Such a lovely idea to host a house concerts. Brad’s music is divine. So glad you are seeing sign of spring. We are getting bombarded by rain these last days. Happy March Jeanie.☘️
Such a lovely idea to host a house concerts. Brad’s music is divine. So glad you are seeing sign of spring. We are getting bombarded by rain these last days. Happy March Jeanie.☘️
Such a lovely idea to host a house concerts. Brad’s music is divine. So glad you are seeing signs of spring. We are getting bombarded by rain these last days. Happy March Jeanie.☘️
Such a lovely idea to host a house concerts. Brad’s music is divine. So glad you are seeing sign of spring. We are getting bombarded by rain these last days. Happy March Jeanie.☘️
Such a lovely idea to host a house concerts. Brad’s music is divine. So glad you are seeing sign of spring. We are getting bombarded by rain these last days. Happy March Jeanie.☘️
Hi Jeanie: I always enjoy so much your walks to the ditch and your photos are so pretty and when set to music it is just so uplifting. As someone who seems to be more housebound than anything else, and not complaining, I enjoy your adventures. Happy Days, my friend..xxoJudy
The house concert hosted by Rick sounds like a wonderful evening and he mix of music, delightful. I't's always wonderful to see people from our past. I do enjoy my walks seeing the first bulbs in February, usually daffs. I had a lot of them at my old home but didn't get around to planting them here last fall. Than's first on my to do list for this coming Nov.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Glad to read that you're getting some fun there too. Yes, emails are nice though going to blogs I get to see more of what they have going on. I love seeing the pictures people share. Love those little yellow flowers you posted and the moon.
As for getting to everyone's comments. That's just not possible all the time. And that's okay. Nothing at all wrong with that.
Cheers to you!
I didn't even know there was such a thing as a house concert. Such beautiful music!! That's a lot of people in one house. What a wonderful event. :)
I loved hearing about this house concert that you hosted. What fun!
Jeanie, I have no idea how you keep up with reading blogs, commenting, responding to comments, and writing your own blog. I’ve always considered a blog reader/writer extraoenaire! I always love hearing from you, but I don’t expect you to respond to my comments on your blog.
Sending greeting for a happy March as we head toward spring.
wow ... hosting an indoor wintertime concert! i'm sure I haven't ever heard of such a delightful, out of the box idea. a perfect antidote for isolation, the blues, and boredom!
How lovely, Jeanie! I'm so glad you have such sweet moments. I do hope you are feeling better, my friend.
A house concert sounds fabulous, Jeanie! I have not heard of one here. An afternoon of music, new friends, old friends, and food would be perfect for me. Great photos from the ditch!
What a great way to share music -- and such wonderful music, too. I've never been to a house concert, per se, but porch music? You bet. Jamming in the yard? Sure. Guitar, fiddle, and harmonica are a little more 'country' than the music you shared, but it's played for the same purpose: sharing with friends!
Love the bunny. I can't remember the last time I saw one. They're not particularly common around here -- or they spend their time in people's gardens!
He is a lovely performer - listened the extracts on his website. It's a nice idea to have home concerts. Jenny.
The Winter Crocus is a sure sign that spring is on its way. They are so tiny and bright and make you smile.
what a lovely event -- and it sounds like a beautiful selection of pieces. Thanks so much for the link to his website; it was a nice way to share a little bit of the experience you enjoyed.
Sure hope the mold eradication went well. Loved seeing your bunny!
The concert and gathering must have been just wonderful.
Two lovely photographs from the Ditch, and a wonderful moon photograph.
Take care, sending my good wishes.
All the best Jan
My internet has created a glitch, so I am running late visiting. The house party concert is a wonderful idea. Sounds like you had a great time with old and new friends.
LOVED the ditch photos and the moon photo, too. Happy FFO, dear Jeanie.
UGH, I think some mold remediation is going to be on my plate pretty soon too if they don't get this chimney job fixed asap.
I honestly love to bake, but know I shouldn't be eating a ton of baked goods, so I always think that bringing what I bake to social events is the solution, too! Sounds like a wonderful event.
What a wonderful experience that must have been! Love your photos ❤️
What a great thing to be able to host such an evening. I wish I could do that. It gives you another perspective to listen to music in a small surrounding and be able to talk about it later, even with the performer him or herself. Great achievement Jeanie.
And ... as usual wonderful photos.
Hope you are feeling better and can slowly catch up with life again. That is what I am trying to do. Sometimes things come in three sets. I started this morning with going up at 8 to be able to catch the day.
Enjoy and Carpe Diem.
Lisbeth @ The Content Reader
A home concert sounds amazing. I hate large venues and just don't go to many things because of the crowds. It sounds so wonderful!
Hi Jeanie, I love the concept of a house concert though I've never been to one myself. It looks like Rick had a fantastic turnout and the concert sounds divine. Your ditch photos are beautiful as always. Have a lovely week ahead.
50 people in your house? That is crazy! I don't think we could fit that many. Love those sunset pictures.
I too fall behind on replying to comments, especially when as are traveling.
OMG. I love the winter bunny picture. And the others are gorgeous as well.
A home concert. What a wonderful idea and lovely evening.
I hope your day is filled with good health and joy.
Cute bunny! Your home concert sounded great! I loved listening to Brad’s music. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any concerts near Grand Rapids or anywhere else near us. I’d love to go to one!
The concert sounds lovely.
The house concert sounds like a cozy and delightful experience. It must have been wonderful to enjoy music, friends, and good food in such an intimate setting. The winter crocus and your nature photos are beautiful, and it's understandable that keeping up with comments can be challenging.
Wishing you a joyful March, Jeanie!
Cute bunny. A house concert, interesting concept :)
Working and having other hobbies and home life, I tend not to visit blogs daily, so I can understand if not everybody comes and visits my blog either. Enjoy the rest of the week Jeanie.
The concert at Rick's house sounded awesome! I would love to attend an intimate event like that where you could hear more about the songs the artists plays, learn more about him, etc. And it sounds like you had a delicious spread! It's nice to have somewhere to bring your baked good. I don't like them in my house either because my self control can be rather limited!!!
You had a great time. Music has a power to cheer people.
I've fallen behind in commenting too. I'm trying to resolve it, but it hasn't been going well.
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