Since I last wrote, our sweet family has had a few
bumps-in-the-road with my two latest grandchildren encountering some health
issues. My youngest grandbaby girl was
found to have epilepsy but doctors have told us that she could outgrow this
condition. 
My youngest grandbaby boy has a heart condition and was set for surgery in December but after traveling to San Francisco to the children’s hospital, the surgeons determined he will need a couple of surgeries and the first surgery was delayed due to our little guy catching the flu—so the journey continues.
In the midst of all this, our family has continued to find lots of joy and laughter—and we know that everything is going to work out. We have a huge support network that includes constant encouragement and infinite prayers.
~~~Music, Music, Music!~~~
As always, music still flows in and out of my life, and I am
so privileged to be surrounded by such amazing talent. One event that showcased this talent
impeccably was the Legends of the Sea—17th Annual Piano Monster
Concert. This concert brings piano teachers and their students together to play beautiful ensembles on several pianos that are all perfectly placed around the stage. A concert such as this may sound ordinary— but it is far from it! Picture an orchestra, but instead of violins, cellos, trumpets, etc… everything played (outside of a few supporting instruments) are pianos! What I loved about this event was not only the mastery that the students displayed but also the time and creativity that the teachers had invested for the audience. The teachers and students dressed up as mermaids, pirates and all things that represented the sea, and there was a comical narration speckled throughout the performance that truly tied it all together. For those of you thinking of getting your children into piano lessons, these are the events that inspire and move a child forward in their learning. When the students have an opportunity to shine, all their hard work goes on display, and they can see that the audience is both mesmerized and appreciative of their effort and ability. Bravo Treasure Valley teachers! Bravo!
Another concert I attended was Make Music Winter 2019,
which was organized by Dunkley Music. The whole day felt completely festive, and the merriment exhibited by the performers and the audience gave a boost to the jolly vibe. There are Make Music events both in the summer and the winter, and what I love about both is ANYONE can sign up and show off their talent in an open and nonjudgmental environment.
This year they had classical pianists, bluegrass, contemporary singers, and a full cello orchestra. I was so impressed with all the performers and I cannot wait to see how it unfolds in the summer.
I believe the most notable event was attending a
memorial at the beautiful Idaho State Museum for my talented friend Dr. Walden Hughes.
Once a year I have the privilege of attending our store's piano event at Northern Nazarene University where Dr. Hughes was a professor of music. Dr. Hughes always made sure to help out however he could and during our downtime, he would share some of his stories and educate me on the history of the school. My favorite story was about how his office, located in the NNU building, used to be a hospital. As he told his story he would continue to smile as he shared that his office was the very same room where he was born! If you'd like to read more about this, here is a fantastic video and article.
Without a doubt, Dr. Hughes will be missed but the lives he has touched will continue to carry out his legacy. What I cherish about Dr. Hughes is that he was more than just a talented musician--he was a gracious human who lived every day to fullest. He had a way of making every person feel as though they could accomplish more than they thought possible... and even more... he would be there every step of the way to make sure they did.
To learn more about Dr. Walden Hughes read this beautiful tribute: Campus mourns the loss of beloved music professor
Click here for a fun article that was written in March of 1977 about Dr. Hughes (pre Dr.). He had performed a concert at NNU and this was the review-- you will find it on page 13.
~~If you are looking for a fabulous concert to attend, I would suggest checking out:
Accidental Preacher-- January 10th at WilliB's @ 8pm
Accidental Preacher-- January 10th at WilliB's @ 8pm
Dry Buck Bluegrass Band-- January 25th at Ironwood Bar and Grill with the entire event taking place from 12 pm to 7 pm.
Last but not least :)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert--January 25th at The Morrison Center @ 1 pm and 7:30 pm. There are still a few seats available so you better jump on this one!AND--be sure to put all of this on the calendar for February!!